bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression by insulin-like growth factor-1 via MAP kinases and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in HepG2 cells
Authors: Möller Ulrike , Herzig Stephan , Fink Trine , Zachar Vladimir , Ebbesen Peter , Kietzmann Thomas , Dimova Elitsa
Published: May 2005

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) appear to play a crucial role in a number of processes associated with growth and tissue remodelling. IGF-1 was shown to enhance PAI-1 expression in primary hepatocytes and HepG2 hepatoma cells, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional mechanism and the signaling pathway by which IGF-1 mediates induction of PAI-1 expression in HepG2 cells. By using human PAI-1 promoter reporter gene assays we found that mutation of the hypoxia responsive element (HRE), which could bind hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), nearly abolished the induction by IGF-1. We found that IGF-1-induced up-regulation of PAI-1 expression was associated with activation of HIF-1α. Furthermore, IGF-1 enhanced HIF-1α protein levels and HIF-1 DNA-binding to each HRE, E4 and E5 as shown by EMSA. Mutation of the E-boxes, E4 and E5, did not affect the IGF-1-dependent induction of PAI-1 promoter constructs under normoxia but abolished the effect of IGF-1 under hypoxia. Inhibition of either the PI3K by LY294002 or ERK1/2 by U0126 reduced HIF-1α protein levels while both inhibitors together completely abolished the IGF-1 effect on HIF-1α. Remarkably, transfection of HepG2 cells with vectors expressing a dominant-negative PDK1 or the PKB inhibitor, TRB3, did not influence while dominant-negative Raf inhibited the IGF-1 effect on HIF-1α. Thus, IGF-1 activates human PAI-1 gene expression through activation of the PI3-kinase and ERK1/2 via HIF-1α.
Expression and function of syndecan-4 in human platelets
Authors: Kaneider Nicole , Feistritzer Clemens , Gritti Donatella , Mosheimer Birgit , Ricevuti Giovanni , Patsch Josef , Wiedermann Christian
Published: May 2005

Platelet recruitment crucially depends on amplification systems provided by autocrine and paracrine factors such as adenosine diphosphate. In inflammatory states, consumption of coagulation proteins, such as antithrombin aggravates the procoagulant state. In this study, we report that platelets express synde-can-4, an antithrombin-binding cell surface heparan sulphate proteoglycan, whose ligation with antithrombin inhibits activated platelet-dependent superoxide anion release from neut-rophils by the limitation of adenosine diphosphate and adeno-sine triphosphate secretion in activated platelets. Adenosine triphosphate-induced platelet aggregation is reduced after treatment of platelets with antithrombin, which is reversed by blockade of syndecan-4. We further observed that antithrombin limits CD40 ligand expression in adenosine diphosphate-activated platelets and inhibits the shedding of syndecan-4 from activated platelets. Syndecan-4 appears to be directly involved in regulating platelet aggregation as anti-syndecan-4 antibody augments platelet aggregation. We suggest that antithrombin might exert beneficial effects in disseminated intravascular coagulation by reducing platelet activation, observed as inhibited CD40 ligand expression, syndecan-4 shedding, and adenosine diphosphate- and adenosine triphosphate-release from activated platelets with subsequent inhibition of neutrophil respiratory burst. From these data it is concluded that syndecan-4 may play important roles in the regulation of inflammatory effects of platelets.
Nucleic acid aptamers in therapeutic anticoagulation
Authors: Rusconi Christopher , Sullenger Bruce , Becker Richard
Published: May 2005

The evolution of anticoagulant therapy for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic disorders has progressed at a relatively modest pace considering the scope of the problem and our current understanding of platelet biology, coagulation proteases, and vascular science as they apply to protective haemostasis and pathologic thrombosis. Recent observations, dedicated to cellular-based models of coagulation, provide fundamental constructs, mechanistic clarity, and potentially unparalleled opportunity for accelerating the development and wide-scale clinical use of safe, effective, regulatable and patient-specific therapies. The following review introduces a novel domain of anticoagulant therapy referred to as aptamers (derived from the Latin aptus – to fit), considering their history, development, and potential application in patient care arenas.
Relationship between factor XIII activity, fibrinogen, haemostasis screening tests and postoperative bleeding in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery
Authors: Blome Markus , Isgro Frank , Kiessling Arndt , Skuras Jan , Haubelt Hannelore , Saggau Werner , Hellstern Peter
Published: May 2005

We investigated the relationship between factor XIII, fibrinogen, blood coagulation screening tests and postoperative bleeding in 98 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. All patients received aprotinin. Blood samples were collected preoperatively (T1), after termination of CPB (T2), 12 h (T3) and 24 h (T4) after surgery to determine FXIII activity, fibrinogen, platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and D-dimers (DD). Laboratory results were correlated with the chest tube drainage 24 h after surgery and compared between patients with 24-hour chest tube drain volumes in the lower (Group 1) with those in the upper tertile (Group 3). Median FXIII and fibrinogen levels dropped by 33.9% and 34.2%, respectively, during CPB. No association between FXIII activity and the extent of postoperative bleeding was found. However, chest tube bleeding was significantly correlated with preoperative and postoperative fibrinogen. This was confirmed by comparing Groups 1 and 3. Group 3 patients had significantly lower fibrinogen levels than Group 1 at T1 – T4, although most fibrinogen values were within or above the reference range (medians, g/l: 3.5 vs. 4.0, p = 0.043 at T1; 2.3 vs. 2.7, p = 0.015 at T2; 2.9 vs. 3.3, p = 0.008 at T3; 4.2 vs. 5.2, p = 0.002 at T4). There was also a significant relationship of platelet count, PT and APTT, as measured after CPB (T2), with postoperative chest tube drainage. In conclusion, plasma FXIII activity does not influence postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing CPB surgery. There is however an inverse association between preoperative or postoperative plasma fibrinogen levels and postoperative bleeding. These findings indicate a modulation of postoperative bleeding by fibrinogen levels.
Antibody profiles for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Biasiolo Alessandra , Pegoraro Cinzia , Cucchini Umberto , Noventa Franco , Iliceto Sabino , Pengo Vittorio
Published: May 2005

Among the so called‘antiphospholipid antibodies’, the presence of Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) is associated with thrombosis-related events and defines the antiphospholipid syndrome. The role of anti-cardiolipin (aCL) antibodies and anti-human β2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies is less striking. Since the problem of standardization for these tests is far from resolved, we evaluated whether the combination of results (antiphospholipid laboratory profiles) could help to better classify these patients. Over a 6-year period, 618 consecutive subjects (55% of whom had previous documented thrombosis-related events) were referred to our clinic for Antiphospholipid antibody detection. LA was detected according to internationally accepted recommendations. ACL and aβ2GPI antibodies were detected by Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Patients’ records were reviewed for the presence of previous thromboembolic events or obstetric complications according to Sapporo’s clinical criteria for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and each patient underwent a physical examination. When individual tests were considered in a multivariate analysis which took into account age, gender, the presence of SLE or other autoimmune diseases and established risk factors for venous and arterial thromboembolism, LA (Odds Ratio 4.4, Confidence Interval 1.5–13.3) and aβ2GPI antibodies (Odds Ratio 2.9, Confidence Interval 1.1–7.5) but not aCL antibodies (Odds Ratio 1.2, Confidence Interval 0.5–2.7) were found to be independent risk factors for thrombosis-related events. When antiphospholipid antibody profiles instead of individual test positivity were analyzed in the above mentioned model, triple positivity resulted a strong independent risk factor (Odds Ratio 33.3, Confidence Interval 7.0–157.6), retaining its significance when the association with venous or arterial thromboembolism was considered. Double positivity with negative LA was close to significance for thrombosis-related events (Odds Ratio 2.2, Confidence Interval1.0–5.2, p=0.056) and highly significant risk factor for obstetric complications (Odds Ratio 10.8, Confidence Interval 2.9–40.8). Other combinations did not reach statistical significance. The mean level of IgG aβ2GPI antibodies was statistically higher in triple positive profile and might account for positive LA. As compared to a single test, the analysis of a complete antiphospholipid antibody profile can better determine patients at risk.
Thrombin activates the p21-activated kinase in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: BelAiba Rachida , Hess John , Kietzmann Thomas , Görlach Agnes
Published: May 2005

The p21-activated serine/threonine kinases (PAK) play an important role in a variety of cellular functions. However, their role in the smooth muscle response to thrombin, which is activated upon vascular injury and promotes vascular remodelling processes, is not resolved. Here we investigated the role of PAK in thrombin signalling and regulation of tissue factor (TF), the activator of the extrinsic coagulation cascade, in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), the main cell type responsible for vascular remodelling in pulmonary hypertension. PAK was rapidly phosphorylated in response to thrombin. Thrombin and active PAKT423E phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase (p38MAPK), ERK1/2, phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) and protein kinase B/Akt (PKB) whereas kinase-deficient PAK1 prevented activation of these kinases by thrombin. In addition, kinase-deficient MKK3 inhibited activation of PDK1 and PKB by thrombin. Further, thrombin and active PAK1 induced TF expression and promoter activity while kinase-deficient PAK1 diminished thrombin-induced TF upregulation. Moreover, kinase-deficient MKK3, PDK1 and PKB inhibited thrombin- and PAK-dependent TF expression and promoter activity. Together these findings show that PAK is a critical element of thrombin signalling in PASMC which is involved in the regulation of TF expression by sequentially activating MKK3/p38MAPK, PDK1 and PKB. Thus, PAK may play an important role in promoting vascular remodelling processes in pulmonary hypertension.
Recombinant factor VIIa
Authors: Zaffanello Marco , Veneri Dino , Franchini Massimo
Published: May 2005

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, Novo Seven®) has been successfully used to treat bleeding episodes in patients with antibodies against coagulation factors VIII and IX. In recent years, rFVIIa has also been employed for the management of uncontrolled bleeding in a number of congenital and acquired haemos-
tatic abnormalities. Based on a literature search, this review examines the current knowledge on therapy with rFVIIa, from the now well-standardized uses to the newer and less well-characterised clinical applications.
Characterisation of blood coagulation factor XIT475I
Authors: Lal Kalpana , Imanaka Yasufumi , Kemball-Cook Geoffrey , Bolton-Maggs Paula , Tuddenham Edward , McVey John
Published: May 2005

PCR-SSCP and DNA sequence analysis of a factor XI (FXI) deficient patient (FXI:C 39 U/dL; FXI:Ag 27 U/dL) identified a C to T transition in exon 12 of the FXI gene (F11 c.1521C>T) that predicts the substitution of Thr475 by Ile (FXIT475I) within the serine protease domain of FXI. This mutation destroys a consensus sequence for N-linked glycosylation, N473-Y-T475, known to be utilized in vivo. The FXIT475I variant was generated by site-directed mutagenesis, together with other variants that could help explain the phenotype, and recombinant FXI variants were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. FXI:Ag expression was analysed by Western blot analysis, ELISA and immunocyto-chemical staining. Wild-type FXI:Ag was secreted at high levels, however the mutant (FXIT475I) was secreted very poorly. Substitution of Thr475 by Ala, Pro, Lys or Arg (all of which abolish the glycosylation consensus sequence) also severely reduced the level of secreted FXI:Ag suggesting that glycosylation at Asn473 is required for folding or secretion. Concordant with this hypothesis the conservative substitution of Thr475 by Ser (which preserves the glycosylation consensus sequence) had no effect on FXI secretion. Thr/Ser475 is highly conserved in serine protease domains but the glycosylation site (Asn473) is not. Surprisingly, substitution of Asn473 by Ala (which removes the N-linked glycosylation site) had no effect on the levels of FXI:Ag secreted. In conclusion, although the FXI-T475I mutation destroys an N-linked glycosylation consensus sequence, the cause of failure to secrete FXI is not the loss of a glycosylation site but rather a direct effect of the substitution of this highly conserved residue.
Interannual Variability of the Altimetry-Derived Eddy Field and Surface Circulation in the Extratropical North Atlantic Ocean in 1993–2001
Authors: Volkov Denis L.
Published: May 2005

The distribution of surface eddy kinetic energy (EKE) depicts main oceanic surface circulation features. The interannual variability of EKE and associated geostrophic velocity anomalies in the North Atlantic Ocean were analyzed to describe the variations in oceanic currents between 1993 and 2002. The sea level anomaly maps of the combined TOPEX/Poseidon + ERS-1/2 and TOPEX/Poseidon-alone satellite altimetry data were used to derive EKE. The study focused on the areas of the Gulf Stream extension (GS), North Atlantic Current (NAC), Azores Current (AC), and the northeastern (Rockall Channel and Iceland Basin) and northwestern (Irminger Basin and Labrador Sea) North Atlantic. The interannual variability of the altimetry-derived EKE field in the GS extension area reflected the meridional displacements of the GS core described in earlier studies. The interannual change of EKE in the AC was characterized by high values in 1993–95 followed by lower EKE in subsequent years. The interannual variability of EKE in the NAC area west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge exhibited an out-of-phase change between the band centered at ∼47°N and two bands on either side centered at ∼43° and ∼50°N. In the Rockall Channel the geostrophic velocity anomalies indicated an intensified northeastward flow in 1993–95 followed by a relaxation in 1996–2000. The EKE band associated with the NAC branch in the Iceland Basin was found to be extended farther west after 1996, possibly following the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)-induced shift of the subpolar front. A rise of EKE was observed in the Irminger Basin from 1995 to 1999. This rise may have been associated with large anticyclonic geostrophic velocity anomalies, which indicated significant weakening of the cyclonic circulation in the Irminger Basin after 1996, and/or with possibly intensified eddy generation mechanisms due to the NAO-induced approach of the subpolar front. The interannual change of EKE in the Labrador Sea did not appear to always follow the atmospheric forcing expressed by NAO. Therefore other eddy generation mechanisms in the Labrador Sea can be important.
Mechanisms of Decadal Variability of the Wind-Driven Ocean Circulation
Authors: Hogg Andrew Mc C. , Killworth Peter D. , Blundell Jeffrey R. , Dewar William K.
Published: May 2005

Eddy-resolving quasigeostrophic simulations of wind-driven circulation in a large ocean basin are presented. The results show that strong modes of low-frequency variability arise in many parameter regimes and that the strength of these modes depends upon the presence of inertial recirculations in the flow field. The inertial recirculations arise through advection of anomalous potential vorticity by the western boundary current and are barotropized by the effect of baroclinic eddies in the flow. The mechanism of low-frequency oscillations is explored with reference to previous studies, and it is found that the observed mode can be linked to the gyre mode but is strongly modified by the effect of eddies.
Characterizing Transport between the Surface Mixed Layer and the Ocean Interior with a Forward and Adjoint Global Ocean Transport Model
Authors: Primeau François
Published: May 2005

The theory of first-passage time distribution functions and its extension to last-passage time distribution functions are applied to the problem of tracking the movement of water masses to and from the surface mixed layer in a global ocean general circulation model. The first-passage time distribution function is used to determine in a probabilistic sense when and where a fluid element will make its first contact with the surface as a function of its position in the ocean interior. The last-passage time distribution is used to determine when and where a fluid element made its last contact with the surface. A computationally efficient method is presented for recursively computing the first few moments of the first- and last-passage time distributions by directly inverting the forward and adjoint transport operator. This approach allows integrated transport information to be obtained directly from the differential form of the transport operator without the need to perform lengthy multitracer time integration of the transport equations. The method, which relies on the stationarity of the transport operator, is applied to the time-averaged transport operator obtained from a three-dimensional global ocean simulation performed with an OGCM. With this approach, the author (i) computes surface maps showing the fraction of the total ocean volume per unit area that ventilates at each point on the surface of the ocean, (ii) partitions interior water masses based on their formation region at the surface, and (iii) computes the three-dimensional spatial distribution of the mean and standard deviation of the age distribution of water.
Convection above the Labrador Continental Slope
Authors: Cuny Jérôme , Rhines Peter B. , Schott Friedrich , Lazier John
Published: May 2005

The Labrador Sea is one of the few regions of the World Ocean where deep convection takes place. Several moorings across the Labrador continental slope just north of Hamilton Bank show that convection does take place within the Labrador Current. Mixing above the lower Labrador slope is facilitated by the onshore along-isopycnal intrusions of low-potential-vorticity eddies that weaken the stratification, combined with baroclinic instability that sustains slanted mixing while restratifying the water column through horizontal fluxes. Above the shelf break, the Irminger seawater core is displaced onshore while the stratification weakens with the increase in isopycnal slope. The change in stratification is partially due to the onshore shift of the “classical” Labrador Current, baroclinic instability, and possibly slantwise convection.
National, transnational or supranational cinema? Rethinking European film studies
Authors: Bergfelder Tim
Published: May 2005

This article discusses critical parameters and historical perceptions that have dominated the academic study of European cinema since the 1990s. The main argument is that what has been frequently ignored is the supranational dimension of the term ‘European’. Thus, while the field of European film studies has witnessed a number of significant shifts in emphasis (most pertinently the refocusing from art cinema towards popular film genres), the core debate still primarily centres on national cinemas. The article then suggests engaging in areas that exemplify interconnectedness between national cinemas. These include patterns of inter-European migration and issues of multiculturalism; industrial practices such as co-productions; as well as localized strategies of receiving foreign films through mechanisms of translation and adaptation.
Metro, info, haro! Fierce reactions to regime competition in the French newspaper industry
Authors: Wilcox Lynne
Published: May 2005

This article analyses the strength of opposition generated when foreign newspaper operators attempted to introduce free daily newspapers into France. The ‘ Metro crisis’ of 2002 represents a significant event in the history of the French newspaper industry, upsetting the status quo in an industry where restrictive practices abound, and causing the quasi-iconic status of Le Monde, one of France’s most respected newspapers, to be called into question. Although the crisis revealed that the state-dependent industry was particularly vulnerable to competition from external sources, the competitive pressure exerted by the foreign rival publications acted as a spur to regeneration, and showed that the French newspaper industry is capable of adapting in response to market forces.
Arenas of innovation: understanding new configurational potentialities of communication technologies
Authors: Sawhney Harmeet , Lee Seungwhan
Published: May 2005

The entrenched institutions have repeatedly failed to understand the ‘new configurational potentiality’ of a new communication technology that enables new social and organizational configurations. While the potential for radical innovation made possible by a new communication technology remains below the corporate radar, it is often experimentation by fringe groups outside the established institutional framework that facilitates its realization. This article examines the systemic qualities of the ‘arenas of innovation’ arising out of communities of technology enthusiasts brought together by the new technology that allow fringe groups to generate critical insights that escape corporate eyes. The analysis starts with an examination of the systemic properties of the arena of innovation within which radio’s new configurational potentiality, broadcasting, was identified. Thereafter, the analysis moves to our own times and looks at the arena of innovation that has emerged around the Internet. Finally, the article draws on the experience with radio and the Internet to identify and discuss the defining qualities of an archetypal arena of innovation.
Brand loyalties: rethinking content within global corporate media
Authors: Murray Simone
Published: May 2005

Translating content from one media platform to another, a process here dubbed content streaming, is the leitmotif of contemporary globalized media. Yet widely divergent interpretations of the phenomenon have emerged. Academic political economy interprets content streaming as powerfully inimical to cultural diversity, media competition and freedom of speech. Mainstream business reporting, working from an opposing media economics schema, pillories ‘synergy’-based content strategies as oversold in theory and unworkable in practice. Challenging this established trend for the disciplines to develop in parallel, the article harnesses mainstream critique of content streaming to political economy’s traditionally circumspect view of corporate media. Examining first the commercial rationales for pursuing content streaming, before turning to the financial and managerial constraints on realizing these goals, the article positions content streaming as less all-pervasive than political economists have feared, but more commercially entrenched than the financial press currently allows.
Four Themes of the Impact of Management Teams on Organizational Performance
Authors: Vyakarnam Shailendra , Handelberg Jari
Published: May 2005

This article draws together accumulated research regarding top management teams with the more general literature of work on small groups, and adds detailed interpretation, thereby contributing to the literature on founding/management teams of new ventures. Prior TMT (Top Management Team) research has commonly linked demographic variables to team effectiveness. However, a growing understanding of the effects of teams on organizational performance suggests that besides team demographic variables, more fine-grained variables concerning team and individual processes have to be taken into account in order to better understand the link between entrepreneurial teams and organizational performance. Drawing on a large body of literature, four themes are proposed to illuminate these links in new ventures: resources, structural and process effects of teams, task leadership, and the effects of team members’ personal integration into the task process.
Networking Activities in Technology-based Entrepreneurial Teams
Authors: Neergaard Helle
Published: May 2005

Based on social network theory, this article investigates the distribution of networking roles and responsibilities in entrepreneurial founding teams. Its focus is on the team as a collection of individuals, thus allowing the research to address differences in networking patterns. It summarizes the results of two rounds of in-depth interviews carried out in 24 Danish new technology-based ventures over a period of two years and analyses the distribution of networking activity among founding team members. The article identifies six central networking activities and shows that not all founding team members are equally active ‘networkers’. The analyses identify that team members prioritize different networking activities and that one member in particular has extensive networking activities whereas other members of the team are more limited in their networking, while some even reject the notion of networking as a useful activity.
Virtual Teams and the Rise of e-Entrepreneurship in Europe
Authors: Matlay Harry , Westhead Paul
Published: May 2005

In recent years new forms of entrepreneurship have begun to emerge from the synergies between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) developments and changing paradigms of economic transactions. The resulting ‘turbulence’ within the international small business community has facilitated the evolution of innovative organizational forms that are structured dynamically to ensure sustainable competitive advantage in local, national or global markets. ‘Virtual Teams’ consist of groups of geographically distributed individuals (entrepreneurs) who interact through interdependent tasks and are led by common (entrepreneurial) interests and/or goals. This article focuses upon the emergence of Virtual Teams that increasingly form the competitive core of successful e-Entrepreneurship in Europe. Based upon the results of 15 longitudinal case studies from the European Tourism and Hospitality Industry, it identifies and considers the stages and processes specific to Virtual Teams, from formation to the fulfilment or adjournment of specific tasks and projects. The advantages and disadvantages of Virtual Teams of e-Entrepreneurs are additionally documented and discussed.
Information Seeking by Nurses in the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi N. A.
Published: May 2005

Examines the information-seeking behaviour and information needs of professional nurses at Obafemi Awolowo University Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and the adequacy of the information sources used. Five hundred practising nurses were used as respondents in the study, conducted between January and March, 2004. The study revealed that nurses were aware of their needs for current information for effective professional practice. Attending meetings, seminars, conferences etc., library facilities, colleagues and computers were sources capable of supplying most of their information needs. A high proportion of the respondents attended conferences, seminars, workshops etc. to keep abreast of the latest develoment in their profession. It was clear that the library was not highly rated by the respondents because of the inadequate library facilities provided in the hospital. Recommends that a well-equipped nursing library that will adequately meet the information needs of nurses be provided.
Domestic Computer Usage and Activities in West Coast Malaysia: age and income differences
Authors: Jaafar Noor Ismawati , Sulaiman Ainin
Published: May 2005

In Malaysia, a number of programs and initiatives have been introduced to increase computer ownership and ensure universal access among the population. A survey among households was conducted to study the impact of ICT and computers on Malaysian society. The survey was carried out to examine the level of domestic computer usage and identify the common activities associated with computers among the households. The study found differences in terms of age and income groups towards their level of computer usage. Malaysian teenagers are heavy domestic computer users in comparison to the other age categories. As expected, the high income people are also heavy domestic computer users. Interestingly, the study has found that computers are being used domestically for personal and household purposes such as entertainment rather than enhancing the flow of information among households and business organizations.
Statistical Information Resources and Development Planning in Ghana
Authors: Adams Musah , Anum Jacqueline Dede
Published: May 2005

Information is an essential tool in the planning process of District Assemblies in Ghana. The aim of the study was to identify the information resources at the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) used by the Assemblies. The survey method was used for the study, focusing on the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Northern regions. Findings showed that published reports and publications of the GSS serve as the main sources of statistical information. Information about these resources came from workshops and seminars attended by respondents. The study recommended that the GSS should strengthen the capacity of its district offices to render better services to the District Assemblies.
Grey Literature: the forgotten collection in academic libraries in Sierra Leone
Authors: Kargbo John Abdul
Published: May 2005

Academic librarians in Sierra Leone are preoccupied with the problems of collection development amidst rising student enrolments, new curricula and decreasing budgets. Especially disheartening has been the growing need for information and the implications of the information technology revolution in academia. While such developments are of great concern there has been increasing awareness among these librarians about grey literature collection in their libraries. This article then is focused on the management of grey literature in academic libraries in Sierra Leone and its attendant problems.
Hybrid Public Relations News Discourse
Authors: Erjavec Karmen
Published: May 2005

The aim of this article is twofold: to integrate an analysis of discourse processes into Fairclough’s textually orientated critical discourse analysis, and to show the usefulness of this approach in demonstrating the encroachment of public relations on news production in Slovenia. Interpractice analysis – which identifies cases where text production and interpretation processes overtly use practices outside the convention – was used to identify so-called ‘public relations news reports’ and uncover the elements of public relations practice used in journalism. The analysis of interdiscursivity revealed how hybrid practice, through textual devices (i.e. topics, perspective, choice of sources, genre and lexis), incorporates discursive elements of public relations into news report discourse. These include using the representatives of an organization as the main source, partiality and a one-sided (favourable) evaluation of the characteristics/activities of the subject discussed; none of which are in the interest of the audience, but in the interest of the powerful elite that the news covers.
‘Be Very Afraid’
Authors: Kuhn Raymond
Published: May 2005

This article examines French television’s news focus on the issue of l’insécurité in the run-up to the first round of the 2002 presidential election. The central argument is that despite the focus on l’insécurité in ‘background news’, television did not set the campaign agenda around this issue. The way in which the news coverage was framed did provide objective support for the campaign themes of Chirac and Le Pen. However, there is no evidence of any partisan bias on the part of newsroom staff, with the coverage driven by news values rather than party political considerations.
Research Note: Online and Print Newspapers
Authors: Schoenbach Klaus , de Waal Ester , Lauf Edmund
Published: May 2005

Printed newspapers are known to widen the range of public topics, events and issues their audience is aware of. There are reasons to assume that their online counterparts help increase their audience’s perceived agenda to a lesser extent. The way print newspapers are structured and used is supposed to lure readers into reading stories they may not have been interested in beforehand. Online papers support more activity and control by their users; becoming aware of a narrower range of topics according to one’s individual interests is more plausible. A representative survey of almost 1000 respondents shows it is more complicated than that. Both channels in fact contribute to widening the audience agenda. But whereas online newspapers show this effect only in the highest educated group of society, print newspapers are able to expand the horizon of those whose range of interests is at most average.
The mouse beam walking assay offers improved sensitivity over the mouse rotarod in determining motor coordination deficits induced by benzodiazepines
Authors: Stanley Joanna L. , Lincoln Rachael J. , Brown Terry A. , McDonald Louise M. , Dawson Gerard R. , Reynolds David S.
Published: May 2005

The mouse rotarod test of motor coordination/sedation is commonly used to predict clinical sedation caused by novel drugs. However, past experience suggests that it lacks the desired degree of sensitivity to be predictive of effects in humans. For example, the benzodiazepine, bretazenil, showed little impairment of mouse rotarod performance, but marked sedation in humans. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the mouse beam walking assay demonstrates: (i) an increased sensitivity over the rotarod and (ii) an increased ability to predict clinically sedative doses of benzodiazepines. The study compared the effects of the full benzodiazepine agonists, diazepam and lorazepam, and the partial agonist, bretazenil, on the mouse rotarod and beam walking assays. Diazepam and lorazepam significantly impaired rotarod performance, although relatively high GABA-A receptor occupancy was required (72% and 93%, respectively), whereas beam walking performance was significantly affected at approximately 30% receptor occupancy. Bretazenil produced significant deficits at 90% and 53% receptor occupancy on the rotarod and beam walking assays, respectively. The results suggest that the mouse beam walking assay is a more sensitive tool for determining benzodiazepine-induced motor coordination deficits than the rotarod. Furthermore, the GABA-A receptor occupancy values at which significant deficits were determined in the beam walking assay are comparable with those observed in clinical positron emission tomography studies using sedative doses of benzodiazepines. These data suggest that the beam walking assay may be able to more accurately predict the clinically sedative doses of novel benzodiazepine-like drugs.
Effect of chronic lithium and withdrawal from chronic lithium on presynaptic dopamine function in the rat
Authors: Ferrie Lindsey , Young Allan H. , McQuade Richard
Published: May 2005

Bipolar affective disorders can be successfully treated with long-term use of the mood stabilizer lithium. However, discontinuation of lithium treatment is followed by a high incidence of manic episodes. In the present study, we attempted to identify neurobiological changes that might mediate this rebound mania. In vivo microdialysis in the anaesthetized rat and in situ hybridization histochemistry were used to study the effect of chronic lithium treatment and withdrawal from chronic lithium treatment on presynaptic dopamine (DA) function. Rats were maintained for 28 days on a lithium diet or control diet. The lithium-withdrawn treatment group had their lithium diet substituted for control diet from day 25 of the treatment period. Microdialysis probes were implanted in the shell of the nucleus accumbens and both basal extracellular DA levels and DA levels in the presence of the DA uptake inhibitor bupropion (1 µM) were collected. Basal DA levels did not differ between any of the treatment groups. However, during local perfusion of bupropion, the increase in DA was significantly attenuated in the lithium-treated animals compared to controls or lithium-withdrawn animals. In situ hybridization of DA transporter mRNA in the ventral tegmental area revealed no difference in the abundance of this mRNA in any of the groups. These data suggest that there is impaired DA release in rats during chronic lithium treatment, but DA release returns to normal levels on withdrawal from lithium treatment, and is therefore unlikely to underlie the rebound mania associated with lithium withdrawal.
CO2 challenge results in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation in healthy volunteers
Authors: van Duinen Marlies A. , Schruers Koen R. J. , Maes Michael , Griez Eric J. L.
Published: May 2005

The 35% CO2 challenge is known to induce symptoms of a panic attack both in panic disorder (PD) patients and healthy volunteers. Although the challenge applies more to PD patients, studies in healthy volunteers provide the opportunity to isolate the physical symptoms from thedisorder and to focus on the direct effect from the challenge on stress responsive systems. One of the main stress responsive systems is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. It remains unclear whether panic symptoms are accompanied by HPA axis activation. Differences in design have hampered any comparison between studies. For example, both serum and salivary cortisol have been used to provide an index of HPA axis activation. Furthermore, indications for central HPA axisdisturbance have been suggested. The current study aimed to study the HPA axis response following the induction of panic symptoms in healthy volunteers, both at the pituitary level and at the adrenal level. Furthermore, both serum and salivary cortisol levels were determined. Subjective feelings of anxiety and, correspondingly, cortisol and ACTH levels, were found to be significantly increased following the 35% CO2 challenge. Cortisol and ACTH responses to CO2 were also associated. A significant cortisol increase was observed in both serum and salivasamples, although these were more pronounced when considering the free fraction serum values. We conclude that the induction of panic symptoms results in HPA axis activation, both at the pituitary and adrenal level. The question remains as to whether positive responders to the 35% CO2 inhalation (more specifically PD patients) show a morepronounced HPA axis response.
Effects of lorazepam on fear-potentiated startle responses in man
Authors: Graham S. J. , Scaife J. C. , Langley R. W. , Bradshaw C. M. , Szabadi E. , Xi L. , Crumley T. , Calder N. , Gottesdiener K. , Wagner J. A.
Published: May 2005

Sudden intense sensory stimuli elicit a cascade of involuntary responses, including a short-latency skeletal muscular response (‘eyeblink startle response’) and longer-latency autonomic responses. These responses are enhanced when subjects anticipate an aversive event compared to periods when subjects are resting (‘fear potentiation’). It has been reported previously that the anxiolytic diazepam can suppress fear-potentiation of the eyeblink startle response in human volunteers. The present experiment aimed to confirm and extend these observations by examining the effect of another benzodiazepine, lorazepam, on the eyeblink and skinconductance components of the acoustic startle, and on fear-potentiation of these responses. Eighteen male volunteers participated in threeweekly sessions in which they received oral treatment with placebo, lorazepam (1 mg) and lorazepam (2 mg), according to a balanced three-period, crossover, double-blind design. Two hours after ingestion of the treatments, electromyographic responses of the orbicularis oculi muscle and skin conductance responses were evoked by sound pulses during alternating periods in which the threat of an electric shock (electrodes attached to the subject’s wrist) was present (THREAT) and absent (SAFE). The THREAT condition was associated with significant increase in the amplitude of the electromyographic (EMG) and skin conductance responses; there were also increases in baseline skin conductance, the number and amplitude of ‘spontaneous’ skin conductance fluctuations and self-rated anxiety. Lorazepam attenuated the effect of THREAT on self-rated anxiety and on the amplitude of the EMG response, but had no significant effect on fear-potentiation of the skin conductanceresponses. These results extend previous findings of the effect of diazepam on the fear-potentiated eyeblink startle response to lorazepam, and suggest that fear-potentiation of the later autonomic component of the startle response may be less sensitive to benzodiazepines than the fear-potentiated eyeblink response and self-rated anxiety.
Selective effects of clonidine and temazepam on attention and memory
Authors: Tiplady Brian , Bowness Ellen , Stien Laura , Drummond Gordon
Published: May 2005

The present study compared the effects of clonidine and temazepam on performance on a range of tasks aiming to assess the role of central noradrenergic mechanisms in cognitive function. Fifteen healthy volunteers (seven male, eight female), aged 18–25 years, took part in a five-period crossover study in which they received placebo, temazepam (15 and 30 mg) and clonidine (150 and 300 µg) by mouth incounterbalanced order in sessions at least 4 days apart. A test battery was administered before treatment and at 45, 90 and 135 min after the dose. Performance on most tests was significantly impaired in a dose-related fashion, and subjective sedation was recorded for both drugs. The greatest impairments with clonidine were on attention in thepresence of distractors. Clonidine did not affect the formation of new long-term memories, in contrast to temazepam, but did impair measures of working memory. Subjective effects, especially feelings of drunkenness and abnormality, were particularly marked with clonidine. These results support the suggestion that central noradrenergic function may be involved in preventing distraction, but do not confirm other reports suggesting that some aspects of performance are improved with clonidine.
Extrapyramidal symptoms and signs in first-episode, antipsychotic exposed and non-exposed patients with schizophrenia or related psychotic illness
Authors: Honer William G. , Kopala Lili C. , Rabinowitz Jonathan
Published: May 2005

Movement disorders in first-episode psychosis are increasingly recognized; however, the prevalence and clinical correlates areuncertain. We compared antipsychotic exposed (< 12 weeks) with nonexposed first-episode patients, and report prevalence as well as clinical and demographic variables associated with extrapyramidal dysfunction. Data are baseline assessments from a multicentre, international drug trial of first-episode psychosis ( n = 535). Analysis included the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale, Premorbid Adjustment Scale, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Of non-exposed patients, 28.1% ( n = 47/167) had at least one mild sign of extrapyramidal dysfunction, as did 46.3% ( n = 169/365) of previously exposed patients. Hypokinetic Parkinsonism was the most prevalent disorder. The severity of movement disorders and negative symptoms were correlated; however, the effect sizes were small. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the salient risk factors for all patients were: previous antipsychotic exposure [odds ratio (OR) = 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–3.6] and poor premorbid functioning (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.6). For the non-exposed group ( n = 167), the significant risk factors were: having severe mental illness in the family (OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.2–7.2) and poor premorbid functioning (OR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.0–5.3). For the previously exposed group ( n = 368), thesignificant variables were: poor premorbid functioning (OR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.2–2.8) and shorter duration of untreated psychosis (OR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.64–0.94). Although antipsychotic exposure was associated with extrapyramidal signs, the results indicate that many first-episode patients with no exposure to antipsychotics also had extrapyramidal dysfunction. In this group, family history and poor premorbid functioning appear to be associated with increased risk for movement disorders.
Lamotrigine treatment of aggression in female borderline-patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Tritt Karin , Nickel Cerstin , Lahmann Claas , Leiberich Peter K. , Rother Wolfhardt K. , Loew Thomas H. , Nickel Marius K.
Published: May 2005

Anger and aggression are typical in borderline patients. The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of lamotrigine versus placebo in the treatment of aggression in women meeting the criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD). We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of lamotrigine in 24 female subjects meeting Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) criteria for BPD. Thesubjects were randomly assigned in a 2: 1 manner ratio to lamotrigine ( n = 18) or placebo ( n = 9). Treatment duration was 8 weeks. Primary outcome measures were self-reported changes on the anger scales of the Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI). In comparisone with theplacebo group, and according to the intention-to-treat principle, highly significant ( p < 0.01) changes on four STAXI scales (State–Anger, Trait–Anger, Anger–Out, Anger–Control) were observed in those subjects treated with lamotrigine after 8 weeks. The only exception ( p < 0.05) was found on the Anger–In scale, where a difference of only 8.5% ( p < 0.2) was found. All the patients tolerated lamotrigine relatively well. Lamotrigine appears to be a safe and effective agent in thetreatment of anger in women with criteria-defined BPD as defined by SCID criteria. It did not produce any clinically significant effect on body weight.
Use of lamotrigine to augment clozapine in patients with resistant schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol dependence: a potent anti-craving effect?
Authors: Kalyoncu A. , Mırsal H. , Pektaş Ö. , Ünsalan N. , Tan D. , Beyazyürek M.
Published: May 2005

Comorbid alcohol dependence is common in patients with schizophrenia and is associated with a variety of serious adverse consequences. Although case reports exist concerning the positive impact oflamotrigine addition on clozapine treatment in resistant schizophrenia, a review of the literature fails to document any evidence regarding acombination of the two in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol dependence. In the present study, we present three cases in which patients with resistant schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol use disorder were given lamotrigine to augment clozapine. Our findings suggest that clozapine plus lamotrigine may be helpful inreducing alcohol consumption and craving among patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol dependence.