bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Majority Does Not Rule: The Trouble with Majority‐Rule Consensus Trees
Authors: Sharkey Michael J. , Leathers Jason W.
Published: September 2010

The use of majority‐rule consensus trees as a means of resolving ambiguity in phylogenetic analyses is investigated. It is shown to be an inappropriate method for this purpose.
Comments on the Manhattan Stratigraphic Measure
Authors: Pol Diego , Norell Mark A.
Published: September 2010

The Manhattan stratigraphic measure was proposed as a measure of congruence between temporal information retrieved from the fossil record and a phylogenetic hypothesis. This index is based on the fit of a Sankoff character representing the stratigraphic ages of terminal taxa and is calculated in a way analogous to the consistency index. Sample cases are analyzed in which this measure is insensitive to increasing amounts of conflict between stratigraphic and topological temporal information. A simple modification of the step matrix upon which the measure is based is proposed. The modified index, MSM*, overcomes the observed problem and is based on the measurement of the number and extent of ghost lineages.
Resampling measures of group support: a reply to Grant and Kluge
Authors: Ramírez Martín J.
Published: September 2010

Grant and Kluge (2003) associated resampling measures of group support with the aim of evaluating statistical stability, confidence, or the probability of recovering a true phylogenetic group. This interpretation is not necessary to methods such as jackknifing or bootstrapping, which are better interpreted as measures of support from the current dataset. Grant and Kluge only accepted the absolute Bremer value as a measure of group support, and considered resampling methods as irrelevant to phylogenetic inference. It is shown that under simple circumstances resampling indices better reflect the degree of support than Bremer values. Grant and Kluge associated the resampling methods (and the use of measures of group support in general) with what they call a “verificationist agenda”, where strongly supported groups are first detected, and then protected against additional testing. They propose that identifying weakly supported groups, and then concentrating additional tests on them, will better serve science. Both programs are actually equivalent, and inert as to the selection of methods to estimate group support. The ranking of groups under a range of resampling strength is proposed as an additional criterion to evaluate resampling methods. A reexamination of the slope of symmetric resampling frequency as a function of resampling strength suggest that slopes can be problematic as well as a measure of group support.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
The new and improved PhyloCode, now with types, ranks, and even polyphyly: a conference report from the First International Phylogenetic Nomenclature Meeting
Authors: Pickett Kurt M.
Published: September 2010

A report from the first International Phylogenetic Nomenclature Meeting is presented. The meeting revealed that the PhyloCode, once implemented, will itself not require adherence to the three major tenets of philosophy that proponents have claimed required its creation. These include the abandonment of (1) non‐monophyletic taxa, (2) ranks, and (3) types.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
Sequence length variation, indel costs, and congruence in sensitivity analysis
Authors: Aagesen Lone , Petersen Gitte , Seberg Ole
Published: September 2010

The behavior of two topological and four character‐based congruence measures was explored using different indel treatments in three empirical data sets, each with different alignment difficulties. The analyses were done using direct optimization within a sensitivity analysis framework in which the cost of indels was varied. Indels were treated either as a fifth character state, or strings of contiguous gaps were considered single events by using linear affine gap cost. Congruence consistently improved when indels were treated as single events, but no congruence measure appeared as the obviously preferable one. However, when combining enough data, all congruence measures clearly tended to select the same alignment cost set as the optimal one. Disagreement among congruence measures was mostly caused by a dominant fragment or a data partition that included all or most of the length variation in the data set. Dominance was easily detected, as the character‐based congruence measures approached their optimal value when indel costs were incremented. Dominance of a fragment or data partition was overwhelmed when new sequence length‐variable fragments or data partitions were added.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
p53 Gene Mutations in Esophageal Cancer Detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction Single‐strand Conformation Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Tamura Gen , Maesawa Chihaya , Suzuki Yasushi , Satodate Ryoichi , Ishida Kaoru , Saito Kazuyoshi
Published: September 2010

Mutations of the p53 gene play an important role in the development of common human malignancies. We investigated mutations of this gene in 26 surgical specimens of esophageal cancer using the polymerase chain reaction single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) analysis. The results were correlated with histological findings, DNA ploidy and the short‐term relapse of the disease. PCR‐SSCP analysis detected mutations of the p53 gene in 10 tumors (38%), eight in exons 5–6 and two in exons 7–8. A higher incidence of lymph node metastasis, poorly differentiated tumor, DNA aneuploidy and short‐term relapse of the disease was observed in cases with p53 gene mutations, although the findings were not statistically significant.
Activation of the Mouse Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Gene Promoter by Adenovirus Type 12 E1A Proteins
Authors: Yamaguchi Masamitsu , Hayashi Yuko , Hirose Fumiko , Matsuoka Shuhei , Shiroki Kazuko , Matsukage Akio
Published: September 2010

A plasmid carrying the 5′‐flanking region (– 1584 to + 47 with respect to the transcription initiation site) of the mouse proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene was fused with the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene, and then cotransfected into mouse N18TG2 cells with expression plasmids for the adenovirus type 12 E1 genes. Expression of E1A gene products elevated the CAT expression by 5‐ to 9‐fold, but expression of the E1B gene product did not. RNase protection analysis revealed that the activation of the PCNA gene promoter by E1A was at the transcription step. Both the 13S E1A and the 12S E1A activated the PCNA gene promoter, indicating that the activation domain of El A resides in a common region(s) of 13S and 12S El A products. The major target region of El A was mapped within the 68 base‐pair region (‐21 to +47) of the PCNA gene, which includes consensus sequences for transcription factors PEA3 and E2P, although the upstream region (–83 to – 21) including ATF(CREB)‐binding consensus had an additional effect in the transactivation.
Enhancement of Lysosomal Enzyme Activity by Recombinant Human Tumor Necrosis Factor and Its Role in Tumor Cell Killing in vitro
Authors: Watanabe Naoki , Yamauchi Naofumi , Neda Hiroshi , Maeda Masahiro , Tsuji Yasushi , Okamoto Tetsuro , Akiyama Shinichiro , Sasaki Hiroyoshi , Tsuji Naoki , Niitsu Yoshiro
Published: September 2010

We investigated the effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on the lysosomal enzyme activity of various established cell lines in vitro. Incubation of 1 × 106TNF‐sensitive mouse tumorigenic fibroblasts (L‐M cells) in the presence of TNF (100 U/ml) for 48 h increased the total (the sum of the enzyme activities in the lysosomes and the cytoplasm) acid phosphatase and /9‐ghicuronidase activities by 3.7‐ and 4.2‐fold, respectively. The same increase was observed even when 1 U/ml of TNF was added to some cultures and no further augmentation occurred at 10 or 100 U/ml. Measurement of total and free enzyme activities showed that TNF stimulation not only enhanced the total intracellular enzyme activity but also accelerated the conversion into free (cytoplasmic) enzyme activity. Addition of a lysosomotropic agent (methylamine) suppressed both the enhancement of lysosomal enzyme activity and the cytotoxicity of TNF. A similar enhancement of lysosomal enzyme activities was also detected in various TNF‐sensitive tumor cell lines, and a strong correlation (acid phosphatase: r= 0.836, β‐glucuronidase: r=0.910) was observed between the enhancement of enzyme activity and sensitivity to TNF. No such increase was detected in TNF‐resistant human diploid cells. These results show that TNF induces the activation and release of lysosomal enzymes in TNF‐sensitive cells, and suggest that such events may play an important role in TNF‐mediated cytotoxicity.
Effector Cell Analysis of Human Multidrug‐resistant Cell Killing by Mouse‐Human Chimeric Antibody against P‐Glycoprotein
Authors: Nishioka Yasuhiko , Sone Saburo , Heike Yuji , Hamada Hirofumi , Ariyoshi Keiko , Tsuruo Takashi , Ogura Takeshi
Published: September 2010

A mouse‐human chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb), MH162, against P‐glycoprotein was previously found to be more effective than an all‐mouse mAb (MRK16) in lysis of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) tumor cells by blood mononuclear cells. The present study was performed to identify the effector cells responsible for the chimeric mAb‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against MDR cells. The ADCC reaction was assessed by a 6‐h 51Cr release assay. Highly purified lymphocytes (>99%), monocytes (>99%) and neutrophils (>96%) were obtained from peripheral blood of the same healthy donors. A comparison of these three effector cell populations showed no difference between MH162 and its all‐murine counterpart MRK16 in MDR cell lysis by monocytes or neutrophils. But MH162 was more effective than MRK16 in lymphocyte‐mediated lysis of the MDR cells. The lymphocytes responsible for this ADCC had CD16+ Fc receptors. Pretreatment of monocytes with colony‐stimulating factors (IL‐3, GM‐CSF and M‐CSF) caused significant increase in their MH162‐mediated lysis of MDR cells. Another anti‐P‐glycoprotein chimeric mAb (MH171) was also more effective than its murine counterpart MRK17 in lymphocyte‐mediated lysis of MDR cells. These findings suggest that mouse‐human chimeric mAbs may be useful therapeutically for in vivo destruction of MDR cancer cells by the ADCC reaction.
The Changing Pattern of the Splenic Lymphocyte Subsets in Tumor‐bearing Mice after Oral Treatment with OK‐432
Authors: Akamatsu Yoshihiko , Fuchimoto Sadanori , Orita Kunzo
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oral administration of OK‐432 on the tumor growth of tumor‐bearing mice. In addition, the changing pattern of the splenic lymphocyte subsets of tumor‐bearing mice was evaluated by flow cytometry. OK‐432 at a dose of 0.1, 1 or 10 KE was administered orally every 3 days or every other day for 30 days to subcutaneously Meth A tumor‐inoculated mice. The tumor growth was significantly inhibited in the 1 KE every 3 days group, in the 1 KE every other day group and in the 10 KE every 3 days group. In the 10 KE every other day group, OK‐432 inhibited the tumor growth on days 10 and 20, while the agent did not show a marked inhibitory effect on day 30. The percentages of splenic L3T4‐positive cells and splenic asialo GM1‐positive cells were significantly increased in the 1 KE every other day group, while the Lyt2+/ Thyl.2+ratio was decreased. On the other hand, in the 10 KE every other day group, OK‐432 showed no effect on the percentages of splenic L3T4‐positive cells and Lyt2+/Thyl.2+ratio on days 20 and 30. Our results suggest that the antitumor effect of oral administration of OK‐432 may be correlated with the changing pattern of L3T4‐positive cells and Lyt2+/Thyl.2+ratio.
Flow Cytometric Bromodeoxyuridine/DNA Analysis of Hyperthermia and/or Adriamycin for Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Capan‐2
Authors: Nakata Bunzo , Chung Yong‐Suk , Yokomatsu Hideaki , Sawada Tetsuji , Kubo Toshiaki , Kondo Yasuyuki , Satake Katsusuke , Sowa Michio
Published: September 2010

The effects of hyperthermia, adriamycin (ADM), and hyperthermia combined with ADM on pancreatic cancer cells were investigated from the viewpoint of cytokinetics using flow cytometric bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd)/DNA analysis. Human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line Capan‐2 was used. The untreated cells could be clearly divided into G1, S, G2M phases on contour plots of BrdUrd/DNA distribution. After heat treatment at 41–43°C, there was an accumulation of cells in the G2M phase which was correlated with the increase in temperature. After heat treatment at 44 or 45°C, there was marked increase in non BrdUrd‐labeled cells in the S phase. ADM caused no change in the percent of non BrdUrd‐labeled cells in the S phase, even after treatment with a concentration of 1.0 μg/ml, though that concentration of ADM caused a marked increase in the percent of cells in the G2M phase. After hyperthermia combined with ADM, the accumulation of the G2M phase increased remarkably, and was significantly higher than that after each treatment alone (P< 0.005); however, non BrdUrd‐labeled cells in the S phase did not increase. In this study the synergistic effect of hyperthermia combined with ADM in increasing the percent of cells in the G2M phase could be observed by flow cytometry. The study illustrates the importance of performing in vitro flow cytometric BrdUrd/DNA analysis of combined therapy prior to the use of the combined therapy in patients.
Preparation and Characterization of a Murine Monoclonal Antibody (MDR3M) Reactive with mdr3 Gene Product
Authors: Sugawara Isamu , Hirata Akio , Ueda Kazumitsu , Itoyama Shinji
Published: September 2010

A murine monoclonal antibody (MDR3M) (isotype: IgM) reactive with mdr3 gene product was generated by immunizing mice with mdr3‐specific peptide (H2N‐12WRPTSAEGDFELGISSKQKRKKTKTVKMI41G‐COOH) and hybridizing the primed mouse splenic B cells with X63‐Ag8,6.5.3 mouse plasmacytoma cells. MDR3M did not cross‐react with mdr1 gene product. This monoclonal antibody may be useful for analyzing the role of mdr3 gene product in cells and tissues.
Environmental and Physiological Influences on Human Natural Killer Cell Activity in Relation to Good Health Practices
Authors: Nakachi Kei , Imai Kazue
Published: September 2010

We examined the association of natural killer (NK) cell activity with a number of life style factors by a cross‐sectional analysis on 2892 Japanese individuals. The following habits were found to be associated with increased NK activity: 1) alcohol drinking (males, P<0.05), 2) not smoking cigarettes (males and females, P<0.001), 3) increased intake of green vegetables (females, P<0.001), 4) increased intakes of meat, milk, dairy products, and soyabean products (males, P<0.01), 5) daily workload of less than 3 hours per day (females, P<0.05), 6) regular meals (females, P<0.05), 7) regular sleep of more than 7 hours (females, P<0.05), 8) proper body weight. In addition, systolic blood pressure showed a positive correlation with NK activity (P< 0.001), while proportion of helper/ inducer (OKT4+) T cells and fraction of β‐globulin showed negative correlations (P< 0.001). We thus found that the living habits associated with increased NK activity were consistent with generally accepted good health practices, except alcohol drinking.
Inorganic Alkalizers and Acidifiers under Conditions of High Urinary Na+ or K+ on Cell Proliferation and Two‐stage Carcinogenesis in the Rat Bladder
Authors: Shibata Masa‐Aki , Tamano Seiko , Shirai Tomoyuki , Kawabe Mayumi , Fukushima Shoji
Published: September 2010

Effects of alkalizers and acidifiers on bladder cell proliferation and two‐stage carcinogenesis were investigated under conditions of high urinary Na+ or K+. Animals were given 0.05%N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine in their drinking water for 4 weeks and then received Na3PO4, NaH2PO4, NaCl, NaH2PO4+NaCl, K3PO4, KH2PO4, KCl, KH2PO4+KCl or no chemical supplement in the diet from weeks 5 to 8 and from weeks 12 to 20. During weeks 9 to 11, the rats were fed 3% uracil in their diet for acceleration of promotion. Na3PO4 or K3PO4 induced marked natriuresis or kaluresis and alkalinuria associated with strong promoting potential for bladder carcinogenesis. NaH2PO4 induced moderate natriuresis and aciduria and exhibited weak promoting activity. NaH2PO4+NaCl or KH2PO4+KCl caused marked increase in the respective cation levels and aciduria with elevation of promotion as compared to NaH2PO4 or KH2PO4 alone. NaCl or KCl induced moderate natriuresis or kaluresis and did not alter urinary pH. NaCl but not KCl also exerted weak promoting activity for bladder carcinogenesis. Increased DNA synthesis after test chemical exposure for 8 weeks and morphological alterations observed by scanning electron microscopy in the bladder epithelium were only quantitatively linked with promoting activity in the Na3PO4 case. With the other treatments no clear correlation between early cell proliferation and promotion potential was apparent. The present results suggest that although elevation in urinary Na+ or K+ level may be an essential factor for promotion of rat bladder carcinogenesis, the action of these cations may depend strongly on urinary alkalinity.
Acute tumor lysis syndrome after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shiba Hiroaki , Ishida Yuichi , Wakiyama Shigeki , Sakamoto Taro , Misawa Takeyuki , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: September 2010

A 77‐year‐old‐man was admitted to hospital for treatment of a huge hepatocellular carcinoma by transarterial chemoembolization. After treatment, the patient developed acute tumor lysis syndrome with hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis and acute renal failure, which was successfully treated. In the treatments of solid organ tumors, acute tumor lysis syndrome is an extremely rare complication. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this patient is the third case of such a complication after transarterial chemoembolization for a hepatocellular carcinoma in the English literature. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2104–2105)
The Metaphase‐Arrest Technique Applied to Human Cervical Epithelium I.
Authors: Ireland D. , Monaghan J. M.
Published: September 2010

In order to study cell proliferation in intact human cervical epithelium, a technique involving metaphase arrest has been utilized. Metaphase accumulation is observed following intraepithelial administration of vincristine sulphate, at a predetermined optimum dose of 50 μg/ml. A significant delay before the onset of stathmokinetic activity is demonstrated; thereafter linearity of accumulation is apparent over a 4‐hr period following injection.

The technique appears applicable to the estimation and comparison of cell production rates in vivo of normal cervical epithelium, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, wart‐affected cervical epithelium and early invasive carcinoma. However, individual values are likely to be imprecise in isolation, indicating the need to study relatively large numbers of subjects in each group. Some practical difficulties are discussed.
General principles regarding the use of adult stem cells
Authors: Carrasco de Paula I.
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  With only a few, almost inevitable exceptions, biomedical research has developed within the last 50 years under the tutelage of ethical standards of notable precision. In the vast world of scientific investigation, few disciplines can boast of having realized documents of such ethical rigour, and respect for the integrity and intrinsic value of the human person has been one of the cardinal principles of the researcher. Research is intrinsic to the medical profession; the reward of research is knowledge and its techniques are ordered towards maintenance of human health. Since this end concerns human beings, it demands an extremely rigorous ethical approach. Ethical aspects are present from the first moments of the experimental project and occur on three levels: choice of the objectives, selection and use of the appropriate means for the study, and application of resultant new discoveries. Today, our moral attention cannot be reduced to a cost–benefit analysis. Biomedical sciences and medicine have overlapping areas of interest that can be sources of tension: the good of the subject versus scientific utility; profit versus complexity of research; liberty versus ethical and juridical bonds; the public versus the private; and the individual versus the community. Here, I attempt to formulate some essential principles that should guarantee humane measures for research on humans.
The importance of valid disclosures in the human embryonic stem cell research debate
Authors: Sherley J. L.
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  Misinformation erodes the legitimacy of any public debate. Since the start of human embryonic stem cell research deliberations in the USA, misinformation concerning the nature of human embryos, their availability for research, and the potential for using them to develop new medical therapies have been widespread and persistent. Basic facts, well understood by physicians and biologists, have been so misstated and misrepresented in the news media and political speeches that the general public has been put in a state of constant uncertainty. The solution to the present troubling condition is better education in the form of diligent, honest, and complete scientific disclosure by responsible scientists and physicians; and more care given to accurate reporting by news media. Several key aspects of newly emerging embryonic and non‐embryonic stem cell technologies are defined and discussed as they relate to the debate over the use of human embryos for medical research. An important topic for consideration is how to disclose with clarity the scientific basis for human embryonic life. Thereafter, failings in proposed technologies for developing new therapies with human embryonic stem cells, that have been grossly under‐reported, are examined. Finally, properties of adult stem cells are presented in contradistinction to embryonic stem cells, both in terms of adult stem cells as a scientifically better alternative to embryonic stem cells and in terms of the technological challenges that must be overcome to realize the potential of adult stem cells for new medical therapies.
Anthropological and ethical reflections on the production and use of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Faggioni M. P.
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  Stem cells and their potential therapeutic application have generated tremendous public interest, great enthusiasm among researchers and intense commercial interest. There are diverse sources of stem cells. According to their origin and their biological characteristics, they are classified as embryonic stem cells, germline stem cells and tissue stem cells. Until now, the most concrete therapeutic results have come from some adult tissue stem cells, with promising prospects also being offered by umbilical cord stem cells. Regarding embryonic stem cells, there is concern that they would be difficult to control in vivo. Nonetheless, many researchers are still pursuing their potential uses, convinced that they will be useful not only for study, but also for therapy, especially as a result of their high capacity for self‐renewal as well as their broad potential for differentiation. This discussion which is eminently scientific in nature, and not lacking in ethical and political repercussions, will not be entered into above all regarding the allocation of available intellectual and economic resources.
Cell proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on biodegradable microcarriers enhancesin vitrodifferentiation potential
Authors: Sun L.‐Y. , Hsieh D.‐K. , Syu W.‐S. , Li Y.‐S. , Chiu H.‐T. , Chiou T.‐W.
Published: September 2010

Objectives: For reasons of provision of highly‐specific surface area and three‐dimensional culture, microcarrier culture (MC) has garnered great interest for its potential to expand anchorage‐dependent stem cells. This study utilizes MC forin vitroexpansion of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and analyses its effects on BMMSC proliferation and differentiation.

Materials and methods: Effects of semi‐continuous MC compared to control plate culture (PC) and serial bead‐to‐bead transfer MC (MC bead‐T) on human BMMSCs were investigated. Cell population growth kinetics, cell phenotypes and differentiation potential of cells were assayed.

Results: Maximum cell density and overall fold increase in cell population growth were similar between PCs and MCs with similar starting conditions, but lag period of BMMSC growth differed substantially between the two; moreover, MC cells exhibited reduced granularity and higher CXCR4 expression. Differentiation of BMMSCs into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages was enhanced after 3 days in MC. However, MC bead‐T resulted in changes in cell granularity and lower osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential.

Conclusions: In comparison to PC, MC supported expansion of BMMSCs in an up‐scalable three‐dimensional culture system using a semi‐continuous process, increasing potential for stem cell homing ability and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.
Two‐fold elevation of expression of FoxM1 transcription factor in mouse embryonic fibroblasts enhances cell cycle checkpoint activity by stimulating p21 and Chk1 transcription
Authors: Tan Y. , Chen Y. , Yu L. , Zhu H. , Meng X. , Huang X. , Meng L. , Ding M. , Wang Z. , Shan L.
Published: September 2010

Objectives:  Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1) transcription factor regulates expression of cell cycle effective genes and is stabilized by checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) to stimulate expression of DNA repair enzymes in response to DNA damage. This study intended to test whether FoxM1 is involved in cell cycle checkpoint pathways.

Materials and methods:  Analysis of senescence and cell proliferation in FoxM1 transgenic (TG) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with 2‐fold elevation of FoxM1, and overexpression or knockdown of FoxM1 in an inducible FoxM1 expression cell line, or FoxM1 siRNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and cotransfection to determine FoxM1 transcription targets, as well as RNase protection assays and western blot analysis, were performed.

Results:  Two‐fold elevation of FoxM1 in FoxM1‐TG‐MEFs resulted in low levels of cell proliferation and increase in permanent cell cycle arrest at early passages (from passage 6 to 9). These phenotypes correlated with increased phosphorylation of p53 on Ser15, elevated expression of cell cycle inhibitor p21 and Chk1 at passage 3. FoxM1 was stabilized in response to DNA damage in MEFs and FoxM1 overexpression induced p21. Knockdown of FoxM1 resulted in decrease in Chk1. ChIP, EMSA and cotransfection assays confirmed that FoxM1 stimulated promoters of p21 and Chk1.

Conclusions:  Chk1 and p21 are direct transcription targets of FoxM1 and FoxM1 participates in transcriptional responses to stress in normal cells.
New Directionsin child protection and family support in Western Australia: a policy initiative to re‐focus child welfare practice
Authors: Parton  , Mathews
Published: September 2010

There is now considerable evidence from numerous countries that statutory child welfare agencies are being overwhelmed by a massive increase in child protection referrals which require investigation, while there has been a growing failure to develop preventive family support services. This paper describes the changes introduced in Western Australia to address this situation in what has come to be calledNew Directions in Child Protection and Family Support. The results demonstrate that the changes have led to a significant restructuring of the way the Department of Family and Children’s Services there responds to concerns expressed about children. It is argued that this has had an impact on the proportion of child maltreatment cases which are substantiated and the way responses are prioritized and allocated, and has provided the Department with a more explicit and clearer focus for its work in a period of increasing demand and rapid change.
Improving the working environment for workers in children’s welfare agencies
Authors: Wagner  , Van Reyk  , Spence
Published: September 2010

The working environment and workplace ecology of children’s welfare agencies is important to the quality of their service provision. In the past, restructuring and professional development and training have been standard responses to changing needs and demands on children’s services but have generally failed to improve the working environment. This research argues that concrete strategies can be developed from a detailed understanding of significant factors impacting on workers’ satisfaction and morale. The specific stresses and rewards impacting on workers in three children’s welfare services in Australia were investigated over a 12‐month period to obtain preliminary information for the formulation of strategies likely to improve satisfaction and morale. The participating organizations were of different size, organizational structure, responsibilities and philosophy. Most factors identified in the study applied across the different organizations. Using a combination of journal writing, recording of critical incidents, relationship mapping and workshops, child welfare workers documented their day‐to‐day work experiences, outstanding events and networking activities. The narrative data were analysed using force field analysis and quasi‐stationary equilibrium analysis based on a categorical framework of individual, team, organizational and political factors. Job satisfaction was strongly linked to intrinsic aspects of the work itself, that is, achieving outcomes for clients. Dissatisfaction with the job was strongly linked to organizational constraints, and strong team identification counterbalanced constraints. Largely unmentioned were political issues, professional practices and ideological and religious beliefs that undoubtedly impacted on practice. This research suggests some concrete steps to enhancing the quality of workplaces in children’s welfare services.
The effects of maternal depression and parental conflict on children's peer play
Authors: Hipwell A. E. , Murray L. , Ducournau P. , Stein A.
Published: September 2010

Background  Little is known about the relative effects of exposure to postnatal depression and parental conflict on the social functioning of school‐aged children. This is, in part, because of a lack of specificity in the measurement of child and parental behaviour and a reliance on children's reports of their hypothetical responses to conflict in play.

Methods  In the course of a prospective longitudinal study of children of postnatally depressed and well women, 5‐year‐old children were videotaped at home with a friend in a naturalistic dressing‐up play setting. As well as examining possible associations between the occurrence of postnatal depression and the quality of the children's interactions, we investigated the influence of parental conflict and co‐operation, and the continuity of maternal depression. The quality of the current mother–child relationship was considered as a possible mediating factor.

Results  Exposure to postnatal depression was associated with increased likelihood, among boys, of displaying physical aggression in play with their friend. However, parental conflict mediated the effects of postnatal depression on active aggression during play, and was also associated with displays of autonomy and intense conflict. While there were no gender effects in terms of the degree or intensity of aggressive behaviours, girls were more likely to express aggression verbally using denigration and gloating whereas boys were more likely to display physical aggression via interpersonal and object struggles.

Conclusions  The study provided evidence for the specificity of effects, with strong links between parental and child peer conflict. These effects appear to arise from direct exposure to parental conflict, rather than indirectly, through mother–child interactions.
Reducing potential for child abuse among methadone‐maintained parents: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: September 2010

.
 
Dawe S. &
Harnett P.
(
2007
)

,
32
,
381
–
390
.
 
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2006.10.003.
Promoting bicycle helmet wearing by children using nonlegislative interventions: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: September 2010

.
 
Royal S.,
Kendrick D. &
Coleman T.
(
2007
)

,
13
,
162
–
167
.
 
DOI: 10.1136/ip.2006.013441.

Objectives  To assess the effectiveness of nonlegislative interventions in increasing bicycle helmet use among children and young people, and to identify possible reasons for differential effectiveness of interventions.

Design  Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data sources  10 electronic databases were searched up to October 2006. Several other sources of potentially relevant information were identified and examined.

Review methods  We included randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials and controlled before‐and‐after studies of interventions to promote bicycle helmet use, which did not require the enactment of legislation. Participants were aged between 0 and 18 years.

Main outcome measure  Observed helmet wearing.

Results  13 studies were included in the review and 11 in the meta‐analysis. The odds of observed helmet wearing were significantly greater among children and young people in the intervention groups (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.35–3.35). Subgroup analysis indicated that the effect might be greater for community‐based studies (4.57, 2.37–8.81) and those providing free helmets (4.60, 2.25–9.43) than for those providing subsidized helmets (2.11, 1.09–4.06) and those set in schools (1.73, 1.04–2.89). Evidence for the effectiveness of the interventions was stronger in studies with follow‐up periods of ≥6 months (2.23, 1.27–3.90) than in those with longer‐term follow‐up (1.63, 0.91–2.91).

Conclusions  Non‐legislative interventions are effective in increasing bicycle helmet use among children and young people. Community‐based helmet promotion programmes that include the provision of free helmets may increase observed helmet wearing to a greater extent than those set in schools or those providing subsidized helmets.
Social support in unaccompanied asylum‐seeking boys: a case study
Authors: Mels C. , Derluyn I. , Broekaert E.
Published: September 2010

Background  The situation of unaccompanied asylum‐seeking children (UASC) is characterized by a substantial disruption of the social network and loss of parental support, seriously jeopardizing their psychological well‐being. However, little is known about the role of social support in the lives of UASC.

Methods  Twelve UASC completed a social support instrument and interview exploring perceived social support and what this implies for both buffering and main effects of social support.

Results  Asylum centre staff and the ethnic community were the most important resources of support. High importance was ascribed to social companionship as a way of coping. Despite pro‐social efforts towards Belgian peers, this group provided hardly any social support.

Conclusions  The provision of social support could enhance UASC's well‐being through buffering effects (e.g. social companionship as avoidant/distractive coping) and main effects (acceptance by Belgian peers enhancing self‐esteem). The asylum centre shows a great potential to stimulate UASC's psychological well‐being by expanding the psychosocial function of staff members and community treatment.
Psychological abuse between parents: associations with child maltreatment from a population‐based sample
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: September 2010

Chang J. J.,
Theodore A. D.,
Martin S. L. &
Runyan D. K.
(
2008
)

,
32
,
819
–
829
.

Objective  This study examined the association between partner psychological abuse and child maltreatment perpetration.

Methods  This cross‐sectional study examined a population‐based sample of mothers with children aged 0–17 years in North and South Carolina (n = 1149). Mothers were asked about the occurrence of potentially neglectful or abusive behaviours towards their children by either themselves or their husband/partner in the past year. Partner psychological abuse was categorized as no psychological abuse (reference), husband perpetrates, wife perpetrates or both perpetrates. Outcome measures for psychological and physical abuse of the child had four categories: no abuse (reference), mother perpetrates, father/father‐figure perpetrates or both parents perpetrates, whereas child neglect was binary. Adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRRs), adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with regression models. A relative risk ratio was the ratio of odds ratios derived from multinomial logistic regression.

Results  Children were at the greatest risk of maltreatment when parents psychologically abused each other versus no abuse: the aRRR for child psychological abuse by the mother only was 16.13 (95% CI 5.11, 50.92) compared with no abuse, controlling for child age, gender, Medicaid welfare and mother's level of education. Both parents psychologically abuse each other versus no abuse also results in an aRRR of 14.57 (95% CI 3.85, 55.16) for child physical abuse by both parents compared with no abuse. When only the husband perpetrates towards the wife, the odds of child neglect was 5.29 times as much as families with no psychological abuse (95% CI 1.36, 20.62).

Conclusions  Partner psychological abuse was strongly related to child maltreatment. Children experienced a substantially increased risk of maltreatment when partner psychological abuse was present in the homes.

Practice implications  This study observed that intimate partner psychological abuse significantly increased risk of child maltreatment. Increased public awareness of partner psychological abuse is warranted. Primary prevention should include education about the seriousness of partner psychological abuse in families. Domestic violence and child welfare agencies must recognize the link between partner psychological abuse and child maltreatment and work together to develop effective screening for each of these problems.
PRODUCTION OF IMMUNOREACTIVE INHIBIN BY A VIRILIZING OVARIAN TUMOUR (SERTOLI‐LEYDIG TUMOUR)
Authors: OHASHI MASAO , HASEGAWA YOSHIHISA , HAJI MASAFUMI , IGARASHI MASAO , NAWATA HAJIME
Published: September 2010

A 59‐year‐old post‐menopausal woman was admitted to the hospital with atypical vaginal bleeding and hirsute lower extremities. There was a high serum testosterone level (15‐8 nmol/1) and also an appreciable serum immunoreactive inhibin level. No adrenal or ovarian lesions were detected by conventional imaging procedures. Selective blood sampling was performed during venous catheterization and showed that testosterone and inhibin levels were highest in the right ovarian vein. Laparotomy revealed a Sertoli‐Leydig tumour in the right ovary, which was excised. Post‐operatively, immunoreactive inhibin became undetectable while the testosterone level fell to 2–8 nmol/1. Specific radioimmunoassay showed a high immunoreactive inhibin content in the tumour. These findings indicate that Sertoli‐Leydig tumours can produce both testosterone and immunoreactive inhibin, both of which would then inhibit LH and FSH release to produce the symptoms seen in this patient. Thus, assay of inhibin may aid in the differential diagnosis of virilizing tumours.
Preventive effect of levothyroxine in patients operated for non‐toxic goitre: a randomized trial of one hundred patients with nine years follow‐up
Authors: Bistrup Claus , dan Nielsen Jesper , Gregersen Gunnar , Franch Poul
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE Earlier reports have shown different effects of levothyroxine in the prevention of recurrence of non‐toxic goitre after operation. These studies have been either retrospective or of short‐term follow‐up. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of long‐term Eitroxin treatment (levothyroxine 0.1 mg daily) In the prevention of post‐operative recurrence of non‐toxic goitre.

DESIGN Randomized prospective non‐placebo controlled study with 9 years follow‐up. Group A (n = 40) received levothyroxine and group B (n = 60) did not.

PATIENTS One hundred patients consecutively operated for non‐toxic goitre. All clinically and biochemically euthyroid and none taking any thyroid and/or antithyroid medication.

MEASUREMENTS T3, T4, TSH, thyroid antibodies (microsomal/thyroglobulin), weight and neck circumference were measured and thyroid palpation were done preoperatively, 3 and 12 months after surgery and thereafter yearly up to 9 years.

RESULTS Sixty‐nine patients completed 9 years follow‐up. Incidence of recurrence in group A vs group B was 14.5 vs 21.8% (P < 0.05) irrespective of type of operation, pathoanatomical diagnosis, removed amount or remnant size of the thyroid gland and level of TSH.

CONCLUSION No preventive effect on incidence of recurrence of goitre by Eltroxin 0.1 mg daily in patients operated for non‐toxic sporadic goitre was observed.
Suppression of sex steroids by a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist increases serum growth hormone‐binding protein activity in girls with central idiopathic precocious puberty
Authors: Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Murata Atsushi , Yasuda Toshiyuki , Minagawa Masanori , Wataki Kunio , Ohnishi Hisashi , Niimi Hiroo
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE The high‐affinity growth hormone (GH)‐binding protein corresponds to the extracellular domain of GH receptor. The direct role of sex steroids in pubertal bone growth may be an increased GH receptor‐coupled GH action. We examine the GH‐binding protein (GHBP) activity before and after the suppression of female sex steroids and the relation of GHBP to pubertal growth.

PATIENTS We studied six girls with central idiopathic sexual precocity without any prior gonadal suppression therapy.

DESIGN We measured GHBP activity before and 12, 24 and 48 weeks after the treatment with s.c. injection of a GnRH agonist (leuprolide acetate) every 4 weeks.

MEASUREMENT GHBP activity was measured by immunoprecipitation using anti‐GH receptor monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS The treatment caused a decrease in the LH and FSH responses to GnRH test and plasma oestradiol, which resulted in decreased urinary GH excretion, plasma IGF‐I levels, height velocity and bone age maturation. GHBP activity before the start of the treatment was normal (75 ± 27% relative to adult pooled serum, mean ± SD), and it was increased above adult level (122 ± 29% at 48 weeks, P < 0.01) by the suppression of the pituitary‐gonadal axis. There were significant negative correlations between GHBP and oestradiol (r=‐0.452, n = 24, P < 0.05) and between GHBP and urine GH excretion (r = −0.462, n = 24, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS The high‐affinity GHBP is increased by the withdrawal of female sex steroid. The clinical significance of this finding may be interference with the binding of GH to its receptor resulting in a reduced IGF‐I level and decreased height velocity. The mechanism warrants further study.
Report: Analysis of epidemiology, clinical features and management of erysipelas
Authors: Krasagakis Konstantin , Valachis Antonios , Maniatakis Panagiotis , Krüger‐Krasagakis Sabine , Samonis George , Tosca Androniki D.
Published: September 2010

Background Erysipelas is a superficial form of cellulitis affecting the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics. The widespread use of antibiotics may affect clinical findings and response to therapy of infectious disorders. The purpose of the study was to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features of erysipelas and to compare the results of treatment with penicillin vs. other antibiotic regimens.

Methods All charts of erysipelas patients treated at the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece from 1994 to 2002 were retrospectively studied.

Results Median age of the 99 patients was 54.5 years; 59% were females. The most frequent site involved was the lower extremity (76%), followed by the face (17%) and upper extremity (6%). In 61 patients (62%), a possible entry portal was identified. The most common manifestation of erysipelas was local symptoms and signs (pain, erythema, and swelling) in all patients, together with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (60%). Fever was present in 25% of patients. The most commonly used antibiotic was intravenous penicillin G (64%). In the penicillin group, mean duration of fever after treatment initiation was shorter than in the nonpenicillin group (1.7 vs. 4.5 days,P = 0.002). Both treatment failures and recurrences were the same between the two groups.

Discussion The diagnosis of erysipelas can be based on careful examination for local signs and symptoms. The role of ESR in primary diagnosis needs further investigation. Penicillin seems to preserve its fundamental role in the treatment of disease.
Medical genetics: An Indian family with Sjögren‐Larsson syndrome caused by a novel ALDH3A2 mutation
Authors: Sakai Kaori , Akiyama Masashi , Yanagi Teruki , Nampoothiri Sheela , Mampilly Tony , Sunitha V , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: September 2010

Sjögren‐Larsson syndrome is an autosomal‐recessive hereditary disorder characterized by congenital ichthyosis, mental retardation and spastic diplegia or tetraplegia. It is known that mutations in the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH) gene (ALDH3A2) underlie SLS. We report two Indian sisters showing typical clinical features of SLS. Direct sequencing of the entire coding region of ALDH3A2 revealed a novel homozygous mutation, c.142G>T (p.Asp48Tyr) in exon 1, in both patients. Their parents harbored the mutation heterozygously. Mutant‐allele‐specific amplification analysis using PCR products as a template verified the mutation in the patients. The aspartic acid residue at the mutation site is located in the C‐terminal portion of the second a‐helix strand, a2, of N‐terminal four helices of FALDH and the FALDH amino‐acid sequence alignment shows that this aspartic acid residue is conserved among several diverse species. Until now, a number of mutations in ALDH3A2 have been shown to be responsible for SLS in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America. However, in Asian populations, ALDH3A2 mutations have been identified only in Japanese SLS patients. Here we report an ALDH3A2 mutation for the first time in SLS patients in the Asian country other than Japan. The present results suggest that ALDH3A2 is a gene responsible for SLS in Asian populations. We hope ALDH3A2 mutation search will be globally available including many Asian countries in the future.
Clinicopathologic challenge: Erythematous and edematous eruption of the face
Authors: Scavo Sebastiano , Magro Gaetano , Caltabiano Rosario
Published: September 2010

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