bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial commentary: migration, a paradox of American human drama
Authors: Shrestha Nanda R.
Published: March 2003

Nowhere is the human drama of migration greater than in the grand theatre of America, a land of migrants from all corners of the world. But the migration current that America is experiencing today is vastly different than the one a century ago. With migrants of colour dominating the new waves of human flows, America is undergoing a visible transformation of its demographic landscape. In other words, the “whiteness” that once was the predominant feature of this landscape has turned into a rainbow of colours. Consequently, the running immigration debate in the country has gone beyond the realm of economic costs and benefits of foreign migration. It has become – explicitly as well as implicitly – racialised, as it is increasingly centered on racial and ethnic demographic shifts caused by growing migration. What lies at the core of this debate is the age‐old and most haunting question of the American paradox, the question of ‘Who is “American”?’ This is a painful question that few migrants of colour can avoid whether their migration to America fails them or bestows them with great success, however defined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cholesterol paradox: Is high total or low HDL cholesterol level a risk for Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Michikawa Makoto
Published: March 2003

Cholesterol is an essential component of membranes for maintaining their structure and functions. The discovery that possession of apolipoprotein E (apoE), allele ϵ4 is a strong risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) leads us to focus on the role of cholesterol in the pathogenesis of AD. Accumulating epidemiological and biological evidence suggests the link between the serum cholesterol level and the development of AD, and the potential therapeutic effectiveness of statins for AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), whereas other lines of evidence show controversial results. Cholesterol is known to interact with amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) in a reciprocal manner: cellular cholesterol levels modulate Aβ generation, whereas Aβ alters cholesterol dynamics in neurons, leading to tauopathy. In this review, the relationship between the cholesterol levels in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the induction of AD is discussed. The mechanism(s), if this is the case, of how cholesterol in the central nervous system (CNS) is involved in the induction of pathologies of AD including Aβ generation and tauopathy, and how statins prevent it are also discussed. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can dissimilarity lead to positive outcomes? The influence of open versus closed minds
Authors: Chattopadhyay Prithviraj
Published: March 2003

Social identity theory and self‐categorization theory have usually been interpreted to suggest that demographic dissimilarity will negatively influence employee outcomes. However, inconsistent with this interpretation, positive and neutral relationships between demographic dissimilarity and employee outcomes have also been documented in some instances for women and minority employees. It is argued here that the influence of demographic dissimilarity on the attitudes of women and minority employees is moderated by their level of dogmatism, which influences whether they view sex‐ and race‐based status hierarchies in organizations as legitimate. Data from a survey shows that the influence of demographic dissimilarity on the organization‐based self‐esteem of employees, their level of trust in their peers and their attraction towards their peers is positive for individuals with higher level of dogmatism and negative for individuals with lower level of dogmatism. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational commitment, supervisory commitment, and employee outcomes in the Chinese context: proximal hypothesis or global hypothesis?
Authors: Cheng Bor‐Shiuan , Jiang Ding‐Yu , Riley Jean H.
Published: March 2003

This study examines the relationship between organizational commitment and supervisory commitment (commitment to supervisor) in terms of their effects on employee outcomes in the Chinese context. Based on the principle of compatibility, we hypothesized that organizational commitment and supervisory commitment served as logical mediators (global hypothesis and proximal hypothesis) for predicting organization‐relevant and leader‐relevant outcomes respectively. Moreover, because of the impact of personalism in Chinese culture, we predicted that supervisory commitment also significantly influenced organization‐relevant outcomes, in addition to its effect on leader‐relevant outcomes. Two separate questionnaires were administered to 538 subordinates and their supervisors in Taiwanese companies. Structural equation modeling and hierarchical block regression analysis shows that the principle of compatibility and personalism can explain the proposed relationship in this study. Implications and research directions are discussed in light of Chinese culture for future investigation into organizational commitment and supervisory commitment. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Broad and narrow measures on both sides of the personality–job performance relationship
Authors: Tett Robert P. , Steele Jacquelyn R. , Beauregard Russell S.
Published: March 2003

Two studies compared specific versus broad measures in linking personality with work behavior. In Study 1, 100 university students completed the 20 subscales of the Personality Research Form and an in‐basket exercise scored on 16 distinct managerial behaviors. In Study 2, 335 market research field representatives completed the Hogan Personality Inventory, containing 41 specific trait scales organized into seven primary scales, and were rated by their supervisors on seven performance dimensions. In both studies, significant linkages between broad personality and criterion variables (e.g., factors) were explained by stronger relations among relatively few specific variables. Moreover, consistent with prior research, weak relations among broad measures obscured important linkages at the specific level, including several cases of cancellation (i.e., specific traits loading the same factor in the same direction correlated with criteria in opposite directions). Canonical correlations with appropriate shrinkage correction revealed notable improvements in criterion validity over inter‐factor correlations and helped summarize the data while retaining the diagnostic advantages of specificity. Our findings are unique by demonstrating the value of specificity on both sides of the prediction equation. Implications for personnel selection are discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizations and supervisors as sources of support and targets of commitment: a longitudinal study
Authors: Stinglhamber Florence , Vandenberghe Christian
Published: March 2003

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived support and affective commitment, and the linkages between these constructs and some of their common antecedents and consequences. More precisely, using a sample of 238 employees, we conducted a longitudinal study to examine the linkages between the favorableness of intrinsically and extrinsically satisfying job conditions, perceived organizational support, perceived supervisor support, affective commitment to the organization and supervisor, and turnover. Affective commitment to the supervisor was found to completely mediate the effect of perceived supervisor support on turnover, whereas neither perceived organizational support nor organizational affective commitment were significantly related to turnover. Perceived organizational support partially mediated the effect of favorable intrinsically satisfying job conditions on organizational affective commitment and fully mediated the effect of extrinsically satisfying job conditions on organizational affective commitment. Finally, perceived supervisor support totally mediated the effect of favorable intrinsically satisfying job conditions on affective commitment to the supervisor. As a whole, findings suggest that exchange relationships between employees and their supervisors should be further investigated in future turnover research. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formal mentoring versus supervisor and coworker relationships: differences in perceptions and impact
Authors: Raabe Babette , Beehr Terry A.
Published: March 2003

Formal mentoring programs in two companies were examined regarding (1) the extent to which mentees and mentors agreed on the nature of the mentoring relationships and (2) the extent to which dimensions of mentoring relationships were related to outcomes for the mentees, compared with the extent to which dimensions of supervisory and coworker relationships were related to the same outcomes: job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions. Mentors were at least two hierarchical levels above the mentee, and both were part of the companyies' formal mentoring program. Sixty‐one pairs of mentors and mentees participated. Overall, there was little agreement between mentees and mentors regarding the nature of the mentoring relationship. Furthermore, the mentoring relationship was not related to mentee outcomes, while supervisory and coworker relationships were. It is suggested that, if one desires to affect job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and organizational commitment, mentoring functions may be best performed by supervisors and coworkers rather than assigned formal mentors from higher up in the organizational hierarchy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac injury during needle localized surgical breast biopsy
Authors: Martinez Steve R. , Gelfand Mark , Hourani Hisham S. , Sorrento Joseph J. , Mohan Eugene P.
Published: March 2003

Needle localized breast biopsy is commonly used to diagnose and remove non‐palpable breast lesions. We present the first case of cardiac injury resulting from needle localized breast biopsy. A hooked‐end monofilament wire penetrated the pericardium and myocardium overlying the left ventricle. The wire was pulled and the patient managed non‐operatively with close monitoring that included plain chest radiographs, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. The literature regarding complications of the procedure was reviewed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:261–265. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of EPDM/SAN Dry Blends by Reactive Processing
Authors: Vierle Mario , Steinhauser Norbert , Nuyken Oskar , Obrecht Werner
Published: March 2003

Reactive blending of the rubber EPDM (a terpolymer consisting of ethylene, propylene and a diene) and the thermoplastic material SAN (a copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile) is reinvestigated with special attention to EPDM/SAN blends with a 50/50 blend ratio. A resin cure system based on a low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde condensate, which primarily consists of dimethylolphenol and stannous dichloride, is used for compatibilization of EPDM and SAN, as well as for crosslinking of the EPDM phase. The amounts of phenolic resin and SnCl2 · 2H2O as well as the EPDM grade and the EPDM/SAN blend ratio are varied. The blends are characterized by stress‐strain measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Unreacted EPDM, unreacted SAN and gel plus graft copolymer are quantitatively determined by fractionation of the blends with a binary solvent mixture which exhibits phase separation at room temperature. Blends prepared from EPDM grades that are amorphous and have a high molar mass exhibit high levels of gel and rather poor mechanical properties. With these blends, gel formation is favored over the formation of EPDM/SAN graft copolymers. Even with low levels of the resin cure system, the formation of gel cannot be avoided. It is therefore not possible to prepare graft copolymers without some gelling. Blends prepared from an EPDM grade with high crystallinity and a low Mooney viscosity exhibit substantially better mechanical properties than blends based on amorphous and higher viscosity EPDM grades. TEM and SEM micrographs reveal good dispersion of the two polymers, as well as good interfacial adhesion between the EPDM and the SAN phase. This electron microscopic evidence, in combination with low gel contents, supports the view that the tendency towards graft copolymer formation and gelling strongly depends on the EPDM grade used. Variation of the EPDM/SAN blend ratio between 5–90 wt.‐% results in blends which cover the product range from toughened thermoplastics to thermoplastic elastomers.

TEM of compatibilized EPDM/SAN blend.

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TEM of compatibilized EPDM/SAN blend.
Diffraction Gratings in Hybrid Sol‐Gel Films: On the Understanding of the Relief Generation Process
Authors: Croutxé‐Barghorn C. , Soppera O. , Chevallier M.
Published: March 2003

Hybrid organic‐inorganic materials based on the sol‐gel synthesis of an organically modified silicon alkoxide have demonstrated their great potential for optical applications. They offer a high versatility in terms of chemical, physical properties and macroscopic shape molding of the final component. Recently, a photolithographic process allowed the generation of relief optical elements without requiring a wet treatment to reveal the latent image. It enabled a low cost, simple and quick method for the fabrication of integrated optical components. The aim of the present paper is to give new insights into the mechanisms of surface self‐corrugation leading to gratings generation in hybrid sol‐gel films. A study of the relief formation was led by giving particular attention to the kinetic aspects of the polymerization of the organic component. The control of the CC double bonds conversion of methacrylate functionalized alkoxides in case of photopolymerization is therefore an essential issue to tailor material properties. The study also focuses on the influence of physico‐chemical parameters that govern the relief generation and underlines the particular role of temperature. Kinetics of surface corrugation point out the importance of strain relaxation, mass‐transfer by flowing and organic network formation during the photolithographic process. Some illustrations of the generated diffraction gratings are given.

Interferogram of the diffraction grating obtained after 120 s exposure through a chromium mask.

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Interferogram of the diffraction grating obtained after 120 s exposure through a chromium mask.
Basal ganglia injury as a complication of the ketogenic diet
Authors: Erickson Jay C. , Jabbari Bahman , Difazio Marc P.
Published: March 2003

Movement disorders or basal ganglia injury have not been reported as complications of the ketogenic diet, an alternative treatment for intractable epilepsy. We report on a novel complication of the ketogenic diet manifesting as a severe extrapyramidal movement disorder and bilateral putaminal lesions. A single case is described. A video demonstrating the movement disorder is included. A 5‐year‐old girl with a cryptogenic epileptic encephalopathy developed focal dystonia, diffuse chorea, and ataxia after starting the ketogenic diet. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated bilateral putaminal lesions that were not present before starting the diet. MR spectroscopy showed a lactate peak in the basal ganglia, suggesting a failure of mitochondrial energy metabolism as the mechanism of cerebral injury. The radiographic abnormalities resolved after stopping the diet, although the movement disorder persisted. Basal ganglia injury and extrapyramidal movement abnormalities are potential complications of the ketogenic diet. Concomitant use of valproate or a latent inborn error of metabolism may be risk factors for these rare complications. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Reduced genital sensitivity in female patients with multiple system atrophy of parkinsonian type
Authors: Oertel Wolfgang H. , Wächter Tobias , Quinn Niall P. , Ulm Gudrun , Brandstädter Dirk
Published: March 2003

According to the consensus statement on the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA), erectile dysfunction is required for male patients to fulfil the urinary incontinence criterion. However, there is no equivalent item for female patients. We questioned 19 female patients with MSA of the parkinsonian type (MSA‐P), 28 female patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 27 healthy controls on their genital sensitivity. A total of 47% of the MSA patients but only 4% of the PD patients and 4% of the control group admitted to reduced genital sensitivity, a highly significant difference (P < 0.001). Moreover, the appearance of reduced genital sensitivity in female MSA patients showed a close temporal relation to the onset of the disease. If these preliminary results can be confirmed and further specified in a larger sample, a historical item of reduced genital sensitivity in female patients might become a diagnostic feature for MSA, comparable to erectile dysfunction in male patients. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Factors associated with increased risk of head tremor in essential tremor: A community‐based study in northern Manhattan
Authors: Louis Elan D. , Ford Blair , Frucht Steven
Published: March 2003

Head tremor is one of the major expressions of essential tremor (ET). It is not well understood why some patients develop head tremor, whereas others do not. A study of the characteristics of patients with head tremor has not been undertaken. Our goal was to estimate the prevalence of head tremor and to identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with an increased risk of head tremor in ET. Cases were ascertained from a community‐based study of ET in northern Manhattan, New York. Arm tremor severity was rated with a total tremor score. Logistic regression analyses resulted in odds ratios (OR). Head tremor was present in 37 (34.9%) of 106 ET cases. Female gender was associated with a fourfold increased risk of head tremor (OR = 3.73; P = 0.005). Total tremor score was divided into quartiles; individuals in the lowest or highest quartile were four times more likely to have head tremor (OR = 4.16; P = 0.001). Individuals with both risk factors (female gender and lowest or highest total tremor score quartile) were 16 times more likely to have head tremor (OR = 15.88; P = 0.0006). Being related to a proband with head tremor marginally increased the risk of head tremor (OR = 11.30; P = 0.08). Age and tremor duration did not influence the risk of head tremor. We identified several factors that were associated with an increased risk of head tremor in ET; female gender, coexisting arm tremor that was either very mild or extremely severe, and relation to an ET case with head tremor. These disease associations require further exploration, and might provide insight into the mechanisms underlying head tremor. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of neonatal gonadal steroids on adult CA3 pyramidal neuron dendritic morphology and spatial memory in rats
Authors: Isgor Ceylan , Sengelaub Dale R.
Published: March 2003

The hippocampus is implicated in spatial cognition, which is sexually dimorphic and developmentally sensitive to gonadal steroids. Previously we have shown a sex difference in CA3 pyramidal cell layer volume and neuronal soma size that was reversible with neonatal castration in males or prenatal treatment of females with either testosterone propionate (TP) or a nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone propionate, but not estradiol benzoate, all of which correlated with adult water maze navigation. The present study further investigates developmental androgen sensitivity of CA3 pyramidal neurons by measuring dendritic morphology and its relation to adult spatial ability. Female rats were injected with TP on postnatal day (P) 3 and P5 or ovariectomized (OVX) on P2, and male rats were castrated on P2, with or without testosterone replacement (Cas+T). Sham surgery controls were also included. Animals were tested on a water maze in adulthood, sacrificed, and CA3 pyramidal neurons were Golgi‐stained and reconstructed in three dimensions using a computer‐interfaced morphometry system. High‐androgen groups (control males, Cas+T, TP females) performed better in spatial navigation and exhibited CA3 neurons with longer dendrites, a larger number of dendritic branches, and volumes of influence compared to low‐androgen groups (control females, castrated males, OVX). Collectively, these findings indicate that the critical time period for organizational effects of androgens on the CA3 pyramidal neurons includes both prenatal and postnatal life, during which time androgens regulate developmental events such as somal growth and neuronal differentiation, all of which significantly contribute to establishing the sex difference in adult spatial navigation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 179–190, 2003
GDNF and insulin cooperate to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of enteric crest‐derived cells
Authors: Focke Paul J. , Swetlik Andrew R. , Schilz Justin L. , Epstein Miles L.
Published: March 2003

Previously we have shown that glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) stimulates modest increases in the proliferation of avian enteric crest‐derived cells and similar increases in the phosphorylation of the phosphoinositide 3–kinase (PI3K) downstream substrate Akt (Akt‐P). In the present study we tested whether GDNF‐independent increases in PI3K activation would be sufficient to support proliferation. We found that insulin induces a large increase in the phosphorylation of Akt and can initiate DNA synthesis in avian enteric crest‐derived cells, but is unable to maintain proliferation over time in culture, measured by BrdU incorporation. GDNF can also initiate DNA synthesis, but it too is unable to maintain BrdU incorporation in cultured enteric crest‐derived cells. Sustained incorporation of BrdU after 16–48 h in culture is shown to be dependent on a combination of GDNF and insulin. Using a phospho‐specific antibody, we found Akt‐P levels to be similar in the proliferating (BrdU incorporation maintained from 16–48 h in culture) and nonproliferating populations, suggesting that Akt‐P levels were not solely controlling the extent of BrdU incorporation. A minimum level of PI3K activation, however, is required, as shown by the dose‐dependent reduction in proliferation with the PI3K inhibitor LY‐294002. We conclude that the integrity of the PI3K pathway is essential for enteric crest‐derived cell proliferation, but that the absolute levels of Akt‐P do not determine the extent of proliferation. The enhanced proliferation in cultures containing both GDNF and insulin suggests that other pathways are involved, including the possibility that PI3K downstream effectors other than Akt are important in the regulation of avian enteric crest‐derived cell proliferation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 151–164, 2003
Improving communication of drug risks to prevent patient injury: proceedings of a workshop
Authors: Campbell William H. , Califf Robert M.
Published: March 2003

Purpose

The Centers for Education & Research on Therapeutics (CERTs) is conducting a series of workshops on managing the risks of therapeutics, with the ultimate goal to develop an agenda for research and education about risk and its management. This paper presents the results of the first workshop in the series, a 2‐day meeting focused on communication of drug risks to healthcare professionals and patients.

Methods

The 50 workshop participants represented the medical‐products industry, academia, consumer groups, regulatory bodies and the media. Together, they sought to identify and understand barriers to successful risk communication, to identify tools or methods that could improve risk communication, and to develop research and education agendas that would lead to better risk communication in the future.

Results

Limitations of current methods of risk communication were identified, and research and education agendas were proposed to clarify and resolve these issues.

Conclusion

Common themes for potential solutions include enhanced education of healthcare providers, increased motivation of patients and families, use of creative communication technologies, and better organization of and access to medical records and information. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibiotic prescribing for otitis media: how well does it match published guidelines?
Authors: McEwen Laura N. , Farjo Rand , Foxman Betsy
Published: March 2003

Otitis media (OM) accounts for ∼ 31 million physician visits annually, and is typically treated with antibiotics. Amoxicillin is the recommended first‐line treatment; appropriate antibiotic use slows the development of resistance. We analyzed insurance claims from families of employees working at a single company to determine if OM treatments (1) matched published standards; and (2) varied by patient characteristics, type of physician practice or geographic location. Persons diagnosed with OM between 1996 and 1999 were matched to prescription drug claims for those who filled an antibiotic prescription within 3 days of diagnosis. Physicians prescribed amoxicillin for only 31% of acute cases and 19% of recurrent cases. For acute infections in children≤ 2 years the prescribed duration often matched the standard of 10 days, but for persons > 2 years the prescribed duration was often longer than the suggested duration of 5–7 days. For persons of all ages with recurrent infections, the prescribed duration was often shorter than suggested (10 days versus≥ 14 days). There were only modest variations by urban/rural location or provider type. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in antimicrobial utilization at a Spanish general hospital during a 5‐year period
Authors: Hermosilla Nájera Lorena , Canut Blasco Andrés , Ulibarrena Sanz Miguel , Abasolo Osinaga Eider , Carlos Abecia Inchaurregui Luis
Published: March 2003

Purpose

Antimicrobials are a major part of hospital pharmacy budgets and must be considered in resource planning and spending projections. This study describes the profile of antibiotic use at a medium‐sized hospital (by examining the ICU separately) and analyses its evolution over the period 1996–2000.

Methods

Descriptive and retrospective study. Pharmacy records were reviewed to identify oral and parenteral antimicrobial agents administered to inpatients. Results were expressed in Daily Defined Doses (DDD) per 100 stays and day.

Results

During the 5‐year study period 176.162 DDD/100 s‐d of antibiotics were consumed in the ICU, whereas in the rest of the hospital usage was much lower (54.438 DDD/100 s‐d). Aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, penicillins, glycopeptides and carbapenems were the most commonly used groups of antimicrobials in the ICU, and penicillins, cephalosporins, trimethoprim/sulfonamide combinations, aminoglycosides and quinolones in the rest of the hospital.

Conclusions

ICUs have some special features which make them different to the other inpatient areas. Because of that fact we consider it important to study this specific patient‐care area separately. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of drug use during pregnancy in a teaching hospital in western Nepal
Authors: Das Biswadeep , Sarkar Chayna , Datta Adrija , Bohra Sangeeta
Published: March 2003

Information on the use of drugs during pregnancy is scarce and rather anecdotal. Careful consideration of the benefit to the mother and the risk to the fetus is required when prescribing drugs during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge on this issue in western Nepal. 2156 prescriptions of pregnant women were collected at random from the antenatal care (ANC) in obstetrics out‐patient department (OPD) at Manipal Teaching Hospital (MTH), Nepal and analyzed for this study. The mean maternal age and hemoglobin concentration were 25 years and 12.21 g/dl, respectively. Twenty‐three percent women attended obstetric OPD due to maternal disorders other than routine ANC (77%). Problem oriented drug use was due to nausea/vomiting (4.7%), dyspepsia (3.1%), and per vaginal spotting/bleeding (3.4%), mainly. Most of the women got 2–3 drugs and commonly included nutritional supplementation and tetanus toxoid. The average number of drugs/prescription was 2.00. 15.37% and 64.8% drugs were prescribed by generic name and as fixed dose combinations, respectively. The most commonly prescribed drugs were nutritional supplements like iron, folate, calcium, vitamins (72.8%), followed by tetanus toxoid (12.4%), gastrointestinals (5%), antimicrobials (4.6%), etc. Though, the selection of drugs was rational in most of the cases, some anomalies were observed and discussed with the clinicians. Our data reflect the general extent and prescribing pattern for those Nepalese pregnant women attending hospital in western Nepal. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current Awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: March 2003

In order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Each bibliography is divided into 19 sections: 1 Books, Reviews & Symposia; 2 General; 3 Anti‐infective Agents; 4 Cardiovascular System Agents; 5 CNS Depressive Agents; 6 Non‐steroidal Anti‐inflammatory Agents; 7 CNS Agents; 8 Anti‐neoplastic Agents; 9 Haematological Agents; 10 Neuroregulator‐Blocking Agents; 11 Dermatological Agents; 12 Immunosuppressive Agents; 13 Autonomic Agents; 14 Respiratory System Agents; 15 Neuromuscular Agents; 16 Reproductive System Agents; 17 Gastrointestinal System Agents; 18 Anti‐inflammatory Agents ‐ Steroidal; 19 Others. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted.
Relative risks of reported serious injury and death associated with hemostasis devices by gender
Authors: Tavris Dale R. , Gallauresi Beverly , Rich Suzanne , Bell Carlos
Published: March 2003

Purpose

To assess relative risks by gender of reported serious injuries and deaths associated with the use of hemostasis devices, stratified by year of report, type of injury, and type of device.

Methods

Reports from the Food and Drug Administration's Medical Device Reporting system and National Center for Health Statistics data on use of cardiac catheterization were used to estimate relative risks of reported serious injuries and deaths by gender.

Results

Estimated risks of reported serious injuries and deaths associated with hemostasis devices were two to three times greater in females than in males for hemorrhage and hematoma (p < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference in risks by gender for infection.

Conclusions

Cardiac catheterization is sometimes associated with serious injuries and deaths. Among patients who receive hemostasis devices, the risk of these events are disproportionately greater in women. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antihypertensive drug‐associated sexual dysfunction: a prescription analysis‐based study
Authors: Jassim Al Khaja K. A. , Sequeira R. P. , Al Damanhori A. H. H. , Mathur V. S.
Published: March 2003

Purpose

To determine whether primary care physicians take into consideration age, gender and diabetes mellitus as risk factors for sexual dysfunction (SD) when prescribing antihypertensives.

Methods

A prescribing survey on hyperternsive patients with or without diabetes mellitus in primary care setting of Bahrain was carried out.

Results

In 5301 hypertensive patients, we found that a β‐blocker (atenolol) was the most commonly prescribed drug and was significantly more often prescribed for young male hypertensives (<45 years). A relatively high dose of atenolol (100 mg/d) was extensively used as both mono‐ and combination‐therapies. With the exception of middle‐aged hypertensives (45–64 years) and elderly diabetic‐hypertensives (≥65 years), no significant age‐ and gender‐related differences were observed regarding the prescription of thiazide diuretics. A significant trend of prescribing methyldopa in females as monotherapy was evident. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, the second most commonly prescribed drugs, were significantly more often prescribed for young, middle‐aged hypertensive males and for middle‐aged diabetic‐hypertensive males. β‐blocker/diuretic combination was prescribed least for the young and elderly hypertensive males. However, prescription of an ACE inhibitor with either a diuretic or a calcium channel blocker (CCBs) was less frequent and lacked gender‐related differences.

Conclusions

We infer that antihypertensive‐induced SD received little attention as was evident from: (a) over‐prescription of relatively high dose of β‐blockers to young hypertensive males; (b) lack of gender‐ and age‐related difference regarding the type and dose of diuretics prescribed; (c) underutilisation of effective and complementary combinations expected to cause least impact on sexual function, such as ACE inhibitors with either a diuretic or with a CCB; and (d) a relative lack of discrimination while selecting antihypertensive drugs, particularly as monotherapy between hypertensive versus diabetic‐hypertensive patients. With the exception of ACE inhibitors alone and combination of diuretic/β‐blocker, the choice of antihypertensives did not conform to international guidelines. In view of drug‐induced SD adversely influencing the quality of life and thereby drug‐compliance, interventions aimed at improving physicians' awareness should be attempted. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of anaphylaxis in a hospital population in relation to the use of various drugs: an international study
Authors: Kaufman D. W. ,   The International Collaborative Study of Severe Anaphylaxis
Published: March 2003

Purpose

To evaluate the risk of anaphylaxis following exposure to medications given during hospitalization.

Methods

Cases with anaphylaxis and controls, matched according to length of hospital stay, were enrolled from hospitals in Hungary, Spain, India and Sweden. Exposures were recorded from the hospital record. The incidence of anaphylaxis was calculated among those exposed to various drugs, with denominators estimated from exposure rates in the controls and number of hospitalizations.

Results

Among 184 cases and 1003 controls, the incidence of anaphylaxis was in the range of 5–15 cases per 100 000 exposed patients for most analgesics and antibiotics administered orally or parenterally; for parenteral penicillin, it was 32. Incidence estimates were somewhat higher for blood, dextran, pentoxifylline and both ionic and nonionic contrast media, ranging from 35 to 95 cases. The highest estimates were for streptokinase and plasma, at 378 and 284. With no exposed controls, the incidence could not be calculated for anti‐snake venom, but it was clearly higher than for other exposures.

Conclusions

Although anaphylaxis is known to occur following exposure to a large number of drugs, the incidence is not well documented. We have demonstrated a relatively low risk for dipyrone, diclofenac, paracetamol, ampicillin, cloxacillin and cephalosporins. An intermediate risk was shown for parenteral penicillin, dextran, contrast media, blood and pentoxifylline. The highest incidence was observed for plasma, streptokinase and anti‐snake venom (the latter used only in India). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in the use of antituberculosis drugs in Spain 1993–1998
Authors: Blázquez A. , Arias J. , Mateos‐Campos R.
Published: March 2003

Purpose

To determine and analyse the trends in the use of antituberculosis agents in Spain during 1993–1998.

Methods

Pharmacoepidemiological study on the use of antituberculosis drugs using the data from prescriptions redeemed by the National Health Service.

Results

The use of antituberculosis drugs over the study period was 6 271 909 defined daily doses (DDDs) in 1993, which fell to 4 433 066 DDDs in 1998. A decreasing trend was thus seen, involving a 29.6% drop between the beginning and the end of the study period. The use of daily doses per 1000 inhabitants was 0.42 in 1993 and 0.30 in the end of the period in 1998. The drug most used during the period of study was Rifinah. In 1993, its percentage of use was 41.2, which then decreased to 34.5 in 1998. After this drug, Rifampicin and Etambutol were those with the highest percentages of use, with values close to 18 and 15, respectively. Regarding estimation of tuberculosis, the prevalence was 25.25 cases per 100 000 inhabitants in 1993 and 16.62 in 1998. A decrease of 23.1% occurred in the cost in pesetas between 1993 and 1998.

Conclusions

Drug's combinations are the most common therapy for tuberculosis and there were important differences between regions. The highest estimation of this disease is in the northwest region of Spain. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased US prescription trends associated with the CDC Bacillus anthracis antimicrobial postexposure prophylaxis campaign
Authors: Shaffer Douglas , Armstrong George , Higgins Karen , Honig Peter , Coyne Philip , Boxwell Debra , Beitz Julie , Leissa Brad , Murphy Dianne
Published: March 2003

Purpose

We evaluated national outpatient antimicrobial prescription trends in relation to the first United States case of inhalational anthrax due to the intentional delivery of Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) spores.

Methods

We queried IMS HEALTH's National Prescription Audit Plus7™ database for two 6‐month periods (July–December) in 2001 and 2000 to describe outpatient prescription trends of antimicrobials recommended during the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) postexposure prophylaxis campaign.

Results

Overall, antimicrobial utilization for the referent 6‐month time frame was greater in 2000 compared to 2001. In contrast, ciprofloxacin utilization was greater in 2001 during October, the month following the index case, increasing by more than 40% over utilization in October 2000. Similarly, doxycycline utilization increased by 30% during October/November. This corresponded to relative increases in US utilization for ciprofloxacin of approximately 160 000 prescriptions for the month of October and for doxycycline of approximately 96 000 prescriptions during October and 120 000 prescriptions for November.

Conclusions

We conclude more widespread prescribing of ciprofloxacin and doxycycline occurred in response to the first US bioterrorist‐associated anthrax attacks than was warranted based upon confirmed or suspected B. anthracis exposure alone. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
mRNA expression of the five membrane‐type matrix metalloproteinases MT1–MT5 in human prostatic cell lines and their down‐regulation in human malignant prostatic tissue
Authors: Jung Monika , Römer Andreas , Keyszer Gernot , Lein Michael , Kristiansen Glen , Schnorr Dietmar , Loening Stefan A. , Jung Klaus
Published: March 2003

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the expression of membrane‐type matrix metalloproteinases (MT‐MMPs) 1–5 in the human prostatic cell lines BPH‐1, LNCaP, DU 145, PC‐3, in malignant and non‐malignant prostatic tissue samples, and in epithelial cells cultured from these tissue samples.

Methods

Matched malignant and non‐malignant tissue specimens were obtained from 12 men with untreated prostate carcinoma after radical prostatectomy. Expression of mRNA for the five MT‐MMPs was quantified by real‐time PCR technique and normalized to the expression of the housekeeping gene glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH).

Results

The expression of the five MT‐MMPs was distinctly different not only between the prostate cell lines but also varied in the same cell line. There was a general higher expression of all MT‐MMPs except for MT3‐MMP in the androgen‐insensitive cells DU 145 and PC‐3 compared with that in the androgen‐sensitive LNCaP cells. Their relatively high expression in the benign prostatic cell line BPH‐1 and also in the primary cell cultures from malignant and non‐malignant tissue samples argues against a simple association between MT‐MMP expression and invasiveness. In malignant tissue samples and their corresponding cell cultures, the expression of most MT‐MMPs was down‐regulated in comparison to the normal counterparts. There was no correlation between tumor classification data and the MT‐MMP expression results.

Conclusions

In contrast to other carcinoma, the down‐regulation of most MT‐MMPs is typical for prostate carcinoma. It seems to occur mainly in epithelial cells and has to be examined as special characteristic of this tumor entity in further studies. Prostate 55: 89–98, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuregulin promotes autophagic cell death of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Tal‐Or Pazit , Di‐Segni Ayelet , Lupowitz Zipora , Pinkas‐Kramarski Ronit
Published: March 2003

Background

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in males. Autocrine/paracrine growth factors for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been identified in prostate tumors suggesting a role for EGFR in the progression of prostate cancer. The androgen‐dependent prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, expresses the EGFR as well as two additional members of the family; ErbB‐2 and ErbB‐3, which can be activated by neuregulin (NRG) isoforms. The effect of ErbB ligands on the viability of LNCaP cells was studied.

Methods

In the present study, we examined the effect of NRG on LNCaP cell growth and survival in the absence of androgen mimetic by the MTT assay, FACS analysis, nuclei staining, and Western blotting.

Results

Our results demonstrate that NRG activates ErbB‐2/ErbB‐3 heterodimers and induces cell death of LNCaP cells. By contrast, EGF activates ErbB‐1/ErbB‐1 or ErbB‐1/ErbB‐2 dimers and induces cell growth and survival. Interestingly, LNCaP cells treated with PI3K inhibitor underwent cell death but cells treated with both NRG and PI3K inhibitor survived as the control cells, indicating that the PI3K pathway may mediate NRG‐induced cell death. NRG‐induced cell death was not inhibited by the broad‐spectrum caspases inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐fluoromethylketone (Z‐VAD‐FMK). However, NRG‐induced cell death was inhibited by type II cell death inhibitor, 3‐methyladenine.

Conclusions

These results suggest that NRG induces type II cell death of LNCaP cells through PI3K‐dependent pathway. Prostate 55: 147–157, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression‐patterns of the RNA component (hTR)and the catalytic subunit (hTERT) of human telomerase in nonneoplastic prostate tissue, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and prostate cancer
Authors: Bettendorf Olaf , Heine Bernhard , Kneif Sören , Eltze Elke , Semjonow Axel , Herbst Hermann , Stein Harald , Böcker Werner , Poremba Christopher
Published: March 2003

Background

Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein, is composed of a RNA component (hTR) and two protein subunits. One of these subunits, the catalytic subunit (human telomerase reverse transcriptase, hTERT), represents a reverse transcriptase. hTERT‐expression is closely correlated with telomerase activity. The telomerase is thought to be involved in immortalization process. By adding hexamic repeats to the end of chromosomal DNA, the telomeres, the enzyme is able to stop progresssive telomeric DNA loss that occurs during cell division due to the end replication problem that stops the mitotic clock.

Methods

Expression‐patterns of hTR using radioactive in situ hybridization with 35S‐labelled RNA probes were compared with immunhistochemical staining for hTERT in 14 cases of archival paraffin‐embedded samples of normal prostatic tissue, high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), prostatic cancer, and one atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH). Beside the expression‐patterns each telomerase component was evaluated semiquantitatively.

Results

hTERT and hTR can be found in nonneoplstic tissue and are upregulated in premalignant transformated lesions. AAH showed no hTERT‐expression and low hTR‐expression. There is a heterogenous expression within prostatic carcinomas.

Conclusions

No association was observed between the grade of the tumour differentiation and semiquantitative levels of hTR‐ or hTERT‐expression. Telomerase is of limited value for the diagnostic of malignant or benign lesions in prostate. Prostate 55: 99–104, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
KLF5 is frequently deleted and down‐regulated but rarely mutated in prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Ceshi , Bhalala Hina V. , Vessella Robert L. , Dong Jin‐Tang
Published: March 2003

Backgrounds

Previous studies mapped a region at the q21 band of chromosome 13 (13q21), which is frequently deleted in various human cancers including prostate cancer, suggesting the existence of a tumor suppressor gene at 13q21. The target gene of deletion in prostate cancer, however, has not been identified at present.

Methods

We examined four non‐neoplastic and 18 neoplastic prostatic cell lines or xenografts. Homozygous/hemizygous deletion was detected by assays of duplex PCR and real‐time PCR. Expression levels of genes were determined by the methods of RT‐PCR, real time PCR, and northern blot analysis. Mutations of KLF5 were detected by the approaches of single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and direct sequencing. For the detection of promoter methylation, Southern blotting of genomic DNA and restriction digestion or SSCP analysis of methylation specific PCR products were used. Finally, an expression plasmid of KLF5 was introduced into prostate cancer cell lines with reduced KLF5 expression to investigate colony formation for cell growth.

Results

A 2‐Mb region of homozygous deletion at 13q21 was detected in the LUCaP70 xenograft of prostate cancer. This region of deletion was further narrowed to 142 Kb by a hemizygous deletion in the NCI‐H660 cell line. KLF5 was identified as the only complete gene in the smallest region of deletion. Quantitative deletion of KLF5 genome occurred in six of the 18 (33%) prostate cancer xenografts/cell lines. Each of the six samples with deletion also showed loss of expression for KLF5, suggesting that hemizygous deletion is one mechanism for loss of KLF5 expression. In total, 16 of the 18 cases (89%) showed loss of KLF5 expression at different degrees. In contrast, mutations and promoter methylations were not detected in any of the samples. Functionally, restoration of KLF5 in DU 145 and 22Rv1 cell lines significantly inhibited their growth in vitro.

Conclusions

Frequent genomic deletion and loss of expression as well as cell growth suppression indicate that KLF5 is a reasonable candidate for the tumor suppressor gene at 13q21 in prostate cancer. Mutation and promoter methylation are not common mechanisms for the inactivation of KLF5 in prostate cancer. Prostate 55: 81–88, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of NKX3.1 in normal and malignant tissues
Authors: Gelmann Edward P. , Bowen Cai , Bubendorf Lukas
Published: March 2003

Background

NKX3.1, a member of the NK‐class of homeodomain proteins, is expressed primarily in the adult prostate and has growth suppression and differentiating effects in prostate epithelial cells.

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical analysis for NKX3.1 and PSA expression in 4,061 samples included in a tissue microarray of a broad spectrum of human cancers and normal tissues.

Results

NKX3.1 expression was seen in prostate epithelial cells, prostate cancer, normal testis, 9% of primary and 5% of metastatic infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma, and 27% of primary and 26% of metastatic infiltrating lobular breast carcinoma. In a cohort of 474 primary breast cancers with median follow‐up over 62.5 month survival, we found no effect of NKX3.1 expression on prognosis. NKX3.1 expression was more restricted than the spectrum of prostate specific antigen expression.

Conclusions

Expression of NKX3.1 is highly restricted and is found primarily in benign and malignant prostatic epithelial cells and also in normal testis and lobular carcinoma of the breast. Prostate 55: 111–117, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.