bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notch1 Signaling Influences V2 Interneuron and Motor Neuron Development in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Yang Xudong , Tomita Taisuke , Wines-Samuelson Mary , Beglopoulos Vassilios , Tansey Malú G. , Kopan Raphael , Shen Jie
Published: March 2006

The Notch signaling pathway plays a variety of roles in cell fate decisions during development. Previous studies have shown that reduced Notch signaling results in premature differentiation of neural progenitor cells, while increased Notch activities promote apoptotic death of neural progenitor cells in the developing brain. Whether Notch signaling is involved in the specification of neuronal subtypes is unclear. Here we examine the role of Notch1 in the development of neuronal subtypes in the spinal cord using conditional knockout (cKO) mice lacking Notch1 specifically in neural progenitor cells. Notch1 inactivation results in accelerated neuronal differentiation in the ventral spinal cord and gradual disappearance of the ventral central canal. These changes are accompanied by reduced expression of Hes1 and Hes5 and increased expression of Mash1 and Neurogenin 1 and 2. Using markers (Nkx2.2, Nkx6.1, Olig2, Pax6 and Dbx1) for one or multiple progenitor cell types, we found reductions of all subtypes of progenitor cells in the ventral spinal cord of Notch1 cKO mice. Similarly, using markers (Islet1/2, Lim3, Sim1, Chox10, En1 and Evx1/2) specific for motor neurons and distinct classes of interneurons, we found increases in the number of V0–2 interneurons in the ventral spinal cord of Notch1 cKO mice. Specifically, the number of Lim3+/Chox10+ V2 interneurons is markedly increased while the number of Lim3+/Islet+motor neurons is decreased in the Notch1 cKO spinal cord, suggesting that V2 interneurons are generated at the expense of motor neurons in the absence of Notch1. These results provide support for a role of Notch1 in neuronal subtype specification in the ventral spinal cord.
Recording Notch Signaling in Real Time
Authors: Hansson Emil M. , Teixeira Ana I. , Gustafsson Maria V. , Dohda Takeaki , Chapman Gavin , Meletis Konstantinos , Muhr Jonas , Lendahl Urban
Published: March 2006

Notch signaling is a highly conserved signaling pathway, which is critical for many cell fate decisions. Ligand activation of Notch leads to cleavage of the Notch receptor and liberation of the Notch intracellular domain (ICD) from the membrane-tethered receptor. After translocation to the nucleus, the Notch ICD interacts with the DNA-binding protein CSL to activate gene transcription. To better understand the temporal and spatial aspects of Notch signaling, we here describe a fluorescent protein-based reporter assay that allows Notch activation to be followed in real time in individual cells. We have generated a reporter construct composed of 12 CSL-binding motifs linked to fluorescent proteins with different half-lives: a stabler red fluorescent protein (DsRedExpressDR) and a destabilized form of green fluorescent protein (d1EGFP). The fluorescent reporters reflect the activation status of Notch signaling with single-cell resolution. The reporters rapidly respond to various forms of Notch activation, including ligand activation of full-length Notch receptors. Finally, we use this assay to gain insights into the level of Notch signaling in CNS progenitor cells in culture and in vivo.
Temporal Stability of Alexithymia Over a Five-Year Period in Outpatients with Major Depression
Authors: Saarijärvi S. , Salminen J.K. , Toikka T.
Published: March 2006

Background: Previous research on alexithymia and depression has led to a controversy over whether alexithymia should be viewed as a state-dependent phenomenon or as a stable personality trait. The aim of this 5-year follow-up study was to examine the temporal stability of alexithymia in outpatients suffering from major depression. Methods: The study population comprised 116 (49 male and 67 female) outpatients with major depression. Alexithymic features were assessed with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the degree of depression with the Beck Depression Inventory. The patients were retested after a period of 5 years. Results: Mean alexithymia and depression scores decreased significantly over the 5-year period. Alexithymia and depression were associated with each other, but the high test-retest correlations in the TAS-20 scores indicate relative stability of alexithymia. The three factors of alexithymia behaved differently. Difficulty in identifying feelings and difficulty in describing feelings were associated with alleviation of depressive symptoms, whereas externally oriented thinking was not. Conclusions: Alexithymia seems to be related with the severity of depression in outpatients with major depression, but it also shows relative stability over 5 years. Our findings support the view that the alexithymia construct represents a stable personality trait, but is also a state-dependent phenomenon.
Effects of an Occupational Therapy Program on Functional Outcomes in Older Stroke Patients
Authors: Landi Francesco , Cesari Matteo , Onder Graziano , Tafani Alessia , Zamboni Valentina , Cocchi Alberto
Published: March 2006

Background: During the last decade, occupational therapy has gained increasing importance as component of the rehabilitation programs in disabled patients. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of occupational therapy programs in patients with a recent stroke. Methods: We selected all patients with a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke (n = 50) consecutively admitted to the two post-acute Geriatric Rehabilitation Units (CEMI 2 and 3) of the ‘A. Gemelli’ Hospital – Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. Patients in the unit CEMI 3 (intervention group) received 8 weeks (3 h per day) of a combined rehabilitation program based on occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Patients admitted to the control unit (CEMI 2) received no input from the occupational therapist. Results: Overall, patients had a moderate-to-severe impairment in basic activities of daily living; the mean ADL score was 30.8 (SD ± 7.8) in the intervention group and 30.7 (SD ± 6.1) in the control group (p = 0.9). After 8 weeks of treatment the mean ADL score in the intervention group was 13.2 (SD ± 9.9) compared to 20.3 (SD ± 11.5) in the control group (p = 0.02). Differences between the intervention and control groups were statistically significant for transfers (+2.8 vs. +1.6 points on the ADL scale, p = 0.006), locomotion (+3.4 vs. +1.7 points on the ADL scale, p = 0.01), dressing (+3.0 vs. +1.8 points on the ADL scale, p = 0.01) and self-care (+3.4 vs. +1.8 points on the ADL scale, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Our results show that patients with stroke who received occupational therapy had a greater level of independence in activities of daily living over a period of 8 weeks than patients who did not.
Prostate Cancer, Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk
Authors: Allain Theresa J.
Published: March 2006

Prostate cancer is often treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Although this treatment is effective the associated hypogonadism causes accelerated bone loss, osteoporosis and increased fracture risk in men with prostate cancer, even in the absence of bone metastases. In addition to the negative effects of ADT on bone metabolism, men with prostate cancer are at increased risk of osteroporosis due to advanced age, poor nutrition and vitamin D deficiency. Some treatments for prostate cancer avoid this side effect and these are discussed, together with treatment strategies to minimise the impact of ADT on bone health.
Detection of Approximal Caries with a New Laser Fluorescence Device
Authors: Lussi A. , Hack A. , Hug I. , Heckenberger H. , Megert B. , Stich H.
Published: March 2006

The laser device DIAGNOdent developed for the detection of occlusal caries has limited value on approximal surfaces. The aim of this study was to develop and to test a new laser fluorescence (LF) device for the detection of approximal caries. Light with a wavelength of 655 nm was transported to the approximal surface using two different sapphire fibre tips. Seventy-five teeth were selected from a pool of extracted permanent human molars, frozen at –20°C until use. Before being measured, they were defrosted, cleaned and calculus was removed with a scaler. The molars were set in blocks simulating the contact area of adults. Bitewing radiographs were obtained using Kodak Insight films. After two independent assessments with the new LF device, the teeth were histologically prepared, and assessed for caries extension. Using the laser, specificity values for D1 threshold (outer half of enamel), D2 threshold (inner half of enamel), D3 threshold (dentine) ranged between 0.81 and 0.93, sensitivity between 0.84 and 0.92 with no difference between the two tips. Bitewing radiography showed an inferior performance compared to LF (p < 0.05). Intraex aminer reproducibility was high (kappa >0.74). The new LF system might be a useful additional tool in detecting approximal caries. Because of its good reproducibility, it could be used to monitor caries regression or progression on approximal surfaces.
The Microbiological Origin of Fluorescence Observed in Plaque on Dentures during QLF Analysis
Authors: Coulthwaite L. , Pretty I.A. , Smith P.W. , Higham S.M. , Verran J.
Published: March 2006

The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological origin of plaque fluorescence observed during quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) analysis. Plaque was sampled from dentures, because of easy accessibility and the homogeneous background provided by the denture tooth during imaging, and the acknowledged comparability to occlusal plaque. Forty removable poly(methyl methacrylate) dentures were screened for the presence of fluorescent plaque deposits during QLF analysis. Dentures were photographed, QLF images were recorded and samples of fluorescent plaque were taken. Plaque samples were cultured on fastidious anaerobe agar, Wilkins Chalgren agar and Sabourauds dextrose agar. Plates were screened under QLF and fluorescent colonies were subcultured and identified. Areas of red, orange and green fluorescence were detected on the fitting and non-fitting surfaces of dentures. The red and orange fluorescing species were Prevotella melaninogenica, Actinomyces israelii and Candida albicans, which are generally acknowledged to be secondary colonisers, present in more mature plaque. Green fluorescence was observed in streptococcal species (early colonisers) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (important organism in plaque development). Non-fluorescent colonies were also cultured. Plaque which accumulates on susceptible surfaces tends to be associated with caries, but it may be its maturity, rather than the presence of cariogenic streptococci, that is more likely to provide a microbiological link between red fluorescence and caries.
Progression of Sealed Initial Bovine Enamel Lesions under Demineralizing Conditions in vitro
Authors: Paris S. , Meyer-Lueckel H. , Mueller J. , Hummel M. , Kielbassa A.M.
Published: March 2006

The use of sealants for the infiltration of proximal enamel lesions could be a promising alternative to the common strategies of remineralization and operative treatment. The aim of the present study was to compare the progression of sealed initial enamel lesions after exposure to a demineralizing solution in vitro. In each of 54 bovine enamel specimens three subsurface lesions were created. Two of the lesions were etched with phosphoric acid and sealed with either a fissure sealant or with various adhesives (1–5) for 15 s or 30 s, respectively, whereas one lesion remained as the untreated control. Subsequently, half of each specimen was covered with nail varnish (baseline) and the other half was reexposed to a demineralizing solution for 14 days (experimental). The specimens were cut perpendicularly to the surface, infiltrated with a low-viscosity fluorescent resin and observed with a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). For lesions sealed with the fissure sealant and adhesives 1–3, the progression of lesion depth (0–31 µm) was significantly decreased (p < 0.01; paired t test) compared with the untreated control (57 µm). For the fissure sealant and adhesives 1 and 3 extended penetration times (30 s) resulted in significantly reduced lesion progression compared to 15 s. It can be concluded that filling of the pores in initial enamel lesions with the fissure sealant and adhesives 1–3 can inhibit further demineralization in vitro.
Effect of Calcium Glycerophosphate on Demineralization in an in vitro Biofilm Model
Authors: Lynch R.J.M. , ten Cate J.M.
Published: March 2006

The aim was to investigate the anti-caries properties of calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) using an in vitro bacterial flow cell model. Four flow cells, inoculated from a chemostat containing a seven-organism bacterial consortium, were pulsed with sucrose twice daily, to provide an acidic challenge and pH-cycling conditions. Blocks of enamel and dentine were mounted in each flow cell. In a study on the effect of CaGP concentration, CaGP was pulsed into three of the flow cells, at the same time as the sucrose, to give concentrations of 0.10, 0.25 and 0.50%. Water was pulsed into the fourth flow cell with the sucrose. Microradiography revealed a significant dose response of decreasing demineralization as CaGP concentration increased. Reductions at 0.25 and 0.5% were significant when compared to the control. A second study investigated the effect of timing of CaGP pulsing, relative to sucrose, on enamel and dentine demineralization. CaGP (flow cell concentration 0.2%), was pulsed 1 h before, during or 1 h after the sucrose pulse; a water control was employed. In enamel, pulsing CaGP before the sucrose reduced demineralization significantly compared to concurrent pulsing, which in turn gave a significant reduction compared to pulsing after sucrose, which did not reduce demineralization significantly compared to the water control. In dentine, CaGP reduced demineralization significantly only when pulsed before the sucrose. The findings suggest that in vivo, the anti-caries potential of CaGP may be greater if it is applied before a cariogenic challenge.
Prevention of Erosion and Abrasion by a High Fluoride Concentration Gel Applied at High Frequencies
Authors: Lagerweij M.D. , Buchalla W. , Kohnke S. , Becker K. , Lennon Á.M. , Attin T.
Published: March 2006

The aim of this study was to determine maximum attainable protection of enamel from erosion and erosion abrasion using a highly fluoridated gel with and without additional fluoride from toothpaste. Thirty-six bovine enamel specimens were subjected to six erosive attacks per day (1% citric acid with pH 2.3 for 30 s), while the rest of the day the specimens were in artificial saliva. There were four treatment groups (9 specimens in each group): fluoride-free toothpaste/saliva slurry twice daily (group T0), fluoride-containing toothpaste/saliva slurry twice daily using 1,250 ppm F toothpaste (group TF), fluoride-containing toothpaste/saliva slurry twice per day plus application of a highly fluoridated gel (12,500 ppm F) twice a day for 120 s (group 2F) and a group with gel application 8 times a day (group 8F). Additionally, half of each specimen in all groups was subjected to brushing abrasion during application of the toothpaste/saliva slurry. Brushing abrasion alone led to no observable enamel loss measured with profilometry. After 14 days of cycling of erosion without toothbrushing abrasion, high-fluoride gel application 2 or 8 times daily showed significantly less enamel loss (median 24/19 µm) than with toothpaste with or without fluoride (41/45 µm). After 14 days of cycling of erosion and toothbrushing abrasion, gel application 2 or 8 times daily (33/29 µm) showed significantly less enamel loss than toothpaste with or without fluoride (57/62 µm). We conclude that a highly fluoridated acidic gel is able to protect enamel from erosion and toothbrushing abrasion while fluoridated tooth paste provides little protection.
Fluoride Concentration in Saliva after Consumption of a Dinner Meal Prepared with Fluoridated Salt
Authors: Hedman J. , Sjöman R. , Sjöström I. , Twetman S.
Published: March 2006

The aim was to determine the fluoride concentration in saliva after intake of a dinner meal prepared with fluoridated salt. The investigation had a randomized cross-over design, and 10 healthy adolescents with natural fluoride content (1.06 ppm) in their drinking water participated after informed consent. After a run-in week, the subjects were served a standardized dinner of spaghetti with minced meat sauce prepared with either fluoridated salt (test arm) or non-fluoridated salt (control arm). The fluoride concentration of the test salt was 250 ppm. Samples of stimulated whole saliva was collected at baseline, directly after eating (0 min) and then after 10, 30 and 180 min. After a 1-week wash-out period, the experimental procedure was repeated with the opposite salt. Fluoride concentration in saliva was measured with a fluoride-specific electrode and the post-ingestion levels were compared with baseline using repeated-measures ANOVA.The mean baseline concentrations were 10.9 and 8.0 µg/l in the test and control arms, respectively. Immediately after the intake, the mean fluoride values increased significantly to 81.6 µg/l in the test arm and to 31.5 µg/l in the control arm (p < 0.05). The fluoride levels remained elevated (p < 0.05) for 30 min after ingestion of the test meal but not following the control meal. In conclusion, consumption of a dinner meal prepared with fluoridated salt increased the salivary fluoride levels for about 30 min.
Effects of Streptococcus mutansgtfC Deficiency on Mixed Oral Biofilms in vitro
Authors: Thurnheer T. , van der Ploeg J.R. , Giertsen E. , Guggenheim B.
Published: March 2006

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of glucosyltransferase-gene-negative (gtf –) Streptococcus mutans strains unable to synthesize water-insoluble or soluble glucan on the structure and macromolecular diffusion properties of in vitro grown mixed oral biofilms. Biofilms modeling supragingival plaque consisted of Actinomyces naeslundii OMZ 745, Candida albicans OMZ 110, Fusobacterium nucleatum KP-F2, Streptococcus oralis SK 248, Veillonella dispar ATCC 17748T and one of the S. mutans strains UA159, OMZ 966, OMZ 937 or OMZ 977. Biofilms were grown anaerobically on sintered hydroxyapatite disks for 64.5 h at 37°C. To perform confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses, microorganisms were stained with Syto 13 and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) with Calcofluor. Macromolecular diffusion properties were measured following timed biofilm exposure to Texas-Red-labeled 70-kDa dextran. Results showed that replacing wild-type S. mutans by a gtfC – mutant led to an increase in the volume fraction occupied by cells from 29 to 48% and a decrease of the EPS volume fraction from 51 to 33%. No such changes were observed when the S. mutans wild-type strain was replaced by a gtfB – or gtfD – mutant. The diffusion coefficient of 70-kDa dextran in biofilms containing the gtfC – S. mutans was 16-fold higher than in biofilms with the wild-type strain indicating a strong macromolecular sieving effect of GTF C-generated glucans. Our data demonstrate the influence of EPS on the structure and macromolecular diffusion properties of an oral biofilm model and uncover our still limited knowledge of the function of EPS in biofilms and plaque.
Inhibition of Cultivable Bacteria by Chlorhexidine Treatment of Dentin Lesions Treated with the ART Technique
Authors: Ersin Nazan Kocatas , Uzel Atac , Aykut Arzu , Candan Umit , Eronat Cemal
Published: March 2006

The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the cultivable microflora of carious dentin before and after atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and investigate the inhibitory effect of chlorhexidine-gluconate-based cavity disinfectant in the microflora. Using a split mouth design, 35 primary molar pairs with class II carious lesions in 35 patients (mean age 7.31 ± 0.47 years) were selected. The total viable counts (TVC), Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli were first measured in the center of the infected demineralized lesion and then from the hard dentine after caries removal by the ART technique. Chlorhexidine-gluconate (2%)-based cavity disinfectant was applied to one of the molar pairs and the other molar received no disinfectant treatment. Thereafter, all of the teeth were restored with glass ionomer cement (GIC). Cavities were reassessed after 6 months and again dentine samples were microbiologically investigated. Removal of carious dentine by ART significantly reduced TVC, S. mutans and lactobacilli. After 6 months, application of chlorhexidine exhibited a greater significant reduction in TVC (p = 0.013), and a significant reduction in S. mutans compared to the nondisinfected group (p < 0.001). A significant reduction in lactobacilli counts was observed in both groups after 6 months, but the difference between the disinfected and nondisinfected groups was not significant (p = 0.056). ART was found to be effective in reducing the cultivable microflora and chlorhexidine-gluconate-based cavity disinfectant might serve as a suitable additional agent in inhibiting the residual bacteria in the dentine.
Comparison of the Biological Activity of the Most Common Sublingual Allergen Solutions Made by Two European Manufacturers
Authors: Mösges Ralph , Pasch Norbert , Schlierenkämper Ulf , Lehmacher Walter
Published: March 2006

Background: The clinical efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy has been documented in numerous studies and meta-analyses and is argued to be a favored alternative to the subcutaneous route if allergic symptoms are treated with a high-dose therapy. What is still lacking is a ‘conversion rate’ between the biological activities of different allergen solutions to determine the one with the higher concentration. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study was done with three groups sensitized to the allergens birch, grass or house dust mite via skin prick test. Staloral® in the concentrations 10, 100 and 300 IR and SLITone™ in the concentration of 1,000 STU per milliliter were used for a computer-based comparison of the geometric mean wheal sizes of the different solutions. For each patient, individual regression curves led to the calculation of a mean corresponding IR value for the SLITone solution. Results: A total of 47 patients took part in this clinical trial, most of whom were sensitized to more than one allergen. Values for birch (30 patients) showed that 1,000 STU corresponded to 77 IR, for grass (29 patients) 1,000 STU matched 78 IR and for house dust mite (30 patients) 1,000 STU matched 27 IR based on dose-response relationships. The Wilcoxon test showed that for all allergens the allergenic activity of the SLITone solution was significantly higher than the 10 IR solution and significantly lower than the 100- and 300-IR solutions. Conclusion: We established a conversion rate between the two leading sublingual allergen solutions on the European market to compare different units of measurement.
Hematologic Risk Factors of Vascular Disease and Their Relation to Dementia
Authors: Mielke Michelle M. , Zandi Peter P.
Published: March 2006

Multiple studies have implicated vascular-related conditions as risk factors for dementia. Clarification of these factors in dementia is important because most are modifiable, and may serve as the basis for preventive strategies. Several hematologic factors are associated with vascular diseases, but their relation to dementia is unclear. This review examines biological and epidemiological evidence concerning the role of these hematologic factors in dementia, and dementia subtypes. Reviewed factors include homocysteine, cholesterol, fatty acids, antioxidants, and C-reactive protein. The vast majority of studies reviewed are cross-sectional. Longitudinal studies with serial hematologic measures are needed to clarify the relationship between these factors and dementia over the lifespan. A necessary step is to examine multiple hematologic factors simultaneously, rather than in isolation, to determine how these factors are interrelated.
3-Year Study of Donepezil Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease: Effects of Early and Continuous Therapy
Authors: Winblad B. , Wimo A. , Engedal K. , Soininen H. , Verhey F. , Waldemar G. , Wetterholm A.-L. , Haglund A. , Zhang R. , Schindler R.
Published: March 2006

Delays in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, and, therefore, delays in treatment, may have a detrimental effect on a patient’s long-term well-being. This studyassessed the effects of postponing donepezil treatment for 1 year by comparing patients treated continuously for 3 years with those who received placebo for 1 year followed by open-label donepezil for 2 years. Patients (n = 286) with possible or probable Alzheimer’s disease (according to DSM-IV, NINCDS-ADRDA, and Mini-Mental State Examination criteria; see text) were randomized to receive donepezil (5 mg/day for 4 weeks, 10 mg/day thereafter) or placebo (delayed-start group) for 1 year. Of the 192 completers, 157 began a 2-year, open-label phase of donepezil treatment. Outcome measures were the Gottfries-Bråne-Steen scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Global Deterioration Scale, the Progressive Deterioration Scale, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and safety (adverse events). Mixed regression analysis was used to compare changes between the groups over 3 years on the efficacy measures. There was a trend for patients receiving continuous therapy to have less global deterioration (Gottfries-Bråne-Steen scale) than those who had delayed treatment (p = 0.056). Small but statistically significant differences between the groups were observed for the secondary measures of cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination; p = 0.004) and cognitive and functional abilities (Global Deterioration Scale; p = 0.0231) in favor of continuous donepezil therapy. Over 90% of the patients in both cohorts experienced one treatment-emergent adverse event; most were considered mild or moderate. In conclusion, patients in whom the start of treatment is delayed may demonstrate slightly reduced benefits as compared with those seen in patients starting donepezil therapy early in the course of Alzheimer’s disease. These data support the long-term efficacy and safety of donepezil.
Positive Acute-Phase Inflammatory Markers in Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Romão Jr. João Egidio , Haiashi Adlei Rogério , Elias Rosilene Mota , Luders Cláudio , Ferraboli Rosiani , Castro Manoel Carlos Martins , Abensur Hugo
Published: March 2006

Background: An elevated serum level of acute-phase inflammatory markers is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that elevated acute-phase inflammatory markers are directly associated with the different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: We evaluated the relationship between serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AGP), as well as the renal function in 224 adult patients with CKD (mean age 56.6 years, 46% male, and 40% diabetics), stratified according to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (based on the National Kidney Foundation/Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiatives), and in 94 hemodialysis patients. Results: The mean hsCRP was 8.2 ± 12.1 mg/l, and hsCRP levels were >5 mg/l in 44.4% of the patients; α1-AGP levels were >125 mg/dl in 33.3% of the patients. Mean hsCRP and α1-AGP were significantly higher in more severe stages of CKD. A weak inverse relationship was found between GFR and serum hsCRP (r = –0.2205; p = 0.0006) and between GFR and serum α1-AGP (r = –0.3266; p < 0.0001). There was a correlation between hsCRP and α1-AGP (r = 0.3417; p < 0.0001). No significant differences were detected between patients with CKD and those undergoing hemodialysis concerning hsCRP (8.2 ± 12.1 vs. 6.8 ± 7.4 mg/l; p = 0.2980) and α1-AGP (116.3 ± 42.5 vs. 117.2 ± 37.9 mg/dl; p = 0.8590). However, the level of hsCRP was significantly reduced in hemodialysis patients compared with patients with stage 5 predialytic disease (12.1 ± 13.9 to 6.8 ± 7.4 mg/l; p = 0.005). More patients with stage 5 predialytic CKD had an elevated hsCRP serum level compared with patients on hemodialysis (64.7 vs. 37.9%; χ2 = 6.230, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Approximately 50% of patients with CKD – even in the early phase of renal failure – exhibit an activated acute-phase response, which is closely related to the stages of CKD. Hemodialysis may partially correct the inflammatory process present in the immediate predialysis phase of CKD.
Thiazolidinediones Inhibit Albumin Uptake by Proximal Tubular Cells through a Mechanism Independent of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma
Authors: Chana Ravinder S. , Brunskill Nigel J.
Published: March 2006

Background: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor which exerts multiple effects on target cell function. A variety of PPARγ ligands are known, including the antidiabetic thiazolidinediones (TZDs). There is evidence that suggests that these drugs may improve metabolic parameters, proteinuria, and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes. Method: We investigated the potentially beneficial effects of TZDs in opossum kidney proximal tubular cells, focussing particularly on protein handling. Results: Three TZDs, ciglitazone, rosiglitazone, and troglitazone, all inhibited FITC-albumin uptake by cells in a dose-dependent manner in the absence of cell cytotoxicity or effects on binding. In contrast, the structurally unrelated PPARγ ligand 15d-PGJ2 had no effect on albumin uptake. In cells overexpressing PPARγ or treated with the PPARγ antagonist GW9662, no alterations in the inhibitory effects of TZDs were observed. All TZDs reduced cholesterol synthesis, and supplementation of cells with non-sterol precursors of cholesterol, mevalonate, farnesol, and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, reversed the effects of TZDs. Conclusions: TZDs inhibit albumin uptake and cholesterol synthesis in proximal tubular cells independently of PPARγ. Depletion of cholesterol precursors by TZDs is at least partially responsible for reduced albumin uptake. These results support a new role for TZDs to combat progressive proteinuric renal disease.
'Do You Want To Receive A Missionary At Home?': Conversion And The Religious Market
Authors: Sengers Erik
Published: March 2006

This paper offers an introduction in religious market theory on the basis of the theme of conversion. Conversions have everything to do with the religious market. Where people are looking for religious satisfaction, they will turn themselves to religious organisations that are willing to give that on certain conditions. Starting from the assumption of the rational actor, the theory makes some strong hypotheses on religious organisations and the religious market. What does the religious market look like, what are the basic characteristics of this market, and how can religious organisations interact with that market? However, when we discuss social-scientific research on conversion in Europe, the limits of religious market theory come to the fore. In the conclusion, the main questions that arise from religious market theory for the project Conversion Careers and Culture Politics in Pentecostalism are being discussed.
The Impact of Spousal Variables on Life Satisfaction of Individuals in Late Adulthood
Authors: Kulik Liat
Published: March 2006

We examine whether homogamy (similarity) in sociodemographic variables and personality traits in late adulthood is greater among couples characterized by high life satisfaction than among those characterized by low life satisfaction. The research sample included 256 participants (128 husbands and 128 wives) in Israel. The findings on homogamy in sociodemographic variables reveal no differences between participants in the ‘high’ and ‘low’ satisfaction groups. However, with regard to personality traits (self-esteem and anxiety), there are differences between participants in ‘high’ and ‘low’ satisfaction groups. In the high satisfaction group, the husbands (and the wives to some extent) have more similar personality traits than their counterparts in the low satisfaction group. In general, the findings reveal greater similarity in sociodemographic variables than in personality traits among the spouses. The findings also indicate that in late adulthood wives are less satisfied with life, have higher anxiety, and lower self-esteem than their husbands.
Voluntary Labor, Responsible Citizenship, and International NGOs
Authors: Lacey Anita , Ilcan Suzan
Published: March 2006

This article focuses on the relationship between volunteer labor and responsible citizenship in an international NGO context. Situated within critical assessments of the voluntary sector, the article examines how voluntary labor is increasingly shaped and steered by the initiatives of advanced liberalism. Under advanced liberalism, diverse tasks of government are redirected from state bureaucracy and distributed to various organizations, agencies, individuals, and citizen groups. Within this context, it explores some key social transformations that have led to an increasing reliance on voluntary labor in both government and international NGOs. It emphasizes that a range of authorities establish the contemporary voluntary sector as a site for providing answers and solutions to social and economic problems that are now determined to lie outside the reach of the formal domain of the state. Through the use of substantive international examples on voluntary labor in the international development NGO sector, the authors argue that this sector is increasingly implicated in assembling volunteers as ‘responsible citizens' in the delivery of public services. This responsibilization process produces new effects and plans of actions that are different from the way traditional liberal approaches viewed volunteers and volunteerism. The work calls attention to contemporary concerns underscoring voluntary labor and international NGOs, and raises broader questions pertaining to issues of social justice.
International Agrarian Restructuring and the Practical Ethics of Peasant Movement Solidarity
Authors: Patel Rajeev
Published: March 2006

Amid the range of organizations and forces described in a variety of social movement literature, organizations of people living and working in rural areas receive short shrift. This is not a new phenomenon, but it is one that has increasingly little justification. In this article, the contemporary context of neoliberal agrarian change is discussed, and the formation of the Via Campesina peasant network is presented using a Marxist sociological analysis. The problem of social movement reproduction and solidarity is then discussed drawing on the ideas of Alain Badiou.
Seeking Trade Union and Community Organization Linkages in the Cape Town Metropolitan Area
Authors: Xali Mthetho
Published: March 2006

Public awareness of the emergence of localized struggles in South Africa was heightened in August 2002 when a huge number of protestors marched against the deliberations of the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) under the banner of Social Movements United. A notable absentee in the WSSD protest marches was that of the Congress of South African Trade Union shop steward layer, who had been a leading force in the struggles in the 1980s. This article looks at obstacles that stand in the way of linkages between organized labour and the new social movements. We examine relations between the Cape Town metropolitan branch of the South African Municipal Union, and the community-based social movement, the Western Cape Anti Eviction Campaign. The article argues that, in addition to political differences, there are structural reasons of composition, organizational forms and methods of campaigning, which militate against joint action.
Changing Discourses and Meanings of Redress in South African Higher Education, 1994–2001
Authors: Barnes Teresa
Published: March 2006

The apartheid state provided higher education in very differentiated ways. After 1994, the issue of how new policies would address the issue of unjust differentiation was widely discussed via the concept of ‘redress’. After 1994, the idea of redress for the cohort of historically disadvantaged institutions went through many shifts and competing definitions. The article shows that by 2001 the stage was set for a number of centrally imposed proposals to address the problems of institutional inequality; these relied more on notions of developing institutional fitness for mandated missions within given financial constraints than on reparation for past discrimination or injustice.
Knowing the Unknown
Authors: Johns Leslie
Published: March 2006

When voters evaluate their executive's policies, they often possess information that was previously unknownto policy makers. Should voters use such ex post information? The author presents a model of executive evaluation following an international crisis. Using ex post information can be welfare enhancing for the voter when contrasted with naive retrospection, in which voters compare pre- and postconflict utility. However, the welfare implications of using ex post information are not clear-cut when contrasted to sophisticated retrospective voting. While the latter voting rule leads to situations in which an executive is overly aggressive in crises, using ex post information can induce executive behavior that is insufficiently aggressive. Voters must balance the relative desirability of unwanted wars against unwanted passivity when deciding how to evaluate leaders. In opening up the black box of domestic politics, assumptions about voter behavior can affect substantive and normative findings.
Explaining the Severity of Civil Wars
Authors: Lacina Bethany
Published: March 2006

The burgeoning literature on civil conflicts seldom considers why some civil wars are so much deadlier than others. This article investigates that question using a new data set of the number of combat deaths in internal conflicts from 1946 to 2002. The first section presents descriptive statistics on battle deaths by era, conflict type, and region. The article then tests state strength, regime type, and cultural characteristics as predictors of the number of combat deaths in civil war. The determinants of conflict severity seem to be quite different from those for conflict onset. Democracy, rather than economic development or state military strength, is most strongly correlated with fewer deaths; wars have also been less deadly on average since the end of the cold war. Religious heterogeneity does not explain the military severity of internal violence, and surprisingly, ethnic homogeneity may be related to more deadly conflicts.
On Welfare and Terror
Authors: Burgoon Brian
Published: March 2006

This article argues that social welfare policies may reduce international and domestic terrorism. Social policies likely affect terrorism in offsetting ways but, on balance, should diminish preferences for terrorism by reducing economic insecurity, inequality, poverty, and religious-political extremism. Thus, countries with more generous welfare provisions should suffer fewer terrorist attacks on their soil and have fewer of their citizens perpetrate terrorism. Supporting this argument, cross-sectional estimation reveals that a country's welfare efforts negatively correlate with transnational or total terrorist incidents on its soil, as well as transnational terrorism perpetrated by its citizens. Pooled cross-section time-series estimation reveals that several measures of welfare effort reduce the incidence of transnational terrorism in countries, robust to a range of estimators and controls. Such findings suggest that strengthening social policies at home and abroad may not only serve redistributive or development goals but also help combat terrorist violence.
Exploitation of Energy Resources in Africa and the Consequences for Minority Rights
Authors: Maxted Julia
Published: March 2006

Recent case studies from the Western Sahara, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Angola, reveal the increasing militarization of the development of oil and gas reserves in Africa. This is generating social tension and, in particular, exacerbating the repression of minority groups. Private security forces and African standing armies are being used to secure the interests of American, Asian and European companies as they seek to extend their control over natural resources in collaboration with state elites. Confronting the destruction of their environments and continued underinvestment, minority groups are actively seeking to attach socioeconomic rights more self-consciously to their demand for political rights.
The acute and long-term neurotoxic effects of MDMA on marble burying behaviour in mice
Authors: Saadat Kathryn S. , Elliott J. Martin , Colado M. Isabel , Green A. Richard
Published: March 2006

When mice are exposed to harmless objects such as marbles in their cage they bury them, a behaviour sometimes known as defensive burying. We investigated the effect of an acute dose of MDMA (èecstasy') and other psychoactive drugs on marble burying and also examined the effect of a prior neurotoxic dose of MDMA or p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) on burying. Acute administration of MDMA produced dose-dependent inhibition of marble burying (EC50: 7.6 µ mol/kg). Other drugs that enhance monoamine function also produced dose-dependent inhibition: methamphetamine 〉 PCA 〉 paroxetine 〉 MDMA 〉 GBR 12909 〉 methylphenidate. None of these drugs altered locomotor activity at a dose that inhibited burying. A prior neurotoxic dose of MDMA, which decreased striatal dopamine content by 60%, but left striatal 5-HT content unaltered, did not alter spontaneous marble burying 18 or 40 days later. However, a neurotoxic dose of PCA which decreased striatal dopamine by 60% and striatal 5-HT by 70% attenuated marble burying 28 days later. Overall, these data suggest that MDMA, primarily by acutely increasing 5-HT function, acts like several anxiolytic drugs in this behavioural model. Long-term loss of cerebral 5-HT content also produced a similar effect. Since this change was observed only after 28 days, it is probably due to an adaptive response in the brain.
The sub-acute effects of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) use: a controlled study in humans
Authors: Huxster Joanna K. , Pirona Alessandro , Morgan Michael J.
Published: March 2006

All previous studies of the sub-acute effects of ecstasy have failed to adequately control for group differences in psychopathology and past and concurrent substance use. The present study was designed to avoid these limitations. At an initial pre-drug baseline, a sample of 38 regular ecstasy users provided full substance histories and completed measures of personality and self-reported psychopathology. We then collected daily subjective measures of mood, cognitive impairment, restless sleep, sexual desire, craving for ecstasy and concomitant use of other substances for the next 9 days. The 20 participants who subsequently opted to take ecstasy during the 9-day assessment period reported modest sub-acute effects of ecstasy on negative mood and subjective cognitive impairment compared to those who did not after controlling for baseline group differences in psychopathology and frequency of ecstasy use. There were no signi.cant sub-acute effects of ecstasy on interest in sexual activity or craving for ecstasy. After further controlling for co-use of alcohol with ecstasy, and the sub-acute effects of ecstasy on sleep, the sub-acute effect on mood remained marginally statistically signi.cant but the subacute effect on cognitive impairment did not. The present .ndings suggest that the sub-acute effects of ecstasy in regular recreational users are relatively modest and transient but that such genuine effects may have been masked by, perhaps more clinically signi.cant, chronic sequelae of regular ecstasy use in all previous studies of recreational ecstasy users.
Studies on striatal neurotoxicity caused by the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine/ malonate combination: implications for serotonin/dopamine interactions
Authors: Goñi-Allo Beatriz , Ramos Mar'a , Herv'as Isabel , Lasheras Berta , Aguirre Norberto
Published: March 2006

The amphetamine derivative 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces long-term toxicity to serotonin (5-HT) neurones in rats, which is exacerbated when combined with the mitochondrial inhibitor malonate. Moreover, MDMA, which does not produce dopamine depletion in the rat, potentiates malonate-induced striatal dopamine toxicity. Because the malonate/MDMA combination acutely causes a synergistic increase of 5-HT and dopamine release, in this study we sought to determine whether pharmacological blockade of MDMA- and/or malonateinduced dopamine release prevents neurotoxicity. Fluoxetine, given 30 min prior to the malonate/MDMA combination, afforded complete protection against 5-HT depletion and reversed MDMA-induced exacerbation of dopamine toxicity found in the malonate/MDMA treated rats. Protection afforded by .uoxetine was not related to changes in MDMA-induced hyperthermia. Similarly, potentiation of malonate-induced dopamine toxicity caused by MDMA was not observed in p-chlorophenylalanine-5-HT depleted rats. Finally, the dopamine transporter inhibitor GBR 12909 completely prevented dopamine neurotoxicity caused by the malonate/MDMA combination and reversed the exacerbating toxic effects of malonate on MDMA-induced 5-HT depletion without signi.cantly altering the hyperthermic response. Overall, these results suggest that the synergic release of dopamine caused by the malonate/MDMA combination plays an important role in the long-term toxic effects. A possible mechanism of neurotoxicity and protection is proposed.
The Industrial Determinants of Transnational Solidarity: Global Interunion Politics in Three Sectors
Authors: Anner Mark , Greer Ian , Hauptmeier Marco , Lillie Nathan , Winchester Nik
Published: March 2006

This article compares forms of labour transnationalism in three industrial sectors: motor manufacturing, maritime shipping and clothing and textile manufacturing. In each case, unions engage in very different transnational activities to reassert control over labour markets and competition. As institutions of transnational cooperation deepen, unions continue to struggle with competitive tensions (worker to worker and union to union) which vary from one industry to another.
National Industrial Relations Systems and Cross-border Restructuring: Evidence from a Merger in the Pharmaceuticals Sector
Authors: Edwards Tony , Coller Xavier , Ortiz Luis , Rees Chris , Wortmann Michael
Published: March 2006

This article examines the restructuring process following a cross-border merger in the pharmaceuticals sector. We show how national industrial relations systems account for some aspects of cross-national differences in the process and outcomes of restructuring. However, we also argue that institutionalist approaches to comparative analysis must be complemented by a focus on the material interests of organizational actors and the resources that they can deploy.
Pay Developments in Britain and Germany: Collective Bargaining, ‘Benchmarking’, and ‘Mimetic Wages’
Authors: Schmidt Werner , Dworschak Bernd
Published: March 2006

This article examines the impact of national industrial relations institutions on pay movements in Britain and Germany between 1980 and 2000. Pay increases are slightly higher in Britain, despite the breakdown of multi-employer bargaining and agreements in the UK and their persistence in Germany. Evidence shows that pay decisions in Britain are mainly determined by imitation and not by markets. The article suggests that a system of ‘pay benchmarking’ in Britain acts as a substitute for the German ‘sectoral agreement model’ and explains similarities in pay movements.