bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Estrogen and Related Agents upon Methamphetamine-Induced Neurotoxicity within an Impaired Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System of Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Liu Bin , Dluzen Dean E.
Published: November 2006

Estrogen increases methamphetamine (MA)-induced neurotoxicity within the impaired nigrostriatal dopaminergic (NSDA) system of ovariectomized female mice, as defined by enhanced striatal dopamine (DA) depletion. In this study we compared the effects of a lower dose of estradiol benzoate (EB, 1 µg) with related agents – tamoxifen (TMX, 12.5 µg), testosterone (5 µg) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 3 mg) in this paradigm. In experiment 1, ovariectomized mice received an initial treatment with MA. At 1 week after MA, mice were treated with EB, TMX, testosterone, DHEA or oil vehicle and 24 h later a second MA treatment. Striatal DA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) concentrations in the MA-treated groups were decreased compared to the non-MA-treated control. Neither EB nor any of the other agents tested showed enhanced neurodegenerative or neuroprotective effects against a second MA invasion. To verify that estrogen was capable of showing a neuroprotective effect under a condition of two administrations of MA, in experiment 2, EB was administered either once or twice prior to each of the two MA treatments. EB treatment prior to the first MA invasion or first and second MA protected the NSDA system against DA and DOPAC depletion. These results imply that a lower dose of EB, TMX, testosterone and DHEA cannot exert neurodegenerative or neuroprotective effects in the impaired NSDA model. However, EB administered prior to the introduction of neurotoxicity can protect the NSDA system. This study may provide an understanding of the variations in results on the effects of estrogen upon the NSDA neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s disease.
Neocortical and Hippocampal Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Immunoreactivity Shows Region-Specific Variation during the Mouse Estrous Cycle
Authors: Struble Robert G. , Afridi Seema , Beckman-Randall Shari , Li Miao , Cady Craig , Nathan Britto , McAsey Mary E.
Published: November 2006

Ovarian hormones modulate both neuronal and glial activation during the estrous cycle. These effects are particularly well characterized in the hypothalamus. Ovarian hormones also affect brain regions not directly related to reproductive function. In this study we used glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunocytochemistry to quantify astroglial cells and process density in both the neocortex and hippocampus during the estrous cycle. Our data show that the density of GFAP immunoreactive processes in the hippocampus peaks on proestrus although cell density does not change. In contrast, both GFAP immunoreactive cell and process densities are elevated on diestrus and proestrus in the supragranular layer of the somatosensory cortex and reach a nadir on estrus and metestrus. This activation pattern is not apparent in the motor or cingulate cortex. Neocortical GFAP immunoreactivity appears to follow the distribution of estrogen receptor-α-like immunoreactivity. Our data show that ovarian hormones have regionally specific effects on glial activation within the neocortex. Characterizing glial activation by ovarian hormones is important since astroglia are the source of numerous trophic factors and play an important, although often unrecognized, role in neuronal metabolism and function.
Increased Fos Immunoreactivity in Suprachiasmatic Nucleus before Luteinizing Hormone Surge in Estrogen-Treated Ovariectomized Female Rats
Authors: Tsukahara Shinji
Published: November 2006

Background/Aims: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is thought to control the timing of luteinizing hormone (LH) surges. The present study was designed to examine temporal patterns of Fos expression in the dorsomedial and ventrolateral parts of the SCN (SCNdm and SCNvl) of female rats during an LH surge. It also included examination of temporal changes in plasma LH levels and temporal changes in Fos levels in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Methods: Ovariectomized rats injected with 20 µg estradiol benzoate (EB) or vehicle were sacrificed at various times from Zeitgeber time (ZT) 8:00 to 16:30 h (ZT8–16.5; ZT0 = lights on; ZT12 = lights off) on the 2nd day after the injection. Immunohistochemical analyses for Fos and GnRH and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for LH were then performed. Results: In both the SCNdm and SCNvl of EB rats, the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells significantly increased between ZT9.5–10.5 and ZT11–12. On the other hand, in EB rats there were significant peaks of LH levels and Fos levels in GnRH neurons and the AVPV between ZT11–12 and ZT13–14. There was no significant difference in the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells between EB and control rats in either the SCNdm or SCNvl at ZT9.5–10.5, or in the SCNdm at ZT11–12, whereas the SCNvl of EB rats contained more Fos-immunoreactive cells than that of control rats at ZT11–12. Conclusion: These results suggest that in female rats during an LH surge, a peak in the Fos level in the SCN precedes peaks in Fos levels in the AVPV and GnRH neurons.
Endocrine Tumors of the Ileum: Factors Correlated with Survival
Authors: Tomassetti Paola , Campana Davide , Piscitelli Lydia , Casadei Riccardo , Nori Francesca , Brocchi Emilio , Santini Donatella , Pezzilli Raffaele , Corinaldesi Roberto
Published: November 2006

Aim: To evaluate the most important factors correlated with survival in patients with endocrine tumors of the ileum, both at the time of diagnosis and during the follow-up period. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with ileal endocrine tumors diagnosed in our institution between 1990 and 2004 were studied. Results: The study included 36 men (61%) and 23 women (39%). The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 61.4 (range 18–83) years. The median follow-up period was 71.9 (range 5–287) months. Forty patients (67.8%) were still alive at the end of the study; the median survival time was 172 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 78.9%. By univariate analysis, the survival rate was significantly related to female sex (p = 0.024) and flushing alone (p = 0.028) and associated with diarrhea at diagnosis (p = 0.015), weight loss at diagnosis (p = 0.038), Ki-67 level (p = 0.025), stage of disease at diagnosis (p = 0.012), presence of liver metastases at follow-up (p = 0.005), presence of diffuse metastases at diagnosis (p = 0.005) and at follow-up (p = 0.007), and type of surgical approach (overall: p = 0.018; not operated vs. radical surgery: p = 0.008; not operated vs. palliative surgery: p = 0.045). Using multivariate analysis, only female gender (p = 0.012) and the presence of liver metastases at follow-up (p = 0.004) were significantly related to survival. Conclusion: In the present study, female gender and the appearance of liver metastases at follow-up seem to be the main conditions which determine the poor prognosis of patients with ileal endocrine tumors.
When the Women Heal
Authors: Kenny Carolyn
Published: November 2006

This article uses elements of autoethnography in the form of dialogue to frame the text. The author reports the dilemmas involved in conducting research that is culturally appropriate and offers a critique of standard academic language and procedures. The story method provides a major methodological tool to tell the stories of women in a study, funded by the Status of Women Canada between 1997 and 2000, titled “North American Indian, Métis, and Inuit Women Speak About Culture, Education, and Work.” Research procedures, how the participants influenced the shaping of policy recommendations, and follow-up results are discussed.
Who Are Indigenes? A Comparative Study of Canadian and American Practices
Authors: Miller Bruce Granville
Published: November 2006

There are currently hundreds of groups in the United States and Canada that clamor for state-to-state recognition by the federal governments as bona fide Indigenous peoples. This comparative study of American and Canadian policy and practice toward these nonrecognized communities is set in a historical perspective, focusing on legislation, administrative policy, and legal judgments that affect conceptualizations of Indigenes. This article argues that differences in these policies arise from divergences in national understandings regarding who Indigenous peoples are and how they can be administered and costs suppressed. The author contrasts the ways in which a formal and elaborate U.S. bureaucracy assesses candidate communities for recognition by applying flawed legal tests with a Canadian practice that largely overlooks the issue of nonrecognized communities.
The Protest Actions of Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Wilkes Rima
Published: November 2006

Indigenous peoples in both Canada and the United States have engaged in numerous protests. Nevertheless, although these protests led to an ongoing national social movement in the United States, this has not been the case in Canada. This article draws on the sociological literature of social movements to explain this difference. Both cases have some key factors necessary for the formation of national social movements. These common factors include making purposeful political challenges and using noninstitutional tactics of protest. However, other necessary factors—strong leadership by social movement organizations, well-developed political networks, and the development of a strong national collective identity—are much weaker in Canada than they are in the United States.
Global Governing Organizations
Authors: Ilcan Suzan
Published: November 2006

This article concerns how particular global governing organizations are involved in global order-building. Drawing upon studies of globalization and governmentality, it suggests that global governing organizations generate multi faceted connections among peoples and territories, and engender new dislocations and social injustices for various groups and populations. Through the use of archival research, policy documents and field interviews with United Nations policy and research personnel, the article demonstrates how global order-building attempts to interconnect and make interdependent certain parts of the world and particular social practices while making others redundant and undesirable. In expanding Bauman's concept of order-building, the author argues that global order-building is premised on waste management initiatives to control seemingly unruly lives and social practices. It operates through ‘technologies of agency’ seeking to enhance possibilities for individuals and groups to undertake self-improvement initiatives. Global order-building shapes new forms of conduct dependent upon many types of knowledge, capacities and skills, with shifting effects for questions of social justice.
The Modalities of Nostalgia
Authors: Pickering Michael , Keightley Emily
Published: November 2006

Nostalgia has been viewed as the conceptual opposite of progress, against which it is negatively viewed as reactionary, sentimental or melancholic. It has been seen as a defeatist retreat from the present, and evidence of loss of faith in the future. Nostalgia is certainly a response to the experience of loss endemic in modernity and late modernity, but the authors argue that it has numerous manifestations and cannot be reduced to a singular or absolute definition. Its meaning and significance are multiple, and so should be seen as accommodating progressive, even utopian impulses as well as regressive stances and melancholic attitudes. Its contrarieties are evident in both vernacular and media forms of remembering and historical reconstruction. The authors argue that these contrarieties should be viewed as mutually constitutive, for it is in their interrelations that there arises the potential for sociological critique.
Global values shift and social work in America
Authors: Gross Emma
Published: November 2006

English

Advanced post-industrial countries manifest values change in the direction of greater secularity and self-actualization. Since 1980, however, America has shown evidence of regression towards authoritarian and anti-democratic values. This article explores why the regression is occurring and its negative implications for social welfare policy development and practice.

French

Les nations post-industrielles avancées manifestent des changements de valeurs dans la direction d'une plus grande sécularité et de l'actualisation de son potentiel personnel. Toutefois, depuis 1980 l'Amérique fait preuve évidente de régression vers des valeurs autoritaires et anti-démocratiques. Cet article explore les raisons de cette régression et ses répercussions négatives sur le développement des politiques sociales et sur les pratiques sociales.

Spanish

Los países avanzados post-industriales muestran un cambio de valores hacia mayor secularizad y autorrealización. Sin embargo, desde 1980 América muestra evidencia de una regresión hacia valores autoritarios y antidemocráticos. Se explora el por qué de esta regresión y las implicaciones negativas para el desarrollo y la práctica de la política de bienestar social.
The Sociotechnical Boundaries of Hardware and Software: A Humpty Dumpty History
Authors: Jesiek Brent K.
Published: November 2006

This article traces the historical development of the boundaries around computer software and hardware. On one hand, the author documents ongoing discussions about the technical equivalence of hardware and software. On the other hand, he accounts for the stubborn persistence of these terms as markers for two distinct spheres of technology, knowledge, and practice. By using theoretical concepts such as “boundary work” and “coproduction,” the author argues that ongoing efforts to negotiate the boundaries between hardware and software are significantly “sociotechnical” in that they involve both social and technical considerations. The analysis culminates with a discussion of the more recent rise of the “hardware/software codesign” movement. Particular emphasis is placed on the conditions that led to the emergence of codesign and the ongoing challenges faced by its proponents. The article concludes by describing how codesign points toward a more reflexive and socially responsible culture of computer design and use.
Technology, Religion, and Justice: The Problems of Disembedded and Disembodied Law
Authors: Foltz Franz A. , Foltz Frederick A.
Published: November 2006

In this article, the authors explore how technology has helped erode society’s conceptions of justice. Law, via juridification, has replaced the concept of justice with one of efficiency. The authors argue that this has been largely a result of the destruction of society’s common story or vision and the introduction of the computer and the Internet as tools enabling technique to replace that story. They offer a perspective on how justice operated in traditional societies, using the Judeo-Christian religious tradition. Finally, the authors ask what might be done to recover the best features of what has been lost and create a new common story to help guide society’s conception of justice.
Midstream Modulation of Technology: Governance From Within
Authors: Fisher Erik , Mahajan Roop L. , Mitcham Carl
Published: November 2006

Public “upstream engagement” and other approaches to the social control of technology are currently receiving international attention in policy discourses around emerging technologies such as nanotechnology. To the extent that such approaches hold implications for research and development (R&D) activities, the distinct participation of scientists and engineers is required. The capacity of technoscientists to broaden the influences on R&D activities, however, implies that they conduct R&D differently. This article discusses the possibility for more reflexive participation by scientists and engineers in the internal governance of technology development. It reviews various historical attempts to govern technoscience and introduces the concept of midstream modulation, through which scientists and engineers, ideally in concert with others, bring societal considerations to bear on their work.
An Evaluation of the AirCare Program Based on Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analyses
Authors: Bi Hsiaotao T. , Wang Dianle
Published: November 2006

A cost-benefit analysis of the AirCare program in the province of British Columbia on the basis of emissions cost factors from the literature showed a benefit outweighing the cost. Furthermore, a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the AirCare program with a hybrid-car rebate program revealed that the AirCare program is more effective in reducing emissions of major air pollutants such as NOx, hydrocarbons, and CO. However, the hybrid-car rebate program contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions because of much greater fuel efficiency, although its contribution to reducing emissions of major air pollutants is small compared with that of the AirCare program. Both the AirCare program and the hybrid-car program are therefore essential to addressing both local air quality improvement and global warming issues, and the programs complement each other.
A Study of Odd- and Even-Number Cultures
Authors: Nishiyama Yutaka
Published: November 2006

Japanese prefer odd numbers, whereas Westerners emphasize even numbers, an observation that is clear from the distribution of number-related words in Japanese and English dictionaries. In this article, the author explains why these two cultures differ by surveying the history of numbers, including yin-yang thought from ancient China, ancient Greek philosophy, and modern European mathematics. The author also mentions that oddness and evenness are only mathematical concepts, but understanding the cultures and histories of individual countries contributes to world peace.
Relations Between the Woodcock-Johnson III Clinical Clusters and Measures of Executive Functions From the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System
Authors: Floyd Randy G. , McCormack Allison C. , Ingram Elizabeth L. , Davis Amy E. , Bergeron Renee , Hamilton Gloria
Published: November 2006

This study examined the convergent relations between scores from four clinical clusters from the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ III) and measures of executive functions using a sample of school-aged children and a sample of adults. The WJ III clinical clusters included the Working Memory, Cognitive Fluency, Broad Attention, and Executive Processes clusters, and the measures of executive functions were from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). Across both samples, all clinical clusters demonstrated evidence of statistically significant and moderate positive relations with at least some measures of executive functions. The Executive Processes cluster demonstrated relations with measures of executive functions that tended to be the strongest and most consistent of the WJ III clinical clusters. When these relations between the clinical clusters and the measures of executive functions were contrasted with the relations between the WJ III Comprehension-Knowledge cluster and the same measures of executive functions, results called into question the distinction between process and content but suggested that there is a common ability or common abilities underlying performance across all of the WJ III and D-KEFS measures.
Effect of Instructions on Curriculum-Based Measurement of Reading
Authors: Colón Elayne Proesel , Kranzler John H.
Published: November 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of instructions of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) of reading on (a) the number of words read correctly and incorrectly per minute and (b) the relationship between CBM reading and reading achievement. Results indicated that the specific instructions used have a significant impact on CBM reading outcomes. Statistically significant mean differences were found among the fast, best, and baseline reading conditions in the number of words read correctly and in the number of errors. Correlations between words read correctly per minute and a test of reading achievement were statistically significant and substantial for all three conditions, but differences among their correlations were not. These results underscore the importance of using standardized instructions on CBM results both within and across settings. Implications of these results for the responsiveness-to-intervention method for identifying children with learning difficulties are discussed.
Factorial Invariance of Woodcock-Johnson III Scores for African Americans and Caucasian Americans
Authors: Edwards Oliver W. , Oakland Thomas D.
Published: November 2006

Bias in testing has been of interest to psychologists and other test users since the origin of testing. New or revised tests often are subject to analyses that help examine the degree of bias in reference to group membership based on gender, language use, and race/ethnicity. The pervasive use of intelligence test data when making critical and, at times, life-changing decisions warrants the need by test developers and test users to examine possible test bias on new and recently revised intelligence tests. This study investigates factorial invariance and criterion-related validity of the Woodcock-Johnson III for African American and Caucasian American students. Data from this study suggest that although their mean scores differ, Woodcock-Johnson III scores have comparable meaning for both groups.
Critical Care Perspective on Immunotherapy in Lung Transplantation
Authors: Taylor Jennifer L. , Palmer Scott M.
Published: November 2006

Lung transplantation is now a viable therapeutic option in the care of patients with advanced pulmonary parenchymal or pulmonary vascular disease. Lung transplantation, however, with chronic posttransplant immunosuppression, creates a uniquely vulnerable population of patients likely to experience significant life-threatening complications requiring intensive care. The introduction of several novel immunosuppressive agents, such as sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, in conjunction with more established agents such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, has greatly increased treatment options for lung transplant recipients and likely contributed to improved short-term transplant outcomes. Modern transplant immunosuppression, however, is associated with a host of complications such as opportunistic infections, renal failure, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The main focus of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of modern immunotherapy in lung transplantation and to increase awareness of the serious and potentially life-threatening complications of these medications.
Effect of Picroliv on cadmium-induced hepatic and renal damage in the rat
Authors: Yadav N , Khandelwal S
Published: November 2006

The therapeutic efficacy of Picroliv-a standardized-was investigated in male rats exposed to CdCl2 (0.5 mg/kg, sc), 5 days/week for 18 weeks. Picroliv at two doses (6 and 12 mg/kg, po) was given to the cadmium (Cd)-administered group for the last 4 weeks (ie, weeks 15 -18). The Cd altered oxidative stress indices, such as increased lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity, reduced levels of non-protein sulphydryls (NPSHs), and Na-K-ATPase activity in the liver and kidney were found close to the control values by Picroliv treatment, suggesting its antioxidant potential. The hepatoprotective action of Picroliv was evident by its ability to lower the Cd-induced liver function parameters-the serum enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), g-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Bile flow and biliary Cd also increased as a result of Picroliv's choleretic property. The Cd-induced serum urea and urinary excretion of proteins, calcium (Ca), Cd and enzymes, such as Nacetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and LDH, were less marked on Picroliv treatment, indicating recovery from nephrotoxicity. Organ uptake of Cd and essential metals by Cd exposure was reduced on Picroliv treatment. Cdinduced hepatic metallothionein (MT) was lowered by Picroliv, whereas renal MT was unaltered. Cd-induced hepatic damage was also minimized. However, the renal morphological changes were marginally protected by Picroliv. The 12-mg Picroliv dose was more effective than the 6-mg dose in causing amelioration of the above parameters. This study has provided clear evidence for the hepato-and renal protective efficacy of Picroliv against experimental Cd toxicity.
Immunocytogenetic effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue: Triptorelin Pamoate (Decapeptyl ®) during in vitro fertilization treatment
Authors: Al-Qashi S , Al-Qaoud K M , Ja'fer M , Khalil A M
Published: November 2006

In this study, the immunocytogenetic effects of Decapeptyl ® (Triptorelin Pamoate) were assessed in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of females undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Blood samples were taken from 34 females (23 treated and 11 controls), cultured and examined for sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and cell replication index (CRI). The SCE frequency increased around ovulation time in the controls, and around the time of human chorionic gonadotropin administration in the IVF group. However, the SCE rate was significantly higher in the latter group. Furthermore, the white blood cells (WBC) count was significantly higher on the day of ovum pick up compared to the day preceding luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment. Similar observations were recorded with respect to phagocytic activity tested by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay. The nitric oxide production abilities of macrophages were not significantly changed in the LH, FSH-treated group relative to its control. Finally, the 50% complement hemolytic activity (CH50) assay results indicated that Decapeptyl lacks a significant potential to affect the complement system.
Free radical scavenging activities of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.) measured by electron spin resonance
Authors: Kusšar A , Zupančič A , Šentjurc M , Baričevicč D
Published: November 2006

Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.) is a herbal species with a long-term use in traditional medicine due to its digestive and stomachic properties. This paper presents an investigation of the free radical scavenging activity of methanolic extracts of yellow gentian leaves and roots in two different systems using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry. Assays were based on the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the superoxide radicals (O2+) generated by the xanthine/ xanthine oxidase (X/XO) system. The results of gentian methanolic extracts were compared with the antioxidant capacity of synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). This study proves that yellow gentian leaves and roots exhibit considerable antioxidant properties, expressed either by their capability to scavenge DPPH or superoxide radicals.
Association of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver with porto-pulmonary hypertension in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Park Y W , Woo H , Jeong Y Y , Lee J H , Park J J , Lee S S
Published: November 2006

A 37-year old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PHT) was admitted to evaluate abnormal liver function. Radiological imaging study, including ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, revealed multiple hepatic nodules, hepatosplenomegaly and esophageal varices. Percutaneous needle liver biopsy showed non-cirrhotic hepatic nodules with hyperplastic hepatocytes surrounded by atrophic hepatocytes, confirming the diagnosis of nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) associated with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (PT). NRH of the liver is known to be a very rare hepatic manifestation in rheumatic diseases. This case shows the association of NRH with porto-pulmonary hypertension in SLE.
Neuropsychiatric manifestations in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a 20-year study
Authors: Yu H-H , Lee J-H , Wang L-C , Yang Y-H , Chiang B-L
Published: November 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate the manifestations, treatment and outcome of neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The charts of 185 pediatric patients with SLE diagnosed between 1985 and 2005 in a tertiary referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed. NPSLE were defined using the American College of Rheumatology NPSLE case definitions. NPSLE developed in 34.6% (64/185) of the patients. The mean onset age was 15.2 years. Fourteen patients (21.9%) had NP manifestations on initial diagnosis of SLE. The median duration from the onset of SLE to NP manifestation was 11 months. The most frequent NP manifestations were seizure disorder (84.4%), ischemic stroke (28.1%) and psychosis (21.9%). However, the prevalence of manifestations of NPSLE might be underestimated by the retrospective design of our study. Higher mean C3/C4 levels, less percentage of anti-dsDNA antibodies elevation and higher percentage of elevated anticardiolipin antibodies were observed in NPSLE events than in non-NPSLE events ( P 0.05). The mortality rate of NPSLE patients decreased from 52.2% in 1985–1994 cohort to 27.8% in 1995–2005 cohort. In the past 10 years, the leading cause of death in NPSLE patients was NPSLE itself. NPSLE is common in pediatric SLE patients. It has diverse manifestations and a high mortality.
Lupus nephritis in an Afro-Caribbean population: renal indices and clinical outcomes
Authors: Flower C , Hennis A , Hambleton I R , Nicholson G
Published: November 2006

In an Afro-Caribbean population, 111 new cases of systemic lupus erythematosus were diagnosed in the 10-year period from January 1995. Fifty-three cases (48%) presented with or subsequently developed lupus nephritis (SLEN). We recorded clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of SLEN. We retrospectively categorized patients into four groups based on presence or absence of proteinuria with or without renal impairment. Group 1 ( n 15, 28%) had normal renal function (creatinine clearance (CrCl) 70 mL/minute) with urinary protein excretion (UPE) of 0.5–3.0 g/24 hour, group 2 ( n 7, 13%) had normal renal function with UPE 3.0 g/24 hour, group 3 ( n 9, 17%) had renal impairment (CrCl 70 mL/minute) with UPE of 0.5–3.0 g/24 hour and group 4 ( n 22, 42%) had renal impairment with UPE 3.0 g/24 hour. Renal biopsies were performed in 15 patients (28%). The number of treated patients in-remission decreased across the groups, from 100% in group 1 and 71% in group 2, to 33% in group 3 and 32% in group 4 ( Pr 0.001). There were 12 deaths from renal causes: none in groups 1 and 2, two (22%) from group 3 and 10 (45%) from group 4 ( Pr 0.003). In resource-poor clinical settings with limited access to histopathological services, CrCl and UPE may be useful predictors of therapeutic response and clinical outcomes in SLEN.
The Sri Lanka Peace Process
Authors: Bouffard Sonia , Carment David
Published: November 2006

In the wake of a new wave of violence in Sri Lanka and the classification by numerous Western countries of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organisation, many wonder if the agreement mediated by Norway between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE has any long-term chance of success. This review will analyse the different strategies and proposals elaborated in previous agreements and peace talks designed to end the conflict between the government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil minority, with the purpose of identifying whether the current ceasefire agreement has a chance of lasting and leading to a peaceful and durable resolution of the conflict. The changing nature of the Tamils' requests and the government's proposals from the independence of Ceylon until the present will be considered, along with the causes of their evolution, the reasons why certain proposals were accepted or rejected, and the major obstacles preventing a successful agreement from being reached. The study of the 1957, 1965, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1995 failing agreements, as well as the changing context in which they were abandoned or modified, will lead to the conclusion that the United Nations should take on a bigger role in the peace process if it wants the ceasefire to be successfully implemented and lead to a permanent peace. The United Nations could enhance its role by pressuring both sides to increase the pace and the commitment to negotiation, by accepting to monitor the ceasefire, or by announcing retribution for both sides in case of non-compliance. In the absence of UN involvement, the current ceasefire will not only have little chance of evolving into long-lasting peace for Sri Lanka, but could also exacerbate the conflict by allowing both parties to regroup and increase their fighting capabilities.
Explaining School Enrolment Trends in Kerala, India
Authors: Retnakumar Janakumaran Nair , Arokiasamy Perianayagam
Published: November 2006

An inevitable consequence of demographic transition in the Indian state of Kerala is the rapidly declining school enrolment in government-funded lower primary schools. So far studies dealing with demographic transition and falling school enrolment concluded that fertility decline is the sole reason for this. A major limitation of these studies is that they focused only on students enrolled in schools affiliated to the Directorate of Public Instruction without accounting for the enrolments of parallel fee-charging private unaided English-medium schools in the state. Based on the enrolment statistics of the Directorate of Public Instruction, studies argued that fertility decline is the main reason for school enrolment decline, leading to the emergence of uneconomic schools. Our analysis shows that aside from fertility decline, the poor quality of teaching in government-funded schools and the resultant exodus to private unaided English-medium schools is significant in accounting for decline in enrolments. The retention of students in government-funded schools can be sustained only by improving the quality of school education.
Conceptualising Intercultural Effectiveness for University Teaching
Authors: Stone Nick
Published: November 2006

This article focuses on one specific aspect of internationalisation in higher education: better understanding intercultural effectiveness so that university teachers can facilitate related student learning. It adopts an “actionable” definition of internationalisation to suggest ways to improve processes associated with the design, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of educational programs for the benefit of students from all backgrounds. Key terms and concepts are operationally defined, conceptual and applied issues are clarified, and some practical strategies are offered for staff who may be interested in improving international and intercultural dimensions of teaching in higher education.
Conducting Qualitative Interview Research With People With Expressive Language Difficulties
Authors: Lloyd Vicki , Gatherer Amanda , Kalsy Sunny
Published: November 2006

Despite the increasing application of qualitative interviewing and analysis approaches, individuals with expressive language difficulties are still frequently excluded from such research. In this article, the authors seek to clarify the role for and importance of conducting qualitative interviews with respondents with impaired expressive language. They review current research with reference to studies conducted with individuals with intellectual disabilities or dementia, or those who have experienced stroke or traumatic brain injury, and identify deficits within existing research. They consider the challenges and difficulties that contribute to the limited inclusion of individuals with impaired expressive communication in qualitative interviews and discuss the way forward with suggestions of possible means of overcoming these obstacles. They argue that a willingness to adapt methods appropriately and to modify expectations is an important factor in ensuring that researchers hear the voice of respondents with expressive language deficits.
From Synthesis to Script: Transforming Qualitative Research Findings for Use in Practice
Authors: Sandelowski Margarete , Trimble Frank , Woodard Elizabeth K. , Barroso Julie
Published: November 2006

Although qualitative research synthesis has secured a place in the evidence-based practice movement, little effort has as yet been directed toward translating the results into material form for practice. The authors transformed a qualitative research synthesis of findings pertaining to stigma in HIV-positive women into a script and DVD. The process of transformation entailed bringing together the norms and imperatives of scientific research, clinical practice, and artistic presentation.
“It’s No Skin off My Nose”: Why People Take Part in Qualitative Research
Authors: Peel Elizabeth , Parry Odette , Douglas Margaret , Lawton Julia
Published: November 2006

In this article, the authors analyze participants’ accounts of why they took part in a repeat-interview study exploring newly diagnosed patients’ perceptions of diabetes service provision in Lothian, Scotland. The study involved three semistructured in-depth interviews with each patient (N = 40) , which spanned a year. The authors provide a thematic discursive analysis of responses to the question, Can I ask you what made you decide to part in the study and why you’ve stayed involved over the past year? The main themes are (a) recruitment within health contexts (“the nurse said it would help”), (b) altruism (“if it can help somebody”), (c) qualitative research being seen as inherently innocuous (“nothing to lose”), and (d) therapeutic aspects of interviewing (“getting it off my chest”). The analysis contributes both to the qualitative literature about generic research participation and to a germinal literature exploring qualitative health research participation.
Moving Ahead or Just Moving?
Authors: Lyness Karen S. , Schrader Christine A.
Published: November 2006

Prior research has shown that employees learn by coping with new experiences. However, we examined gender differences in job moves described in 952 Wall Street Journal announcements of senior management appointments and found that women’s new positions were more similar to their previous positions than was true for their male counterparts. Women were less likely than men to be promoted to the management level or move to new organizations, and a greater proportion of women than men were appointed to line positions with prior female incumbents. Among managers in staff positions, women were less likely than were men to move to line positions or different organizational functions. Taken together, these findings raise questions about whether women’s job moves offered career benefits that were comparable to those received by men.
Supporting Client Recovery in Home Care
Authors: Merryman M. Beth
Published: November 2006

This article discusses trends in health care with increasing services being provided within the community setting. Challenges are presented relative to diverse client demographics including age. Helping the client adjust to the liminal state while recuperating at home is essential to the achievement of positive outcomes and in supporting the client throughout his or her recovery period.
The Hospice Nurse and Occupational Therapist: A Marriage of Expedience
Authors: Marcil William M.
Published: November 2006

Hospice has traditionally been a place for travelers to rest and to receive physical and spiritual renewal before continuing on a long journey. For the terminally ill patient, hospice offers this and more in the form of pain and symptom control in an attempt to provide the patient with a semblance of quality of life in his or her final days. Pain is a multifaceted and complicated phenomenon that is not limited to the physical pain of metastatic cancer or other diseases. There are other forms of pain, including the psychological pains of isolation, abandonment, and loss of role. Occupational therapy can offer a respite from this latter pain in the form of active engagement in occupations and activity while providing a sense of competence and contribution and serve as another tile in the mosaic of palliative care.
Occupational Therapy in the Home for Nonhomebound Patients
Authors: Riley Marlene A.
Published: November 2006

Home health services are most typically associated with care provided posthospitalization for homebound patients. Occupational therapists are often part of the posthospitalization home care team to provide training in activities of daily living. The home environment is often the more authentic location to continue to provide training in these skills even when the homebound criterion is no longer met. There are other conditions that warrant skilled occupational therapy in the home even when there has not been a hospitalization. Increased awareness of the benefit of occupational therapy in the home, along with available reimbursement options, will hopefully improve knowledge for appropriate referrals. The future holds a need for more occupational therapists to choose to work in home care.
A Strategy for Computer-Assisted Mental Practice in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Gaggioli Andrea , Meneghini Andrea , Morganti Francesca , Alcaniz Mariano , Riva Giuseppe
Published: November 2006

Objective. To investigate the technical and clinical viability of using computer-facilitated mental practice in the rehabilitation of upper-limb hemiparesis following stroke.

Design.A single-case study.

Setting. Academic-affiliated rehabilitation center.

Participant. A 46-year-old man with stable motor deficit of the upper right limb following subcortical ischemic stroke.

Intervention. Three computer-enhanced mental practice sessions per week at the rehabilitation center, in addition to usual physical therapy. A custom-made virtual reality system equipped with arm-tracking sensors was used to guide mental practice. The system was designed to superimpose over the (unseen) paretic arm a virtual reconstruction of the movement registered from the nonparetic arm. The laboratory intervention was followed by a 1-month home-rehabilitation program, making use of a portable display device.

Main outcome measures. Pretreatment and posttreatment clinical assessment measures were the upper-extremity scale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Impairment and the Action Research Arm Test. Performance of the affected arm was evaluated using the healthy arm as the control condition.

Results. The patient’s paretic limb improved after the first phase of intervention, with modest increases after home rehabilitation, as indicated by functional assessment scores and sensors data.

Conclusion. Results suggest that technology-supported mental training is a feasible and potentially effective approach for improving motor skills after stroke.
Therapy with high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) in previously untreated patients affected by idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a GIMEMA experience
Authors: Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella , Fazi Paola , Bernasconi Sayla , De Rossi Giulio , Leone Giuseppe , Gugliotta Luigi , Vianelli Nicola , Avvisati Giuseppe , Rodeghiero Francesco , Amendola Angela , Baronci Carlo , Carbone Cecilia , Quattrin Stefano , Fioritoni Giuseppe , D'Alfonso Giulio , Mandelli Franco ,   for the Gruppo Italiano Malattie EMatologiche dell'Adulto (GIMEMA) Thrombocytopenia Working Party
Published: November 2006

In idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), corticosteroids have been widely recognized as the most appropriate first-line treatment, even if the best therapeutic approach is still a matter of debate. Recently, a single high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) course was administered as first-line therapy in adult patients with ITP. In this paper we show the results of 2 prospective pilot studies (monocentric and multicentric, respectively) concerning the use of repeated pulses of HD-DXM in untreated ITP patients. In the monocenter study, 37 patients with severe ITP, age at least 20 years and no more than 65 years, were enrolled. HD-DXM was given in 4-day pulses every 28 days, for 6 cycles. Response rate was 89.2%; relapse-free survival (RFS) was 90% at 15 months; long-term responses, lasting for a median time of 26 months (range 6-77 months) were 25 of 37 (67.6%). In the multicenter study, 95 patients with severe ITP, age at least 2 years and no more than 70 years, were enrolled. HD-DXM was given in 4-day pulses every 14 days, for 4 cycles; 90 patients completed 4 cycles. Response rate (85.6%) was similar in patients classified by age (< 18 years, 36 of 42 = 85.7%; ≥ 18 years, 41 of 48 = 85.4%, P = not significant), with a statistically significant difference between the second and third cycle (75.8% vs 89%, P = .018). RFS at 15 months 81%; long-term responses, lasting for a median time of 8 months (range 4-24 months) were 67 of 90 (74.4%). In both studies, therapy was well tolerated. A schedule of 3 cycles of HD-DXM pulses will be compared with standard prednisone therapy (eg, 1 mg/kg per day) in the next randomized Gruppo Italiano Malattie EMatologiche dell'Adulto (GIMEMA) trial.
Transcriptional interference among the murine β-like globin genes
Authors: Hu Xiao , Eszterhas Susan , Pallazzi Nicolas , Bouhassira Eric E. , Fields Jennifer , Tanabe Osamu , Gerber Scott A. , Bulger Michael , Engel James Douglas , Groudine Mark , Fiering Steven
Published: November 2006

Mammalian β-globin loci contain multiple genes that are activated at different developmental stages. Studies have suggested that the transcription of one gene in a locus can influence the expression of the other locus genes. The prevalent model to explain this transcriptional interference is that all potentially active genes compete for locus control region (LCR) activity. To investigate the influence of transcription by the murine embryonic genes on transcription of the other β-like genes, we generated mice with deletions of the promoter regions of Ey and βh1 and measured transcription of the remaining genes. Deletion of the Ey and βh1 promoters increased transcription of βmajor and βminor 2-fold to 3-fold during primitive erythropoiesis. Deletion of Ey did not affect βh1 nor did deletion of βh1 affect Ey, but Ey deletion uniquely activated transcription from βh0, a β-like globin gene immediately downstream of Ey. Protein analysis showed that βh0 encodes a translatable β-like globin protein that can pair with alpha globin. The lack of transcriptional interference between Ey and βh1 and the gene-specific repression of βh0 did not support LCR competition among the embryonic genes and suggested that direct transcriptional interference from Ey suppressed βh0.