bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Race differences in the relationship between role experiences and well-being
Authors: Marcussen Kristen , Piatt Liz
Published: June 2005

Theory and research generally support the notion that social roles benefit subjective well-being. These conclusions, however, are largely based on studies examining Whites. Studies that have included Blacks have found race differences in the influence of social roles on well-being, yet most of these studies focus on role occupancy. With few exceptions, little attention has been paid to whether there are race differences in how individuals experience their roles, and the extent to which race differences in role experiences relate to differences in well-being. In this article we examine racial variation in the experience of work and family roles. We find that Blacks and Whites are similar in their experiences of role conflict and perceptions of role success and balance, but the association between these experiences and well-being varies, to some extent, by race and gender. The implications of these findings as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.
Agricultural Trade Policy Reforms in India
Authors: Athukorala Prema-Chandra
Published: June 2005

This article documents and examines agricultural trade policy reforms in India over the past decade, with emphasis on both the achievements to date and challenges involved in completing the unfinished reform agenda. While the liberalization reforms during this period clearly mark a significant departure from the protectionist past, India has a long way to go in integrating its vast agricultural sector into world markets. The key impediments to further reforms are rooted in the domestic political economy. However, continuing high agricultural protection in developed countries and the considerable backpedalling of these countries from their WTO commitments also seem to weaken the position of protagonists of reforms in India.
Economic Growth, Appropriate Policies and Poverty Reduction in a Developing Country
Authors: Tambunan Tulus
Published: June 2005

This article attempts to analyse the impact of economic growth on poverty reduction in Indonesia during the New Order (NO) era (1966–98). It also discusses the need of ‘anti-poverty’ versus ‘pro-poor development’ policies and programmes for poverty reduction. The paper addresses some long-standing questions in development economics. First, does data from Indonesia support the notion that growth is good for the poor? Second, does growth in agriculture matter for poverty reduction? Third, which one was the most responsible for the significant decline in poverty during the NO era: ‘anti-poverty’ or ‘pro-poor development’ policies? Through simple statistical analyses, the study shows that economic growth is positively correlated with poverty reduction, and the output or income growth in agriculture appears to have the strongest effect on poverty reduction than other sectors. This finding suggests and supports the general notion that the agricultural growth is essential for poverty reduction. This study also concludes that ‘anti-poverty’ programmes have been of minor importance in alleviating poverty compared with macroeconomic performance accompanied by ‘pro-poor development’ policies.
Should Bangladesh Join a Regional Free Trade Area?
Authors: Warr Peter
Published: June 2005

Suppose a regional preferential trading agreement (PTA) is to be formed and a particular country is invited to join. Should it do so? This question arises for Bangladesh in relation to a proposed PTA based upon the BIMST-EC country grouping of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. This paper examines the case for Bangladesh joining such a PTA. It is concluded that the net gains from doing so would be very small. There are two reinforcing aspects to this point. The first is the relatively small levels of intra-regional trade between Bangladesh and the other BIMST-EC countries. Although these trade volumes would almost certainly increase under a PTA, they may not do so sufficiently to make the benefits economically significant. The second aspect is that the pattern of trade between Bangladesh and the other BIMST-EC countries suggests that they are not natural trading partners. The trade-creating effects that generate net benefits may be especially small. There may be other strong reasons for forming a PTA among these countries, resting mainly on political considerations, but significant trade-related gains should not be expected.
BPO
Authors: Sharma Dhiraj , Saxena Sharad , Aanand Shubhra
Published: June 2005

In an era of change, restructuring and growing, business is becoming more competitive and demanding day by day. Utmost importance is given to profitability at every level and by all processes. If any business process or function is nonproductive or non-profitable, that is, non-core but necessary business processes, then the better strategic alternative is to outsource that process to a firm that specializes in that function, ensuring better economical performance. India, with its cost and time differential advantages, backed by an educated workforce, could commit quality of service. India is fast emerging as a preferred destination for outsourcing. Business process outsourcing (BPO)/information technology enabled service (ITES) is emerging as the next big opportunity for India after collapse of the dot com bubble and the economic slowdown. The present study is an attempt to elucidate the evolutionary cycle of outsourcing. A SWOT analysis has been carried out to evaluate India's competitiveness to meet global standards and thereby emerge as a preferred destination for outsourcing.
Typography: body and dress of a text - a signing mode between language and image
Authors: Stöckl Hartmut
Published: June 2005

This study demonstrates how semiotic theories can be used to understand typography. Starting from the assumption that typography represents a mode/code in its own right, which interacts with all other textual signing modes, the article outlines a typographic `grammar' as a structured set of networked resources. The analytical toolkit is then illustrated with the help of two sample texts. Based on some general semiotic reflections about the nature and operations of the graphic sign, this article also attempts a concise account of typographic meaning making and its communicative effects.
Sustainability and democracy in food production
Authors: Nielsen Kurt Aagaard
Published: June 2005

The author discusses and presents an empirical study of Danish bread production. The project aimed at investigating workers’ participation in environmental management and their interpretations of the environmental aspects of their work. The empirical studies ended with a ‘research workshop’, a method that is organized along the principles of action research. The research workshop is an open forum or arena for network dialogues involving workers, managers, experts from different parts of the bread production chain and researchers. As individuals, all partners also take part as consumers. The action research part of the project gave promising results: new ideas for bridging every day life experiences with production experiences and for improving the quality of work life.
Engaging communities of practice for risk communication in the Hawkesbury Water Recycling Scheme
Authors: Attwater Roger , Derry Chris
Published: June 2005

Sustainable conceptions of urban water management include the recycling of treated effluent and urban stormwater as valued resources. The future acceptability and confidence in these initiatives depends upon pluralist approaches for communicating and managing associated risks. The case study described here focuses on risk communication and management associated with the Hawkesbury Water Recycling Scheme near Sydney, Australia. Action research strategies with communities of practice have contributed to the co-construction of effective risk management strategies. These strategies are both informed by differentiated perspectives and practices, and supported by a network of coordinated information. The focus on communities of practice is discussed in relation to pragmatic approaches to action research and systemic inquiry, along with the implications for the role of universities in engaging with the complex issues of sustainability.
A second-order approach to evaluating and facilitating organizational change
Authors: Meynell Francis
Published: June 2005

The question of how organizations change is essential both for intra-organizational change agents and external stakeholders. Many non-governmental organizations are asking how they can evaluate their influence, but their understanding of organizational change may actually inhibit change. This article touches on inadequacies in current theorizing - related to conceptualizations of communication and learning - which, it is argued, adversely affect attempts to bring about change. It then outlines the process of evaluating organizational influence using an innovative, ‘second-order’ approach that was pioneered in the context of evaluating the work of an organization advocating sustainable development with sector-leading companies. In order to create an evaluation ‘yardstick’, an heuristic model was constructed to represent ‘organizational learning for sustainable development’ (OLSD). The model posited that patterns of organization and networks exist, evolve and are challenged via persistent ‘conversational lineages’ - sets of discernible inherited and recurring distinctions - that weave through dynamic conversations over time. By defining the constituent distinctions of a particular conversational lineage and then bounding qualitative data into narrative accounts, it was possible to trace accurately the organizational levels in the narrative accounts through which a conversational lineage ran. It was then possible to evaluate associated possibilities and constraints to OLSD. This led both to conclusions about the extent of the advocacy organization’s influence and to relative measures of progress in OLSD. Both the model of OLSD and evaluation approach, it is suggested, are potentially applicable in other organizational, network and subject domains, other than that of sustainable development.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Comorbid Substance Abuse and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Batten Sonja V. , Hayes Steven C.
Published: June 2005

Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse are commonly co-occuring conditions, it is generally recommended that an individual must first receive successful substance abuse treatment before posttraumatic symptoms can be addressed. Given the high comorbidity of these conditions, however, it would be helpful if more broadly focused therapies were available that simultaneously targeted common functional processes underlying the multiple problems of the dually diagnosed. Both PTSD and substance abuse can be conceptualized as disorders with significant experiential avoidance components. One treatment that has been specifically developed for the treatment of experiential avoidance is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In this case study, application of ACT for an individual with comorbid PTSD and substance abuse is described, and its effects are examined.
Parents with learning difficulties in the child protection system
Authors: Booth Tim , Booth Wendy
Published: June 2005

The article documents the views and feelings of parents with learning difficulties as they reflect on their first-hand experience of going through care proceedings. Drawing on interviews conducted as part of a wider study of how cases involving mothers and fathers with learning difficulties are handled by the child protection system and the family courts, the authors provide a parental perspective on assessments, support, case conferences and the court process as well as the after-effects on the families themselves.
Fighting fit?
Authors: Chapman Melanie J. , Craven Michael J. , Chadwick Darren D.
Published: June 2005

People with learning disabilities are at high risk of obesity and consequent health risks. This study aimed to (1) describe levels of obesity for adults supported by learning disability services, and to (2) evaluate the effectiveness of health practitioner input with individuals with learning disabilities. Body mass index (BMI) was measured at 6 month intervals and change in BMI over time was compared between a non-input group and a group receiving practitioner input to improve healthy living. Initially 35 percent of the non-input sample was classified as clinically obese. Mean BMI increased over time for the non-input group at first, but decreased for the group that received practitioner input. The differences in weight change between the two groups reached statistical significance with a greater weight reduction in the input group. Implications for service provision are discussed.
An evaluation of specialized community-based residential supports for people with challenging behaviour
Authors: Golding Laura , Emerson Eric , Thornton Amanda
Published: June 2005

This study explored the effects of relocation from institutional to specialized community-based residential provision for six men with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour and for a comparison group of six men with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour who were already living in specialized communitybased residential provision. Relocation was associated with: (1) a significant increase in participants’ domestic activity skills; (2) a decrease in the observed occurrence of some problem behaviours; (3) an increase in quality of life; and (4) an increase in engagement and staff contact. The community group, however, also showed some improvements over time, most notably in their levels of engagement in meaningful activity and staff contact. The implications of these results for service provision and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Medullary Sponge Kidney
Authors: Castagna Tori L. , Michael Kim
Published: June 2005

Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a developmental anomaly that occurs in the medullary pyramids of the kidney. MSK is characterized by cystic dilation of the distal collecting tubules and ducts in one or more renal pyramids. Many patients remain asymptomatic, but patients with symptoms of nephrolithiasis, hematuria, and infection should be carefully evaluated for medullary sponge kidney disease. A case is presented in which sonography is used to diagnose MSK.
Pseudoaneurysm of the Uterine Arteries
Authors: Schilke Candice J. , Michael Kim
Published: June 2005

A pseudoaneurysm, also termed a false aneurysm, is a leakage of blood from an artery into the surrounding tissue with persistent communication between the originating artery and the terminating blood-filled cavity. Pseudoaneurysms involving the uterine arteries are rare and can be a complication of pregnancy, pelvic surgery, or pelvic trauma. Presenting symptoms include persistent vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. The detection and diagnosis of a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is important because of the potential for rupture and hemorrhage, which could be lethal. A variety of treatment options are available, with embolization being the most common.
Tissue Harmonic Imaging
Authors: Hedrick W. R. , Metzger Linda
Published: June 2005

Nonlinear propagation creates additional high-frequency components in the ultrasound wave (called harmonics) as the wave is transmitted through tissue. When nonlinear propagation occurs, reflectors along the beam path generate echoes with both the fundamental and harmonic frequencies. Tissue harmonic imaging (THI) uses two methods, frequency band filtering and pulse phase inversion, to isolate the second harmonic frequency in the detected echo so that an image of harmonic reflection can be formed. The technique of THI is discussed with illustrative examples. Advantages and limitations of THI are presented.
Incarcerated Inguinal Richter’s Hernia With Ischemic Testis in a Premature Neonate
Authors: Chen Wei
Published: June 2005

Richter’s hernia is an uncommon condition of hernia, in which only a portion of the anti-mesenteric bowel wall is entrapped in the hernia orifice. Although it is a well-recognized entity in adults, Richter’s hernia is much less frequently diagnosed in children, especially in the premature neonate. There has been only one report of this special type of hernia in the neonate in the English literature. Its tendencies to early strangulation and frequent lack of obstructive symptoms make it difficult to be diagnosed before operation. The author presents a unique case in which an inguinal hernia with incarceration and ischemic testis has been diagnosed and surgically proven in a premature newborn. Duplex sonography played an important role in the pre-operative diagnosis because there was no significant evidence of intestinal obstruction. The sonographic features and the findings of its complication are described.
The Accuracy of Ultrasound Diagnosis of Appendicitis: An Audit
Authors: Bainbridge Jean
Published: May 2005

The outcome of 100 consecutive patients between July 2002 and January 2003 referred for ultrasound examinations with suspected appendicitis were audited. Patients were scanned using a high frequency probe with standard compression techniques over the right iliac fossa. Ultrasound diagnosis of appendicitis was made if a tubular, non-peristaltic and non-compressive blind ending structure measuring over 6 mm in diameter was seen. In predominantly paediatric patients, the additional findings of echogenic surrounding mesentery and abdominal collections were also noted. Follow-up was in the form of retrieving notes to determine whether the patient had gone to theatre and had confirmed appendicitis at histopathology. Sixty per cent of patients scanned had pathology, 30% of which had a bowel mass seen on ultrasound. Of this 30%, 79% were confirmed as appendicitis at theatre. However, 40% of patients scanned had no abnormality seen on ultrasound and 28% of these subsequently went to theatre. Thirty-six per cent of these had confirmed appendicitis at theatre.
Ultrasound of Appendicitis
Authors: Guillerman R.P. , Ng C. S.
Published: May 2005

Acute appendicitis is a common cause for an 'acute abdomen' and is the most common abdominal condition requiring emergency surgical intervention. Misdiagnosis is fraught with morbid complications, ranging from unnecessary surgery to appendiceal perforation, peritonitis or sepsis. In this article, we discuss the application of ultrasound to the diagnosis of appendicitis. We detail the ultrasound imaging technique, including practical tips and pitfalls, describe the sonographic criteria for the diagnosis of appendicitis, discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of ultrasound compared with other diagnostic approaches, and review the reported performance of ultrasound in the diagnosis of appendicitis.
Characterization of conichalcite by SEM, FTIR, Raman and electronic reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Reddy B. J. , Frost R. L. , Martens W. N.
Published: June 2005

The mineral conichalcite from the western part of Bagdad mine, Bagdad, Eureka District, Yavapai County, Arizona, USA has been characterized by electronic, near-infrared (NIR), Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the mineral consists of bundles of fibres. Calculations based on the results of the energy dispersive X-ray analyses on a stoichiometric basis show the substitution of arsenate by 12 wt.% of phosphate in the mineral. Raman and IR bands are assigned in terms of the fundamental modes of AsO43− and PO43− molecules and are related to the mineral structure. Near-IR reflectance spectroscopy shows the presence of adsorbed water and hydroxyl units in the mineral. The Cu(II) coordination polyhedron in conichalcite can have at best pseudo-tetragonal geometry. The crystal field and tetragonal field parameters of the Cu(II) complex were calculated and found to agree well with the values reported for known tetragonal distortion octahedral complexes.
The development of functional B lymphocytes in conditional PU.1 knock-out mice
Authors: Polli Matthew , Dakic Aleksandar , Light Amanda , Wu Li , Tarlinton David M. , Nutt Stephen L.
Published: June 2005

An abundance of research has entrenched the view that the Ets domain containing transcription factor PU.1 is fundamental to the development and function of B lymphocytes. In this study, we have made use of a conditional PU.1 allele to test this notion. Complete deletion of PU.1 resulted in the loss of B cells and all other lineage-positive cells in the fetal liver and death between E18.5 and birth; however, specific deletion of PU.1 in the B lineage had no effect on B-cell development. Furthermore, deletion of PU.1 in B cells did not compromise their ability to establish and maintain an immune response. An increased level of apoptosis was observed in vitro upon B-cell receptor (BCR) cross-linking; however, this was partially rescued by interleukin-4 (IL-4). These findings suggest that PU.1 is not essential for the development of functional B lymphocytes beyond the pre-B stage. (Blood. 2005;106:2083-2090)
Gain of von Willebrand factor–binding function by mutagenesis of a species-conserved residue within the leucine-rich repeat region of platelet glycoprotein Ibα
Authors: Peng Yuandong , Shrimpton Corie N. , Dong Jing-fei , López José A.
Published: June 2005

Glycoprotein (GP) Ibα, a member of the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein family, mediates platelet adhesion to immobilized von Willebrand factor (VWF). We investigated the role in VWF binding of charged residues in the LRR region of GP Ibα that are conserved in human, canine, and murine proteins. Substitution of His86 with either Ala or Glu resulted in a gain of VWF-binding function as judged by increased VWF binding in the presence of the modulators ristocetin and botrocetin and by enhanced adhesion of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the mutant GP Ibα to immobilized VWF under conditions of flow. This is the first report of a gain-of-function phenotype resulting from mutations in the LRR region of GP Ibα. Because His86 is 2 nm away from the region of GP Ibα with the largest surface of contact with VWF, the data suggest that the LRRs regulate GP Ibα affinity for VWF allosterically.
Activation of the SPHK/S1P signalling pathway is coupled to muscarinic receptor-dependent regulation of peripheral airways
Authors: Pfaff Melanie , Powaga Norbert , Akinci Sibel , Schütz Werner , Banno Yoshiko , Wiegand Silke , Kummer Wolfgang , Wess Jürgen , Haberberger Rainer Viktor
Published: May 2005

Background

In peripheral airways, acetylcholine induces contraction via activation of muscarinic M2-and M3-receptor subtypes (M2R and M3R). Cholinergic hypersensitivity is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, and therefore the identification of muscarinic signaling pathways are of great therapeutic interest. A pathway that has been shown to be activated via MR and to increase [Ca2+]i includes the activation of sphingosine kinases (SPHK) and the generation of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Whether the SPHK/S1P signaling pathway is integrated in the muscarinic control of peripheral airways is not known.

Methods

To address this issue, we studied precision cut lung slices derived from FVB and M2R-KO and M3R-KO mice.

Results

In peripheral airways of FVB, wild-type, and MR-deficient mice, SPHK1 was mainly localized to smooth muscle. Muscarine induced a constriction in all investigated mouse strains which was reduced by inhibition of SPHK using D, L-threo-dihydrosphingosine (DHS) and N, N-dimethyl-sphingosine (DMS) but not by N-acetylsphingosine (N-AcS), a structurally related agent that does not affect SPHK function. The initial phase of constriction was nearly absent in peripheral airways of M3R-KO mice when SPHK was inhibited by DHS and DMS but was unaffected in M2R-KO mice. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the disruption of the M2R and M3R genes had no significant effect on the expression levels of the SPHK1-isoform in peripheral airways.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the SPHK/S1P signaling pathway contributes to cholinergic constriction of murine peripheral airways. In addition, our data strongly suggest that SPHK is activated via the M2R. Given the important role of muscarinic mechanisms in pulmonary disease, these findings should be of considerable therapeutic relevance.
Bcipep: A database of B-cell epitopes
Authors: Saha Sudipto , Bhasin Manoj , Raghava Gajendra PS
Published: May 2005

Background

Bcipep is a database of experimentally determined linear B-cell epitopes of varying immunogenicity collected from literature and other publicly available databases.

Results

The current version of Bcipep database contains 3031 entries that include 763 immunodominant, 1797 immunogenic and 471 null-immunogenic epitopes. It covers a wide range of pathogenic organisms like viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. The database provides a set of tools for the analysis and extraction of data that includes keyword search, peptide mapping and BLAST search. It also provides hyperlinks to various databases such as GenBank, PDB, SWISS-PROT and MHCBN.

Conclusion

A comprehensive database of B-cell epitopes called Bcipep has been developed that covers information on epitopes from a wide range of pathogens. The Bcipep will be source of information for investigators involved in peptide-based vaccine design, disease diagnosis and research in allergy. It should also be a promising data source for the development and evaluation of methods for prediction of B-cell epitopes. The database is available at http://www.imtech.res.in/raghava/bcipep.
Large-scale genomic correlations in Arabidopsis thaliana relate to chromosomal structure
Authors: Kendal Wayne S , Suomela Brian P
Published: June 2005

Background

The chromosomes of the plantArabidopsis thalianacontain various genomic elements, distributed with appreciable spatial heterogeneity. Clustering of and/or correlations between these elements presumably should reflect underlying functional or structural factors. We studied the positional density fluctuations and correlations between genes, indels, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), retrotransposons, 180 bp tandem repeats, and conserved centromeric sequences (CCSs) inArabidopsisin order to elucidate any patterns and possible responsible factors for their genomic distributions.

Results

The spatial distributions of all these elements obeyed a common pattern: the density profiles of each element within chromosomes exhibited low-frequency fluctuations indicative of regional clustering, and the individual density profiles tended to correlate with each other at large measurement scales. This pattern could be attributed to the influence of major chromosomal structures, such as centromeres. At smaller scales the correlations tended to weaken – evidence that localizedcis-interactions between the different elements had a comparatively minor, if any, influence on their placement.

Conclusion

The conventional notion that retrotransposon insertion sites are strongly influenced bycis-interactions was not supported by these observations. Moreover, we would propose that large-scale chromosomal structure has a dominant influence on the intrachromosomal distributions of genomic elements, and provides for an additional shared hierarchy of genomic organization withinArabidopsis.
CpG-island fragments from the HNRPA2B1/CBX3genomic locus reduce silencing and enhance transgene expression from the hCMV promoter/enhancer in mammalian cells
Authors: Williams Steven , Mustoe Tracey , Mulcahy Tony , Griffiths Mark , Simpson David , Antoniou Michael , Irvine Alistair , Mountain Andrew , Crombie Robert
Published: June 2005

Background

The hCMV promoter is very commonly used for high level expression of transgenes in mammalian cells, but its utility is hindered by transcriptional silencing. Large genomic fragments incorporating the CpG island region of the HNRPA2B1 locus are resistant to transcriptional silencing.

Results

In this report we describe studies on the use of a novel series of vectors combining the HNRPA2B1 CpG island with the hCMV promoter for expression of transgenes in CHO-K1 cells. We show that the CpG island gives at least twenty-fold increases in the levels of EGFP and EPO observed in pools of transfectants, and that transgene expression levels remain high in such pools for more than 100 generations. These novel vectors also allow facile isolation of clonal CHO-K1 cell lines showing stable, high-level transgene expression.

Conclusion

Vectors incorporating the hnRPA2B1 CpG island give major benefits in transgene expression from the hCMV promoter, including substantial improvements in the level and stability of expression. The utility of these vectors for the improved production of recombinant proteins in CHO cells has been demonstrated.
Volume-based referral for cardiovascular procedures in the United States: a cross-sectional regression analysis
Authors: Epstein Andrew J , Rathore Saif S , Krumholz Harlan M , Volpp Kevin GM
Published: June 2005

Background

We sought to estimate the numbers of patients affected and deaths avoided by adopting the Leapfrog Group's recommended hospital procedure volume minimums for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In addition to hospital risk-adjusted mortality standards, the Leapfrog Group recommends annual hospital procedure minimums of 450 for CABG and 400 for PCI to reduce procedure-associated mortality.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a national hospital discharge database to evaluate in-hospital mortality among patients who underwent PCI (n = 2,500,796) or CABG (n = 1,496,937) between 1998 and 2001. We calculated the number of patients treated at low volume hospitals and simulated the number of deaths potentially averted by moving all patients to high volume hospitals under best-case conditions (i.e., assuming the full volume-associated reduction in mortality and the capacity to move all patients to high volume hospitals with no related harms).

Results

Multivariate adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality were higher for patients treated in low volume hospitals compared with high volume hospitals for CABG (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10–1.24) and PCI (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.20). A policy of hospital volume minimums would have required moving 143,687 patients for CABG and 87,661 patients for PCI from low volume to high volume hospitals annually and prevented an estimated 619 CABG deaths and 109 PCI deaths. Thus, preventing a single death would have required moving 232 CABG patients or 805 PCI patients from low volume to high volume hospitals.

Conclusion

Recommended hospital CABG and PCI volume minimums would prevent 728 deaths annually in the United States, fewer than previously estimated. It is unclear whether a policy requiring the movement of large numbers of patients to avoid relatively few deaths is feasible or effective.
Comparison of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin for lipid lowering in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from the URANUS study
Authors: Berne Christian , Siewert-Delle Annica ,   the URANUS study investigators
Published: June 2005

Objective

The Use of Rosuvastatin versus Atorvastatin iN type 2 diabetes mellitUS (URANUS) study compared rosuvastatin with atorvastatin for the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

After a 6-week dietary run-in, patients aged ≥ 18 years with type 2 diabetes and LDL-C ≥ 3.3 mmol/L were randomised to double-blind treatment with rosuvastatin 10 mg (n = 232) or atorvastatin 10 mg (n = 233) for 4 weeks. Doses were then titrated up to a maximum of rosuvastatin 40 mg or atorvastatin 80 mg over 12 weeks to achieve the 1998 European LDL-C goal (<3.0 mmol/L).

Results

Rosuvastatin reduced LDL-C levels significantly more than atorvastatin during the fixed-dose and titration periods (p < 0.0001). Significantly more patients reached the 1998 LDL-C goal with rosuvastatin 10 mg compared with atorvastatin 10 mg at 4 weeks (81% vs 65%, p < 0.001). At 16 weeks, significantly more patients achieved their LDL-C goal with rosuvastatin compared with atorvastatin (94% vs 88%, p < 0.05) and more patients receiving rosuvastatin remained at their starting dose with reduced requirement for dose titration. At 4 weeks, 65% of rosuvastatin patients had reached their 2003 European LDL-C goal (< 2.5 mmol/L), compared with 33% of atorvastatin patients (p < 0.0001). Both treatments were similarly well tolerated with no unexpected safety concerns.

Conclusion

At the start dose and following dose titration, rosuvastatin was significantly more effective than atorvastatin at reducing LDL-C and achieving European LDL-C goals in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Replacing a Swiss ball for an exercise bench causes variable changes in trunk muscle activity during upper limb strength exercises
Authors: Lehman Gregory J , Gordon Trish , Langley Jo , Pemrose Patricia , Tregaskis Sara
Published: June 2005

Background

The addition of Swiss balls to conventional exercise programs has recently been adopted. Swiss balls are an unstable surface which may result in an increased need for force output from trunk muscles to provide adequate spinal stability or balance. The aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of a Swiss ball to upper body strength exercises results in consistent increases in trunk muscle activation levels.

Methods

The myoelectric activity of four trunk muscles was quantified during the performance of upper body resistance exercises while seated on both a stable (exercise bench) and labile (swiss ball) surface. Participants performed the supine chest press, shoulder press, lateral raise, biceps curl and overhead triceps extension. A repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test was used to determine the influence of seated surface type on muscle activity for each muscle.

Results & Discussion

There was no statistically significant (p < .05) difference in muscle activity between surface conditions. However, there was large degree of variability across subjects suggesting that some individuals respond differently to surface stability. These findings suggest that the incorporation of swiss balls instead of an exercise bench into upper body strength training regimes may not be justified based only on the belief that an increase spinal stabilizing musculature activity is inherent. Biomechanically justified ground based exercises have been researched and should form the basis for spinal stability training as preventative and therapeutic exercise training regimes.

Conclusion

Selected trunk muscle activity during certain upper limb strength training exercises is not consistently influenced by the replacement of an exercise bench with a swiss ball.
Soluble HLA measurement in saliva and cerebrospinal fluid in Caucasian patients with multiple sclerosis: a preliminary study
Authors: Adamashvili Irena , Minagar Alireza , Gonzalez-Toledo Eduardo , Featherston Liubov , Kelley Roger E
Published: June 2005

Background

Measurement of soluble HLA in body fluids has a potential role in assessing disease activity in autoimmune disorders.

Methods

We applied a solid phase, enzyme-linked immunoassay to measure soluble HLA class I (sHLA-I) and class II (sHLA-II) molecules in the saliva and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 13 untreated patients with relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis (MS). For comparison purposes, we also studied saliva from 53 healthy subjects.

Results

Saliva from normal controls had detectable sHLA-I levels in 41 of 53 individuals studied, with values ranging from 9–100 ng/ml (mean = 41 ± 2.8 ng/ml). sHLA-I was undetectable in the saliva in 11 of 13 MS patients, and in none of the CSF specimens. In contrast, mean sHLA-II concentration in the saliva of MS patients was significantly increased compared to controls (386 ± 52 unit/ml vs. 222 ± 18.4 unit/ml, t = 8.68, P < 0.005). The mean CSF sHLA-II level (369 ± 16 unit/ml) was equivalent to the mean sHLA-II concentration measured in saliva (mean = 386 ± 52 unit/ml) (P = 0.7). In patients with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancing lesions (n = 5), reflective of more active disease, CSF sHLA-II averaged 356 ± 26 unit/ml compared to 380 ± 51 in saliva. Similarly, in patients with non-enhancing lesions (n = 8), CSF sHLA-II averaged 377 ± 18 unit/ml compared to 390 ± 77 unit/ml in saliva. Thus, the mean sHLA-II concentration in saliva and CSF was essentially equivalent for MS patients with or without enhancing plaques.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the measurement of soluble HLA in saliva, specifically sHLA-II, correlates with the level found in the CSF. Therefore, if sHLA correlates with disease activity in MS, as has been proposed, saliva measurements provide a noninvasive correlate of CSF measurement.
Pre-Injury Administration of Morphine Prevents Development of Neuropathic Hyperalgesia through Activation of Descending Monoaminergic Mechanisms in the Spinal Cord in Mice
Authors: Rashid Md Harunor , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: June 2005

The present study examined whether pre-injury administration of morphine can prevent partial sciatic nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in mice. We observed that pre-injury administration of subcutaneous (s.c.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) morphine dose-dependently prevented the development of both thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia at 7 days following nerve injury in mice. The pre-injury morphine (s.c.)-induced analgesia was significantly blocked by pretreatment with naloxone injected s.c. or i.c.v., but not i.t., suggesting that systemic morphine produced the pre-emptying effects mainly by acting at the supra-spinal sites. Since it is believed that activation of descending monoaminergic mechanisms in spinal cord largely contributes to the supra-spinal analgesic effects of morphine, we investigated the involvement of serotonergic and noradrenergic mechanisms in spinal cord in the pre-injury morphine-induced analgesic effects. We found that pre-injury s.c. morphine-induced analgesic effect was significantly blocked by i.t. pretreatment with serotonergic antagonist, methysergide and noradrenergic antagonist, phentolamine. In addition, pre-injury i.t. injection of serotonin uptake inhibitor, fluoxetine and α2-adrenergic agonist, clonidine significantly prevented the neuropathic hyperalgesia. We next examined whether pre-injury morphine prevented the expression of neuronal hyperactivity markers such as c-Fos and protein kinase C γ (PKCγ) in the spinal dorsal horn. We found that pre-injury administration of s.c. morphine prevented increased expressions of both c-Fos and PKCγ observed following nerve injury. Similar results were obtained with i.t. fluoxetine and clonidine. Altogether these results suggest that pre-injury administration of morphine might prevent the development of neuropathic pain through activation of descending monoaminergic pain inhibitory pathways.
Somatic mutation and gain of copy number of PIK3CA in human breast cancer
Authors: Wu Guojun , Xing Mingzhao , Mambo Elizabeth , Huang Xin , Liu Junwei , Guo Zhongmin , Chatterjee Aditi , Goldenberg David , Gollin Susanne M , Sukumar Saraswati , Trink Barry , Sidransky David
Published: May 2005

Introduction

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a group of lipid kinases that regulate signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, adhesion, survival, and motility. Even though PIK3CA amplification and somatic mutation have been reported previously in various kinds of human cancers, the genetic change in PIK3CA in human breast cancer has not been clearly identified.

Methods

Fifteen breast cancer cell lines and 92 primary breast tumors (33 with matched normal tissue) were used to check somatic mutation and gene copy number of PIK3CA. For the somatic mutation study, we specifically checked exons 1, 9, and 20, which have been reported to be hot spots in colon cancer. For the analysis of the gene copy number, we used quantitative real-time PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. We also treated several breast cancer cells with the PIK3CA inhibitor LY294002 and compared the apoptosis status in cells with and without PIK3CA mutation.

Results

We identified a 20.6% (19 of 92) and 33.3% (5 of 15) PIK3CA somatic mutation frequency in primary breast tumors and cell lines, respectively. We also found that 8.7% (8 of 92) of the tumors harbored a gain of PIK3CA gene copy number. Only four cases in this study contained both an increase in the gene copy number and a somatic mutation. In addition, mutation of PIK3CA correlated with the status of Akt phosphorylation in some breast cancer cells and inhibition of PIK3CA-induced increased apoptosis in breast cancer cells with PIK3CA mutation.

Conclusion

Somatic mutation rather than a gain of gene copy number of PIK3CA is the frequent genetic alteration that contributes to human breast cancer progression. The frequent and clustered mutations within PIK3CA make it an attractive molecular marker for early detection and a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer.
War stories: Invited commentary on… Documented combat exposure of US veterans seeking treatment for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Wessely Simon
Published: May 2005

In 2005 King's College London and the Oral History Society are hosting a conference on the oral history of the Second World War (http://www.oralhistory.org.uk). The conference will bring together research that starts with the verbal testimonies of both combatants and civilians involved in the conflict. But note that I write ‘starts with’ those oral testimonies. I doubt that any of the presenters will argue that these testimonies are the only source of information we have on what happened during the war. All will agree on the importance of listening carefully to the stories told, but also of interpreting, analysing and supplementing them with information from other sources. Many of the papers to be presented also look at how narratives have changed over time. Testimonies of the war from the former East Germany, for example, have changed dramatically since the fall of the Berlin Wall, a process that has happened in all of the countries of the former Soviet bloc, albeit in different ways. War stories change according to who is doing the telling, who is doing the listening, and why the story is being told now.
Comparison of post-disaster psychiatric disorders after terrorist bombings in Nairobi and Oklahoma City
Authors: North Carol S. , Pfefferbaum Betty , Narayanan Pushpa , Thielman Samuel , McCoy Gretchen , Dumont Cedric , Kawasaki Aya , Ryosho Natsuko , Spitznagel Edward L.
Published: May 2005

Background

African disaster-affected populations are poorly represented in disaster mental health literature.

Aims

To compare systematically assessed mental health in populations directly exposed to terrorist bombing attacks on two continents, North America and Africa.

Method

Structured diagnostic interviews compared citizens exposed to bombings of the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya (n=227) and the Oklahoma City Federal Building (n=182).

Results

Prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression were similar after the bombings. No incident (new since the bombing) alcohol use disorders were observed in either site. Symptom group C was strongly associated with PTSD in both sites. The Nairobi group relied more on religious support and the Oklahoma City group used more medical treatment, drugs and alcohol.

Conclusions

Post-disaster psycho-pathology had many similarities in the two cultures; however, coping responses and treatment were quite different. The findings suggest potential for international generalisability of post-disaster psychopathology, but confirmatory studies are needed.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone I Analog Acts as an Antiapoptotic Factor in Mouse Blastocysts
Authors: Kawamura Kazuhiro , Fukuda Jun , Kumagai Jin , Shimizu Yasushi , Kodama Hideya , Nakamura Akira , Tanaka Toshinobu
Published: June 2005

Both GnRH-I and its receptor (GnRHR)-I have been shown to be expressed in the mammalian preimplantation embryo. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of GnRH-I in the regulation of early embryonic development in mouse. We found that GnRH-I and GnRHR-I mRNAs were detectable throughout early embryonic stages and that expression levels of both increased significantly after the early blastocyst stage. In blastocysts, GnRH-I and GnRHR-I expression was detected in both inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells. The pregnant uterus also expressed both genes, suggesting that preimplantation embryos could be affected by GnRH through both paracrine and autocrine signaling. Treatment with GnRH-I agonist, buserelin, promoted development of two-cell-stage embryos to the expanded and hatched blastocyst stages and inhibited apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, treatment with GnRH-I antagonist, ganirelix acetate, inhibited development of preimplantation embryos beyond the expanded blastocyst stage and induced apoptosis; both effects could be reversed by cotreatment with GnRH-I agonist. GnRH-I antagonist-induced cell death was mediated by disruption of mitochondrial function, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-3. Furthermore, treatment with GnRH-I antagonist decreased expression of two antiapoptotic growth factors, epidermal growth factor and IGF-II, in blastocysts. These results indicate that GnRH-I, acting as an antiapoptotic factor, is an important growth factor in development of mouse blastocysts.
The Effect of the Melanocortin Agonist, MT-II, on the Defended Level of Body Adiposity
Authors: Seeley Randy J. , Burklow Melissa L. , Wilmer Kihmberly A. , Matthews Colette C. , Reizes Ofer , McOsker Charles C. , Trokhan Darren P. , Gross Marla C. , Sheldon Russell J.
Published: June 2005

A wide range of experimental evidence implicates a critical role for melanocortin signaling in the control of food intake and body adiposity. Melanocortin receptor agonists such as MT-II potently reduce food intake and body weight, making such agonists potential therapeutics for obesity. The critical concept addressed by the present experiments is whether the homeostatic effects of melanocortin agonists directly regulate food intake or whether the effects on food intake are secondary, with the primary effects being the regulation of body weight and adiposity. To investigate this, we compared the effect of various doses of MT-II given via osmotic minipump for 28 d to alter food intake, body weight, and body fat in dietary-induced obese rats. In addition, before the implantation of the minipump, dietary-induced obese rats were weight reduced by differing amounts using varying levels of food restriction. The results show that in food-restricted rats, MT-II-treated rats consume significantly more calories than those receiving MT-II after ad libitum access to food. More importantly, regardless of the widely differing levels of body fat among the different dietary treatments employed, body fat at the end of the study was determined exclusively by the dose of MT-II, with MT-II-treated rats having less body fat than vehicle-treated rats. These experiments support the hypothesis that melanocortin signaling primarily regulates total body adiposity and that food intake is adjusted as necessary to achieve a specific level of body adiposity.