bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Analysis of the Lobular Distribution of S-Phase in Rat Liver Following Dietary Administration of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
Authors: Soames Anthony R. , Cliffe Suzanne , Pate Ian , Foster John R.
Published: February 2008

A simple image-analysis method is described, whereby the distribution of hepatocytes that have entered S-phase, as distinguished by the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine, can be related to the position of the central and portal veins of the hepatic lobule. Hepatocyte S-phase was induced in the livers of male and female F344 rats by administration of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in the diet for 7 days at 2 dose levels, and these livers were used to develop the procedure. The distributions of the S-phase between control and DEHP-treated livers were compared using statistical techniques. The results showed notable differences in the distribution of S-phase between male and female rats as well as limited dose-related effects.
Influence of Lead Acetate and Selected Metal Salts on Tryptophan Binding to Rat Hepatic Nuclei
Authors: Sidransky Herschel , Verney Ethel
Published: February 2008

This study evaluated whether lead acetate or other selected metal salts would influence the binding of L-tryptophan to rat hepatic nuclei. Lead salts and other salts of cadmium, zinc, mercury, and molybdenum, when added alone, had only small effects on 3H-tryptophan binding to hepatic nuclei in vitro. However, each of these salts, when added along with unlabeled L-tryptophan (excess, 10-4 M), caused significantly less inhibition of 3H-tryptophan binding to hepatic nuclei than did unlabeled L-tryptophan alone. Lead acetate (10 -10 to 10-4 M), when added along with unlabeled L-tryptophan, abrogated the inhibition of binding related to unlabeled L-tryptophan alone. Sodium arsenite (but not potassium arsenate) as well as sodium selenite (at 10 -4 M concentrations) inhibited to a moderate degree the in vitro3H-tryptophan binding to hepatic nuclei, but addition of 10-4 dithiothreitol, a protective agent for sulfhydryl groups, diminished this inhibition. Rats receiving a high dose of lead acetate before being tube-fed L-tryptophan displayed a decrease in hepatic protein synthesis compared with the stimulatory response connected with L-tryptophan alone. Thus, the addition of lead acetate and of other metal salts appears to have an inhibitory effect on L-tryptophan binding to hepatic nuclei. Lead acetate was investigated in in vivo experiments and was found to negate the stimulation of hepatic protein synthesis related to L-tryptophan alone.
Sequential Morphological and Biological Changes in the Glandular Stomach Induced by Oral Administration of Catechol to Male F344 Rats
Authors: Hirose Masao , Hakoi Kazuo , Takahashi Satoru , Hoshiya Toru , Akagi Keisuke , Cuilin  , Saito Koichi , Kaneko Hideo , Shirai Tomoyuki
Published: February 2008

Histogenesis and mechanisms of catechol-induced rat glandular stomach carcinogenesis were investigated in male F344 rats. Groups of 5 or 6 rats were treated with dietary catechol at doses of 1, 0.5, 0.1, and 0.01% for 12 hr or for 1, 2, 3, or 7 days or at a dose of 0.8% for 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 wk; rats were then euthanatized. The initial morphological changes were edema of the gastric wall, inflammatory-cell infiltration, erosion in the pyloric region close to the duodenum, and considerable increase in apoptosis at 12 hr; later, changes included augmented DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, as evaluated by bromodeoxyuridine labeling index and thickness of mucosa, respectively, on day 1. Downward hyperplasia due to excess regeneration appeared at edges of ulceration at week 2. This lesion disappeared, and then submucosal hyperplasia appeared in the course of adenoma development. Only slight expression of c -myc or c-fos was apparent after 30-min oral administration or 1-, 3-, and 6-hr oral administration of catechol. No increase in lipid peroxide levels was evident in gastric epithelium fed catechol for 1 wk. The amount of catechol distributed in the glandular stomach and forestomach epithelium, which is not a target for carcinogenesis, did not differ 1, 3, 6, and 24 hr after a single intragastric dose of 75 mg/kg body weight. Amounts of catechol bound to tissue protein were also not specifically high in the glandular stomach. These results indicate that regenerative cell proliferation due to toxicity plays an important role in catechol-induced glandular stomach carcinogenesis. Protein binding and free radicals may not be largely responsible for the toxicity.
Case Report: Spontaneous Hemangiosarcoma in the Pancreas of a Fischer Rat
Authors: Katsuta Osamu , Doi Takuya , Okazaki Yoshimasa , Wako Yumi , Tsuchitani Minoru
Published: February 2008

Spontaneous hemangioma or hemangiosarcoma is sometimes found in the viscera and soft tissue of rats and mice. However, there is no report of the tumor occurring in the pancreas of rats. We report a pancreatic hemangiosarcoma in a 109-wk-old, male Fischer 344 rat, which was used in the control group of a carcinogenicity study. The tumor destroyed and compressed the normal pancreatic tissue and displayed a high density in terms of the numerous capillaries and strands of endothelial tumor cells. A reticulin stain revealed a dense network formation. The frequency of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive staining showed active proliferation of the tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, some of the tumor cells stained positive with factor VIII-related antigen, and ultrastructurally, Weibel-Palade bodies were rarely observed in the cytoplasm of the tumor cell. From these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a hemangiosarcoma that occurred naturally in the pancreas.
The Nomenclature of Cell Death: Recommendations of an ad hoc Committee of the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists
Authors: Levin Stuart , Bucci Thomas J. , Cohen Samuel M. , Fix Andrew S. , Hardisty Jerry F. , Legrand Edmund K. , Maronpot Robert R. , Trump Benjamin F.
Published: February 2008

The last several years have seen considerable confusion regarding the terms "apoptosis" and "necrosis" in pathology. This situation prompted the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists to charter the Committee on the Nomenclature of Cell Death, which was charged with making recommendations about the use of the terms "apoptosis" and "necrosis" in toxicity studies. The Committee recommends use of the term "necrosis" to describe findings comprising dead cells in histological sections, regardless of the pathway by which the cells died. The modifiers "apoptotic" and "oncotic" or "mixed apoptotic and oncotic" are recommended to specify the predominant morphological cell death pathway or pathways, when appropriate. Other standard modifiers, indicating the lesion distribution and severity, may also be used in conjunction with these. "Individual cell necrosis" (also known as "single cell necrosis") may be either of the apoptotic, oncotic, or mixed types. In many cases, more traditional terms such as "coagulation necrosis" may be used to convey a meaning similar to oncotic necrosis. It is important that pathologists use terms that accurately and concisely convey the level of information appropriate to the study's needs. Furthermore, toxicologic pathologists should actively help to disseminate these recommendations to other biologists and to regulatory authorities.
Oxymetholone: II. Evaluation in the Tg.AC Transgenic Mouse Model for Detection of Carcinogens
Authors: Holden Henry E. , Stoll Raymond E. , Blanchard Kerry T.
Published: February 2008

Several rodent models are under examination as possible alternatives to the classical 2-yr carcinogenicity bioassay. The Tg.AC transgenic mouse has been proposed as a shorter term model offering the possibility of detecting nongenotoxic and genotoxic carcinogenic agents. Retrospective studies of chemicals with established carcinogenic potential have revealed a close correlation between classical bioassay results and the production of skin tumors in the Tg.AC mouse model. Oxymetholone is a synthetic testosterone derivative that is a suspected carcinogen but has shown no evidence of genotoxic activity in a comprehensive battery of genetic toxicity assays. It currently is being tested by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) in a 2-yr rat carcinogenicity bioassay. Because of its nongenotoxicity and the ongoing chronic bioassay, oxymetholone was considered an ideal candidate for a prospective evaluation of the predictive validity of the Tg.AC dermal carcinogenicity model. Consequently, a 6-mo dermal study with oxymetholone in the Tg.AC mouse model was initiated and completed prior to disclosure of the NTP rat bioassay results. In this study, male and female hemizygous Tg.AC mice, 7-8 wk old, were housed individually in suspended plastic cages. An area of dorsal skin was shaved to accommodate dermal applications of 200-μl doses of vehicle control (acetone), drug (1.2, 6.0, or 12 mg oxymetholone in dimethylsulfoxide: acetone, 20:80), or positive control (1.25 μg 12- o-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate [TPA]) solutions. Mice received oxymetholone or acetone daily or TPA twice weekly for 20 wk followed by a 6-wk recovery period. The acetone control groups exhibited low spontaneous incidences of papillomas, whereas dermal application of oxymetholone produced dose-related increases in the numbers of papilloma-bearing mice and the numbers of papillomas per animal. Females showed a somewhat greater response to the androgen than did the males. TPA caused an unequivocal increase in papillomas, with males exhibiting a greater response than females. The results of this study indicate that this nongenotoxic androgenic compound possesses proliferative properties. The results predict that chronic systemic administration of oxymetholone will most likely be associated with increased incidences of neoplasms.
Dorsal Skin Reactions of Hairless Dogs to Topical Treatment with Corticosteroids
Authors: Kimura Tohru , Doi Kunio
Published: February 2008

Dorsal skin reactions to continuous topical treatment with different types of corticosteroids were histologically investigated in hairless descendants of Mexican hairless dogs. The preparations tested were prednisolone (ST-1; weak), fluocinolone acetonide (ST-2; moderate), diflucortolone valrerate (ST-3; strong), and mometasone furoate (ST-4; very strong). Grossly, the sites treated with ST-3 and ST-4 showed moderate inflammatory reactions. After completion of the corticosteroid treatment, both sites were less pigmented and had a thin texture. The severity of histologic changes in the skin was dependent on the efficacy of the corticosteroids. The epidermis was prominently thinned from 1 wk after treatment with the corticosteroids, resulting in a flat dermis-epidermis junction. By the end of the corticosteroid treatment, these lesions became progressively more severe. At 2 wk after completion of topical treatment, the epidermal thickness in the sites treated with ST-1 and ST-2 began to return to normal values, whereas the epidermis of the skin treated with ST-3 and ST-4 became thinner. At 3-4 wk after topical treatment with ST-3 and ST-4, the dermis showed hyalinization of collagen bundles. These dermatologic findings in hairless dogs are in accordance with steroid-induced skin atrophy of human beings. These results suggest that the skin of hairless dogs responds sensitively to topical corticosteroids and that these animals are a useful model for investigating the efficacy and adverse effects of cutaneous topical corticosteroids.
A Congenital Ciliated Epithelial Cyst on the Stomach of a B6C3F 1 Mouse
Authors: Miyajima Rumiko , Kihara Tohru , Hosoi Masayo , Yamamoto Shinji , Mikami Shin-Ichi , Yamakawa Seiki , Iwata Hijiri , Enomoto Makoto
Published: February 2008

Congenital anomalies of the alimentary tract are rare lesions in laboratory animals. We describe a congenital cyst attached to the greater curvature of the forestomach in a B6C3F1 mouse. The inner surface of the cyst was mostly covered with cuboidal or pseudostratified ciliated epithelium and was focally covered with the flat cuboidal epithelium. The base of the cyst appeared to be inserted between the layers of the outer longitudinal muscle layer of the forestomach, although no smooth muscle layer was evident in the free surface of the cyst wall. The cyst resembled duplication of the alimentary tract, as it was lined with ciliated epithelium and had developed at the greater curvature of the forestomach. Since the smooth muscle layer did not completely cover the whole wall and the cyst did not communicate with the gastric lumen, the cyst was not thought to be a standard duplication but rather a simple congenital cyst.
An Evaluation of the Toxicities of 2' -Fluorouridine and 2'-Fluorocytidine-HCI in F344 Rats and Woodchucks (Marmota monax)
Authors: Richardson Frank C. , Tennant Bud C. , Meyer Denny J. , Richardson Katherine A. , Mann Peter C. , Mcginty Gregory R. , Wolf Julie L. , Zack Philip M. , Bendele Raymond A.
Published: February 2008

The toxicities of 2'-fluorouridine (2'-FU) and 2'-fluorocytidine-HCl (2'-FC) were separately evaluated in 2 species, male Fischer 344 (F334) rats and woodchucks. Particular attention was focused on the ability of these nucleosides to induce toxicities similar to those induced by the antiviral drug fialuridine (FIAU). 2'-FU or 2'-FC was administered to F344 male rats by intravenous injection at doses of 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg/day for 90 consecutive days and to male and female woodchucks at doses of 0.75 and 7.5 mg/kg/ day for 90 consecutive days. Clinical chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis (woodchuck only) profiles were assessed during and at the termination of the study. At necropsy, organs were weighed and tissues collected for routine histologic analysis. Cytochrome c oxidase activity, citrate synthase activity, and mitochondrial DNA content were measured, and micronucleus formation in the bone marrow (rats only) was evaluated. No adverse clinical effects were observed in either species. Rats treated with high doses of either 2'-FU or 2'-FC had body weights that were 90% of those of controls. 2'-FU and 2'-FC both induced a moderate decrease in the median lymphocyte count, and 2'-FC and 2'-FU induced a mild increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume. Both compounds caused slight to moderate, reversible, histologic changes in the spleen and thymus. In the woodchuck, 2'-FC caused a slight increase in mean absolute lymphocytes, and 2'-FC and 2'-FU slightly increased hepatic periportal vacuolation and/ or mononuclear cell infiltration. In summary, neither compound showed evidence of the toxicity induced by fialuridine in either species. Although compound effects were observed, none of these effects were considered to be adverse, and the no-observed adverse effect level was determined to be 500 mg/kg/day for both compounds in the male F344 rat and 7.5 mg/kg/day in the woodchuck.
Anophthalmia in Litters of Female Rats Treated with the Food-Derived Carcinogen, 2-Amino-1-Methyl-6-Phenylimidazo[4,5-b]Pyridine
Authors: Ikeda Yoshihisa , Takahashi Satoru , Kimura Juki , Cho Young-Man , Imaida Katsumi , Shirai Shoichiro , Shirai Tomoyuki
Published: February 2008

Anophthalmia in litters of pregnant rats treated with 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), a food-derived carcinogen, was incidentally encountered in a risk-assessment study with 2-generation exposure to PhIP Female Fischer 344 animals were given 200 ppm PhIP in the diet for 4 wk before mating with nontreated males and also during gestation and lactation periods. Mean numbers of newborn rats per litter in control and PhIP-treated groups were 7.9 ± 2.9 and 7.1 ± 1.6 in trial 1 and 8.3 ± 1.9 and 6.1 ± 2.4 in trial 2. Among 49 (trial 1) and 63 (trial 2) offspring from PhIP-treated dams, 9 (18.4%) and 32 (50.8%) demonstrated anophthalmia, and 1 (2.0%) and 8 (12.7%) demonstrated hydrocephaly. Five of 7 (71.4%) and 13 of 14 (92.9%) dams delivered pups with malformations in trials 1 and 2, respectively. Also, in a previous study that was carried out with the same protocol and that used the Sprague-Dawley strain of rats, anophthalmia and hydrocephaly were observed in 2 and 1 out of 175 pups, respectively, from 100 ppm PhIP-treated dams. No congenital malformations were found in control groups of the same size in either experiment. In addition to having been previously identified as a cause of carcinogenic activity, our findings suggest that PhIP is capable of causing anophthalmia in rats when administered during the gestational period.
Histopathology of Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes) Chronically Exposed to a Complex Environmental Mixture
Authors: Toussaint Margaret W. , Wolfe Marilyn J. , Burton Dennis T. , Hoffmann Florence J. , Shedd Tommy R. , Gardner Henry S.
Published: February 2008

Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were used to evaluate the carcinogenicity of a complex groundwater that contained 5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency priority pollutant heavy metals and 13 chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons. A test protocol that used 10 mg/L diethylnitrosamine (DEN) prior to groundwater exposure was designed to assess both initiation and promotion. The fish were exposed continuously for 9 mo with 0, 1, 5, or 25% groundwater, by volume, with either West Branch of Canal Creek water (Aberdeen Proving Ground-Edgewood Area, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD) or dechlorinated tap water as the diluent, while concurrent controls were run in the laboratory. Incidental findings included various neoplasms in the nares, ovary, skeletal muscle, skin, swim bladder, testis, thymus, and thyroid. Factors evaluated during statistical analyses of fish neoplasm prevalence included diluent type, groundwater percentage, fish gender, and DEN initiation. Liver neoplasm prevalence was higher in DEN-initiated fish and was frequently higher in males. Concentrations of up to 25% groundwater, by volume, showed no evidence of being a complete carcinogen and showed no consistent, conclusive evidence of being a promoter.
A Nurse Coach Quality Improvement Intervention
Authors: Minnick Ann , Catrambone Catherine D. , Halstead Lois , Rothschild Steven , Lapidos Stan
Published: February 2008

As the U.S. population ages and chronic illness prevalence increases, new approaches to care are needed. Although large health systems have begun to respond to this challenge, most Americans seek care from practitioners functioning in small office settings. Implementing systematic sustainable changes for quality improvement in this setting remains an unresolved challenge. In this study, trained Nurse Coaches (NCs) were employed to assist practices in adopting a new model of patient care called Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP). The feasibility and treatment fidelity of this approach were assessed through process measures and interviews in three practices. Findings document high acceptance of the NC approach and consistent delivery of the intervention. Enactment of the VIP model took place across practices, although to a variable degree. The study suggests that NCs may be an effective delivery method for quality and organizational improvements in small primary care practices.
Standardized Nursing Care Plan
Authors: Vizoso Hector , Lyskawa Meg , Couey Paul
Published: February 2008

The National Institutes of Health have developed a new organizational consortium through a funding mechanism called the Clinical and Translational Science Award. This program funds academic institutions to create a platform for research that expedites the development and delivery of new treatments through open interdisciplinary collaboration. As a result, the adult clinical research center at San Francisco General Hospital is now part of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the University of California San Francisco. Nurses on this research unit have begun to employ a standardized nursing care plan that focuses on the particular needs of the research participant, an advancement that if implemented nationwide among all adult clinical research centers will be of paramount importance in fostering a collaborative relationship within the new organizational structure. This standardized nursing care plan will provide research nurses with a tool that will enable them to provide safe and quality patient care.
Public and Nonprofit Management and the “New Governance”
Authors: McIntyre Hall Leda , Kennedy Sheila Suess
Published: February 2008

Many public functions originally performed primarily by state actors now routinely rest not with the responsible government agencies but with a host of nongovernmental, third-party surrogates or proxies. There has also been an increase in partnerships and collaboration between nonprofits, corporations, and governments, necessitating new skills and competencies for public and nonprofit leaders alike. The authors summarize the literature on these issues and identify important areas of agreement. They then report the results of a research project intended to help public and nonprofit managers identify characteristics of nonprofit organizations that are most likely to signal the existence of an effective and accountable organization.
Follow the Money
Authors: La Noue George R.
Published: February 2008

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) component of federal transportation programs creates important competitive advantages for firms considered to be socially and economically disadvantaged. Every recipient of federal transportation funds must set annual and contract goals targeting the DBE share of contract dollars. All firms owned by women and minorities are presumed to be socially disadvantaged and can become certified DBEs. DBE programs have been subject to legal and political controversy since they were enacted in 1982. This article is based on data of 5,385 contracts' worth $1.94 billion awarded by 423 recipients of the Federal Aviation Administrations fund in FY 2004. Findings show that race-conscious rather than race-neutral goals are predominantly used, that DBEs are greatly overutilized as subcontractors given the goals airports have set, and that the principal DBE group beneficiary of the awards is White women. Policy recommendations are offered.
Religious Identity Formation Among Bangladeshi American Muslim Adolescents
Authors: Chaudhury Sadia R. , Miller Lisa
Published: February 2008

Although Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, very little research has been conducted on the lived experiences of Muslim-Americans. In this pilot study, the first of its kind, the process of religious identity formation among Bangladeshi-American Muslim adolescents is explored. Sixteen participants (6 males) completed semistructured interviews, and this qualitative data was analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach. Based on the findings of this exploratory study, a preliminary understanding of religious identity formation in Bangladeshi-American Muslim adolescents is presented and discussed in detail. Our qualitative interviews uncovered the presence of two distinct groups of adolescents with respect to religious identity formation— internal seekers and external seekers. Finally, through our thematic analysis, we uncovered several factors that facilitate the formation of religious identity in this population. While this research is only preliminary, it is hoped that this research provides valuable information on the religious identities of Bangladeshi-American Muslim adolescents.
Dispositional Empathy in Neglectful Mothers and Mothers at High Risk for Child Physical Abuse
Authors: de Paúl Joaquín , Pérez-Albéniz Alicia , Guibert María , Asla Nagore , Ormaechea Amaia
Published: February 2008

This study investigates whether mothers who are neglectful and at high risk for child physical abuse present a deficit in empathy. Participants were neglectful mothers ( n = 37), mothers at high risk for child physical abuse ( n = 22), and nonmaltreating mothers ( n = 37). The Interpersonal Reactivity Index, a self-report measure assessing specific dimensions of empathy, was used to assess dispositional empathy. No differences between neglectful and non-neglectful mothers were found for perspective taking, empathic concern, and personal distress. High-risk mothers reported less perspective taking and more personal distress than nonmaltreating mothers. No difference between groups was found for empathic concern. The present study supported the hypothesis that parents at high risk for child physical abuse show a deficit in particular aspects of dispositional empathy: personal distress and perspective taking. However, no differences were found between neglectful and nonmaltreating mothers in any dimension of dispositional empathy.
Comparison of End-of-Life Preferences Between Japanese Elders in the United States and Japan
Authors: Matsui Miho , Braun Kathryn L. , Karel Harumi
Published: February 2008

Significant attention is being paid to end-of-life preferences and their cultural variations. This study compares end-of-life preferences between older Japanese residing in Japan and the United States. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to elders affiliated with senior centers and clubs. Japanese Americans preferred to make decisions themselves about withholding life-sustaining treatments, whereas Japanese in Japan preferred to rely on physicians and family members. The U.S. sample showed more positive attitudes toward and higher completion rates of advance directives than the Japanese sample. Results suggest that end-of-life preferences differ between Japanese elders in the two countries and that preferences are influenced by contextual factors in one's country of residence. Practitioners need to be aware of both within-group and across-group diversity in end-of-life preferences, taking into account acculturation changes.
Latin American—Trained Nurse Perspective on Latino Health Disparities
Authors: Carter-Pokras Olivia , Brown Pamela , Martinez Iveris , Solano Heidi , Rivera Maria , Pierpont Yvonne
Published: February 2008

This study seeks the unique perspective of Latin American— trained nurses on barriers and strategies to improve the health of Baltimore's Latino community. Individual in-depth interviews are conducted in Spanish with one male and seven female nurses recruited by Baltimore's Latino Providers Network. Audiotaped home interview transcripts are manually reviewed for common themes. Strategies include professional medical interpreters, workshops on the U.S. health care system, media campaign on affordable/bilingual care sources, licensing foreign-trained nurses, and outreach clinics linked to trusted community-based organizations. Findings can be used to develop culturally appropriate programs to better administer health care to Latino communities.
Acceptance of a Nutrition Curriculum for HIV-Positive Latinos Living on the U.S.—Mexico Border
Authors: Torres Karla , Zive Michelle M. , Scolari Rosana , Olshefsky Alisa , Zúñiga María Luisa
Published: February 2008

Patient-centered nutrition education and counseling can improve the health of HIV-positive persons. This article describes the development and implementation of a Spanish-language, community clinic—based, individually tailored, and culturally specific nutrition curriculum for HIV-positive Latinos living on the U.S.—Mexico border. Important considerations made in serving this population include low acculturation to U.S. culture, monolingual Spanish speaking, cross-border mobility, and dietary behaviors influenced by access to culturally preferred regional foods, some of which may not be nutritionally optimal. Challenges to curriculum implementation and lessons learned for replication of the curriculum in other clinical settings are discussed.
Cultural Beliefs and Attitudes of Black and Hispanic College-Age Women Toward Exercise
Authors: D'Alonzo Karen T. , Fischetti Natalie
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the cultural knowledge that informs exercise behaviors among Black and Hispanic college-age women. Focus groups were conducted among 26 Black or Hispanic female college students. Questions were based on constructs from social cognitive theory. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Latinas were found to be more likely to view vigorous exercise as “unfeminine” and cited family responsibilities as barriers. Black women enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of exercise, but felt pressure to conform to White standards of beauty. There appear to be distinct differences in the cultural beliefs that inform exercise behaviors among these women.
Distribution of —844 G/A and Hind III C/G PAI-1 Polymorphisms and Plasma PAI-1 Levels in Mexican Subjects: Comparison of Frequencies Between Populations
Authors: Torres-Carrillo Norma , Magdalena Torres-Carrillo Nora , Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica , Rangel-Villalobos Héctor , Parra-Rojas Isela , Sánchez-Enríquez Sergio , Francisco Muñoz-Valle José
Published: February 2008

Several polymorphisms have been described in the PAI-1 gene including the —844 G/A and Hind III C/G polymorphisms. These polymorphisms have been associated with different diseases such as preeclampsia and cardiovascular diseases. The allele and genotype frequencies of both PAI-1 polymorphism where investigated in Mexican subjects and compared with other healthy worldwide populations. The hematological and biochemical parameters where classified according each genotype in our studied group. One hundred Mexican subjects were recruited. Demographic data and hematological and biochemical parameters were collected, and genomic DNA isolation was performed in all the participants. Screening of both polymorphisms studied was made by polymerase chain reaction and restriction analysis. Levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in plasma were measured by ELIS-ARA plasminogen activator inhibitor antigen kit. The —844 and Hind III genotypes frequencies were as follows: 49% (G/G), 40% (G/A), 11% (A/A) and 50% (C/C), 44% (C/G), 6% (G/G), respectively. The wild-type genotypes (G/G and C/C) were significantly higher with respect to the compared populations. In addition, a significant increase of apolipoprotein A1 in the carriers of G/A —844 and C/G Hind III genotypes was observed. However, when the plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor levels were analyzed with respect to each genotype and haplotype, no significant differences were found.
Determinants of Private Saving in South Asia
Authors: Bhandari Rabindra , Dhakal Dharmendra , Pradhan Gyan , Upadhyaya Kamal P.
Published: February 2008

This article examines the determinants of private saving rates in five South Asian nations using annual time series data. An econometric model is developed in which private saving is a function of government expenditures, the money supply, the real interest rate, macroeconomic instability, per capita income growth and two demographic variables. Prior to carrying out the estimations, we test for the stationarity of the data series by carrying out unit root tests. The overall results indicate that government expenditures and past savings have a negative impact on private saving, while the level of financial development and per capita income growth have a positive effect. The degree of urbanization, the real interest rate and the dependency ratio have no noticeable impact on private saving.
Exploiting Sri Lanka's Free Trade Agreements with India and Pakistan
Authors: Yatawara Ravindra A.
Published: February 2008

The article looks at the impact of preference, given under the bilateral free trade agreements Sri Lanka has signed with India and Pakistan. The focus here is on the export side and away from the import angle. This article identifies where the greatest preferences are offered to Sri Lanka-based exporters and analyzes the relationship between preferences and the export outturn. Preferences are calculated incorporating the current levels of protection in India and Pakistan. The article argues that successful Sri Lankan exporters’ penetration of the large Indian market, as reflected by the doubling of total exports over 2003–05, actually reflects a very concentrated increase in exports of a few products. Controlling for industry effects, preferences do not have a statistically significant impact on exporting to India.
Estimation of the Export Demand Function using Bilateral Trade Data
Authors: Nur Mohammed , Wijeweera Albert , Dollery Brian
Published: February 2008

Trade liberalization policy represents an important policy instrument for developing countries. However, existing empirical literature on the impact of trade liberalization is ambiguous and this uncertainty also extends to Bangladesh economy. Various studies have sought to estimate econometrically the export demand function for Bangladesh as a means of clarifying the effects of trade liberalization in that country. Unfortunately, no recent studies have examined the liberalization effect on disaggregated exports in Bangladesh. In order to remedy this neglect, this article examines the likely impacts of trade liberalization policies on the disaggregated export function in Bangladesh for the period 1973–2004. The main purpose is to examine whether bilateral export elasticities are significantly different between major trading partners. If this is indeed the case, then different policies should be implemented rather than a single trade policy to enhance exports. A secondary objective is to establish whether trade liberalization has had any impact on the export sector in Bangladesh.
Competition in Indian Banking
Authors: Prasad A. , Ghosh Saibal
Published: February 2008

It is widely perceived that competition in the Indian banking sector has increased since the inception of the financial sector reforms in 1992. Using annual data on scheduled commercial banks for the period 1996–2004, the article evaluates the validity of this proposition in the Indian context. The empirical evidence reveals that Indian banks earn revenues as if under monopolistic competition.
Why Organizations Choose to Manage Diversity? Toward a Leadership-Based Theoretical Framework
Authors: Ng Eddy S.W.
Published: February 2008

Research suggests that equal employment opportunity (EEO) legislation and affirmative action programs (AAPs) have been only partially successful in promoting women and minorities in the workplace. Firms are voluntarily pursuing diversity management, but only when business objectives coincide with the needs of women and minorities. Thus, the question of what factors are needed to help women and minorities advance in the workplace merits further investigation. Although top executive support is believed to be crucial to managing diversity, few studies have linked CEO commitment to diversity outcomes. This article proposes a theoretical framework for linking CEO commitment to diversity practices. Specifically, CEO commitment is expected to mediate the relationships between the leader's demographic characteristics and personal factors—consisting of values, cognition, and leadership styles—and a firm's strategic orientation toward managing diversity. This article further argues that without CEO commitment, institutional and environmental factors (e.g., legislation) are limited in promoting workplace diversity. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Antecedents and Consequences of Social Network Characteristics for Expatriate Adjustment and Performance in Overseas Assignments: Implications for HRD
Authors: Osman-Gani Aahad M. , Rockstuhl Thomas
Published: February 2008

In this conceptual article, the literature on expatriate social network and its relationships to adjustment and performance in overseas assignments have been reviewed exhaustively. By identifying some gaps and inconsistencies found in the literature, a typology of research on expatriate network explanations has been proposed based on whether the aim is to explain performance variation or adaptation to local practices and norms, and also whether their explanatory mechanism is based on the structure or resources of the network. Specific propositions for each of the four resulting approaches have been developed. It has also been recommended that future researchers should study antecedents of social network structure because of their relevance to HRD interventions. The implications for HRD research and practice have been discussed at the end.
The RAST Server: Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology
Authors: Aziz Ramy K , Bartels Daniela , Best Aaron A , DeJongh Matthew , Disz Terrence , Edwards Robert A , Formsma Kevin , Gerdes Svetlana , Glass Elizabeth M , Kubal Michael , Meyer Folker , Olsen Gary J , Olson Robert , Osterman Andrei L , Overbeek Ross A , McNeil Leslie K , Paarmann Daniel , Paczian Tobias , Parrello Bruce , Pusch Gordon D , Reich Claudia , Stevens Rick , Vassieva Olga , Vonstein Veronika , Wilke Andreas , Zagnitko Olga
Published: February 2008

Background

The number of prokaryotic genome sequences becoming available is growing steadily and is growing faster than our ability to accurately annotate them.

Description

We describe a fully automated service for annotating bacterial and archaeal genomes. The service identifies protein-encoding, rRNA and tRNA genes, assigns functions to the genes, predicts which subsystems are represented in the genome, uses this information to reconstruct the metabolic network and makes the output easily downloadable for the user. In addition, the annotated genome can be browsed in an environment that supports comparative analysis with the annotated genomes maintained in the SEED environment.

The service normally makes the annotated genome available within 12–24 hours of submission, but ultimately the quality of such a service will be judged in terms of accuracy, consistency, and completeness of the produced annotations. We summarize our attempts to address these issues and discuss plans for incrementally enhancing the service.

Conclusion

By providing accurate, rapid annotation freely to the community we have created an important community resource. The service has now been utilized by over 120 external users annotating over 350 distinct genomes.
Splenic rupture after colonoscopy: Report of a case and review of literature
Authors: Cappellani Alessandro , Di Vita Maria , Zanghì Antonio , Cavallaro Andrea , Alfano Giovanni , Piccolo Gaetano , Lo Menzo Emanuele
Published: February 2008

Splenic rupture is a rare complication of colonoscopy. For this reason the diagnosis could be delayed and the outcome dismal. Fifty-four cases of splenic rupture after colonoscopy have been described in the literature. The majority of the cases required emergent or delayed splenectomy, 13 of these cases were treated conservatively. The main feature that stands out from the review of the literature is the "surprise" of this unexpected complication. This factor explains the elevated mortality (2 out of 54 cases), likely due to the delay in diagnosis. The case here described is probably among the most complex published in the literature; in fact the presence of dense intra-abdominal adhesions not only contributed to the complication itself, but also explain the confinement of the hemoperitoneum to the left supra-mesocolic space and the delayed presentation (13 days from the time of the trauma).
A Confucian perspective on bioethical principles in ethics consultation
Authors: Tai MC , Hill D
Published: February 2008

With the rapid development of biotechnology, the physician is now more able to keep a patient's life going indefinitely on a life support system. The question of whether we should switch off the machine often arises when, according to the medical prognosis, there is no hope of recovery, or in a no-win situation where you are 'damned if you do and damned if you don't'. In a case which seems without hope, the dilemma of whether to prolong a life or let it go disturbs many people, including health professionals as well as the family of the patient. In this painful situation, an ethics consultant who has received intensive training can help the concerned parties to arrive at what may be the best decision. How do Asians, especially those living in countries influenced by Confucian teachings, reach their answers? Three aspects are usually considered: (1) motivation and situation; (2) reasonableness and propriety; and (3) lawfulness and legality. More specifically, three questions are deliberated, as follows. (1) Where an action has already been taken, what motivated it and in what situation? Or, where a decision has still to be made, what should motivate it, and what are the relevant features of the situation? (2) Was the attempted resolution of the dilemma, or is its prospective resolution, reasonable and in accordance with traditional principles of ethical behaviour? (3) Was the action taken lawful, or would the intended action be lawful?

This approach to finding an answer has been practised for centuries in Confucian society. But what is legal may not always be reasonable, what is reasonable may not always be compassionate, and what is compassionate may not always be either legal or reasonable. Principles to guide decision-making are therefore called for.

This article, written by Michael Cheng-tek Tai in collaboration with Donald Hill, discusses the Confucian method of solving a problem and examines its principal features and how they are applied in ethics consultations. The article is followed by a series of questions and answers and a commentary by Donald Hill.
Testing the embryo, testing the fetus
Authors: Ehrich K , Farsides B , Williams C , Scott R
Published: February 2008

This paper stems from an ethnographic, multidisciplinary study that explored the views and experiences of practitioners and scientists on social, ethical and clinical dilemmas encountered when working in the area of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for serious genetic disorders. We focus here on staff perceptions and experiences of working with embryos and helping women/couples to make choices that will result in selecting embryos for transfer and disposal of 'affected' embryos, compared to the termination of affected pregnancies following prenatal diagnosis. Analysis and discussion of our data led us to consider the possible advantages of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and whether a gradualist account of the embryo's and fetus's moral status can account for all of these, particularly since a gradualist account concentrates on the significance of time (developmental stage) and makes no comment as to the significance of place ( in vitro, in utero).
Testing times: what is the legal situation when an adolescent wants a genetic test?
Authors: Kaye J
Published: February 2008

Clinicians, as well as other health-care professionals in genetics clinics, may find themselves in the position where they must consider whether it would be appropriate to offer a diagnostic genetic test to an adolescent. While a clinician's decision to offer a diagnostic genetic test may be straightforward in clinical terms, the dynamics of family interaction and circumstances may make the decision-making process more complicated. Disagreement between parent and child place clinicians in a difficult position and they must be clear about the scope of their professional responsibility and obligations, to both parents and the adolescent. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Gillick principles and statutory requirements regarding the genetic testing of adolescents. While I will discuss the clinician's obligations, these legal requirements also have applicability to other health-care professionals, such as genetic counsellors, working in genetics clinics.
Ethical issues in child protection
Authors: Larcher Vic
Published: February 2008

The management of child protection concerns arouses strong emotions and controversies and creates ethical tensions for all concerned. This paper provides a rational analysis of some of the issues involved and suggests responses to them.

The ethical and legal duties of health-care professionals are to act in the best interests of the child by safeguarding children and reporting concerns. But this may involve conflicts with parents and produce reluctance of professionals to become involved, especially in controversial types of abuse. Mandatory reporting of concerns might overcome such reluctance, but may be ineffective in the face of diagnostic uncertainties. Assembly of a stronger diagnostic evidence base would seem ethically justified, but organization of the necessary case controlled studies might be problematic. Even with a comprehensive evidence base, individual diagnoses of abuse will always involve value judgements that should be underpinned by effective training and assessment of core competencies of professionals. These manoeuvres are unlikely to prevent both justified and vexatious complaints, often in relation to breaches in professional duties or concerning professional misconduct. The tendency to blame experts may have contributed to a reluctance of other professionals to become involved, despite proposals for reforms in the expert witness and court systems.

Current approaches to child protection may neither promote greater understanding nor be in the best interests of children. A revised social contract for the effective protection of children could include: a duty of care that adequately addresses the primacy of the child's welfare; the acquisition of a sound evidence base; professional transparency and accountability (but with protection from malicious and vexatious complaints); and a shift emphasis towards a more inquisitorial system that embraced the principles of truth and reconciliation.
Empirical assessments of clinical ethics services: implications for clinical ethics committees
Authors: Williamson Laura
Published: February 2008

The need to evaluate the performance of clinical ethics services is widely acknowledged although work in this area is more developed in the United States. In the USA many studies that assess clinical ethics services have utilized empirical methods and assessment criteria. The value of these approaches is thought to rest on their ability to measure the value of services in a demonstrable fashion. However, empirical measures tend to lack ethical content, making their contribution to developments in ethical governance unclear. The steady increase of clinical ethics committees in the UK must be accompanied by efforts to evaluate their performance. As part of this evaluative work it is important to examine how the practice of clinical ethics committees can be informed by empirical measures.
Declining enrolment in a clinical trial and injurious misconceptions: is there a flipside to the therapeutic misconception?
Authors: Snowdon Claire , Elbourne Diana , Garcia Jo
Published: February 2008

The term 'therapeutic misconception' (TM) was introduced in 1982 to conceptualize how some psychiatry trial participants perceived and interpreted their involvement in research. TM has since been identified in many settings and is a major component in research ethics discussions. A qualitative study included a subgroup of interviews with five parents (two couples, one mother) who declined to enrol their baby in a neonatal trial. Analysis suggested the possibility of a counterpart to TM which, given the original terminology, we term the 'injurious misconception' (IM). While TM is closely linked to the elision of care and research, and involves an over-stated sense of benefit and protection, IM may be a product of a particularly keen and discomforting sense of distinctions between care and research and a correspondingly over-stated sense of risk and threat.