bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐surgical assessment of excised tissue from patients with Buruli ulcer disease: progression of infection in macroscopically healthy tissue
Authors: Bretzel G. , Siegmund V. , Racz P. , van Vloten F. , Ngos F. , Thompson W. , Biason P. , Adjei O. , Fleischer B. , Nitschke J.
Published: October 2005

Objective  The current standard of treatment of Buruli ulcer disease (BUD) is surgical excision of lesions. Excision size is determined macroscopically assuming the complete removal of all infected tissue. However, dissemination of infection beyond the excision margins into apparently healthy tissue, possibly associated with recurrences, cannot be excluded in this way. To assess the central to peripheral progression of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection and the mycobacterial infiltration of excision margins, excised tissue was examined for signs of infection.

Methods  20 BUD lesions were excised in general anaesthesia including all necrotic and subcutaneous adipose tissue down to the fascia and at an average of 40 mm into the macroscopically unaffected tissue beyond the border of the lesion. Tissue samples were subjected to PCR and histopathology.

Results  Although the bacillary load decreased from central to peripheral, M. ulcerans infection was detected throughout all examined tissue specimens including the peripheral segments as well as excision margins of all patients. During the post‐operative hospitalization period (averaging 2 months) no local recurrences were observed.

Conclusion  Available data suggest a correlation of surgical techniques with local recurrences. The results of this study indicate the unnoticed early progression of mycobacterial infection into macroscopically healthy tissue. Thus, the removal of all infected tissue cannot always be verified visually by the surgeon. Provided that long‐term follow up of patients with positive excision margins will establish the clinical relevance of these findings, on‐site laboratory assessment of excised tissue in combination with follow up may contribute to reduce recurrence rates.
Short communication: Soil‐transmitted helminthiasis in Uganda: epidemiology and cost of control
Authors: Kabatereine N. B. , Tukahebwa E. M. , Kazibwe F. , Twa‐Twa J. M. , Barenzi J. F. Z. , Zaramba S. , Stothard J. R. , Fenwick A. , Brooker S.
Published: October 2005

A countrywide description of the distribution of soil‐transmitted helminths in Uganda is reported, based on data for 20 185 schoolchildren from 271 schools. The overall prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm was 6.3%, 5.0% and 43.5%, respectively. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura was unevenly distributed in the country with prevalence greatest in south‐western Uganda whereas hookworm was generally more homogeneously distributed. Based on preliminary cost analysis of an ongoing school‐based control programme, the financial delivery cost per schoolchild treated with albendazole is estimated to be between US$ 0.04 and 0.08 in different districts.
Malignancy‐induced autoimmunity to MUC1: initial antibody characterization
Authors: Graves C.R.L. , Robertson J.F.R. , Murray A. , Price M.R. , Chapman C.J.
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Numerous reports document the existence of autoantibodies to MUC1 in the circulation of individuals with breast and other solid malignancies, with the majority of researchers utilizing MUC1 peptides in their detection. This report documents the purification, using peptide and whole molecule, and characterization of such autoantibodies from an individual with an unusual, highly MUC1‐positive, myosarcoma. Purification of autoantibodies from serum was performed using affinity chromatography against either MUC1 peptide or whole molecule MUC1 [derived both from the patient (Pt‐MUC1) and from a pool of sera from patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC‐MUC1)]. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to compare specificity of purified autoantibodies. Peptide epitopes were determined by Ptifcan system against 7‐mer peptides covering the 20 amino acid repeat of the MUC1 extracellular domain. Substantially higher amounts of autoantibodies were isolated when purifying against Pt‐MUC1 rather than either ABC‐MUC1 or peptide. Whole molecule purified autoantibodies demonstrated an increased specificity for tumour‐derived MUC1. Pt‐MUC1 autoantibodies were of both the immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM class, whilst autoantibodies purified against ABC‐MUC1 and MUC1 peptide were IgG only. A greater range of peptide epitopes was defined by those autoantibodies purified against whole molecule. This report presents data indicating the presence of autoantibodies to MUC1 in an individual diagnosed with a MUC1 over‐expressing myosarcoma. Confirmation of these autoantibodies as being specific for tumour‐associated MUC1 is given. Further, it suggests that, although autoantibodies are present that recognize core protein determinants, the initial, and dominant, immunizing epitope is not purely pretentious in nature.
Biological activities of cecropin B–thanatin hybrid peptides
Authors: Hongbiao W. , Baolong N. , Lihua H. , Weifeng S. , Zhiqi M.
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Ten kinds of hybrid peptides containing the N‐terminal residues of cecropin B (CB) and C‐terminal of thanatin (TH) were constructed and expressed as gluthathion S‐transferase (GST)‐fusion proteins. Variants were screened for the better biological activity, which was paralleled with the degree of growth inhibition of the transformant cells. The hybrid CB‐TH g was selected as the best one among those hybrids by in vivo monitoring method and was chemical synthesized for in vitro antimicrobial activity analysis. The hybrid peptide showed rescued activity against several test strains when compared with the truncated isoforms of TH, suggesting that the peptides with different structure and mechanism could be used as templates for hybrid peptides design.
Midazolam for patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A prospective, single‐blind and randomized study to determine the appropriate amount and time of initiation of endoscopy
Authors: YI SUN YOUNG , SHIN JEONG EUN
Published: October 2005

Background and Aims:  Midazolam is currently the most used sedative agent in endoscopy. The present study was designed to examine the appropriate dose of midazolam, time of initiation of endoscopy after midazolam infusion, and to prove the necessity of flumazenil as an antidote.

Methods:  One hundred and eighty patients undergoing diagnostic gastroscopy were assigned three different amounts of intravenous midazolam in prospective, single‐blinded and randomized setting as follows: (i) group I 0.03 mg/kg midazolam; (ii) group II 0.06 mg/kg midazolam; and (iii) group III 0.09 mg/kg midazolam. Endoscopy was initiated 30, 60 and 90 s after infusion of midazolam within each group. After endoscopy, patients were divided into two groups, one receiving flumazenil and one placebo in a double‐blind fashion. The ease of the procedure, the conscious sedative state, the paradoxical response, the level of satisfaction and anterograde amnesia were assessed using a 100 mm visual analog scale.

Results:  The endoscopist's assessments were not changed by the different doses of midazolam; however, significant differences were observed in the paradoxical responses (P < 0.05). The level of satisfaction with endoscopy was notably different between group I and the other two groups (P < 0.05). Amnesia was boosted according with increasing doses of midazolam (P < 0.05). The time until discharge after endoscopy was significantly different between group III and the other two groups (P < 0.05) and the discharge time was reduced in the flumazenil subgroup compared with the placebo subgroup in group III (P < 0.05). Group II (0.06 mg/kg) reported good levels of satisfaction, fewer paradoxical responses and short discharge time without any side‐effects. Comparing the time of initiation of endoscopy (at 30, 60 and 90 s after midazolam) in each group, there were no significant differences in the level of satisfaction, conscious sedative state and amnesia.

Conclusions:  Midazolam should be administered at a dose of 0.06 mg/kg and the endoscopy should be initiated 30 s after midazolam injection for appropriate effects without any side‐effects. Flumazenil is not necessary, except in the case of the use of a high dose (above 0.09 mg/kg) of midazolam.
Impact of loss of heterozygosity of encoding phosphate and tensin homolog on the prognosis of gastric cancer
Authors: OKI EIJI , KAKEJI YOSHIHIRO , BABA HIDEO , TOKUNAGA ERIKO , NAKAMURA TOSHIHIKO , UEDA NAOYUKI , FUTATSUGI MOTONORI , YAMAMOTO MANABU , IKEBE MASAHIKO , MAEHARA YOSHIHIKO
Published: October 2005

Background and Aim:  Encoding phosphate and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a cancer suppressor gene and it has been assumed that gene mutation and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) occurs frequently in various types of carcinoma. However, the role of LOH of PTEN and its outcome variables in gastric cancer have not been well established. In the present study, we investigated the roles of PTEN, LOH and their outcomes.

Methods:  Fresh frozen tumor samples from 119 gastric cancer patients with a primary diagnosis of gastric carcinoma were evaluated for LOH of PTEN using an automated sequencer. Results were compared with pathological parameters. The median follow‐up period was 559 days.

Results:  Loss of heterozygosity of PTEN was observed in 17.1% of patients (13/76) diagnosed with gastric cancer. No particular relationship was found with any clinicopathological factor. However, the prognosis of patients with LOH of PTEN was significantly poor. Multivariate analyses revealed that vascular invasion, invasion depth, LOH of PTEN, histology and lymph node metastasis were correlated with survival of the patient.

Conclusions:  Even though mutation of PTEN in gastric cancer has rarely been reported, according to our findings, LOH of PTEN frequently occurs in gastric cancers and is correlated with disease‐related deaths. The LOH of PTEN is an independent prognostic factor and PTEN is a candidate as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor in gastric cancers.
Fatty liver and the metabolic syndrome among Shanghai adults
Authors: FAN JIAN‐GAO , ZHU JUNE , LI XING‐JIAN , CHEN LAN , LU YUAN‐SAN , LI LUI , DAI FEI , LI FENG , CHEN SHI‐YAO
Published: October 2005

Background and Aim:  To explore the relationship between fatty liver and the metabolic syndrome in the adults of Shanghai and evaluate the value of fatty liver as a marker for risk factor clustering.

Methods:  Questionnaires, physical examinations, laboratory tests (blood lipid and glucose) and real‐time liver ultrasonographies were performed in Shanghai adults and analyzed using randomized, multistage, stratified cluster sampling. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP‐ATPIII) criteria with the exception of abdominal obesity (waist circumference > 90 cm in men and > 80 cm in women); fatty liver was diagnosed in accordance with the presence of an ultrasonographic pattern consistent with ‘bright’ liver (brightness and posterior attenuation of liver).

Results:  The study population consisted of 3175 subjects (1218 men) with a mean (± SD) age of 52.4 ± 15.1 years. Metabolic syndrome and fatty liver were found in 726 (22.87%) and 661 (20.82%) of sampled cases, respectively. After adjustment by age and sex, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and fatty liver in the general population of Shanghai were 15.30 and 17.29%, respectively. The risk for fatty liver in subjects with abdominal obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension increased 32.78‐fold (95% confidence interval (CI) 14.85–72.35), 31.58‐fold (95% CI 14.18–70.35), 22.64‐fold (95% CI 10.26–49.99) and 23.25‐fold (95% CI 10.54–51.30), respectively, compared with controls, whereas the risk for fatty liver in subjects with metabolic syndrome was increased by 39.33‐fold (95% CI 17.77–87.05). After the 661 patients with fatty liver had been stratified by body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of abdominal obesity, hypertension and the metabolic syndrome were increased from 25.0, 47.2 and 36.1%, respectively, in people with normal BMI to 81.0, 73.8 and 55.4%, respectively, in obese persons. However, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, high fasting glucose and low high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol showed no significant changes with increased BMI. Moreover, among fatty liver patients with normal BMI, the detection rate for one or more features of metabolic disorders was as high as 83.3% and that for five features was 2.8%. Compared with obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and abdominal obesity, fatty liver had the highest clustering rate, specificity, positive predictive value and attributable risk percentage in detecting risk factor clustering in both sexes.

Conclusions:  There is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver among Shanghai adults. Metabolic disorders are closely related to fatty liver; moreover, fatty liver appears to be a good predictor for the clustering of risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
Expression of retinoid receptors in multiple cell lineages in the gastric mucosae of mice and humans
Authors: KARAM SHERIF M , HASSAN WAIL M , JOHN RONY
Published: October 2005

Background and Aim:  In mice and humans, the gastric epithelial progenitors undergo proliferation and bipolar migration from the isthmus associated with their differentiation into mucus‐, acid‐ and pepsinogen‐secreting cell lineages. Little is known about factors that control the dynamics of these isthmal progenitor cells. Retinoids have long been known as chemopreventive agents against gastric mucosal damage and carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to examine the cellular localization of the various retinoid receptors proteins (RAR and RXR) in the gastric epithelium of mice and humans.

Methods:  Gastric antral biopsies of normal individuals and the oxyntic and antral regions of the mouse stomach were processed for immunohistochemistry using anti‐RAR and anti‐RXR antibodies. To label the progenitor cell zone, some sections were also probed with antibodies specific for proliferating cell nuclear antigen.

Results:  The immunoprobed oxyntic mucosal sections of the mice showed that RXRβ protein was present in the epithelial isthmal cells, neck cells, zymogenic cells and some pit and parietal cells. In addition, RARβ was found in isthmal and neck cells, and RARγ was mainly found in neck cells. In the mouse antrum, only RXRβ was detected in the isthmal cells and their pit and gland cell descendents. In humans, immunoprobed antral sections showed that RARβ, RARγ, RXRα and RXRγ proteins are expressed in the isthmal, pit and gland cells.

Conclusions:  Retinoid receptors are expressed in multiple cell lineages of the mouse and human gastric epithelium and may, therefore, account for the possible effects of retinoids on gastric epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation.
Natural history of endocrine failure in tropical chronic pancreatitis: A longitudinal follow‐up study
Authors: MOHAN VISWANATHAN , BARMAN KARUNA KANTA , RAJAN VENKATA SUBBARAO , CHARI SURESH T , DEEPA RAJ
Published: October 2005

Background and Aims:  Diabetes in tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP), also known as fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD), is frequently seen at diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the natural history of endocrine failure in TCP subjects without diabetes at baseline.

Methods:  Of 73 TCP subjects without diabetes according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria at baseline who were seen at an out‐patient center, 54 (74.0%) underwent periodic oral glucose tolerance tests on follow up. Another 54 sex‐matched, non‐diabetic subjects without chronic pancreatitis served as controls. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were noted.

Results:  After a median follow up of 5.0 years in TCP subjects and 7.0 years in controls, 27 of 54 TCP subjects (50%) developed diabetes compared with 14 of 54 controls (25.9%). Of the TCP subjects, those who developed diabetes on follow up were older (31 ± 12 vs 23 ± 11 years; P = 0.013), had a higher body mass index (21.7 ± 4.4 vs 18.2 ± 3.5 kg/m2; P = 0.004), higher 2 h post‐load plasma glucose (8.8 ± 1.9 vs 6.7 ± 1.4 mmol/L; P < 0.001) and lower fecal chymotrypsin (2.1 ± 1.2 vs 4.3 ± 2.5 U/g; P < 0.001) at baseline compared with those who did not develop diabetes. The median time for the development of diabetes after diagnosis of TCP was 9.6 years (compared with 14.4 years among controls). Only 2 of 13 TCP subjects (15.4%) who had undergone surgical interventions during the normal glucose tolerance phase developed diabetes during follow up.

Conclusions:  In TCP, there is progressive deterioration of endocrine pancreatic function, with development of diabetes in 50% of patients upon follow up, suggesting that FCPD is merely a later stage in the course of TCP. Early surgery may prevent the development of diabetes in TCP subjects.
What are teenagers reading? Adolescent fiction reading habits and reading choices
Authors: Hopper Rosemary
Published: October 2005

What are adolescents choosing to read? This is an important question because of potential divergence between school students' reading interests and reading expectations in school. This article considers the findings from a study of the reading over one week in May 2002 of 707 school students aged between 11 and 15, undertaken in 30 schools in the south‐west of England. The findings are related to earlier research by, amongst others, Whitehead, Benton, and Hall and Coles. The article reflects on adolescent reading choices, influences on those choices and the importance of validating all reading experience, including the new literacies.
Space Science News: Special Edition, a resource for extending reading and promoting engagement with newspapers in the science classroom
Authors: Jarman Ruth , McClune Billy
Published: October 2005

This paper describes the development of an innovative resource, comprising authentic newspaper articles and associated activities, designed to broaden the range of reading material available for use in the science classroom. Science teachers' response to the publication is discussed. The resource was very well received, indicating that, given appropriate material, science specialists demonstrate a willingness to use media text in their classrooms. However, while all viewed the publication as a valuable science resource and many saw its potential for promoting literacy through science, only a few recognised it as a vehicle for encouraging, among students, critical engagement with science in the media. This suggests that further intervention may be necessary if this outcome is to be achieved.
Examining England's National Curriculum assessments: an analysis of the KS2 reading test questions, 1993–2004
Authors: Kispal Anne
Published: October 2005

The Year 6 National Curriculum reading test has become a familiar and established annual experience at the end of the primary phase in schools throughout England. From 1993 onwards, each year the national reading test for 11‐year‐olds has consisted of a different set of texts, accompanied by a different set of questions. With over a decade's accumulation of national assessment materials, the National Foundation for Educational Research decided to fund a project to take stock of the reading test, scrutinise what children have been expected to do over the years, and track the evolution of the assessment. A new taxonomy of question focuses, introduced by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in 2003, provided the opportune moment to conduct a retrospective re‐categorisation of all the questions that had ever appeared in a Key Stage 2 reading test. This paper reports on that exercise and reveals that some forms of questioning remain constant and reappear every year, while others are subject to variation.
Holy Lemons! Learning from children's uses of the Internet in out‐of‐school contexts
Authors: Burnett Cathy , Wilkinson Jeff
Published: October 2005

The Internet offers new possibilities for engaging with information and is associated with a wide range of literacy practices. National guidance in the United Kingdom on ‘reading the web’, however, has focused largely on the different skills children may need to learn in school to navigate web‐based texts successfully. Here it is argued that much can be learned both about the potential of the web and of the kinds of reading associated with it by examining children's use of the Internet outside school. This article therefore begins with an overview of particular features of on‐screen reading and the different practices and orientations towards knowledge associated with this. It then reports on the use of the Internet out of school by a group of Year 6 children. It explores the purposes for which these children access the Internet, the attitudes and orientations they demonstrate in their approach to web‐based texts, and their own perceptions of what has enabled them to develop as Internet users. This exploration highlights the way that children may experiment and innovate in their use of the Internet out of school, and in doing so demonstrate considerable autonomy. These findings are used to make suggestions for framing and supporting children's Internet use in school.
ETHNIC AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN INTERGENERATIONAL MOBILITY: A STUDY OF 26‐YEAR‐OLDS IN THE USA
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Haile Getinet , Taylor Jim
Published: October 2005

This paper uses the traditional income framework and a non‐monetary framework to estimate intergenerational mobility in economic status for a sample of 26‐year‐old whites, blacks and Hispanics in the USA using data from the first and fifth sweeps of the National Educational Longitudinal Study (1988 and 2000). Intergenerational income mobility is found to be greater for males than for females, although there are differences between whites, blacks and Hispanics. Transition probabilities indicate that Hispanics are the most upwardly mobile in terms of educational attainment and occupational status. Ordered logits are used to estimate the impact of parental education and occupation on educational and occupational outcomes.
EVALUATING THE IMPACTS OF SUBSIDIES ON INNOVATION ACTIVITIES IN GERMANY
Authors: Hujer Reinhard , Radić Dubravko
Published: October 2005

Innovations are a key factor to ensure the competitiveness of establishments as well as to enhance the growth and wealth of nations. But more than any other economic activity, decisions about innovations are plagued by failures of the market mechanism. As a response, public instruments have been implemented to stimulate private innovation activities. The effectiveness of these measures, however, is ambiguous and calls for an empirical evaluation. In this paper we make use of the IAB Establishment Panel and apply various microeconometric methods to estimate the effect of public measures on innovation activities of German establishments. We find that neglecting sample selection due to observable as well as to unobservable characteristics leads to an overestimation of the treatment effect and that there are considerable differences with regard to size class and between West and East German establishments.
TAXATION AND CENTRALISED WAGE SETTING: THE CASE OF ENDOGENOUS LABOUR SUPPLY
Authors: Kilponen Juha , Sinko Pekka
Published: October 2005

The implications of centralised wage setting for the relationship between taxation, wages and employment are studied allowing for endogenous adjustment in work hours. We show that centralisation promotes wage moderation, makes wages and employment less sensitive to changes in wage taxation and reduces the hours worked. With an individual supply of working hours, a wage tax can even improve employment if wage setting is centralised and marginal utility from a public good is sufficiently high. Moreover, if a profit tax is used to finance public expenditure, higher tax reduces wages and improves employment.
ON THE SOURCES OF THE INFLATION BIAS AND OUTPUT VARIABILITY
Authors: Piga Gustavo
Published: October 2005

Why do dynamic inconsistencies in monetary policy exist? In this paper, a traditional model with output inefficiencies is introduced, but monetary policy is allowed to be influenced by the various constituencies in the economy that pressure Congress in turn to pressure the Central Bank to adopt a particular policy stance. This paper shows that in this economy an inflation bias arises because of the lobbying pressures of outsiders. Furthermore, it shows that if lobbying pressures are high enough, an inflation bias cannot be avoided for any finite level of Central Bank independence. It also shows that introducing the realistic feature of lobbying pressures has an impact on the stabilization properties of monetary policy. When a supply shock occurs, the shock is totally absorbed by a non‐myopic trade union, which has no lobbying costs. This is independent of any finite degree of conservativeness of the central banker, who has to accept an extreme increase in price instability. It is shown that monetary policy delegation is therefore sub‐optimal in achieving price stability compared with labor‐market reforms meant to remove monopsonistic elements. However, the same structural policies will induce greater output instability by strengthening the power of conservative central bankers.
DO PLAYERS REACT TO SANCTION CHANGES? EVIDENCE FROM THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Authors: Witt Robert
Published: October 2005

This paper evaluates the impact on three types of offences, red card fouls, yellow card fouls, and no‐card fouls of Fédération Internationale de Football Association's introduction of a rule change in 1998 by exploiting the competitive variation in English Premier League football games over two seasons. A key result of this paper is that as more offences became eligible for red cards, the number of red cards did not increase after the introduction of the new law. The results indicate that the relationship between non‐red card fouls and many of their determinants appears to have changed significantly between the 1997–8 and 1998–9 seasons. The findings in the paper are consistent with the view that an increase in the severity of the sanction associated with a tackle from behind raised the number of no‐card and yellow card fouls.
OUTCOME UNCERTAINTY AND THE COUCH POTATO AUDIENCE
Authors: Forrest David , Simmons Robert , Buraimo Babatunde
Published: October 2005

Previous studies of attendance demand for professional team sports have failed to yield clear‐cut findings on the importance of outcome uncertainty to consumers. But potentially fewer problems should arise in examining the link between outcome uncertainty and demand in the television market for team sports, which of the case of English Premier League football is in fact a more important component in total club revenue. This study models both the choice of which games to show and the size of audience attracted by each game, exploiting data on audience sizes for games between 1993 and 2002. We propose a new measure of match outcome uncertainty and, from our results, both the broadcaster and the audience appear interested in competitive balance.
Interpersonal Behavior, Peer Popularity, and Self‐esteem in Early Adolescence
Authors: De Bruyn Eddy H. , Van Den Boom Dymphna C.
Published: October 2005

The present study compared the behavioral correlates of sociometric popularity status and consensual popularity status among a large group of children (N= 778) in their first year of secondary school. By means of self‐report and classmates’ nomination procedures, the relative contribution of the two types of popularity to peer role strain and self‐esteem were investigated. Results indicated large differences in the behavioral correlates of both types of popularity: Sociometric popularity is largely related to cooperative behavior and being perceived as popular. Consensual popularity is highly related to fashion style and being perceived as not boring. The two types of popu‐larity were uniquely related to self‐esteem levels. Consensual popularity was directly linked to social self‐esteem; sociometric popularity appeared to be linked to self‐esteem through the reduction of peer role strain levels. The results are discussed in the light of social psychological theories of dominance and prestige among children.
Maternal and Child Anxiety: Do Attachment Beliefs or Children's Perceptions of Maternal Control Mediate Their Association?
Authors: Costa Natalie M. , Weems Carl F.
Published: October 2005

This study tested a model of the association between maternal and child anxiety that views mother and child attachment beliefs and children's perceptions of maternal control as mediators of the association. The study was conducted with mothers and their children aged 6 to 17 (N = 88). Maternal anxiety was significantly associated with child anxiety and maternal anxious attachment beliefs, whereas child anxiety was associated with maternal anxious attachment beliefs, child insecure attachment beliefs, and children's perceptions of maternal control. Maternal anxious attachment beliefs mediated the association between maternal and child anxiety; however, child attachment beliefs and children's perceptions of maternal control did not. The influence of age and gender is also addressed. The findings are discussed in terms of elucidating the role of attachment beliefs and children's perceptions of maternal control on the association between maternal and child anxiety.
Parent–Child Emotional Communication and Children's Coping in Middle Childhood
Authors: Gentzler Amy L. , Contreras‐Grau Josefina M. , Kerns Kathryn A. , Weimer Barbara L.
Published: October 2005

Parent–child communication regarding children's negative emotions and coping were examined in a sample of 75 5th graders (53% boys) and their mothers and fathers. We predicted that emotionally open communication between a parent and his or her child would be related to children's use of constructive coping strategies. Parents reported on how they react to their child's negative emotions, and children reported on how much they share their negative feelings with each parent. Additionally, emotional communication was measured during a parent–child discussion task involving an event that was upsetting to the child. The results indicated that emotional communication, as reported by mothers, fathers, and children, as well as mother–child observed communication, were related to children's coping strategies. The findings point to a need to assess emotional communication using multiple measures that tap both the child's and the parents’ perspectives and that use different methodologies.
Emotion Knowledge Skills in Low‐income Elementary School Children: Associations with Social Status and Peer Experiences
Authors: Miller Alison L. , Gouley Kathleen Kiely , Seifer Ronald , Zakriski Audrey , Eguia Maria , Vergnani Michael
Published: October 2005

This short‐term longitudinal study examined relations between emotion knowledge and social functioning in a sample of low‐income kindergarten and 1st graders. Individual differences in spontaneous emotion naming and emotion recognition skills were used to predict children's social functioning at school, including peer‐nominated sociometric status, and child self‐reports of negative experiences with peers in school (peer victimization and rejection). Children who had greater emotional vocabulary and recognized emotions more accurately had better outcomes in all areas, and many of the associations between fall emotion knowledge skills and spring social functioning outcomes held after covarying grade and children's previous status with regard to these outcomes. Results are discussed with regard to implications for prevention and intervention programs (e.g., the PATHS curriculum) that focus on teaching emotion knowledge skills in order to foster high‐risk children's social competence.
Nice and Nasty Theory of Mind in Preschool Children: Nature and Nurture
Authors: Ronald Angelica , Happé Francesca , Hughes Claire , Plomin Robert
Published: October 2005

Experimental research suggests the differentiation of ‘nice’ and ‘nasty’ theory of mind (ToM). Over 5000 parents from the Twins Early Development Study reported on nice (e.g., being considerate) and nasty (e.g., blaming others) behaviours following their twins’ second, third, and fourth birthdays. Factor analyses yielded four factors and it was proposed that these related to prosocial behaviour necessitating ToM (Nice ToM), antisocial behaviour necessitating ToM (Nasty ToM), and prosocial and antisocial behaviour not necessitating ToM (Nice and Nasty). Interscale correlations, gender differences, and their relationship with language were consistent with this distinction. Both ToM scales showed moderate heritability and significant environmental influences (shared and nonshared). Bivariate analyses indicated somewhat distinct aetiological influences on Nice ToM versus Nasty ToM. However, further research is needed to confirm whether this distinction reflects interactions between ToM and temperament, or two underlying genetic and cognitively distinct ToM abilities.
Effects of Nurturing and Non‐nurturing Caregiving on Child Social Initiatives: An Experimental Investigation of Emotion as a Mediator of Social Behavior1
Authors: Karrass Jan , Walden Tedra A.
Published: October 2005

This study examined the effects of one unfamiliar adult's warm, responsive interactions or cold, aloof, unresponsive interactions on child emotion and subsequent social initiatives to a second adult. Participants were 32 41/2‐ to 51/2‐year‐old preschool children. Nurturing, responsive caregiving and non‐nurturing, unresponsive caregiving were experimentally manipulated by experimenter facial and vocal affective expressions, positive versus negative statements to the child, and contingency of responding to the child's behavior. The effect of nurturance was examined on child emotions and social initiatives to another adult. Non‐nurturing caregiving produced less expressed happiness and fewer subsequent social initiatives. Furthermore, child emotion was found to mediate partially the relation between nurturing caregiving and social initiatives, with children who experienced interactions with a non‐nurturing caregiver expressing less happiness, which led to decreased social initiatives to a second adult.
The Covariance Structure of East and West German Incomes and its Implications for the Persistence of Poverty and Inequality
Authors: Biewen Martin
Published: October 2005

Based on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP), this paper analyzes the dynamics of equivalent income in East and West Germany in the years following reunification. Special emphasis is given to the separation of permanent and transitory components, the persistence of transitory shocks and their implications for the persistence of poverty and inequality. The results suggest that in West Germany, between 52 and 69 per cent of cross-sectional income inequality was permanent, and that poor individuals stayed in poverty for two years on average. In East Germany, the share of the permanent component in overall income inequality rose continuously from 20 per cent in 1990 to 72 per cent in 1998, reaching a level near the one that prevailed in West Germany during the same period. The rising importance of time-invariant components in East German incomes was also reflected in expected poverty durations which slightly increased from 1.47 years in 1990 to 1.67 years in 1998.
Citizen Redress in Public Contracting for Human Services
Authors: Vincent‐Jones Peter
Published: October 2005

This article examines from a regulatory perspective the legal position of citizens in respect of contracted out human services. It argues that the inadequate protection of individual interests and the public interest here is a reflection of increasingly complex relationships between the state and independent sectors, expressed in the essentially hybrid character of contemporary public service organisation. Accordingly a hybrid reform strategy, rather than one that attempts to extend or develop private or public law in any particular direction, is most likely to be successful in addressing associated legal governance problems. The attainment of improved redress for service recipients, and increased accountability of contractors and other parties engaged in human services networks, requires the careful tailoring of remedies to the conditions prevailing in particular sectors. The goal of responsive law should be to foster qualities of good administration and respect for fundamental public interest values within the whole range of regulated agencies and bodies performing public service functions.
Advance Refusals of Life‐Sustaining Medical Treatment: The Relativity of an Absolute Right
Authors: Michalowski Sabine
Published: October 2005

English law gives the competent patient a right to refuse life‐saving treatment, either contemporaneously or in an advance directive. This means that the patient's autonomous choice that in an anticipated situation his/her interests are better served by rejecting life‐saving treatment needs to be respected. However, this right is undermined in practice by the courts' approach of applying a presumption in favour of preserving the patient's life whenever the validity and applicability of an advance directive is questioned. The article argues that the patient's right to refuse life‐saving treatment only receives the respect it deserves if the decision whether or not a valid and applicable advance directive exists in a given case is instead be approached in an unbiased, disinterested way, and it analyses how this can be achieved in different scenarios.
Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens
Authors: Ljubojevic S , Pasic A , Lipozencic J , Skerlev M
Published: October 2005

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS) is rare chronic, suppurative and inflammatory scalp disease. Its aetiology and pathogenesis is not completely understood. The treatment is usually difficult and often disappointing.

We report a case of 29‐year‐old male who presented with tender, fluctuant nodules and abscesses, with draining pus and patchy alopecia on his scalp for 3 years. A skin biopsy from scalp lesions revealed features that are characteristic of perifolliculitis. Initially, the patient was treated with periodic incision and drainage of the scalp abscesses. The answer was very poor. When admitted to our department, isotretinoin was started at daily dose of 30 mg, because initially his cholesterol and triglyceride levels were mildly increased. When dose was reduced to 10 mg the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride remained normal. A response to treatment was excellent and rapid.

The treatment of PCAS represents usually difficulties and frustration for both the patient and the physician. A long course of isotretinoin can be considered as one of the most effective treatment for PCAS.
An effective surgical treatment for nail thickening in Darier's disease
Authors: Baran R
Published: October 2005

Background  Nail thickening of idiopathic or hereditary aetiology originating in the matrix is difficult to treat.

Objective  The purpose is to describe an easy surgical technique to reduce the thickness of the nail.

Methods and results  The result is achieved by shortening the matrix with an excellent cosmetic appearance in the newly formed nail plate.

Conclusion  Nail thickening in Darier's disease originating in the matrix, and other similar hereditary or idiopathic conditions, may benefit from this surgical approach.
Recurrent epithelioid angiosarcoma of the scalp simulating melanoma. A 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: Verdolini R , Goteri G , Criante P , Giangiacomi M , Cerio R
Published: October 2005

We present a case of an intriguing mesenchymal neoplasm of the scalp that recurred several times over 10 years before a final diagnosis was possible. The case was sent for expert opinions to various international dermatopathological authorities and was, for a long time, unanimously interpreted as malignant melanoma. This diagnosis was supported by immunohistochemical examinations demonstrating S‐100 positivity. Nevertheless, the clinical behaviour, as well as some histopathological features raised doubt regarding the diagnosis. Only after the last recurrence, followed by a repeat extensive immunohistochemical study, the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma was made. Histologically malignant melanoma can be highly misleading and in literature, reports of misinterpreted cases of melanoma are published. In contrast, tumours that can simulate melanoma are also not infrequent and it is essential to perform immunohistochemistry to confirm diagnosis and exclude a melanocytic lesion.
Interaction of legislation and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases with focus on syphilis and gonorrhoea in the Czech Republic – review to year 2003
Authors: Resl V , Kumpová M
Published: October 2005

Introduction  A large increase in syphilis prevalence was noted in the Czech Republic during the last decade. It was associated with prostitution in cities and especially in areas bordering more economically developed countries. Foreigners account for more than 50% of this increase. Absence of legislative regulations contributes to this situation.

Objective  To demonstrate the necessity of setting sexually transmitted disease (STD) fighting priority in the Czech Republic.

Methods  The authors review the development of legislation related to STDs in the context of geopolitical changes and the epidemiological situation in the Czech Republic by relating epidemiological, geopolitical and economic data.

Results  Venereal‐diseases‐related regulatory codes have existed in the Czech Republic for years; however, they became fragmented in several regulations and often do not have the status of law. It is a consequence of the transformation of the entire state health care delivery system to a private system. The treatment of foreigners, refugees and uninsured people is a major problem.

Conclusion  It is necessary to focus on special populations, such as homeless people, immigrants and prostitutes. It is desirable to strengthen international cooperation in combating STD as well as prostitution. Relevant legislation should be introduced to correlate the existing regulations and bring them up to date.
Parry–Romberg syndrome in association with anti‐dsDNA antibodies: a case report
Authors: Gonul M , Dogan B , Izci Y , Varol G
Published: October 2005

Parry–Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare and puzzling disorder that is characterized by progressive hemifacial atrophy. It involves mainly some or all tissues of one side of the face. A case of 21‐year‐old Caucasian man with hemifacial atrophy in the right facial region is reported. Serological studies with anti‐single‐stranded DNA (anti‐ssDNA), anti‐double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA), anticentromere (ACA) and antinuclear (ANA) antibodies were done. Anti‐dsDNA antibodies was found positive, but the others were negative. Rheumatoid factor (RF) was also negative. Since PRS is rare and its association with anti‐dsDNA antibodies was not reported before, this case appears to be the first report.
Impetigo herpetiformis with hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Wolf R , Tartler U , Stege H , Megahed M , Ruzicka T
Published: October 2005

Impetigo herpetiformis, first described by Hebra, is a rare pustular disorder that primarily affects pregnant women and it is often complicated by an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. A commonly associated hypocalcemia often appears with hypoparathyroidism. Here we report a case of complicated impetigo herpetiformis without hypocalcemia paired with a compensatory hyperparathyroidism.
Assessment of the immune system in 55 Iranian patients with vitiligo
Authors: Farrokhi S , Hojjat‐Farsangi M , Noohpisheh MK , Tahmasbi R , Rezaei N
Published: October 2005

Background  Vitiligo is an acquired idiopathic hypomelanotic disorder characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules resulting from the loss of cutaneous melanocytes.

Objective  In order to evaluate the immune system of Iranian patients with vitiligo, this study was accomplished.

Methods  Fifty‐five Iranian patients with vitiligo and 60 healthy persons as control were investigated in this study. The laboratory techniques were included: antimelanocyte antibody (AMA) and antinuclear antibody (ANA) with indirect immunoflorescent test, C3 and C4 levels with single radial immunodiffusion (SRID), and rheumatoid factor (RF) with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results  AMA was positive in 17 patients (30.9%) and was negative in the entire control group (P < 0.0001). ANA was positive in 4 patients (7.3%), which was insignificantly higher than control group (1.7%). IgM‐RF was positive in 6 patients (10.8%) while it was negative in the entire control group (P = 0.027). C3 and C4 values decreased in 14 patients (25.5%), which was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  The important role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of vitiligo could be suggested. In addition, the autoimmune hypothesis of vitiligo could be confirmed based on the results of this study.
Effects of patient satisfaction with care on health‐related quality of life: a prospective study
Authors: Renzi C , Tabolli S , Picardi A , Abeni D , Puddu P , Braga M
Published: October 2005

Objectives  To evaluate the effect of patient satisfaction on health‐related quality of life among dermatological outpatients, independently of patients’ sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics.

Design  Prospective cohort study. Satisfaction was evaluated with a standardized questionnaire three days after the visit by telephone interview. Quality of life and psychiatric disorders were measured with validated instruments (Skindex‐29 and Ghq‐12) before the dermatological visit and after four weeks. At the four week interview also self‐reported medication adherence was assessed.

Setting  Outpatient clinics of a large dermatological hospital in Rome, Italy.

Patients  A consecutive sample of 1389 outpatients was approached, and 52% agreed to participate. Inclusion criteria were met by 424 patients, and 396 (93%) of them completed the study.

Main outcome measures  Improvement in health related quality of life.

Results  At multivariate analysis satisfied patients have approximately twice the odds for an improved quality of life on the emotions scale (OR = 1.99; 95%CI 1.1 to 3.7; P = 0.03) and on the functioning scale (OR = 2.2; 95%CI 1.1 to 4.7; P = 0.03). Patients with psychiatric disorders at baseline were less likely to have an improved quality of life on the functioning scale (OR = 0.3; 95%CI 0.2 to 0.8; P = 0.01).

Conclusions  This is the first prospective study showing that patient satisfaction and psychiatric disorders have a significant effect on quality of life improvement among dermatological patients, independently of patient characteristics. Particular attention should be devoted to improving physicians’ interpersonal skills, the major component of patient satisfaction.
‘Dalmatian dog’‐like skin eruption (two cases of multifocal fixed drug eruption induced by mefenamic acid)
Authors: Rallis E , Rigopoulos D , Anyfantakis V , Kalogirou O , Christophidou E , Papadakis P , Katsambas A
Published: October 2005

Mefenamic acid is a common widely prescribed drug with analgesic activity. Authors report two cases of multifocal fixed drug eruption induced by mefenamic acid. Cases were diagnosed on basis of clinical examination and histopathology of skin lesion. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature and these are the first two described in Greece.