bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exocellular electron transfer in anaerobic microbial communities
Authors: Stams Alfons J. M. , De Bok Frank A. M. , Plugge Caroline M. , Van Eekert Miriam H. A. , Dolfing Jan , Schraa Gosse
Published: February 2006

Exocellular electron transfer plays an important role in anaerobic microbial communities that degrade organic matter. Interspecies hydrogen transfer between microorganisms is the driving force for complete biodegradation in methanogenic environments. Many organic compounds are degraded by obligatory syntrophic consortia of proton‐reducing acetogenic bacteria and hydrogen‐consuming methanogenic archaea. Anaerobic microorganisms that use insoluble electron acceptors for growth, such as iron‐ and manganese‐oxide as well as inert graphite electrodes in microbial fuel cells, also transfer electrons exocellularly. Soluble compounds, like humic substances, quinones, phenazines and riboflavin, can function as exocellular electron mediators enhancing this type of anaerobic respiration. However, direct electron transfer by cell–cell contact is important as well. This review addresses the mechanisms of exocellular electron transfer in anaerobic microbial communities. There are fundamental differences but also similarities between electron transfer to another microorganism or to an insoluble electron acceptor. The physical separation of the electron donor and electron acceptor metabolism allows energy conservation in compounds as methane and hydrogen or as electricity. Furthermore, this separation is essential in the donation or acceptance of electrons in some environmental technological processes, e.g. soil remediation, wastewater purification and corrosion.
Changes in vascular flow after transdermal oestradiol therapy for prostate cancer: a mechanism for cardiovascular toxicity and benefit?
Authors: OCKRIM JEREMY L. , LALANI EL‐NASIR , ASLAM MO , STANDFIELD NIGEL , ABEL PAUL D.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To report the influence of transdermal oestradiol therapy on the vascular dynamics of men with advanced prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (10 each) were treated using transdermal oestradiol patches. The vascular flow was assessed 6‐monthly before and during a year of therapy using arterial and venous Doppler and duplex ultrasonography, arterial and venous photoplethysmography and opto‐electronic plethysmography.

RESULTS

Arterial flow, as measured by the mean and peak systolic velocities and photoplethysmography, significantly increased over time. Arterial compliance initially decreased but had normalized after 12 months. The venous variables were unaffected. As a result, the total limb blood flow and the capillary filtration rate were significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

Transdermal oestradiol therapy causes an increase in arterial but not venous flow, and an initial decrease in arterial compliance, which adapts to the physiological range with time. It is possible that these changes may account for the increase in cardiovascular toxicity seen in the early phase of oestrogen therapy, and the cardioprotective effect that accrues thereafter.
Oral treatment with a vitamin D3 analogue (BXL628) has anti‐inflammatory effects in rodent model of interstitial cystitis
Authors: BENIGNI FABIO , BARONI ENRICO , ZECEVIC MARIJA , ZVARA PETER , STRENG TOMI , HEDLUND PETTER , COLLI ENRICO , D’AMBROSIO DANIELE , ANDERSSON KARL‐ERIK
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a vitamin D3 analogue (BXL628) in a model of chronic cystitis, as calcitriol analogues might be an interesting new therapeutic option for interstitial cystitis, for although the cause of the disease remains unclear, the increase in mast cells in the mucosa and detrusor muscle are significant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We devised a mouse model of allergen‐induced allergic cystitis that is associated with the up‐regulation of genes for interleukin‐13, FcɛRIα and mast cells‐derived proteases, a massive inflammatory reaction in the bladder tissue, and augmented levels of mast cell‐derived protease 1 (MMCP1) detected in mouse sera.

RESULTS

Oral administration of BXL628 significantly reduced the expression of interleukin‐13, FcɛRIα and MMCP1 in the bladder. Furthermore, histological analysis showed a decrease in oedema and leukocyte infiltration in the bladder wall. BXL628 treatment reduced serum MMCP1 levels, indicating an effect on mast cell degranulation in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D3 analogues may successfully be used as anti‐inflammatory agents in allergen‐mediated inflammatory reactions. Moreover, the modulatory effect shown on mast cell activation by the BXL628 analogue strongly supports its potential therapeutic use in a possibly mast cell‐dependent disease such as human interstitial cystitis.
A modified sigma‐rectum pouch (Mainz pouch II) technique: analysis of outcomes and complications on 220 patients
Authors: HADZI‐DJOKIC JOVAN B. , BASIC DRAGOSLAV T.
Published: February 2006

The Mainz II pouch was introduced as an acceptable alternative type of urinary diversion, and has become widely recognised as such. The one paper in this section describes the use of this technique, using a modification described by the authors, in 220 patients with a median follow‐up of 21 months.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified technique for a sigma‐rectum pouch (Mainz pouch II).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between October 1994 and March 2003, a modified Mainz pouch II was constructed in 220 patients (153 men and 67 women, mean age 56.7 years) in a multicentre prospective study. The median follow‐up (177 patients, 81%) was 21 (1–84) months.

RESULTS

There were no peri‐operative deaths; there were early complications in 24 patients, including prolonged ileus in six, pyelonephritis in 17, unilateral ureterohydronephrosis in 11, bilateral ureterohydronephrosis in two, and incipient renal failure in five. Late complications included ureteric implantation‐site stenosis (unilateral in eight patients and bilateral in three). In all, 92 patients (52%) needed oral alkalizing medications and potassium supplementation because of hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis. All but three patients (99%) were continent by day and at night. The mean (sd) voiding frequency was 4.2 (1.6) voids by day and 2.1 (0.5) at night.

CONCLUSION

The Mainz pouch II is a simple and reproducible surgical technique, with good results in terms of mortality, morbidity, continence and overall quality of life. The main limitation is malignant transformation of the uretero‐intestinal anastomosis. For selected cases, the technique is a good alternative to other types of continent urinary diversion.
An adjustable male sling for treating urinary incontinence after prostatectomy: a phase III multicentre trial
Authors: ROMANO SALOMON V. , METREBIAN SERGIO E. , VAZ FERNANDO , MULLER VALTER , D’ANCONA CARLOS A. , COSTA DE SOUZA EUGENIO A. , NAKAMURA FABIO
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new adjustable bulbourethral sling (Argus®, Promedon SA, Cordoba, Argentina) in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostate surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 48 patients with SUI because of prostatic surgery for prostate cancer (39) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (nine) had a new sling implanted in a multicentre trial at six institutions between April 2003 and September 2004. All patients were fully evaluated, including a questionnaire (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form, ICIQ‐SF, range 0–21), endoscopy, and urodynamic evaluation. The Argus system comprises a 4.2 × 2.6 × 0.9 cm thick silicone foam pad for soft bulbar urethral compression. The pad is attached to the silicone cone columns that, after being passed with needles from the perineum to the abdominal wall, are adjusted with silicone washers to regulate and keep the desired tension against the urethra. The pad and washers are radio‐opaque, which allows their position to be assessed during follow‐up. The surgical technique was one described previously, with some modifications.

RESULTS

At a mean (range) follow‐up of 7.5 (1–17.5) months, 35 (73%) of the 48 patients were dry, five (10%) were improved, and eight (17%) were incontinent, including four (8%) who needed sling adjustment. The mean (range) ICIQ‐SF improved from 19.2 (12–21) to 4 (0–21). There were three (6%) urethral perforations during surgery that were resolved by re‐passing the needle. The sling was removed in three men (6%) due to erosion and in two (4%) due to infection. Seven (15%) cases of acute urinary retention resolved spontaneously, except for one that needed the sling loosening. No cases of chronic retention were reported. There was perineal discomfort and mild dysuria soon after surgery that resolved spontaneously after a few weeks.

CONCLUSION

This new adjustable male sling safely and effectively controls sphincter incontinence in men after prostate surgery, with an acceptably low complication rate. The early results are encouraging; the Argus is a valid alternative to the artificial urinary sphincter, the standard therapy for this condition.
Y‐type urethral duplication in the male
Authors: HALEBLIAN GEORGE , KRAKLAU DAVID , WILCOX DUNCAN , DUFFY PATRICK , RANSLEY PHILIP , MUSHTAQ IMRAN
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To present a single series of Y‐type duplication with an analysis of the presenting features, the management and outcome, as complete Y‐type urethral duplication in the male is a rare congenital anomaly that presents many challenges.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patient charts, identifying those with urethral duplication, and then those with complete Y‐type duplication. The age at presentation, investigations, management and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 49 patients with a diagnosis of urethral duplication, 13 had the complete Y‐type. Three were lost to follow‐up and were therefore excluded from the study. The median (range) age at presentation was 2 months (birth to 10 years). All patients had other comorbidities, with anorectal malformations in seven, renal agenesis in four, sacral agenesis/partial agenesis in two, and unilateral/bilateral cryptorchidism in four. Presenting features included passage of urine perineally or rectally in seven, and dribbling from the orthotopic urethral meatus in one. The diagnosis was confirmed by micturating cysto‐urethrography. A mean of 14 procedures was required to achieve a final complete repair, and included urethral reconstruction, repair of fistulae, urethral dilatation, and evaluative cystoscopy. Excluding cystoscopy and urethral dilatation, a mean (range) of 3 (1–5) reconstructive procedures was required in each patient. The median follow‐up was 8 years. Five boys developed urethral strictures and one developed multiple fistulae. The best outcomes were in boys who had a staged urethral reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Due to the strong association with other congenital anomalies we recommend that all patients should be evaluated thoroughly, including a detailed physical examination, renal tract ultrasonography and spinal radiography. Surgical management remains a significant challenge, requiring many procedures with unpredictable outcomes, the goals of which should be to maintain continence and reconstruct the urethra with good cosmesis. The optimum management scheme must be individualized in this rare condition.
Time to onset of improvement in symptoms of overactive bladder using antimuscarinic treatment
Authors: RUDY DELBERT , CLINE KEVIN , HARRIS RICHARD , GOLDBERG KENNETH , DMOCHOWSKI ROGER
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the time to onset of statistically significant and clinically meaningful effects of trospium chloride in patients with an overactive bladder (OAB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from a recent Phase III clinical study of trospium chloride were obtained, in which 658 patients with OAB were randomized (1 : 1) to placebo or trospium chloride 20 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Original study safety endpoints consisting of adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms, and laboratory changes were collected, while original efficacy endpoints included number of toilet voids/day, urgency severity per toilet void, urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and volume voided per toilet void at weeks 1, 4, and 12. Results were also analysed using the OAB Symptom Composite Score (OAB‐SCS). The efficacy analysis focused on changes from baseline in these endpoints from 1 to 7 days of treatment to establish the earliest point at which there was statistical significance or clinical efficacy.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant improvements in efficacy over placebo in endpoints (toilet voids, urgency severity/void, UUI episodes, OAB‐SCS) within a few days of treatment, with improvements in symptoms continuing to 7 days of treatment. There were clinically meaningful improvements in most endpoints by the end of the first week.

CONCLUSIONS

The time to onset of the clinical effect should be studied more extensively to identify when patients might expect a clinically meaningful improvement in their OAB‐related symptoms.
Organizational Identity and Place: A Discursive Exploration of Hegemony and Resistance
Authors: Brown Andrew D. , Humphreys Michael
Published: February 2006

abstract  This paper analyses how three distinct cohorts of workers in a recently merged UK‐based College of Further Education understood their group and their organization's identities. We focus in particular, but not exclusively on how the groups’ shared understandings of ‘place’ informed their identity accounts. Identities are theorized as being constituted within discursive regimes, and place treated as a discursive resource on which individuals and groups may draw in their attempts to author versions of their selves. In our case, understandings of place were also a resource on which some people drew in nostalgic reminiscence, and others used to fantasize about their preferred futures for the college. Framed by our intention to identify plurivocal native interpretations of place and identity in ways that promote the reading of polysemy back into case research, the contribution this paper makes is threefold. First, it adds to efforts to theorize organizations and identities as unstable social constructions constituted through acts of languaging. Second, it illustrates how different groups of local actors with distinct histories and value preferences may draw on their place of work in order to author contrasting versions of their organization's identity. Finally, our paper analyses the attempts made by senior managers and groups of other staff to define their organization in particular ways, as hegemonic ‘moves’ in an ongoing struggle for control over the organization as a discursive space.
Cultural Readjustment After Crisis: Regulation and Learning from Crisis Within the UK Soccer Industry*
Authors: Elliott Dominic , Smith Denis
Published: February 2006

abstract  Challenging Turner's (1976, 1978) implicit assumption that cultural readjustment typically follows a crisis, this paper examines the evolution of the regulation of safety management within the UK soccer industry since 1946. Employing a longitudinal case study approach, the industry's response to four crises is examined. This study explores the industry's response to changes in the regulatory framework, through the lens of Gouldner's (1954) patterns of industrial bureaucracy and institutional theory. The persistence of indulgent and mock patterns of behaviour, following a series of disasters, challenges Turner's implicit assumption. Although a move towards a punitive approach to regulatory behaviour effected some changes, there was limited evidence of cultural readjustment due in part to a ‘mindset of invulnerability’ (Wicks, 2001). This included the fixed belief that hooligan behaviour was the primary problem facing the industry. Our findings suggest that more participative forms of regulation encourage more effective learning from crisis because they challenge core organizational and individual assumptions.
Unravelling the HRM–Performance Link: Value‐Creating and Cost‐Increasing Effects of Small Business HRM*
Authors: Sels Luc , De Winne Sophie , Maes Johan , Delmotte Jeroen , Faems Dries , Forrier Anneleen
Published: February 2006

abstract  The majority of empirical studies on the HRM–performance link report a positive story. The costs associated with the productivity rise due to high performance work practices (HPWP) have been largely neglected. The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework that maps both the value‐enhancing and cost‐raising impact of HPWP. In addition, we want to pronounce upon their overall effect on financial performance. To test our model, we rely on a sample of small businesses. Understanding both performance and cost‐related effects of the implementation of HPWP is particularly valuable for small businesses since they often lack financial resources to implement HPWP and benefit less from economies of scale compared to their larger counterparts. Study results indicate that although greater use of HPWP is associated with increased productivity, this effect is offset by increased labour costs. However, we find an overall positive effect of HPWP on firm profitability.
Biotechnology in the Japanese media: Comparative analysis of newspaper articles on genetic engineering in Japan and Europe
Authors: Hibino Aiko , Nagata Motohiko
Published: February 2006

The present study examined how the representations of biotechnology using genetic engineering have been developed in Japan relying on media analysis. Specifically, using the online database of the Asahi Shimbun, one of the major opinion‐forming newspapers in Japan, the annual numbers of articles concerning biotechnology were tallied from 1985 to 2000, and an analysis was conducted of the content of 850 articles from 10 particular years. Specifically, a framework in which a biotechnological issue was presented was focused on; the changes of dominant frames and the relationships between frames and specific biotechnological applications (e.g. medicine, agrifood and cloning) were investigated. The results showed that: (i) the number of articles increased sharply in particular since 1996–1997; (ii) although general attitudes toward biotechnology were persistently positive, a frame of biotechnological article became more diverse (i.e. the prospect frames were considerably dominant in the earlier phases, but the concern frames also became prominent in the later phases); and (iii) several articles were found which reported cloned animals in a frame of emotional attachment, a frame unique to Japan. These results were compared with those of European countries and discussed from a perspective of the theory of collective symbolic coping.
Going beyond self‐esteem to predict life satisfaction: The Chinese case
Authors: Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Cheung Fanny M. , Bond Michael Harris , Leung Jin‐Pang
Published: February 2006

The present study examined three fundamental components contributing to life satisfaction among Chinese college students − who you are, how you conceive of yourself, and how you understand the world in which you function. To account for life satisfaction beyond self‐esteem, we used two comprehensive measures of personality and social beliefs that have recently established their cross‐cultural applicability: the Cross‐Cultural Personality Assessment Inventory and the Social Axioms Survey. It was found that the personality variables tapping interpersonal relationship and social axioms tapping perceptions of social contexts were significantly related to life satisfaction over and above its relationship to self‐esteem. These and other constructs were discussed as emic and possibly pancultural contributors to subjective well‐being.
Individual‐oriented and socially oriented cultural conceptions of subjective well‐being: Conceptual analysis and scale development
Authors: Lu Luo , Gilmour Robin
Published: February 2006

Adopting a ‘cross‐cultural indigenous approach’ (CCI), we attempted a conceptual analysis of cultural conceptions of SWB in terms of individual‐oriented SWB (ISWB) and socially oriented SWB (SSWB) views. Also incorporating findings from our previous qualitative studies, a culturally balanced and fair measurement, The Individual‐oriented and Socially oriented cultural conceptions of SWB Scales (ISSWB) was developed and evaluated in two studies involving Chinese and American participants. The 51‐item version of the new measure showed good internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability, convergent and discriminant validity. Further analysis showed that the Chinese possessed stronger SSWB than the Americans, while the Americans possessed stronger ISWB than the Chinese. There were also intracultural differences among the Chinese people. Overall, the studies showed the utility of ISSWB scales for future studies.
FREE WILL AND THE SOFT CONSTRAINTS OF REASON
Authors: Costa Claudio F.
Published: February 2006

This paper provides a new compatibilist definition of free will, which is an elaboration of the classic compatibilist view of free will as absence of restriction, with the help of the causal theory of action and some special categories. This new definition enables us to neutralize a very wide range of counterexamples in a systematic and compelling way, including those left unanswered by hierarchical definitions.1
Tests in a Case–control Design Including Relatives
Authors: BIEDERMANN STEFANIE , NAGEL EVA , MUNK AXEL , HOLZMANN HAJO , STELAND ANSGAR
Published: February 2006

Abstract.  We present a new approach to handle dependencies within the general framework of case–control designs, illustrating our approach by a particular application from the field of genetic epidemiology. The method is derived for parent–offspring trios, which will later be relaxed to more general family structures. For applications in genetic epidemiology we consider tests on equality of allele frequencies among cases and controls utilizing well‐known risk measures to test for independence of phenotype and genotype at the observed locus. These test statistics are derived as functions of the entries in the associated contingency table containing the numbers of the alleles under consideration in the case and the control group. We find the joint asymptotic distribution of these entries, which enables us to derive critical values for any test constructed on this basis. A simulation study reveals the finite sample behaviour of our test statistics.
Adding insult to injury: workplace injury in English professional football
Authors: Roderick Martin
Published: February 2006

Sociologists studying the topic of workplace injury have neglected professional athletes despite the fact that, for such employees, remaining ‘active’ at work is of paramount importance. This study involved semi‐structured interviews with 47 current and former male professional footballers who all had careers in the English professional football leagues. The interviews focused on the players’ experiences of injury and rehabilitation and their relationships with club managers, physiotherapists and doctors. The object of this empirical article concerns an examination of how professional footballers become, or perceive themselves as being, stigmatised when they are injured or in pain. For players, the social conditions of work, for example the internal competition for places, all have implications with respect to their presentation of self when they are claiming to be injured or in pain. The often conflict‐ridden relations between players and managers, combined with a culture that normalises pain and injury, means that players often find themselves in health‐compromising situations. Thus, examining this highly physical vocation provides an opportunity to add to the literature in which injury at work is socially produced through interpretive social interaction.
Rethinking Cooling Out at Public Community Colleges: An Examination of Fiscal and Demographic Trends in Higher Education and the Rise of Statewide Articulation Agreements
Authors: Anderson Gregory M. , Alfonso Mariana , Sun Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2006

Recent data indicate that a large proportion of students entering community colleges are identifying terminal certificate or occupational associate degrees instead of academic majors or transfer as their short-term goal. Despite this, throughout much of the 1980s and 1990s, states established articulation agreements as policy instruments to enhance the transfer of students from public 2-year institutions to 4-year institutions. This conundrum raises an interesting two-part question: In the absence of a significant increase in the demand for transfer by community colleges entrants, why have states enacted these agreements, and what potential impacts may arise from these legislative trends? Applying the state relative autonomy theory, we contend that the rise of articulation agreements constitutes a new state strategy to cope with the stagnation of higher education appropriations, the spiraling costs of tuition, and an excess demand for affordable higher education.
Beyond the Head of Year
Authors: LODGE CAROLINE
Published: February 2006

This paper explores current tensions in the role of the Head of Year in the light of recent changes in schools' contexts. Three broad themes are explored to consider the implications for the role of the Head of Year: a sustained and sharper emphasis on improving the attainment or performance of young people, a change to some of the deeper structures of the school, and the changing relationship of the school to the community. This is discussed using the example of five schools that worked together to explore the role so that it more closely served their purposes, a group that met to discuss what lies ‘beyond the Head of Year’.
Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α modulation of the excitability of rat substantia nigra dopaminergic neurones: presynaptic mechanisms
Authors: Guyon A. , Skrzydelsi D. , Rovère C. , Rostène W. , Parsadaniantz S. Mélik , Nahon J. L.
Published: February 2006

In rat substantia nigra (SN), Chemokine (CXC motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) for the chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor (SDF)‐1α is expressed on dopaminergic (DA) neurones, but also on non‐DA cells, suggesting presynaptic actions. Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in DA neurones of rat SN slices at a holding potential of −60 mV, we showed here that SDF‐1α exerts multiple presynaptic effects. First, SDF‐1α (10 nm) induced an increase in the frequency of spontaneous and miniature GABAA postsynaptic currents by presynaptic mechanisms, consistent with the presence of CXCR4 on GABAergic neurones of the SN, as revealed by immunocytochemistry. Second, SDF‐1α (0.1–1 nm) induced a glutamatergic inward current resistant to tetrodotoxin (TTX), most probably the result of glutamate release from non‐neuronal cells. This inward current was not blocked by the CXCR4 antagonist AMD 3100 (1 µm), consistent with the lack of CXCR4 on astrocytes as shown by immunocytochemistry under basal conditions. Finally, SDF‐1α (10 nm) induced, via CXCR4, an outward G protein‐activated inward rectifier (GIRK) current, which was TTX sensitive and prevented by application of the GABAB antagonist CGP55845A, suggesting GABA spillover on to GABAB receptors. Our results show that SDF‐1α induces, via presynaptic mechanisms, alterations in the excitability of DA neurones as confirmed by current‐clamp experiments.
Patient‐derived dendritic cells transduced with an a‐fetoprotein‐encoding adenovirus and co‐cultured with autologous cytokine‐induced lymphocytes induce a specific and strong immune response against hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: González‐Carmona Maria A. , Märten Angela , Hoffmann Per , Schneider Carlo , Sievers Elisabeth , Schmidt‐Wolf Ingo G. H. , Sauerbruch Tilman , Caselmann Wolfgang H.
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: Breaking immunologic tolerance towards the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐associated α‐fetoprotein (AFP) antigen is possible. The use of this potential for the treatment of immunocompromised HCC patients is limited. In this study, we analyzed whether dendritic cells (DCs) from HCC patients transduced with a human AFP (hAFP)‐expressing adenovirus and co‐cultured with cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells can induce a strong specific immune response against HCC‐cells.

Methods: An hAFP‐encoding adenovirus (Ad‐hAFP) was generated. DCs from healthy donors or patients were transduced at a very high efficacy. Afterwards, DCs were co‐cultured with autologous CIK‐cells, and their ability to lyse HCC‐cells was analyzed.

Results: AFP‐transduced DCs stimulated CIK cells strongly to lyse about 70% of AFP‐expressing HCC cells. Cytotoxicity was significantly higher when lymphocytes were co‐cultured with Ad‐hAFP‐transduced DCs than with Ad‐mock‐transduced DCs, indicating an AFP‐specific immune response. More interestingly, CIK cells from patients with AFP‐positive HCC could be stimulated to lyse AFP‐expressing HCC cells as effectively as CIK cells from healthy individuals and stronger than CIK cells from patients without AFP‐expressing HCC.

Conclusions: The data demonstrate that patient‐derived DCs that were transduced with an AFP‐expressing adenovirus and co‐cultured with autologous CIK cells induce an AFP‐specific, strong immune response against HCC cells. Therefore, this approach may have a potential for an adoptive and/or DC‐based immunotherapy for HCC patients.
Consensus interferon and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C and failure of previous interferon‐α therapy
Authors: Böcher Wulf O. , Schuchmann Marcus , Link Ralph , Hillenbrand Heribert , Rahman Fareed , Sprinzl Martin , Mudter Jonas , Löhr Hanns F. , Galle Peter R.
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background: The efficacy of consensus interferon (CIFN), a synthetic IFN with optimised in vitro activity, was assessed in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who had failed the pretreatment with interferon‐α (IFNα) and ribavirin.

Methods: One hundred and three patients after non‐response (n=69) or relapse (n=34) to IFNα+/−ribavirin were randomly assigned to high‐dose induction (CIFN 27→9 μg daily for 24 weeks, 9 μg t.i.w. for 24 weeks) or low‐dose treatment (CIFN 18 μg t.i.w. for 12 weeks, 9 μg t.i.w. for 36 weeks); each with ribavirin 800 mg/day. Follow‐up was 24 weeks.

Results: Non‐responder patients treated with high‐dose induction had higher early virological response rates (63% vs. 39%, P<0.05). This initial positive effect was lost during the last 24 weeks of treatment yielding sustained virological response (SVR) rates of 26% in both groups. Relapse patients revealed SVR in 70% and 38% in groups A and B (NS). Treatment was well tolerated with side effect‐related preterm discontinuations in 8% and 5%.

Conclusions: CIFN and ribavirin treatment induced considerable SVR rates in patients with non‐response or relapse to IFNα+/−ribavirin. Viral elimination rates might be further increased by continuous daily administration of CIFN and weight‐adjusted ribavirin dosing.
Isolation of Health Services Research from Practice and Policy: The Example of Chronic Heart Failure Management
Authors: Seow Hsien , Phillips Christopher O. , Rich Michael W. , Spertus John A. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Lynn Joanne
Published: February 2006

This study examined how health services research connects with practice and policy, first by investigating whether successful research projects continued in their test settings and engendered replication and then by examining whether a coherent body of research helped shape public policy. Chronic heart failure (CHF) was studied because randomized, controlled trials of posthospital CHF disease management have repeatedly demonstrated patient benefits and reduced costs, yet this practice has not become standard in the United States.

Literature review produced 30 randomized, controlled trials of multidisciplinary outpatient CHF management, generally yielding improved patient outcomes. An e‐mail survey of first authors (97% response rate) showed that practices proven to be effective in U.S. studies generally did not continue or expand (13 of 15 studies), mostly attributed to financial constraints (11 of 13), whereas similar projects in other countries often became permanent (7 of 13). U.S. respondents generally rated current quality of clinical care as good, whereas those elsewhere mostly rated it as excellent. Recent Medicare reforms implemented a model of CHF management substantially different from those studied in health services research. The Congressional hearings leading to these Medicare reforms, and the statute itself, mostly evidence the model used by commercial disease‐management firms.

Policy‐makers, health service researchers, and funding agencies could develop more‐effective methods for translating proven models of healthcare delivery into routine practice. Reforms that might improve the effectiveness of the linkages between research, policy, and practice are suggested.
Poor Sleep Is Associated with Higher Plasma Proinflammatory Cytokine Interleukin‐6 and Procoagulant Marker Fibrin D‐Dimer in Older Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: von Känel Roland , Dimsdale Joel E. , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Mills Paul J. , Patterson Thomas L. , McKibbin Christine L. , Archuleta Christopher , Grant Igor
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether objective measures of sleep correlate with plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐6 and the procoagulant marker fibrin D‐dimer in caregivers of patients with dementia.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: Subjects' homes.

PARTICIPANTS: Sixty‐four community‐dwelling spousal caregivers (69% women, mean age±standard deviation 72±9) and 36 sex‐matched noncaregiving controls.

MEASUREMENTS: All participants underwent in‐home full‐night polysomnography. Demographic and lifestyle factors, depression, diseases, and medication that could affect inflammation, coagulation, and sleep were controlled for in analyses regressing sleep variables and caregiver status and their interaction on plasma levels of IL‐6 and D‐dimer.

RESULTS: Caregivers had higher levels of D‐dimer (781±591 vs 463±214 ng/mL, P=.001) and IL‐6 (1.42±1.52 vs 0.99±0.86 pg/mL, P<.06) and lower levels of total sleep time (369±70 vs 393±51 minutes, P=.049) and sleep efficiency (77±11 vs 82±9%, P=.04) than controls. After controlling for age and body mass index, longer wake time after sleep onset (change in coefficient of determination (ΔR2)=0.039, P=.04) and the interaction between caregiver status and higher apnea–hypopnea index (ΔR2=0.054, P=.01) were predictors of IL‐6. Controlling for age, caregiver status independently predicted D‐dimer levels (ΔR2=0.047, P=.01). Controlling for age and caregiver status, lower sleep efficiency (ΔR2=0.032, P=.03) and the interaction between caregiver status and more Stage 2 sleep (ΔR2=0.037, P=.02) independently predicted plasma D‐dimer levels.

CONCLUSION: Poor sleep was associated with higher plasma IL‐6 and D‐dimer levels. These effects were most pronounced in caregivers of subjects with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a mechanism that may explain how disturbed sleep might be associated downstream with cardiovascular risk, particularly in older people under chronic stress.
Use of Capecitabine After Renal Allograft Transplantation in Dog Erythrocyte Antigen‐Matched Dogs
Authors: SCHMIEDT CHAD , PENZO CHIARA , SCHWAB MICHELLE , DUBIELZIG RICHARD , McANULTY JONATHAN
Published: February 2006

Objectives— To investigate the use of a capecitabine (CAP)‐based regimen after renal transplantation in dogs.

Study Design— Prospective, pilot study.

Animals— Healthy, unrelated, dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA)‐matched, adult beagles.

Method— Standard heterotopic renal transplantation with native nephrectomy was performed in 7 dogs. Dogs received oral, twice daily, CAP (250 mg/m2), cyclosporine‐A (CsA) (4 mg/kg), ketoconazole (5 mg/kg), and prednisolone (0.25 mg/kg). After 90 days the surviving dogs were euthanatized and complete necropsy was performed.

Results— Seven transplants were performed. All dogs survived surgery. Six dogs had acute neurotoxicity, which resulted in death or euthanasia of 2 dogs within 2 days of surgery. In the remaining dogs, toxicity resolved rapidly with cessation of drug administration. Thereafter, modification of the regimen minimized toxicity. The 5 remaining dogs survived to study end; 4 dogs had no evidence of graft rejection. Necropsy examination was mostly unremarkable in all dogs. There were no major changes in CBC or biochemical values, except for a significant increase in serum calcium.

Conclusions— CAP appeared well tolerated in most dogs. Toxicity occurred but abated with modification of the drug regimen. Efficacy for postoperative immunosuppression cannot be determined by this study, although results are promising.

Clinical Relevance— CAP‐CsA‐prednisolone is an effective, oral immunosuppressive regimen for prevention of acute allograft rejection in DEA‐matched beagles. Further studies on dose, toxicity, and efficacy compared with current immunosuppressive regimens are needed before use in clinical practice.
Renal Allograft Histopathology in Dog Leukocyte Antigen Mismatched Dogs After Renal Transplantation
Authors: BROADDUS KRISTYN D. , TILLSON D. MICHAEL , LENZ STEPHEN D. , NIEMEYER GLENN P. , BRAWNER WILLIAM R. , WELCH JANET A. , LOTHROP CLINTON D.
Published: February 2006

Objective— To evaluate allograft histopathology in dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)‐mismatched dogs undergoing renal transplantation, with transient immunosuppression.

Study Design— Prospective study.

Animals— Ten healthy adult mongrel dogs.

Methods— Reciprocal renal transplantation and bilateral nephrectomy were performed. Immune conditioning consisted of nonmyeloablative (200 cGy), total body irradiation (TBI), bone marrow transplantation (BMT; 7 dogs), cyclosporine (CSA; 15 mg/kg every 12 hours), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; 10 mg/kg every 12 hours) and intermittent prednisone (1 mg/kg every 12–24 hours). Biopsies were collected at transplantation, during full immunosuppression (44–90 days), and once medications were reduced or discontinued (228–580 days). Biopsies were evaluated for interstitial, tubular, vascular, and glomerular lesions. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum CSA concentrations, and clinical score were determined at each biopsy.

Results— Seven dogs survived >200 days (mean, 380 days). Transient CSA toxicity was suspected in 6 dogs. Lymphocytic, plasmacytic interstitial inflammation, and tubulitis progressed when immunosuppressive medications were decreased. All 7 dogs had histologic lesions consistent with some degree of allograft rejection at study end.

Conclusion— Nonmyeloablative TBI, BMT, and short‐term immunosuppression with CSA, MMF, and prednisone allowed renal allograft function and dog survival for >200 days. It appears unlikely that total drug withdrawal will be possible in unrelated DLA‐mismatched dogs using this protocol.

Clinical Relevance— Transient immunosuppression with MMF, CSA, and prednisone along with BMT and nonmyeloablative TBI may make kidney transplantation a clinical reality for treatment of kidney failure in dogs. Initiating both MMF and CSA at lower dosages may potentially eliminate early renal allograft injury.
Making a Rational Choice Between Ovariectomy and Ovariohysterectomy in the Dog: A Discussion of the Benefits of Either Technique
Authors: VAN GOETHEM BART , SCHAEFERS‐OKKENS AUKE , KIRPENSTEIJN JOLLE
Published: February 2006

Objective—To determine if ovariectomy (OVE) is a safe alternative to ovariohysterectomy (OVH) for canine gonadectomy.

Study Design—Literature review.

Methods—An on‐line bibliographic search in MEDLINE and PubMed was performed in December 2004, covering the period 1969–2004. Relevant studies were compared and evaluated with regard to study design, surgical technique, and both short‐term and long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions—OVH is technically more complicated, time consuming, and is probably associated with greater morbidity (larger incision, more intraoperative trauma, increased discomfort) compared with OVE. No significant differences between techniques were observed for incidence of long‐term urogenital problems, including endometritis/pyometra and urinary incontinence, making OVE the preferred method of gonadectomy in the healthy bitch.

Clinical Relevance—Canine OVE can replace OVH as the procedure of choice for routine neutering of healthy female dogs.
TIBIAL NERVE SOMATOSENSORY EVOKED POTENTIALS IN DOGS WITH DEGENERATIVE LUMBOSACRAL STENOSIS
Authors: MEIJ BJÖRN P. , SUWANKONG NIYADA , VAN DEN BROM WALTER E. , VENKER‐VAN HAAGEN ANJOP J. , HAZEWINKEL HERMAN A.W.
Published: February 2006

Objective—To determine somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS) and in healthy dogs.

Study Design—Clinical and experimental study.

Animals—Dogs with DLS (n=21) and 11 clinically normal dogs, age, and weight matched.

Methods—Under anesthesia, the tibial nerve was stimulated at the caudolateral aspect of the stifle, and lumbar SEP (LSEP) were recorded percutaneously from S1 to T13 at each interspinous space. Cortical SEP (CSEP) were recorded from the scalp.

Results—LSEP were identified as the N1–P1 (latency 3–6 ms) and N2–P2 (latency 7–13 ms) wave complexes in the recordings of dogs with DLS and control dogs. Latency of N1–P1 increased and that of N2–P2 decreased as the active recording electrode was moved cranially from S1 to T13. Compared with controls, latencies were significantly delayed in DLS dogs: .8 ms for N1–P1 and 1.7 ms for the N2–P2 complex. CSEP were not different between groups.

Conclusions—Surface needle recording of tibial nerve SEP can be used to monitor somatosensory nerve function of pelvic limbs in dogs. In dogs with DLS, the latency of LSEP, but not of CSEP, is prolonged compared with normal dogs.

Clinical Relevance—In dogs with lumbosacral pain from DLS, the cauda equina compression is sufficient to affect LSEP at the lumbar level.
What is Peace Psychology the Psychology of?
Authors: Christie Daniel J.
Published: February 2006

Peace psychology emerged as a distinct area of research and practice during the Cold War, when the preeminent concern was the prevention of nuclear war. Now global in scope, the focal concerns of peace psychologists are nuanced by geohistorical contexts and the distinction between episodic violence and structural violence, the latter of which also kills people, albeit slowly through the deprivation of basic need satisfaction. Accordingly, the focal concerns of contributors to this issue vary depending on geohistorical context: some being primarily concerned with patterns of behavior and cognition involved in the prevention of violent episodes and others with the amelioration of structural violence. A systems perspective is used as a framework for integrating episodes and structures of violence and peace. Articles emphasizing “systemic violence” demonstrate the interplay between structures and episodes of violence. Articles on “systemic peacebuilding” examine intergroup contact, the nonviolent management of conflict, and movement toward socially just structures, thereby yielding an increase in cooperative and equitable relationships across levels, from interpersonal to intergroup.
Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Other Australians: The “Stolen Generations”
Authors: Bretherton Di , Mellor David
Published: February 2006

The current study presents an overview and content analysis of the “Stolen Generations” inquiry as an example of how structural violence, grounded in the geohistorical context of the invasion of Australia by Europeans, plays itself out in the relationship between Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal Australians. The inquiry, based on testimony received from 777 people and organizations, documented the impact of the government policy, from 1910 to 1970, of removing Aboriginal children of mixed heritage from their families. The consequences of these forced separations are examined and the implications of the inquiry are considered. We critically reflect on the role psychology has played in the past, and suggest roles for peace psychology, particularly in view of theoretical questions related to reconciliation processes.
Psychosocial Assistance for Youth: Toward Reconstruction for Peace in Angola
Authors: Wessells Michael , Monteiro Carlinda
Published: February 2006

Following decades of war, Angolan youth are at risk of continuing cycles of violence and need support in developing positive behaviors and social roles. Accordingly, a community‐based program, conducted in Angola 1998–2001, taught youth life skills, provided peer support and peace education, educated adults about youth, and engaged youth as workers on community development projects. The main results included increased adult awareness of the situation and needs of youth, improved youth‐adult relations, reduced perceptions of youth as troublemakers, reduced fighting between youth, increased community planning, and increased perceptions that youth make a positive contribution to the community. The results suggest that a dual focus on youth and community development contributes to peacebuilding and the disruption of cycles of violence.
Peacebuilding as a Gendered Process
Authors: De La Rey Cheryl , McKay Susan
Published: February 2006

Peacebuilding is frequently viewed in terms of post‐conflict societal reconstruction without consideration of cultural context and gender. Using a feminist participatory methodology, this study investigated South African women's understandings of peacebuilding and how these are mediated by gender and context. Sixteen women engaged in dialogue over 2 days. Thematic analysis of the recorded dialogue provided insight into how the 16 South African women leaders understand their efforts to build a more peaceful society. The findings pointed to gender‐ and context‐specific aspects of peacebuilding. Most of participants' peacebuilding activities occurred outside of the aegis of national governmental institutions and their peacebuilding priorities focused less upon structural rebuilding and more on processes, people, and relationships. One of the important priorities was the prevention of violence toward women. Whether these findings are gender‐specific and contextually unique are topics for future research.
New Labour's Escape from Class Politics
Authors: Cronin James E.
Published: February 2006

The connection between trade unions and parties of the left is traditionally close across Europe. In Britain the link is more than close: it is intimate, defining, and constitutive of what the Labour Party is and has been since its inception. This link allowed the party to survive during bad times and helped it to govern during good times, but during the 1970s it became less helpful, as policies backed by the unions not only failed to work but were also repudiated by union members themselves in what came to be known as the "winter of discontent" in 1979. New Labour was therefore built on the understanding that its past connection to the unions, and hence to a particular sort of "class politics," needed to be rethought and renegotiated. It is the new defining feature of the Labour Party.