bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental leprosy: a model of epithelioid cell granuloma
Authors: Crawford Colin L. , Hardwicke Peter M.D.
Published: February 2011

An animal model of granulomatous hypersensitivity has been developed, which reproduces some features of the pathologies of important chronic granulomatous disorders, including tuberculosis, tuberculoid leprosy, sarcoidosis, berylliosis, Crohn’s disease, and sensitivity to zirconium. The lesions consist of focal collections of epithelioid cells surrounded by lymphocytes to form tubercles. The epithelioid cell has a secretory function and is not phagocytic. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are precursors of epithelioid cells, which are therefore part of the innate immune system. Subplasmalemmal linear densities are also present in these cells. This autoimmune model has been induced in rabbits using a non‐myelin sensory peripheral antigen to reproduce the features of tuberculoid leprosy. The antigen is probably present only in human tissue. A granuloma antigen, which is tissue specific similar to that in peripheral nerves, could be present in sarcoidosis and Crohn’s disease. In multiple sclerosis, mononuclear cells in the brain parenchyma are not phagocytic and are therefore similar to epithelioid cells. The induction of tolerance leading to the development of a vaccine to prevent the lesions in multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, and Crohn’s disease is possible after purification of the granuloma antigen.
Assessing medicare beneficiaries’ strength‐of‐preference scores for health care options: how engaging does the elicitation technique need to be?
Authors: Crump Trafford , Llewellyn‐Thomas Hilary A.
Published: February 2011

Objective The objective was to determine if participants’ strength‐of‐preference scores for elective health care interventions at the end‐of‐life (EOL) elicited using a non‐engaging technique are affected by their prior use of an engaging elicitation technique.

Design Medicare beneficiaries were randomly selected from a larger survey sample. During a standardized interview, participants considered four scenarios involving a choice between a relatively less‐ or more‐intense EOL intervention. For each scenario, participants indicated their favoured intervention, then used a 7‐point Leaning Scale (LS1) to indicate how strongly they preferred their favoured intervention relative to the alternative. Next, participants engaged in a Threshold Technique (TT), which, depending on the participant’s initially favoured intervention, systematically altered a particular attribute of the scenario until the participant switched preferences. Finally, they repeated the LS (LS2) to indicate how strongly they preferred their initially‐favoured intervention.

Results Two hundred and two participants were interviewed (189–198 were included in this study). The concordance of individual participants’ LS1 and LS2 scores was assessed using Kendall tau‐b correlation coefficients; scores of 0.74, 0.84, 0.85 and 0.89 for scenarios 1–4, respectively, were observed.

Conclusion Kendall tau‐b statistics indicate a high concordance between LS scores, implying that the interposing engaging TT exercise had no significant effects on the LS2 strength‐of‐preference scores. Future investigators attempting to characterize the distributions of strength‐of‐preference scores for EOL care from a large, diverse community could use non‐engaging elicitation methods. The potential limitations of this study require that further investigation be conducted into this methodological issue.
What does it take to have sustained use of decision aids? A programme evaluation for the Breast Cancer Initiative
Authors: Feibelmann Sandra , Yang Theresa S. , Uzogara Ekeoma E. , Sepucha Karen
Published: February 2011

Background  The Breast Cancer Initiative (BCI) was started in 2002 to disseminate breast cancer decision aids (PtDAs) to providers.

Methods  We analysed BCI programme data for 195 sites and determined the proportion of sites involved in each of five stages of dissemination and implementation of PtDAs. We conducted cross‐sectional mail and telephone surveys of 79 sites with the most interest in implementation. We examined barriers associated with sustained use of the PtDAs.

Results  Since 2002 we attempted contact with 195 sites to join the BCI. The majority indicated interest in using PtDAs 172 of 195 (88%), 93 of 195 signed up for the BCI (48%), 57 of 195 reported distributing PtDAs to at least one patient (57%), and 46 of 195 reported sustained use (24%). We analysed data from interviews with 59 of 79 active sites (75% response rate). The majority of providers 49 of 59 (83%) had watched the PtDAs, and 46 of 59 (78%) distributed them to patients. The most common barriers were lack of a reliable way to identify patients before decisions are made (37%), a lack of time to distribute the PtDAs (22%) and having too many educational materials (15%). Sites that indicated a lack of clinician support as a barrier were significantly less likely to have sustained use compared to sites that didn’t (33% vs. 74%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions  Community breast cancer providers, both physicians and non‐physicians, express a high interest in using PtDAs with their patients. About a quarter of sites report sustained use of the PtDAs in routine care.
Risk of de novo hepatitis in liver recipients from hepatitis‐B core antibody‐positive grafts – a systematic analysis
Authors: Skagen Catherine L. , Jou Janice H. , Said Adnan
Published: February 2011

Skagen CL, Jou JH, Said A. Risk of de novo hepatitis in liver recipients from hepatitis‐B core antibody‐positive grafts – a systematic analysis. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E243–E249. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Many transplant programs utilize liver grafts from hepatitis‐B core antibody (HBcAb)‐positive and hepatitis‐B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative donors. However, there is risk for de novo hepatitis B (DNH) in recipients of these grafts. We reviewed 26 studies reporting the rates of DNH in recipients receiving HBcAb‐positive liver grafts. Four hundred and sixty‐two donor–recipient pairs were included to evaluate the risk of DNH stratified by the recipient’s immune status to hepatitis B and type of prophylactic therapy given, if any. The rate of DNH was highest (58%) in the stratum of hepatitis‐B (HBV) naïve recipients who did not receive prophylaxis. In HBV naïve recipients, prophylactic therapy (lamivudine and/or hepatitis‐B immunoglobulin – HBIG) reduced DNH to 11% (odds ratio [OR] = 11.1, 95% CI 4.98–25, p < 0.0001 for DNH without prophylaxis). Recipients with hepatitis‐B surface antibody (HBsAb) positivity had DNH rates of 18% without prophylaxis and 0% with prophylaxis (OR = 9.2, 95% CI 1.1–83.3, p = 0.039). Recipients with both HBsAb and HBcAb positivity had DNH rates of 4% without prophylaxis and 3% with prophylaxis (p = 1.00), while recipients with HBcAb positivity alone had DNH rates of 14% without prophylaxis and 3% with prophylaxis (p = 0.21). There was no significant difference between the types of HBV prophylaxis received whether lamivudine, HBIG or both. However, in the subgroup who received HBIG alone, rates of DNH were higher after cessation of HBIG prophylaxis compared to DNH rates with indefinite HBIG (p = 0.0002). In summary, the risk of DNH is highest for HBV naïve liver recipients from HBcAb‐positive donors. Recipients who are HBV naïve as well as those recipients with isolated HBsAb positivity derive significant benefit from HBV prophylaxis after transplantation with a HBcAb‐positive graft. The ideal prophylactic regimen for prevention of DNH is unclear, but based on our analysis of the literature, antivirals alone may suffice. More data are needed with the newer antivirals for hepatitis B.
Allergy to cow’s milk proteins: what contribution does hypersensitivity in skin tests have to this diagnosis?
Authors: Costa Aldo José Fernandes , Sarinho Emanuel Sávio Cavalcanti , Motta Maria Eugênia Farias Almeida , Gomes Priscila Nogueira , de Oliveira de Melo Sabrina Maria , da Silva Giselia Alves Pontes
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Costa AJF, Sarinho ESC, Motta MEFA, Gomes PN, de Oliveira de Melo SM, da Silva GAP. Allergy to cow’s milk proteins: what contribution does hypersensitivity in skin tests have to this diagnosis? Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: e133–e138.

Food allergy is an immunologically mediated adverse reaction to food protein. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most frequent type and is the one that is most difficult to diagnose. This study had the objective of analyzing the accuracy of hypersensitivity and specific IgE skin tests among children with CMPA and predominantly gastrointestinal clinical manifestations. The participants in this study were 192 children aged one and five (median of 2 yr). Among these, 122 underwent open oral challenge to the suspected food. After evaluating the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values (respectively, PPV and NPV) of skin and specific IgE tests in relation to the gold standard (open oral challenge); all the children underwent the skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE test and atopy patch test (APT) for cow’s milk, eggs, wheat and peanuts and the open oral challenge for the food to which the child was sensitive or had suspected sensitivity. Presence of food allergy was confirmed for 50 children (40.9%). Among these cases, 44/50 (88%) were of allergy to cow’s milk protein. Children who presented a positive response to an oral challenge to cow’s milk protein were considered to be cases, while the controls were children with negative response. Twenty‐two of the 44 cases (50.0%) presented symptoms within the first 4 h after the challenge. The SPT presented 31.8% sensitivity, 90.3% specificity, 66.7% PPV and 68.4% NPV. The APT presented 25.0% sensitivity, 81.9% specificity, 45.8% PPV and 64.1% NPV. The specific IgE test presented, respectively, 20.5%, 88.9%, 52.9% and 64.6%. Despite the operational difficulty and the possible exposure risk, oral challenge is the best method for diagnosing CMPA, because of the low sensitivity and PPV of skin and specific IgE tests.
Methacholine and adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) responsiveness, and the presence and degree of atopy in children with asthma
Authors: Suh Dong I. , Lee Ju K. , Kim Chang K. , Koh Young Y.
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Suh DI, Lee JK, Kim CK, Koh YY. Methacholine and adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) responsiveness, and the presence and degree of atopy in children with asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: e101–e106.

The relationship between atopy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), both key features of asthma, remains to be clarified. BHR is commonly evaluated by bronchial challenges using direct and indirect stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of BHR to methacholine (direct stimulus) and adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) (indirect stimulus) according to the presence and degree of atopy in children with asthma. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 120 children presenting with a diagnosis of asthma. These children were characterized by skin‐prick tests (SPTs), spirometry and bronchial challenges with methacholine and AMP. Atopy was defined by at least one positive reaction to SPTs, and its degree was measured using serum total IgE levels, number of positive SPTs and atopic scores (sum of graded wheal size). A provocative concentration causing a 20% decline in FEV1 (PC20) was determined for each challenge. Patients with atopy(n = 94) had a significantly lower AMP PC20 than non‐atopic patients (n = 26), whereas methacholine PC20 was not different between the two groups. Among the patients with atopy, there was no association between methacholine PC20 and any atopy parameter. In contrast, a significant association was found between AMP PC20 and the degree of atopy reflected in serum total IgE, number of positive SPTs and atopic scores (anova trend test, p = 0.002, 0.001, 0.003, respectively). AMP responsiveness was associated with the presence and degree of atopy, whereas such a relationship was not observed for methacholine responsiveness. These findings suggest that atopic status may be better reflected by bronchial responsiveness assessed by AMP than by methacholine.
Hypercalcemia and altered biochemical bone markers in post‐bone marrow transplantation osteopetrosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kulpiya Alisa , Mahachoklertwattana Pat , Pakakasama Samart , Hongeng Suradej , Poomthavorn Preamrudee
Published: February 2011

Kulpiya A, Mahachoklertwattana P, Pakakasama S, Hongeng S, Poomthavorn P. Hypercalcemia and altered biochemical bone markers in post‐bone marrow transplantation osteopetrosis: A case report and literature review.

Abstract:  Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis is a rare disorder of bone resorption defect that results in generalized sclerotic bones and bone marrow failure. Allogeneic BMT is the only treatment for cure. One of the complications following a successful BMT is hypercalcemia that is a unique complication in this group of patients. We report a three‐yr‐old boy with osteopetrosis who developed hypercalcemia following the successful BMT. His maximal calcium level was 13.3 mg/dL. Markedly increased both bone formation and resorption markers were demonstrated along with hypercalcemia. These findings indicated an active donor‐derived osteoclastic function and thus bone resorption following the successful donor engraftment in the patient. Treatment with hyperhydration, furosemide and bone resorption inhibitors, calcitonin, and bisphosphonate led to normalization of the serum calcium level. Bone resorption but not bone formation marker was persistently elevated despite having normocalcemia during a 16.5‐month follow‐up period.
A mouse virus, XMRV, closely related to porcine endogenous retroviruses in the human population—a new risk for xenotransplantation?
Authors: Denner J.
Published: February 2011

There is a need to carefully consider the potential infectious risks associated with xenotransplantation. Whereas known viruses can easily be eliminated from donor pigs by designated pathogen free breeding of the animals, this is not possible for porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) integrated into the genome of all pigs and unknown viruses. PERVs infect human cells in vitro and may theoretically like many retroviruses induce immunodeficiencies and/or tumours.

Recently a xenotropic murine leukaemia virus‐related virus (XMRV), a gammaretrovirus that is closely related to murine leukaemia viruses as well as to PERV, has been detected in human patients with prostate carcinoma, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and also in a small percentage of clinically healthy individuals. Whereas several studies showed a broad distribution of XMRV in the USA, similar studies in Europe failed to detect this virus in the human population (for review see 1). These results clearly indicate that XMRV is not causally associated with prostate carcinoma and CFS. Either the virus is common in the USA (may be there are specific populations of rodents releasing this virus) and not in Europe, or it is a laboratory contamination.

If XMRV is indeed circulating in the human population, it has important implications for xenotransplantation. A test should be developed to discriminate between PERV and XMRV and the potential for recombination between the two viruses should be investigated. Recombination between the human tropic PERV‐A and the ecotropic PERV‐C has been described and recombinant PERV‐A/C was characterized by increased replication titers. Whether XMRV and PERV recombine remains unclear, however co‐packaging and pseudotyping between PERV and murine retroviruses have been described. This raises new questions: Should the xenotransplant recipient be pre‐screened for XMRV to avoid recombination? What measures can be taken when XMRV infection is detected in such a screen?

However, before dealing with these specific details, it is necessary to address the important broad questions concerning the distribution of XMRV and its impact on human health.

Reference

1. Denner J. Detection of a gammaretrovirus, XMRV, in the human population: Open questions and implications for xenotransplantation. Retrovirology 2010; 7: 16.
Update cardiac stem cell therapy
Authors: Steinhoff G.
Published: February 2011

Chronic ischemic heart disease remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although revascularisation procedures and conventional drug therapy may delay ventricular remodelling, there is no basic therapeutic regime available to prevent or even reverse this process. Chronic coronary artery disease and heart failure impair quality of life and are associated with subsequent worsening of left ventricular function. In the recent past experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the capacity of bone marrow stem cells in cardiac repair and regeneration of compromised heart muscle. Several clinical trials showed the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation in the patients with acute myocardial infarction or chronic ischemic heart disease. Today the therapeutic strategy of cell administration during cardiac surgery or coronary artery intervention is entering the clinical practice. Biological as well as methodological backgrounds, indications and clinical results of cardiac stem cell therapy for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction and chronic ischemic heart disease are reviewed.
Porcine CTLA4‐Ig prolong islet xenografts in rats by downregulating the direct pathway of T‐cell activation
Authors: Zhai Chao , Yu Liang , Zhu Haitao , Tian Min , Xiaogang Zhang , Bo Wang
Published: February 2011

Zhai C, Yu L, Zhu H, Tian M, Xiaogang Z, Bo W. Porcine CTLA4‐Ig prolong islet xenografts in rats by downregulating the direct pathway of T‐cell activation. Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 40–45. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Aim:  Porcine pancreatic islets fused with pCTLA4‐Ig were transplanted into diabetic rats. Xenografts survival was observed, and the underlying immunological rejection mechanisms were investigated.

Methods:  Control porcine islets, empty vector (Adv‐GFP)–transfected, and gene‐modified porcine islets were transplanted into the renal capsule of diabetic rats. The survival rates of the xenografts were observed. Changes in serum levels of IL‐4 and γ‐IFN in the recipients were assessed.

Results:  The survival time of xenografts in the gene‐modified porcine islets group was 34.50 ± 4.14 days, which was longer than those in the control group (34.50 ± 4.14 days vs. 7.43 ± 1.72 days and 7.22 ± 1.72 days; P < 0.01). Changes in the serum levels of IL‐4 and γ‐IFN between the groups of rats post‐transplantation indicated the differentiation bias of T helper cells.

Conclusions:  The donor‐originated pCTLA‐IgG4 fusion protein inhibits the direct pathway of recipient T‐cell priming, which might prolong xenograft survival.
Oestradiol Enhances Plasma Growth Hormone and Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐I Concentrations and Increased the Expression of their Receptors mRNAs in the Liver of Ovariectomized Cows
Authors: Çolak M , Shimizu T , Matsunaga N , Murayama C , Nagashima S , Kataoka M , Kawashima C , Matsui M , Dorland HA van , Bruckmaier RM , Miyamoto A
Published: February 2011

Contents

Many metabolic hormones, growth hormone (GH), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and insulin affect ovarian functions. However, whether ovarian steroid hormones affect metabolic hormones in cattle remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of sex steroids on the plasma profiles of GH, IGF‐I and insulin and their receptors in the liver and adipose tissues of dairy cows. Ovariectomized cows (n = 14) were randomly divided into four groups: control group (n = 3) was treated with saline on Day 0; oestradiol (E2) group (n = 3), with saline and 1 mg oestradiol benzoate (EB) on Day 0 and 5, respectively; progesterone (P4) group (n = 4) with two CIDRs (Pfizer Inc., Tokyo, Japan) from Day 0; and E2 + P4 group (n = 4) with two CIDRs on Day 0 that were removed on Day 6 and were immediately injected with 1 mg EB. The animals were euthanized after the experiment, and liver and adipose tissues samples were quantitatively analysed using real‐time PCR for the expression of mRNA for the GH (GHR), IGF‐I (IGFR‐I) and insulin (IR) receptor mRNAs. Oestradiol benzoate significantly increased the number of peaks (p < 0.05), pulse amplitude (p < 0.05) and area under the curve (AUC; p < 0.01) for plasma GH; moreover, it increased plasma IGF‐I concentration (p < 0.05), but it had no effect on the plasma insulin profile. P4 significantly decreased the AUC (p < 0.01), compared with the control group, whereas it did not affect the number of peaks and the amplitude of GH pulses. P4 + E2 did not affect the GH pulse profile. E2 increased the mRNA expression of GHR, IGFR‐I and IR in the liver (p < 0.05), whereas both P4 and E2 + P4 did not change their expressions. Our results provide evidence that the metabolic and reproductive endocrine axes may regulate each other to ensure optimal reproductive and metabolic function.
Exon‐skipping events in candidates for clinical trials of morpholino
Authors: Nakano Shiho , Ozasa Shiro , Yoshioka Kowashi , Fujii Isao , Mitsui Kouichi , Nomura Keiko , Kosuge Hirofumi , Endo Fumio , Matsukura Makoto , Kimura Shigemi
Published: February 2011

Background:  Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are caused by abnormalities in the DMD gene. The majority of DMD patients have out‐of‐frame deletion(s), which disrupt the reading frame; while some cases of DMD are caused by duplication or nonsense mutation(s). Most patients with BMD have in‐frame deletion(s), which preserve the reading frame. The phenotype of BMD is generally milder than that of DMD. Antisense morpholino‐mediated exon skipping, which changes out‐of‐frame deletions to in‐frame deletions, is a promising therapeutic approach for DMD. It is necessary, however, to confirm the exon‐skipping event in cells of DMD patients before the clinical trial.

Methods:  Fibroblasts isolated from four DMD patients were induced to differentiate into the myogenic lineage by infection with Ad.CAGMyoD. The cells were then transfected with two types of morpholino. The exon‐skipping event was analyzed on reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  Morpholino B30, which is located at the splicing enhancer of exon 51 of the DMD gene, yielded the desired exon 51‐skipping event in all deletion patterns of cells tested. Morpholino I25, which is located at the exon donor, induced two different exon‐skipping patterns, which are total or partial exon 51‐skipping events. According to the sequence analysis, the unexpected unskipped regions were the 95 bp section and the 188 bp section of exon 51, showing that the cryptic splicing donor was newly produced with I25. Unfortunately, these cryptic splicing donors gave rise to out‐of‐frame patterns. Based on these in vitro results, B30 would presumably be an effective therapy. Interestingly, the cocktail of B30 and I25 appeared to yield a more efficient exon 51‐skipping event.

Conclusion:  An in vitro system was developed that could easily screen the effectiveness of antisense sequences and identify good candidates for therapy with morpholino.
Pneumonia in the first 2 years of life, and asthma in preschool‐age children
Authors: Santos José C.H. , Zhang Linjie , Menegatti Paula K. , Guasselli Camila S. , Filho Celso C.M. , Maito Lina R.D.M. , Ferreira Marina F. , Mariani Monallisa C. , Wainwright Claire
Published: February 2011

Background:  The relationship between viral bronchiolitis in early infancy and subsequent wheezing and asthma has been well established. The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to test the hypothesis that pneumonia severe enough to require hospitalization during the first 2 years of life could also be associated with asthma or asthma‐like symptoms in pre‐school children.

Methods:  Structured interviews were conducted with parents of children who were classified as exposed (n= 36) or non‐exposed (n= 84), based on whether they were hospitalized with radiologically confirmed pneumonia during the first 2 years of life. The main outcomes were ever physician‐diagnosed asthma, asthma‐like symptoms and use of anti‐asthmatic medications during the last 2 months and during the last 12 months.

Results:  The prevalence of ever physician‐diagnosed asthma was higher in the exposed group compared with the non‐exposed group (41.6% vs 22.6%, P= 0.01), with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 2.03 (95% confidence interval: 1.10–3.62). The exposed group had a trend toward a higher prevalence of asthma‐like symptoms and use of anti‐asthmatic medications during the last 2 months and during the last 12 months.

Conclusions:  Radiologically confirmed pneumonia in the first 2 years of life may be associated with asthma or asthma‐like symptoms in pre‐school children.
No effect of fluticasone propionate on linear growth in preschool children with asthma
Authors: Stefanovic Iva M. , Verona Eva , Cicak Biserka , Vrsalovic Renata
Published: February 2011

Background:  Eighty percent of asthmatic children develop asthma symptoms by the age of 5 years. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), depending on dosage, may cause linear growth reduction and adrenal gland suppression. There are few studies about linear growth of preschool children with asthma. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is any effect of fluticasone propionate (FP) on linear growth and adrenal gland function.

Methods:  Twenty‐eight children aged 18–52 months with persistent asthma receiving ICS FP 100–200 µg daily were studied for 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups according to clinical parameters: well (group 1) and poorly controlled (group 2). Height was measured every 3 months and expressed as height standard deviation score (SDS). Cumulative dose of FP expressed in mg was calculated for every patient. Early morning levels of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study.

Results:  Patients took FP for an average of 11 months in group 1 and 16 months in group 2, which was not statistically significantly different. At the end of the study height SDS difference was −0.0143 in group 1 and −0.2000 in group 2, which was not statistically significantly different (t= 0.6072, P= 0.5489). There was also no statistically significant difference for average cortisol (P= 0.4381) or ACTH (P= 0.5845) concentration at the end of the study.

Conclusion:  FP 100–200 µg daily had no effect on linear growth or on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal gland axis but further follow up is necessary.
Implementation of a major in mental health nursing in Australian universities
Authors: Happell Brenda , Moxham Lorna , Clarke Karen‐Ann
Published: February 2011

The difficulty recruiting and retaining an adequate mental health nursing workforce is acknowledged. The major in mental health nursing has been identified as a strategy to promote this specialist area of practice as desirable for students' future careers. Measuring its success requires the collection of detailed data about the structure, content, and uptake of these programmes. A survey was specifically developed to elicit descriptive information about the structure and content of a major in mental health nursing programmes. Fourteen universities participated in this research. Eight had implemented a major, one intends to do so in 2011, and five had abandoned or suspended their plans for the major. The findings suggest considerable variation in both structure and content of the major in mental health nursing throughout Australia. Students are required to commit to and commence the programme at differing stages, and there is a substantial variation in the theoretical and clinical content in mental health undertaken as a requirement for the major. The numbers of students taking the major is relatively small in most universities; however, the retention rates are favourable. These findings provide important data for discussion about the ideal structure and content of a major in mental health nursing.
Urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio is an alternative to stimulated serum C‐peptide measurement in late‐onset, insulin‐treated diabetes
Authors: Jones A. G. , Besser R. E. J. , McDonald T. J. , Shields B. M. , Hope S. V. , Bowman P. , Oram R. A. , Knight B. A. , Hattersley A. T.
Published: February 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1034–1038 (2011)

Aims  Serum C‐peptide measurement can assist clinical management of diabetes, but practicalities of collection limit widespread use. Urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio may be a non‐invasive practical alternative. The stability of C‐peptide in urine allows outpatient or community testing. We aimed to assess how urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio compared with serum C‐peptide measurement during a mixed‐meal tolerance test in individuals with late‐onset, insulin‐treated diabetes.

Methods  We correlated the gold standard of a stimulated serum C‐peptide in a mixed‐meal tolerance test with fasting and stimulated (mixed‐meal tolerance test, standard home meal and largest home meal) urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio in 51 subjects with insulin‐treated diabetes (diagnosis after age 30 years, median age 66 years, median age at diagnosis 54, 42 with Type 2 diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 ml min−1 1.73 m−2).

Results  Ninety‐minute mixed‐meal tolerance test serum C‐peptide is correlated with mixed‐meal tolerance test‐stimulated urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio (r = 0.82), urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio after a standard breakfast at home (r = 0.73) and urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio after largest home meal (r = 0.71). A stimulated (largest home meal) urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio cut‐off of 0.3 nmol/mmol had a 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.99) in identifying subjects without clinically significant endogenous insulin secretion (mixed‐meal tolerance test‐stimulated C‐peptide < 0.2 nmol/l). In detecting a proposed serum C‐peptide threshold for insulin requirement (stimulated serum C‐peptide < 0.6 nmol/l), a stimulated (largest home meal) urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio cut‐off of 0.6 nmol/mmol had a sensitivity and specificity of 92%.

Conclusion  In patients with insulin‐treated diabetes diagnosed after age 30 years, urine C‐peptide creatinine ratio is well correlated with serum C‐peptide and may provide a practical alternative measure to detect insulin deficiency for use in routine clinical practice.
The European Social Fund: changing approaches to VET
Authors: Welbers Gerhard
Published: February 2011

Since its creation in 1958, the European Social Fund (ESF) has played a major role in supporting the development of vocational training in the Member States. However, compared to other, more recently launched, EU programmes and initiatives in the area of education and training, the ESF has not made a significant contribution to the debate about European cooperation in this field. This article argues that the ESF has made a mistake in this respect. It also seeks to illustrate and analyse the important changes that the ESF has undergone over the years in addressing the issue of vocational education and training (VET) and to demonstrate that it has substantial resources, in terms of money and experience, that can be used to adapt education and training systems to labour market requirements and to the needs of a knowledge‐based economy. The article places a deliberate, though not an exclusive, emphasis on vocational education and training for young people and on the extension of transnational cooperation within the framework of the ESF.
Defending the Faith(s)? Democracy and Hereditary Right in England
Authors: Abell Jackie , Stevenson Clifford
Published: February 2011

The persistence of traditional monarchies in modern societies, which are otherwise characterized by democratic and egalitarian values, remains a paradox in the social sciences. In part this is attributable to the lack of psychological investigation into the relationship between subject and sovereign, and in particular the ways in which the political and social values of the citizenry shape understandings of a hereditary monarch's right to represent a national community. Adopting the qualitative analysis methods of discursive psychology and grounded theory, the current study examines vernacular accounts of nationhood and monarchy in England in both formalized conversational interviews (n = 60) and impromptu street interviews (n = 56). Focusing on accounts of Prince Charles's recent proposal to change the role of the monarch, from “Defender of the (Christian) Faith” to “Defender of Faiths,” those in favor treated it as a positive step towards reflecting a diverse (religious) community, bringing the monarchy into line with current concerns of pluralism and upholding values of personal choice and individual rights. Participants who rejected the proposed change in title construed it as antithetical to these values in terms of reflecting personal stake and interest, an abuse of power, or an imposition on other faiths. In all accounts, the prime concern was in safeguarding the political and social values of the citizenry. In conclusion it is argued that the study of subjects' relationship to the monarch, its function and legitimacy, can provide an opportunity to examine how values can characterize a national community and facilitate national diversity.
PHILOSOPHICAL AND RELIGIOUS ORIGINS OF THE PRIVATE INNER SELF
Authors: Cary Phillip
Published: February 2011

Abstract. The modern concept of the inner self containing a private inner world has ancient philosophical and religious roots. These begin with Plato's intelligible world of ideas. In Plotinus, the intelligible world becomes the inner world of the divine Mind and its ideas, which the soul sees by turning “into the inside.” Augustine made the inner world into something merely human, not a world of divine ideas, so that the soul seeking for God must turn in, then up: entering into itself and then looking above itself at the intelligible light of God. In modernity, “ideas” become the immediate object of every act of mental perception, the essential inner objects of the mind's eye. Locke makes the inner space inescapably private, excluding the divine inner light. Postmodern attempts to reconceive the relation of mind and world, rejecting the modern conception of a private inner self, will need to deal with lingering Platonist intuitions about the immediacy of the mind's vision.
THE SEMANTIC STRUCTURE OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY AS AN ARGUMENT AGAINST INTELLIGENT DESIGN
Authors: Lancaster James A.T.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. This paper examines the impact of two formalizations of evolutionary biology on the antiselectionist critiques of the Intelligent Design (ID) movement. It looks first at attempts to apply thesyntacticframework of the physical sciences to biology in the twentieth century, and to their effect upon the ID movement. It then examines the more heuristic account of biological‐theory structure, namely, thesemanticmodel. Finally, it concludes by advocating the semantic conception and emphasizing the problems that the semantic model creates for ID's negative and positive theses.
THE COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF RELIGION: IMPLICATIONS FOR THEISM?
Authors: Leech David , Visala Aku
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Although the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR), a current approach to the scientific study of religion, has exerted an influence in the study of religion for almost twenty years, the question of its compatibility or incompatibility with theism has not been the subject of serious discussion until recently. Some critics of religion have taken a lively interest in the CSR because they see it as useful in explaining why religious believers consistently make costly commitments to false beliefs. Conversely, some theists have argued for the compatibility of religious belief with basic CSR results. In this article, we contribute to the incipient discussion about the worldview relevance of the CSR by arguing that while a theistic reading of the field only represents one interpretative option at most, antitheistic claims about theincompatibilityof the CSR with theism look like they may be harder to maintain than first appearances might suggest.
FROM MORAL AUTONOMY TO RELATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Gergen Kenneth J.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Given that the conception of the person as an autonomous agent is a cultural construction, inquiry is directed to its potentials and shortcomings for cultural life. While such a conception contributes to sustaining the moral order, it also supports an individualist ideology and social divisiveness. As an alternative to the conception of moral autonomy, I explore the potentials of relational being, an orientation that views relational process (as opposed to individual agents) as the wellspring of all meaning. Such an orientation sees all moral concepts and action as issuing from coordinated action. However, at the same time that relational process generates moral orders, so does it establish the grounds for “immorality” and social conflict, which undermines the relational process of creating moral order. Thus, a concept of “second‐order morality” is advanced, which seeks to reestablish a more inclusive first‐order morality. Responsibility for productive processes of relationship is invited. Recent innovations in dialogic practices lend themselves to relational responsibility.
REIMAGINING DEMOCRATIC THEORY FOR SOCIAL INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Winter Steven L.
Published: February 2011

Abstract.  The Western conception of the individual as a rational, self‐directing agent is a mythology that organizes and distorts religion, science, economics, and politics. It produces an abstracted and atomized form of engagement that is fatal to collective self‐governance. And it turns democracy into the enemy of equality. Considering the meaning of democracy and autonomy from a perspective that takes the subject as truly social would refocus our attention on the constitutive contexts and practices necessary for the production of citizens who are capable of meaningful self‐governance. Under modern conditions, it is in the development of sexual autonomy that we learn how to take initiative with respect to our well‐being and do so in concert with others. Where the view of rational agency as the defining characteristic of humanity yields a deracinated view of autonomy, a more realistic, humanistic view that we are, necessarily, social beings yields a view of freedom and self‐governance as social phenomena that require empathy, negotiation, compromise, cooperation, and mutual recognition and respect.
American Presbyterians, Freedmen's Missions, and the Nile Valley: Missionary History, Racial Orders, and Church Politics on the World Stage
Authors: SHARKEY HEATHER J.
Published: February 2011

In the second half of the nineteenth century, American Presbyterian “home” and “foreign” missions developed parallel and mutually reinforcing policies towards freed slaves in Egypt, Sudan, and the U.S.A. as well as towards Egypt's indigenous Christians, the Copts. Yet the racial ideologies and social hierarchies of these three countries reflected distinct historical trajectories of migration and conquest. In the Nile Valley, American missionaries struggled to understand, address, and sometimes revise Egyptian and Sudanese social hierarchies, which they found alternately idiosyncratic or unjust. This essay conjectures that these interactions, in the long run, induced the Nile Valley missionaries to confront the lingering injustices and incongruities in American social hierarchies, particularly in the mid‐ to late twentieth century. In this way, the “foreign” mission experience had a backflow for missionaries and their church by raising questions about American racial orders and by strengthening a commitment to civil rights and social justice agendas.
A, B or C? Experimental Tests of IPO Mechanisms
Authors: Bonini Stefano , Voloshyna Olena
Published: February 2011

Empirical research has provided extensive evidence on the inefficiency of bookbuilding in controlling underpricing. Both academics and practitioners have investigated this phenomenon proposing innovative offering methodologies. In this paper we explore the information revelation and underpricing properties of two baseline models, uniform auctions and bookbuilding, and two newly proposed mechanisms, Ausubel auction and Competitive IPO. Our findings confirm the empirical weaknesses of bookbuilding and provide hints that standard auctions may stimulate less bidding. However, (a) the Competitive IPO features increase competition both among banks and among investors resulting in more information revelation and less underpricing than standard bookbuilding; and (b) the Ausubel auction yields superior price discovery and underpricing outcomes than uniform clock auction and bookbuilding. Our experimental results provide novel insights into the ongoing debate on optimal equity offering mechanisms, suggesting that the solution to current issuing methodologies shortcomings may require the development of a ‘hybrid’ procedure blending properties of existing and new mechanisms.
Molecular characterisation and comparison of Lactococcal phages of Pakistan and Germany
Authors: MASUD TARIQ , MAQSOOD SHABANA , SAMMI SHEHLA
Published: February 2011

Bacteriophages of Lactococcus lactis ssp. diacetylactis isolated in Pakistan and Germany were compared in respect of protein profile and restriction analysis. SDS‐PAGE profile analysis shows similarities amongst the local isolates that have different protein profile when compared with phages from other regions. No marked difference was observed in their DNA homology. The data suggested that the bacteriophages isolated from Pakistan are different from the bacteriophages that have already been characterised from the other parts of the world.
Effect of mechanical treatments applied to milk fat on fat retention and lipolysis in minicurds
Authors: VÉLEZ MARÍA A , PEROTTI MARÍA C , REBECHI SILVINA R , MEINARDI CARLOS A , HYNES ERICA R , ZALAZAR CARLOS A
Published: February 2011

The aim of this work was to identify a treatment on milk fat, applicable to pretreat cheese milk, which could enhance lipolysis. Three factors were studied in milk fat mixtures: physical treatment (pumping and mechanical agitation), temperature (5, 15, and 45°C) and fat content (5%, 15%, and 30%). Damage to fat globule was estimated by assessing free fat and by phase contrast microscopy. Moderate damage was achieved in a mixture of 30% of fat, treated with mechanical agitation at 2800 rpm/2 min at 5°C. Applying this procedure to prepare minicurds did not modify values of fat content, moisture and lipolysis.
Knockdown of p21Cip1/Waf1 enhances proliferation, the expression of stemness markers, and osteogenic potential in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yew Tu‐Lai , Chiu Fang‐Yao , Tsai Chih‐Chien , Chen Hen‐Li , Lee Wei‐Ping , Chen Yann‐Jang , Chang Ming‐Chau , Hung Shih‐Chieh
Published: February 2011

Mammalian aging of many tissues is associated with a decline in the replicative and functional capacity of somatic stem cells. Understanding the basis of this decline is a major goal of aging research. Human bone marrow‐derived multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) have been applied in the treatment of fracture nonunion. Clinical application of MSCs requires abundant cells that can be overcome by ex vivo expansion of cells, but often at the expense of stemness and differentiation potentiality. We first demonstrated that late‐passage MSCs exhibited decreased proliferation capacity, reduced expression of stemness markers such as Oct‐4 and Nanog, and deterioration of osteogenic potential. Further, late‐passage MSCs showed increased expression of p21Cip1/Waf1 (p21), an inhibitor of the cyclin‐dependent kinase. Knockdown of p21 by lentivirus‐mediated shRNAs against p21 in late‐passage MSCs increased the proliferation capacity, the expression of Oct‐4 and Nanog, and osteogenic potential compared with cells transduced with control shRNA. More importantly, reduction in p21 expression in MSCs enhanced the bone repair capacity of MSCs in a rodent calvarial defect model. Knockdown of p21 in MSCs also increased the telomerase activity and telomere length, and did not show chromosomal abnormalities or acquire transformation ability. Therefore, these data successfully demonstrate the involvement of senescence gene in the expression of stemness markers and osteogenic potential of MSCs.
Thinking relationally about water: review based on Linton's What is water?
Authors: LOFTUS ALEX
Published: February 2011

This review essay is based on: Linton's What is water? The history of a modern abstraction (2010, University of British Columbia Press, Vancouver). It considers the contributions of this text in relation to others on similar topics, reflecting in particular on its theoretical approach to the subject.
Wind Power Compensation is not for the Birds: An Opinion from an Environmental Economist
Authors: Cole Scott G.
Published: February 2011

This article advocates for better implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework as applied to wind power development, with a particular focus on improving compensatory restoration scaling. If properly enforced, the environmental impacts hierarchy “avoid‐minimize‐compensate” provides the regulated community with incentives to prevent wildlife and habitat impacts in sensitive areas and, if necessary, compensate for residual impacts through restoration or conservation projects. Given the increase in legislation requiring resource‐based environmental compensation, methods for scaling an appropriate quantity and quality of resources are of increasing relevance. I argue that Equivalency Analysis (EA) represents a transparent and quantitative approach for scaling compensation in the case of wind power development. Herein, I identify the economic underpinnings of environmental compensation legislation and identify weaknesses in current scaling approaches within wind power development. I demonstrate how the recently completed REMEDE toolkit, which provides guidance on EA, can inform an improved scaling approach and summarize a case study involving raptor collisions with turbines that illustrates the EA approach. Finally, I stress the need for further contributions from the field of restoration ecology. The success of ex ante compensation in internalizing the environmental costs of wind development depends on the effective implementation of the environmental impacts hierarchy, which must effectively encourage avoidance and minimization over environmental restoration and repair.