bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual and Nonsexual Offenders With Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
Authors: Lindsay William R. , Smith Anne H. W. , Law Jacqueline , Quinn Kathleen , Anderson Andrew , Smith Astrid , Allan Ronald
Published: June 2004

This article reports an evaluation of a community intellectual disability offender service over the period from 1990 to 2001. Men who committed sex offenses or sexually abusive incidents (n = 106) and men who committed other types of offenses and serious incidents (n = 78) are compared on personal characteristics, referral sources, forensic details, and outcome up to 7 years after referral. The cohorts are older than one would expect from the criminology literature, and, at about 33%, the incidence of mental illness is consistent with some previous studies. A greater proportion of sex offenders had criminal justice involvement and a formal disposal from court. Fire raising was not overly represented as an offense. There was a higher rate of reoffending in the nonsexual cohort, which persisted up to 7 years. Investigating only reoffenders, there was a considerable amount of harm reduction recorded upto 7 years, statistically significant up to 5 years following initial referral.
Differential Perceptions of the Seriousness of Male Violence Against Female Intimate Partners Among Jews and Arabs in Israel
Authors: Herzog Sergio
Published: June 2004

Crime seriousness studies have consistently shown wide consensus regarding the high perceived seriousness of violent offenses. However, socio-cultural models suggest wide variability between social groups with regard to the seriousness of certain types of violent crime. This is particularly true in the case of male violence against female intimate partners. The present study examines these contradictory propositions in Israel focusing on its two main ethnic groups—Jews and Arabs. In an attitudinal survey, respondents were required to evaluate the seriousness of hypothetical crime scenarios representing a number of criminal offenses including male violence against female intimate partners. As expected, the findings revealed significantly more permissive attitudes to male violence against female intimate partners among Arab respondents than among Jews. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Rhetorical Strategies in Union Organizing
Authors: Brimeyer Ted M. , Eaker Andrea V. , Clair Robin Patric
Published: June 2004

This study examines a union organizing campaign to assess the rhetorical strategies used by both union organizers and management. Bowers and Ochs’s typology of agitation and control rhetoric is used to analyze these strategies. The union organizers relied on promulgation (e.g., sarcasm, co-opting company messages, and straightforward explanation), polarization, and solidification to gain worker support and later added specific forms of focusing on the issue, visualizing the future, making personal testimonials, using repetition, and having the last word. Management relied on counter persuasion, which included diversion of attention, drawbacks of change, images of a negative future, education, sarcasm, and polarization to resist the organizing effort. The analysis underscored the importance of examining labor organizing campaigns from a rhetorical perspective. Future studies concerning organizing campaigns are discussed.
Susto and Soul Loss in Mexicans and Mexican Americans
Authors: Glazer Mark , Baer Roberta D. , Weller Susan C. , de Alba Javier Eduardo Garcia , Liebowitz Stephen W.
Published: June 2004

Susto is a Latin American folk illness attributed to having a fright-ening experience, often including “soul loss” as part of the etiology. This article focuses on contemporary descriptions of susto among mestizos in Mexico and Mexican Americans in south Texas and explores the link between susto and soul loss in detail. Interviews conducted in Guadalajara, Mexico (n = 50), and in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas (n = 951) indicate that only a minority of informants aware of susto have also heard of soul loss and that even among those who have had susto, soul loss is not necessarily a part of susto. Soul loss, in fact, is more often equated with death. Our data, as well as a careful review of earlier reports of susto and soul loss, suggest that what was thought to have left the body may not be the “soul” but rather a “vital force.”
Regional and Cultural Utility of Conventional Batterer Counseling
Authors: Gondolf Edward W.
Published: June 2004

Batterer counseling has become the centerpiece of batterer intervention in the United States but faces questions about its utility across regions and cultures. A multisite evaluation of conventional gender-based cognitive-behavioral counseling produced comparable reassault rates across three regions of the United States. Preliminary results from a clinical trial of specialized counseling for African American men also show similar outcomes for the conventional counseling and specialized counseling. Some basic counseling principles may have broader application than expected. Variations in the intervention systems, however, may help adapt batterer programs to different regions, and specialized counseling may be beneficial for men with high cultural identification.
Child Maltreatment Investigations Among Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Families in Canada
Authors: Blackstock Cindy , Trocmé Nico , Bennett Marlyn
Published: June 2004

This comparative analysis of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families uses a 1998 Canadian study of child maltreatment cases to identify important differences: Aboriginal families face worse socioeconomic conditions, are more often investigated because of neglect, less often reported for physical or sexual abuse, and report higher rates of substance abuse. At every decision point in the cases, Aboriginal children are over represented: investigations are more likely to be substantiated, cases are more likely to be kept open for ongoing services, and children are more likely to be placed in out-of-home care. Findings suggest the development of neglect intervention programs that include poverty reduction and substance misuse components.
Toward a Transnational and Cross-Cultural Analysis of Family Violence
Authors: Cousineau Marie-Marthe , Rondeau Gilles
Published: June 2004

This article summarizes issues and priorities for prevalence surveys and intervention studies raised by researchers and practitioners at an international symposium on transnational and cross-cultural research on family violence, convened near Montréal, Canada, in June 2003. The major conceptual questions were What is meant by transnational or cross-cultural research? and What should be included in the definition of family violence? The major methodological questions were What level of standardization of measurement is needed to reliably make comparisons across nations and cultures? and Should the measures be of “acts” of abuse and violence or the “effects” of those acts?
Cross-linking of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 induces death of activated T cells
Authors: Chen Shu-Ching , Huang Chiu-Chen , Chien Chung-Liang , Jeng Chung-Jiuan , Su Ho-Ting , Chiang Evelyn , Liu Meng-Ru , Wu C. H. Herbert , Chang Chung-Nan , Lin Rong-Hwa
Published: June 2004

Increasing evidence has shown that death signaling in T cells is regulated in a complicated way. Molecules other than death receptors can also trigger T-cell death. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) or CD162 molecules cross-linked by an anti–PSGL-1 monoclonal antibody, TAB4, can trigger a death signal in activated T cells. In contrast to classic cell death, PSGL-1–mediated T-cell death is caspase independent. It involves translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria to nucleus and mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Ultrastructurally, both peripheral condensation of chromatin and apoptotic body were observed in PSGL-1–mediated T-cell death. Collectively, this study demonstrates a novel role for PSGL-1 in controlling activated T-cell death and, thus, advances our understanding of immune regulation.
Polymorphisms and haplotypes in folate-metabolizing genes and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Skibola Christine F. , Forrest Matthew S. , Coppedé Fabio , Agana Luz , Hubbard Alan , Smith Martyn T. , Bracci Paige M. , Holly Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2004

Folate metabolism plays an essential role in DNA synthesis and methylation processes. Deviations in the flux of folate due to genetic variation could result in selective growth and genomic instability and affect susceptibility to various cancers including lymphoma. To test this hypothesis, genetic polymorphisms in the folate metabolic pathway were investigated using DNA from a population-based case-control study of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area between 1988 and 1995. The polymorphisms examined and haplotypes generated included thymidylate synthase (TYMS 28-bp triple repeat [3R] → double repeat [2R], 1494del6, IVS6 -68C>T, 1122A>G, and 1053C>T); 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C); serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT1 C1420T); reduced folate carrier (RFC G80A); and methionine synthase (MTR A2756G), making the present study the largest and most comprehensive to date to evaluate associations between genetic polymorphisms in folatemetabolizing genes and NHL risk. The TYMS 6 base pair (bp)-6bp- (homozygous for 6bp deletion), IVS6 -68C>T, and 1053C>T genotypes (all in complete linkage disequilibrium) were all inversely associated with NHL (TYMS; odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 0.34-0.94), particularly with diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL; OR = 0.29; 0.10-0.82). Further, the MTR 2756AG/GG and the MTHFR 677TT genotypes were associated with increased risk for NHL (OR = 1.3; 0.99-1.7) and follicular lymphoma (FL; OR = 1.8; 0.98-3.1), respectively. We did not observe any significant differences in genotype frequencies of the SHMT1 and RFC polymorphisms between the cases and controls. The associations of DLCL and FL with TYMS 1494del6 and MTHFR 677TT genotypes, respectively, suggest that folate metabolism may play an important role in the pathogenesis of specific subtypes of NHL. (Blood. 2004;104: 2155-2162)
Human marrow megakaryocyte differentiation: multiparameter correlative analysis identifies von Willebrand factor as a sensitive and distinctive marker for early (2N and 4N) megakaryocytes
Authors: Tomer Aaron
Published: June 2004

Human megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation were studied in fresh marrow aspirates by using multiparameter flow cytometric correlative analysis. The expression of glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa, GPIIIa, GPIb, and CD36 correlated directly with cell size and ploidy (r > 0.97); however, GPIb acquisition was relatively slow. von Willebrand factor (VWF) is robustly expressed by early (2N and 4N) megakaryocytes, enabling their complete resolution from the other marrow cells at a level superior to that achieved with GPIIb/IIIa. Expression of myeloid CD45 and immunoglobulin G (IgG)-FcγRII receptor (CDw32) increased with megakaryocyte maturation and contrasted with the declining expression of HLA-DR (negative in platelets). Interleukin-6 receptor expression in megakaryocytes was higher than in other marrow cells. By using the time-of-flight technique, the diameter of the megakaryocyte population was 37 ± 4 μm (mean ± 1 SD) compared with 14 ± 2 μm for the total marrow cells, ranging from 21 ± 4 μm for 2N cells to 56 ± 8 μm for 64N cells. Cell size directly correlated with cell DNA (r = 0.98). Receptor density of GPIIb/IIIa and GPIb decreased with the transition from 2N to 4N cells, then reached maximum at 32N cells. In conclusion, the present methods are useful for studying in vivo human megakaryocytopoiesis in normal and altered states. The expression of VWF is a sensitive and distinctive marker for the identification of young marrow megakaryocytes. (Blood. 2004; 104:2722-2727)
Promoter hypermethylation of cancer-related genes: a strong independent prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Roman-Gomez Jose , Jimenez-Velasco Antonio , Castillejo Juan A. , Agirre Xabier , Barrios Manuel , Navarro German , Molina Francisco J. , Calasanz Maria J. , Prosper Felipe , Heiniger Anabel , Torres Antonio
Published: June 2004

Promoter hypermethylation plays an important role in the inactivation of cancer-related genes. This abnormality occurs early in leukemogenesis and seems to be associated with poor prognosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To determine the extent of hypermethylation in ALL, we analyzed the methylation status of the CDH1, p73, p16, p15, p57, NES-1, DKK-3, CDH13, p14, TMS-1, APAF-1, DAPK, PARKIN, LATS-1, and PTEN genes in 251 consecutive ALL patients. A total of 77.3% of samples had at least 1 gene methylated, whereas 35.9% of cases had 4 or more genes methylated. Clinical features and complete remission rate did not differ among patients without methylated genes, patients with 1 to 3 methylated genes (methylated group A), or patients with more than 3 methylated genes (methylated group B). Estimated disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 11 years were 75.5% and 66.1%, respectively, for the nonmethylated group; 37.2% and 45.5% for methylated group A; and 9.4% and 7.8% for methylated group B (P < .0001 and P = .0004, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the methylation profile was an independent prognostic factor in predicting DFS (P < .0001) and OS (P = .003). Our results suggest that the methylation profile may be a potential new biomarker of risk prediction in ALL.
Characterization of the choline carrier of Plasmodium falciparum: a route for the selective delivery of novel antimalarial drugs
Authors: Biagini Giancarlo A. , Pasini Erica M. , Hughes Ruth , De Koning Harry P. , Vial Henri J. , O'Neill Paul M. , Ward Stephen A. , Bray Patrick G.
Published: June 2004

New drugs are urgently needed to combat the growing problem of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The infected erythrocyte is a multicompartmental system, and its transporters are of interest as drug targets in their own right and as potential routes for the delivery of antimalarial drugs. Choline is an important nutrient that penetrates infected erythrocyte membranes through the endogenous carrier and through parasite-induced permeability pathways, but nothing is known about its transport into the intracellular parasite. Here we present the first characterization of choline transport across the parasite membrane. Transport exhibits Michaelis-Menten kinetics with an apparent Km of 25.0 ± 3.5 μM for choline. The carrier is inhibitor-sensitive, temperature-dependent, and Na+-independent, and it is driven by the proton-motive force. Highly active bis-amidine and bis-quaternary ammonium compounds are also known to penetrate the host erythrocyte membrane through parasite-induced permeability pathways. Here, we demonstrate that the parasite choline transporter mediates the delivery of these compounds to the intracellular parasite. Thus, the induced permeability pathways in the host erythrocyte membrane and the parasite choline transporter described here form a cooperative transport system that shows great promise for the selective targeting of new agents for the chemotherapy of malaria. (Blood. 2004;104: 3372-3377)
Adjuvant Therapy for Stage II Colon Cancer: A Systematic Review From the Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-Based Care’s Gastrointestinal Cancer Disease Site Group
Authors: Figueredo Alvaro , Charette Manya L. , Maroun Jean , Brouwers Melissa C. , Zuraw Lisa
Published: June 2004

Purpose

To develop a systematic review that would address the following question: Should patients with stage II colon cancer receive adjuvant therapy?

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken to locate randomized controlled trials comparing adjuvant therapy to observation.

Results

Thirty-seven trials and 11 meta-analyses were included. The evidence for stage II colon cancer comes primarily from a trial of fluorouracil plus levamisole and a meta-analysis of 1,016 patients comparing fluorouracil plus folinic acid versus observation. Neither detected an improvement in disease-free or overall survival for adjuvant therapy. A recent pooled analysis of data from seven trials observed a benefit for adjuvant therapy in a multivariate analysis for both disease-free and overall survival. The disease-free survival benefits appeared to extend to stage II patients; however, no P values were provided. A meta-analysis of chemotherapy by portal vein infusion has also shown a benefit in disease-free and overall survival for stage II patients. A meta-analysis was conducted using data on stage II patients where data were available (n = 4,187). The mortality risk ratio was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75 to 1.01; P = .07).

Conclusion

There is preliminary evidence indicating that adjuvant therapy is associated with a disease-free survival benefit for patients with stage II colon cancer. These benefits are small and not necessarily associated with improved overall survival. Patients should be made aware of these results and encouraged to participate in active clinical trials. Additional investigation of newer therapies and more mature data from the presently available trials should be pursued.
Analysis of embryonic motoneuron gene regulation: derepression of general activators function in concert with enhancer factors
Authors: Lee Soo-Kyung , Jurata Linda W. , Funahashi Junichi , Ruiz Esmeralda C. , Pfaff Samuel L.
Published: June 2004

The underlying transcriptional mechanisms that establish the proper spatial and temporal pattern of gene expression required for specifying neuronal fate are poorly defined. We have characterized how the Hb9 gene is expressed in developing motoneurons in order to understand how transcription is directed to specific cells within the developing CNS. We found that non-specific general-activator proteins such as E2F and Sp1 are capable of driving widespread low level transcription of Hb9 in many cell types throughout the neural tube; however, their activity is modulated by specific repressor and activator complexes. The general-activators of Hb9 are suppressed from triggering inappropriate transcription by repressor proteins Irx3 and Nkx2.2. High level motoneuron expression is achieved by assembling an enhancesome on a compact evolutionarily-conserved segment of Hb9located from –7096 to –6896. The ensemble of LIM-HD and bHLH proteins that interact with this enhancer change as motoneuron development progresses, facilitating both the activation and maintenance of Hb9expression in developing and mature motoneurons. These findings provide direct support for the derepression model of gene regulation and cell fate specification in the neural tube, as well as establishing a role for enhancers in targeting gene expression to a single neuronal subtype in the spinal cord.
The STAR/Maxi-KH domain protein GLD-1 mediates a developmental switch in the translational control ofC. elegansPAL-1
Authors: Mootz Darcy , Ho Diana M. , Hunter Craig P.
Published: June 2004

Translational control is an essential mechanism of gene control utilized throughout development, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying translational activation and repression are poorly understood. We have investigated the translational control of the C. elegans caudal homolog, pal-1, and found that GLD-1, a member of the evolutionarily conserved STAR/Maxi-KH domain family, acts through a minimal pal-1 3′ UTR element to repress pal-1 translation in the distal germline. We also provide data suggesting that GLD-1 may repress pal-1 translation after initiation. Finally, we show that GLD-1 represses the distal germline expression of the KH domain protein MEX-3, which was previously shown to repress PAL-1 expression in the proximal germline and which appears specialized to control PAL-1 expression patterns in the embryo. Hence, GLD-1 mediates a developmental switch in the control of PAL-1 repression, allowing MEX-3 to accumulate and take over the task of PAL-1 repression in the proximal germline, where GLD-1 protein levels decline.
Amphioxus and ascidian Dmbx homeobox genes give clues to the vertebrate origins of midbrain development
Authors: Takahashi Tokiharu , Holland Peter W. H.
Published: June 2004

The ancestral chordate neural tube had a tripartite structure, comprising anterior, midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) and posterior regions. The most anterior region encompasses both forebrain and midbrain in vertebrates. It is not clear when or how the distinction between these two functionally and developmentally distinct regions arose in evolution. Recently, we reported a mouse PRD-class homeobox gene, Dmbx1, expressed in the presumptive midbrain at early developmental stages, and the hindbrain at later stages,with exclusion from the MHB. This gene provides a route to investigate the evolution of midbrain development. We report the cloning, genomic structure,phylogeny and embryonic expression of Dmbx genes from amphioxus and from Ciona, representing the two most closely related lineages to the vertebrates. Our analyses show that Dmbx genes form a distinct, ancient,homeobox gene family, with highly conserved sequence and genomic organisation,albeit more divergent in Ciona. In amphioxus, no Dmbx expression is observed in the neural tube, supporting previous arguments that the MHB equivalent region has been secondarily modified in evolution. In Ciona, the CiDmbx gene is detected in neural cells caudal to Pax2/5/8-positive cells (MHB homologue), in the Hox-positive region, but,interestingly, not in any cells rostral to them. These results suggest that a midbrain homologue is missing in Ciona, and argue that midbrain development is a novelty that evolved specifically on the vertebrate lineage. We discuss the evolution of midbrain development in relation to the ancestry of the tripartite neural ground plan and the origin of the MHB organiser.
FGF signaling is required for initiation of feather placode development
Authors: Mandler Markus , Neubüser Annette
Published: June 2004

Morphogenesis of hairs and feathers is initiated by an as yet unknown dermal signal that induces placode formation in the overlying ectoderm. To determine whether FGF signals are required for this process we over-expressed soluble versions of FGFR1 or FGFR2 in the skin of chicken embryos. This produced a complete failure of feather formation prior to any morphological or molecular signs of placode development. We further show that Fgf10 is expressed in the dermis of nascent feather primordia, and that anti-FGF10 antibodies block feather placode development in skin explants. In addition we show that FGF10 can induce expression of positive and negative regulators of feather development and can induce its own expression under conditions of low BMP signaling. Together these results demonstrate that FGF signaling is required for the initiation of feather placode development and implicate FGF10 as an early dermal signal involved in this process.
Regulation ofOtx2expression and its functions in mouse epiblast and anterior neuroectoderm
Authors: Kurokawa Daisuke , Takasaki Nobuyoshi , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Nakayama Rika , Kimura-Yoshida Chiharu , Matsuo Isao , Aizawa Shinichi
Published: June 2004

We have identified cis-regulatory sequences acting on Otx2expression in epiblast (EP) and anterior neuroectoderm (AN) at about 90 kb 5′ upstream. The activity of the EP enhancer is found in the inner cell mass at E3.5 and the entire epiblast at E5.5. The AN enhancer activity is detected initially at E7.0 and ceases by E8.5; it is found later in the dorsomedial aspect of the telencephalon at E10.5. The EP enhancer includes multiple required domains over 2.3 kb, and the AN enhancer is an essential component of the EP enhancer. Mutants lacking the AN enhancer have demonstrated that these cis-sequences indeed regulate Otx2 expression in EP and AN. At the same time, our analysis indicates that another EP and AN enhancer must exist outside of the –170 kb to +120 kb range. In Otx2ΔAN/– mutants, in which one Otx2allele lacks the AN enhancer and the other allele is null, anteroposterior axis forms normally and anterior neuroectoderm is normally induced. Subsequently, however, forebrain and midbrain are lost, indicating that Otx2 expression under the AN enhancer functions to maintain anterior neuroectoderm once induced. Furthermore, Otx2 under the AN enhancer cooperates with Emx2 in diencephalon development. The AN enhancer region is conserved among mouse, human and Xenopus; moreover, the counterpart region in Xenopus exhibited an enhancer activity in mouse anterior neuroectoderm.
Gremlin-mediated BMP antagonism induces the epithelial-mesenchymal feedback signaling controlling metanephric kidney and limb organogenesis
Authors: Michos Odyssé , Panman Lia , Vintersten Kristina , Beier Konstantin , Zeller Rolf , Zuniga Aimée
Published: June 2004

Epithelial-mesenchymal feedback signaling is the key to diverse organogenetic processes such as limb bud development and branching morphogenesis in kidney and lung rudiments. This study establishes that the BMP antagonist gremlin (Grem1) is essential to initiate these epithelial-mesenchymal signaling interactions during limb and metanephric kidney organogenesis. A Grem1 null mutation in the mouse generated by gene targeting causes neonatal lethality because of the lack of kidneys and lung septation defects. In early limb buds, mesenchymal Grem1 is required to establish a functional apical ectodermal ridge and the epithelial-mesenchymal feedback signaling that propagates the sonic hedgehog morphogen. Furthermore, Grem1-mediated BMP antagonism is essential to induce metanephric kidney development as initiation of ureter growth,branching and establishment of RET/GDNF feedback signaling are disrupted in Grem1-deficient embryos. As a consequence, the metanephric mesenchyme is eliminated by apoptosis, in the same way as the core mesenchymal cells of the limb bud.
Statistics in the Pharmacy Literature
Authors: Lee Charlene M , Soin Herpreet K , Einarson Thomas R
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND:

Research in statistical methods is essential for maintenance of high quality of the published literature.

OBJECTIVE:

To update previous reports of the types and frequencies of statistical terms and procedures in research studies of selected professional pharmacy journals.

METHODS:

We obtained all research articles published in 2001 in 6 journals: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy, and Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association. Two independent reviewers identified and recorded descriptive and inferential statistical terms/procedures found in the methods, results, and discussion sections of each article. Results were determined by tallying the total number of times, as well as the percentage, that each statistical term or procedure appeared in the articles.

RESULTS:

One hundred forty-four articles were included. Ninety-eight percent employed descriptive statistics; of these, 28% used only descriptive statistics. The most common descriptive statistical terms were percentage (90%), mean (74%), standard deviation (58%), and range (46%). Sixty-nine percent of the articles used inferential statistics, the most frequent being χ2 (33%), Student's t-test (26%), Pearson's correlation coefficient r (18%), ANOVA (14%), and logistic regression (11%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Statistical terms and procedures were found in nearly all of the research articles published in pharmacy journals. Thus, pharmacy education should aim to provide current and future pharmacists with an understanding of the common statistical terms and procedures identified to facilitate the appropriate appraisal and consequential utilization of the information available in research articles.
New pressure cell for single-crystal X-ray investigations on diffractometers with area detectors
Authors: Ahsbahs Hans
Published: June 2004

The development of a pressure cell using Merrill-Bassett geometry is described, that avoids the use of beryllium. Nevertheless, an opening angle of 90° was obtained for the X-rays using a new mounting technique for the diamonds. The cell was specifically designed for comfortable use on modern single-crystal diffractometers with area detectors. It has the additional advantage that no absorption correction is necessary for the cell. It is intended for pressures up to 10 GPa, the range in which liquid pressure-transmitting media are available.

The first results are presented, including comparative investigations with a single-counter diffractometer equipped with an edge-collimator.
High-pressure behavior of sillimanite and kyanite: Compressibility, decomposition and indications of a new high-pressure phase
Authors: Friedrich Alexandra , Kunz Martin , Winkler Björn , Le Bihan Tristan
Published: June 2004

The high-pressure behavior of the two Al2SiO5 polymorphs sillimanite and kyanite was investigated up to 46 and 53 GPa, respectively, using a diamond-anvil cell and powder X-ray synchrotron diffraction. The bulk moduli of sillimanite and kyanite obtained from a fit to a second-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state are B
0 = 176(11) GPa and B
0 = 190(3) GPa at fixed B′ = 4, respectively. The samples were laser annealed several times at high pressures. After laser annealing at 46 GPa, sillimanite was decomposed into its oxide components corundum (Al2O3) and stishovite (SiO2). The high-pressure behavior of kyanite, however, is more complicated. Up to 20 GPa, kyanite remains stable. At 30 GPa a new high-pressure form is observed, which seems to be structurally related to kyanite. After laser heating, it partly decomposed into corundum and stishovite. However, when laser heating at much higher pressures of 47 to 53 GPa, the new phase remains stable.
Cultural Configurations of Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamous Communities
Authors: Bradley Martha
Published: June 2004

“The Principle” or plural marriage, as practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) during the nineteenth century, evolved to encompass a culture of life practices, ideas and meanings for the fundamentalist Mormon polygamists who continue in the practice to the present day. For the modern-day polygamists, the culture that surrounds this doctrine includes a set of learned behaviors and strategies, symbols, and a compelling vision of an ideal community. This highly effective culture has helped plurality persist and grow in the intermountain western part of the United States, perpetuating a belief system but also a distinctive lifestyle wrapped around the doctrine of a plurality of wives. This article sketches out the parameters of the culture of polygamy, describes the key groups that continue in the practice, and discusses the connection between the fundamentalist polygamist groups and individuals and the LDS Church.
Perspective: What Are We Studying?
Authors: Barker Eileen
Published: June 2004

The objective of this article is to encourage scholars of religion to retain an awareness of the significance of new religious movements (NRMs) being new. It arises as a response to three propositions made by J. Gordon Melton in this issue. The first of these is that NRMs have more in common with their religious traditions of origin than with each other. The second is that NRM is a residual category—it is not a church, a sect or an ethnic religion. Melton's third proposal is that NRMs might best be defined as religions that are greeted with antagonism by significant elements of the wider society, including traditional religions. My response is, first, that however related or unrelated they are to their respective traditions, NRMs are likely to share certain characteristics with each other merely because they are new. Second, these characteristics are deserving of attention in their own right and cannot be reduced to their not being various types of other religions. Third, rather than being used as a defining characteristic, the antagonism with which NRMs are met can be more usefully thought of as a consequence of their newness.
Rivastigmine, a New‐Generation Cholinesterase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Jann Michael W.
Published: June 2004

Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) with a structural formula different from that of currently available ChEIs. Tacrine and donepezil are classified as short‐acting or reversible agents since binding to acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) is hydrolyzed within minutes. Rivastigmine is classified as an intermediate‐acting or pseudo‐irreversible agent due to its long inhibition on AChE of up to 10 hours. Preclinical biochemical studies indicated that rivastigmine has central nervous system selectivity over peripheral inhibition. It ameliorated memory impairment in rats with forebrain lesions. The drug is rapidly absorbed orally, with a bioavailability of 0.355 and low protein binding (40%). Its elimination half‐life is less than 2 hours, and it is converted to an inactive metabolite at the site of action, bypassing hepatic metabolic pathways. Its disposition essentially is unaltered in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. It also has dose‐dependent effects on AChE inhibition. In the two large multicenter clinical trials (total 1324 patients) that used a forced‐dosage titration scheme, rivastigmine 6–12 mg/day was superior to placebo on three cognitive and functioning scales (p<0.001). Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most frequently reported adverse events. They occurred mostly during the dosage titration phase and decreased during the maintenance phase. Rivastigmine offers clinicians another therapeutic agent to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Acute Mental Status Changes and Hyperchloremic Metabolic Acidosis with Long‐Term Topiramate Therapy
Authors: Stowe Cindy D. , Bolliger Temple , James Laura P. , Haley Tonya M. , Griebel May L. , Farrar Henry C.
Published: June 2004

Mental status changes and metabolic acidosis may occur with topiramate therapy. These adverse events were reported during dosage titration and with high dosages of the drug. A 20‐year‐old man receiving topiramate, valproic acid, and phenytoin experienced acute‐onset mental status changes with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. He had been receiving a modest dose of topiramate for 9 months. He was weaned off topiramate over 5 days, and his mental status returned to baseline within 48 hours of discontinuing the agent. This case illustrates the need for close evaluation of patients who experience acute‐onset mental status changes during topiramate therapy.
Potentiation of Warfarin's Hypoprothrombinemic Effect with Miconazole Vaginal Suppositories
Authors: Thirion Daniel J. G. , Zanetti Leslie A. Farquhar
Published: June 2004

A 53‐year‐old woman being treated for a vaginal yeast infection experienced ecchymosis. Laboratory evaluation revealed a prolonged prothrombin time. It is possible that the bleeding was due to an interaction between warfarin and miconazole. Health care professionals should be aware of the potential for drug interactions with vaginally administered miconazole, especially in women receiving anticoagulation therapy.
Comparison of G‐CSF and GM‐CSF Adverse Event Profiles in Office‐Based Practices: Preliminary Study Results
Authors: Moleski Ronald J.
Published: June 2004

We investigated the adverse event profile of colony‐stimulating factors (CSFs) used in office‐based oncology practices in the United States. The impetus for the study was anecdotal reports from physicians and nurses working in community practice settings describing the differences in adverse drug events (ADEs) that their patients experienced with the two CSFs currently available in the United States. The study was a retrospective review of office‐based oncology practice records. The frequencies of drug‐induced fever and other ADEs secondary to granulocyte (G)‐CSF were compared with those of granulocyte‐macrophage (GM)‐CSF. Adverse drug events were those events that were documented by a clinician as being causally linked to CSF therapy and not obviously due to other causes. This preliminary report of the data indicated that there were some significant differences in the ADEs attributable to either G‐CSF or GM‐CSF. The appropriate use of CSFs in clinical practice also is discussed.
Semen and Serum Pharmacokinetics of Zidovudine and Zidovudine‐Glucuronide in Men with HIV‐1 Infection
Authors: Anderson Peter L. , Noormohamed Saleem E. , Henry Keith , Brundage Richard C. , Balfour Henry H. , Fletcher Courtney V.
Published: June 2004

Study Objective. To characterize the concentration‐time profiles of zidovudine and zidovudine‐glucuronide in semen and serum of men infected with the human immunodeficiency‐1 virus (HIV‐1).

Design. Open‐label observational study.

Setting. University‐affiliated teaching hospital and research center.

Patients. Four asymptomatic HIV‐1‐infected men.

Interventions. Zidovudine administration was followed by an 8‐hour intensive pharmacokinetic study on day 1. Over the next 8 days, a dose administration and timed single‐sample strategy was employed to determine serum and semen concentration time profiles simultaneously.

Measurements and Main Results. Zidovudine and zidovudine‐glucuronide concentrations were uniformly higher in semen than in serum except at 1 hour after the dose. The median area under the curve ratio (semen AUC0–48:serum AUC0–∞) was 3.31 for zidovudine and 15.04 for zidovudine‐glucuronide.

Conclusion. Zidovudine and zidovudine‐glucuronide reach high levels in seminal plasma relative to serum. The virologic, pharmacodynamic, and public health implications of distribution to this compartment require further study.
The Relationship between Drug Therapy Noncompliance and Patient Characteristics, Health‐Related Quality of Life, and Health Care Costs
Authors: Billups Sarah J. , Malone Daniel C. , Carter Barry L.
Published: June 2004

The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between drug therapy compliance and risk of hospitalization and economic outcomes, and to identify potential indicators of compliance. We used computerized prescription records from 1054 patients at high risk for drug‐related problems. We calculated a compliance ratio for a 12‐month period and correlated it with health care use, demographic variables, drug‐related variables, and scores for health‐related quality of life. Univariate results suggested that increased age (p=0.05), high number of chronic conditions (p<0.001), and high number of concurrent drugs (p<0.001) were positively correlated with compliance. That is, increased values for these variables were associated with better compliance. Using logistic regression, the odds of being noncompliant was 0.665 as the number of chronic conditions increased. Compliance was not a predictor of concurrent or future hospitalizations or mortality, nor was it a significant predictor of health care costs.
Prevalence and Patterns of Alternative Medication Use in a University Hospital Outpatient Clinic Serving Rheumatology and Geriatric Patients
Authors: Anderson D. Lonnie , Shane‐McWhorter Laura , Crouch Barbara Insley , Andersen Sara J.
Published: June 2004

A random sample of 176 patients seen at least once during 1997 in a University hospital outpatient clinic serving rheumatology and geriatric patients were surveyed in a telephone interview to determine the prevalence of, and reasons for taking, alternative medications. Interviews were conducted from November 1997–March 1998. The survey elicited information about patients' ability to provide self‐care, demographics, work status, satisfaction with current disease management, types of alternative medications taken, sources of information about the products, where they obtained the products, and reasons for taking the products. Patients also were questioned as to their knowledge of safety of these products. Statistical comparisons were determined between patients who used alternative agents and those who did not. Prevalence of use was 66%. Most patients thought that the agents were safe and took them because they believed they have “added benefits.”
Physician Prescribing of Anorexigenics for Weight Loss in Salt Lake County, Utah
Authors: Gay Christopher , Shane‐McWhorter Laura , Williams Kathy , Stone Mary Bishop
Published: June 2004

The objective of this survey of primary care physicians in Salt Lake County, Utah, was to determine how many of these providers were prescribing anorexigenics (antiobesity drugs) and to evaluate their knowledge of side effects and drug interactions. A confidential survey was sent to 377 family practice, internal medicine, and obstetrics‐gynecology physicians, of whom 236 (62.5%) responded. Of those who answered the survey completely, 146 (65.2%) prescribed anorexigenics to 5107 patients. Family practice physicians, male physicians less than 40 years old, and internal medicine physicians less than 40 years old prescribed anorexigenics more frequently than their counterparts. Female physicians (vs male) and female family practice physicians (vs male family practice physicians) reported a higher proportion of psychiatric comorbidity among patients for whom they prescribed the drugs. Respondents had limited knowledge of side effects and drug interactions of anorexigenics. Better understanding of physicians' prescribing patterns of these agents is relevant for current and future optimal treatment of obesity.
Evaluation of a Pharmacy‐Based Surveillance Program for Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Andreescu Astrid C. M. , Possidente Carl , Hsieh Matthew , Cushman Mary
Published: June 2004

We instituted a pharmacy‐based surveillance and intervention program for heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Surveillance occurred between August 1996 and July 1999. Platelet counts were monitored by pharmacists in patients receiving heparin 10,000 U/day or more. For patients with declining platelet counts, serology was ordered and clinicians were advised as appropriate. Outcomes of HIT in the surveillance group were compared with historical cases. During surveillance of 8672 heparin courses, the incidence of HIT was 0.2%; however, the estimated rate in patients exposed to heparin for more than 4 days was 1.2%. Compared with historical HIT cases, the rate of thrombosis was reduced from 50% to 29% (p=0.39) during surveillance. The only patient factor associated with increased risk was the presence of cancer (p=0.03). This pharmacy surveillance method may have a role in improving outcomes of HIT.
Phytoestrogens as Therapeutic Alternatives to Traditional Hormone Replacement in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Umland Elena M. , Cauffield Jacintha S. , Kirk Julienne K. , Thomason Tracy E.
Published: June 2004

This paper represents the opinion of the Women's Health Practice and Research Network (PRN) of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. It does not necessarily represent an official ACCP commentary, guideline, or statement of policy or position.
Management of Seizures in the Elderly
Authors: Rowan A. James
Published: June 2004

The elderly are a substantial and rapidly increasing proportion of the population. They also have a high frequency of seizures, which can lead to serious consequences. The elderly differ from the young in that they may have many medical conditions, take numerous concomitant drugs, have different metabolic characteristics, and are more likely to suffer from neurologic conditions such as stroke. The elderly are also more sensitive to adverse effects of prescription drugs. As available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have roughly equivalent efficacy, side‐effect profiles are a major determinant in charting therapy. The older AEDs have a well‐known collection of undesirable side effects. Newer AEDs have potential advantages for the elderly, particularly with respect to tolerability. The characteristics of seizures in the elderly and guidelines for their treatment are discussed.
New Drugs for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: LeWitt Peter A.
Published: June 2004

Since the introduction of levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), several new therapies have been directed at improving symptom control, which can decline after a few years of levodopa therapy. Dopaminergic agents can serve as adjuncts or as alternatives to levodopa. In addition, a new class of drugs, catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitors, can extend the duration of levodopa action. Although surgical options such as pallidotomy offer improvement of parkinsonism beyond the realm of pharmacologic treatment, judicious administration of drugs in combination can generally solve most problems of PD.
Maximizing the Benefit of Pharmacotherapy in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Berchou Richard C.
Published: June 2004

Levodopa is one of the principal agents administered to treat patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Several pharmacologic strategies can limit its side effects and enhance its activity. Although certain exceptions apply, dosage adjustments and drug changes should be instituted slowly. Levodopa is typically introduced in the form of carbidopa‐levodopa, with upward dosage titration weekly until symptoms improve. A dopamine agonist may be added when the dosage of levodopa reaches 300–500 mg/day. Dopamine agonists are used to control symptoms of PD, decrease or delay motor fluctuations, and allow lower dosages of levodopa to be administered. These agents are also being prescribed early in treatment before carbidopa‐levodopa therapy is begun. Addition of a catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitor can increase the duration of levodopa's effect and may prove especially valuable for patients who experience early wearing off of levodopa. Patients with PD require close monitoring for drug toxicity. Because most of them are treated with several agents to provide maximum improvement and also receive treatment for comorbid conditions, drug‐drug interactions are possible. Frequently, clinically significant interactions are associated with agents that block D2 receptors or deplete dopamine stores in the brain.
Pharmacotherapy for Advanced Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Stacy Mark
Published: June 2004

Medical management of Parkinson's disease consists of two strategies. A presynaptic strategy attempts to maintain physiologic synaptic concentrations of dopamine, usually by individualizing delivery of levodopa (or exogenous dopamine) by varying the rate of gastrointestinal absorption or blood‐brain barrier passage. A postsynaptic strategy bypasses degenerating nigrostriatal neurons by stimulating striatal neurons directly with dopamine agonists. With advancing disease, motor fluctuations appear, related to physiologic changes that narrow the window of levodopa concentration in which symptoms are under control. Then it becomes necessary to add dopamine agonists to therapy.