bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Representations of Attachment, Maternal–Adolescent Relationship Quality, and Maternal Monitoring on Adolescent Substance Use: A 2‐Year Longitudinal Examination
Authors: Branstetter Steven A. , Furman Wyndol , Cottrell Lesley
Published: September 2009

The present study examined the hypotheses that more secure representations of attachments to parents are associated with less adolescent substance use over time and that this link is mediated through relationship quality and monitoring. A sample of 200 adolescents (M = 14–16 years), their mothers, and close friends were assessed over 2 years. Higher levels of security in attachment styles, but not states of mind, were predictive of higher levels of monitoring and support and lower levels of negative interactions. Higher levels of security in attachment styles had an indirect effect on changes in substance use over time, mediated by maternal monitoring. These findings highlight the roles of representations of attachments, mother–adolescent relationship qualities, and monitoring in the development of adolescent substance use.
Associations Between Father Absence and Age of First Sexual Intercourse
Authors: Mendle Jane , Harden K. Paige , Turkheimer Eric , Van Hulle Carol A. , D’Onofrio Brian M. , Brooks‐Gunn Jeanne , Rodgers Joseph L. , Emery Robert E. , Lahey Benjamin B.
Published: September 2009

Children raised without a biological father in the household have earlier average ages of first sexual intercourse than children raised in father‐present households. Competing theoretical perspectives have attributed this either to effects of father absence on socialization and physical maturation or to nonrandom selection of children predisposed for early sexual intercourse into father‐absent households. Genetically informative analyses of the children of sister dyads (N = 1,382, aged 14–21 years) support the selection hypothesis: This association seems attributable to confounded risks, most likely genetic in origin, which correlated both with likelihood of father absence and early sexual behavior. This holds implications for environmental theories of maturation and suggests that previous research may have inadvertently overestimated the role of family structure in reproductive maturation.
Shyness‐Sensitivity and Social, School, and Psychological Adjustment in Rural Migrant and Urban Children in China
Authors: Chen Xinyin , Wang Li , Wang Zhengyan
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine relations between shyness‐sensitivity and social competence, school performance, and psychological well‐being in Chinese children with rural and urban backgrounds. Participants were students in rural migrant children schools and city schools in China (Ns = 411 and 518, respectively; M age = 10 years). Data were obtained from peer evaluations, teacher ratings, self‐reports, and school records. It was found that shyness was associated with social and school problems and depression in urban children. However, shyness was generally associated with indexes of adjustment such as leadership, teacher‐rated competence, and academic achievement in rural migrant children. The results indicate the role of context in defining the functional meaning of social behavior in children’s adjustment.
Measuring Growth in Bilingual and Monolingual Children’s English Productive Vocabulary Development: The Utility of Combining Parent and Teacher Report
Authors: Vagh Shaher Banu , Pan Barbara Alexander , Mancilla‐Martinez Jeannette
Published: September 2009

This longitudinal study examined growth in the English productive vocabularies of bilingual and monolingual children between ages 24 and 36 months and explored the utility and validity of supplementing parent reports with teacher reports to improve the estimation of children’s vocabulary. Low‐income, English‐speaking and English/Spanish‐speaking parents and Early Head Start and Head Start program teachers completed the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventory, Words and Sentences for 85 children. Results indicate faster growth rates for monolingual than for bilingual children and larger vocabularies for bilingual children who spoke mostly English than mostly Spanish at home. Parent–teacher composite reports, like parent reports, significantly related to children’s directly assessed productive vocabulary at ages 30 and 36 months, but parent reports fit the model better. Implications for vocabulary assessment are discussed.
Crack Detection and Quantification in Beams Using Wavelets
Authors: Umesha P.K. , Ravichandran R. , Sivasubramanian K.
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  A new method has been proposed to detect the location and also to quantify the crack using the deflection response of the damaged beams alone. The deflection is measured at a particular point for various locations of a concentrated load on the beam. This static deflection profile is used as the input signal for wavelet (Symlet) analysis. Due to variation in deflection at some points, compared to their adjacent points, peaks are seen in the wavelet coefficient (WC) plot. These peak points are identified as damage points along the length of the beam. The peaks can also be seen at sensor point and supports. These can be eliminated by performing wavelet analysis for the deflection profile measured at another point. In a real damaged structure, it is very difficult to measure deflection at several points, as a large amount of instrumentation needs to be installed to measure the response. This practical difficulty can be avoided by minimizing the number of measuring points in the field as explained in the present work. A parametric study has been carried out by varying the damage, location of damage, intensity of load, flexural rigidity, and length of the beam. It has been observed that the WCs change with variations in damage, location of damage, intensity of load, flexural rigidity, and length of the beam. A generalized curve has been proposed to quantify the damage in a fixed beam by taking envelop of all maximum WCs of the deflection response measured at damage points.
Sequential Dynamics of Culturally Moderated Facial Expressions of Emotion
Authors: Matsumoto David , Willingham Bob , Olide Andres
Published: September 2009

There is consensus that when emotions are aroused, the displays of those emotions are either universal or culture-specific. We investigated the idea that an individual's emotional displays in a given context can be both universal and culturally variable, as they change over time. We examined the emotional displays of Olympic athletes across time, classified their expressive styles, and tested the association between those styles and a number of characteristics associated with the countries the athletes represented. Athletes from relatively urban, individualistic cultures expressed their emotions more, whereas athletes from less urban, collectivistic cultures masked their emotions more. These culturally influenced expressions occurred within a few seconds after initial, immediate, and universal emotional displays. Thus, universal and culture-specific emotional displays can unfold across time in an individual in a single context.
Arbitrary Social Norms Influence Sex Differences in Romantic Selectivity
Authors: Finkel Eli J. , Eastwick Paul W.
Published: September 2009

Men tend to be less selective than women when evaluating and pursuing potential romantic partners. The present experiment employed speed-dating procedures to test a novel explanation for this sex difference: The mere act of physically approaching a potential romantic partner (vs. being approached), a behavior that is more characteristic of men than of women, increases one's attraction to that partner. This hypothesis was supported in a sample of speed daters (N = 350) who attended a heterosexual event where either men (eight events) or women (seven events) rotated from one partner to the next while members of the other sex remained seated. Rotators were significantly less selective than were sitters, which meant that the tendency for men to be less selective than women at events where men rotated disappeared at events where women rotated. These effects were mediated by increased self-confidence among rotators relative to sitters.
The Informational Value of Incumbency
Authors: BEVIÁ CARMEN , LLAVADOR HUMBERTO
Published: September 2009

This paper exploits the informational value of incumbency: incumbency confers voters information about governing politicians not available from challengers. We propose a measure of incumbency advantage that improves the use of pure reelection success. We also study the relationship between incumbency advantage, ideological bias, and terms in office. Our argument emphasizes that incumbency affects candidates' chances of winning even if they had no opportunity to strategically utilize policies.
Tournaments of Weakly Heterogeneous Players
Authors: RYVKIN DMITRY
Published: September 2009

We consider three prominent tournament formats—contests, binary elimination tournaments, and round‐robin tournaments—in the case when players are heterogeneous in their abilities but the heterogeneity is, in a well‐defined sense, weak. Using linear approximation, we characterize equilibrium strategies and payoffs in the three tournament games and compare them to the benchmark symmetric case of identical players. We describe small deviations from the symmetric equilibria by elasticities of a player's equilibrium effort with respect to her own ability and the abilities of her rivals. Our results only require general symmetry and smoothness assumptions but not specific functional forms for the probabilities of winning in tournaments. We show that, in equilibrium: (i) a player's effort and payoff depend on her rivals' abilities in a model‐independent way, either through the average ability of the field (for static games), or through the properly discounted average ability of the field (for dynamic elimination tournaments); (ii) players respond stronger to changes in their own relative abilities than to changes in their rivals' relative abilities; (iii) aggregate effort (dissipated rent) does not change compared to the benchmark case; (iv) it is not possible to manipulate aggregate effort through seeding in binary elimination tournaments, although optimal seeding schemes for other purposes can be identified; and (v) balanced seeding and a uniform distribution of relative abilities cancel out the dependence of a player's effort on her rivals' abilities in binary elimination tournaments.
Pre‐colonial culture, post‐colonial economic success? The Tswana and the African economic miracle
Authors: HJORT JONAS
Published: September 2009

Cultural explanations of economic phenomena have recently enjoyed a renaissance among economists. This article provides further evidence for the salience of culture through an in‐depth case study of one of the fastest‐growing economies in the world during the last 50 years—Botswana. The unique culture that developed among the Tswana before and during the early days of colonialism, which shared many features with those of western nation‐states, appears to have contributed significantly to the factors widely seen as determinants of Botswana's post‐colonial economic success: state legitimacy, good governance and democracy, commercial traditions, well‐established property rights, and inter‐ethnic unity. Neighbouring Southern African cultures typically did not exhibit these traits.
Non‐Conceptualism and the Problem of Perceptual Self‐Knowledge
Authors: Hanna Robert , Chadha Monima
Published: September 2009

Abstract:In this paper we (i) identify the notion of ‘essentially non‐conceptual content’ by critically analyzing the recent and contemporary debate about non‐conceptual content, (ii) work out the basics of broadly Kantian theory of essentially non‐conceptual content in relation to a corresponding theory of conceptual content, and then (iii) demonstrate one effective application of the Kantian theory of essentially non‐conceptual content by using this theory to provide a ‘minimalist’ solution to the problem of perceptual self‐knowledge which is raised by Strong Externalism.
Towards a combined prognostic index for survival in HIV infection: the role of ‘non‐HIV’ biomarkers
Authors: Justice AC , McGinnis KA , Skanderson M , Chang CC , Gibert CL , Goetz MB , Rimland D , Rodriguez‐Barradas MC , Oursler KK , Brown ST , Braithwaite RS , May M , Covinsky KE , Roberts MS , Fultz SL , Bryant KJ ,   for the VACS Project Team
Published: September 2009

Background

As those with HIV infection live longer, ‘non‐AIDS’ condition associated with immunodeficiency and chronic inflammation are more common. We ask whether ‘non‐HIV’ biomarkers improve differentiation of mortality risk among individuals initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

Methods

Using Poisson models, we analysed data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) on HIV‐infected veterans initiating cART between 1 January 1997 and 1 August 2002. Measurements included: HIV biomarkers (CD4 cell count, HIV RNA and AIDS‐defining conditions); ‘non‐HIV’ biomarkers (haemoglobin, transaminases, platelets, creatinine, and hepatitis B and C serology); substance abuse or dependence (alcohol or drug); and age. Outcome was all cause mortality. We tested the discrimination (C statistics) of each biomarker group alone and in combination in development and validation data sets, over a range of survival intervals, and adjusting for missing data.

Results

Of veterans initiating cART, 9784 (72%) had complete data. Of these, 2566 died. Subjects were middle‐aged (median age 45 years), mainly male (98%) and predominantly black (51%). HIV and ‘non‐HIV’ markers were associated with each other (P<0.0001) and discriminated mortality (C statistics 0.68–0.73); when combined, discrimination improved (P<0.0001). Discrimination for the VACS Index was greater for shorter survival intervals [30‐day C statistic 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–0.91], but good for intervals of up to 8 years (C statistic 0.73, 95% CI 0.72–0.74). Results were robust to adjustment for missing data.

Conclusions

When added to HIV biomarkers, ‘non‐HIV’ biomarkers improve differentiation of mortality. When evaluated over similar intervals, the VACS Index discriminates as well as other established indices. After further validation, the VACS Index may provide a useful, integrated risk assessment for management and research.
The State and Marginality: Reflections on Urban Outcasts from China's Urban Transition
Authors: WU FULONG
Published: September 2009

This essay reflects on four structural logics of poverty generation, developed in Urban Outcasts. These are the logics of macro‐social, economic, political and spatial dynamics. Considering the Chinese context, the essay suggests that, rather than being isolated from mainstream production, the Chinese urban poor are engaged in global commodity production. While no obvious ghettos have been so far identified in Chinese cities, there are spatial concentrations of the poor in particular neighbourhoods. This spatial concentration is related to state institutions before and after economic reform. Throughout the process of poverty generation, the role of the state is prominent, as highlighted in Wacquant's research on American and French cities. I argue that the role of the state is complex, not just penal. One significant contribution of Wacquant's book is that it reveals important differences between French banlieues and American ghettoes, thus highlighting the need to examine place‐specific regimes of marginality. As for ‘advanced’ marginality, Wacquant emphasizes its structural causes, which are particularly relevant to China's urban transition. In China, we can also identify the ‘advanced’ stage of suppressing the poor in the process of urban change.

Cet essai s'intéresse à quatre logiques structurelles de génération de la pauvreté, présentées dans Urban Outcasts (Parias urbains): les logiques des dynamiques macro‐sociale, économique, politique et spatiale. S'attachant au contexte chinois, l'essai suggère que, loin d'être isolés de l'activité de production dominante, les pauvres des villes chinoises participent à la production de biens mondiale. Jusqu'à présent, aucun cas manifeste de ghetto urbain n'a été identifié en Chine, même s'il existe des concentrations spatiales de pauvres dans certains quartiers. Cette concentration spatiale est liée aux institutions étatiques, avant et après la réforme économique. Au cours du processus générateur de pauvreté, le rôle de l'État est déterminant, comme l'ont souligné les travaux de Wacquant sur des villes américaines et françaises. À mon avis, le rôle de l'État est complexe, pas seulement pénal. L'un des apports appréciables du livre de Wacquant tient à ce qu'il révèle les différences notables entre les ‘banlieues’ françaises et les ghettos américains, mettant ainsi en avant la nécessité d'examiner les systèmes de marginalité en fonction du lieu. Quant à la marginalité‘avancée’, l'auteur insiste sur ses causes structurelles, lesquelles sont particulièrement pertinentes pour la période de transition urbaine chinoise. En Chine, on peut aussi identifier le stade ‘avancé’ d'élimination des pauvres dans le processus de transformation des villes.
Space Matters — Marginalization and Its Places
Authors: DANGSCHAT JENS S.
Published: September 2009

Analysing the social situation of hyperghettos in Chicago and the banlieues in Paris, Loïc Wacquant goes far beyond the empirical comparison by detecting the underlying logics of social polarization. Thus, he contends that each society produces its own social inequalities through its respective power relations and that place matters for social exclusion processes. This fact, however, should not be analysed simply by structural factors. Therefore, a theory of space is needed by which it is possible to explain the inner logics of socio‐spatial exclusion. Following the theory of the self‐recruiting of the upper classes by Pierre Bourdieu (the structure–habitus–practise reproduction formula) this theory has to connect the macro level (market economy, neoliberal regulation, the production of images, goals and attitudes towards social justice, etc.) which explains the logics of regulation and class composition, the meso level (territories and places with their own logics, social structures and social relations in networks — bridging or bonding) and the micro level (with its subjective constructions of realities and everyday behaviour). The commentary concludes with the question why critical books like Urban Outcasts are so rare and argues that the ‘economy of awareness’ is negatively impacting on the scientific community.

Dans Urban Outcasts (Parias urbains), analyser la situation sociale des hyperghettos de Chicago et des ‘banlieues’ de Paris conduit Loïc Wacquant au‐delà de la comparaison empirique en détectant la logique sous‐jacente de la polarisation sociale. En conséquence, il affirme que chaque société produit ses propres inégalités sociales au travers des relations de pouvoir en place, et que le lieu joue un rôle dans les processus d'exclusion sociale. Néanmoins, ce fait ne devrait pas être analysé uniquement selon des facteurs structuraux. Il faut donc une théorie de l'espace permettant d'expliquer la logique interne de l'exclusion socio‐spatiale. Partant de la théorie de Pierre Bourdieu sur l'auto‐recrutement des classes supérieures (formule de reproduction: structure, habitus, pratique), cette théorie doit relier trois niveaux: le niveau macro (économie de marché, régulation néolibérale, production d'images, objectifs et attitudes en faveur de la justice sociale, etc.) qui explique la logique de la régulation et de la composition des classes; le niveau méso (territoires et lieux ayant chacun leur logique, leurs structures sociales et leurs réseaux de relations sociales, qu'ils soient bonding ou bridging); le niveau micro (avec ses interprétations subjectives des réalités et du comportement au quotidien). En conclusion, le commentaire se demande pourquoi les livres critiques comme Urban Outcasts sont aussi rares et préconise que ‘l'économie de l'attention’ a un impact négatif sur la communauté scientifique.
Urban Outcasts: A Contextualized Outlook on Advanced Marginality
Authors: MALOUTAS THOMAS
Published: September 2009

This comment on Urban Outcasts appreciates Wacquant's awareness of contextual difference and his effort to theorize advanced marginality. Two critical remarks are formulated regarding the use of the polarization thesis as the backdrop for analyzing advanced marginality (which, in my view, goes against the contextual sensitivity of the analysis), and the neglect of the neighbourhood effect literature, which is summarily discarded. The second half of the comment is devoted to a brief discussion of advanced marginality in South European cities and particularly in Athens. It is, therefore, a discussion that contextualizes some of the features that Wacquant proposes for advanced marginality in terms of their occurrence and meaning within a different path towards post‐Fordism and a persistently residual welfare regime (that may bear some similarity with conditions in some other parts of the world, such as South America).

Ce commentaire sur Urban Outcasts (Parias urbains) apprécie d'abord l'attention de Wacquant aux différences de contexte, ainsi que ses efforts pour conceptualiser la marginalité avancée. Les deux observations critiques qui sont formulées concernent le recours à la thèse de la polarisation comme toile de fond à une analyse de la marginalité avancée (ce qui va, selon moi, à l'encontre de la sensibilité contextuelle de cette analyse), et le désintérêt pour la littérature sur l'effet de proximité, sommairement écartée. Une seconde partie se consacre à une courte discussion sur la marginalité avancée dans les villes du Sud de l'Europe, notamment à Athènes. Cette discussion replace donc certaines caractéristiques de la marginalité avancée proposées par Wacquant en fonction de leur identification et de leur signification dans le cadre d'un cheminement différent vers le post‐fordisme et d'une forme résiduelle persistante d'État‐providence (pouvant rappeler des situations propres à d'autres parties du monde, telle l'Amérique du Sud).
5‐HTTLPR moderates the effect of relational peer victimization on depressive symptoms in adolescent girls
Authors: Benjet Corina , Thompson Renee J. , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Relational peer victimization is associated with internalizing symptoms. Compared to boys, girls are more likely to be both relationally victimized by peers and distressed by the victimization. While previous studies have reported that a functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTTLPR) moderates the effect of stressful life events on depressive symptoms, the present study is the first to evaluate the interaction of this polymorphism with relational peer victimization to predict level of depressive symptoms in young girls.

Methods:  Participants were 78 girls ages 10 to 14 who had no current or past Axis I disorder. Girls were genotyped for 5‐HTTLPR; peer victimization was assessed with the Social Experiences Questionnaire, and depressive symptoms with the Children’s Depression Inventory.

Results:  The 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism alone did not predict level of depressive symptoms; the interaction of 5‐HTTLPR and relational peer victimization, however, was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms. Follow‐up analyses indicated that peer victimization significantly predicted level of depressive symptoms only for girls who were homozygous for the short allele, and not for girls homozygous for the long allele or who were heterozygous for the short and long alleles.

Conclusions:  The findings support the diathesis‐stress model of depression: having two 5‐HTTLPR short alleles confers vulnerability to depressive symptoms in adolescent girls when they experience relational peer victimization. These findings also suggest that relational peer victimization, at least for girls with genetic vulnerability, is a significant source of stress and should be recognized in the monitoring and prevention of bullying.
Executive–Legislature Relations in Foreign Policy: A Case Study in Incipient Regional Integration
Authors: GARDINI GIAN LUCA
Published: September 2009

This article explores the role of the Argentine and Brazilian parliaments during the formative years of Mercosur with the aim of assessing how the specific model of ‘limited democracy’ may have had an impact on the course and shape of Mercosur. Although that integration process was essentially a governmental exercise, with only a marginal role for congresses, this article argues that this does not constitute in itself either a violation of constitutional provisions in the member states or a geographical anomaly compared to other constitutional traditions or to incipient integration processes elsewhere. Yet, perhaps ironically, the conclusion suggests that democratic limitations have fostered, rather than hampered, integration in the Southern Cone of Latin America.
Detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in vivo using confocal endomicroscopy
Authors: Tan J , Quinn MA , Pyman JM , Delaney PM , McLaren WJ
Published: September 2009

Objective  A high resolution optical imaging device may offer a clinically useful adjunct to colposcopy for the diagnosis and assessment of cervical precancer. This study describes the clinical evaluation of a miniaturised confocal endomicroscope for the quantitative and qualitative assessment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in vivo.

Design  A descriptive study (n = 25) was performed to assess the usability of confocal endomicroscopy to image the cervix. A prospective study (n = 15) then evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the technique.

Setting and population  Patients undergoing colposcopy for treatment of CIN1‐CIN3 were examined using confocal endomicroscopy.

Methods  A 5% solution of acetic acid was used to enhance the colposcopic features of the atypical region. Normal and abnormal regions of the cervix were then imaged following topical application of a fluorescent dye (acriflavine).

Main outcome measures  Confocal images were analysed to develop a scoring system to grade different levels of CIN. Microscopic features were correlated with histology from biopsy.

Results  Confocal endomicroscopy enabled microscopic imaging of cellular and subcellular structures in vivo at colposcopy. Imaging at increasing depth showed morphological features including dermal papillae, endocervical glands and the squamo‐columnar junction. CIN was characterised by an increase in nuclear density, size and cellular atypia. The sensitivity for detection of CIN was 97%. The specificity for predicting the grade of abnormality was 80% for normal‐CIN1 and 93% for CIN2‐CIN3.

Conclusions  Confocal endomicroscopy is a sensitive imaging tool for detection and assessment of CIN. The technique enables in vivo imaging of cervical histology and the potential for ‘see‐and‐treat’ workflows.
Vaginal birth after two caesarean sections (VBAC‐2)—a systematic review with meta‐analysis of success rate and adverse outcomes of VBAC‐2 versus VBAC‐1 and repeat (third) caesarean sections
Authors: Tahseen S , Griffiths M
Published: September 2009

Background  Trial of vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) is considered acceptable after one caesarean section (CS), however, women wishing to have trial after two CS are generally not allowed or counselled appropriately of efficacy and complications.

Objective  To perform a systematic review of literature on success rate of vaginal birth after two caesarean sections (VBAC‐2) and associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes; and compare with commonly accepted VBAC‐1 and the alternative option of repeat third CS (RCS).

Search strategy  We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Current Controlled Trials, HMIC Database, Grey Literature Databases (SIGLE, Biomed Central), using search terms Caesarean section, caesarian, C*rean, C*rian, and MeSH headings ‘Vaginal birth after caesarean section’, combined with second search string two, twice, second, multiple.

Selection criteria  No randomised studies were available, case series or cohort studies were assessed for quality (STROBE), 20/23 available studies included.

Data collection and analysis  Two independent reviewers selected studies and abstracted and tabulated data and pooled estimates were obtained on success rate, uterine rupture and other adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Meta‐analyses were performed using RevMan‐5 to compare VBAC‐1 versus VBAC‐2 and VBAC‐2 versus RCS.

Main results  VBAC‐2 success rate was 71.1%, uterine rupture rate 1.36%, hysterectomy rate 0.55%, blood transfusion 2.01%, neonatal unit admission rate 7.78% and perinatal asphyxial injury/death 0.09%. VBAC‐2 versus VBAC‐1 success rates were 4064/5666 (71.1%) versus 38 814/50 685 (76.5%) (P < 0.001); associated uterine rupture rate 1.59% versus 0.72% (P < 0.001) and hysterectomy rates were 0.56% versus 0.19% (P = 0.001) respectively. Comparing VBAC‐2 versus RCS, the hysterectomy rates were 0.40% versus 0.63% (P = 0.63), transfusion 1.68% versus 1.67% (P = 0.86) and febrile morbidity 6.03% versus 6.39%, respectively (P = 0.27). Maternal morbidity of VBAC‐2 was comparable to RCS. Neonatal morbidity data were too limited to draw valid conclusions, however, no significant differences were indicated in VBAC‐2, VBAC‐1 and RCS groups in NNU admission rates and asphyxial injury/neonatal death rates (Mantel–Haenszel).

Conclusions  Women requesting for a trial of vaginal delivery after two caesarean sections should be counselled appropriately considering available data of success rate 71.1%, uterine rupture rate 1.36% and of a comparative maternal morbidity with repeat CS option.
Colposuspension or TVT with anterior repair for urinary incontinence and prolapse: results of and lessons from a pilot randomised patient‐preference study (CARPET 1)
Authors: Tincello DG , Kenyon S , Slack M , Toozs‐Hobson P , Mayne C , Jones D , Taylor D
Published: September 2009

In a multicentre randomised, unblinded patient preference pilot trial to assess the feasibility of a definitive randomised trial comparing colposuspension with tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) plus anterior repair in women with incontinence and prolapse, we found that 31 of 56 eligible women agreed to participate (55%). Recruitment was more successful face to face (87%) than by letter (16%). Only four of our women agreed to be randomised, 21 (68%) chose anterior repair + TVT and six (19%) chose colposuspension. This study demonstrates the importance of pilot work for complex trials to identify issues likely to adversely affect recruitment.
Nitric Oxide‐Induced Changes in Endothelial Expression of Phosphodiesterases 2, 3, and 5
Authors: Schankin Christoph J. , Kruse Lars S. , Reinisch Veronika M. , Jungmann Steffen , Kristensen Julie C. , Grau Stefan , Ferrari Uta , Sinicina Inga , Goldbrunner Roland , Straube Andreas , Kruuse Christina
Published: September 2009

(Headache2010;50:431‐441)

Objective.—To investigate nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated changes in expression of cyclic nucleotide degrading phosphodiesterases 2A (PDE2A), PDE3B, and PDE5A in human endothelial cells.

Background.—Nitric oxide induces production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which along with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is degraded by PDEs. NO donors and selective inhibitors of PDE3 and PDE5 induce migraine‐like headache and play a role in endothelial dysfunction during stroke. The current study investigates possible NO modulation of cGMP‐related PDEs relevant to headache induction in a cell line containing such PDEs.

Methods.—Real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blots were used to show expression of PDE2A, PDE3B, and PDE5A in a stable cell line of human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Effects of NO on PDE expression were analyzed at specific time intervals after continued DETA NONOate administration.

Results.—This study shows the expression of PDE2A, PDE3B, and PDE5A mRNA and PDE3B and PDE5A protein in human cerebral endothelial cells. Long‐term DETA NONOate administration induced an immediate mRNA up‐regulation of PDE5A (1.9‐fold, 0.5 hour), an early peak of PDE2A (1.4‐fold, 1 and 2 hours) and later up‐regulation of both PDE3B (1.6‐fold, 4 hours) and PDE2A (1.7‐fold, 8 hours and 1.2‐fold after 24 hours). Such changes were, however, not translated into significant changes in protein expression indicating few, if any, functional effects.

Conclusions.—Long‐term NO stimulation modulated PDE3 and PDE5 mRNA expression in endothelial cells. However, PDE3 and PDE5 protein levels were unaffected by NO. The presence of PDE3 or PDE5 in endothelial cells indicates that selective inhibitors may have functional effects in such cells. A complex interaction of cGMP and cAMP in response to NO administration may take place if the mRNA translates into active protein. Whether or not this plays a role in the headache mechanisms remains to be investigated.
Assessment of an Indirect Metal Ceramic Repair System
Authors: Fahmy Nadia Z. , Mohsen Cherif A.
Published: September 2009

Purpose: This study was designed to compare an alternative indirect treatment to repair fractured or chipped veneering metal ceramic using recently developed ultra‐low‐fusing ceramics.

Materials and Methods: One conventional feldspathic ceramic, Vita Omega, and three ultra‐low‐fusing ceramics (ULFC), Finesse, Duceram LFC, and Vision‐low, were used. Forty ceramic specimens were prepared and divided into two groups. Group I (n = 20) was designed for bond strength testing. It comprised four subgroups (A, B, C, D): one Ceramic‐resin (A) and three Ceramic‐ULFC disc specimens of different diameters (B, C, D). Group II was composed of repaired ceramic discs using direct and indirect repair methods for biaxial testing. It was comprised of five subgroups: the fractured discs from subgroup A; Omega discs (n = 20) formed the repaired specimens of the four remaining subgroups: B, C, D, E. Data were presented as means and standard deviation (SD) values. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparison between means. Tukey's post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison between the means when ANOVA test was significant. The significance level was set at p≤ 0.05.

Results: Within group I, Omega‐Ducera LFC showed the statistically highest mean bond strength (25.8 MPa) values, followed by Omega‐Finesse (15.8 MPa). No statistically significant difference was apparent between Omega‐Vision (9.3 MPa) and the control Omega‐Composite group (7.5 MPa). Regarding group II, the Control Omega subgroup showed statistically the highest mean biaxial strength values (168.8 MPa). No statistically significant difference was evident between the values of Omega‐Finesse (78.7 MPa), Omega‐Vision (78.4 MPa), and Omega‐Composite (82.5 MPa). Omega‐Ducera LFC subgroup, showed statistically the lowest mean values (53 MPa).

Conclusions: Omega‐Ducera LFC yielded the statistically highest mean bond strength values, and the lowest biaxial strength values. All values were within the reported bond strength values for resin repair. All the tested groups showed significantly lower values compared to the initial biaxial strength mean values of the Omega ceramic; however, two of the tested ULFC (Vision, Finesse), recorded means that were statistically equal to the resin‐ceramic direct subgroup. Duceram LFC showed the lowest values, probably due to its totally glass composition, which showed low strength values of the repaired specimens. The recorded bond and biaxial values suggest that indirect repair of fractured LFC using some ULFC ceramics may offer an alternative solution to the traditional direct resin repair method; however, the choice of the used ceramic should be one containing some leucite crystals. Further studies are needed to investigate the long‐term performance of the proposed repair treatment.
Acceleration of muscle regeneration by local injection of muscle‐specific microRNAs in rat skeletal muscle injury model
Authors: Nakasa Tomoyuki , Ishikawa Masakazu , Shi Ming , Shibuya Hayatoshi , Adachi Nobuo , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: September 2009

MicroRNA (miRNA)s are a class of non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally. Muscle‐specific miRNA, miRNA (miR)‐1, miR‐133 and miR‐206 play a crucial role in the regulation of muscle development and homeostasis. Muscle injuries are a common muscloskeletal disorder, and the most effective treatment has not been established yet. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that a local injection of double‐stranded (ds) miR‐1, miR‐133 and 206 can accelerate muscle regeneration in a rat skeletal muscle injury model. After the laceration of the rat tibialis anterior muscle, ds miR‐1, 133 and 206 mixture mediated atelocollagen was injected into the injured site. The control group was injected with control siRNA. At 1 week after injury, an injection of miRNAs could enhance muscle regeneration morphologically and physiologically, and prevent fibrosis effectively compared to the control siRNA. Administration of exogenous miR‐1, 133 and 206 can induce expression of myogenic markers, MyoD1, myogenin and Pax7 in mRNA and expression in the protein level at 3 and 7 days after injury. The combination of miR‐1, 133 and 206 can promote myotube differentiation, and the expression of MyoD1, myogenin and Pax7 were up‐regulated in C2C12 cells in vitro. Local injection of miR‐1, 133 and 206 could be a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury.
Resistin competes with lipopolysaccharide for binding to toll‐like receptor 4
Authors: Tarkowski Andrej , Bjersing Jan , Shestakov Andrey , Bokarewa Maria I.
Published: September 2009

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are a family of cellular structures activated by recognition of pathogen associated molecular sequences. The activation of TLRs triggers a variety of intracellular mechanisms aiming to protect the host from the invading microorganisms. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the main ligand for TLR4. Here we show that resistin, a cystein‐rich protein believed to regulate carbohydrate metabolism, competes with LPS for binding to TLR4. Binding of recombinant resistin to human myeloid and epithelial cells was assessed by flow cytometry and its co‐precipitation with TLR4 was demonstrated. Antibodies against TLR4 abolished resistin binding to human leucocytes and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to resistin stimulation. In contrast, isotype‐matched murine IgG or TLR2 antibodies were unable to prevent binding of resistin to the cells. Similarly, TLR4‐dependent pattern of resistin binding was observed in epithelial cell line HEK293 (human epithelial kidney cell), where TLR4 transfected, but not myeloid differentiation factor 2/CD14‐transfected, TLR2 transfected or HEKnull cells, responded functionally to resistin stimulation. Intracellular signalling of resistin was assessed using inhibitors of transcription factors mitogen activated protein kinases, nuclear factor‐κB, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase and siRNA targeting TLR4 and human myeloid differentiation factor 88. Results demonstrate that TLR4 serves as a receptor for the pro‐inflammatory effects of resistin in human cells. This may partly explain the multifunctional role of resistin in chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis and insulin resistance.
Helicobacter pylori urease activates blood platelets through a lipoxygenase‐mediated pathway
Authors: Wassermann German E. , Olivera‐Severo Deiber , Uberti Augusto F. , Carlini Célia R.
Published: September 2009

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori causes peptic ulcers and gastric cancer in human beings by mechanisms yet not fully understood. H. pylori produces urease which neutralizes the acidic medium permitting its survival in the stomach. We have previously shown that ureases from jackbean, soybean or Bacillus pasteurii induce blood platelet aggregation independently of their enzyme activity by a pathway requiring platelet secretion, activation of calcium channels and lipoxygenase‐derived eicosanoids. We investigated whether H. pylori urease displays platelet‐activating properties and defined biochemical pathways involved in this phenomenon. For that the effects of purified recombinant H. pylori urease (HPU) added to rabbit platelets were assessed turbidimetrically. ATP secretion and production of lipoxygenase metabolites by activated platelets were measured. Fluorescein‐labelled HPU bound to platelets but not to erythrocytes. HPU induced aggregation of rabbit platelets (ED50 0.28 μM) accompanied by ATP secretion. No correlation was found between platelet activation and ureolytic activity of HPU. Platelet aggregation was blocked by esculetin (12‐lipoxygenase inhibitor) and enhanced ∼3‐fold by indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor). A metabolite of 12‐lipoxygenase was produced by platelets exposed to HPU. Platelet responses to HPU did not involve platelet‐activating factor, but required activation of verapamil‐inhibitable calcium channels. Our data show that purified H. pylori urease activates blood platelets at submicromolar concentrations. This property seems to be common to ureases regardless of their source (plant or bacteria) or quaternary structure (single, di‐ or tri‐chain proteins). These properties of HPU could play an important role in pathogenesis of gastrointestinal and associated cardiovascular diseases caused by H. pylori.
TNF‐α‐mediated signal transduction pathway is a major determinant of apoptosis in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Das Samarjit , Babick Andrea P. , Xu Yan‐Jun , Takeda Nobuakira , Rodriguez‐Levya Delfin , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: September 2009

Although J2N‐k strain of cardiomyopathic hamsters is an excellent model of dilated cardiomyopathy, the presence and mechanisms of apoptosis in the hearts of these genetically modified animals have not been investigated. This study examined the hypothesis that cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis in the cardiomyopathic hamsters were associated with tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐mediated signalling pathway involving the activation of some pro‐apoptotic proteins and/or deactivation of some antiapoptotic proteins. Echocardiographic assessment of 31‐week‐old hamsters indicated an increase in the internal dimension of the left ventricle as well as decreases in the ejection fraction, fractional shortening and cardiac output without any evidence of cardiac hypertrophy. Increased level of TNF‐α and apoptosis in cardiomyopathic hearts were accompanied by increased protein content for protein kinase C (PKC) ‐α and ‐ɛ isozymes as well as caspases 3 and 9. Phosphorylated protein content for p38 MAPK and NFκB was increased whereas that for Erk1/2, BAD and Bcl‐2 was decreased in cardiomyopathic hearts. These results support the view that TNF‐α and PKC isozymes may promote apoptosis due to the activation of p38 MAPK and deactivation of Erk1/2 pathways, and these changes may contribute toward the development of cardiac dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathy.
The role and duties of scientific medical societies: The German Society of Dermatology from the member's perspective
Authors: Hensen Peter , Stadler Rudolf , Luger Thomas A.
Published: September 2009

Background: The German Society of Dermatology is a scientific medical society that represents the interests of German‐speaking dermatology. One recommendation of a strategic planning mission was to increase the involvement of society members.

Methods: Based on an empirical approach (questionnaire survey) a systematic member inquiry was performed which focused on the motives for membership, the image of the society,the use of provided services,and expectations and needs. Items regarding profession and health politics, continuous education and specialist training, and scientific representation and research promotion were considered in equal measure.

Results: In total, 931 usable questionnaires were available with a response rate of 28.4%. Various single results could be integrated in a subsequent strategic dialogue.The German Society of Dermatology is regarded as active and powerful in scientific issues and promotion of research. However, numerous expectations have been expressed to strengthen future activities in professional and health care related issues. Needs and demands differ if members are scientifically active or rather not.

Conclusions: A scientific society in general acts in a permanent area of conflict and has to deal with multiple positions and interests.Thereby members’ needs and demands may vary dependent on individual and professional backgrounds. Members who are not scientifically active should be more integrated in the society while at the same time the society's aims should be coordinated with that of the Berufsverband (organization of practicing dermatologists). Better networking is required both within the society and with outside groups. In addition, the primary aims and objectives of the society should be made even clearer to all interested parties.
Periorbital dermatitis: Causes, differential diagnoses and therapy
Authors: Feser Alexandra , Mahler Vera
Published: September 2009

Periorbital dermatitis is common and frequently difficult to treat. Patients with periorbital dermatitis often suffer severely because their disease is in such a visible location. Because of the variety of clinical appearance, the differential diagnostic considerations are often difficult. We examined the causes of periorbital dermatitis and compared the data of 88 patients from the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen to those of the German IVDK (Information Network of the Departments of Dermatology). Between 1999 and 2004, predominant causes of periorbital dermatitis were allergic contact dermatitis (Erlangen 44 %, IVDK 32 %), atopic eczema (Erlangen 25 %, IVDK 14 %), airborne contact dermatitis (Erlangen 10 %, IVDK 2 %) and irritant contact dermatitis (Erlangen 9 %, IVDK 8 %). Less frequent causes for secondary eczematous periocular skin lesions were periorbital rosacea, allergic conjunctivitis or psoriasis vulgaris. Female gender, atopic skin diathesis and age of 40 years and older were identified as risk factors for periocular dermatitis. Common elicitors of periorbital allergic contact dermatitis were leave‐on cosmetic products (face cream, eye shadow) and eye drops with the usual allergens being fragrances, preservatives and drugs. Exact identification of relevant contact allergens and allergen elimination are essential for successful treatment. Calcineurin inhibitors are the first‐line therapy for facial atopic eczema. They may be also effective in periocular eczematous lesions of other origins although they are not approved for such use.