bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public funding and institutional reorganization: Evidence from the early kindergarten movement
Authors: Montes Guillermo
Published: July 2007

During the last quarter of the nineteenth century, nonprofit kindergartens exhibited many modern characteristics such as comprehensive services, community outreach, and developmentally appropriate practices. By the beginning of this century, most of those modern characteristics had been eliminated as kindergartens became integrated into the public school system. This article analyzes the institutional reorganization of nonprofit kindergartens under public control by applying and extending Thomas H. Jeavons's framework. The author argues that the observed institutional reorganization was caused by adaptation to the legitimizing principles of the public sector. It is important to understand this dynamic well to correctly assess the effects of public funding and ownership on nonprofit organizations. This article is especially relevant to those following policy arguments for public funding of preschool programs.
Fidelity in philanthropy: Two challenges to community foundations
Authors: Frumkin Peter
Published: July 2007

Two recent court cases have raised doubts about how faithful community foundation officials must remain over time to the donor's charitable intent. For trustees of community foundations, nonprofit managers, and potential donors, the two cases discussed in this article raise three critical questions: Under what conditions can and should a donor's charitable intentions be modified? Do nonprofit organizations have legitimate claims to funds in community foundations earmarked for their organizations by donors? Should donors consider disbursing their philanthropic funds themselves rather than seek to have them held in perpetuity in a foundation? In addition to addressing these questions, the author suggests that the two court cases examined here reveal something important about the broader evolution of philanthropy over the past three decades.
Understanding major gift donors
Authors: Lindahl Wesley E.
Published: July 2007

The Seven Faces of Philanthropy: A New Approach to Cultivating Major Donors, by Russ Alan Prince and Karen Maru File. San Francisco: Jossey‐Bass, 1994. 247 pp., $27.95 cloth.

Why the Wealthy Give: The Culture of Elite Philanthropy, by Francie Ostrower. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1995. 190 pp., $35.00 cloth, $14.95 paper.
Essential emotions: The place of passion in a feminist network
Authors: Beres Zsuzsa , Wilson Gail
Published: July 2007

Using a case study, the authors argue that emotions play a highly significant part in voluntary organizations, and that present significant part in voluntary organizations, and that present academic approaches to emotions are unhelpful, both theoretically and practically. The distinction between emotional work and emotional labor is unclear in nonprofit organizations using volunteers. More research is needed in this area.
Ethical issues in fundraising
Authors: Lindahl Wesley E.
Published: July 2007

The Ethics of Asking: Dilemmas in Higher Education Fund Raising, edited by Deni Elliott. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995. 236 pp., $29.95 cloth.

Ethics for Fundraisers, by Albert Anderson. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1996. 150 pp., $29.95 cloth, $12.95 paper.
Proteomic applications of automated GPCR classification
Authors: Davies Matthew N. , Gloriam David E. , Secker Andrew , Freitas Alex A. , Mendao Miguel , Timmis Jon , Flower Darren R.
Published: July 2007

The G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily fulfils various metabolic functions and interacts with a diverse range of ligands. There is a lack of sequence similarity between the six classes that comprise the GPCR superfamily. Moreover, most novel GPCRs found have low sequence similarity to other family members which makes it difficult to infer properties from related receptors. Many different approaches have been taken towards developing efficient and accurate methods for GPCR classification, ranging from motif‐based systems to machine learning as well as a variety of alignment‐free techniques based on the physiochemical properties of their amino acid sequences. This review describes the inherent difficulties in developing a GPCR classification algorithm and includes techniques previously employed in this area.
Output‐feedback control of a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with linearly bounded unmeasurable states
Authors: Liu Shu‐Jun , Zhang Ji‐Feng
Published: July 2007

In this paper, the problems of stochastic disturbance attenuation and asymptotic stabilization via output feedback are investigated for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with linearly bounded unmeasurable states. For the first problem, under the condition that the stochastic inverse dynamics are generalized stochastic input‐to‐state stable, a linear output‐feedback controller is explicitly constructed to make the closed‐loop system noise‐to‐state stable. For the second problem, under the conditions that the stochastic inverse dynamics are stochastic input‐to‐state stable and the intensity of noise is known to be a unit matrix, a linear output‐feedback controller is explicitly constructed to make the closed‐loop system globally asymptotically stable in probability. Using a feedback domination design method, we construct these two controllers in a unified way. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contents of conjugated linoleic acid isomers in ruminant-derived foods and estimation of their contribution to daily intake in Portugal
Authors: Martins Susana V. , Lopes Paula A. , Alfaia Cristina M. , Ribeiro Verónica S. , Guerreiro Teresa V. , Fontes Carlos M. G. A. , Castro Matilde F. , Soveral Graça , Prates José A. M.
Published: July 2007

The present study provides a detailed overview of the contents of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers in the most consumed Portuguese CLA-rich foods (milk, butter, yoghurt, cheese, beef and lamb meat), by using silver ion-HPLC. In addition, the contribution of these ruminant-derived foods to the daily intake of CLA isomers was estimated based on Portuguese consumption habits. The total CLA concentration in milk and dairy products ranged from 4·00 mg/g fat in yoghurt to 7·22 mg/g fat in butter, and, regarding meats, from 4·45 mg/g fat in intensively produced beef to 11·29 mg/g fat in lamb meat. The predominant CLA isomers identified in these products were cis-9, trans-11 (59·89–79·21 %) and trans-7, cis-9 (8·04–20·20 %). The average estimated total CLA intake for the Portuguese population was 73·70 mg/d. Milk and cheese are probably the two products with the highest contribution to the final CLA intake, as a result of their high fat content and consumption values. The results also suggested that cis-9, trans-11 and trans-7, cis-9 are the isomers most represented, with, respectively, 76·10 and 12·56 % of the total CLA intake. Being the first detailed report on the contents of total and individual CLA isomers in Portuguese commercial ruminant-derived foods, we further discuss the implication of the results for diet characteristics and human health.
Extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland: a case report with a review of the literature
Authors: Veena G , Shon G M , Usha K , Nayar R C
Published: July 2007

Objective:

A case of solitary extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland is reported. A discussion concerning the clinical features, imaging modalities, diagnostic methods and management of cysticercosis, along with a review of relevant literature is also presented.

Case report:

A young female patient presented with features resembling acute parotitis. Solitary cysticercosis of the parotid gland was diagnosed, based on fine needle aspiration cytology and radiological investigations. Medical therapy was effective, consequently surgery was deferred.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of solitary extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland. A high index of suspicion for such parasitic infestations is essential even in non-endemic areas due to the ease of worldwide travel.
Cost-efficiency of endoscopic and external dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Anari S , Ainsworth G , Robson A K
Published: July 2007

Background:

In most centres in the United Kingdom, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is currently undertaken as a joint operation between ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists. The addition of an extra surgeon, the use of endoscopic equipment and the relatively lower success rate of this procedure made us compare endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and external dacryocystorhinostomy with regards to costs and income for our hospital.

Methods:

All 38 primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy cases performed in our centre in 2001–2003 were retrospectively compared with the 49 external dacryocystorhinostomy cases performed in 1993–2000. Cost–income calculations were made based on: rate of local anaesthesia, success rate, rate of day case admission, hospital reference cost for dacryocystorhinostomy, and the income per case extracted from national tariffs (based on the Health Resources Group). Also, the average number of cases per session was used to calculate the income gained per session for each method.

Results:

The following rates between the endoscopic and the external dacryocystorhinostomy were found: local anaesthesia, 29 vs 6 per cent, respectively; day-case operation, 95 vs 12 per cent, respectively; and success rate, 87 vs 94 per cent, respectively. The average number of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy cases conducted in a single theatre session was twice that of external dacryocystorhinostomy cases. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy generated approximately twice the income of external dacryocystorhinostomy (£6585 vs £3292, respectively).

Conclusion:

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is more cost-effective than external dacryocystorhinostomy, despite having a lower success rate and greater usage of resources, as the endoscopic procedure generates more income. This is mainly due to the higher number of cases per session and the higher rates of local anaesthesia and day case operations possible.
An echocardiographic study of diagnostic accuracy, prediction of surgical approach, and outcome for fetuses diagnosed with discordant ventriculo-arterial connections
Authors: Pascal Cécile J. , Huggon Ian , Sharland Gurleen K. , Simpson John M.
Published: July 2007

Our aims were to examine the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal diagnosis of concordant atrioventricular and discordant ventriculo-arterial connections, the accuracy of predictions made concerning the postnatal surgical approach, and a description of the different subtypes related to outcome. All fetuses were evaluated at a tertiary centre for fetal cardiology between January, 1994, and December, 2003. In this period, we identified congenitally malformed hearts in 1,835 fetuses, of whom 56 (3%) met the criterions of inclusion. Of the total, 30 (54%) had an intact ventricular septum, 9 (16%) had an associated ventricular septal defect, 7 (13%) had a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis, 1 (2%) had pulmonary stenosis and an intact ventricular septum, 8 (14%) had a ventricular septal defect and aortic coarctation, and 1 (2%) had coarctation of the aorta with an intact ventricular septum. All the discordant ventriculo-arterial connections were correctly identified. For associated ventricular septal defects, the diagnostic sensitivity was 96%, with specificity of 88%, positive predictive value of 85%, and negative predictive value of 97%. For aortic coarctation, the sensitivity was 100%, specificity 96%, positive predictive value 82%, and negative predictive value 100%. The prediction of the surgical approach was accurate in 41 of 48 cases (85%). For those fetuses with pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect, the ratio of the diameters of the pulmonary trunk was shown to be helpful in predicting the possibility of an arterial switch as opposed to the Rastelli type of repair. Of the 49 liveborn infants, 46 were alive at 30 days (94%, with 95% confidence intervals from 83 to 99%), and 43 at one year (88%, 95% confidence intervals from 75 to 95%). Deaths were mainly related to the anatomy of the coronary arteries, and associated cardiac lesions.
Local and remote contributions to Arctic warming
Authors: Shindell Drew
Published: July 2007

I investigate the relative impact of local and remote radiative forcing by tropospheric aerosols and ozone on Arctic climate using GISS climate model simulations. During boreal summer, Arctic climate is well‐correlated with either the global or Arctic forcing. During other seasons, however, large‐scale dynamics strongly influence the Arctic, so that the surface temperature response follows the global or Northern Hemisphere extratropical forcing much more closely. The decoupling is so strong that Arctic surface temperature trends often show the opposite sign to the local forcing. The analysis also demonstrates that ozone and aerosols affect Arctic climate more strongly per unit global forcing than well‐mixed greenhouse gases, typically 2.5–5 times in non‐summer seasons, making them powerful levers for influencing Arctic climate. However, controlling atmospheric burdens of climate‐altering pollutants outside the polar region appears to be at least as important as controlling them within for mitigation of Arctic warming.
Targeting thioredoxin reductase is a basis for cancer therapy by arsenic trioxide
Authors: Lu Jun , Chew Eng-Hui , Holmgren Arne
Published: July 2007

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective cancer therapeutic drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia and has potential anticancer activity against a wide range of solid tumors. ATO exerts its effect mainly through elevated oxidative stress, but the exact molecular mechanism remains elusive. The thioredoxin (Trx) system comprising NADPH, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and Trx and the glutathione (GSH) system composed of NADPH, glutathione reductase, and GSH supported by glutaredoxin are the two electron donor systems that control cellular proliferation, viability, and apoptosis. Recently, the selenocysteine-dependent TrxR enzyme has emerged as an important molecular target for anticancer drug development. Here, we have discovered that ATO irreversibly inhibits mammalian TrxR with an IC50of 0.25 μM. Both the N-terminal redox-active dithiol and the C-terminal selenothiol-active site of reduced TrxR may participate in the reaction with ATO. The inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth by ATO was correlated with irreversible inactivation of TrxR, which subsequently led to Trx oxidation. Furthermore, the inhibition of TrxR by ATO was attenuated by GSH, and GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine enhanced ATO-induced cell death. These results strongly suggest that the ATO anticancer activity is by means of a Trx system-mediated apoptosis. Blocking cancer cell DNA replication and repair and induction of oxidative stress by the inhibition of both Trx and GSH systems are suggested as cancer chemotherapeutic strategies.
High-resolution analysis of
Drosophila
heterochromatin organization using
SuUR Su(var)3-9
double mutants
Authors: Andreyeva Eugenia N. , Kolesnikova Tatyana D. , Demakova Olga V. , Mendez-Lago Maria , Pokholkova Galina V. , Belyaeva Elena S. , Rossi Fabrizio , Dimitri Patrizio , Villasante Alfredo , Zhimulev Igor F.
Published: July 2007

The structural and functional analyses of heterochromatin are essential to understanding how heterochromatic genes are regulated and how centromeric chromatin is formed. Because the repetitive nature of heterochromatin hampers its genome analysis, new approaches need to be developed. Here, we describe how, in double mutants for
Su(var)3-9
and
SuUR
genes encoding two structural proteins of heterochromatin, new banded heterochromatic segments appear in all polytene chromosomes due to the strong suppression of under-replication in pericentric regions. FISH on salivary gland polytene chromosomes from these double mutant larvae allows high resolution of heterochromatin mapping. In addition, immunostaining experiments with a set of antibodies against euchromatic and heterochromatic proteins reveal their unusual combinations in the newly appeared segments: binding patterns for HP1 and HP2 are coincident, but both are distinct from H3diMetK9 and H4triMetK20. In several regions, partial overlapping staining is observed for the proteins characteristic of active chromatin RNA Pol II, H3triMetK4, Z4, and JIL1, the boundary protein BEAF, and the heterochromatin-enriched proteins HP1, HP2, and SU(VAR)3-7. The exact cytological position of the centromere of chromosome 3 was visualized on salivary gland polytene chromosomes by using the centromeric dodeca satellite and the centromeric protein CID. This region is enriched in H3diMetK9 and H4triMetK20 but is devoid of other proteins analyzed.
A Unique Element in the Cytoplasmic Tail of the Type II Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor Controls Basolateral Delivery
Authors: Murphy Stephen J. , Shapira Keren E. , Henis Yoav I. , Leof Edward B.
Published: July 2007

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptors stimulate diverse signaling processes that control a wide range of biological responses. In polarized epithelia, the TGFβ type II receptor (T2R) is localized at the basolateral membranes. Sequential cytoplasmic truncations resulted in receptor missorting to apical surfaces, and they indicated an essential targeting element(s) near the receptor's C terminus. Point mutations in the full-length receptor confirmed this prediction, and a unique basolateral-targeting region was elucidated between residues 529 and 538 (LTAxxVAxxR) that was distinct, but colocalized within a clinically significant signaling domain essential for TGFβ-dependent activation of the Smad2/3 cascade. Transfer of a terminal 84 amino-acid fragment, containing the LTAxxVAxxR element, to the apically sorted influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein was dominant and directed basolateral HA expression. Although delivery to the basolateral surfaces was direct and independent of any detectable transient apical localization, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching demonstrated similar mobility for the wild-type receptor and a missorted mutant lacking the targeting motif. This latter finding excludes the possibility that the domain acts as a cell membrane retention signal, and it supports the hypothesis that T2R sorting occurs from an intracellular compartment.
Challenges for genetic research in European eel management
Authors: Maes Gregory E. , Volckaert Filip A. M.
Published: July 2007

Maes, G. E., and Volckaert, F. A. M. 2007. Challenges for genetic research in European eel management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: –. Marine organisms experience a broad range of intrinsic and extrinsic influences during their lives, which impact their population dynamics and genetic structure. Subtle interpopulation differences reflect the continuity of the marine environment, but also pose challenges to those wishing to define management units. The catadromous European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is no exception. Its spawning habitat in the Sargasso Sea and long migration across the North Atlantic qualify it as marine. However, the synergy between hydrographic variability, changing climate, and the impacts of habitat degradation and overfishing in continental waters has negatively affected stock sizes. Its protracted spawning period, variance in age-at-maturity, parental contribution and reproductive success, and the difficulty in sampling the spawning region together may mask a weak geographical genetic differentiation. Recent molecular data report evidence for spatial as well as temporal differences between populations, with the temporal heterogeneity between intra-annual recruitment and annual cohorts exceeding the spatial differences. Despite its common name of “fresh-water eel”, the European eel should really be managed on a North Atlantic scale. The fishery may have to be curtailed, migration routes kept open and water quality restored if it is to survive. Eel aquaculture has to focus on efficient rearing in the short term and controlled breeding in the long term. Future research on eel genetics should focus on (i) sampling and analysing spawning populations and recruitment waves to detect spatio-temporally discrete groups, and establishing a biological baseline from pre-decline historical collections for critical long-term monitoring and modelling of its genetic composition; (ii) the analysis of adaptive genetic polymorphism (genes under selection) to detect adaptive divergence between populations, perhaps requiring separate management strategies; and (iii) improving artificial reproduction to protect natural stocks from heavy exploitation, especially now the species has been categorized as endangered.
Behavioral Changes in Children With Mild Sleep‐Disordered Breathing or Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Mitchell Ron B. , Kelly James
Published: July 2007

Objective: To compare changes in behavior after adenotonsillectomy in children with either mild sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Methods: Children at the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital, Albuquerque with mild SDB or OSA were included in the study. All children underwent preoperative polysomnography before adenotonsillectomy. Mild SDB was defined as an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) less than 5 or an apnea index (AI) less than 1. OSA was defined as an AHI 5 or greater or an AI 1 or greater. Pre‐ and postoperative scores from the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC) survey were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results: The mean preoperative AHI for children with mild SDB (n = 17) was 3.1 (range, 1.7–4.7), and for children with OSA (n = 23) it was 25.3 (range, 10.0–48.0). The mean preoperative BASC scores for children with mild SDB were not significantly different from the scores for children with OSA. The demographics in the two groups of children were similar. The behavior symptom index, a global measure of behavior, showed significant improvement after surgery for both groups of children (P < .01). Children also showed significant improvement after adenotonsillectomy in the BASC scales of atypicality, depression, hyperactivity, and somatization. Mean changes in BASC scores after adenotonsillectomy were not significantly different in the two groups of children.

Conclusions: Behavioral problems are prevalent in children with either mild SDB or OSA, and both groups of children show significant improvements in behavior after adenotonsillectomy.
Viscum album agglutinin‐I induces degradation of cytoskeletal proteins in leukaemia PLB‐985 cells differentiated toward neutrophils: cleavage of non‐muscle myosin heavy chain‐IIA by caspases
Authors: Lavastre Valérie , Binet François , Moisan Éliane , Chiasson Sonia , Girard Denis
Published: July 2007

The role of the anti‐cancer agent Viscum album agglutinin‐I (VAA‐I) in leukaemia PLB‐985 cells differentiated toward a neutrophil‐like phenotype by dimethylsulphoxide (PLB‐985D) has never been studied. This study investigated whether or not VAA‐I can induce cytoskeletal breakdown in PLB‐985D cells, as previously observed in undifferentiated PLB‐985 cells. VAA‐I was found to induce apoptosis in PLB‐985D cells, as assessed by cytology and by degradation of gelsolin, an event known to occur via caspase‐3 activation. VAA‐I induced cytoskeletal breakdown based on the disruption of the F‐actin network and cleavage of paxillin, vimentin and lamin B1. In addition, we demonstrated, for the first time, that non‐muscle myosin heavy chain IIA (NMHC‐IIA) was cleaved by VAA‐I treatment. Degradation of NMHC‐IIA was reversed by the pan caspase inhibitor z‐VAD‐fmk in PLB‐985D cells and neutrophils. However, unlike lamin B1, no NMHC‐IIA was detected on the cell surface of apoptotic neutrophils. In conclusion, PLB‐985D cells responded in a similar manner to neutrophils regarding the degradation of the tested cytoskeletal. Therefore, PLB‐985D cells may provide a suitable substitute for neutrophils in screening experiments, preventing extensive neutrophil cell isolation.
Cloning and expression of the gene encoding an extracellular alkaline serine protease fromVibrio alginolyticusstrain HY9901, the causative agent of vibriosis inLutjanus erythopterus(Bloch)
Authors: Cai S H , Wu Z H , Jian J C , Lu Y S
Published: July 2007

A 750‐bp internal fragment of the alkaline serine protease gene (asp) from theVibrio alginolyticusstrain HY9901 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The flanking sequences of the 5′‐ and 3′‐ ends of theaspgene were characterized by reverse and nested PCR. Sequence analysis showed that theaspgene contained an 1893‐bp ORF encoding 630 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of the ASP (alkaline serine protease) precursor showed significant homology with several bacterial alkaline serine proteases. Expression of theaspgene inEscherichia coliand activity tests of the ASP indicated that the N‐signal peptide of the ASP precursor was essential to autocatalyse and fold correctly the enzyme to obtain activity. The purified ASP was lethal forLutjanus erythopteruswith an LD50of 0.25 μg protein g−1body weight.
The yeast penta‐EF protein Pef1p is involved in cation‐dependent budding and cell polarization
Authors: Vernarecci Stefano , Colotti Gianni , Ornaghi Prisca , Schiebel Elmar , Chiancone Emilia , Filetici Patrizia
Published: July 2007

Penta‐EF‐hand (PEF) proteins bind calcium and participate in a variety of calcium‐dependent processes in vertebrates. In yeast, intracellular cations regulate processes like cell division and polarized growth. This study reports the identification of a unique PEF protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encoded by the uncharacterized open reading frame YGR058w. Pef1p has a long and unstructured N‐terminal domain conserved in ascomycetes, and a highly conserved C‐terminal calcium binding domain homologous to human ALG‐2 and sorcin. Pef1p binds calcium and zinc and homodimerizes in vitro and in vivo like vertebrate homologues. Disruption of PEF1 induces defective growth in SDS and cation depletion conditions. Significantly, a critical substitution in the second EF hand (E218A) lowers the in vitro affinity for zinc and phenocopies growth defects. The dissection of protein–protein interactions and the cellular localization of Pef1p analogous to that of RAM pathway components controlling daughter‐specific gene expression at the site of bud emergence bring out the importance of this novel protein. Our data suggest that cation homeostasis is involved in the control of polarized growth and in stress response in budding yeast.
A Staphylococcus aureus ypfP mutant with strongly reduced lipoteichoic acid (LTA) content: LTA governs bacterial surface properties and autolysin activity
Authors: Fedtke Iris , Mader Diana , Kohler Thomas , Moll Hermann , Nicholson Graeme , Biswas Raja , Henseler Katja , Götz Friedrich , Zähringer Ulrich , Peschel Andreas
Published: July 2007

Many Gram‐positive bacteria produce lipoteichoic acid (LTA) polymers whose physiological roles have remained a matter of debate because of the lack of LTA‐deficient mutants. The ypfP gene responsible for biosynthesis of a glycolipid found in LTA was deleted in Staphylococcus aureus SA113, causing 87% reduction of the LTA content. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the mutant LTA contained a diacylglycerol anchor instead of the glycolipid, whereas the remaining part was similar to the wild‐type polymer except that it was shorter. The LTA mutant strain revealed no major changes in patterns of cell wall proteins or autolytic enzymes compared with the parental strain indicating that LTA may be less important in S. aureus protein attachment than previously thought. However, the autolytic activity of the mutant was strongly reduced demonstrating a role of LTA in controlling autolysin activity. Moreover, the hydrophobicity of the LTA mutant was altered and its ability to form biofilms on plastic was completely abrogated indicating a profound impact of LTA on physicochemical properties of bacterial surfaces. We propose to consider LTA and its biosynthetic enzymes as targets for new antibiofilm strategies.
Prevention and health promotion and evidence‐based fields of nursing—A literature review
Authors: Wilhelmsson Susan , Lindberg Malou
Published: July 2007

This paper summarizes the evidence constituting the foundation for preventive and health promotive work performed by nurses in primary care. This is a systematic literature review in six scientific databases. Forty original articles and 16 literature reviews met the inclusion criteria. After both authors independently read the articles, 25 were excluded and 15 included. One article was judged to be of high quality, five of medium quality and 10 of low quality. The articles of high and medium quality focused on alcohol counselling, coronary heart disease and diabetes. Of the 16 literature reviews from the Cochrane Library, 10 were found to be relevant and presented evidence. The subjects included smoking cessation, breast‐feeding, prevention of falls among the elderly, asthma in children, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Few studies in the area of prevention and health promotion are of adequate scientific quality, resulting in limited evidence for the effects of interventions.
Outcomes of surgical treatment of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: An institutional experience 1983–2004
Authors: Tibballs James , Kawahira Yoichi , Carter Bradley G , Donath Susan , Brizard Christian , Wilkinson Jim
Published: July 2007

Aim:  To determine outcomes of surgical treatment of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of medical records of infants with HLHS.

Results:  129 of 206 (63%) infants with HLHS were managed surgically over the period 1983–2004. Survival from all stages of surgical repair was 52 (40%) patients with significantly different (P < 0.001) survival according to surgical techniques and post‐operative intensive care management recognisable in three eras. During 1983–1995 a classical Norwood stage 1 operation with a systemic‐pulmonary shunt was performed for 61 infants with 13 (21%) survivors. From 1996 to 2002, pulmonary vasoconstriction and systemic vasodilatation after stage 1 operation were used to optimise systemic blood flow yielding a survival of 22 of 46 (48%) infants. From 2002 to 2004 a ventricular‐pulmonary conduit was used with survival of 17 of 22 (77%) infants. Survival at 1, 6, 12 months and at 5, 10 and 15 years was 65%, 53%, 48%, 38%, 38% and 25%, respectively. The mean ± SD number of surgical procedures was 4.5 ± 3.7; duration of hospitalisation 53 ± 52 days (median 38); number of hospital admissions 3.0 ± 3.5; duration in intensive care 18 ± 20 days (median 11); hours of mechanical ventilation 278 ± 398 (median 151).

Conclusion:  Short‐term survival of HLHS has improved substantially over recent years with a ventricular‐pulmonary conduit while long‐term survival has been mediocre after arterial systemic‐pulmonary shunts. Irrespective of type of primary surgery, infants undergo many operations and spend long periods in hospital and intensive care.
Multifocal dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor with signs of atypia after regrowth
Authors: Schittenhelm Jens , Mittelbronn Michel , Wolff Markus , Truebenbach Jochen , Will Bernd E. , Meyermann Richard , Beschorner Rudi
Published: July 2007

We report the case of a multifocal dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) in a 7‐year‐old girl with local tumor regrowth 6 years later. The tumor was localized in the right parietal lobe extending from the cortex into the periventricular white matter. After subtotal resection of a histopathologically confirmed DNT we observed unexpected tumor progression in long‐term follow‐up. Therefore, a second surgery was performed when the patient was 14 years of age. In neuropathological examination of the second specimen the tumor showed an increased cellularity and pleomorphism, microvascular proliferations, an elevated proliferative activity (MIB1‐index focally up to 10%) and cellular atypia not typical for WHO grade I DNT. Furthermore, MRI studies showed additional supratentorial and infratentorial lesions which remained stable over years and are also well consistent with DNTs. Thus, an unusual form of a DNT with multifocal lesions, local regrowth and morphological transformation is supposed.
Thrombotic microangiopathy from Australian brown snake (Pseudonaja) envenoming
Authors: Isbister G. K. , Little M. , Cull G. , McCoubrie D. , Lawton P. , Szabo F. , Kennedy J. , Trethewy C. , Luxton G. , Brown S. G. A. , Currie B. J.
Published: July 2007

Background: Australian brown snake (genus Pseudonaja) envenoming causes a venom‐induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC). A proportion of cases go on to develop thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) and acute renal failure (ARF).

Aim: The aim of the study was to define better the natural history and empirical treatments for thrombotic microangiopathy in brown snake envenoming.

Methods: A review of brown snake bites recruited to the Australian Snakebite Project (ASP), a national multicentre study of snake envenoming was undertaken. Serial data are recorded on clinical effects and laboratory results, including measurement of venom concentrations. We describe cases of thrombotic microangiopathy and compare these to cases without thrombotic microangiopathy.

Results: From 32 cases of brown snake envenoming with severe VICC, four (13%) developed thrombotic microangiopathy, we also included two cases of thrombotic microangiopathy from prior to ASP. All six developed severe thrombocytopenia (<20 × 10−9/L), worst 3 days after the bite and resolving over a week, MAHA with fragmented red blood cells on the blood film and five developed anuric ARF requiring dialysis and lasting 2–8 weeks. All six received antivenom, which was delayed compared with other brown snake‐envenoming cases. Four were treated with plasmapheresis. The severity and recovery of the thrombocytopenia, anaemia and renal function were similar with and without plasmapheresis. The median length of stay for MAHA cases was 14 days (interquartile range (IQR) 12–14) compared to 1.8 days (IQR 1.3–2) for all other cases.

Conclusion:  Thrombotic microangiopathy resulting from brown snake bite appears to have a good prognosis and management should focus on early antivenom therapy and supportive care including dialysis. The role of plasmapheresis is yet to be defined.
Physical activity consultation for people with Type 2 diabetes. Evidence and guidelines
Authors: Kirk A. F. , Barnett J. , Mutrie N.
Published: July 2007

Physical activity is an important, but often underused, therapeutic strategy within diabetes care. To date, little is known about the best way to promote physical activity in diabetes care. Physical activity consultation is an intervention designed to promote physical activity behaviour change. This article provides guidelines on how to conduct a physical activity consultation with people who have Type 2 diabetes, and reviews the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of this intervention in this population. The trans‐theoretical model is the underlying theory of behaviour change for the physical activity consultation intervention. The review identifies research which supports the use of this model for understanding physical activity behaviour in people with Type 2 diabetes. The review outlines a number of modifiable variables associated with physical activity behaviour change in this population. How each of these variables is addressed within the guidelines for conducting a physical activity consultation is identified. Finally, limited but consistent research highlights the effectiveness of physical activity consultation for promoting physical activity in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Family Rearing Antecedents of Pubertal Timing
Authors: Belsky Jay , Steinberg Laurence D. , Houts Renate M. , Friedman Sarah L. , DeHart Ganie , Cauffman Elizabeth , Roisman Glenn I. , Halpern‐Felsher Bonnie L. , Susman Elisabeth ,   The NICHD Early Child Care Research Network
Published: July 2007

Two general evolutionary hypotheses were tested on 756 White children (397 girls) studied longitudinally: (1) rearing experiences would predict pubertal timing; and (2) children would prove differentially susceptible to rearing. Analysis of pubertal measurements, including some based on repeated physical assessments, showed that mothering and fathering, earlier and later in childhood, predicted pubertal development, but only for girls, with negative parenting appearing most influential; maternal harsh control predicted earlier menarche. Rearing effects varied by infant negative emotionality, proving stronger (and opposite) for girls who in infancy were lower rather than higher in negativity. Maternal menarche, controlled in all analyses, was a stronger predictor than rearing. Findings are discussed in terms of theory development, genetic and nutritional influences, and sample restrictions.
Poverty, Social Exclusion and the Politics of Disability: Care as a Social Good and the Expenditure of Social Capital in Chuadanga, Bangladesh
Authors: Foley Dermot , Chowdhury Jahan
Published: July 2007

People labelled with disabilities in Chuadanga, Bangladesh, are denied equitable access to social networks and formal services. In terms both of funding future formal service programmes and of designing community‐based outreach programmes, this lack of access is not a simple reflection of one's impairment but a facet of the social exclusion and stigma that is culturally ascribed to disability in Chuadanga. We utilize a social model to focus on the cultural processes initiated by the onset of illness or impairment. Our participants are drawn from four types of diagnosed disability: blindness, orthopaedic impairment, hearing impairment and mental disorder. Although this inquiry is in line with Daly's focus on how future spending on formal services to promote care and equity in Europe can be helped by searching out information that is often ignored, the particular focus of this study is Chuadanga and the research questions incorporate a disability studies perspective. The authors consider care as a social good and an expenditure of social capital, in reviewing findings from a recent empirical study of disability and employment in the Bangladesh district of Chuadanga. Regardless of disability, poverty can be a morally and socially devastating ordeal. However, the authors conclude that the added loss of social solidarity and equitable access, due to the social exclusion and stigma of disability for the families concerned, make it statistically far less likely that they will access formal services or be able to escape poverty.
The Impact of BRCA1 on Spina Bifida Meningomyelocele Lesions
Authors: King Terri M. , Au Kit‐Sing , Kirkpatrick Timothy J. , Davidson Christina , Fletcher Jack M. , Townsend Irene , Tyerman Gayle H. , Shimmin Lawrence C. , Northrup Hope
Published: July 2007

We examined the BRCA1 gene in 268 patients, and their parents, with a specific diagnosis of spina bifida meningomyelocele (SBMM). We genotyped two intragenic microsatellite markers (BRCA1 D17S1323, BRCA1 D17S1322) and 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (A1186G, A4956G) in our patients. Transmission disequilibrium testing (TDT) showed significant association with A4956G, but not with A1186G. Extended TDT demonstrated over‐transmission of the 17GT allele in BRCA1 D17S1323 and the 14GTT allele in BRCA1 D17S1322, and under‐transmission of the 20GT allele in BRCA1 D17S1323 and the 16GTT allele in BRCA1 D17S1322. Our data included location of the rostral edge of the lesion. Individuals homozygous for the 17GT allele for BRCA1 D17S1323 were more likely to have SB lesions located caudally, while heterozygotes with the 17GT allele for BRCA1 D17S1323 had a more rostral lesion. Individuals heterozygous for the 16GTT allele of BRCA1 D17S1322 were more likely to have rostral lesions. We measured gene expression in CEPH members and demonstrated differential expression levels of BRCA1 associated with these polymorphisms. Integrating our data with HapMap findings showed that the polymorphic markers are associated with distinct haplotypes. We conclude that the BRCA1 gene is associated with SBMM and participates in the phenotypic variability seen in SBMM.
Facial electromyographic responses to emotional information from faces and voices in individuals with pervasive developmental disorder
Authors: Magnée Maurice J.C.M. , De Gelder Beatrice , Van Engeland Herman , Kemner Chantal
Published: July 2007

Background:  Despite extensive research, it is still debated whether impairments in social skills of individuals with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) are related to specific deficits in the early processing of emotional information. We aimed to test both automatic processing of facial affect as well as the integration of auditory and visual emotion cues in individuals with PDD.

Methods:  In a group of high‐functioning adult individuals with PDD and an age‐ and IQ‐matched control group, we measured facial electromyography (EMG) following presentation of visual emotion stimuli (facial expressions) as well as the presentation of audiovisual emotion pairs (faces plus voices). This emotionally driven EMG activity is considered to be a direct correlate of automatic affect processing that is not under intentional control.

Results:  Our data clearly indicate that among individuals with PDD facial EMG activity is heightened in response to happy and fearful faces, and intact in response to audiovisual affective information.

Conclusions:  This study provides evidence for enhanced sensitivity to facial cues at the level of reflex‐like emotional responses in individuals with PDD. Furthermore, the findings argue against impairments in crossmodal affect processing at this level of perception. However, given how little comparative work has been done in the area of multisensory perception, there is certainly need for further exploration.
PREHISTORIC WALL PAINTINGS: THE CASE OF THEDOMUS DE JANASNECROPOLIS (SARDINIA, ITALY)*
Authors: RAMPAZZI L. , CAMPO L. , CARIATI F. , TANDA G. , COLOMBINI M. P.
Published: July 2007

TheDomus de Janas(Home of the Fairies, or Home of the Witches) are Neolithic hypogea located throughout Sardinia (Italy) and decorated with red and black wall paintings. The objective of this study was to define the painting technique through the analytical characterization of the pigments and binding media. Samples of painting film from different graves have been examined by means of various analytical techniques. XRD, Raman and SEM–EDX analyses identified the red and black pigments respectively as red ochre rich in hematite and carbon black, while GC–MS analyses characterized the organic binder as egg.
Self‐Efficacy Beliefs Predict Sustained Long‐Term Sick Absenteeism in Individuals With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Busch H. , Göransson S. , Melin B.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Recovery beliefs are assumed to predict rehabilitation outcomes and return‐to‐work in various clinical conditions but are less frequently assessed in musculoskeletal disorders. We tested the hypothesis that recovery beliefs constitute a risk factor for sustained long‐term sick absenteeism in men and women suffering from nonspecific chronic musculoskeletal disorders. A total of 233 subjects with a recent or ongoing experience of long‐term sick leave were included in a prospective design. Subjects answered a postal baseline questionnaire and were followed up via register data for 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that subjects with negative recovery beliefs (OR: 2.41; CI: 1.22–4.77), low sense of mastery (OR: 2.08; CI: 1.27–3.40), perceived high mental demands at work (OR: 1.77; CI: 1.05–2.99), and prior experiences of long‐term sick absenteeism (OR: 1.86; CI: 1.02–3.37) had an increased probability of receiving sickness benefits at follow‐up. We conclude that prolonged sickness absence contributes strongly to increase patients' sense of helplessness, lower self‐efficacy, and hinder future work return. To improve work return, patients' maladaptive beliefs should be clarified and challenged early in the rehabilitation process.
Hepatitis B virus DNA–positive, hepatitis B surface antigen–negative blood donations intercepted by anti‐hepatitis B core antigen testing: the Canadian Blood Services experience
Authors: O'Brien Sheila F. , Fearon Margaret A. , Yi Qi‐Long , Fan Wenli , Scalia Vito , Muntz Irene R. , Vamvakas Eleftherios C.
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND: The benefit of introducing anti‐hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) screening for intercepting potentially infectious donations missed by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening in Canada was studied.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Anti‐HBc testing of all donations was implemented in April 2005, along with antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA supplemental testing of anti‐HBc repeat‐reactive, HBsAg‐negative donations. The proportion of potentially infectious donations intercepted by anti‐HBc over the initial 18 months of testing was calculated based on three assumptions relating infectivity of HBV DNA–positive units to anti‐HBs levels. Lookback was conducted for all DNA‐positive donations.

RESULTS: Of 493,344 donors, 5,585 (1.13%) were repeat‐reactive for the presence of anti‐HBc, with 29 (0.52%) being HBV DNA–positive and HBsAg‐negative. The proportion of potentially infectious donations intercepted by anti‐HBc screening was 1 in 17,800 if all HBV DNA–positive donations were infectious, 1 in 26,900 if infectivity was limited to donations with an anti‐HBs level of not more than 100 mIU per mL, and 1 in 69,300 if only donations with undetectable anti‐HBs were infectious. For 279 components in the lookback study, no traced recipients were HBsAg‐positive and 7 recipients were anti‐HBc–reactive in association with 4 donors, 3 of whom had an anti‐HBs level of more than 100 mIU per mL and 1 of whom had a level of 61 mIU per mL.

CONCLUSION: Implementation of anti‐HBc screening reduced the risk of transfusing potentially infectious units by at least as much as had been expected based on the literature. The lookback did not provide proof of transfusion transmission of HBV from HBV DNA–positive, anti‐HBc–reactive, HBsAg‐negative donors but it did not establish lack of transmission either.
The Discovery of (2R,4R)‐N‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐N‐ (2‐fluoro‐4‐(2‐oxopyridin‐1(2H)‐yl)phenyl)‐4‐methoxypyrrolidine‐1,2‐dicarboxamide (PD 0348292), an Orally Efficacious Factor Xa Inhibitor
Authors: Kohrt Jeffrey T. , Bigge Christopher F. , Bryant John W. , Casimiro‐Garcia Agustin , Chi Liguo , Cody Wayne L. , Dahring Tawny , Dudley Danette A. , Filipski Kevin J. , Haarer Staci , Heemstra Ron , Janiczek Nancy , Narasimhan Lakshmi , McClanahan Thomas , Peterson J. Thomas , Sahasrabudhe Vaisheli , Schaum Robert , Van Huis Chad A. , Welch Kathleen M. , Zhang Erli , Leadley Robert J. , Edmunds Jeremy J.
Published: July 2007

Herein, we report the discovery of novel, proline‐based factor Xa inhibitors containing a neutral P1 chlorophenyl pharmacophore. Through the additional incorporation of 1‐(4‐amino‐3‐fluoro‐phenyl)‐1H‐pyridin‐2‐one22, as a P4 pharmacophore, we discovered compound7(PD 0348292). This compound is a selective, orally bioavailable, efficacious FXa inhibitor that is currently in phase II clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of thrombotic disorders.