bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and response to treatment in African American cocaine and alcohol‐abusing individuals
Authors: Mannelli Paolo , Patkar Ashwin , Murray Heather , Certa Kenneth , Peindl Kathleen , Mattila‐Evenden Marja , Berrettini Wade
Published: September 2005

The serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) regulates serotonin transmission and modulates behavioral effects of drug of abuse. A polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTTLPR) yielding a short (S) and long (L) allele has been associated with severity of substance abuse. The aims of the study were to investigate whether 5‐HTTLPR genotypes differed in their response to treatment in cocaine‐ and alcohol‐abusing patients. Polymerase chain reaction‐based genotyping of a 44 base pair insertion/deletion polymorphism was performed in 141 African American cocaine‐dependent patients with concurrent alcohol use who were entering a 12‐week behaviorally oriented outpatient treatment program. In treatment, end of treatment and 6‐month follow‐up outcome measures included changes in Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores, urine drug screens, days in treatment, individual/group sessions, dropout and completion rates. As expected, there was a reduction in substance abuse by the end of treatment and follow‐up (F = 5.15, p = 0.000). However, there were no differences in the reduction in cocaine use across the LL, LS and SS genotypes. Interestingly, individuals with the S allele showed greater severity of alcohol use at admission (F = 4.84, p = 0.03), and the SS genotype showed less improvement in alcohol measures than the LL at follow‐up (F = 3.68, p = 0.03), after controlling for baseline variables. While we found no association of the 5‐HTTLPR variants with severity of cocaine abuse or any cocaine‐related outcome measures, the data suggested that the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism may distinguish responders from non‐responders to behavioral treatment in terms of alcohol use. Further investigations are required to determine the role of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism in influencing treatment – outcome among substance abusers.
Post‐Operative Radiotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Anterior Compartment of the Thigh: Should the Sartorius Muscle be Included?
Authors: Barnett Gillian C. , Hoole Andrew C. F. , Twyman Nicola , Jefferies Sarah J. , Burnet Neil G.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: The clinical target volume (CTV) of post‐operative radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma of the limbs
conventionally includes the whole of the transverse cross‐section of the affected anatomical compartment. In the anterior
thigh sartorius appears to lie within its own fascial compartment and can be safely excluded. We investigated the potential
impact of omitting sartorius from the anterior muscle compartment on patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh.

Patients and methods:We used the planning CT data from six patients who had previously received post‐operative
radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh. The anterior compartments were outlined twice, initially including and
then excluding the sartorius muscle. The volumes of the anterior compartment (i.e., the CTVs), both with and without
sartorius, and the corresponding planning target volumes (PTVs) were calculated. Treatment plans were prepared for each
PTV. For both volumes the unirradiated normal tissue corridor was outlined on each CT slice. The volume and
circumference of the unirradiated corridor were then calculated.

Results: For all six patients there was an important improvement in normal tissue sparing by excluding sartorius. The
mean reduction in volume of the anterior compartment when sartorius was excluded was 10% (95% Confidence Interval
8–12%), whilst the mean decrease in PTV was 11% (95% CI 7–14%). There was a substantial increase in the volume of the
unirradiated normal tissue corridor, with a mean value of 77% (95% CI 41–114%) when sartorius was excluded.
In addition, the percentage increase in the size of the unirradiated normal tissue corridor, expressed as a percentage of
the whole leg circumference, was 10% (95% CI 8–13%). When sartorius was included in the anterior compartment,
the circumference of the unirradiated corridor was less than one‐third of the whole leg circumference in four of the six
patients. When sartorius was excluded, the circumference of the unirradiated corridor was greater than one‐third of the leg
circumference over the entire length of the target volume in all patients.

Discussion: It is essential to know the anatomy of the sartorius muscle to be able to exclude it from the anterior
compartment. The increase in the size of the normal tissue corridor when sartorius is excluded should deliver clinical
advantage by decreasing the normal tissue adverse effects.
‘He Never Liked Sport Anyway’ ‐ Mother′s Views of Young PeopleCoping With a Bone Tumour in the Lower Limb
Authors: Earle Emily A. , Eiser Christine , Grimer Robert
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Treatment for a bone tumour can compromise quality of life (QOL), especially for young patients. We used
qualitative methods to assess mothers′ views of patients′ experiences and their coping strategies at approximately 6 months
after diagnosis (T1: n=12) and 12–18 months later (T2: n=11).

Subjects: Mothers of young people (aged 6–22 years) who were undergoing treatment for either osteosarcoma or Ewing′s
sarcoma in the lower limb took part.

Methods: A semi‐structured interview was devised to assess participation in sport, social life, schooling and general mobility.
Interviews were transcribed and analysed using content analysis.

Results: Mothers reported a number of situations in which QOL was compromised, and these remained relatively constant
over time (mean=4.25 at T1 and 4.27 at T2). However, strategies to manage these difficulties changed from Problem
(constructive attempts to deal with challenges) to Emotion (managing the situation through use of emotions) focused
coping from T1 to T2.

Discussion: Although the sample size is small, our results suggest that patients adopt a variety of coping strategies to deal
with the physical and social restrictions associated with disease and treatment. The findings suggest that young people
continue to experience many stresses up to 18 months after diagnosis. The shift from Problem to Emotion focussed coping
over time may suggest a degree of acceptance of practical problems.
DOES TRANSITION MATTER?
Authors: Saxonberg Steven
Published: September 2005

This article compares the socio-economic determinants of welfare attitudes in the Czech Republic to those in Sweden, using survey data from the 1996 ISSP survey ‘The Role of Governments’. Many theorists of the transition have claimed that the post-communist countries have a different political dynamic that their west European neighbors. For example, David Ost claims that that citizens of post-communist countries during the 1990s were not sure of which class they would belong to and therefore, were not sure of their class interests. Similarly, Zagorski claims that in post-communist countries educational level becomes one of the most important determinants of welfare and socioeconomic attitudes, because the reform process is very complicated. Those with higher levels of education can better understand the complexities of the reforms and are more willing to accept short-term disadvantages for long-term gains. However, many experts have also claimed that the Czech Republic presents an exception to these trends. It is the one country in which party-competition is based on socioeconomic issues and voting is class-based. This study tests these three hypotheses, to determine whether the Czech Republic really does provide an exception to the general post-communist development.
CLASS AND CONFORMISM: A COMPARISON OF FOUR WESTERN COUNTRIES
Authors: Svallfors Stefan
Published: September 2005

This paper compares class patterns of ‘conformism’ in four Western countries, taking as its point of departure arguments, which suggest that conformism/authoritarianism is more prevalent in the working class than other classes. Data from the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) are used in order to compare class attitudes towards sexual behaviour and civil rights/liberties, in Britain, Germany, Sweden and the United States. This study finds that class patterns in attitudes differ little between the countries in question, although aggregated levels vary quite substantially. It is also concluded that class differences in attitudes towards civil rights/liberties are almost exclusively a result from different levels of education, while significant class differences in attitudes towards sexual activities remain also after taking education levels into account. The implications of the results for social stratification and political articulation are discussed.
How effective is workplace counselling? A review of the research literature
Authors: McLeod John , McLeod Julia
Published: September 2005

The provision of counselling for work‐related problems has expanded in recent years, as organisations have recognised the value of this approach to staff support. However, there has been relatively little research into the outcomes of workplace counselling, and no systematic reviews have been conducted into the effectiveness of counselling in this setting. This paper presents the results of a preliminary review of evidence in this area. 34 studies of the effectiveness of workplace counselling were identified, of which 16 were sufficiently well designed to be considered as comprising reliable findings. The results of these studies suggest that, in general, workplace counselling is effective for clients for a wide variety of type and severity of presenting problems, employed across a range of different organisational contexts. The paper includes discussion of methodological issues associated with this research, recommendations for further research, and implications for practice.
‘Confronting the almighty God’? A study of how psychodynamic counsellors respond to clients' expressions of religious faith
Authors: Wyatt Jonathan
Published: September 2005

While there is a considerable psychodynamic literature on the topic of religious faith, little is known about how counsellors work with faith in the consulting room. Prompted by the author's own clinical experience, this paper presents findings from a small‐scale research study that explored this phenomenon further, and provides an account of how the research was conducted from a Heideggerian phenomenological standpoint. Two research participants' experiences are examined and a fusion of horizons offered in conclusion.
Researching learning across cultures
Authors: Trahar Sheila
Published: September 2005

The aim of this paper is to invite readers to share the uncertain beginnings of my PhD in which I am seeking to hold reflexive conversations about learning with a group of international postgraduates studying in the UK. As a higher education lecturer in counselling I want to be able to understand the learning stories of such students, how their stories are affected by the learning experiences they encounter in the UK and how my own story is changing as a result of my involvement with them. My struggle to develop an appropriate conceptual framework within which to conduct cross‐cultural research will be described, paying particular attention to the reflexivity of the research activity and how it relates to the counselling process.
Double bind: An essay on counselling training
Authors: Fetherston Betts
Published: September 2005

Gerard Egan's problem management and opportunity development model is currently in use training prospective counsellors, social workers, nurses, managers, etc. the skills of helping. This essay attempts, experimentally, to depict in three different ways Egan's work and its relationship to operations of power: (1) from a relatively uncritical stance, (2) from a personal experience stance, and (3) from a social constructionist perspective. The whole piece, taken together, attempts to tackle the issue of theory as practice — to ground/unmask/make present the ways in which we are socialised into a profession and the problems inherent in that process. Two themes run through the work: the double bind created for a student on a counselling course which makes some claim to train around Rogers' core conditions, and which is also assessed/accredited; the connections between theory, training and practices.
Training for paraprofessional counsellors: Evaluating the meaning and impact of a common factors approach
Authors: Armstrong Joe
Published: September 2005

A group of 12 people participated in a short (40 hours) counselling training programme for paraprofessional counsellors, which emphasised the importance of common factors in accounting for therapeutic effectiveness. The general framework, language and skills of a brief, solution‐focused approach was used as a means of translating the theoretical/conceptual ideas of the common factors model into specific counsellor behaviours and also to provide structure and focus for counselling sessions. A pluralist methodology was employed to assess the personal meaning of the training for participants and the impact of the training on the development of counselling skills and awareness. Results indicated the training impacted positively on the development of counselling skills and ability to handle difficult client behaviours but less so on personal values and ability to deal with process issues. The majority of participants believed the training contributed positively toward their personal development.
The meaning of ‘reconstruction’ within the lived experience of mastectomy for breast cancer
Authors: Truelsen Margaret
Published: September 2005

This paper represents a heuristic study of the meaning and essence of ‘reconstruction’ within the lived experience of mastectomy for breast cancer. Open‐ended interviews were conducted with a sample of eight women aged 40 to 58 years, who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer. Four participants had immediate breast reconstruction; two participants had delayed breast reconstruction, and two participants decided not to have the procedure. The study demonstrates that themes of loss/change/reconstruction are inextricably linked to the experience of mastectomy. Loss of a breast was likened to bereavement and in some women caused a loss of part of their identity. The closeness of death altered the awareness the women had of their time left on earth. This awareness brought about change/reconstruction in the majority of the women, in their lives and in their relationships with others. Prior to breast reconstruction there is a place for exploring with women the meaning of ‘normal’ and ‘whole’. Implications for counselling are discussed.
Counsellor self‐disclosure: Client‐informed implications for practice
Authors: Audet Cristelle , Everall Robin D.
Published: September 2005

The objective of this study was to obtain an understanding of counsellor self‐disclosure from the client's perspective. The experiences of four clients are presented, based on qualitative descriptions obtained through semistructured interviews. Effects of disclosure type and content were contrasted across participant descriptions. Both hindering and beneficial effects of disclosure were identified. Impact of disclosure was found to depend on the context in which it occurred and the way in which it was delivered by the counsellor, emphasising the importance of a responsiveness approach. Implications for use of disclosure with clients are discussed.
Linking social history and the therapeutic process in research and practice on black issues
Authors: Mckenzie-Mavinga Isha
Published: September 2005

This paper shares a first time experience of presenting a workshop at the 2002 BACP Research Conference. It highlights issues arising from the beginnings of research into the process of therapy in relation to black issues. The findings of two studies are reported in brief. Questions raised by workshop participants, and the low participation in the workshop session, are used as a means of illustrating the ambivalence that exists in the counselling and psychotherapy world in respect of this topic. It is argued that a historical perspective may assist the development of clinical responses to black issues, and that the effective exploration of black issues can be used as a vehicle to explore issues pertaining to all minority groups and their experiences.
Christian counsellors' views on working with gay and lesbian clients: Integrating religious beliefs with counselling ethics
Authors: Evans Margaret
Published: September 2005

Thirty‐one counsellors who identified themselves as practising, committed Christians, returned completed questionnaires that investigated how they integrate their Christian beliefs with their professional ethical code when counselling gay and lesbian clients. It was found that although most respondents believed that they were able to accept gay and lesbian clients, a minority demonstrated incongruence in relation to members of this client group, and were judgmental about perceived gay/lesbian behavious. Counsellors who took a rational stance in their understanding of the Bible and Christianity expressed more open and accepting views. Counsellors with a literalist approach to the Bible appeared to be lacking in acceptance and were unaware that they may not be offering the core condition of respect to their gay or lesbian clients. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for supervision, research and practice.
Clinical and demographic features of the online counselling client population
Authors: DuBois Dawn
Published: September 2005

The purpose of this research was to determine the demographics and characteristics of clients seeking online counselling over an eight‐month period of clinical online practice. Two hundred and seventeen clients seeking Internet counselling completed a Counselling Application and a Life History Questionnaire. The characteristics of the relatively new client population include the following categories: gender, age groups, martial status, education, primary reason for seeking online therapy, secondary issues, frequency of email exchanges, and online vs. face‐to‐face counselling preferences. Implications for online counselling practice are discussed.
The hardest words: Exploring the dialogue of suicide in the counselling process — A discourse analysis
Authors: Reeves Andrew , Bowl Ric , Wheeler Sue , Guthrie Elspeth
Published: September 2005

Increasing suicide rates among specific groups of the population have led to the publication of suicide reduction targets and guidelines applicable to all mental health professionals, including counsellors. It is now widely expected that mental health workers possess skills and knowledge in the assessment of suicide risk. This research study used a discourse analysis approach to analyse 16 counselling transcripts generated from assessment interviews with suicidal ‘client actors’. Clients generally only referred to suicide by metaphors. Counsellors’ responses to suicidal clients were primarily reflective. There was little evidence of a suicide risk assessment being undertaken in the counselling discourse. Implications for suicidal clients, counsellors and the counselling profession are discussed and further areas for research highlighted.
Turning differences into possibilities: Using discourse analysis to investigate change in therapy with adolescents and their families
Authors: Couture Shari J , Strong Tom
Published: September 2005

Discourse analysis affords researchers and practitioners improved understandings regarding how positive outcomes are accomplished in the conversations of family therapy. By investigating how change is constructed or ‘performed’ in therapeutic interactions, its analyses conceptually parallel those of the social constructionist approaches to family therapy. In this respect, discourse analysis offers empirical methods to examine claims about the constructive aspects of therapeutic conversations. These conceptual and research parallels are examined in how impasses in family therapy were transcended, rhetorically, between an adolescent, his parents and the therapist. We conclude that the research methods of discourse analysis can directly enhance the conversational skills and methods of therapists.
Local Load Balancing for Globally Efficient Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Raicu Ioan , Schwiebert Loren , Fowler Scott , Gupta Sandeep K.S.
Published: September 2005

One of the limitations of wireless sensor nodes is their inherent limited energy resource. Besides maximizing the lifetime of the sensor node, it is preferable to distribute the energy dissipated throughout the wireless sensor network in order to minimize maintenance and maximize overall system performance. Any communication protocol that involves synchronization of peer nodes incurs some overhead for setting up the communication. We introduce a new algorithm, e3D (energy-efficient Distributed Dynamic Diffusion routing algorithm), and compare it to two other algorithms, namely directed, and random clustering communication. We take into account the setup costs and analyze the energy-efficiency and the useful lifetime of the system. In order to better understand the characteristics of each algorithm and how well e3D really performs, we also compare e3D with its optimum counterpart and an optimum clustering algorithm. The benefit of introducing these ideal algorithms is to show the upper bound on performance at the cost of astronomical prohibitive synchronization costs. We compare the algorithms in terms of system lifetime, power dissipation distribution, cost of synchronization, and simplicity of the algorithm. Our simulation results show that e3D performs comparable to its optimal counterpart while having significantly less overhead.
Protecting the Communication Structure in Sensor Networks
Authors: Olariu S. , Xu Q. , Eltoweissy M. , Wadaa A. , Zomaya A. Y.
Published: September 2005

In the near future wireless sensor networks will be employed in a wide variety of applications establishing ubiquitous networks that will pervade society. The inherent vulnerability of these massively deployed networks to a multitude of threats, including physical tampering with nodes exacerbates concerns about privacy and security. For example, denial of service attacks (DoS) that compromise or disrupt communications or target nodes serving key roles in the network, e.g. sink nodes, can easily undermine the functionality as well as the performance delivered by the network. Particularly vulnerable are the components of the communications or operation infrastructure. Although, by construction, most sensor network systems do not possess a built-in infrastructure, a virtual infrastructure, that may include a coordinate system, a cluster structure, and designated communication paths, may be established post-deployment in support of network management and operation. Since knowledge of this virtual infrastructure can be instrumental for successfully compromising network security, maintaining the anonymity of the virtual infrastructure is a primary security concern.

Somewhat surprisingly, in spite of its importance, the anonymity problem has not been addressed in wireless sensor networks. The main contribution of this work is to propose an energy-efficient protocol for maintaining the anonymity of the virtual infrastructure in a class of sensor network systems. Our solution defines schemes for randomizing communications such that the cluster structure, and coordinate system used remain undetectable and invisible to an observer of network traffic during both the setup and operation phases of the network.
Nutritional needs of elite endurance athletes. Part II: Dietary protein and the potential role of caffeine and creatine
Authors: Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Gibala Martin , Jeukendrup Asker E. , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: September 2005

Amino acids contribute between 2–8% of the energy needs during endurance exercise. Endurance exercise training leads to an adaptive reduction in the oxidation of amino acids at the same absolute exercise intensity, however, the capacity to oxidize amino acids goes up due to the increase in the total amount of the rate limiting enzyme, branched chain 2‐oxo‐acid dehydrogenase. There appears to be a modest increase (range = 12–95%) in protein requirements only for very well trained athletes who are actively training. Although the majority of athletes will have ample dietary protein to meet any increased need, those on a hypoenergetic diet or during extreme periods of physical stress may need dietary manipulation to accommodate the need. Caffeine is a trimethylxanthine derivative that is common in many foods and beverages. The consumption of caffeine (3–7 mg/kg) prior to endurance exercise improves performance for habitual and non‐habitual consumers. The ergogenic effect is likely due to a direct effect on muscle contractility and not via an enhancement of fatty acid oxidation. Creatine is important in intra‐cellular energy shuttling and in cellular fluid regulation. Creatine monohydrate supplementation (20 g/d X 3–5 days) increases fat‐free mass, improves muscle strength during repetitive high intensity contractions and increases fat‐free mass accumulation and strength during a period of weight training. Given the increase in weight, there are likely neutral or even performance reducing effects in sports that are influenced by body mass (i.e., running, hill climbing cycling).
High Body Mass Index is not a barrier to physical activity: Analysis of international rugby players’ anthropometric data
Authors: King N.A. , Hills A.P. , Blundell J.E.
Published: September 2005

Recent data indicate that levels of overweight and obesity are increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world. At a population level (and commonly to assess individual health risk), the prevalence of overweight and obesity is calculated using cut‐offs of the Body Mass Index (BMI) derived from height and weight. Similarly, the BMI is also used to classify individuals and to provide a notional indication of potential health risk.

It is likely that epidemiologic surveys that are reliant on BMI as a measure of adiposity will overestimate the number of individuals in the overweight (and slightly obese) categories. This tendency to misclassify individuals may be more pronounced in athletic populations or groups in which the proportion of more active individuals is higher. This differential is most pronounced in sports where it is advantageous to have a high BMI (but not necessarily high fatness). To illustrate this point we calculated the BMIs of international professional rugby players from the four teams involved in the semi‐finals of the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) cut‐offs for BMI, approximately 65% of the players were classified as overweight and approximately 25% as obese.

These findings demonstrate that a high BMI is commonplace (and a potentially desirable attribute for sport performance) in professional rugby players. An unanswered question is what proportion of the wider population, classified as overweight (or obese) according to the BMI, is misclassified according to both fatness and health risk? It is evident that being overweight should not be an obstacle to a physically active lifestyle. Similarly, a reliance on BMI alone may misclassify a number of individuals who might otherwise have been automatically considered fat and/or unfit.
Effect of bag holding on the center of foot pressure and the lower leg muscle activities
Authors: Demura Shinichi , Uchiyama Masanobu , Yamada Takayoshi , Nagasawa Yoshinori
Published: September 2005

This study examined the influence of holding a bag with one hand on the center of foot pressure (COP) and the electromyographic responses in lower leg muscles. Thirteen healthy male adults participated in this study to keep an upright posture while holding a load with the dominant hand with four bag weight conditions (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the jerk strength). Integrated Electromyography (iEMG) and mean power frequency (MPF) of EMG were calculated to estimate the degree of muscle activity and fatigue in the tibialis anterior and soleus that are involved in ankle joint control. Body sway was evaluated by the mean position of left‐right (X) and front‐back (Y) axis sway and the following 4 body sway factors; unit time sway factor (F1), front‐back sway factor (F2), left‐right sway factor (F3), high frequency band power spectrum factor (F4). When holding a bag at 45% MVC or more of the jerk strength with a single hand for one minute, muscle activity in the lower leg on the side of the bag increased markedly, and muscle fatigue was induced in the antigravity muscles of both legs. As a result, anteroposterior sway increased to a short, quick sway.
Microtubule capture by CENP-E silences BubR1-dependent mitotic checkpoint signaling
Authors: Mao Yinghui , Desai Arshad , Cleveland Don W.
Published: September 2005

The mitotic checkpoint is the major cell cycle control mechanism for maintaining chromosome content in multicellular organisms. Prevention of premature onset of anaphase requires activation at unattached kinetochores of the BubR1 kinase, which acts with other components to generate a diffusible “stop anaphase” inhibitor. Not only does direct binding of BubR1 to the centromere-associated kinesin family member CENP-E activate its essential kinase, binding of a motorless fragment of CENP-E is shown here to constitutively activate BubR1 bound at kinetochores, producing checkpoint signaling that is not silenced either by spindle microtubule capture or the tension developed at those kinetochores by other components. Using purified BubR1, microtubules, and CENP-E, microtubule capture by the CENP-E motor domain is shown to silence BubR1 kinase activity in a ternary complex of BubR1–CENP-E–microtubule. Together, this reveals that CENP-E is the signal transducing linker responsible for silencing BubR1-dependent mitotic checkpoint signaling through its capture at kinetochores of spindle microtubules.
A severe defect in CRAC Ca2+ channel activation and altered K+ channel gating in T cells from immunodeficient patients
Authors: Feske Stefan , Prakriya Murali , Rao Anjana , Lewis Richard S.
Published: September 2005

Engagement of the TCR triggers sustained Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, which helps drive gene expression underlying the T cell response to pathogens. The identity and activation mechanism of CRAC channels at a molecular level are unknown. We have analyzed ion channel expression and function in T cells from SCID patients which display 1–2% of the normal level of Ca2+ influx and severely impaired T cell activation. The lack of Ca2+ influx is not due to deficient regulation of Ca2+ stores or expression of several genes implicated in controlling Ca2+ entry in lymphocytes (kcna3/Kv1.3, kcnn4/IKCa1, trpc1, trpc3, trpv6, stim1). Instead, electrophysiologic measurements show that the influx defect is due to a nearly complete absence of functional CRAC channels. The lack of CRAC channel activity is correlated with diminished voltage sensitivity and slowed activation kinetics of the voltage-dependent Kv1.3 channel. These results demonstrate that CRAC channels provide the major, if not sole, pathway for Ca2+ entry activated by the TCR in human T cells. They also offer evidence for a functional link between CRAC and Kv1.3 channels, and establish a model system for molecular genetic studies of the CRAC channel.
A novel glyco-conjugate vaccine against fungal pathogens
Authors: Torosantucci Antonella , Bromuro Carla , Chiani Paola , De Bernardis Flavia , Berti Francesco , Galli Chiara , Norelli Francesco , Bellucci Cinzia , Polonelli Luciano , Costantino Paolo , Rappuoli Rino , Cassone Antonio
Published: September 2005

To generate a vaccine to protect against a variety of human pathogenic fungi, we conjugated laminarin (Lam), a well-characterized but poorly immunogenic β-glucan preparation from the brown alga Laminaria digitata, with the diphtheria toxoid CRM197, a carrier protein used in some glyco-conjugate bacterial vaccines. This Lam-CRM conjugate proved to be immunogenic and protective as immunoprophylactic vaccine against both systemic and mucosal (vaginal) infections by Candida albicans. Protection probably was mediated by anti-β-glucan antibodies as demonstrated by passive transfer of protection to naive mice by the whole immune serum, the immune vaginal fluid, and the affinity-purified anti-β-glucan IgG fractions, as well as by administration of a β-glucan–directed IgG2b mAb. Passive protection was prevented by adsorption of antibodies on Candida cells or β-glucan particles before transfer. Anti-β-glucan antibodies bound to C. albicans hyphae and inhibited their growth in vitro in the absence of immune-effector cells. Remarkably, Lam-CRM–vaccinated mice also were protected from a lethal challenge with conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus, and their serum also bound to and markedly inhibited the growth of A. fumigatus hyphae. Thus, this novel conjugate vaccine can efficiently immunize and protect against two major fungal pathogens by mechanisms that may include direct antifungal properties of anti-β-glucan antibodies.
Osteoclast differentiation independent of the TRANCE–RANK–TRAF6 axis
Authors: Kim Nacksung , Kadono Yuho , Takami Masamichi , Lee Junwon , Lee Seoung-Hoon , Okada Fumihiko , Kim Jung Ha , Kobayashi Takashi , Odgren Paul R. , Nakano Hiroyasu , Yeh Wen-Chen , Lee Sun-Kyeong , Lorenzo Joseph A. , Choi Yongwon
Published: September 2005

Osteoclasts are derived from myeloid lineage cells, and their differentiation is supported by various osteotropic factors, including the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE). Genetic deletion of TRANCE or its receptor, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK), results in severely osteopetrotic mice with no osteoclasts in their bones. TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6 is a key signaling adaptor for RANK, and its deficiency leads to similar osteopetrosis. Hence, the current paradigm holds that TRANCE–RANK interaction and subsequent signaling via TRAF6 are essential for the generation of functional osteoclasts. Surprisingly, we show that hematopoietic precursors from TRANCE-, RANK-, or TRAF6-null mice can become osteoclasts in vitro when they are stimulated with TNF-α in the presence of cofactors such as TGF-β. We provide direct evidence against the current paradigm that the TRANCE–RANK–TRAF6 pathway is essential for osteoclast differentiation and suggest the potential existence of alternative routes for osteoclast differentiation.
Prebirth Psychosocial Factors as Predictors of Consistency in Contraceptive Use Among  Taiwanese Adolescent Mothers at  6 Months Postpartum
Authors: Wang Ruey‐Hsia , Wang Hsiu‐Hung
Published: September 2005

Abstract 
Objective
: To assess contraceptive behavior and whether pre‐birth psychosocial factors could predict consistency in contraceptive use among adolescent mothers at six‐month postpartum. Design: Prospective study. Sample: 104 Taiwanese adolescent mothers. Measurements: Participants completed a contraception questionnaire in their third trimester and a postpartum contraception questionnaire at six‐month postpartum. Results: Prior to giving birth, the adolescent mothers most commonly answered that condom use (39.8%) was the contraceptive method they planned to use after delivery. It was also more commonly reported in the postpartum to be the method they actually were using (54.3%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis further showed that a more positive contraceptive attitude (odds ratio = 1.104) and a higher self‐efficacy (odds ratio = 1.068) in contraceptive use in the pre‐birth period increased the probability that a participant would report that she always used contraceptives in the postpartum period. Nevertheless, a higher score in the pre‐birth period in the area of subjective contraceptive norms (odds ratio = 0.978) decreased this probability. The final regression model could correctly classify 81.7% of the participants. Conclusions: Health care professionals should provide adolescent mothers with the information they need to improve their attitude and self‐efficacy toward contraception before they enter the postpartum period.
Assessment of Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients in Iran
Authors: Ghanbari Atefeh , Yekta Zohrah Parsa , Roushan Zahra Atrkar , Lakeh Nasrin M.
Published: September 2005

Abstract 
Objective
: Assess the pattern of relationships between personal‐background characteristics and dimensions of quality of life (QOL) in diabetic patients. Design: Cross‐sectional descriptive study. Sample: 117 adults with type 2 diabetes (100 female, 17 male) randomly selected from outpatients referred to Sina hospital (Tabriz, Iran). Methods: Participants answered a three‐part questionnaire including (1) sociodemographic and medical (diabetes‐related) personal‐background characteristics; (2) general health‐related QOL instrument based on Swedish Health‐Related QOL; (3) disease‐specific instrument for diabetic patients. Nine QOL dimensions were covered: physical function, pain, daily activities, feelings, sleep, relationships with relatives, overall health, problems with diabetes, satisfaction with diabetes treatment methods. Data were analyzed with inferential statistics, correlation, and multi‐stage stepwise regression. Results: Personal background characteristics (age, presence of medically educated people in family, whether patient was family breadwinner, unemployment, complications of diabetes) accounted for 27% of variance in the physical function dimension of QOL dimension. Other QOL dimensions (daily activities, overall health, sleep, satisfaction with diabetes treatment.) were also related to personal background characteristics. Conclusions: Diabetic patients face great challenges in many dimensions of QOL. Nursing instructors and nursing educators in educational centers for diabetics can use the findings of this research to assess their patients more effectively.
Complementary Therapy Use Among Older Rural Adults
Authors: Shreffler‐Grant Jean , Weinert Clarann , Nichols Elizabeth , Ide Bette
Published: September 2005

Abstract 
Objective
: Explore use, cost, and satisfaction with the quality and effectiveness of complementary therapy among older rural adults. Design: Descriptive survey. Sample: A random sample of 325 older adults from rural communities throughout Montana and North Dakota. Measurements: Participants were interviewed by telephone. Results: Only 57 participants (17.5%) had used complementary providers and most sought this care for chronic problems, heard about providers through word‐of‐mouth information, and were satisfied with the care. A total of 35.7%(116) used self‐directed complementary practices and most used these practices for health promotion, heard about them through informal sources, and found them to be at least somewhat helpful. Of the 325 participants, 45.2%(147) used some form of complementary care, e.g., providers, self‐directed practices, or both. Participants used as much complementary care as is found in national studies. Most spent relatively little out‐of‐pocket for complementary care. Conclusions: Understanding the health care choices that older rural residents make, including complementary health care, is paramount for a comprehensive approach to meeting their health care needs.
Reaching Marginalized Young People Through Sexual Health Nursing Outreach Clinics: Evaluating Service Use and the Views of Service Users
Authors: Hayter Mark
Published: September 2005

Abstract 
Objective
: To assess the views of service users towards sexual health nursing outreach clinics situated in youth clubs. The clinics were established in economically deprived areas to meet the needs of young people aged 13–18 yrs who are reluctant to attend mainstream services. Design: Descriptive cross‐sectional study. Sample and measurements: 250 questionnaires collecting data on service use and service users’ views of the clinics were distributed to a 25% sample of clinic users. In addition, 20 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with service users. Results: 166 questionnaires were returned (66% response rate). The service was equally popular with males and females who often attended to meet friends but subsequently sought sexual health advice. Interviews found that young people appreciated the non‐judgmental aspect of the clinics, although some reported concerns about confidentiality when the clinics were busy. Some respondents indicated that the clinics gave them confidence to discuss sexual health matters with others, but often the clinics provided advice for young people who had no one else to talk to. Conclusions: The clinics seem popular with young people, and situating services within an area young people access to socialize appears to be an effective way to target them with sexual health advice.
The Child Welfare System: Through the Eyes of Public Health Nurses
Authors: Schneiderman Janet U.
Published: September 2005

Abstract 
Objective
: This qualitative descriptive study investigates how public health nurses working within the child welfare system view the organization and the organization's effect on their case management practice. Design: Semistructured interviews were conducted utilizing the Bolman–Deal Organizational Model. This model identifies four frames of an organization: symbolic, human resources, political, and structural. Sample: A purposive sample of nine nurses and one social worker was selected to participate in comprehensive interviews. Results: Data analysis identified two main themes. The first theme was the presence of organizational structural barriers to providing case management. The second theme was the lack of political influence by the nurses to change the structure of the organization; hence, their skills could be more completely utilized. Conclusions: Public health nurses who work in child welfare will need to systematically analyze their role within the organization and understand how to work in “host settings.” Nursing educators need to prepare public health nurses to work in non‐health care settings by teaching organizational analysis.
Effects of nuclear factor‐κB inhibitors and its implication on natural killer T‐cell lymphoma cells
Authors: Kim Kihyun , Ryu Kyoungju , Ko Younghyeh , Park Chaehwa
Published: September 2005

Natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (NKTL) is a highly aggressive disease. Despite the use of various treatment regimens, the prognosis of NKTL is poor, and new treatment strategies need to be determined. Because of the significant survival potential, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB has become one of the major targets for drug development. In this study, we explored the effect and action mechanism of NF‐κB inhibitors, BAY 11‐7082 and curcumin, on NKTL cell lines (NKL, NK‐92 and HANK1). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that NF‐κB was constitutively active in HANK1, a chemoresistant cell line. BAY 11‐7082 and curcumin suppressed NF‐κB activation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, which finally resulted in cell death. BAY 11‐7082‐ and curcumin‐induced cell death was associated with downregulation of Bcl‐xL, cyclin D1, XIAP and c‐FLIP, followed by caspase‐8, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage and activation. Given that the chemoresistant NK‐92 cells respond to NF‐κB inhibitors but not to conventional drugs, BAY 11‐7082 and curcumin could be potentially useful for achieving improved outcome in chemotherapy‐refractory NKTL.
Ringed sideroblasts with thrombocytosis: an uncommon mixed myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease of older adults
Authors: Shaw Gene R.
Published: September 2005

Sideroblastic anaemia with ringed sideroblasts and marked thrombocytosis, hereupon referred to as ringed sideroblasts with thrombocytosis (RST), is a provisional entity in the 2001 World Health Organisation classification scheme. This retrospective study identified 16 patients with RST over a 7‐year period. Proposed diagnostic criteria include a sustained platelet count >500 × 109/l, ≥15% ringed sideroblasts, <3% bone marrow blasts, and normal conventional cytogenetics. The median age was 76 years with eight males and eight females. With a median follow‐up of 41 months, RST patients had a median overall survival of 71 months, comparable with refractory anaemia having ringed sideroblasts, but less favourable than essential thrombocythaemia. Thus far, no patients with RST are known to have died of disease‐related causes. Patients with ringed sideroblasts and/or thrombocytosis need to be carefully evaluated for a variety of haematological diseases that may confer significantly different prognoses.
Extractable lipid contents and colour in particle‐size separates and bulk arable soils
Authors: Wiesenberg G. L. B. , Schwark L. , Schmidt M. W. I.
Published: September 2005

Chemical alteration of plant biomass to soil organic matter is often accompanied by characteristic trends, e.g. with decreasing particle size and increasing depth organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations and stable carbon isotope values (δ13C) often increase. In agricultural soils, systematic studies of soil organic carbon (SOC) distribution in bulk soils and particle‐size separates of depth profiles are scarce. In this study, three soil profiles from one site with different monoculture crops were analysed for organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations, stable carbon isotopes, bulk extractable lipids, and soil colour. In contrast to most previous observations, stable carbon isotope values were constant over soil depth and within particle‐size separates, probably as a result of little biomass input due to the harvesting techniques applied and the presence of fossil carbon. Bulk extractable lipids contributed 1–10% to the total SOC. Significantly more lipids could be extracted from rye‐ than from maize‐derived SOC. Lipid yields normalized to soil mass increased with decreasing particle size and decreased with depth. When normalized to organic carbon concentration, sand‐size fractions had the largest lipid yields. Soil colour, expressed as Munsell values, was lightest in sand‐ and silt‐size separates. A cross‐plot of Munsell values and their SOC concentrations revealed characteristic, non‐overlapping areas for each particle‐size class and the bulk soils. Clay‐size separates and bulk soils were almost identical in Munsell values, although for clay‐size separates SOC concentrations were much larger than for bulk soils. Thus, the SOC‐rich clay‐size separates exerted the dominant influence on the colour of the bulk soils. Determination of colour and extractable lipid contents could be useful additional parameters for soil characterization.