bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnitude and Direction of Vesicle Dynamics in Growing Pollen Tubes Using Spatiotemporal Image Correlation Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching
Authors: Bove Jérôme , Vaillancourt Benoit , Kroeger Jens , Hepler Peter K. , Wiseman Paul W. , Geitmann Anja
Published: May 2008

The delivery of cell wall material and membrane to growing plant cell surfaces requires the spatial and temporal coordination of secretory vesicle trafficking. Given the small size of vesicles, their dynamics is difficult to quantify. To quantitatively analyze vesicle dynamics in growing pollen tubes labeled with the styryl dye FM1-43, we applied spatiotemporal correlation spectroscopy on time-lapse series obtained with high-speed confocal laser scanning microscopy recordings. The resulting vector maps revealed that vesicles migrate toward the apex in the cell cortex and that they accumulate in an annulus-shaped region adjacent to the extreme tip and then turn back to flow rearward in the center of the tube. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching confirmed vesicle accumulation in the shoulder of the apex, and it revealed that the extreme apex never recovers full fluorescence intensity. This is consistent with endocytotic activity occurring in this region. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis also allowed us to measure the turnover rate of the apical vesicle population, which was significantly more rapid than the theoretical rate computed based on requirements for new cell wall material. This may indicate that a significant portion of the vesicles delivered to the apex does not succeed in contacting the plasma membrane for delivery of their contents. Therefore, we propose that more than one passage into the apex may be needed for many vesicles before they fuse to the plasma membrane and deliver their contents.
The Arabidopsis BRAHMA Chromatin-Remodeling ATPase Is Involved in Repression of Seed Maturation Genes in Leaves
Authors: Tang Xurong , Hou Anfu , Babu Mohan , Nguyen Vi , Hurtado Lidia , Lu Qing , Reyes Jose C. , Wang Aiming , Keller Wilfred A. , Harada John J. , Tsang Edward W.T. , Cui Yuhai
Published: May 2008

Synthesis and accumulation of seed storage proteins (SSPs) is an important aspect of the seed maturation program. Genes encoding SSPs are specifically and highly expressed in the seed during maturation. However, the mechanisms that repress the expression of these genes in leaf tissue are not well understood. To gain insight into the repression mechanisms, we performed a genetic screen for mutants that express SSPs in leaves. Here, we show that mutations affecting BRAHMA (BRM), a SNF2 chromatin-remodeling ATPase, cause ectopic expression of a subset of SSPs and other embryogenesis-related genes in leaf tissue. Consistent with the notion that such SNF2-like ATPases form protein complexes in vivo, we observed similar phenotypes for mutations of AtSWI3C, a BRM-interacting partner, and BSH, a SNF5 homolog and essential SWI/SNF subunit. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments show that BRM is recruited to the promoters of a number of embryogenesis genes in wild-type leaves, including the 2S genes, expressed in brm leaves. Consistent with its role in nucleosome remodeling, BRM appears to affect the chromatin structure of the At2S2 promoter. Thus, the BRM-containing chromatin-remodeling ATPase complex involved in many aspects of plant development mediates the repression of SSPs in leaf tissue.
The Maize Phytoene Synthase Gene Family: Overlapping Roles for Carotenogenesis in Endosperm, Photomorphogenesis, and Thermal Stress Tolerance
Authors: Li Faqiang , Vallabhaneni Ratnakar , Yu Jane , Rocheford Torbert , Wurtzel Eleanore T.
Published: May 2008

Carotenoids are essential for photosynthesis and photoprotection; they also serve as precursors to signaling molecules that influence plant development and biotic/abiotic stress responses. With potential to improve plant yield and nutritional quality, carotenoids are targets for metabolic breeding/engineering, particularly in the Poaceae (grass family), which includes the major food crops. Depending on genetic background, maize (Zea mays) endosperm carotenoid content varies, and therefore breeding-enhanced carotenoid levels have been of ongoing interest. The first committed step in the plastid-localized biosynthetic pathway is mediated by the nuclear-encoded phytoene synthase (PSY). The gene family in maize and other grasses contains three paralogs with specialized roles that are not well understood. Maize endosperm carotenoid accumulation requires PSY1 expression. A maize antibody was used to localize PSY1 to amyloplast envelope membranes and to determine PSY1 accumulation in relation to carotenoid accumulation in developing endosperm. To test when and if PSY transcript levels correlated with carotenoid content, advantage was taken of a maize germplasm diversity collection that exhibits genetic and chemical diversity. Total carotenoid content showed statistically significant correlation with endosperm transcript levels at 20 d after pollination for PSY1 but not PSY2 or PSY3. Timing of PSY1 transcript abundance, previously unknown, provides critical information for choosing breeding alleles or properly controlling introduced transgenes. PSY1 was unexpectedly found to have an additional role in photosynthetic tissue, where it was required for carotenogenesis in the dark and for heat stress tolerance. Leaf carotenogenesis was shown to require phytochrome-dependent and phytochrome-independent photoregulation of PSY2 plus nonphotoregulated PSY1 expression.
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis to support treatment optimization of combination chemotherapy with indisulam and carboplatin
Authors: Zandvliet Anthe S. , Schellens Jan H. M. , Dittrich Christian , Wanders Jantien , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D. R.
Published: May 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Chemotherapy with indisulam in combination with a standard dose of carboplatin was not well tolerated in a 3‐weekly regimen in a Phase I dose escalation study.

• Myelosuppression was the dose limiting toxicity.

• This pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) study was performed to suggest a dosing regimen for the combination therapy indisulam–carboplatin that is well tolerated in patients.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This PK–PD study supports the selection of indisulam 500 mg m−2 and a dose of carboplatin to achieve an AUC of 6 mg min−1 ml−1 in a 4‐weekly regimen as the recommended dose for future studies.

AIMS

Indisulam and carboplatin have shown synergistic activity in preclinical studies. In a dose escalation study of the combination, a treatment delay was frequently required in a 3‐weekly regimen to allow recovery from myelosuppression from previous cycles. A 4‐weekly regimen was better tolerated, but had a decreased dose‐intensity which may compromise efficacy. The aims of this study were (i) to develop a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) model to describe the myelosuppressive effect of the combination, and (ii) to use this model to select a dosing regimen for Phase II evaluation.

METHODS

Sixteen patients were treated at four different dose levels of indisulam (1‐h infusion on day 1) and carboplatin (30‐min infusion on day 2). Pharmacokinetic data were analysed with nonlinear mixed effects modelling. A semiphysiological model describing chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression characterized the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and the haematological toxicity of indisulam and carboplatin. A simulation study was performed to evaluate the tolerability and dose‐intensity for 3‐weekly and 4‐weekly treatment regimens.

RESULTS

The PK–PD model described the pharmacokinetics and the myelosuppressive effect of indisulam and carboplatin. The risk of a treatment delay at cycle 2 due to myelosuppression was unacceptably high (34–65%) in a 3‐weekly regimen for various dose levels (350–600 mg m−2 indisulam in combination with carboplatin to achieve an AUC of 4–6 mg min−1 ml−1). This risk was acceptable for a 4‐weekly regimen (9–24%), which is in line with the clinical study results.

CONCLUSIONS

This PK–PD study supports the selection of indisulam 500 mg m−2 and a dose of carboplatin to achieve an AUC of 6 mg min−1 ml−1 in a 4‐weekly regimen as the recommended dose for future studies.
A double‐blind placebo‐controlled birch allergy vaccination study II: correlation between inhibition of IgE binding, histamine release and facilitated allergen presentation
Authors: Würtzen P. A. , Lund G. , Lund K. , Arvidsson M. , Rak S. , Ipsen H.
Published: May 2008

Background
The pathogenesis of IgE‐mediated allergic disease is closely related to the production of T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines, which lead to IgE production pivotal for activation of mast cells and basophils. Proliferating T cells along with eosinophils expanded and attracted by Th2 cytokines are major contributors to the late‐phase reaction. The activation of these Th2 cells is strongly enhanced by CD23‐mediated IgE facilitated allergen presentation (FAP).

Objective
The present study aims to investigate the effect of specific immunotherapy (SIT)‐induced allergen‐specific non‐IgE antibodies (blocking antibodies) on IgE binding to allergen, histamine release (HR) and CD23‐mediated allergen uptake in antigen‐presenting cells.

Methods
Competition between IgE and non‐IgE for allergen binding was studied by Advia Centaur antibody measurements, passively sensitized basophils were used to study HR and IgE‐facilitated binding of allergen to B cells (FAP) was studied by flow cytometry. FAP measurements were performed both with and without the addition of a reference IgE serum, which was included to obtain optimal complex formation. The serum samples were obtained from birch pollen immunotherapy (n=21) or placebo control patients (n=21) before and after 1 and 2 years of treatment.

Results
Statistically significant reduction of all parameters investigated was observed after 1 year of treatment and the effect was maintained during the second year of treatment. There was a clear correlation between the two FAP measurements and between each of them and the level of T cell activation reported upon previously. Moreover, strong correlations were found between changes in FAP, IgE binding and HR.

Conclusion
The present study clearly demonstrates that SIT induces changes in the composition of serum antibodies that inhibit IgE binding, HR and FAP to a similar extent. This suggests that these measurements, individually or in combination, may be used to monitor the immunological effect of SIT, even though direct correlations to changes in clinical parameters could not be demonstrated.
Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen‐induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ivory K. , Chambers S. J. , Pin C. , Prieto E. , Arqués J. L. , Nicoletti C.
Published: May 2008

Background
Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, suggesting beneficial interactions between the intestinal immune system and specific bacterial strains. Lactobacilli are naturally present within the complex gastrointestinal microbiota of humans and they are currently present in many probiotic supplements.

Objective
We sought to investigate the role that Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) may play in modulating seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

Methods
The study format was double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled with 10 SAR sufferers in each group. We have documented and compared changes in immune status arising through the daily ingestion of a milk drink with or without live LcS, over a period of 5 months. Pre‐, peak‐ and post‐grass pollen season blood samples were collected for determination of plasma total IgE and grass pollen‐specific IgG and IgE levels by an enzyme immunoassay. At the same time, cytokine levels were determined by flow cytometric bead array technology following culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 6 days in the presence or absence of specific grass pollen antigens.

Results
Volunteers treated with LcS showed a significant reduction in levels of antigen‐induced IL‐5, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ production compared with volunteers supplemented with placebo. Meanwhile, levels of specific IgG increased and IgE decreased in the probiotic group.

Conclusion
Changes in antigen‐induced production of cytokines were observed in patients treated with probiotics. These data show that probiotic supplementation modulates immune responses in allergic rhinitis and may have the potential to alleviate the severity of symptoms.
Total knee arthroplasty for severe haemophilic arthropathy: long‐term experience in Taiwan
Authors: CHIANG C. C. , CHEN P. Q. , SHEN M. C. , TSAI W.
Published: May 2008

Summary.  A number of articles have investigated the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and causes of prosthetic failure in patients with haemophilic arthropathy. The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of TKA and causes of prosthetic failure in patients with haemophilic arthropathy. A consecutive series of 35 TKA in 26 patients with haemophilic arthropathy were performed between November 1985 and October 2006 by one experienced surgeon. The mean age at index operation was 34.2 years old (range: 23.4–47 years) and the mean follow‐up duration was 82.2 months (range: 12–218 months). Clinical assessment included range of flexion, range of extension and total range of motion (ROM). Functional evaluation comprised pain score and functional score by Dr. Insall’s Knee Society Clinical Rating System. The average preoperative ROM was 63.2° with flexion contracture 15°, whereas the average postoperative ROM was 79.8° with flexion contracture 5.5°. Improvement of range of flexion was 7.1° (P = 0.16); improvement of range of extension was 9.5° (P < 0.01). Average increase of total ROM was 16.6° (P = 0.02). Pain score by Knee Society was 7.1 points preoperatively and 48 points postoperatively (P < 0.01); functional score by Knee Society was 42 points preoperatively and 77.1 points postoperatively (P < 0.01). Three patients received manipulations because of an inadequate ROM. Three infection episodes were treated with debridement and one of them received arthrodesis after removal of prosthesis. Two patients received revision TKA. One of them was because of loosening of femoral component. The other one received revision TKA because of insert wear. Though improvement in range of flexion is insignificant in haemophilic arthropathy of knee after TKA, it showed significant increase in total ROM after operation, especially in improvement of flexion contracture. It also showed great pain relief and significant functional gain. Under the circumstance of acceptable infection rate and complication, TKA is an effective method to achieve pain relief and gain better function in patients with haemophilic arthropathy of knee. The data of this study confirm those previously published by many authors.
Clinical problems in the long‐term care of patients with chronic depression
Authors: Koekkoek Bauke , Van Meijel Berno , Schene Aart , Hutschemaekers Giel
Published: May 2008

Title.  Clinical problems in the long‐term care of patients with chronic depression.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore problems encountered by mental health professionals in the long‐term care of patients with chronic depression.

Background.  Patients who do not profit from psychopharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment often need long‐term care. Although they experience severe symptoms and loss of functioning, little is known about these people and the care they receive.

Method.  Experts in chronic depression (n = 8) participated in a four‐phase Delphi study in 2006–2007. Problems were elicited through a focus group interview (first round) which was analysed using thematic analysis. The resulting problem list was validated (second round) and scored twice on a 7‐point Likert scale (third and fourth rounds) by the participants. Urgency and changeability scores of 35 problems were obtained and a hierarchy of problems was set. In addition, qualitative data from the focus group interview were used to frame the results in the context of long‐term care for patients with chronic depression.

Results.  Problems were subdivided into five areas. Relapses by the patient, a pessimistic attitude by the professional and demoralization in both were major problems. Also noted were the negative societal connotations of chronic depression and the lack of a coherent view on treatment within mental health care.

Conclusion.  Chronicity of depression may be denied by both patients and professionals, resulting in an overly strong focus on cure and a limited quality of care. The results may be used as a starting point for construction of a best‐practice programme to improve long‐term care.
Assessment and documentation of patients’ nutritional status: perceptions of registered nurses and their chief nurses
Authors: Persenius Mona Wentzel , Hall‐Lord Marie‐Louise , Bååth Carina , Larsson Bodil Wilde
Published: May 2008

Aims. To study, within municipal care and county council care, (1) chief nurses’ and registered nurses’ perceptions of patient nutritional status assessment and nutritional assessment/screening tools, (2) registered nurses’ perceptions of documentation in relation to nutrition and advantages and disadvantages with a documentation model.

Background. Chief nurses and registered nurses have a responsibility to identify malnourished patients and those at risk of malnutrition.

Design and methods. In this descriptive study, 15 chief nurses in municipal care and 27 chief nurses in county council care were interviewed by telephone via a semi‐structured interview guide. One hundred and thirty‐one registered nurses (response rate 72%) from 14 municipalities and 28 hospital wards responded to the questionnaire, all in one county.

Results. According to the majority of chief nurses and registered nurses, only certain patients were assessed, on admission and/or during the stay. Nutritional assessment/screening tools and nutritional guidelines were seldom used. Most of the registered nurses documented nausea/vomiting, ability to eat and drink, diarrhoea and difficulties in chewing and swallowing, while energy intake and body mass index were rarely documented. However, the majority documented their judgement about the patient's nutritional condition. The registered nurses perceived the VIPS model (Swedish nursing documentation model) as a guideline as well as a model obstructing the information exchange. Differences were found between nurses (chief nurses/registered nurses) in municipal care and county council care, but not between registered nurses and their chief nurses.

Conclusions. All patients are not nutritionally assessed and important nutritional parameters are not documented. Nutritionally compromised patients may remain unidentified and not properly cared for.

Relevance to clinical practice. Assessment and documentation of the patients’ nutritional status should be routinely performed in a more structured way in both municipal care and county council care. There is a need for increased nutritional nursing knowledge.
Rekindling commitment: reflections from a pastoral educator enmeshed in direct support professional workforce development and person centered supports
Authors: Gaventa W. C.
Published: May 2008

Background Services with people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are increasingly structured by regulations, policies and licensing standards by public funding entities. The key responsibility for direct care staff often becomes that of compliance with all the rules and regulations.

Method The impact of an increasing focus on compliance with regulations in the systems of services and supports for people with ID is explored along with the absence of focus on professional commitment and relationships. This exploration is done through a review of literature and also anecdotes and observations from 30 years of professional experience in working with direct care staff.

Results Whether the source for enhanced regulation is concern about health and safety, honouring rights, meeting laws and/or an underlying fear that we cannot rely on the caregivers because of the turnover or lack of skill; we end up building a system based more and more on compliance, on regulations, programme and behavioural plans and competencies, without the same kind of concern or attention for people who are doing the caring, their motivation and what they need. One of the hypotheses and conclusions of this article is that the focus on compliance diminishes professional competence and commitment, and contributes both to staff disillusionment and to the rapid turnover.

Conclusions As recruitment and turnover in the direct support professional workforce become ever more difficult problems, the newer focus on person‐centred planning, self‐directed supports and workforce development have both possibilities and problems in enhancing staff commitment in relationships with people they support. The importance of enhancing and supporting commitment also calls for new forms of professional identity and education that recapture the language and habits of commitment while also providing opportunities for staff to reflect on the values, visions and commitments that support their work.
The influence of low‐strain thermo‐mechanical processing on grain boundary network characteristics in type 304 austenitic stainless steel
Authors: ENGELBERG D. L. , HUMPHREYS F. J. , MARROW T. J.
Published: May 2008

Grain boundary engineering of austenitic stainless steel, through the introduction of plastic strain and thermal annealing, can be used to develop microstructures with improved resistance to inter‐granular degradation. The influence of low‐strain thermo‐mechanical processing on grain boundary network development, with systematic variations of annealing treatments, has been investigated. Three stages of the microstructure development during grain boundary engineering in low‐strain processing conditions are identified, and correlated with changes in grain boundary character and deviation distributions. Low‐energy connected length segments at triple junctions, which have been proposed to be responsible for crack bridging during inter‐granular stress corrosion cracking, can be influenced by the choice of the annealing treatment parameters. The development of individual grain boundary length segments of different character showed consistent trends with increasing grain size. Crack length predictions are consistent with the beneficial effect of designing microstructures with high fractions of twin grain boundaries and smaller grain size.
Sub‐structure characterization of experimentally and naturally deformed ice using cryo‐EBSD
Authors: PIAZOLO S. , MONTAGNAT M. , BLACKFORD J. R.
Published: May 2008

In this work, we present first results of high‐resolution EBSD for ice with a spatial resolution down to 0.25 μm. The study highlights the potential of EBSD to significantly increase our understanding of deformation and annealing processes associated with the build‐up of internal stresses due to strain incompatibility between grains. Two polycrystalline samples were analyzed: a natural sample of polar ice from the Vostok ice core (Antarctica) and an experimentally deformed sample of laboratory grown columnar ice. In summary, we observe the following: (1) inhomogeneous deformation through the grains is translated into lattice distortions that are concentrated mainly at grain boundaries and triple junctions (natural and experimental sample), (2) these distortions may be continuous (natural and experimental sample) or may form distinct tilt boundaries and sub‐grains of 10–50 μm size (experimental sample). These form mainly by rearrangement of basal edge dislocations into low‐energy configurations (i.e. tilt boundaries) in various prism planes. Continuous lattice distortions originate from screw or mixed edge and screw dislocations lying in the basal plane.
The Complex Role of Vitamin D in Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Szodoray P. , Nakken B. , Gaal J. , Jonsson R. , Szegedi A. , Zold E. , Szegedi G. , Brun J. G. , Gesztelyi R. , Zeher M. , Bodolay E.
Published: May 2008

Vitamin D, besides having well‐known control functions of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, bone formation and mineralization, also has a role in the maintenance of immune‐homeostasis. The immune‐regulatory role of vitamin D affects both the innate and adaptive immune system contributing to the immune‐tolerance of self‐structures. Impaired vitamin D supply/regulation, amongst other factors, leads to the development of autoimmune processes in animal models of various autoimmune diseases. The administration of vitamin D in these animals leads to improvement of immune‐mediated symptoms. Moreover, in human autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis the pathogenic role of vitamin D has been described. The review aims at describing the complex immune‐regulatory role of vitamin D from the cellular level through autoimmune animal models and depicting the known contribution of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of human autoimmune diseases.
Visceral leishmaniasis after renal transplantation: report of 4 cases in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Oliveira R.A. , Silva L.S.V. , Carvalho V.P. , Coutinho A.F. , Pinheiro F.G. , Lima C.G. , Leandro Júnior J.E. , Silva Júnior G.B. , Daher E.F.
Published: May 2008

Abstract: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a well recognized opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed patients, which may cause febrile illness. We describe 4 renal transplant patients with VL in an endemic area in Brazil and their response to therapy. In 3 cases the diagnosis was confirmed by bone marrow aspirate that revealed the presence of Leishmania. In 1 case the bone marrow aspirate was inconclusive and the diagnosis was made through spleen biopsy that showed the presence of the parasite. VL needs to be considered as a cause of febrile illness in transplanted patients living in endemic areas.
Analysis of enzyme‐treated red blood cell surface and haemagglutination using a theory of soft particle electrophoresis
Authors: Hyono A. , Mazda T. , Okazaki H. , Tadokoro K. , Ohshima H.
Published: May 2008

Background and Objectives  Enzymatic treatment of red blood cells is thought to reduce the cell zeta (ζ) potential, effectively decreasing the distance between cells to less than the length of an immunoglobulin G antibody binding site, and resulting in agglutination of cells. However, the ζ potential given by Smoluchowski's formula is based on theories of the electrophoresis of hard colloidal particles. A theory has recently been developed for the electrophoresis of colloidal particles covered with polyelectrolytes, which we call ‘soft particles’.

Materials and Methods  The electrophoretic mobility of red blood cell treated with papain and neuraminidase was measured as the electrolyte concentration of the medium using phosphate buffer. The results were analysed via the formula for ‘soft particles’. This mobility formula involved two parameters, the fixed charge density (ZN) and parameter 1/λ characterizing the ‘softness’ of the cell surface layer.

Results  The best‐fit curves of 0·1 units neuraminidase‐treated red blood cells indicated that ZN decreased by 76% and 1/λ decreased by 8% compared to intact red blood cells. In contrast, in 5 units of papain‐treated red blood cells ZN decreased by 45% and 1/λ decreased by 33% compared to intact red blood cells.

Conclusion  The present study shows that the change in ZN for neuraminidase‐treated cells was very large, but the cells did not become agglutinable. Papain‐treated cells had changes in both ZN and 1/λ, and the cells became agglutinable. 1/λ is one of the important factors for agglutination.
VASODILATORY ACTIVITY OF NOVEL CARBAMATE DERIVATIVES OF ISATIN
Authors: Maroñas Patricia A , Sudo Roberto T , Corrêa Marilza B , Pinto Ângelo C , Garden Simon J , Trachez Margarete M , Zapata‐Sudo Gisele
Published: May 2008

Isatin (1H‐indole‐2,3 dione) is an endogenous compound that may act as a physiological regulator of muscle contraction by reducing cGMP production by inhibition of guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity.

Intracellular cGMP levels can regulate the contractile response of smooth muscle. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effects of seven novel carbamate derivatives of isatin, namely C1–C7, on the contractility of aortic rings from Wistar rats.

Carbamates C1 and C6 most effectively promoted endothelium‐dependent relaxation of aortic rings pretreated with 10 µmol/L phenylephrine (PE) to induce contraction. The concentration of the C1 and C6 carbamates necessary to reduce PE‐induced aortic contraction by 50% (IC50) was 5.6 ± 1.0 and 48.4 ± 3.4 µmol/L, respectively. Carbamate derivative‐induced vasodilation required an intact endothelium, which is responsible for nitric oxide (NO) release.

Pretreatment of rings with 100 µmol/L naloxone or 10 µmol/L atropine prevented the C1‐ and C6‐mediated vascular relaxation, indicating that the vasodilatory activity was dependent on the activation of opioid or muscarinic receptors, respectively.

The results of our studies provide insights into the role of novel carbamates in the regulation of vascular tone. Carbamates could stimulate NO synthesis, which induces vasodilation primarily by stimulation of GC and cGMP production. Taken together, our findings suggest that carbamate derivative‐induced vasodilation may be considered an alternative treatment for primary and/or secondary hypertension.
Use of Hartmann’s procedure in England
Authors: David G. G. , Al‐Sarira A. A. , Willmott S. , Cade D. , Corless D. J. , Slavin J. P.
Published: May 2008

Introduction  Hartmann’s procedure is widely used in the management of complicated diverticular disease and for colorectal cancer. Very little national data are available about the reasons for performing this procedure and the reversal rate.

Method  Hospital episode statistics data were obtained from The Department of Health and exported to an Access database for analysis. A cohort of patients who underwent a Hartmann’s procedure between April 2001 and March 2002 were identified and followed until April 2006 to identify patients undergoing reversal of Hartmann’s.

Results  Approximately 3950 Hartmann’s procedures were performed between April 2001 and March 2002, 2853 as an emergency and 1097 as an elective procedure. Most emergency Hartmann’s were performed for benign disease (2067, 72.5%) whereas a majority of the elective Hartmann’s were performed for cancer (756, 68.9%). Seven hundred and thirty six (23.3%) of these patients underwent reversal during the study period. The median time interval between a Hartmann’s procedure and reversal was 284.5 days (interquartile range 181–468.25).

Conclusion  This study represents the single largest cohort in whom outcome after Hartmann’s procedure has been studied. A majority of Hartmann’s are performed as an emergency for benign diseases and most of them are not reversed.
Intradermal injection of methylene blue for the treatment of refractory pruritus ani
Authors: Sutherland A. D. , Faragher I. G. , Frizelle F. A.
Published: May 2008

Objective  Idiopathic pruritus ani is a common perianal condition that can be refractory to diligent perineal care. We wished to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of intradermal methylene blue for the treatment of refractory pruritus ani.

Method  A prospective series of 49 patients with idiopathic pruritus ani, who had failed to improve with perineal care, were treated by a single surgeon. All patients received intradermal injections of methylene blue. Endpoints were patient symptom score, and complications (pain, dysaesthesia, skin necrosis, incontinence and anaphylaxis).

Results  Symptoms improved in 96% and resolved in 57% of patients after one treatment. All four patients who had a second treatment became symptom‐free. Seven patients noticed changes in continence, all resolved between 10 days and 6 weeks. Two patients were distressed by their decrease in their perianal sensation. There was no skin necrosis or anaphylaxis.

Conclusion  Treatment of refractory pruritus ani by intradermal injection of methylene blue is effective and generally well tolerated.
Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy with and without previous subtotal colectomy
Authors: McAllister I. , Sagar P. M. , Brayshaw I. , Gonsalves S. , Williams G. L.
Published: May 2008

Introduction  Laparoscopic techniques have been applied to the procedure of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients after laparoscopic ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) with restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) and without previous colectomy [restorative proctectomy (RP)] and to highlight some technical tips.

Method  Data were collected prospectively from all patients who underwent laparoscopic IPAA from July 2006 to December 2007.

Results  Thirty‐six patients underwent IPAA either with total proctocolectomy (n = 25) or after previous emergency colectomy (n = 11). Postoperative morbidity occurred in 22% of patients. The overall median operative time was 210 (range 120–325), 240 (170–325) and 180 (120–240) min for RPC and RP respectively (P < 0.05). The median length of stay for all patients was 6 (3–26), 6 (4–26) and 4 (3–13) days for RPC and RP respectively (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between BMI, age, use of immunosuppressive agents and length of stay. The operative procedure was facilitated by the use of specific devices at particular stages of the operation.

Conclusion  Laparoscopic IPAA is not only safe and feasible for the virgin abdomen but also for patients with a previous emergency colectomy through a midline laparotomy incision.
Appendicitis in pregnancy: an ongoing diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Brown J. J. S. , Wilson C. , Coleman S. , Joypaul B. V.
Published: May 2008

Introduction  Appendicitis in pregnancy (AIP) is the most common nonobstetric cause of an acute abdomen requiring surgical intervention. Diagnostic difficulties arising from gestational symptoms compound the risk of foetal loss after negative appendicectomy and exponentially increase the risk to mother and foetus with delay in genuine cases. In this article, we investigate the symptoms and signs of AIP and attempt to identify consistent clinical features and review the role of imaging in diagnosis.

Method  MEDLINE and PubMed were searched for case–control studies recording preoperative symptoms/signs suggestive of AIP, as well as appendiceal pathology. Combined likelihood and odds ratios (OR) were created for clinical features across homogenous papers. Papers examining the use of laparoscopy, ultrasound (US), computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed qualitatively.

Results  Seven papers met the inclusion criteria for the analysis of consistent clinical features (450 patients). The only symptoms or signs significantly associated with a diagnosis of appendicitis were nausea (OR: 2.21, 95%CI: 1.34–3.66), vomiting (OR: 0.82–15.6 range) and peritonism (OR: 1.80, 95%CI: 1.06–3.04). US, CT and MRI have all been used to successfully diagnose AIP. Laparoscopic appendicectomy has been safely undertaken in pregnancy.

Conclusion  Appendicitis will continue to challenge the diagnostic acumen of surgeons. Whilst useful, consensus regarding the safety of laparoscopy, CT and MRI in pregnancy is yet to be achieved.
Use of a double rhomboid transposition flap in the treatment of extensive complex pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: El‐Tawil S. , Carapeti E.
Published: May 2008

Objective  Rhomboid transposition flaps are safe and successful in treating recurrent, complex pilonidal disease. There are little data on treatment of very large (> 12 cm) pilonidal sinuses. We describe a new technique using two simultaneous rhomboid flaps to achieve primary closure following extensive wide‐excision.

Method  With antibiotic prophylaxis, the sinus is excised en‐bloc as a parallelogram (two adjacent rhomboids). Two rhomboid fasciocutaneous flaps are transposed to close this defect over suction‐drains. Sutures are removed after 14 days.

Results  Eight patients (seven males) were treated with this technique (median age 26 years; range 22–35 years). All had very extensive and recurrent disease, having had multiple previous procedures. Median drain‐duration was 2 days (range 1–5 days) and postoperative stay was 2 days (range 0–5 days). One complication arose: a wound infection with partial dehiscence which healed with conservative treatment. No recurrence or further complication arose in a 33‐month follow‐up (range 8–41 months).

Conclusion  This is the first description of the use of two simultaneous rhomboid flaps for very large recurrent pilonidal disease. It is a relatively simple and safe alternative to major plastic reconstruction which is often resorted to in such large‐scale disease.
Demand Responsive Services: Towards an Analytical Framework for Administrative Practice in Indigenous Settlements
Authors: Moran Mark
Published: May 2008

Demand responsiveness is an established principle in the efficient operation of markets. The principle has been applied to government services in international development overseas, and mainstream government service delivery in Australia, but only recently to Indigenous settlements. Shifting the balance in services from supply to demand is seen to have the potential to improve access, outcomes, and sustainability of services. In Indigenous settlements, an important relationship between demand and supply of services does exist, but a deeper analysis is necessary beyond the economic model to account for the complex sociopolitical geographies involved. Further research is required to develop a framework to explain the interactions that occur in practice, to determine the conditions which permit productive relationships to develop between consumers and service providers. The article presents an analytical framework through which to proceed, structured around five proposed research questions.
Shared Services: Lessons from the Public and Private Sectors for the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Walsh Peter , McGregor‐Lowndes Myles , Newton Cameron J.
Published: May 2008

Shared services arrangements in the Australian third sector are becoming more common. Notably, however, there is a lack of information to guide nonprofit organisations through the development and engagement of shared structures. This article reviews the lessons that have been recorded from the public and private sectors with respect to the engagement of shared services arrangements. Additionally this article explores the different types of shared services structures that can be adopted. Overall, this article highlights the need for further research and analysis of issues relating to shared services arrangements in order to assist the increasing number of Australian nonprofit organisations engaging these collective arrangements and structures.
Mothers' Cognitions about Relational Aggression: Associations with Discipline Responses, Children's Normative Beliefs, and Peer Competence
Authors: Werner Nicole E. , Grant Samantha
Published: May 2008

Prior research has shown that parental social cognitions are associated with child outcomes such as aggression. The goal of this study was to examine mothers’ cognitions about relational aggression, and to explore linkages between mothers’ attributions and normative beliefs about aggression and children's competence with peers. Participants included 103 mothers and children in grades 3 through 6. Results showed that mothers viewed relational aggression as more acceptable and normative than physical aggression, and they attributed less responsibility to children for using relational aggression. Maternal cognitions also predicted levels of sternness and disapproval in response to child relational aggression, and children's beliefs about the acceptability of relational aggression, which were associated with children's teacher‐rated peer competence. Sex differences in the patterns of associations between maternal cognitions, discipline responses, child norms and peer competence were found. Applications of these results to parent education programs that are focused on relational aggression are discussed.
Are Workers' Enterprises Entry Policies Conventional?
Authors: Moretto Michele , Rossini Gianpaolo
Published: May 2008

Abstract. One of the reasons why workers' enterprises (WE) still represent a relevant chunk of the economy may lay in some affinities with conventional profit‐maximizing firms. To provide a solid basis to this presumption, we compare the entry policies of WEs and conventional firms when size is set at entry and kept fixed afterwards. Even though short‐run differences remain between WEs and conventional firms, a long‐run coincidence appears in an uncertain dynamic environment. Endogenizing size and time of entry we see that the two kinds of firms enter at the same trigger market price and size. Both of them enter earlier and choose a dimension larger than the minimum efficient scale. This generalized coincidence may be another way to explain why WEs still make for an important share of the economy despite the ongoing mantra of their imminent demise.
The Labour Market in Macedonia: A Labour Demand Analysis
Authors: Micevska Maja
Published: May 2008

Abstract.  This paper examines the labour market in Macedonia, a country with the highest unemployment rate in Europe. I describe labour market institutions and policies during the transition. I also examine job creation and job destruction using firm‐level data and I estimate short‐term and long‐term elasticities of the labour demand. The analysis shows that there are regulatory barriers to the labour market flexibility. I can also conclude that the privatization of socially owned enterprises has failed to promote job creation. Nevertheless, labour market problems seem to stem from factors other than substantial sluggishness of firms in adjusting employment to variations in wages.
Unemployment and Employment Protection in a Unionized Economy with Search Frictions
Authors: Stähler Nikolai
Published: May 2008

Abstract.  In the theoretical literature, the effects of employment protection on unemployment are ambiguous. Higher employment protection reduces job creation as well as job destruction. However, in most models, wages are bargained individually between workers and firms. Using a conventional matching model in which a monopoly union sets wages, I show that employment protection can unambiguously increase unemployment. Interestingly, I find that tightening the restrictions on redundancies and dismissals may even increase the probability of dismissal.
Leaving Home and the Chances of Being Poor: The Case of Young People in Southern European Countries
Authors: Parisi Lavinia
Published: May 2008

Abstract.  This paper analyses, for southern European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal), the link between the poverty status of young people who leave home and the economic status of their family of origin. First we model the poverty status of those who leave home while also accounting for the fact that youths from better‐off households are more likely to leave home (a sample selection model). Second we address the time at risk of leaving home using a competing risks duration model. Estimates from both approaches suggest that young people delay leaving home because it may increase their chances of being poor. Moreover both approaches indicate that young people who have left home are more likely to be poor if their family of origin is poor and that differences across countries are not statistically significant.
Wage Inequality, Employment Structure and Skill‐biased Change in Italy
Authors: Naticchioni Paolo , Ricci Andrea , Rustichelli Emiliano
Published: May 2008

Abstract. This paper investigates empirically the relation between wage inequality, employment structure, and skill‐biased change in Italy between 1993 and 2004. Applying quantile decomposition analysis, we point out that changes in wage inequality are mainly driven by a decrease in educational premia over time, whereas changes in employment structure play a negligible role. This evidence suggests that changes in wage inequality in Italy can hardly be interpreted in terms of a skill‐biased change, and the evidence is further reinforced by a set of descriptive statistics showing that the increasing educational attainments of the workforce might have been crowded out by a stable trend in the demand for skills.
Institutional Trading and Price Momentum
Authors: JERRY YU CHIH‐HSIEN
Published: May 2008

This paper aims to explore the effect of institutional trading on the two asymmetric phenomena found by Lee and Swaminathan: (1) asymmetric price momentum: price momentum is more pronounced among high‐turnover stocks; (2) asymmetric return phenomenon: low‐turnover stocks tend to outperform high‐turnover stocks. Lee and Swaminathan use a ‘momentum life cycle’ to explain the asymmetric momentum effect while attributing the asymmetric return phenomenon to the analysts' overestimating (underestimating) the future profitability of high (low)‐turnover firms. However, it essentially needs trading activity to induce both of the above asymmetric results. Because institutional investors exhibit a momentum trading pattern and the trading behavior of institutional investors may have a huge impact on the movement of stock prices, institutional trading may be one of the major driving forces leading to both of the above asymmetric patterns. The empirical results show that, first of all, after controlling for the turnover, the price momentum is still more pronounced among stocks with higher institutional ownership, while high‐turnover stocks no longer exhibit a pronounced momentum effect after controlling for the institutional ownership. Furthermore, stocks with higher institutional ownership have better return performance in any of the turnover groups. While low‐turnover stocks still outperform high‐turnover stocks after controlling for the institutional ownership level, for some winner stocks this is no longer true. The results suggest that the asymmetric momentum effect is not induced by a stock's turnover, but rather it is driven by institutional trading. Turnover is only a proxy for institutional trading. That is, turnover per se has no economic significance in such a momentum phenomenon.
Large‐scale Molecular Analysis of a 34 Mb Interval on Chromosome 6q: Major Refinement of the RP25 Interval
Authors: Abd El‐Aziz M. M. , Barragan I. , O'Driscoll C. , Borrego S. , Abu‐Safieh L. , Pieras J. I. , El‐Ashry M. F. , Prigmore E. , Carter N. , Antinolo G. , Bhattacharya S. S.
Published: May 2008

A large scale bioinformatics and molecular analysis of a 34 Mb interval on chromosome 6q12 was undertaken as part of our ongoing study to identify the gene responsible for an autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) locus, RP25. Extensive bioinformatics analysis indicated in excess of 110 genes within the region and we also noted unfinished sequence on chromosome 6q in the Human Genome Database, between 58 and 61.2 Mb. Forty three genes within the RP25 interval were considered as good candidates for mutation screening. Direct sequence analysis of the selected genes in 7 Spanish families with arRP revealed a total of 244 sequence variants, of which 67 were novel but none were pathogenic. This, together with previous reports, excludes 60 genes within the interval (∼55%) as disease causing for RP. To investigate if copy number variation (CNV) exists within RP25, a comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis was performed on a consanguineous family. A clone from the tiling path array, chr6tp‐19C7, spanning ∼100‐Kb was found to be deleted in all affected members of the family, leading to a major refinement of the interval. This will eventually have a significant impact on cloning of the RP25 gene.