bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infants Attribute Value± to the Goal-Directed Actions of Self-propelled Objects
Authors: Premack David , Premack Ann James
Published: February 2008

Motion is a fundamental source of information for basic human interpretations; it is basic to the fundamental concept of causality and, the present model argues, equally basic to the fundamental concept of intentionality.

The model is based on two main assumptions: When an infant perceives an object (1) moving spontaneously and (2) displaying goaldirected action, it will interpret the object as intentional and assign to it the unique properties of the psychological domain. The key property tested was: Do infants attribute value to interactions between intentional objects using criteria specified by the model?

We showed infants (average age 52 weeks) computer-generated animations of spontaneously moving “balls,” using looking time in a standard habituation/dishabituation paradigm. In two positive interactions, one ball either “caressed” another, or “helped” it achieve its goal; whereas in two negative interactions, one ball either “hit“ another, or “prevented” it from achieving its goal. In keeping with predictions of the model, when transferred to a negative condition, infants who had been habituated on a positive condition showed greater dishabituation than those habituated on a negative condition. The results could not be easily explained by the similarity relations among the animations depicting the interactions.

The results suggest that well before the age when the child can ascribe mental states or has a “theory of mind,” it recognizes the goals of self-propelled objects and attributes value to the interactions between them.
The Challenges Faced by the Iraqi High Tribunal: The Dujail Trial
Authors: Folsché Céline
Published: February 2008

From its creation as an "internationalized domestic tribunal" until the execution of his first sentence in the Dujail case, the Iraqi High Tribunal has been criticized by States, International as well as Non-Governmental Organizations and scholars. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the first and most expected decision of the Iraqi High Tribunal: the condemnation and execution of the former dictator Saddam Hussein.The first part of the article describes the controversy over the choice of tribunal and explains how, in the context of the multiplication of international and hybrid criminal bodies, the decision of the Iraqi government to create a domestic court with some international law elements has added fuel to the criticisms and complicated the task of the Tribunal to render justice.The second part of the article scrutinizes the Tribunal decision in the Dujail case. The International Community was eager to read how the Tribunal would deal with the exceptions to the competence raised by the defendants. Despite a very lengthy decision, the response of the Tribunal was not entirely satisfactory. Furthermore, the aspects of the merit dealing with international law precedents were quite disappointing.Finally, the third part of the article examines the legality of the death penalty. Saddam Hussein and his co-defendants were hanged immediately after a short and fast appeal procedure. Consequently, the reactions towards the execution have been strong and highly critical.
An Automated Radar Technique for the Identification of Tropical Precipitation
Authors: Xu Xiaoyong , Howard Kenneth , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2008

A radar-based automated technique for the identification of tropical precipitation was developed to improve quantitative precipitation estimation during extreme rainfall events. The technique uses vertical profiles of reflectivity to identify the potential presence of warm rain (i.e., tropical rainfall) microphysics and delineates the tropical rainfall region to which the tropical Z–R relationship is applied. The performance of the algorithm is examined based on case studies of five storms that produced extreme precipitation in the United States. Results demonstrate relative improvements in radar-based quantitative precipitation estimation through the automated identification of tropical rainfall and the subsequent adaptation of the tropical Z–R relation to account for the potential warm rain processes.
Automated Ice-Tethered Profilers for Seawater Observations under Pack Ice in All Seasons
Authors: Krishfield R. , Toole J. , Proshutinsky A. , Timmermans M-L.
Published: February 2008

An automated, easily deployed Ice-Tethered Profiler (ITP) instrument system, developed for deployment on perennial sea ice in the polar oceans to measure changes in upper ocean water properties in all seasons, is described, and representative data from prototype instruments are presented. The ITP instrument consists of three components: a surface subsystem that sits atop an ice floe; a weighted, plastic-jacketed wire-rope tether of arbitrary length (up to 800 m) suspended from the surface element; and an instrumented underwater unit that employs a traction drive to profile up and down the wire tether. ITPs profile the water column at a programmed sampling interval; after each profile, the underwater unit transfers two files holding oceanographic and engineering data to the surface unit using an inductive modem and from the surface instrument to a shore-based data server using an Iridium transmitter. The surface instrument also accumulates battery voltage readings, buoy temperature data, and locations from a GPS receiver at a specified interval (usually every hour) and transmits those data daily. Oceanographic and engineering data are processed, displayed, and made available in near–real time (available online at http://www.whoi.edu/itp). Six ITPs were deployed in the Arctic Ocean between 2004 and 2006 in the Beaufort gyre with various programmed sampling schedules of two to six one-way traverses per day between 10- and 750–760-m depth, providing more than 5300 profiles in all seasons (as of July 2007). The acquired CTD profile data document interesting spatial variations in the major water masses of the Canada Basin, show the double-diffusive thermohaline staircase that lies above the warm, salty Atlantic layer, measure seasonal surface mixed layer deepening, and document several mesoscale eddies. Augmenting the systems already deployed and to replace expiring systems, an international array of more than one dozen ITPs will be deployed as part of the Arctic Observing Network during the International Polar Year (IPY) period (2007–08) holding promise for more valuable real-time upper ocean observations for operational needs, to support studies of ocean processes, and to facilitate numerical model initialization and validation.
Antidepressant effect and changes of GABAAreceptor γ2 subunit mRNA after hippocampal administration of allopregnanolone in rats
Authors: Nin MS , Salles FB , Azeredo LA , Frazon APG , Gomez R. , Barros HMT
Published: February 2008

The present study aimed to verify the effect of bilateral intra-hippocampus administration of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one; 3α, 5α-THP) in the forced swimming test (FST) and in the α4 and γ2 GABAAreceptor subunits gene expression. Results showed that bilateral intra-hippocampal allopregnanolone administration of 2.5 μg/rat ( P < 0.05) reduced immobile behavior and increased climbing behavior in the FST. Overall, for all doses of allopregnanolone tested (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 μg/rat), an increase of γ2 ( P < 0.05) GABAAsubunit mRNA was observed. There was a higher increase in the γ2 gene expression in the right hemisphere than in the left hemisphere ( P < 0.01) after allopregnanolone treatment. Intra-hippocampal allopregnanolone did not change the expression of the α4 subunits. In conclusion, intra-hippocampal administration of allopregnanolone produces an antidepressant-like effect in the FST at an intermediate dose, confirming the potential of neurosteroids as a new class of antidepressant drugs. Our findings suggest that the γ2, but not the α4 GABAAsubunit, needs further evaluation to be involved in the antidepressant effect of allopregnanolone in the hippocampus and that there is a hemispheric diversity in the biochemical effect of the drug.
Effects of acute or 3-day treatments of Hypericum caprifoliatum Cham. & Schltdt. (Guttiferae) extract or of two established antidepressants on basal and stress-induced increase in serum and brain corticosterone levels
Authors: Viana AF , Rates SMK , Naudin B. , Janin F. , Costentin J. , do Rego J-C.
Published: February 2008

Since depressive patients present alterations in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that are normalised by antidepressants, this HPA axis has been considered as a target of their actions. We have investigated the mechanism of action of a cyclohexane extract of Hypericum caprifoliatum (HCP), which displays antidepressant like activity, by studying, in mice, the influence of HCP and of two established antidepressant drugs, imipramine and bupropion, administered either acutely or semi-chronically (once a day, three consecutive days), on serum and brain cortex corticosterone levels, either in basal conditions or shortly after a forced-swimming session (FSS). Administered acutely, imipramine (20 mg/kg, per os (p.o.)), bupropion (30 mg/kg, p.o.) and HCP (360 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the immobility time and had no effects on FSS-induced increase of serum and cortical corticosterone levels. Conversely, 3 days repeated treatment with imipramine or bupropion resulted in a significant reduction of immobility time and FSS-induced increase of serum and cortical corticosterone levels. In a different way, repeated treatment with HCP significantly reduced the immobility time and only cortical corticosterone levels in stressed mice. These results indicate that short-term treatments with antidepressants are sufficient to induce modifications in the HPA axis reactivity to stress; and that apparently HCP has an influence on corticosterone levels by a mechanism diverse from the other tested antidepressants.
8-OH-DPAT inhibits both prandial and waterspray-induced grooming
Authors: Hartley JE , Montgomery AMJ
Published: February 2008

The effects of 8-OH-DPAT treatment on rat grooming behaviour, elicited either prandially or in response to spraying with water were investigated. Dose (≤0.1 mg/kg s.c.) response studies employed momentary time sampling over 30 or 60 min with behaviour being scored in one of 6 or 7 (depending on food availability) mutually exclusive categories (feeding, active, scratching, face-grooming, body grooming, genital-grooming and resting) at 15 s intervals. In non-deprived rats, tested with wet mash available, feeding and activity frequencies were increased, but resting and total grooming were inhibited by 8-OH-DPAT. Face-, body- and genital-grooming occurred at higher levels than scratching, but all categories were reduced with reductions in scratching occurring at a lower dose (0.01 mg/kg). Misting rats with a fine water spray selectively increased body grooming and decreased activity without altering feeding, while 8-OH-DPAT increased feeding and reduced face-, body- and genital-grooming, without affecting already low levels of scratching. In misted rats, tested without food, 8-OH-DPAT reduced face-, body- and genital-grooming and increased resting. These results confirm i) that the water spray technique is a useful method for increasing grooming and ii) that 8-OH-DPAT has a suppressant effect on grooming independent of response competition from enhanced feeding.
Asenapine: a novel psychopharmacologic agent with a unique human receptor signature
Authors: Shahid M. , Walker GB , Zorn SH , Wong Ehf
Published: February 2008

Asenapine is a novel psychopharmacologic agent under development for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We determined and compared the human receptor binding affinities and functional characteristics of asenapine and several antipsychotic drugs. Compounds were tested under comparable assay conditions using cloned human receptors. In comparison with the antipsychotics, asenapine showed high affinity and a different rank order of binding affinities (p Ki) for serotonin receptors (5-HT1A [8.6], 5-HT1B [8.4], 5-HT2A [10.2], 5-HT2B [9.8], 5-HT2C [10.5], 5-HT 5 [8.8], 5-HT6 [9.6] and 5-HT7 [9.9]), adrenoceptors (α1 [8.9], α2A [8.9], α2B [9.5] and α2C [8.9]), dopamine receptors (D1 [8.9], D 2 [8.9], D3 [9.4] and D4 [9.0]) and histamine receptors (H1 [9.0] and H2 [8.2]). It had much lower affinity (p Ki ≤ 5) for muscarinic receptors and was the only agent with affinity for H2 receptors. Relative to its D2 receptor affinity, asenapine had a higher affinity for 5-HT 2C, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT7, 5-HT 6, α2B and D3 receptors, suggesting stronger engagement of these targets at therapeutic doses. Asenapine behaved as a potent antagonist (p KB) at 5-HT1A (7.4), 5-HT 1B (8.1), 5-HT2A (9.0), 5-HT2B (9.3), 5-HT 2C (9.0), 5-HT6 (8.0), 5-HT7 (8.5), D2 (9.1), D3 (9.1), α2A (7.3), α2B (8.3), α2C (6.8) and H1 (8.4) receptors. These functional effects differed from those of risperidone (p KB < 5 for 5-HT6) and olanzapine (p KB < 5 for 5-HT 1A and α2). Our results indicate that asenapine has a unique human receptor signature, with binding affinity and antagonistic properties that differ appreciably from those of antipsychotic drugs.
Structural brain correlates of response inhibition in Bipolar Disorder I
Authors: Haldane Morgan , Cunningham Giles , Androutsos Chris , Frangou Sophia
Published: February 2008

Deficits in response inhibition are a prominent feature of Bipolar Disorder, type I (BDI). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between inhibitory control and cerebral structure as it may inform our understanding of the pathophysiology of BDI. Inhibitory control was measured in remitted patients with BDI (n = 44) and healthy controls (n = 44), using the interference score from the Stroop Colour Word Task and the scaled total error score from the Hayling Sentence Completion Test. Structural magnetic resonance imaging brain scans were also obtained for all participants. For both measures, better performance in controls correlated positively with gray matter volume in the dorsal and ventral prefrontal cortical (PFC) regions with parietal involvement additionally seen for the interference score. In contrast, better inhibitory control in BDI patients correlated positively with gray matter volume in the right parietal cortical regions, namely the cuneus for the scaled total error score and the inferior parietal lobule for the interference score. The observed lack of correlation between PFC grey matter and measures of inhibitory control in BDI patients is suggestive of PFC dysfunction; the correlation between response inhibition and parietal grey matter volume may be indicative of a compensatory involvement of the parietal cortices in BDI.
Who responds to aripiprazole in clinical practice? An observational study of combination versus monotherapy
Authors: Shajahan P. , MacRae A. , Bashir M. , Taylor M.
Published: February 2008

We aimed to study aripiprazole, as monotherapy and combined with other antipsychotics, in routine clinical practice, to identify patients who had a favourable clinical response. We retrospectively identified all secondary care psychiatric patient records started on aripiprazole (n = 85). We assigned Clinical Global Impression scores to measure effectiveness. We examined demographic and clinical correlates of patients who improved (CGI Improvement scores < 5) versus those who did not improve (CGI ≥ 5). 56 patients (66%) received aripiprazole as monotherapy, 29 patients (34%) in combination with other antipsychotics. 52 patients (62%) received a CGI 1-4 (minimally to very much improved), 32 patients (38%) a CGI ≥ 5 (no change to very much worse). Patients who improved were less likely to have had previous or subsequent treatment with clozapine (p = 0.04). Discontinuation was due to agitation (35%), inefficacy (21%), nausea (18%) and worsening psychosis (12%). Combination with other antipsychotics resulted in less discontinuation and a lower maximum dose of aripiprazole. Aripiprazole was combined with other regular additional antipsychotics in 1/3rd of patients. Combination and monotherapy were clinically effective in around 60% of patients. Favourable response was associated with lack of treatment resistance. Agitation was the commonest reason for discontinuation.
MDMA-induced impairment in primates: antagonism by a selective norepinephrine or serotonin, but not by a dopamine/norepinephrine transport inhibitor
Authors: Verrico Christopher D , Lynch Laurie , Fahey Michele A , Fryer Ashley-Kay , Miller Gregory M , Madras Bertha K
Published: February 2008

Human MDMA (R,S-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) users display selective cognitive deficits after acute MDMA exposure, frequently attributed to serotonin deficits. We postulated that MDMA will compromize executive function in primates and that an inhibitor of the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET) but not the dopamine (DAT) transporter, will prevent impairment. The potencies of DAT/NET, NET and SERT inhibitors to block transport of [3H]MDMA and [3H]monoamines were compared in vitro. Subsequently, cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fasicularis) were trained to stable performance in a reversal learning task. Effects of once-weekly oral or i.m. dose of MDMA (1.5 mg/kg, n = 4) on performance were monitored, alone or after pretreatment with inhibitors of the SERT, DAT or NET (prior to i.m. MDMA). 1) Drug potencies for blocking [3H]MDMA or [3H]monoamine transport were not consistent; 2) Oral MDMA increased error rates in a cognitive task for up to three days following exposure, whereas intramuscular MDMA prevented subjects from performing the cognitive task on the day of administration, but not on subsequent days; 3) The SERT inhibitor citalopram and the NET inhibitor desipramine, but not the DAT/NET inhibitor methylphenidate, reversed the effects of MDMA on task performance and mandibular movements induced by i.m. MDMA and 4) MDMA altered sleep latency. Oral MDMA impairs executive function in monkeys for several days, a finding of potential relevance to MDMA consumption by humans. Reversal of impaired executive function by a NET inhibitor implicates the NET and norepinephrine in MDMA-induced cognitive impairment and may be relevant to therapeutic strategies.
Contradictions of Economic Growth in the Neoliberal Era: Accumulation and Crisis in the Contemporary U.S. Economy
Authors: Kotz David M.
Published: February 2008

In the neoliberal form of capitalism, economic expansion tends to be accompanied by rising profits and stagnant wages, creating a potential problem of overproduction. This obstacle to expansion has been overcome in the U.S. economy in the neoliberal era through rising household debt and the emergence of asset bubbles. However, certain trends in the U.S. economy suggest that the past methods of promoting expansion and averting severe crises in the neoliberal era may be becoming nonviable. JEL classification: E32, N12, E11
The Violent and Sexual Victimization of College Women
Authors: Daigle Leah E. , Fisher Bonnie S. , Cullen Francis T.
Published: February 2008

Little attention has been given to repeat violent and sexual victimization among college women. Using two national-level data sets, the authors find that a small proportion of college women experience a large proportion of violent and sexual victimizations. Women are more likely to experience repeat sexual victimization than repeat violence incidents. Repeat victimization tends to happen in the same month of the initial victimization, and the most likely next type of victimization is by far the same type of victimization. Comparing incident-level characteristics of repeat incidents to single incidents, there are few differences, with the exception that, in a larger proportion of single incidents, women took self-protective action. Implications for prevention and educational programs are discussed.
Further Investigation of Findings Reported for the Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool–Revised
Authors: Langton Calvin M. , Barbaree Howard E. , Harkins Leigh , Peacock Edward J. , Arenovich Tamara
Published: February 2008

Among a number of widely used risk assessment instruments with adult sexual offenders, the Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool–Revised (MnSOST-R) has been subject to relatively few evaluation studies. Only two independent research groups have published replication studies in the peer-reviewed literature with data not provided by the MnSOST-R's developers, and the results regarding the accuracy of predicting sexual recidivism have been mixed. In this article, important differences between the Barbaree et al. and Langton et al. studies are presented. Analyses reported for the various subsets comprising these two samples indicate that coding discrepancies in the Barbaree et al. study account for the different findings, with a moderate level of predictive accuracy using the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve ultimately found for the MnSOST-R in both data sets.
Leave or Stay?
Authors: Kim Jinseok , Gray Karen A.
Published: February 2008

Battered women's reasons for staying with or leaving their male partners are varied and complex. Using data from the Domestic Violence Experience in Omaha, Nebraska, a discrete-time hazard model was employed to examine a woman's decision based on four factors: financial independence, witness of parental violence, psychological factors, and the police response to the domestic violence call. Findings regarding the first three factors are consistent with previous findings. However, a negative police response did not deter a woman from leaving, which is a different finding from previous studies.
Examining the Scope of Channel Expansion
Authors: D'Urso Scott C. , Rains Stephen A.
Published: February 2008

This article draws on channel expansion theory to explore the selection and use of communication media by organizational members. Channel expansion theory scholars posit that media richness perceptions are dependent on experiences with communication partners, the message topic, and the communication media utilized. This study tests channel expansion theory in the context of new and traditional communication media. Respondents ( N = 269) completed questionnaires regarding their use and perceptions of face-to-face, telephone, e-mail, or instant-messaging interactions. Results indicate that experience with channel, topic, partner, and social influence are all significant predictors of richness perceptions, when controlling for age and media characteristics. Findings also suggest that the richness of a medium is not fixed and may be shaped by interpersonal factors, including one's relevant experiences.
Biopsychosocial Benefits of Spirituality in Adults Aging With HIV
Authors: Vance David E. , Struzick Thomas C. , Raper James L.
Published: February 2008

More than 100,000 adults above the age of 50 have been diagnosed with HIV in the United States. It is important to understand how to promote successful aging in this growing population. With the positive effects of spirituality on biopsychosocial functioning in aging, HIV, and chronic diseases, accessing the strengths associated with spirituality may facilitate successful aging in adults surviving to older ages. The inherent nature of the nurse–patient relationship means nurses are in a key position to actively listen, assess spiritual needs, and make clinical referrals. In providing holistic care to patients, nurse scientists are encouraged to study and address the spiritual needs in this growing population.
An FLT3 gene-expression signature predicts clinical outcome in normal karyotype AML
Authors: Bullinger Lars , Döhner Konstanze , Kranz Raphael , Stirner Christoph , Fröhling Stefan , Scholl Claudia , Kim Young H. , Schlenk Richard F. , Tibshirani Robert , Döhner Hartmut , Pollack Jonathan R.
Published: February 2008

Acute myeloid leukemia with normal karyotype (NK-AML) represents a cytogenetic grouping with intermediate prognosis but substantial molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Within this subgroup, presence of FLT3 (FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3) internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation predicts less favorable outcome. The goal of our study was to discover gene-expression patterns correlated with FLT3-ITD mutation and to evaluate the utility of a FLT3 signature for prognostication. DNA microarrays were used to profile gene expression in a training set of 65 NK-AML cases, and supervised analysis, using the Prediction Analysis of Microarrays method, was applied to build a gene expression–based predictor of FLT3-ITD mutation status. The optimal predictor, composed of 20 genes, was then evaluated by classifying expression profiles from an independent test set of 72 NK-AML cases. The predictor exhibited modest performance (73% sensitivity; 85% specificity) in classifying FLT3-ITD status. Remarkably, however, the signature outperformed FLT3-ITD mutation status in predicting clinical outcome. The signature may better define clinically relevant FLT3 signaling and/or alternative changes that phenocopy FLT3-ITD, whereas the signature genes provide a starting point to dissect these pathways. Our findings support the potential clinical utility of a gene expression–based measure of FLT3 pathway activation in AML.
Bleeding risk and the management of bleeding complications in patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy: focus on new anticoagulant agents
Authors: Crowther Mark A. , Warkentin Theodore E.
Published: February 2008

For more than 60 years, heparin and coumarin have been mainstays of anticoagulation therapy. They are widely available, inexpensive, effective, and have specific antidotes but are regarded as problematic because of their need for careful monitoring. In addition, coumarin has a delayed onset of action, interacts with many medications, has a narrow therapeutic window, and is paradoxically prothrombotic in certain settings (ie, can precipitate “coumarin necrosis”). Heparin may require monitoring of its therapeutic effect and can also cause thrombosis (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis syndrome). These limitations have led to the development of new anticoagulants with the potential to replace current agents. These newer agents fall into 2 classes, based on whether they are antithrombin dependent (low-molecular-weight heparin, fondaparinux) or antithrombin independent (direct inhibitors of factor Xa and thrombin [factor IIa]). This paper addresses newer anticoagulants, reviewing their efficacy and limitations, and focuses on the risk of major bleeding that may complicate their use. In contrast to heparin and coumarin, none of these newer agents has a specific antidote that completely reverses its anticoagulant effect. Available data on the efficacy and safety of current and experimental agents for anticoagulant reversal are reviewed, and a plan for management of anticoagulant-induced bleeding is presented.
MADIBA: A web server toolkit for biological interpretation of Plasmodium and plant gene clusters
Authors: Law Philip J , Claudel-Renard Clotilde , Joubert Fourie , Louw Abraham I , Berger Dave K
Published: February 2008

Background

Microarray technology makes it possible to identify changes in gene expression of an organism, under various conditions. Data mining is thus essential for deducing significant biological information such as the identification of new biological mechanisms or putative drug targets. While many algorithms and software have been developed for analysing gene expression, the extraction of relevant information from experimental data is still a substantial challenge, requiring significant time and skill.

Description

MADIBA (MicroArray Data Interface for Biological Annotation) facilitates the assignment of biological meaning to gene expression clusters by automating the post-processing stage. A relational database has been designed to store the data from gene to pathway forPlasmodium, rice andArabidopsis. Tools within the web interface allow rapid analyses for the identification of the Gene Ontology terms relevant to each cluster; visualising the metabolic pathways where the genes are implicated, their genomic localisations, putative common transcriptional regulatory elements in the upstream sequences, and an analysis specific to the organism being studied.

Conclusion

MADIBA is an integrated, online tool that will assist researchers in interpreting their results and understand the meaning of the co-expression of a cluster of genes. Functionality of MADIBA was validated by analysing a number of gene clusters from several published experiments – expression profiling of thePlasmodiumlife cycle, and salt stress treatments ofArabidopsisand rice. In most of the cases, the same conclusions found by the authors were quickly and easily obtained after analysing the gene clusters with MADIBA.
Lymph vascular invasion in invasive mammary carcinomas identified by the endothelial lymphatic marker D2-40 is associated with other indicators of poor prognosis
Authors: Marinho Vanessa FZ , Metze Konradin , Sanches Fernanda SF , Rocha Gislene FS , Gobbi Helenice
Published: February 2008

Background

Immunohistochemical studies of lymphatic vessels have been limited by a lack of specific markers. Recently, the novel D2-40 antibody, which selectively marks endothelium of lymphatic vessels, was released. The aim of our study is to compare lymphatic and blood vessel invasion detected by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) versus that detected by immunohistochemistry, relating them with morphologic and molecular prognostic factors.

Methods

We selected 123 cases of invasive mammary carcinomas stratified into three subgroups according to axillary lymph node status: macrometastases, micrometastases, and lymph node negative. Lymphatic (LVI) and blood (BVI) vessel invasion were evaluated by H&E and immunohistochemistry using the D2-40 and CD31 antibodies, and related to histologic tumor type and grade, estrogen and progesterone receptors, E-cadherin, Ki67, p53, and Her2/neu expression.

Results

LVI was detected in H&E-stained sections in 17/123 cases (13.8%), and in D2-40 sections in 35/123 cases (28.5%) (Kappa = 0.433). BVI was detected in H&E-stained sections in 5/123 cases (4.1%), and in CD31 stained sections in 19/123 cases (15.4%) (Kappa = 0.198). LVI is positively related to higher histologic grade (p = 0.013), higher Ki67 expression (p = 0.00013), and to the presence of macrometastases (p = 0.002), and inversely related to estrogen (p = 0.0016) and progesterone (p = 0.00017) receptors expression.

Conclusion

D2-40 is a reliable marker of lymphatic vessels and is a useful tool for lymphatic emboli identification in immunostained sections of breast carcinomas with higher identification rates than H&E. Lymphatic vessel invasion was related to other features (high combined histologic grade, high Ki67 score, negative hormone receptors expression) associated with worse prognosis, probable reflecting a potential for lymphatic metastatic spread and aggressive behavior.
The prevalence of self-reported deliberate self harm in Irish adolescents
Authors: Morey Carolyn , Corcoran Paul , Arensman Ella , Perry Ivan J
Published: February 2008

Background

Deliberate self harm is major public health problem, in particular among young people. Although several studies have addressed the prevalence of deliberate self harm among young people in the community, little is known about the extent to which deliberate self harm comes to the attention of medical services, the self harm methods used and the underlying motives. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of deliberate self harm in adolescents and the methods, motives and help seeking behaviour associated with this behaviour.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey using an anonymous self-report questionnaire was administered in 39 schools in the Southern area of the Health Service Executive, Ireland. Of the 4,583 adolescents aged 15–17 years who were invited to participate in the survey, 3,881 adolescents took part (response: 85%).

Results

A lifetime history of DSH was reported by 9.1% (n = 333) of the adolescents. DSH was more common among females (13.9%) than males (4.3%). Self cutting (66.0%) and overdose (35.2%) were the most common DSH methods. A minority of participants accessed medical services after engaging in DSH (15.3%).

Conclusion

DSH is a significant problem in Irish adolescents and the vast majority do not come to the attention of health services. Innovative solutions for prevention and intervention are required to tackle DSH in adolescents.
The effect of posterior capsule repair upon post-operative hip dislocation following primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Tsai Shang-Ju , Wang Chen-Ti , Jiang Ching-Chuan
Published: February 2008

Background

Herein, we evaluated, retrospectively, the effect of posterior capsular repair upon postoperative hip dislocation subsequent to total hip arthroplasty (THA) incorporating a posterolateral approach.

Methods

A total of 181 patients undergoing 204 primary non-complicated THA surgical procedures in the period from January 2000 to October 2005 inclusively were included in this study. The patients were separated into two groups by whether the posterior capsular repair had been incorporated in the surgical procedure. For the surgeon did not commence repairing the posterior capsule until July, 2003, all members in the group that did not undergo posterior capsular repair (142 hips from 131 patients) were collected since January, 2000 to July, 2003, while the members in the group that underwent posterior capsular repair (62 hips from 52 patients) were followed since July, 2003, to October, 2005. With a minimum follow-up period of 12 months, we evaluated the early post-operative dislocation rate.

Results

The early postoperative hip-dislocation rate for the group who did not undergo posterior capsular repair appeared to be substantially greater (6.38% versus 0%) than the corresponding figure for the group the members of which underwent posterior capsular repair. In addition, patient demographics and the orientation of acetabular components for the replaced hip joints, as presented in postoperative radiographs, did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Thus, surgeons should include posterior capsular repair as an important step in the surgical procedures of posterolateral approach for all THA in order to reduce the likelihood of early hip dislocation subsequent to THA.
Enkephalin-Encoding Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Decreases Inflammation and Hotplate Sensitivity in a Chronic Pancreatitis Model
Authors: Yang Hong , McNearney Terry A , Chu Rong , Lu Ying , Ren Yong , Yeomans David C , Wilson Steven P , Westlund Karin N
Published: February 2008

Background:

A chronic pancreatitis model was developed in young male Lewis rats fed a high-fat and alcohol liquid diet beginning at three weeks. The model was used to assess time course and efficacy of a replication defective herpes simplex virus type 1 vector construct delivering human cDNA encoding preproenkephalin (HSV-ENK).

Results:

Most surprising was the relative lack of inflammation and tissue disruption after HSV-ENK treatment compared to the histopathology consistent with pancreatitis (inflammatory cell infiltration, edema, acinar cell hypertrophy, fibrosis) present as a result of the high-fat and alcohol diet in controls. The HSV-ENK vector delivered to the pancreatic surface at week 3 reversed pancreatitis-associated hotplate hypersensitive responses for 4–6 weeks, while control virus encoding β-galactosidase cDNA (HSV-β-gal) had no effect. Increased Fos expression seen bilaterally in pain processing regions in control animals with pancreatitis was absent in HSV-ENK-treated animals. Increased met-enkephalin staining was evident in pancreas and lower thoracic spinal cord laminae I–II in the HSV-ENK-treated rats.

Conclusion:

Thus, clear evidence is provided that site specific HSV-mediated transgene delivery of human cDNA encoding preproenkephalin ameliorates pancreatic inflammation and significantly reduces hypersensitive hotplate responses for an extended time consistent with HSV mediated overexpression, without tolerance or evidence of other opiate related side effects.
Cold saline irrigation of the renal pelvis during Radiofrequency Ablation of a central renal neoplasm: a case report
Authors: Morales Jose P , Sabharwal Tarun , Georganas Marios , Dourado Renato , Cahill Declan , Adam Andreas
Published: February 2008

Introduction

Thermal destruction mediated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is gaining attention as an alternative treatment for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly in those who are not candidates for open surgery. Treatment of central tumours is occasionally associated with complications such as ureteric stricture, injury to the psoas muscle, haematuria and vascular laceration.

Case presentation

We have used infusion of cold saline during RFA, through a retrograde ureteric catheter with its tip in the renal pelvis, in a patient with a central renal tumour.

Conclusion

We believe this process to have successfully avoided the risk of thermal injury.
A Western Blot-based Investigation of the Yeast Secretory Pathway Designed for an Intermediate-Level Undergraduate Cell Biology Laboratory
Authors: Hood-DeGrenier Jennifer K.
Published: March 2008

The movement of newly synthesized proteins through the endomembrane system of eukaryotic cells, often referred to generally as the secretory pathway, is a topic covered in most intermediate-level undergraduate cell biology courses. An article previously published in this journal described a laboratory exercise in which yeast mutants defective in two distinct steps of protein secretion were differentiated using a genetic reporter designed specifically to identify defects in the first step of the pathway, the insertion of proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum ( Vallen, 2002 ). We have developed two versions of a Western blotting assay that serves as a second way of distinguishing the two secretory mutants, which we pair with the genetic assay in a 3-wk laboratory module. A quiz administered before and after students participated in the lab activities revealed significant postlab gains in their understanding of the secretory pathway and experimental techniques used to study it. A second survey administered at the end of the lab module assessed student perceptions of the efficacy of the lab activities; the results of this survey indicated that the experiments were successful in meeting a set of educational goals defined by the instructor.
Late-onset depression: issues affecting clinical care
Authors: Variend Hannele , Gopal Y. Vishnu
Published: February 2008

A growing body of evidence suggests that late-onset depression (depression occurring for the first time in later life) differs from early-onset (recurrent) depression in terms of clinical features, aetiology, neuroanatomical substrates and prognosis. Some evidence suggests that late-onset depression is more associated with somatic symptoms, cognitive deficits, cerebral structural abnormalities, vascular disease (‘vascular depression’) and poorer treatment outcomes than is early-onset depression. Both general adult and old age psychiatrists face the challenges of managing late-onset depression. In this article we attempt to clarify specific issues relating to late-onset depression in terms of clinical features, aetiology, treatment response and prognosis.
The psychiatrist as expert witness. Part 2: criminal cases and the Royal College of Psychiatrists' guidance
Authors: Rix Keith J. B.
Published: February 2008

Psychiatrists reporting in criminal cases in England and Wales are now governed by the Criminal Procedure Rules on expert evidence and these will require changes to the format and content of psychiatrists' reports in criminal proceedings. This article sets out the new rules and also draws attention to additional requirements made by the Court of Appeal and, when instructed by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service, by the Crown Prosecution Service. It also draws attention to the report of the Scoping Group on Court Work of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
New mental health legislation in Scotland
Authors: Lyons Donald
Published: February 2008

The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 was implemented in October 2005. This article summarises the main features of the Act and its differences from previous legislation. The Act was intended to provide a more flexible range of interventions, including compulsory treatment in the community. It also introduced a number of new safeguards. These are described and early data on their impact are presented. Some provisions of the Act are time-consuming and cumbersome, but there is evidence that psychiatrists are committed to its principles and this is borne out by early monitoring data. Some aspects of the Act are being reviewed at the time of writing.
What will revalidation mean for psychiatrists?
Authors: Mynors-Wallis Laurence
Published: February 2008

In 2007, the UK government published a White Paper setting out a framework (revalidation) by which doctors will be assessed throughout their professional careers. Although revalidation is unlikely to be welcomed with open arms by many doctors, its discussion in the White Paper is a measured one in which medical Royal Colleges are given a strong voice in the setting and measuring of standards. The details of the revalidation process for psychiatrists have yet to be determined, but it is likely that it will include strengthened appraisal within which doctors will provide evidence that they have met the standards set by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. These will be laid out in a revised edition of the College document Good Psychiatric Practice.
Be the expert you are
Authors: Waterman Adrian
Published: February 2008

Recent highly publicised events have understandably worried some expert witnesses, including psychiatrists. This commentary seeks to encourage those who have invaluable expertise to offer the courts to continue to act as expert witnesses. The Civil Procedure Rules and the Criminal Procedure Rules are helpful to some extent in allaying any fears that expert psychiatrists may have. They are, however, matters of form. More important, it is suggested, are the principles that operate and that, at least in part, lie behind the Rules. Those principles are often, in fact, not unfamiliar ones. Moreover, some of the most fundamental legal principles applied in the courts operate to circumscribe the role of expert witnesses, thus protecting them, provided that they do not go beyond the limits of their expertise.
Safety for psychiatrists – from trainee to consultant
Authors: Dibben Claire , O'Shea Rory , Chang Ricci , Woodger Joanna
Published: February 2008

Aims and Methods

To assess safe practice in psychiatry and self-perceptions of safety among trainees (Senior House Officers (SHOs) and Specialist Registrars (SpRs)) and consultants, a questionnaire was sent out to all general adult and old age psychiatrists, including trainees, in a teaching hospital and a district general hospital in East Anglia.

Results

A total of 29 SHOs, 11 SpRs and 27 consultants were approached (response rate 92%). In the past year 69% SHOs, 45% SpRs and 11% consultants attended breakaway training. Interview rooms were frequently below the Royal College of Psychiatrists' standards; 87% of the rooms did not have a panic button and 62% were isolated. Most doctors had felt threatened over the past 6 months but only 31% carried a personal alarm. Despite similar frequencies of assaults, consultants felt safer at work than trainees.

Clinical Implications

Safety is important for doctors throughout their careers and should be regularly reviewed by individuals as well as audited by hospital trusts.
Training in transcultural psychiatry and delivery of education in a low-income country
Authors: Beaglehole Anna L. , Baig Benjamin J. , Stewart Robert C. , Platt Julie E. , Strachan James , Kauye Felix , Boeing Leonie , Leuvennink Johan
Published: February 2008

A recently established initiative, the Scotland Malawi Psychiatry Project (SMPP), has provided a unique opportunity for specialist registrars to combine a number of training objectives of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Experience in teaching and assessment of students or junior colleagues is an important part of higher training. A further key objective of the College is to highlight transcultural issues in psychiatry, but trainee exposure to cultural and ethnic diversity varies throughout the UK. The SMPP enabled a group of psychiatrists training in Scotland to participate in a 5-week undergraduate education programme in Malawi and gain important insights into and experience of transcultural psychiatry.
Dynamic properties of a locomotory muscle of the tobacco hornwormManduca sextaduring strain cycling and simulated natural crawling
Authors: Woods William A. , Fusillo Steven J. , Trimmer Barry A.
Published: February 2008

Caterpillars are soft-bodied terrestrial climbers that perform a wide variety of complex movements with several hundred muscles and a relatively small number of neurons. Control of movements is therefore expected to place unusual demands on the mechanical properties of the muscles. The muscles develop force slowly (1–6 s to peak) yet over a strain range extending from under 60% to more than 160% of resting length, with a length-tension relationship resembling that of supercontracting or cross-striated muscle. In passive and active sinusoidal strain cycling, muscles displayed viscoelastic qualities, with very low and stretch-velocity dependent resilience; there was a positive linear relationship between stretch velocity and the fraction of work dissipation attributable to passive muscle properties (20–80%). In linear stretches of unstimulated muscles at velocities bracketing those encountered in natural crawling, the rise in tension showed a distinct transition to a lower rate of increase, with transition tension dependent upon stretch velocity; peak force was exponentially related to stretch velocity. When stretching ceased, force decayed exponentially, with slower decay associated with lower stretch velocities; the decay time constant was exponentially related to stretch velocity. From the kinematics of caterpillars crawling horizontally we determined that the ventral interior lateral muscle(VIL) of the third abdominal segment (A3) is at or near resting length for most of the crawl cycle, with a fairly linear shortening by 25–30% and re-lengthening occupying about 45% of cycle duration. Synchronized kinematic and EMG recordings showed that during horizontal crawling A3 VIL is stimulated as the muscle shortens from about 95% to 75% of its resting length. We subjected in vitro VIL preparations to strain cycling and stimulus phase and duration similar to that of natural crawling. The resulting work loops were figure-eight shaped, with the muscle performing work during the shortest 45–65% of the strain cycle but dissipating work during the rest of the cycle. The muscle remained in the ascending limb of its length-tension relationship throughout the crawl cycle. Peak force occurred at the end of re-lengthening, nearly a full second after stimulation ceased, underscoring the importance of understanding passive muscle properties to explain caterpillar locomotion. Whether A3 VIL functions as an actuator at all during simulated natural strain cycling is highly sensitive to stimulus timing but far less so to stimulus duration. The muscle's elastomer-like properties appear to play a major role in its function.