bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Genrification of “Korean Drama” in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Fang-chih Irene
Published: June 2008

This article demonstrates that the process of defining Korean drama as idol drama or Qiongyao drama with realist or melodramatic orientations by different agents for “self-aggrandizement” is embedded in gender and ethnic/class tensions as a result of postcolonial nation formation and globalization. The profit motive underscores the definition of Korean drama as idol drama, which is articulated through discourses of modernization, gender, nation building/Chinese hegemony, and globalization. The culture industry's invocation of “cultural proximity” enables a definition of Korean drama as Qiongyao drama with realist or melodramatic orientations. Gender politics is central to this process as it depends on and, hence, reinforces the gender hierarchy which privileges realism over melodrama. The genrification of Korean drama relies on the construction of indigenous drama (and rural obason) as the Other. The different meanings that are attached to this Other by the “nationalistic” scholars/critics, audience/critics, and fans/critics are predicated upon an evaluation hierarchy which privileges Chinese hegemony, neoliberal globalization, and masculinity. This hierarchy, however, is the legacy of Taiwan's nation formation which works to subordinate the Minnanspeaking rural women culturally.
Martial Arts Films and Dutch–Chinese Masculinities
Authors: Yiu Fai Chow
Published: June 2008

Starting with Bruce Lee in the 1960s, Chinese martial arts films have been gaining increasing importance in Hollywood. Amidst global fascination and the prevalence of male heroes in martial arts films, it is surprising to note that only a few studies engage the genre with issues of Chinese masculinity, and none by investigating how the audience makes sense or use of what they are seeing. Taking martial arts films as the research site, this study is about how Chinese men negotiate their masculinity in a context where their masculinity is marginal, that is, in a diasporic context. The findings of this research attest to the marginalization and subordination of diasporic Chinese men by two dominant and interlocking discourses in the West, namely that only certain White male characteristics would be considered masculine, and that certain Chinese male characteristics would be considered neutered or even effeminate. The male informants of this study, however, are never entirely marginalized, victimized, and oppressed; they are able to construct alternative, different versions of masculinities, by privileging what they can do with their “small bodies,” by downplaying the sexual and romantic dimensions of masculinity, and by emphasizing the importance of control and discipline. These Chinese men are garnering creative resources not necessarily by going into “indigenous” sources of historical or literary Chinese culture, as suggested by theorists on Chinese masculinity. Instead, contemporary transnational popular culture—in this case, Chinese martial arts films—opens up possibilities for them to articulate and construct different masculine ideals.
Sexed Bodies, Sexualized Identities, and the Limits of Gender
Authors: Evans Harriet
Published: June 2008

Sex is one of the dominant metaphors of China's postmillennial consumerist modernity. Public media and private discussions map endless pleasures and possibilities onto sexed bodies, foregrounding sexuality as an increasingly significant component of individual identity. Yet, as argued in this article, the diversity of sexual representations masks the discursive operation of the sexed body in consolidating individual accommodation with the consumer market and in “neutralizing” the exploratory and pluralist meanings of contemporary sexual culture. Inheriting a recent ideological history in which sexuality was not a significant component of public discussions about gender relationships, and in an ideological context bridging local and global interests that limit the interrogation of gender as a critical category of enquiry and organization, sex and the sexed body emerge in mainstream discourse as a collection of acts, responsibilities, and choices dissociated from the broad social issues of gender hierarchy and injustice.
Isolated VH4 Heavy Chain Variable Regions Bind DNA Characterization of a Recombinant Antibody Heavy Chain Library Derived from Patient(s) with Active SLE
Authors: Kieber-Emmons Thomas , Von Feldt Joan M. , Godillot A. Paul , McCallus Daniel , Srikantan Vasantha , Weiner David B. , Williams William V.
Published: June 2008

In many autoimmune diseases autoantibodies are intimately involved in disease manifestations. Molecular characterization of these autoantibodies should provide insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases, as well as suggest novel avenues for development of therapeutics. While some prior studies suggest that DNA binding may be a characteristic of individual heavy chain variable regions, the ability of these V regions to bind DNA in isolation has not been investigated. We have utilized a bacterial vector for cloning and expressing isolated antibody heavy chain variable regions. RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with active SLE, cDNA synthesized and heavy chain V regions amplified with VH specific oligonucleotide primers. The V H fragments were cloned into a bacterial expression plasmid including the pelB leader peptide to direct appropriate expression. Recombinant antibodies were screened for binding to32P-labeled double-stranded plasmid DNA and later also characterized for binding to single-stranded DNA. Binding was confirmed by standard ELISA methodology. Sequence analysis of seven DNA binding VH fragments revealed that they utilized the VH gene family previously described to be associated with autoimmune responses, with a JH6 segment. On VH sequence analysis only one residue substitution in the consensus sequence is needed to form a V H4 germline gene. Potential contact residues with DNA were delineated by three-dimensional structure analysis. We concluded that the DNA binding characteristics of VH regions can be examined in the absence of light chain. DNA binding specificity appears to be a property of the germline VH4 gene. Analysis of such V regions can aid in the identification of hypervariable region contact residues important for DNA binding.
HLA Antigens in Malay Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kong N.C.T. , Nasruruddin B.A. , Murad S. , Ong K.J. , Sukumaran K.D.
Published: June 2008

Many studies have shown an association between human leucocyte antigens (HLA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the various study populations. Although SLE is not an uncommon disease in the Malaysian Archipelago, and appears to affect all three major racial groups equally (i.e. Southern Chinese, Malays and Southern Indians), very little information is available on the HLA profiles in the two latter groups.

In phase I of our study of the HLA profiles in Malaysian SLE patients, the HLA phenotypes (class I: A, B, C; Class II: DR, DQ) of Malay patients with confirmed SLE and 91 normal Malay controls were determined using the microcytotoxicity assay.

The strong association between DR2 (RR 3.28, P = 0.008) concurs with that reported among Chinese and Japanese populations. Moderate to strong associations with HLA-B 7 (RR 4.99, P = 0.02) and Cw 7 (RR 2.94, P = 0.003) were also found. We believe this is the first report of the association of HLA and SLE in the Malay population.
Effect of Long-Acting Thromboxane Receptor Antagonist (BMS 180,291) on Experimental Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Shoenfeld Yehuda , Blank Miri
Published: June 2008

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by recurrent thromboembolic phenomena, recurrent fetal loss and thrombocytopenia associated with high titers of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant. There is an increased platelet aggregation in these patients and thus aspirin was found to be effective in abrogating some of the clinical findings.

The purpose of this study was to employ the experimentally induced APS in mice infused with anticardiolipin antibodies, to study the effect of a thromboxane receptor antagonist (BMS, 180, 291) on the various overt manifestations of APS.

Experimental APS was induced in pregnant female mice by iv infusion of a pathogenic anticardiolipin antibody (CAM). The mice were then treated daily with 300 μg/mouse of BMS. The study group and the untreated group were killed on day 17 of pregnancy. Live and absorbed fetuses and the mean weight of the placentae, fetuses and platelet counts were recorded.

BMS treated mice had a significant reduction in fetal resorption rate from 45% to 19.8% and an increase in mean placental and embryo weights (182 vs 104, 1043 vs 721 mg, respectively). In parallel, an increase in platelet count (from 597 100 to 1075 000 platelets/mm 3) and decrease in activated thromboplastin time (95 to 44 s) was seen.

It seems that thromboxane receptor antagonist may be effective in abrogating the diverse manifestations seen in APLS. Increased platelet aggregation may be one of the pathogenetic mechanisms in APS.
An Electron Microscopic Study of Muscle Capillary Wall Thickening in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Pallis Monica , Hopkinson Neil , Lowe James , Powell Richard
Published: June 2008

Capillary vessel wall thickening may contribute to the muscle fibre atrophy and impaired pulmonary gas transfer notable in SLE/MCTD. Using electron microscopy we measured the thickness of unilaminar capillary basement membranes (CBM) and quantified basement membrane laminae and pericyte layers in the skeletal muscle biopsies of 31 patients with SLE, including 14 with MCTD, and 11 controls. Capillary basement membrane thickness was significantly increased in SLE compared with controls ( P < 0.01) and was significantly associated with the level of C3dg ( P < 0.01). Patients with MCTD had significantly greater layering of pericytes and laminae compared with patients with SLE alone ( P < 0.0001 for both variables). Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that ANA titre was a good predictor of pericyte layering ( R = 0.63, P = 0.003) and of basement membrane lamination ( P < 0.0001), with steroid therapy having a significant negative association with the number of laminae ( P < 0.02). A negative association between KCO and the number of layers of basement membrane ( R = 0.51, P = 0.01) was documented. However, multiple regression analysis revealed no association between parameters of thickened vessel walls and the presence of muscle fibre atrophy.
Kikuchi Disease and its Association with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: El-Ramahi Kamal M. , Karrar Ali , Muhammad Ashraf Ali
Published: June 2008

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis or Kikuchi disease is a rare entity; furthermore, its association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was only described in 11 patients in seven reports in the world literature. As the disease affects young women and manifests as a systemic illness associated with lymphadenopathy (usually cervical), the importance of continued follow-up to see whether it remains a self-limiting process or evolves into systemic lupus erythematosus should be emphasized.

We present the clinical and histopathological data of eight patients with Kikuchi disease diagnosed in one tertiary care centre, two of whom evolved into SLE. White blood count was normal in all except the two patients who evolved into SLE; erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in all patients tested.

Kikuchi disease could be misdiagnosed as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or tuberculous lymphadenitis ; furthermore, awareness of its association with SLE is emphasized.
Autonomic Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Omdal Roald , Jorde Rolf , Mellgren Svein Ivar , Husby Gunnar
Published: June 2008

A controlled study with paired analysis of data was performed in 34 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 34 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Autonomic function was not affected significantly in SLE patients as judged by standardised cardiovascular tests. Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) response to meal stimulation, which is impaired in parasympathetic failure, was for unknown reasons found to be significantly increased in SLE patients both in unstimulated and stimulated states. Neither cardiovascular nor serological tests could thus reveal significant autonomic dysfunction in SLE. Drugs with cardiovascular effects highly influenced autonomic function and could thus be misinterpreted as autonomic dysfunction caused by SLE itself.
Cytokine Gene Profile in Circulating Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Increased Interleukin-2 but not Interleukin-4 mRNA
Authors: Horwitz David A. , Hua Wang  , Gray J. Dixon
Published: June 2008

Cytokines are important in developmental and effector pathways of lymphocyte function. Our objective was to elucidate the profile of cytokines produced by circulating mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus as estimated from studies of cytokine gene activation. cDNA prepared by reverse transcription of lymphocyte mRNA was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and normalized on the basis of β-actin gene expression. Of 10 cytokines investigated in 16 individuals, differences between SLE and controls were found in only three. IL-2 transcripts were detected in four of six cases of subjects hospitalized for active SLE, but in only one of seven healthy controls, and none of three cases with pulmonary tuberculosis. By contrast, IL-4 transcripts were decreased compared with healthy controls and patients with tuberculosis. Also, TGFβ transcripts appeared to be decreased in SLE. All individuals studied regularly demonstrated high levels of transcripts for IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF alpha and transcripts for IFNy, TNFβ, IL-5 and IL-10 were variably expressed. In a second group of six SLE patients with less active disease, there was also a decrease in IL-4 expression compared with six healthy controls. Moreover, assays performed on sera from patients with active SLE revealed that IL-4 levels were not increased. Although in mice this cytokine has a well documented role in supporting antibody production, this study provides no evidence that IL-4 is involved in the B cell hyperactivity characteristic of human SLE.
Education and training in health promotion and health education: trends, challenges and critical issues
Authors: O'Neill Michel , Hills Marcia
Published: June 2008

What we now think of as the field of health promotion has grown rapidly in the last 15 years, mainly out of the field of health education. With this expansion, has come the need to develop education and training programmes for current and future health promotion practitioners.
Development of competency-based University health promotion courses
Authors: Howat Peter , Maycock Bruce , Jackson Linda , Lower Tony , Cross Donna , Collins Jenny , van Asselt Karin
Published: June 2008

The Curtin University Centre for Health Promotion Research, in conjunction with the Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals (AAHPP), the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Health Department of Western Australia, co-ordinated a project to ascertain competencies required for personnel working in health promotion.
Targeting, tailoring and stages of change
Authors: Green Jackie
Published: June 2008

This is the first of an occasional series of articles that will feature in full exclusively in Promotion & Education as part of the formal link between IUHPE and Health Education Research. Each article will review key issues raised by papers published recently in Health Education Research on a topic or theme of current relevance to health promotion. A brief summary will also appear in Euronews, the IUHPE Regional Newsletter for Europe.
Health promotion within the development process
Authors: Lethbridge Jane
Published: June 2008

The aim of this article is to show how health promotion can play a more active and central role in the development process. In demonstrating this role, the skills necessary to deliver these new strategies will emerge which build on existing advocacy skills.
Evaluation et promotion de la santé
Authors: Pame Patricia
Published: June 2008

« La promotion de la santé est le processus qui confère aux populations les moyens d'assurer un plus grand contrôle sur leur propre santé, et d'améliorer celle-ci. Cette démarche relève d'un concept définissant « la santé » comme la mesure dans laquelle un groupe ou un individu peut d'une part, réaliser ses ambitions et satisfaire ses besoins et, d'autre part, évoluer avec le milieu ou s'adapter à celui-ci.

La santé est donc perçue comme une ressource de la vie quotidienne, et non comme le but de la vie ; il s'agit d'un concept positif mettant en valeur les ressources sociales et individuelles, ainsi que les capacités physiques. Ainsi donc, la promotion de la santé ne relève pas seulement du secteur sanitaire : elle dépasse les modes de vie sains pour viser le bien-être ». 1
Formative Research in the Meena Communication Initiative
Authors: Aghi Mira , Carnegie Rachel
Published: June 2008

The governments of South Asia designed the 1990's as the Decade of the Girl Child, in order to confront the extreme discrimination faced by girls in the region. A range of research studies undertaken by UNICEF and other agencies leading up to the Decade had documented the aspects and degrees of discrimination against girls in the region - with the most severe conditions in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.
Formal and Informal Capacity Building in Support of the Safe Motherhood Initiative in Botswana
Authors: Manyeneng Winnie G.
Published: June 2008

Botswana has made strides in the improvement of the health status of her people, especially women and children. Examples are the high immunization coverage, high rate of contraceptive utilization and increased health institution delivery. However, the country's maternal death rate remains unacceptably high, estimated at 200 to 300 per 100, 000 live births. Of equal concern has also been ill-health related to pregnancy and child birth.
A Model for Making AIDS Training Accessible to Health Professionals in Puerto Rico
Authors: Bravo Angel , Gely Daisy M.
Published: June 2008

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease continues to be one of the main public health problems in Puerto Rico, both in scope and pattern. Presently, the Island continues to have the highest AIDS proportion of cases among the Hispanic population in the United States.
How to Move Towards Evidence-based Health Promotion Interventions
Authors: Ziglio Erio
Published: June 2008

This paper addresses the question of how to move towards evidence-based health promotion interventions. The first part explains the current work of the International Working Group on Evaluating Health Promotion Approaches, recently set up by the European Office of WHO. Next it points out the need for reaching a common understanding regarding certain conceptual, philosophical, methodological and practical issues concerning evaluation, evidence, impact and effectiveness. In the third section, five methodological and political issues are given specific attention. Finally, it concludes with a few remarks on the need to steer the debate on evidence-based health promotion and avoid passively adopting inappropriate ways of assessing the impact of health promotion.
Improving the Health of Youth Through a Coordinated School Health Programme
Authors: Allensworth Diane
Published: June 2008

In the larger context, schools are society's vehicle for providing young people with the tools for successful adulthood. Perhaps no tool is more essential than good health. 1
Health Promotion and Health Education in Puerto Rico: an overview
Authors: Arroyo Hiram V.
Published: June 2008

Three months prior to hosting the IUHPE's XVIth World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education, Professor Hiram Arroyo, IUHPE Vice President for the Organisation of the World Conference, provides us with an overview of health promotion and education in his country.
Promoting Equity in Health
Authors: Yach Derek , Jensen Marianne Skov , Norris Alison , Evans Tim
Published: June 2008

There is evidence that widening income gaps are a global phenomenon; that in many advanced industrialised countries unemployment rates are rising; that globalisation of the world economy has led to several countries becoming marginalised with a concomitant increase in poverty; and that the absolute number of poor has steadily increased over the last decade. All of these phenomena emphasise the need to focus on equity as a global concern.
New horizons in health
Authors: Arroyo Hiram
Published: June 2008

The XVIth World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education was celebrated in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this past June 1998. This was the major world conference of reflection and endeavours in the professional, scientific and cultural spheres of health promotion and health education to consider new horizons for health in the coming millennium.
The power of partnership in health promotion
Authors: O'Byrne Desmond
Published: June 2008

We are at the crossroads of a millennium, a time for reflection and a time for change. It is not only the speed of change which has an impact on health, it is also the diversity and the complex interdependence of the many global trends now influencing the health status of the world. Although the 21st century brings new threats, it also brings new approaches and opportunities to overcome them. Change provides opportunity. It is an opportunity for health promotion to be pro-active and to meet the challenges.
Equity in health
Authors: Fortuin Judi Nwokedi
Published: June 2008

Research and case studies from around the world provide convincing evidence that health promotion is effective. Health promotion strategies can develop and change lifestyles, and have an impact on the social, economic and environmental conditions that determine health. Health promotion is a practical approach to achieving greater equity in health.
Empowering people for health
Authors: Jha Saroj S.
Published: June 2008

Empowerment has been a fashionable word in current development jargon. It is politically correct to use, it is aesthetic to the ear and ethically untainted. It is "nice" to talk about. It has entered into texts of official documents, both national and international that deal with developmental issues. Yet when it comes to action — to empower, then for most health providers this becomes abstract, and, for most beneficiaries a mirage.
Health and the environment, challenges and needs
Authors: Rajala Matti
Published: June 2008

Though it is often difficult to establish links between isolated environmental issues and health, an accumulated knowledge regarding environmental issues allows their impact to be estimated using the so-called risk-assessment approach.
A culture of peace
Authors: Hailu S.
Published: June 2008

The past we have to write as it has been; we cannot change it. The future we must write as we wish it to be. To describe the past, we have to write the future, the only heritage still intact. We can fill it with sharing, we can fill it with friendship, we can fill it with healthy citizens, we can fill it with peace. It is up to us.
New horizons in health - future challenges
Authors: Parish Richard
Published: June 2008

The XVIth World Conference included an enormous number of sessions covering virtually every area of contemporary health promotion and health education. The scale of the conference demonstrates how much we all have to offer each other. It reflects the rich cultural diversity that underpins health ptomotion; this is the real strength we should encourage as we move beyond the year 2000.
Training and education in health promotion and health education
Authors: O'Neill Michel
Published: June 2008

Five sessions in all were devoted to issues of training and educating people in health promotion and health education.
Building an infrastructure for national health advancement
Authors: Wise Marilyn
Published: June 2008

From the early 1970s Australia began to invest much of its public health effort in programmes to address the chronic diseases that were being identified, increasingly, as public health problems. By the mid 1990s there was growing evidence that sustained investment could result in improvements in the health of the population.
Pauvreté, équité et promotion de la santé
Authors: Deschamps Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2008

A 547 jours du troisième millénaire, le bilan social de l'humanité ne suscite pas d'enthousiasme. Et pourtant, les dernières cinquante années avaient d'abord permis l'espoir d'une prospérité durable, d'un développement économique du tiers-monde, et d'une relative égalité sociale à l'intérieur des pays et d'une nation à l'autre.
Poder local y participación ciudadana
Authors: Menchú Rigoberto
Published: June 2008

En los países latinoamericanos, en donde la diversidad cultutral es un punto en común en cuanto a la existencia de varios pueblos con culturas propias, muchas de ellas milenarias, pero también con el común denominador de la ausencia del derecho a ejercer las diferencias culturales, hacer de la participación ciudadana el motor del cambio en este momento de transición entre milenios es un reto pero a la vez una aspiración a la que no podemos renunciar.
Strategies for Supporting Transitions of Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families
Authors: Rous Beth , Teeters Myers Christine , Buras Stricklin Sarintha
Published: June 2008

Young children with special needs and their families often experience transitions across multiple environments in the early childhood years. Many transitions are identified as stressful for children and families. In the present study, a series of focus groups involving administrators, practitioners, and family members were held around the United States to identify transition practices that have been implemented effectively for children, families, staff, administrators, and communities. Two major themes emerged from the data: critical interagency variables, defined as strategies that support an interagency process involving multiple parties; and transition practices and activities, defined as practices that address child, family, staff, program, and community-specific activities. Outcomes from these focus groups included identification of transition strategies for young children with special needs that are considered valuable by parents, providers, and administrators and that are consistent with theoretical frameworks described in the transition literature.
Antecedent Classroom Factors and Disruptive Behaviors of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Conroy Maureen A. , Asmus Jennifer M. , Boyd Brian A. , Ladwig Crystal N. , Sellers Jennifer A.
Published: June 2008

This study examined relationships between antecedent classroom factors and the disruptive behaviors of five elementary-aged students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the influence of four types of molar antecedent classroom factors (i.e., instructional setting, instructional activity, availability of materials, and adult proximity) occurring within the general education classroom on target children's disruptive behavior. Sequential analyses were conducted to identify possible influences of these factors on the relationship between adult directives and subsequent target child disruptive behavior. Results showed different antecedent classroom factors influenced the occurrence of and the strength and direction of the sequential relationships between teacher directives and child disruptive behavior across participants. Although idiosyncratic findings occurred, for the majority of participants, specific antecedent factors decreased the rate of disruptive behavior including: a group setting, academic adult-directed activities, no materials present, and no adult proximity. Implications for practitioners and future research are discussed.
Evaluation of E-mail Feedback on the Verbal Behaviors of Pre-service Teachers
Authors: Barton Erin E. , Wolery Mark
Published: June 2008

The effects of e-mail feedback with written verbatim examples and frequency counts of expansions on pre-service teachers' verbal behaviors were examined in two studies. In Experiment I, e-mail feedback on the use of expansions was evaluated in a multiple baseline design across 3 undergraduate early childhood special education students. Results indicated a systematic relation between the e-mail feedback and the participant's use of expansions. Experiment II was a systematic replication of Experiment I. E-mail feedback on the use of expansions and specific praise was evaluated in a multiple baseline design across 3 student teachers. Results were similar to Experiment I. Student teachers' use of expansions displayed more variability than the practicum students. Implications for (a) the identification of effective practices for university supervisors, (b) the use of e-mail to communicate between supervisors and pre-service teachers, (c) future research on feedback, and (d) methods for conducting systematic replications are discussed.
Blueprint of a Cost Analysis Approach for Early Intervention: Application to a Home Visiting Program to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Boulatoff Catherine , Jump Vonda K.
Published: June 2008

In the current context of accountability, analysis of early intervention program costs can help decision makers allocate resources. This paper describes a cost analysis approach, known as the ingredient method, and demonstrates its applicability for evaluating the costs of a universal home visiting program designed to reduce child abuse and neglect. Results of the cost analysis showed the average cost was ,$4,970 per family per year (in 2005 dollars). This included, on average, 2 visits by the public health nurse and 29 home visits by paraprofessional family visitors. The cost of enrolling a new family in the program, consisting of 1 initial visit by the nurse followed by weekly visits by family visitors, was $7,835. Families with the most risk for abuse and neglect were more likely to take advantage of family visitor services and enroll in more intensive services. Implications for conducting similar cost analysis studies in early intervention using the ingredient method are discussed.
The Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (EIPSES)
Authors: Guimond Amy B. , Wilcox M. Jeanne , Lamorey Suzanne G.
Published: June 2008

The psychometric properties of an instrument designed to measure parenting efficacy within the context of early intervention, the Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (EIPSES), were explored. One hundred seventeen caregivers of children receiving early intervention services completed the 20-item EIPSES. The scale was reduced to 16 items with an internal reliability coefficient of .80. Preliminary factor analyses revealed a 2-dimensional structure for the EIPSES, one related to Parent Outcome Expectations and a second reflecting Parent Competence, together accounting for 37% of the variance. The Parent Outcome Expectations factor was conceptualized as a measure of parents' beliefs in the role of environmental influences, such as early intervention, on children's development. The Parent Competence factor was conceptualized as parents' beliefs in their abilities to promote children's developmental outcomes. Subscale reliability analyses and correlations among related constructs provide initial support for the utility of the EIPSES in assessing task-specific early intervention–related parental self-efficacy.
Transforming Growth Factor-alpha and c-erbB-2 Oncogene Products in Ovarian Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Coppola Domenico , Catalano Edison , Nicosia Santo V.
Published: June 2008

The distribution of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and c- erbB-2 proteins was immunohistochemically analyzed in 49 epithelial ovarian neoplasms to determine their implication as molecular modulators of epithelial ovarian cancer progression and as possible prognosticators of outcome. TGF-alpha cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was strongly positive in 100% of adenomas (ADs)(N=11) and tumors of low malignant potential (LMPs)(N=17) but in only 19% of invasive carcinomas (ICAs)(N=21). TGF-alpha immunoreactivity was selective of the ovarian epithelium. Interestingly, in the TGF-alpha-positive carcinomas, the monoclonal antibody decorated the better-differentiated areas of the tumor (ie, areas with papillary architecture), leaving the less differentiated solid areas unstained. Strong p185 c- erb B-2 protein cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was present in 45% of ADs but also in 48% of ICAs. The LMPs, however, expressed c -erbB-2 only at low frequency. These data suggest the involvement of c- erbB-2 in the progression of some ovarian carcinomas but not others. Conversely, the strong TGF-alpha expression in ADs and LMPs, which fades in ICAs, implies an alteration of the TGF-alpha expression in the progression of epithelial ovarian tumors. Failure of the poorly differentiated carcinomas to decorate with TGF-alpha seems to indicate that TGF-alpha is a marker of tumor grade. Int J Surg Pnthol4(3):00-00, 1997
Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis
Authors: Al-Tamimi Dalal M. , Abdelhadi Maha S. A.
Published: June 2008

In a period of ten years, a total of eight cases of granulomatous lobular mastitis was retrieved from a total number of 614 breast biopsies handled in our laboratory (1.3%). The patients were of childbearing age and had a recent history of delivery or pregnancy. All except one had a unilateral lesion that clinically mimicked carcinoma in 75% of the cases. Histology revealed necrotizing granulomas confined to the lobules with a frequent finding of a central empty space, presumably representing lipids. The origin of granulomatous mastitis is still unknown, and we discuss the various suggested etiologic factors and support the contention that it is a hypersensitivity reaction to unidentified material in the lobular secretion. Int J surg Pathol 4(3):00-00, 1997
Isolated Fibrinoid Arteritis of the Prostate
Authors: Val-Bernal J. Fernando , González-Vela Carmen , Mayorga Marta , Garijo M. Francisca
Published: June 2008

Four cases of apparently asymptomatic isolated fibrinoid arteritis in the prostate are described. All four cases occurred in elderly men with nodular hyperplasia. In all of these cases isolated fibrinoid arteritis was an incidental finding unrelated to the presenting symptoms. The histopathological appearance of the vasculitis was not sufficiently specific to exclude the possibility of systemic polyarteritis nodosa. However, there were no signs of generalized disease. Follow-up studies showed no evidence of disseminated vasculitis. Immunophenotyping of the vascular cellular infiltrate revealed abundant T lymphocytes, significant numbers of histiocytes, and virtual absence of B lymphocytes. The diagnosis of isolated arteritis depends on the exclusion of systemic disease, its excellent prognosis differing dramatically from the more common form of systemic polyarteritis nodosa. Information that isolated arteritis may occur in the prostate is of importance both to avoid misdiagnosis and to prevent unnecessary treatment. Int J Surg Patltol 4(3):00-00, 1997
Metastatic Uterine Leiomyosarcoma to Bone: A Clinicopathologic Study
Authors: Lucas David R. , Kolodziej Patricia , Gross Martin L. , Mott Michael P. , Budev Harish , Zalupski Mark M. , Ryan James R.
Published: June 2008

Metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma to bone is uncommon. We report the clinicopathologic findings from 4 cases, including examples with deceptively bland radiographic and/or histopathologic features. One case was remarkable in that both the multiple uterine smooth muscle tumors as well as the metastatic bone tumors appeared histologically benign, raising the question of its being a case of disseminated leiomyomatosis. Three patients presented with uterine disease with osseous metastases detected 1, 3, and 12 years later. One patient initially presented with neurologic findings due to a vertebral metastasis prior to detection of the uterine primary. A variety of radiographic patterns was seen, ranging from lytic destructive bone tumors to nonaggressive lesions with sclerotic margins. Most were mixed lytic/sclerotic tumors, and a soap bubble pattern was seen in a few. One tumor radiographically resembled giant cell tumor of bone. Microscopically, the bone metastases in 2 cases showed marked fibrosis and appeared much blander than the uterine primaries. Immunohistochemical reactivity for muscle-specific actin and smooth-muscle actin in both primary and metastatic tumors confirmed the diagnosis in these cases. Metastatic leiomyosarcoma to bone can present with a variety of radiographic patterns and with altered histology compared to the primary tumor. It can be mistaken for a primary bone tumor, benign or malignant. Awareness of these potential pitfalls combined with knowledge about the clinical history should prevent misdiagnosis and ensure proper management. Int J Surg Pathol 4(3):00-00, 1997
The Peculiar Features of Changing the Hemostasis in Children With Chronic Constipation
Authors: Kirgizov I.V. , Sukhorukov A.M. , Dudarev V.A. , Sipkin D.N.
Published: June 2008

Our purpose was to study the peculiarities of changing the hemostasis in children with chronic constipation. in the course of our investigation of hemostasis in children with chronic constipation, we found chronometric hypocoagulation th impairment of internal (XII, XI, IX, VIII) and external (II, VII, X) mechanisms of blood clotting, at the base of which a deficit of vitamin K-dependent factors (II, VII, IX, X) and slight impairment of the final stage of coagulation. In thrombocytovascular hemostasis, thrombocytopathy demonstrated increased adenosine-5-diphosphate aggregation and suppression of the internal route of fibrinolysis and endotheliosis. We must point out that all these changes lead to impairment of microcirculation in the form of thromboses, particularly in the submucous and mucous membrane vessels, which is confirmed the morphologic findings. In the compensated form, chronometric hypocoagulation with a deficit of II, IX, and X factors is noted. In the subcompensated form, hypocoagulation increases, and the deficit of V and VII factors is in part the cause. Endotheliosis and the increase of the thrombogenesis dynamics are noted in the threombocytovascular section. In the decompensated form, there is marked hypocoagulation. Low activity of antithrombin III leads to high content of fibrinmonomeasured complexes in combination with reduction of the thrombocytes quantity and to hypercoagulation. The present changes are confirmed by the morphologic research methods of studying the vascular channel of the large intestine wall, where organized thrombi and a marked plethora of neutrophil tissue infiltration are often revealed. Key Words: Chronic constipation— Hemostasis—Thrombosis.
Increased Plasma Thrombomodulin as a Vascular Endothelial Cell Marker in Patients With Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Mori Yoshitaka , Wada Hideo , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Tamaki Shigehisa , Nakasaki Takahiro , Watanabe Rika , Gabazza Esteban C. , Nishikawa Masakatu , Minami Nobuyuki , Shiku Hiroshi
Published: June 2008

Several hemostatic and vascular endothelial cell markers were measured in 39 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)/hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and in 20 healthy volunteers to examine the relationship between the occurrence of hemostatic abnormality or vascular endothelial cell injury and patient outcome. The plasma levels of von Willebrand factor, tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and the TPA-PAI-1 complex were significantly increased in TTP/HUS patients; however, the levels of these markers were not significantly different between TTP/HUS patients who survived and those who died, suggesting that these markers might not be directly related to outcome. The plasma levels of soluble granule membrane protein (GMP)-140 were significantly higher in TTP/ HUS patients than in healthy volunteers, suggesting that platelets and vascular endothelial cells are activated or injured in TTP/HUS. There was no significant difference in GMP-140 levels between TTP/HUS patients with good and poor prognoses ; this may be owing to the release of GMP-140 from platelets. The plasma thrombomodulin (TM) levels in TTP/ HUS patients were significantly higher than in healthy volunteers; the plasma TM levels were significantly higher in patients who died than in patients who survived. These findings showed that TM levels reflect the outcome and that the outcome of TTP/HUS depends on the presence vascular endothelial cell injury. The plasma protein C and antithrombin levels were markedly reduced in TTP/HUS patients who died compared with those who survived. These findings suggest that reduced plasma antithrombin and protein C may be useful markers of systemic vascular endothelial injury. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the outcome of TTP/HUS is related to vascular endothelial cell injury and that plasma TM, antithrombin, and protein C levels may be useful markers of systemic vascular endothelial cell injury.
The Effect of a Novel Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Antagonist, SR 121566A, on Platelet Aggregation and Activation in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Mark Kharim Orcullo Santillan  , Herring Justin , Hoppensteadt Debra A. , Jeske Walter , Herbert Jean-Marc , Fareed Jawed
Published: June 2008

SR 121566A represents a peptidomimetic glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitor 3-[N-{4-[4-(aminoiminomethyl)phenyl ]-1 ,3-thiazol-2-yl}-N-(1 -carboxymethylpiperid-4-yl) aminol propionic acid, trihydrochloride. To investigate the intravenous and subcutaneous pharmacodynamics of this agent, a primate model (Macaca mulatta) was used. The IC50 for adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (10 μmol/L)-induced platelet aggregation in this primate platelet system was found to be 45 ± 6 nmol/L. Comparatively in the human platelet rich plasma system, SR 121566A demonstrated an IC50 of 39 ± 4 nmol/L. Graded doses of SR 121566A in the range of 25-400 μg/kg were administered intravenously. Blood samples were drawn from individual groups of primates (n = 4-6) at varying periods of time up to 24 hours after administration of SR 121566A. The pharmacodynamic effects were measured by platelet aggregation using ADP (10 μmol/L) as an agonist. In addition, flow cytometric methods were used to measure thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP) (6.25 μmol/L)-induced platelet activation. In the subcutaneous studies, 50, 100, 250, and 400 μg/kg of SR 121566A was administered with an identical blood-drawing schedule and analysis as with the intravenous studies. In the intravenous studies, all doses of SR 121566A produced > 80% inhibition of platelet aggregation 5 minutes after the administration of the drug. The duration of the inhibitory effect is proportional to the dose administered and the 50% recovery time ranged from 2 to 15 hours. By flow cytometry, TRAP-induced P-selectin expression was also blocked for a varying duration of time in a dose-dependent fashion. The subcutaneous studies showed >90% inhibition of platelet aggregation, which was observed at 15 minutes after administration of both 50 and 100 μg/kg of the drug. The recovery time after the subcutaneously administered doses was found to be shorter than the intravenously administered doses. These studies demonstrate that SR 121566A is an effective platelet inhibitor with predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics.
Venous Thromboembolism in Medical Inpatients: Prophylaxis With Low-Weight Heparin in a University Hospital and Prevalence of Thromboembolic Events
Authors: Dhôte Robin , Pellicer-Coeuret Mireille , Belouet-Moreau Caroline , Christoforov Boyan , Vidal-Trecan Gwenaëlle
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VT) in current prophylactic practice with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) among medical inpatients and to analyze associated risk factors for VT.

A cross-sectional survey on five given days was conducted in the medical departments of a university hospital. The prevalence of prophylaxis and confirmed VT was measured. Risk markers for receiving high doses of LMWH and for VT under prophylaxis were assessed by logistic regression models.

Of 1194 inpatients, 1.4% suffered VT. The mean proportion of patients with LMWH prophylaxis was 24% (range: 4-64°k). The prevalence of VT was higher among inpatients receiving prophylaxis than among those patients not receiving prophylaxis (3.5% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.002). Under prophylaxis, independent risk markers for thrombosis were history of vein thrombosis (odds ratio [OR]: 4.03; confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.04-15.62) and age (OR: 1.08 ; 95%CI: 1.01-1.15). Two factors were independently associated with the prescription of high doses of LMWH: obesity was positively associated (OR: 7.50; 95%CI: 2.97-18.92; p < 0.0001) and respiratory insufficiency was negatively associated.

In medical departments, current prophylaxis practice leads to many patients being given LMWH. LMWH doses and other preventive measures should be adapted in high-risk inpatients.
Stasis Ulcers Refractory to Therapy—Accelerated Healing by Treatment With Clopidogrel ± Dalteparin: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Bick Rodger L. , Scott Ronald G.
Published: June 2008

Stasis ulcers are commonly the result of chronic venous insufficiency. We have recently assessed 15 patients with stasis ulcers that failed to heal after one year of routine wound care. All patients demonstrated a defect in hemostasis, and a biopsy revealed livido vasculitis. Eleven of fifteen patients were treated with clopidogrel and dalteparin, and 4 of 15 patients were treated with clopidogrel alone. Thirteen of fifteen patients (86.6%) completely healed within three months of starting antithrombotic therapy. Patients with stasis ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency who fail to heal with routine wound care should be subjected to biopsy, a procoagulant defect evaluation, and initiation of clopidogrel and dalteparin therapy if a defect is found.
G20210A Prothrombin Gene Mutation: Prevalence in a Recurrent Miscarriage Population
Authors: Pickering W. , Marriott K. , Regan L.
Published: June 2008

Many recurrent pregnancy losses appear to have a thrombotic etiology. We have investigated the prevalence of the G20210A prothrombin gene mutation in 122 women with a history of three or more early (≤12 weeks gestation; n = 91), late (> 12 weeks gestation; n = 2). or mixed (n = 29) consecutive pregnancy losses. A control group of 66 healthy parous women with no history of thrombosis or miscarriage was also studied. Four heterozygotes that suffered only early pregnancy losses were detected in the patient group giving a prevalence of 3.3%. Three of the control group women were heterozygous for the mutation, giving a prevalence of 4.5% (p = 0.32; odds ratio 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-3,27). When only Caucasians were analyzed, a prevalence of 3.9% (4/103) was observed in the patient group and 4.2% (2/48) in the control group ( p = 0.28; odds ratio 0.89; 95% CI 0.16-5.05). The prevalence of the G20210A prothrombin gene mutation is not increased in women with recurrent miscarriage, although it was only found in women who had suffered early pregnancy losses. However, it remains possible that this mutation is relevant in a selected subgroup of women with recurrent miscarriage, additional thrombophilic defects, and in whom fetal loss is associated with placental infarction and thrombosis.