bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Typology of Tourist Information Search Strategies
Authors: Fodness Dale , Murray Brian
Published: March 2008

This research examined how tourists make systematic use of the information available to them for vacation planning. The literature suggests and the study findings provide sup port for the idea that tourists' choices of information sources represent discrete information search strategies with under lying spatial, temporal, and operational dimensions. Multi dimensional scaling, cluster analysis, and canonical dis criminant analyses of visitor data converge to provide evidence that tourists can be segmented by the information sources used in planning their trips, supporting the targeting of destination information to search customer niches.
Developing and Testing a Tourism Impact Scale
Authors: Ap John , Crompton John L.
Published: March 2008

A 35-item tourism impact scale was developed. It was de rived from an initial pool of 147 impact items drawn from personal interviews and the literature, and it was refined us ing classical scale-development procedures. The scale com prises seven domains: social and cultural, economic, crowd ing and congestion, environmental, services, taxes, and community attitudes, although the latter two domains did not always emerge as independent factors. Testing was under taken with three independent samples drawn from communi ties exhibiting different tourism characteristics. The scale was demonstrated to have dimensional distinctiveness and stability, internal consistency, content validity, and conver gent validity. Tourism impacts were assessed by measuring both belief and affect toward the impact attributes.
Who cares? Changing patterns of childcare in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Szelewa Dorota , Polakowski Michal P.
Published: March 2008

This article compares childcare provisions in the new member countries of the EU. It takes into account two pillars of childcare policy: publicly provided childcare services and parental leave provisions. In the analysis, the fuzzy set ideal types approach is utilized. In contrast to the studies conducted so far, this article stops treating the region of Cental and Eastern Europe as a monolith and demonstrates the existence of cross-country variation of childcare policies within the region. Furthermore, the difference is systematized by identifying four clusters of childcare policy. These are : explicit familialism, implicit familialism, female mobilizing and comprehensive support types. The countries are clustered as follows: the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia in the explicit familism policy model; Estonia and Latvia in the female mobilizing type policy; Lithuania and Hungary pursuing the childcare policies typical of the comprehensive support model; and finally the childcare policy in Poland resembles characteristics of the implicit familism model.
“HIV Is Still Real”: Perceptions of HIV Testing and HIV Prevention Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in New York City
Authors: Nanín José , Osubu Tokes , Walker Ja'Nina , Powell Borris , Powell Donald , Parsons Jeffrey
Published: March 2008

Rising HIV infection rates have been recently occurring among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the United States. As a result, promoting HIV testing among members of this population is now considered a priority among local and federal health officials. A study was conducted to explore concerns about HIV testing among BMSM in New York City. In early 2006, data were gathered from focus groups with 29 BMSM. Discussions revealed factors affecting HIV testing, including stigma, sexuality, religion, race, and class, emphasizing responsibility, testing concerns, and media influences, among others. Recommendations were submitted to New York City health officials to inform HIV testing and prevention efforts.
Minority ethnic users experiences and expectations of nursing care
Authors: Hamilton Mary , Essat Zaheera
Published: March 2008

Abstract:

During the last two decades, there has been a growing emphasis on the delivery of health care to meet the needs of minority ethnic patients, but there is less emphasis on the views of the patients themselves. This paper aimed to give minority ethnic groups the opportunity to voice their opinions on nursing care and to inform future nurse education. Focus groups were used to collect data. Six community groups, some of mixed ethnicity and some of specific ethnic identity, were included in the study. Data were analysed using a thematic approach and three themes were identified as representing the views of the participants. Participants identified that knowledge of cultural and religious practices were essential for nurses in order for them to understand the basis of their beliefs and practices. They also highlighted how the actions and behaviour of nurses either confirmed or ignored their specific requirements. They also recognised the inherent communication problems for those who had difficulty in communicating in English. Overall, they reiterated their need to be treated with dignity and respect. For nurse educators, the challenge is to develop not only the knowledge base of student nurses but also to help them translate that into practice that demonstrates cultural understanding and sensitivity.
Efficient computation of absent words in genomic sequences
Authors: Herold Julia , Kurtz Stefan , Giegerich Robert
Published: March 2008

Background

Analysis of sequence composition is a routine task in genome research. Organisms are characterized by their base composition, dinucleotide relative abundance, codon usage, and so on. Unique subsequences are markers of special interest in genome comparison, expression profiling, and genetic engineering. Relative to a random sequence of the same length, unique subsequences are overrepresented in real genomes. Shortest words absent from a genome have been addressed in two recent studies.

Results

We describe a new algorithm and software for the computation of absent words. It is more efficient than previous algorithms and easier to use. It directly computes unwords without the need to specify a length estimate. Moreover, it avoids the space requirements of index structures such as suffix trees and suffix arrays. Our implementation is available as an open source package. We compute unwords of human and mouse as well as some other organisms, covering a genome size range from 109 down to 105 bp.

Conclusion

The new algorithm computes absent words for the human genome in 10 minutes on standard hardware, using only 2.5 Mb of space. This enables us to perform this type of analysis not only for the largest genomes available so far, but also for the emerging pan- and meta-genome data.
The MoVIN server for the analysis of protein interaction networks
Authors: Marcatili Paolo , Bussotti Giovanni , Tramontano Anna
Published: March 2008

Background

Protein-protein interactions are at the basis of most cellular processes and crucial for many bio-technological applications. During the last few years the development of high-throughput technologies has produced several large-scale protein-protein interaction data sets for various organisms. It is important to develop tools for dissecting their content and analyse the information they embed by data-integration and computational methods.

Results

Interactions can be mediated by the presence of specific features, such as motifs, surface patches and domains. The co-occurrence of these features on proteins interacting with the same protein can indicate mutually exclusive interactions and, therefore, can be used for inferring the involvement of the proteins in common biological processes.

We present here a publicly available server that allows the user to investigate protein interaction data in light of other biological information, such as their sequences, presence of specific domains, process and component ontologies. The server can be effectively used to construct a high-confidence set of mutually exclusive interactions by identifying similar features in groups of proteins sharing a common interaction partner. As an example, we describe here the identification of common motifs, function, cellular localization and domains in different datasets of yeast interactions.

Conclusions

The server can be used to analyse user-supplied datasets, it contains pre-processed data for four yeast Protein Protein interaction datasets and the results of their statistical analysis. These show that the presence of common motifs in proteins interacting with the same partner is a valuable source of information, it can be used to investigate the properties of the interacting proteins and provides information that can be effectively integrated with other sources. As more experimental interaction data become available, this tool will become more and more useful to gain a more detailed picture of the interactome.
Histamine metabolism influences blood vessel branching in zebrafish reg6mutants
Authors: Huang Cheng-chen , Huang Chin-Wei , Cheng Yih-Shyun E , Yu John
Published: March 2008

Background

Vascular branching morphogenesis is responsible for the extension of blood vessels into growing tissues, a process crucial for organogenesis. However, the genetic mechanism for vessel branching is largely unknown. Zebrafish reg6 is a temperature-sensitive mutation exhibiting defects in blood vessel branching which results in the formation of swollen vessel lumina during capillary plexus formation.

Results

We performed a screening for chemical suppressors of reg6 and identified SKF91488, an inhibitor of histamine methyltransferase (HMT), that can rescue the reg6 vessel branching defects in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of HMT by SKF91488 presumably blocks histamine degradation, thus causing histamine accumulation. Consistent with this idea, we found that a high level of histamine also showed significant suppression of reg6 vessel phenotypes. Interestingly, when reg6 adults that had already developed swollen vessel lumina in regenerating fins were treated with histamine or SKF91488, either treatment significantly reduced the number of swollen vessels within 12 h, suggesting a rapid and constant influence of histamine on blood vessel branching. Furthermore, the expression of HMT was significantly elevated in reg6 regenerating fins. Conversely, lowering histamine by administering urocanic acid, a histidine decarboxylase inhibitor, enhanced the reg6 phenotypes. Finally, we identified that the transcription factor, egr-1 (early growth response factor 1), was closely associated with the reg6 phenotype and chemical treatments.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results suggest that blood vessel branching is influenced by histamine metabolism, possibly through regulating the expression of the egr-1 transcription factor.
Evolution of the DAZ gene and the AZFc region on primate Y chromosomes
Authors: Yu Yueh-Hsiang , Lin Yi-Wen , Yu Jane-Fang , Schempp Werner , Yen Pauline H
Published: March 2008

Background

The Azoospermia Factor c (AZFc) region of the human Y chromosome is a unique product of segmental duplication. It consists almost entirely of very long amplicons, represented by different colors, and is frequently deleted in subfertile men. Most of the AZFc amplicons have high sequence similarity with autosomal segments, indicating recent duplication and transposition to the Y chromosome. The Deleted in Azoospermia (DAZ) gene within the red-amplicon arose from an ancestral autosomal DAZ-like (DAZL) gene. It varies significantly between different men regarding to its copy number and the numbers of RNA recognition motif and DAZ repeat it encodes. We used Southern analyses to study the evolution of DAZ and AZFc amplicons on the Y chromosomes of primates.

Results

The Old World monkey rhesus macaque has only one DAZ gene. In contrast, the great apes have multiple copies of DAZ, ranging from 2 copies in bonobos and gorillas to at least 6 copies in orangutans, and these DAZ genes have polymorphic structures similar to those of their human counterparts. Sequences homologous to the various AZFc amplicons are present on the Y chromosomes of some but not all primates, indicating that they arrived on the Y chromosome at different times during primate evolution.

Conclusion

The duplication and transposition of AZFc amplicons to the human Y chromosome occurred in three waves, i.e., after the branching of the New World monkey, the gorilla, and the chimpanzee/bonobo lineages, respectively. The red-amplicon, one of the first to arrive on the Y chromosome, amplified by inverted duplication followed by direct duplication after the separation of the Old World monkey and the great ape lineages. Subsequent duplication/deletion in the various lineages gave rise to a spectrum of DAZ gene structure and copy number found in today's great apes.
cDNA-AFLP analysis of plant and pathogen genes expressed in grapevine infected with Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Polesani Marianna , Desario Filomena , Ferrarini Alberto , Zamboni Anita , Pezzotti Mario , Kortekamp Andreas , Polverari Annalisa
Published: March 2008

Background

The oomycetePlasmopara viticola(Berk. and Curt.) Berl. and de Toni causes downy mildew in grapevine (Vitis viniferaL.). This pathogen is strictly biotrophic, thus completely dependent on living host cells for its survival. The molecular basis of compatibility and disease development in this system is poorly understood. We have carried out a large-scale cDNA-AFLP analysis to identify grapevine andP. viticolagenes associated with the infection process.

Results

We carried out cDNA-AFLP analysis on artificially infected leaves of the susceptible cultivar Riesling at the oil spot stage, on water-treated leaves and on a sample of pure sporangia as controls. Selective amplifications with 128 primer combinations allowed the visualization of about 7000 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) in infected leaves, 1196 of which (17%) were differentially expressed. We sequenced 984 fragments, 804 of which were identified as grapevine transcripts after homology searching, while 96 were homologous to sequences inPhytophthoraspp. databases and were attributed toP. viticola. There were 82 orphan TDFs. Many grapevine genes spanning almost all functional categories were downregulated during infection, especially genes involved in photosynthesis. Grapevine genes homologous to known resistance genes also tended to be repressed, as were several resistance gene analogs and carbonic anhydrase (recently implicated in pathogen resistance). In contrast, genes encoding cytoskeletal components, enzymes of the phenylpropanoid and beta-oxidation pathways, and pathogenesis related proteins were primarily upregulated during infection. The majority ofP. viticolatranscripts expressedin plantashowed homology to genes of unknown function or to genomicPhytophthorasequences, but genes related to metabolism, energy production, transport and signal transduction were also identified.

Conclusion

This study provides the first global catalogue of grapevine andP. viticolagenes expressed during infection, together with their functional annotations. This will help to elucidate the molecular basis of the infection process and identify genes and chemicals that could help to inhibit the pathogen.
Chlamydophila pneumoniae derived from inclusions late in the infectious cycle induce aponecrosis in human aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Marino Joseph , Stoeckli Isabelle , Walch Michael , Latinovic-Golic Sonja , Sundstroem Hanna , Groscurth Peter , Ziegler Urs , Dumrese Claudia
Published: March 2008

Background

Atherosclerosis is still the leading cause of death in the western world. Besides known risk factors studies demonstratingChlamydophila pneumoniae(C. pneumoniae) to be implicated in the progression of the disease, little is known aboutC. pneumoniaeinfection dynamics. We investigated whetherC. pneumoniaeinduce cell death of human aortic endothelial cells, a cell type involved in the initiation of atherosclerosis, and whether chlamydial spots derive from inclusions.

Results

Lactate dehydrogenase release revealed host cell death to be dependent on the amounts ofChlamydiaused for infection. The morphology of lysed human aortic endothelial cells showed DNA strand breaks simultaneously with cell membrane damage exclusively in cells carryingChlamydiaas spots. Further ultrastructural analysis revealed additional organelle dilation, leading to the definition as aponecrotic cell death of endothelial cells. Exclusive staining of the metabolic active pathogens by chlamydial heat shock protein 60 labelling and ceramide incorporation demonstrated that the bacteria responsible for the induction of aponecrosis had resided in former inclusions. Furthermore, a strong pro-inflammatory molecule, high mobility group box protein 1, was shown to be released from aponecrotic host cells.

Conclusion

From the data it can be concluded that aponecrosis inducingC. pneumoniaestem from inclusions, since metabolically active bacterial spots are strongly associated with aponecrosis late in the infectious cycle in vascular endothelial cells and metabolic activity was exclusively located inside of inclusions in intact cells. Vice versa initial spot-like infection with metabolically inert bacteria does not have an effect on cell death induction. Hence,C. pneumoniaeinfection can contribute to atherosclerosis by initial endothelial damage.
Testosterone influences renal electrolyte excretion in SHR/y and WKY males
Authors: Toot Jonathan , Jenkins Cathy , Dunphy Gail , Boehme Shannon , Hart Mike , Milsted Amy , Turner Monte , Ely Daniel
Published: March 2008

Background

The Y-chromosome (Yc) and testosterone (T) increase blood pressure and may also influence renal electrolyte excretion. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine if the Yc combined with T manipulation could influence renal Na and K excretion.

Methods

To investigate the role of the Yc and T, consomic borderline hypertensive (SHR/y) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat strains were used (15 weeks) in three T treatment groups: castrate, castrate with T implant and gonadally intact males. Urine was collected (24 hrs at 15 weeks of age) for Na and K measurements by flame photometry. RT-PCR was used to demonstrate the presence of renal androgen receptor (AR) transcripts. Plasma T and aldosterone were measured by RIA. In another experiment the androgen receptor was blocked using flutamide in the diet.

Results

Na and K excretion were decreased by T in SHR/y and WKY. AR transcripts were identified in SHR/y and WKY kidneys. Plasma aldosterone was decreased in the presence of T. Blockade of the AR resulted in a significant increase in Na excretion but not in K excretion in both SHR/y and WKY males.

Conclusion

T influences electrolyte excretion through an androgen receptor dependent mechanism. There was not a differential Yc involvement in electrolyte excretion between WKY and SHR/y males.
Characterization of VAR2CSA-deficient Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes selected for adhesion to the BeWo placental cell line
Authors: Yosaatmadja Francisca , Andrews Katherine T , Duffy Michael F , Brown Graham V , Beeson James G , Rogerson Stephen J
Published: March 2008

Background

Malaria in pregnancy is characterized by accumulation of infected erythrocytes (IE) in the placenta. The key ligand identified as mediating this process is a Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 family member, termed VAR2CSA. VAR2CSA appears to be the main ligand responsible for adhesion to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA). Whether other PfEMP1 molecules can also mediate placental adhesion, independent of CSA binding, is unclear.

Methods

The parasite line CS2 carrying a disrupted var2csa gene (CS2KO) was selected for adhesion to the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line, which has been proposed as a model for placental malaria. The selected and control IE were tested for adhesion to placental sections and flow cytometry was used to measure recognition of IE by three serum sets from malaria-exposed men and women.

Results

Wild-type CS2 adhere to BeWo and placental tissue via CSA. CS2KO IE were successfully selected for adhesion to BeWo, and adhered by a CSA-independent mechanism. They bound to immobilized ICAM-1 and CD36. BeWo-selected CS2KO bound at moderate levels to placental sections, but most binding was to placental villi rather than to the syncytiotrophoblast to which IE adherence occurs in vivo. This binding was inhibited by a blocking antibody to CD36 but not to ICAM-1. As expected, sera from malaria-exposed adults recognized CS2 IE in a gender and parity dependent manner. In one serum set, there was a similar but less pronounced pattern of antibody binding to selected CS2KO IE, but this was not seen in two others. One var gene, It4var19, was particularly abundant in the selected line and was detected as full length transcripts in BeWo-selected IE, but not unselected CS2KO.

Conclusion

This study suggests that IE with characteristics similar to the CS2KO have a limited role in the pathogenesis of placental malaria. VAR2CSA appear to be the major ligand for placental adhesion, and could be the basis for a vaccine against pregnancy malaria.
The impact of the neisserial DNA uptake sequences on genome evolution and stability
Authors: Treangen Todd J , Ambur Ole Herman , Tonjum Tone , Rocha Eduardo PC
Published: March 2008

Background

Efficient natural transformation in Neisseria requires the presence of short DNA uptake sequences (DUSs). Doubts remain whether DUSs propagate by pure selfish molecular drive or are selected for 'safe sex' among conspecifics.

Results

Six neisserial genomes were aligned to identify gene conversion fragments, DUS distribution, spacing, and conservation. We found a strong link between recombination and DUS: DUS spacing matches the size of conversion fragments; genomes with shorter conversion fragments have more DUSs and more conserved DUSs; and conversion fragments are enriched in DUSs. Many recent and singly occurring DUSs exhibit too high divergence with homologous sequences in other genomes to have arisen by point mutation, suggesting their appearance by recombination. DUSs are over-represented in the core genome, under-represented in regions under diversification, and absent in both recently acquired genes and recently lost core genes. This suggests that DUSs are implicated in genome stability rather than in generating adaptive variation. DUS elements are most frequent in the permissive locations of the core genome but are themselves highly conserved, undergoing mutation selection balance and/or molecular drive. Similar preliminary results were found for the functionally analogous uptake signal sequence in Pasteurellaceae.

Conclusion

As do many other pathogens, Neisseria and Pasteurellaceae have hyperdynamic genomes that generate deleterious mutations by intrachromosomal recombination and by transient hypermutation. The results presented here suggest that transformation in Neisseria and Pasteurellaceae allows them to counteract the deleterious effects of genome instability in the core genome. Thus, rather than promoting hypervariation, bacterial sex could be regenerative.
SEB-induced signaling in macrophages leads to biphasic TNF-α
Authors: Khan Aslam Ali , Martin Sunil , Saha Bhaskar
Published: March 2008

APCs express MHC-II molecules. Binding of enterotoxins to MHC-II generates a signal resulting in the production of TNF-α that mediates toxic shock syndrome. However, the signaling events that lead to TNF-α production in macrophages are not well understood. We, for the first time, demonstrate that binding of staphylococcal enterotoxin B to MHC-II results in activation of TNF-α-converting enzyme, epidermal growth factor receptor, p38MAPK, and NF-κB inducing biphasic TNF-α production. Paraformaldehyde-fixed, peptide-specific T cells also activate MHC-II signaling and TNF-α induction in peptide-pulsed macrophages. Our results reveal a novel MHC-II signaling and bidirectional macrophage-T cell interaction regulating macrophage functions. This knowledge may help to develop novel, macrophage-directed, therapeutic strategies.
Effect of Weight Loss and Exercise Therapy on Bone Metabolism and Mass in Obese Older Adults: A One-Year Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Villareal Dennis T. , Shah Krupa , Banks Marian R. , Sinacore David R. , Klein Samuel
Published: March 2008

Background: Although weight loss and exercise ameliorates frailty and improves cardiac risk factors in obese older adults, the long-term effect of lifestyle intervention on bone metabolism and mass is unknown.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of diet-induced weight loss in conjunction with exercise on bone metabolism and mass in obese older adults.

Design and Setting: We conducted a one-year randomized, controlled clinical trial in a university-based research center.

Participants: Twenty-seven frail, obese (body mass index = 39 ± 5 kg/m2), older (age 70 ± 5 yr) adults participated in the study.

Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to diet and exercise (treatment group; n = 17) or no therapy (control group; n = 10).

Outcome Measures: Body weight decreased in the treatment group but not in the control group (−10 ± 2 vs. +1 ± 1%, P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the treatment group had greater changes in bone mass, bone markers, and hormones, including 1) bone mineral density (BMD) in total hip (0.1 ± 2.1 vs. −2.4 ± 2.5%), trochanter (0.2 ± 3.3 vs. −3.3 ± 3.1%), and intertrochanter (0.3 ± 2.7 vs. −2.7 ± .3.0%); 2) C-terminal telopeptide (12 ± 35 vs. 101 ± 79%) and osteocalcin (−5 ± 15 vs. 66 ± 61%); and 3) leptin (2 ± 12 vs. −30 ± 25%) and estradiol (0.1 ± 14% vs. −14 ± 21%) (all P < 0.05). Changes in weight (r = 0.55), bone markers (r = −0.54), and leptin (r = 0.61) correlated with changes in hip BMD (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Weight loss, even when combined with exercise, decreases hip BMD in obese older adults. It is not known whether the beneficial effects of weight loss and exercise on physical function lower the overall risk of falls and fractures, despite the decline in hip BMD.
The Periphery of the Human Fetal Adrenal Gland Is a Site of Angiogenesis: Zonal Differential Expression and Regulation of Angiogenic Factors
Authors: Ishimoto Hitoshi , Minegishi Kazuhiro , Higuchi Takayuki , Furuya Masataka , Asai Satoshi , Kim Seon Hye , Tanaka Mamoru , Yoshimura Yasunori , Jaffe Robert B.
Published: March 2008

Context: Although the inner fetal zone (FZ) of the midgestation human fetal adrenal (HFA) produces dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, the function of the outer definitive zone (DZ) remains less clear. We have proposed that the DZ phenotype is that of a pool of progenitor cells, many of which are mitotically active. Recently, we studied HFA expression of a family of vascular endothelial cell-specific angiogenic factors, the angiopoietins (Angs), and demonstrated that Ang2 was localized predominantly in the periphery of the gland. Ang1 stabilizes, whereas Ang2 destabilizes, vessels, increasing responsiveness to angiogenic stimuli such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2.

Objective: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that the periphery of the HFA is a site of angiogenesis.

Design: Studies were conducted involving RNA, frozen sections, and primary cell cultures from midgestation HFAs.

Main Outcome Measures: Immunofluorescence, laser capture microdissection, and real-time quantitative RT-PCR were used.

Results: Double immunostaining demonstrated that proliferating endothelial cells were limited to the DZ and DZ/FZ border. Ang2 mRNA was primarily expressed in the DZ, whereas Ang1 mRNA was primarily in the FZ. VEGF-A and FGF-2 mRNA levels were higher in the DZ. FGF-2 (10 ng/ml) induced Ang2 mRNA by 4-fold in both zones of cells (P < 0.01, at 24 h), but not Ang1 or VEGF-A mRNA.

Conclusion: Data suggest that angiogenesis occurs at the periphery of the HFA. The DZ-predominant expression of Ang2 may be explained, in part, by the parallel pattern of FGF-2 expression.
Optimal Broadcast Scheduling in Packet Radio Networks via Branch and Price
Authors: Menon Syam , Gupta Rakesh
Published: March 2008

Packet radio networks use spatial time-division multiple-access to enable multiple network stations to communicate via the same frequency within the same time slot. Stations in close proximity are not allowed to use the same frequency, as their signals would interfere with each other. In this context, an important design problem is that of scheduling access to the high-speed communications channel in such a way as to maximize the utilization while avoiding interference and keeping the frame length to a minimum. This is frequently referred to as the broadcast scheduling problem and is known to be NP-hard. It is often formulated as a nonlinear discrete optimization problem for a given frame length and solved via heuristic approaches by parametrically varying the length of the frame. Despite this, the sizes of the problems solved have been small, with the solution times becoming prohibitive with increasing problem size. This paper introduces a set covering formulation for the problem and solves it optimally using branch and price. Columns are generated using a simple pricing heuristic whenever possible. A branching strategy adapted from [Vance, P. 1998. Branch-and-price algorithms for the one-dimensional cutting stock problem. Computational Optim. Appl. 9 211–228] is used, while branching first on the number of time slots used. Extensive computational results show that this approach is very effective, identifying optimal solutions quickly even on problems significantly larger than those solved previously.
Home Medication Cabinets and Self-Medication: A Source of Potential Health Threats?
Authors: De Bolle Leen , Mehuys Els , Adriaens Els , Remon Jean-Paul , Van Bortel Luc , Christiaens Thierry
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND:

Data regarding the contents of home medication cabinets (HMCs), the management of leftover medications, and the inclination of patients toward self-initiated treatment using nonprescription drugs are scarce.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the nature and safety of medication storage and intended self-medication in a general population.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 72 Belgian community pharmacies. Pharmacy customers (N = 288, aged 18–80 y) were visited in their homes by pharmacy students. The HMCs were inventoried and the participants were interviewed.

RESULTS:

A mean of 31 ± 17 (range 6–136) drug packages were identified per household; in one-third of the cases, the packages were not stored safely. Prescription drugs accounted for 34% of the total. The most frequently encountered categories of registered medicines were nonopioid analgesics (7.2%), nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (6.9%), nasal decongestants (3.5%) and antinausea agents (3.2%). Despite their high prevalence, NSAIDs and non-opioid analgesics did not predominate among the most frequently used drugs, whereas food supplements were used daily in 23.3% of households. Twenty-one percent of the drugs were expired, 9% were not stored in the original container, and the package insert was missing for 18%. Self-initiated treatment was considered for 56% of all drugs (over-the-counter drugs, 74%; prescription drugs, 21%). Indication, dosage, or treatment duration was misjudged by only 5.2% of the participants, but consulting the package insert was allowed. The tendency toward self-treatment decreased with age and with increasing number of medications taken daily (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS:

We found large amounts of drugs per household, with a high prevalence of analgesics and NSAIDs. Self-medication, although generally acceptable in terms of indication and dosage, was commonly practiced, also with prescription drugs. Taking into account that younger people showed a significantly higher intention of self-medication, a sustained awareness of the risks of self-medication is warranted for the future.
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product-Dependent Activation of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Contributes to Amyloid-β-Mediated Cortical Synaptic Dysfunction
Authors: Origlia Nicola , Righi Massimo , Capsoni Simona , Cattaneo Antonino , Fang Fang , Stern David M. , Chen John Xi , Schmidt Ann Marie , Arancio Ottavio , Yan Shi Du , Domenici Luciano
Published: March 2008

Soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is likely to play a key role during early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by perturbing synaptic function and cognitive processes. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been identified as a receptor involved in Aβ-induced neuronal dysfunction. We investigated the role of neuronal RAGE in Aβ-induced synaptic dysfunction in the entorhinal cortex, an area of the brain important in memory processes that is affected early in AD. We found that soluble oligomeric Aβ peptide (Aβ42) blocked long-term potentiation (LTP), but did not affect long-term depression, paired-pulse facilitation, or basal synaptic transmission. In contrast, Aβ did not inhibit LTP in slices from RAGE-null mutant mice or in slices from wild-type mice treated with anti-RAGE IgG. Similarly, transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative form of RAGE targeted to neurons showed normal LTP in the presence of Aβ, suggesting that neuronal RAGE functions as a signal transducer for Aβ-mediated LTP impairment. To investigate intracellular pathway transducing RAGE activation by Aβ, we used inhibitors of stress activated kinases. We found that inhibiting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), but not blocking c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, was capable of maintaining LTP in Aβ-treated slices. Moreover, Aβ-mediated enhancement of p38 MAPK phosphorylation in cortical neurons was reduced by blocking antibodies to RAGE. Together, our results indicate that Aβ impairs LTP in the entorhinal cortex through neuronal RAGE-mediated activation of p38 MAPK.
Masking of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Retention Signals during Assembly of the NMDA Receptor
Authors: Horak Martin , Chang Kai , Wenthold Robert J.
Published: March 2008

NMDA receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels that play important roles in synaptic transmission and excitotoxicity. The functional NMDA receptor is thought to be a heterotetramer composed mainly of two NR1 and two NR2 subunits. Although it is generally accepted that only correctly assembled NMDA receptors can pass the ER quality control, the mechanism underlying this process is not well understood. Using truncated and chimeric NMDA receptor subunits expressed in heterologous cells and cortical neurons, we found that the third membrane domains (M3) of both NR1 and NR2B contain signals that cause the unassembled subunits to be retained in the ER. M3 of both NR1 and NR2B and, M4 of NR1, are necessary for masking ER retention signals found in M3. Thus, our data reveal a critical role of the membrane domains in the assembly of functional NMDA receptors.
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness: efficiency of primary health in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Amorim Débora G , Adam Taghreed , Amaral João J F , Gouws Eleanor , Bryce Jennifer , Victora Cesar G
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE: The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness is a strategy designed to address major causes of child mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the strategy on the quality of child health care provided at primary facilities. METHODS: Child health quality of care and costs were compared in four states in Northeastern Brazil, in 2001. There were studied 48 health facilities considered to have had stable strategy implementation at least two years before the start of study, with 48 matched comparison facilities in the same states. A single measure of correct management of sick children was used to assess care provided to all sick children. Costs included all resources at the national, state, local and facility levels associated with child health care. RESULTS: Facilities providing strategy-based care had significantly better management of sick children at no additional cost to municipalities relative to the comparison municipalities. At strategy facilities 72% of children were correctly managed compared with 56% in comparison facilities (p=0.001). The cost per child managed correctly was US$13.20 versus US$21.05 in the strategy and comparison municipalities, respectively, after standardization for population size. CONCLUSIONS: The strategy improves the efficiency of primary facilities in Northeastern Brazil. It leads to better health outcomes at no extra cost.
Fatores associados à atividade física na população portuguesa
Authors: Camões M , Lopes C
Published: March 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar como as características demográficas, sociais e comportamentais se associam a diferentes tipos de atividade física. MÉTODOS: Avaliaram-se 37.692 indivíduos de amostra representativa da população portuguesa, no âmbito do Inquérito Nacional de Saúde, 1998-99. A maioria era constituída por mulheres (53,1%) e idade 20 anos. A avaliação da atividade física diária foi baseada em questionário e classificada como: total, de lazer e exercício. Cada tipo foi dicotomizado em baixa intensidade (atividades leves/moderadas) e alta intensidade (atividades pesadas/muito pesadas). Calcularam-se odds ratios (OR) e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% por regressão logística não condicional. RESULTADOS: Em ambos os sexos, verificou-se associação inversa significativa entre idade e diferentes tipos de atividade física, e entre a obesidade e a atividade de lazer e exercício. A escolaridade (<4; 5-11; 12 anos) associou-se positivamente com a atividade física de lazer (OR 1; 1,58; 2,39 nas mulheres e OR 1; 1,44; 2,08 nos homens) e com o exercício (OR 1; 3,50; 9,77 nas mulheres e OR 1; 3,42; 7,61 nos homens) e de forma inversa com a AF total (OR 1; 0,65; 0,20 nas mulheres e 1; 0,47; 0,09 nos homens). Independentemente da idade, os solteiros eram frequentemente mais ativos. A atividade de lazer associou-se negativamente ao consumo de bebidas alcoólicas para ambos os sexos e nos homens, ao consumo de tabaco. CONCLUSÕES: Os jovens, normoponderais, solteiros, não-bebedores e os homens não-fumadores apresentaram maior probabilidade de serem fisicamente ativos. Em ambos os sexos, observou-se um efeito diferencial da escolaridade segundo os tipos de atividade física.
Universidade como coping para lidar com o trabalho na assistência do mestrando enfermeiro
Authors: Bujdoso Yasmin Lilla Veronica , Cohn Amélia
Published: March 2008

OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação entre os principais indícios de estresse, coping e estressores em mestrandos enfermeiros e o processo de elaboração da dissertação com sua inserção profissional. PROCEDIMENTOS METODOLÓGICOS: Pesquisa exploratória qualitativa de análise temática utilizando entrevistas individuais. A amostra de conveniência consistiu de 18 mestrandos e seis orientadores de uma universidade do Estado de São Paulo, em 2004. ANÁLISE DOS RESULTADOS: Apesar de o curso apresentar momentos estressantes, os mestrandos consideravam o estudo como oportunidade de abandonar a assistência para vir a lecionar. O aspecto mais prazeroso da pós-graduação foi dispor de um ambiente de reflexão das questões profissionais, reforçando a visão do mestrado como fuga e busca de suporte. O mestrado era visto pelo enfermeiro como fórum de legitimação do saber para conquistar o reconhecimento profissional não encontrado na assistência, onde se sentia desprestigiado, emergindo possivelmente deste contexto sua necessidade de "fugir" do hospital. CONCLUSÕES: Para os mestrandos de enfermagem o mestrado era menos estressante que suas atividades profissionais, consistindo em coping de fuga e busca de suporte para lidar com a prática assistencial.
Condutas pós-exposição ocupacional a material biológico na odontologia
Authors: Garcia Leila Posenato , Blank Vera Lúcia Guimarães
Published: March 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a conformidade das condutas pós-exposição ocupacional a material biológico relatadas por cirurgiões-dentistas e auxiliares de consultório dentário com aquelas preconizadas pelas autoridades de saúde do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado inquérito epidemiológico no município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, em 2003. Os participantes (289 cirurgiões-dentistas e 104 auxiliares de consultório dentário) foram selecionados por meio de amostragem probabilística sistemática. Os dados foram coletados utilizando questionários auto-aplicáveis. RESULTADOS: A lavagem do local afetado foi a conduta mais adotada pelos dentistas (98,5%) e auxiliares (89,2%) após sofrerem lesão percutânea. Perguntar a situação sorológica ao paciente-fonte foi mais freqüente entre os dentistas que sofreram lesão percutânea (44,6%) do que entre aqueles que sofreram respingo (14,3%). A realização de quimioprofilaxia, a notificação do acidente e a solicitação de exames para os pacientes foram os procedimentos menos lembrados e adotados. Após sofrerem exposição ocupacional a material biológico, 10,8% dos dentistas e 2,7% dos auxiliares buscaram atendimento médico. CONCLUSÕES: Com base nas recomendações do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, as condutas pós-exposição ocupacional a material biológico na população estudada foram consideradas insuficientes, especialmente entre os auxiliares.
Percepção de risco, atitudes e práticas no uso de agrotóxicos entre agricultores de Culturama, MS
Authors: Recena Maria Celina Piazza , Caldas Eloisa Dutra
Published: March 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção de risco, práticas e atitudes no uso de agrotóxicos por agricultores. PROCEDIMENTOS METODOLÓGICOS: Estudo qualitativo realizado em Culturama, Mato Grosso do Sul, em fevereiro de 2005. Sete grupos focais (N=40), com cinco a sete integrantes cada, discutiram questões relacionadas a agrotóxicos, incluindo a apresentação da embalagem de um inseticida para subsidiar discussão sobre rótulos e bulas. As falas foram gravadas, transcritas e analisadas seguindo o método de análise do discurso. ANÁLISE DOS RESULTADOS: Os agricultores se mostraram cientes dos riscos de exposição direta e indireta ao utilizar agrotóxicos; muitos se mostraram preocupados com a contaminação potencial do meio ambiente. As informações que os agricultores tinham sobre agrotóxicos eram restritas principalmente à dosagem do produto, cuja principal fonte eram os revendedores. Os agricultores reclamaram do tamanho das letras e da linguagem técnica do rótulo e da bula, mas muitos souberam interpretar os pictogramas e o código de cor de toxicidade presentes neles. CONCLUSÕES: Os agricultores nem sempre transformam sua percepção de risco e suas experiências pessoais em atitudes e práticas mais seguras no uso de agrotóxicos, como o uso adequado de equipamentos de proteção individual. Eles sentem-se indefesos diante das situações de risco, principalmente devido aos fatores ambientais não controláveis e à vulnerabilidade econômica. São essenciais programas governamentais de extensão agrícola que enfatizem técnicas alternativas de manejo de pragas e práticas seguras de uso de agrotóxicos, direcionados a essa população.
Clinical Outcomes of a Home‐Based Medication Reconciliation Program After Discharge from a Skilled Nursing Facility
Authors: Delate Thomas , Chester Elizabeth A. , Stubbings Troy W. , Barnes Carol A.
Published: March 2008

Study Objective. To assess the impact of a pilot pharmacist‐managed medication reconciliation program on mortality and use of health care services in patients discharged to home from a skilled nursing facility (SNF).

Design. Quasi‐experimental, controlled trial.

Setting. Health maintenance organization (HMO).

Patients. Five hundred twenty‐one HMO members.

Intervention. Patients were assigned to the medication reconciliation program (113 patients) or to the usual care control group (408 patients) after discharge to home from an SNF. Assignment to the medication reconciliation group or to the control group was based on provider submission of a discharge summary within 0–48 hours of discharge or more than 48 hours after discharge, respectively.

Measurements and Main Results. Integrated electronic medical and pharmacy data and multivariate analyses were used to assess the medication reconciliation program with regard to its impact on postdischarge mortality, rehospitalization, and ambulatory clinic and emergency department visits. Compared with usual care during the 60 days after discharge from the SNF, patients who received the medication reconciliation intervention had an adjusted 78% reduction in the risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06‐0.88) and a trend toward an increased rate of ambulatory care visits (adjusted incidence risk ratio 1.17, 95% CI 0.99‐1.37). No significant differences were noted in adjusted risks of an emergency department visit and rehospitalization (p>0.05) between the medication reconciliation and usual care groups.

Conclusion. Our data support the hypothesis that a formal medication reconciliation process, with its increased coordination of information between health care providers and patients, can decrease mortality after discharge from an SNF. Our findings support the role of medication reconciliation as an integral step in the transitional care process and interests of health care accrediting agencies, such as the Joint Commission, that have included medication reconciliation as an important initiative.
Hemostatic Therapy for the Treatment of Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Liu‐DeRyke Xi , Rhoney Denise
Published: March 2008

Intracranial hemorrhage results in poor neurologic outcomes and high mortality. Current management is limited to supportive care. In addition to the initial bleeding event, rebleeding and hematoma expansion have been identified as major risk factors for poor outcomes in these patients. The antifibrinolytic agents tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid, and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) have been studied with the hopes of achieving early hemostasis and improving outcomes. Available data suggest that tranexamic acid and aminocaproic acid are more harmful than beneficial for this indication; therefore, they have no role in the treatment of intracranial bleeding. Alternatively, rFVIIa, has shown promising results in the management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Clinicians should be aware of the available evidence regarding the use of these hemostatic agents in the management of intracranial hemorrhage, including traumatic brain injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Safety of Statin Therapy in Patients with Preexisting Liver Disease
Authors: Onofrei Mihai Daniel , Butler Kristina L. , Fuke Dawn C. , Miller Heather B.
Published: March 2008

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. In high‐risk patients, statin therapy has become the standard of care. In fact, statins are the most efficacious drugs for decreasing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; they reduce both primary and secondary cardiovascular risk in the general population. However, less is known about the safety of statin use in patients with liver disease. Results from studies of statin therapy in patients with elevated liver enzyme levels, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, liver transplants, and hepatocellular carcinoma show benefit without increased risk of adverse effects. Thus, based on available evidence, statin therapy should not be withheld in this patient population; however, more robust, prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy.