bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Beck Depression Inventory II and the Beck Anxiety Inventory in People with Intellectual Disabilities: Factor Analyses and Group Data
Authors: Lindsay William R. , Skene Danielle D.
Published: August 2007

Background  There have been several developments in research on emotional disorders in people with intellectual disability (ID). Although a large amount of work has been completed in mainstream clinical fields on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory– 2nd Edition (BDI‐II), to date there has been little work completed on people with ID.

Design  This paper presents several analyses that provide information on the psychometric properties of the BAI and the BDI‐II. Data on subsamples of the total cohort are also presented.

Method  Both assessments were appropriately revised for use with persons with ID and individually administered. A sample of 108 participants from inpatient and community settings completed the assessments. In supplementary analyses, several subsamples of anxiety referrals, depression referrals, sex offenders, other types of offenders, men and women are also presented.

Results  The joint factor analyses of the BAI and BDI‐II revealed a two factor solution corresponding closely to a depression and anxiety factor. Results from further factor analyses independently demonstrated that the BAI had three factors corresponding to cognitive–subjective anxiety, somatic temperature and somatic balance symptoms. The BDI‐II exhibited a three factor structure: cognitive self, cognitive‐affective/loss of functioning and somatic symptoms. In the supplementary analyses anxiety referrals had significantly higher scores on the BAI, depression referrals higher scores on the BDI, sex offenders are significantly lower scores on both the BAI and BDI than other groups.

Conclusion  The factor structure of the BAI and BDI conforms specifically to those found in research with the general population. Result suggests that both assessments can be used reliably with individuals who have ID.
A Preliminary Investigation into the Utility of the Adult Behavior Checklist in the Assessment of Psychopathology in People with Low IQ
Authors: Tenneij Nienke H. , Koot Hans M.
Published: August 2007

Background  Achenbach & Rescorla (2003) recently developed the Adult Behavior Checklist (ABCL) to assess psychopathology in the general population. The ABCL should be completed by a proxy informant. The use of proxy informants, instead of self‐reporting, makes the ABCL potentially suitable for the assessment of psychopathology in adults with intellectual disability. The aim of the present study was to examine reliability and validity of the ABCL in 124 adults with mild intellectual disability or low IQ, and severe challenging behaviour referred for residential treatment.

Methods  The ABCL was completed by two independent informants to assess inter‐rater reliability. To examine the validity of the ABCL, its relationship with three measures of functioning was assessed. Furthermore, association between scales of the ABCL and DSM‐IV axis I disorders was examined.

Results  The ABCL was reliable in terms of internal consistency of its scales, and inter‐rater reliability. Relationships between clusters of axis I DSM‐IV disorders and scales of the ABCL were found as expected. Moreover, ABCL scales predicted different measures of functioning.

Conclusions  The ABCL appears to be a reliable and valid measure to assess psychopathology in persons with mild intellectual disabilities or low IQ, admitted for treatment in facilities for adults with mild intellectual disability and severe challenging behaviour.
The Dose–Effect Relationship in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Beail Nigel , Kellett Stephen , Newman David W. , Warden Sharon
Published: August 2007

Background  Although there is an established body of evidence attesting to the dose–effect relationship in psychotherapy with non‐disabled adults, the issue as to whether such a relationship exists for persons with intellectual disabilities has not been previously examined. Dose–effect essentially concerns the amount of psychotherapy required to produce positive results.

Method  The current study used a naturalistic design to examine and compare the outcomes of three groups of participants with co‐morbid psychological problems undergoing treatments of differing lengths (i.e. ‘doses’) with psychodynamic psychotherapy. Three measures of psychopathology were completed at assessment and at subsequent eight‐session intervals until the conclusion of treatment. Each patient received a 3‐month follow‐up appointment, at which time the measures were again completed. Three treatment duration groups were subsequently constructed and compared via anova: eight sessions (n = 8), 16 sessions (n = 5) and 24 plus sessions (n = 7).

Results  Results were supportive of a dose–effect relationship, in that outcomes were generally equivalent regardless of treatment duration.

Conclusion  In short, most change appears to occur in the first eight sessions of treatment, with subsequent outcomes trailing off over time. The clinical implications of the study are discussed in the context of the methodological limitations identified.
The Association Between Area‐Level Indicators of Social Deprivation and the Emotional and Behavioural Needs of Black and South Asian Children with Intellectual Disabilities in a Deprived Urban Environment
Authors: Emerson Eric , Robertson Janet , Wood Justin
Published: August 2007

Introduction:  There has been a recent increase in interest in research into the emotional and behavioural needs of children and adolescents with intellectual disability. The field has tended to focus on the association between emotional and behavioural needs and child characteristics. Little attention has been paid to the potential importance of social context.

Method:  Cross‐sectional survey of teacher‐reported emotional and behavioural needs among 386 South Asian children and 118 Black children in a deprived urban conurbation.

Results:  The results suggested that: (i) teachers reported higher rates of emotional and behavioural needs among Black (when compared with South Asian) children; (ii) increased rates of emotional and behavioural needs were generally associated with older child age, lower child ability, the absence of sensory impairments and male gender; and (iii) neighbourhood deprivation was associated with variation in emotional and behavioural need differently for the two ethnic groups. For Black children, increased deprivation was associated with increased need. However, for South Asian children increased deprivation was associated with decreased need.

Discussion Results are discussed in relation to ‘group density effects’ which may reflect the potentially moderating effects of social support on the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and mental health.
Skin‐Picking in Individuals with Prader‐Willi Syndrome: Prevalence, Functional Assessment, and its Comorbidity with Compulsive and Self‐Injurious Behaviours
Authors: Didden Robert , Korzilius Hubert , Curfs Leopold M. G.
Published: August 2007

Background  Individuals with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) are at increased risk for mental health and behaviour problems, such as skin‐picking and compulsive behaviours. Prevalence and functional assessment of skin‐picking, and its association with compulsive behaviour and self‐injury, were investigated in a large group of individuals with PWS (n = 119).

Materials and Methods  Data on demographic characteristics, skin‐picking and compulsive and self‐injurious behaviours were collected by questionnaires. Behavioural function of skin‐picking was assessed by administering the Questions About Behavioral Function scale.

Results  Skin‐picking was found in 86% of the sample, and correlated positively with compulsive behaviours. No associations were found between skin‐picking and other variables. Functional assessment suggest that in most cases (i.e. 70%) skin‐picking primarily had non‐social functions.

Conclusions  Skin‐picking and compulsive behaviours are common in PWS. In most cases, skin‐picking may be maintained by contingent arousal reduction. Controlled studies on behavioural treatment are lacking. Implications for treatment selection are discussed.
Beck, individualization and the death of class: a critique1
Authors: Atkinson Will
Published: August 2007

Ulrich Beck has argued that the changing logic of distribution and, more importantly, the ‘individualization’ of social processes in reflexive modernity have killed off the concept of social class and rendered the analysis of its effects a flawed endeavour. The present paper takes issue with this perspective by exposing its key weaknesses, namely its ambivalence and contradiction over what exactly constitutes individualization and the extent to which it has really displaced class, its inconsistent and caricaturized description of what actually constitutes class, its erroneous and unsatisfactory depiction of class analysis, and its self‐defeating reasoning on the motors of individualization. The intention is not to conservatively deny that social change is occurring nor to advocate any particular model of class, but only to illustrate the aporias of Beck's position with the aim of vindicating the enterprise of class analysis.
Beyond the binge in ‘booze Britain’: market‐led liminalization and the spectacle of binge drinking
Authors: Hayward Keith , Hobbs Dick
Published: August 2007

The contemporary night‐time economy has transformed British town centres into liminal spaces where transgression does not subvert normative space, but establishes public drunkenness as integral to a negotiated order. The focus of this paper is the wider dialectic surrounding contemporary ‘binge drinking’, and in particular the relationship between aesthetic processes aimed at encouraging alcohol‐related excitement and excess, and those that seek to exert a measure of rational control over the drink ‘problem’. It is the logic of the market that informs governmental policy on alcohol, and the binge drinker is central to the spectacle of the night‐time economy as a form of self gratification which also embodies forms of repression.
Maternal stress and depression and the lateralisation of infant cradling
Authors: Reissland Nadja , Hopkins Brian , Helms Peter , Williams Bob
Published: August 2007

Background:  Studies show that 65–85% of mothers cradle their infants to the left side of their body, but that this bias changes with maternal mood and stress. The present study examines the hypothesis that maternal stress and depression status will influence the cradling bias differentially.

Method:  As part of a larger study on mother–infant interaction, mothers (N = 79) were asked to pick up and briefly hold their children in their arms (44 boys, 35 girls; mean age 7.2 months, range 3 to 14 months).

Results:  Results indicated that 86% of mothers who were neither stressed nor depressed cradled to the left and 14% to the right. Comparing the cradling side of stressed mothers with those who were neither stressed nor depressed, more in the former group showed right‐sided cradling. In contrast, mothers who were just depressed preferred to cradle to the left.

Conclusion:  The lack of a left‐sided cradling bias might be due to stress rather than depression experienced by mothers.

Furthermore, this study provides evidence that the state of maternal mental health might be indicated by the side on which they cradle their child preferentially.
The Speed and Stability of Price Adjustment in Australian Manufacturing*
Authors: BLOCH HARRY , OLIVE MICHAEL
Published: August 2007

A model of industry speed of price adjustment is derived from firm pricing behaviour. The model is applied to quarterly two‐digit Australian manufacturing data for the period 1985 (Q3) to 2002 (Q3). The results suggest that the industry speed of price adjustment is positively related to the average size of large firms within the industry and is negatively related to industry concentration. We also find that import share has a role in attenuating the effects of industry concentration and that growth in a moving average of real gross domestic product reduces the speed of price adjustment. Calculated industry speeds of price adjustment are both stable across the period of examination and small, suggesting that manufacturing prices are sticky.
The Dynamic Effects of the US Productivity Boom on Australia*
Authors: HARRIS RICHARD G. , ROBERTSON PETER E
Published: August 2007

How has the USA's ‘new economy’ productivity boom affected Australia? We consider this question using a dynamic multisector growth model of the Australian and US economies. We find that productivity growth in the US durables sector generates small but important gains to Australia. We find that the transmission of growth is generated through increased export demand for agriculture. Consequently, the USA's productivity growth tends to favour Australia's traditional export sectors. Likewise, it increases the relative demand for less skilled labour in Australia and reduces the demand for more skilled labour and higher education.
Suspected cerebellar infarcts in 4 dogs
Authors: Irwin John C. , Dewey Curtis W. , Stefanacci Joseph D.
Published: August 2007

Objective: Reports of cerebellar infarction in veterinary literature are rare. Documentation and descriptions of cerebellar infarction in human literature have been well described. Brain lesions suspected to be infarcts have been recognized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Series summary: Four dogs presented to the Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) with the history of acute onset cerebellovestibular dysfunction. All animals were imaged using a 0.5 T super‐conducting Magna GE MRI unit. Suspected cerebellar infarction was diagnosed in all dogs based on history, physical examination, and MRI findings. Further diagnostics were performed based on the individual case and owner compliance. Functional recovery was favorable in 3 dogs. One dog was euthanized shortly following the onset of neurological dysfunction.

New or unique information provided: Cerebellar infarction appears to have characteristic MRI features. Affected tissue within the cerebellum is typically wedge‐shaped with low signal intensity in T1‐weighted images, high signal intensity in T2‐weighted images, subtle rim enhancement without central contrast enhancement in T1 post‐gadolinium, and selectively hyperintense in fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images. Anatomic regions serviced by rostral cerebellar arteries are affected. Vascular risk factors as compared with reports in human literature are also discussed.
Agreement between point‐of‐care glucometry, blood gas and laboratory‐based measurement of glucose in an equine neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Russell C. , Palmer J. E. , Boston R. C. , Wilkins P. A.
Published: August 2007

Objective: To test the agreement between 3 common methods of glucose measurement in a population of critically ill foals presenting to a neonatal intensive care unit.

Design: Prospective clinical study.

Setting: University large animal hospital neonatal intensive care unit.

Animals: Sequentially admitted critically ill neonatal foals <30 days of age.

Interventions: Venous blood obtained from a jugular vein was used for determination of blood glucose concentration using point‐of‐care (POC) glucometry (GLU), a laboratory chemistry technique (CHEM) and a multi‐electrode blood gas analyzer (BG). Paired data were compared using Lin's concordance correlation, Pearson's correlation and robust regression. Bias and limits of agreement were investigated using the technique of Bland and Altman.

Measurements and main results: Concordance was significant for all comparisons and was strongest for CHEM‐BG while weakest for GLU‐BG. Pearson's correlation was excellent for all comparisons: CHEM‐BG, 0.98; GLU‐BG, 0.94; GLU‐CHEM, 0.96. All comparisons had significant robust regression coefficients: CHEM‐BG, 0.99; GLU‐BG, 0.80; GLU‐CHEM, 0.79. For Bland–Altman analysis, mean differences (mean±SD, 95% limits of agreement) were: GLU‐BG (−33±18 mg/dL, −68.6 to 1.5); GLU‐CHEM (−20±16 mg/dL, −51.0 to 10.9); CHEM‐BG (13±11 mg/dL, −8.7 to 34.7).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that glucometry has less than ideal agreement with a laboratory standard and another POC test, blood gas analysis. These differences may be clinically important and decisions regarding management of glucose concentrations in critically ill foals should be made with these differences in mind.
Paintball intoxication in a pug
Authors: King Jason B. , Grant David C.
Published: August 2007

Objective: To describe a case of toxicity caused by oral ingestion of paintballs by a dog and how it was initially misdiagnosed as ethylene glycol intoxication due to similar clinical signs and a positive ethylene glycol blood test.

Case summary: A 7 year‐old, 8.3 kg, female spayed Pug was referred for treatment of ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity. The patient was ataxic, disoriented, polyuric, polydipsic, and had a positive EG blood test. The patient was started on fomepizole therapy and intravenous fluids. Biochemical assays of the serum showed abnormalities that were not typical of EG toxicity. The following morning the patient defecated bright pink feces. The owner revealed that bright pink paint balls were present in the household when questioned. The patient completed fomepizole therapy and was discharged 40 hours after presentation with no clinical signs. Follow‐up telephone conversations found the pet to be clinically normal 2 months after discharge. New or unique information provided: This is the first known case report of paint ball intoxication in a dog that resulted in a positive EG blood test and clinical signs similar to ethylene glycol toxicity.
Serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I and cardiac troponin T in dogs with class IV congestive heart failure due to mitral valve disease
Authors: Linklater Andrew K. J. , Lichtenberger Marla K. , Thamm Douglas H. , Tilley Larry , Kirby Rebecca
Published: August 2007

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of circulating detectable serum levels of cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and circulating detectable serum levels of cardiac troponin T (CTnT) in dogs with class IV congestive heart failure (CHF) due to mitral valve disease (MVD) at admission. An additional study aim was to determine if detectable troponin levels correlated with the magnitude of several clinical parameters.

Design: Prospective clinical investigation.

Setting: Small animal emergency and critical care referral hospital.

Interventions: Blood was collected before emergency treatment from 15 dogs presenting in class IV CHF due to MVD.

Measurements: Serum concentrations of CTnI, CTnT at presentation.

Main results: Six dogs (40%) had a detectable CTnI (median 0.24, range 0.12–0.31 ng/mL), and the remainder were less than 0.1 ng/mL and deemed non‐detectable. The one dog (7%) that had a detectable CTnT (0.02 ng/mL) also had a detectable CTnI (0.23 ng/mL). There was no statistical difference in survival to discharge between dogs with non‐detectable troponin levels and those with detectable troponin levels; however, dogs with detectable troponin levels had shorter overall survival times. Dogs with a detectable level of CTnI had a median survival of 67.5 days (range 1–390 days), and dogs with a non‐detectable level of CTnI had a median survival time of 390 days (range 20–912 days) (P=0.02).

Conclusion: This study suggests that CTnI can be detected at admission in the blood of 40% of dogs with class IV CHF due to MVD. Dogs with non‐detectable levels of cardiac troponins had a significantly longer overall survival time. The encouraging results of this small pilot study warrant further investigation.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection Equally Improves Chronic Urticaria With Positive and Negative Autologous Serum Skin Test
Authors: Magen Eli , Mishal Joseph , Schlesinger Menachem , Scharf Shimon
Published: August 2007

Background:  The aim of the study was to examine effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on chronic idiopathic urticaria (CU) with and without positive aulogous serum skin test (ASST).

Methods:  Seventy‐eight patients with CU were checked for the positivity ASST and H. pylori urea 13C‐urea breath test (13C‐UBT). Twenty‐one patients were with both positive ASST and positive 13C‐UBT (group A), and 24 patients were with negative ASST and positive 13C‐UBT (group B). All patients with positive 13C‐UBT received a 14‐day, open treatment with amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. H. pylori eradication was assessed by a second 13C‐UBT after 8 weeks. In control group, 33 patients with CU were included. The effect of H. pylori eradication on CU was evaluated by urticaria activity score (UAS), measured at study entry and at 8 and 16 weeks.

Results:  At week 8, baseline UAS reduced from 4.7 ± 1.1 to 2.4 ± 1.4 (p = .027) in group A and from 4.3 ± 1.5 to 2.3 ± 1.2 (p = .008) in group B, without statistically significant difference between the two groups. In control group and in six patients with H. pylori eradication failure, no changes of UAS were noted.

Conclusion:  Eradication of H. pylori infection by triple therapy significantly and equally reduces UAS in CU patients with positive and negative ASST.
Non‐pylori Helicobacteraceae in the Upper Digestive Tract of Asymptomatic Venezuelan Subjects: Detection of Helicobacter cetorum‐like and Candidatus Wolinella africanus‐like DNA
Authors: García‐Amado M. Alexandra , Al‐Soud Waleed Abu , Borges‐Landaéz Pedro , Contreras Monica , Cedeño Samandhy , Baéz‐Ramírez Estalina , Domínguez‐Bello M. Gloria , Wadström Torkel , Gueneau Pulchérie
Published: August 2007

Background:  The spectrum of human non‐pylori Helicobacter infections is expanding, with species such as H. heilmannii and H. felis occasionally being associated with gastritis. However, the existence of non‐pylori Helicobacter colonization in asymptomatic subjects has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Helicobacter species other than pylori are present in the upper digestive tract of asymptomatic human subjects.

Materials and methods:  A Helicobacteraceae‐specific semi‐nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect Helicobacter‐like organisms in the upper digestive tract of 91 Venezuelan volunteers (aged 18–68 years, 41 females, 50 males). Species were identified by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis and sequencing of the PCR products.

Results:  We detected DNA sharing 99–100% sequence identity in over 300–400 bp with the 16S rRNA genes of H. pylori, H. cetorum, and Candidatus Wolinella africanus in 76%, 16%, and 15% of the subjects, respectively. Multiple colonization was documented in 10% of the subjects: H. cetorum and Candidatus W. africanus (4%), H. pylori and Candidatus W. africanus (4%), and H. pylori and H. cetorum (2%).

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that non‐pylori Helicobacteraceae colonization is relatively common in the Venezuelan asymptomatic population. This is the first report documenting the presence of H. cetorum DNA in the human upper digestive tract, and the second report of the recently discovered Candidatus W. africanus.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection Favourably Affects Altered Gastric Mucosal MMP‐9 Levels
Authors: Kubben Frank J. G. M. , Sier Cornelis F. M. , Schram Miranda , Witte T. Anne M. C. , Veenendaal Roeland A. , Van Duijn Wim , Verheijen Jan H. , Hanemaaijer Roeland , Lamers Cornelis B. H. W. , Verspaget Hein W.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Helicobacter pylori gastritis is recognized as an important pathogenetic factor in peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinogenesis, and is accompanied by strongly enhanced gastric mucosal matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) levels.

Aim:  This study was performed to investigate whether H. pylori‐affected gastric mucosal MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 levels are reversible by successful treatment of the infection.

Patients and methods:  Fifty‐eight patients with H. pylori‐associated gastritis were treated with a combination regimen of acid inhibitory therapy and antibiotics for 14 days. The levels and isoforms of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were measured by semiquantitative gelatin‐zymography, bioactivity assay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in gastric mucosal biopsy homogenates.

Results:  Latent, active, and total MMP‐9 levels decreased consistently and significantly by successful H. pylori eradication, in antrum as well as corpus mucosa, compared with those prior to treatment, irrespective of the therapy regimen used. The elevated levels remained unchanged, however, when treatment failed. MMP‐2 levels did not show major alterations after H. pylori therapy.

Conclusion:  Elevated MMP‐9 levels in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa are reversible by eradication of the infection. No major changes in mucosal MMP‐2 levels were observed by H. pylori eradication.
Helicobacter pylori and Non‐malignant Diseases
Authors: Rokkas Theodore , Simsek Ilkay , Ladas Spiros
Published: August 2007

In recent years, the focus of Helicobacter pylori clinical research has been mainly on gastric malignancy. However, the role of H. pylori in non‐malignant diseases, such as peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and non‐ulcer dyspepsia, as well as non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug consumption, is still of great interest. A 1‐ to 2‐week course of H. pylori eradication therapy is an effective treatment for H. pylori‐positive peptic ulcer disease and a positive CagA status is a predictor for successful eradication of H. pylori. Antral prostaglandin‐E2‐basal levels appear to be critical for the development of aspirin‐induced gastric damage in subjects without H. pylori infection. In clinical practice, among patients treated with proton‐pump inhibitors, H. pylori status has no effect on the speed or degree of GERD symptom relief. For the management of dyspepsia in primary care, antisecretory therapy confers a small insignificant benefit compared to strategies based on H. pylori testing while these latter strategies may be cost‐effective. H. pylori eradication therapy has a small but statistically significant effect on H. pylori‐positive non‐ulcer dyspepsia. An economic model suggests that this modest benefit may still be cost‐effective but more research is needed.
Low Efficacy Rate of Moxifloxacin‐Containing Helicobacter pylori Eradication Treatment: In an Observational Study in a Turkish Population
Authors: Sezgin Orhan , Altıntaş Engin , Üçbilek Enver , Tombak Anıl , Tellioǧlu Burçin
Published: August 2007

Background:  Standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori has an eradication rate of about 50% in Turkey. It may be due to an increased resistance of H. pylori to antibiotics. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a new second‐generation fluoroquinolone, moxifloxacin‐containing triple therapy in H. pylori eradication.

Material and methods:  This is an open‐label, prospective, single‐center, pilot study. We studied 71 dyspeptic patients infected with H. pylori diagnosed by both histology and rapid urease test. Out of 71 dyspeptic patients, 64 had non‐ulcer dyspepsia and seven had peptic ulcer. Patients received pantoprazole (40 mg b.i.d.) plus moxifloxacin (400 mg/day) and amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) for 14 days. Eradication was assessed 4 weeks after completing the therapy by histology and rapid urease test. Per‐protocol and intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were determined.

Results:  The eradication rate was 42.2% for the intention‐to‐treat analysis and 47.6% for the per‐protocol analysis. Of all patients included in the study, 29.5% had side‐effects and only 2.8% of the patients discontinued the treatment because of side‐effects. Most of the complications were mild and self‐limiting.

Conclusion:  Triple therapy with pantoprazole, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin for 14 days yielded unacceptably low eradication rates. However, using tests of susceptibility to antibiotics, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to judge these eradication rates of moxifloxacin containing eradication treatment.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Lehours Philippe , Yilmaz Ozlem
Published: August 2007

Helicobacter pylori infection is typically acquired in early childhood in both low‐ and high‐income regions of the world and, once established, commonly persists lifelong unless treated. Social and economic development decreases the prevalence both within and between countries. The epidemiology of H. pylori infection highlights the geographic, ethnic, and racial differences throughout the world.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Cirak Meltem Yalinay , Akyön Yakut , Mégraud Francis
Published: August 2007

Although there are attempts to perform Helicobacter pylori diagnosis directly in vivo using magnification endoscopy, most articles on diagnosis this year concerned non‐invasive tests and molecular methods. For urea breath tests, there are attempts to have a quicker and cheaper test and to evaluate its role in cases of premalignant lesions. For stool antigens tests, evaluation of kits using monoclonal antibodies was carried out. Molecular tests have been applied for typing and detection of resistant mutants.
CARDIOVASCULAR AND SURVIVAL PARADOXES IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in End‐Stage Kidney Failure—Survival Paradoxes in African‐Americans
Authors: Agodoa Lawrence , Eggers Paul
Published: August 2007

The risk of death is nearly 45% lower in African‐Americans than Caucasians undergoing chronic hemodialysis. In light of the higher mortality rate in African‐Americans in the general US population, this paradox requires explanation and further investigation. Factors that may contribute to this survival advantage include a younger age at which African‐Americans arrive at end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and the slightly higher body mass index. On the other hand, factors, such as lower residual renal function, lower mean hemoglobin and hematocrit, increased prevalence of hypertension, a higher prevalence of catheter use for initial dialysis, and generally lower dose of dialysis should put African‐Americans on dialysis at a higher risk of death. This survival advantage seems to be completely annulled with a successful renal transplant. Finally, it should be noted that ESRD carries with it a very high mortality rate in all racial and ethnic groups. A successful renal transplant improves but does not restore the expected remaining life times. Therefore, aggressive approach is required in investigating the factors that confer such high mortality risk on ESRD patients.
Performance of Global New Product Development Programs: A Resource‐Based View
Authors: Kleinschmidt Elko J. , De Brentani Ulrike , Salomo Sören
Published: August 2007

Gaining a competitive edge in today's turbulent business environment calls for a commitment by firms to two highly interrelated strategies: globalization and new product development (NPD). Although much research has focused on how companies achieve NPD success, little of this deals with NPD in the global setting. The authors use resource‐based theory (RBT)—a model emphasizing the resources and capabilities of the firm as primary determinants of competitive advantage—to explain how companies involved in international NPD realize superior performance. The capabilities RBT model is used to test how firms achieve superior performance by deploying organizational capabilities to take advantage of key organizational resources relevant for developing new products for global markets. Specifically, the study evaluates (1) organizational NPD resources (i.e., the firm's global innovation culture, attitude to resource commitment, top‐management involvement, and NPD process formality); (2) NPD process capabilities or routines for identifying and exploiting new product opportunities (i.e., global knowledge integration, NPD homework activities, and launch preparation); and (3) global NPD program performance. Based on data from 387 global NPD programs (North America and Europe, business‐to‐business), a structural model testing for the hypothesized mediation effects of NPD process capabilities on organizational NPD resources was largely supported. The findings indicate that all four resources considered relevant for effective deployment of global NPD process capabilities play a significant role. Specifically, a positive attitude toward resource commitment as well as NPD process formality is essential for the effective deployment of the three NPD process routines linked to achieving superior global NPD program performance; a strong global innovation culture is needed for ensuring effective global knowledge integration; and top‐management involvement plays a key role in deploying both knowledge integration and launch preparation. Of the three NPD process capabilities, global knowledge integration is the most important, whereas homework and launch preparation also play a significant role in bringing about global NPD program success. Tests for partial mediation suggest that too much process formality may be negative and that top‐management involvement requires careful focus.
Global Innovation in MNCs: The Effects of Subsidiary Self‐Determination and Teamwork*
Authors: Mudambi Ram , Mudambi Susan M. , Navarra Pietro
Published: August 2007

The ability of multinational corporations (MNCs) to leverage their innovation competencies across globally dispersed subsidiaries is an increasingly valuable source of competitive advantage. As multinational enterprises turn to foreign subsidiaries for research and development (R&D) and product development, questions arise regarding the most effective organizational structures for global innovation. Although organizational conditions that satisfy the needs for self‐determination and teamwork have long been considered intrinsic motivators, past research has not analyzed the consequences of intrinsic motivators on global innovation. The basic research question is this: In globally dispersed subsidiary R&D units, what organizational conditions and motivators are associated with the highest knowledge output? A sample of 275 globally dispersed R&D subsidiaries were studied from 1995 to 2002. Data were collected from a postal survey, field and telephone interviews, and secondary sources. Subsidiary self‐determination and teamwork were found to have a significant effect on knowledge output, as objectively measured by patent citations. Subsidiary self‐determination on inputs such as sourcing and hiring, and self‐determination on outputs such as marketing and product development, emerged as positive determinants of knowledge generation in R&D subsidiaries. In addition, interteam cooperation and intrateam cooperation were significant determinants of knowledge generation by subsidiaries. These findings highlight the importance of self‐determination, teamwork, and cooperation to knowledge creation and innovations. Managers face the tough challenge of how to motivate globally dispersed knowledge workers to conduct research that will generate knowledge and will strengthen firm performance. The results provide theoretical and practical insights on how MNCs can leverage their innovation competencies across foreign R&D subsidiaries.
Delayed Spatial Assimilation: Multigenerational Incorporation of the Mexican–Origin Population in Los Angeles
Authors: Brown Susan K.
Published: August 2007

This article examines the nature and degree of spatial integration across generations among young adults of Mexican origin in metropolitan Los Angeles. Drawing on a new, unique data set that covers more than four generations of persons of Mexican origin, the research tests the extent to which residential settlement patterns follow two potential trajectories: one specified by a model of traditional spatial assimilation, which views economic and ethnic integration as increasing steadily across generations, or a new model of delayed spatial assimilation, which depicts residential mobility as stalling for a generation or more, in part because of intergenerational family obligations up through the second generation. While individual–level socioeconomic characteristics tend to rise uniformly in support of the classic assimilation model, neighborhood–level evidence shows that substantial spatial integration does not emerge until the third generation—a finding supporting the delayed assimilation model. Also, generational differences in the proportion Anglo of respondents’ neighborhoods outpace differences in median income. These results are consistent with the idea that delayed spatial assimilation involves an additional early phase of incorporation for those of Mexican origin.
A Simple Doppler Echocardiography Method to Evaluate Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sénéchal Mario , O'Connor Kim , Deblois Jonathan , Magne Julien , Dumesnil Jean‐Gaston , Pibarot Philippe , Bergeron Sébastien , Poirier Paul
Published: August 2007

Objective: The accuracy of E/E′ ratio has not been validated in atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of this study is to compare the accuracy of the E/E′ ratio averaged over a sample of 10 cardiac cycles and E/E′ ratio obtained in the cycle with the longest RR interval for the estimation of wedge pressure in patients with AF using a simultaneous pulmonary artery occlusive pressure measured with a Swan‐Ganz catheter. Design: Twenty‐four consecutive patients with AF with a Swan‐Ganz catheter were recruited in this study. The majority of patients (92%) were in the early postoperative phase of cardiac surgery. Results: The best sensitivity and specificity was reached with E/E′ ratio in the medial position using the one‐beat method; E/E′ ratio ≥16 with one beat predicts a wedge pressure >15 mmHg with a sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 85%, respectively. Conclusions: Measuring E/E′ ratio using the one‐beat method is a simple and clinically accurate way to estimate wedge pressure in patients with AF.
Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Aortopulmonary Window
Authors: Singh Anurag , Mehmood Farhat , Romp Robb L. , Nanda Navin C. , Mallavarapu Ravi K.
Published: August 2007

Aortopulmonary (AP) window is an extremely rare congenital anomaly involving a communication between the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery. Two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography is traditionally used in the diagnosis but has limitations. We report the usefulness of three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of AP window in two newborns studied by us.
Retesting with the TRUE Test® in a population‐based twin cohort with hand eczema – allergies and persistence in an 8‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Lerbaek Anne , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Menné Torkil , Agner Tove
Published: August 2007

Population‐based studies on contact allergy with retesting of individuals are infrequently performed. Variable degrees of persistence are reported when individuals with contact allergy are retested with years in between. The patch test results of 270 individuals tested in 2005–2006 are presented and the pattern and frequency of sensitization discussed. Persistence when compared with patch test results from 1997–1998 is reported. 270 twin individuals with and without hand eczema underwent patch testing with the TRUE Test® (Mekos Laboratories AS, Hilleroed, Denmark) in 1997–1998 and again in 2005–2006 as part of a larger study. In 2005–2006, a total of 74 (27.4%) of the 270 individuals had at least 1 positive patch test and 20 (7.4%) of the 270 had 2. The frequency in men and women was 9/90 (10%) and 65/180 (36.1%), respectively. The frequency of contact allergy in individuals with and without hand eczema was 59/185 (31.3%) and 15/85 (17.6%), respectively. The most prevalent contact allergies were to nickel, thiomersal, and fragrance mix I. All together, 74% of the positive reactions were reproduced. The frequency of contact allergy in this population‐based cohort with hand eczema was comparable with previous reports. Persistence of contact allergy after many years was confirmed.
Elicitation of contact hypersensitivity after repeated suberythemal exposures of humans to solar simulated radiation: number of epidermal Langerhans cells
Authors: Lesiak Aleksandra , Norval Mary , Sysa‐Jedrzejowska Anna , Wozniacka Anna , Kobos Jozef , Omulecka Aleksandra , Lewy‐Trenda Iwona , Narbutt Joanna
Published: August 2007

Ultraviolet radiation suppresses contact hypersensitivity (CHS). The role of epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs, CD1a+) in the elicitation phase of CHS is uncertain. To assess the effect of low‐doses of solar simulated radiation (SSR) on LC numbers at the CHS elicitation site. 3 groups (each about 30 volunteers) were whole‐body irradiated with suberythemal SSR on 2, 10 or 30 consecutive days before sensitization with diphenylcyclopropenone. Another group was not irradiated. Elicitation of CHS took place 3 weeks later with subsequent evaluation by visual scoring and spongiosis grade. CD1a+ cells in the epidermis from the elicitation site were counted. No difference in CHS intensity between the unirradiated controls and all 3 irradiated groups was found, but a significant negative correlation between the spongiosis grade and the number of SSR exposures was shown. The number of epidermal CD1a+ cells in the 10‐ and 30‐day groups was reduced compared with the unirradiated group, and the 30‐day group had significantly fewer than the 10‐day group. Low daily doses of SSR induce suppression of CHS, leading to depletion of LCs at the CHS elicitation site. The effect on the CHS and LCs is cumulative, indicating that photoadaptation for these parameters does not develop over the 30 day irradiation period.
Levels of Knowing in “M. de Pourceaugnac”
Authors: Potter Edithe J.
Published: August 2007

One of the so‐called lighter pieces of Molière, M. de Pourceaugnac is, nonetheless, an exploration of the limits and methods of knowledge. It demonstrates that language and the senses, as means of knowledge, are inadequate. Appearances are flexible and may be distorted by manipulators. On the lips of impostors, speech becomes free from the exigencies of mimetic adherence to reality and capable of imposing its own distorted meaning on the nature of things. Sense perceptions and words interpose themselves between our understanding and reality which often is whatever we can be persuaded to believe.
Paths of Escape in Alfred Andersch's Works
Authors: George E. F.
Published: August 2007

Inquiry begins with Die Kirschen der Freiheit where the questions of Andersch's former communist allegiance and his desertion from the German army in 1944 are assessed. Sansibar is analysed with reference both to political issues and to the meaning of freedom and moral obligation. Inactivity is interpreted as culpable failure in In der Nacht der Giraffe and Fahrerflucht. Withdrawal from political involvement and the need for complete independence of mind assume added importance when related to the function of art in Die Blindheit des Kunstwerks, but such withdrawal is not conceived of as the ultimate, definitive response. Importance of Andersch's detestation of all that is bogus in life. Die Rote open to criticism for its failure to provide a satisfactory answer to an unconvincing situation. Continuation in Efraim of Andersch's preoccupation with the introspective nature of the artist and his difficulties in corning to terms with life. The pressure of modern conditions leading to neurosis brought out in Opferung eines Widders. In Ein Liebhaber des Halbschattens the stress on moral purpose returns with the story illustrating its shameful betrayal. Andersch's own moral position restrains him from affirming the right to withdraw from social responsibilities. Summary of Andersch's strength as an author, his insight into human nature and his view of life.
Meïr Goldschmidt as a Writer of English
Authors: Ober Kenneth H.
Published: August 2007

Although Meïmlr Goldschmidt was around forty years old when he began the serious study of English, he soon mastered the language so thoroughly that he could consider settling in England and pursuing a career in English letters. His published English writings have traditionally been either ignored or belittled, and his manuscript notes for an English novel, preserved in the Royal Library, have been scoffed at. A close examination of his published correspondence of the period traces his progressive mastery of the English language, and a careful study of his publications in English journals, as well as his notes for the novel, demonstrates that this aspect of his literary activity deserves to be taken seriously. Argument over whether Goldschmidt could or would have become a great novelist in English, if he had not returned to Denmark, is pointless. His English writings, published and unpublished, must be taken into account, however, in determining Goldschmidt's place in the history of literature.
Anthroposophy in Kotik Letaev
Authors: Janeček Gerald
Published: August 2007

The purpose of this study is to establish points of contact between the writings of Rudolf Steiner and Andrej Belyj's novel. Several of Steiner's most pertinent works have been selected to demonstrate that there is a substructure, probably not evident to the general reader, which relates directly to Anthroposophy and that Kotik Letaev is, at least in part, an artistic embodiment of Steiner's precepts.

The child gradually experiences the three areas of human nature described by Steiner in Theosophy: the body, the soul (ego) and the spirit. Kotik also retraces the historical evolution of the human race (World Soul) as presented in The Occult Mysteries of Antiquity, as well as ascending the stages of Higher Knowledge, and there are indications that he encounters the Guardian of the Threshold. The doctrine of colors also plays a role in the novel. In fact, Kotik Letaev is virtually saturated with anthroposophical imagery and ideas.

In conclusion, Šklovskj's view of the two‐warring dominants in the work, the anthroposophical and the autobiographical, is discussed and an opposing view is advanced, that the anthropo‐sophical level successfully subordinates the autobiographical, thus maintaining the unity of the work.
Hundert Jahre Einsamkeit und der Mythus der ewigen Wiederkehr
Authors: Müller Gerd F.
Published: August 2007

Der Vergleich mit anderen sümldamerikanischen Romanen der Gegenwart zeigt, daß die in Garcia Mháquez' Cien anos de soledad erscheinenden Themen kein außergewömlhnliches literarisches Phämlnomen darstellen. Darümlberhinaus ist der Roman auf stämlrkste in europämlischer Tradition verwurzelt. Der außerordentliche Erfolg des Werkes kann daher nur durch eine Analyse der Struktur selbst erlämlutert werden. In Cien anos de soledad wird die chronologisch‐teleologische Geschichte einer Genealogie in ein zyklisches Schema aufgelömlst, das auf mythischer Struktur basiert, wobei das inbhaUmlente mythische Pattern evidente Parallelen mit Giambattista Vicos Zeitaltertheorie aufweist. Die Erzahlung selbst wird als magische Erinnerung prämlsentiert, in der die Einsamkeit als das zentrale Thema des vom Autor evozierten Mythus erscheint. Aufgrund des mythischen Modells kann die phantastische Erzämlhlung zur Abbildung einer gesellschaftlich wahren Situation werden: Im beschleunigten Prozeß der Zivilisation verliert der Mensch den Kontakt mit dem Ursprung, und der Zwiespalt zwischen dem verlorenen Erbe und dem Fortschritt der modernen Gesellschaft kann nicht ümlberwunden werden.