bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound assessment of bladder volume: Is it valid after delivery?
Authors: Pallis Lucinda M. , Wilson Melissa
Published: November 2003

Aim:  To assess the validity of a commercially available bladder volume scanner in the puerperium.

Methods:  A prospective blinded comparison of bladder volume measurement after vaginal delivery using the BladderScan bladder volume instrument (BVI) 3000 and Foley catheter; comparison using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results:  The mean difference between the two measurements was a 130‐mL over‐measurement by the bladder scanner (range: −156 mL to +422 mL). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.23 (95% confidence interval 0.00, 0.59).

Conclusions:  The BladderScan BVI 3000 is not an accurate instrument to assess bladder volume the day after vaginal delivery. Some of the discrepancy might relate to use of the Foley catheter as the reference standard. Further comparison between the BladderScan and a short female catheter or real time ultrasound is indicated.
Herbicidal potential and quantification of causative allelochemicals from several Compositae weeds
Authors: Chon S‐U , Kim Y‐M , Lee J‐C
Published: November 2003

Compositae plants contain biologically active substances that are allelopathic to weed species. Aqueous extracts from leaves of 16 plants were bioassayed against lucerne (Medicago sativa) to determine their allelopathic effects, and the results showed the highest inhibition for the extracts from Lactuca sativa, Xanthium occidentale and Cirsium japonicum. The extracts applied to filter paper in Petri‐dish bioassay tests significantly inhibited root growth of lucerne. Extracts of 40 g dry tissue L−1 from L. sativa, X. occidentale and C. japonicum were completely inhibitory to lucerne root growth, but hypocotyl growth of lucerne was less sensitive. Although allelopathic effects of methanol extracts were much less than those of coumarin or alachlor, early seedling growth of both lucerne and Echinochloa crus‐galli was significantly reduced by methanol extracts. Mixture of L. sativa, X. occidentale and C. japonicum extracts had more inhibitory effects on test plants than each single extract treatment. By means of high‐performance liquid chromatography, responsible causative allelopathic substances present in L. sativa, X. occidentale and C. japonicum were isolated from various fractions and identified as coumarin, trans‐cinnamic acid, o‐coumaric acid and p‐coumaric acid. These results suggest that some Compositae have various herbicidal potentials, and that their activities, types and amount of causative compounds differ, depending on the plant species.
Androgen metabolic response to indomethacin and the alkaline phosphatase inhibitor levamisole in fibroblasts
Authors: Soory M. , Tilakaratne A.
Published: November 2003

Objectives: The aim of this investigation is to study the effects of indomethacin (I) and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) inhibitor levamisole (L) on androgen 5α‐reductase expression in gingival and periosteal fibroblasts, in the context of repair in the periodontium. Chronically inflamed human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) were used to demonstrate the comparative effects of L on HGF and human oral periosteal fibroblasts (HPF).

Material and Methods: Monolayer cultures of six cell lines of HPF of the fifth to ninth passage were incubated in duplicate with 14C‐testosterone/14C‐4‐androstenedione as substrates in Eagle's MEM; I was added at concentrations of 1 and 3 μg/ml in the presence or absence of the established inhibitory concentration of 30 μg/ml L and incubated for 24 h. The medium was solvent extracted for radioactive metabolites, separated by thin layer chromatography and quantified.

Results: L caused 50% inhibition of 5α‐reductase and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in HGF. In HPF, 5α‐reductase expression was enhanced by I with both substrates, by 65–76% (n=6; p<0.01), inhibited by 30–50% (n=6; p<0.01) with L and restored to control values in combination.

Conclusion: Yields of androgen metabolites may be linked to ALP activity, with implications on healing, during adjunctive treatment of inflammatory periodontal disease with I.
Efficacy of swallowing training for residents following stroke
Authors: Lin Li‐Chan , Wang Shu‐Chen , Chen Seng Hwa , Wang Tyng‐Guey , Chen Miao‐Yen , Wu Shiao‐Chi
Published: November 2003

Background.  The presence of dysphagia is associated with an increased risk of mortality, malnutrition, dehydration, compromised pulmonary function, and disability. Appropriate swallowing training can establish optimal nutritional status and eliminate or reduce the risk of developing medical complications associated with swallowing impairment.

Aim(s) of the study.  The aim of this study was to examine the functional swallowing and nutritional outcomes of swallowing training in institutionalized stroke residents with dysphagia.

Design and methods.  A quasi‐experimental parallel cluster design was used. Seven institutions with similar bed sizes were selected. All subjects in the experimental group received a structured swallowing training programme. The subjects in the experimental group (n = 40) received 30 minutes of swallowing training each day for 6 days per week for 8 weeks. The control group (n = 21) did not receive any training.

Results.  After swallowing training, mean differences in volume per second, volume per swallow, mid‐arm circumference and body weight between pre‐ and post‐training of the experimental group were significantly higher than for the control group, while mean differences in neurological examination and choking frequency during meals for the experimental group were significantly lower than in the control group.

Conclusion.  This study used objective timed swallowing tests, a swallowing questionnaire, and a neurological examination to evaluate the effects of swallowing training. However, videofluroscopy is generally considered the best method for evaluating the pharyngeal and esophageal stages of swallowing, and introducing this technique is recommended for future studies. Furthermore, it is recommended that nursing professionals should conduct swallowing training protocols in stroke patients to help prevent aspiration from dysphagia.
A comprehensive model for predicting burnout in Korean nurses
Authors: Lee Haejung , Song Rhayun , Cho Young Suk , Lee Gil Za , Daly Barbara
Published: November 2003

Background. Although burnout among nurses has been studied in a great deal, this work has not included Korean nurses. Furthermore, the role of personal resources such as empathy and empowerment in predicting the variance in burnout has never been examined.

Aim. The purpose of this study was to understand the phenomenon of burnout among Korean nurses. A comprehensive model of burnout was examined to identify significant predictors among individual characteristics, job stress and personal resource, with the intention of providing a basis for individual and organizational interventions to reduce levels of burnout experienced by Korean nurses.

Methods. A cross‐sectional correlational design was used. A sample of 178 nurses from general hospitals in southern Korea was surveyed from May 1999 to March 2000. The data were collected using paper and pencil self‐rating questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression.

Results. Korean nurses reported higher levels of burnout than nurses in western countries such as Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Nurses who experienced higher job stress, showed lower cognitive empathy and empowerment, and worked in night shifts at tertiary hospitals were more likely to experience burnout.

Conclusions. Identifying a comprehensive model of burnout among Korean nurses is an essential step to develop effective managerial strategies to reduce the problem. Suggestions to reduce the level of burnout include enhancing nurses’ cognitive empathy and perceived power, providing clear job descriptions and work expectations, and exploring nurses’ shift preferences, especially at tertiary hospitals. In future research we recommend recruiting nurses from broader geographical areas using random selection in order to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Effect of dietary protein on lean body wasting in dogs: correlation between loss of lean mass and markers of proteasome‐dependent proteolysis
Authors: Wakshlag J. J. , Barr S. C. , Ordway G. A. , Kallfelz F. A. , Flaherty C. E. , Christensen B. W. , Shepard L. A. , Nydam D. V. , Davenport G. M.
Published: November 2003

To determine the effect of dietary protein intake on lean body wasting in adult canines a study was undertaken to investigate the Ubiquitin Proteasome (UP) pathway and concurrent changes in lean and fat body mass of canines fed variable sources and concentrations of dietary protein.

Purpose‐bred, intact female canines (56) between the ages of 2 and 3 years were fed either 12 or 28% protein diet for 10 weeks. Each diet contained variable amounts of corn gluten meal and chicken protein sources in ratios of 100 : 0, 67 : 33, 33 : 67 and 0 : 100 per cent (w/w), respectively. All diets were isocaloric with calories coming from protein : fat : carbohydrate at the respective ratios of 12 : 40 : 48% for the 12% diets, and 28 : 40 : 32% for the 28% diets. Standard dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry was performed to assess total body lean and fat mass at weeks 0 and 10 of the dietary trial. Muscle biopsies were also taken and processed for protein determination and standard gel electrophoresis with subsequent Western blotting for 20S proteasome and PA700 regulatory cap subunit p31. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate degree of correlation between increasing quantities of corn gluten, which is low in essential amino acids (i.e. lysine, tryptophan), and increasing loss of lean body mass over the 10‐week study (R = 0.56). Furthermore, a moderate degree of correlation was observed between increasing concentrations of corn gluten protein and decreased expression of the p31 subunit of the 26S proteasome (R = 0.49). Additionally, the dogs consuming the 12% protein diets had a significant increase in fat mass regardless of the protein source. These findings suggest that lean body wasting in adult canines can be associated with the consumption of low protein diets consisting of predominantly corn gluten, which is likely due to imbalances or subclinical deficiencies of specific essential amino acids, and that low protein diets may augment accumulation of adipose tissue. Although the mechanisms remain unclear, alteration of molecular targets of skeletal muscle proteolysis, specifically involving the UP pathway occur.
The Legal Analog of the Principle of Bivalence
Authors: Golding Martin P.
Published: November 2003

The principle of bivalence is the assertion that every statement is either true or else false. Its legal analog, however, must be formulated relative to particular legal systems and in terms of validity rather than truth. It asserts that every statement of law that can be formulated in the vocabulary of a given legal system is valid (correct) or else invalid (incorrect) in that system. A line of New York cases is traced, beginning with Thomas v. Winchester (1852). This case, which involved a poison mislabeled as a medicine, established an exception to the rule that a manufacturer or supplier is never liable for negligence to a remote purchaser. The court made an exception because a poison is an “imminently dangerous” thing. How far may this exception be applied to other fact‐situations? Some subsequent cases are examined, and it is considered whether there is no correct answer in these instances and, more dramatically, whether more than one correct answer is tenable. In either event the legal analog of bivalence would seem to fail.
Core‐binding factor‐β positive acute myeloid leukaemia cells induce T‐cell responses
Authors: Banat G.‐A. , Ihlow Kerstin , Usluoglu Nurguel , Hoppmann Sabine , Hoeck Marianne , Pralle Hans
Published: November 2003

Summary.  The addition of specific cytokines is a mandatory prerequisite for the generation and subsequent function of leukaemia‐derived dendritic cells (DC) believed to induce specific T‐cell responses. In this study, we report the ability of blasts derived from cytogenetically classified acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells with the inversion of chromosome 16 to stimulate allogeneic and autologous T cells without additional cytokines. They displayed a measurable immunogenic effect. Sixteen of 17 established, stable AML cell lines, growing primary tumour cells from patients with a variety of chromosomal abnormalities, altered their surface marker expression pattern in proliferating culture. They lost the progenitor markers CD33, CD13 and CD34 while significantly increasing expression of the co‐stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Four cell lines derived from inv(16) positive blasts mounted allogeneic as well as autologous T cell activation with concomitant expression of CD25 and CD69. Moreover, oligoclonal expanded T cells were able to lyse inv(16) AML blasts in a specific major histocompatibility complex class I‐restricted and CD80‐dependent manner. AML blasts with karyotypes other than inv(16) activated T cells, but without inducing a significant proliferation. We conclude from this study that AML blasts derived from inv(16) positive patients may be preferential targets for AML immunotherapy strategies.
Salvage chemotherapy for refractory or relapsed post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in patients after solid organ transplantation with a combination of carboplatin and etoposide
Authors: Oertel Stephan H. , Papp‐Váry Matthias , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Hummel Manfred W. , Jonas Sven , Riess Hanno B.
Published: November 2003

Summary.  This pilot study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of salvage chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide; CE) supported by granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF) in patients with refractory or relapsed post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) following solid organ transplantation. Intensified salvage regimens were not feasible for these patients, due to their immunosuppressive conditions and potential organ (especially kidney and bone marrow) malfunctions. Salvage chemotherapy consisted of carboplatin [area under the curve (AUC) 4], on day 1, etoposide (120 mg/m2), on days 1–3 and GCSF (5 μg/kg) starting on day 5. This therapeutic regimen was planned to be repeated every 21 d. Nine patients (seven with refractory, two with relapsed disease) were enrolled. Five patients were heart transplant recipients, three liver transplant recipients and one patient had been a double lung transplant recipient. Five patients achieved a complete remission (CR), with follow‐up at 92, 39, 55+, 17 and 9+ months. One patient showed stable disease after two cycles of CE and one patient had progressive disease. Two patients experienced early deaths, after the first and third cycles of chemotherapy respectively. One died of septic complications and one because of a perforated intestine, which had been infiltrated by lymphoma. In respect of the difficulties experienced in treating patients with refractory or relapsed PTLD after solid organ transplantation, the combination of carboplatin and etopoide with GCSF support (filgrastim) proved to be an effective regimen.
Intravenous administration of replication‐incompetent adenovirus to rhesus monkeys induces thrombocytopenia by increasing in vivo platelet clearance
Authors: Wolins N. , Lozier J. , Eggerman T.L. , Jones E. , Aguilar‐Córdova E. , Vostal J. G.
Published: November 2003

Summary.  A replication‐incompetent adenovirus vector was administered to rhesus macaques at 1, 3 and 6 × 1012 particles/kg doses to investigate its toxicity. Platelet count decrements of 28%, 82% and 90%, respectively, were observed, with corresponding platelet half‐lives of 69·0, 25·2 and 22·2 h (compared with 111 h in untreated animals). The platelet decline was equivalent for all three doses for 8 h, and platelet count recovery began as early as 8 h after infusion for low‐dose recipients, or as late as 24 h for the medium and high dose recipients. These observations suggest that thrombocytopenia is a saturable, reversible consumptive process.
MIB‐1 and S‐phase cell fraction predict survival in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas
Authors: Mochen C. , Giardini R. , Costa A. , Silvestrini R.
Published: November 2003

The monoclonal antibody anti‐Ki67 is used to detect proliferating cells, but its main limitation is the requirement of fresh‐frozen material. On a series of patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, we used a Ki67 equivalent monoclonal antibody, the recently proposed MIB‐1, on formalin‐fixed histopathological material using microwave antigen retrieval. MIB‐1 expression was analysed in relation to other proliferation indices, such as autoradiographic 3H‐thymidine labelling index (3HTL1) and flow cytometric S‐phase cell fraction (FCM‐S) and to pathological status. Moreover, the prognostic relevance of the cell kinetic indices was defined in uni‐ and multivariate analyses including histology and tumour stage. The relationship between MIB‐1 index and the other proliferation indices was statistically significant even though the correlation coefficient was around 0.6. The MIB‐1 index was also related to the REAL (Revised European American Lymphoma) classification, but not to the Ann Arbor stage classification. Univariate analysis showed that the MIB‐1 index was a significant predictor of 6‐year survival in the overall series and in distinctly analysed low‐grade and high‐grade lymphoma subgroups. With regard to S‐phase indices, 3HTLI was a powerful prognosticator in patients with high‐grade histologies and FCM‐S in patients with low‐grade histologies. Multivariate analyses revealed that MIB‐1 indiex, 3HTLI and FCM‐S retained their prognostic significance independent of histology. In conclusion, the MIB‐1 antibody provides prognostic information in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas and has the main advantage that it can be used in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens.
Determinants of IGF‐I status in a large cohort of growth hormone‐deficient (GHD) subjects: the role of timing of onset of GHD
Authors: Lissett Catherine A. , Jönsson Peter , Monson John P. , Shalet Stephen M.
Published: November 2003

background  IGF‐I standard deviation score (SDS) is widely used in clinical practice; however, factors determining IGF‐I SDS in GH‐deficient (GHD) individuals remain incompletely understood. Earlier studies have been limited by the small size of cohorts studied. We have used the KIMS database to examine if a true difference exists between subjects who developed GHD in adult life (AO), and those who developed GHD in childhood (CO).

patients  A total of 1317 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 1073 with AO GHD and 244 with CO GHD.

methods  Serum IGF‐I concentrations were determined by a hydrochloric acid–ethanol extraction radioimmunoassay method using synthetic IGF‐I for labelling. The reference range was calculated using normative data from healthy Swedish individuals.

results  A total of 86% of patients with CO GHD but only 52% of patients with AO GHD had IGF‐I SDS below −2 SDS. The CO cohort had a lower IGF‐I SDS (−4·69 vs.−2·24, P < 0·0001), a smaller body mass index (BMI; 26·6 vs. 28·6 kg/m2, P < 0·0001) and waist–hip ratio (WHR; 0·90 vs. 0·92 P < 0·001) than the AO cohort. A stepwise multiple linear regression was performed to examine the principal determinants of IGF‐I SDS. Age at onset of GHD was the most important determinant of IGF‐I SDS, contributing 17% towards the variability of IGF‐I SDS. Timing of onset, gender, BMI, and number of pituitary hormone deficiencies other than GH deficiency were also significant determinants of IGF‐I SDS.

conclusion  Whilst age at onset of GHD was the most important determinant of IGF‐I SDS, individuals with CO GHD had values on average 1·43 lower than those with AO GHD, all other factors being equal. Potential explanations include differences in GH secretory patterns, variation in body composition, and/or suboptimal treatment of GHD in childhood.
Modulation by progestogens of the effects of oestrogen on hepatic endocrine function in postmenopausal women
Authors: Nugent Ailish G. , Leung Kin‐Chuen , Sullivan David , Reutens Anne T. , Ho Ken K. Y.
Published: November 2003

objective  Oral but not transdermal oestrogen administration reduces IGF‐I, and increases GH binding protein (GHBP) reflecting effects on hepatic endocrine function in postmenopausal women. As progestogens attenuate the effects of oestrogen on circulating lipid levels according to their androgenic properties, we have investigated the impact of progestogen types on the hepatic endocrine effects of oestrogen.

design  Four progestogens differing in androgenicity were co‐administered in a monthly cyclical regimen in random order to postmenopausal women receiving either oral (n = 9, premarin 1·25 mg) or transdermal (n = 10, Estraderm 100 µg patches twice weekly). The four progestogens were cyproterone acetate (CA 5 mg, antiandrogenic), dydrogesterone (20 mg, neutral), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 10 mg, mildly androgenic), norethisterone (2·5 mg, androgenic).

patients  Nineteen postmenopausal women (age 57 ± 3 years, mean ± SE) were studied.

measurements  The effects of oestrogen alone and the combined effects with each progestogen type on IGF‐I, GHBP, SHBG, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a) were investigated.

results  Mean IGF‐I fell while GHBP and SHBG levels increased with oral (P < 0·01) but not transdermal oestrogen administration. When the combined effects were examined, progestogens did not affect IGF‐I, GHBP and SHBG during oral oestrogen treatment, while they significantly increased (P < 0·01) mean IGF‐I levels during transdermal therapy. Among the progestogen types, only norethisterone prevented the fall in IGF‐I induced by oral oestrogen. During transdermal therapy, MPA and norethisterone but not CA or dydrogesterone significantly increased (P < 0·005) IGF‐I. The rise in GHBP induced by oral oestrogens tended to be lower during co‐administration of MPA and norethisterone. The increase in SHBG induced by oral oestrogen was attenuated (P < 0·05) by norethisterone which was the only progestogen that lowered SHBG (P < 0·05) during transdermal oestrogen treatment. Mean IGF‐I was higher (P < 0·001), GHBP and SHBG lower during co‐administration of androgenic progestogens (MPA and norethisterone).

conclusions  Oestrogen effects on IGF‐I, GHBP and SHBG are dependent on the route of administration with progestogens having variable effects. Among the progestogen types, norethisterone, the most androgenic, had the greatest effect, particularly on IGF‐I. Progestogens modulate the effects of oestrogen on hepatic endocrine function in relation to their intrinsic androgenic properties. The modulatory effects of progestogens on IGF‐I during oestrogen therapy may have long‐term implications for lean body mass.
Characterization of acetylcholinesterases, and their genes, from the hemipteran species Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Aphis gossypii (Glover), Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood)
Authors: Javed N. , Viner R. , Williamson M. S. , Field L. M. , Devonshire A. L. , Moores G. D.
Published: November 2003

Gene sequences encoding putative acetylcholinesterases have been reported for four hemipteran insect species. Although acetylcholinesterase insensitivity occurs in insecticide‐resistant populations of each of these species, no mutations were detected in the gene sequences from the resistant insects. This, coupled with a series of experiments using novel reversible inhibitors to compare the biochemical characteristics of acetylcholinesterase from a range of insect species, showed that the cloned cDNA fragments are unlikely to encode the hemipteran synaptic acetylcholinesterases, and there is likely to be a second ace locus.
Endothelium‐dependent Relaxation of Canine Uterine Artery in Response to Acetylcholine: the Possible Involvement of Alternative Pathways
Authors: Pešić S. , Grbović L. , Jovanović A. , Radenković M. , Stojić D. , Cvetković Z. , Ilić I.
Published: November 2003

The effect of acetylcholine on the isolated, pre‐contracted, uterine artery of non‐pregnant dog was investigated. Acetylcholine‐induced concentration‐dependent relaxation of isolated canine uterine artery with endothelium (pEC50 = 6.48 ±0.01, n = 37) and was without effect on arterial segments denuded of endothelium. Indomethacin, 4‐aminopyridine (10−5 m) and pre‐contraction with K+‐rich Krebs–Ringer bicarbonate solution had no effect on acetylcholine‐induced relaxation. NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NOARG) (10−5 m) inhibited relaxation evoked by acetylcholine. Indomethacin applied with l‐NOARG led to further inhibition of acetylcholine‐induced relaxation. In the presence of both l‐NOARG and indomethacin, 4‐aminopiridine did not provoke further inhibition of acetylcholine‐induced relaxation of canine uterine artery. It is concluded that the acetylcholine‐induced relaxation of canine uterine artery is probably mediated by endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO). However, if NO‐synthase is inhibited, acetylcholine‐induced vasorelaxation may be, in part, mediated through activation of cyclooxygenase pathway.
Symptom relief in patients with reflux esophagitis: Comparative study of omeprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole
Authors: ADACHI KYOICHI , HASHIMOTO TOMOYUKI , HAMAMOTO NAOHARU , HIRAKAWA KAZUYA , NIIGAKI MASATOSHI , MIYAKE TATSUYA , TANIURA HIROYUKI , ONO MASAHIRO , KAJI TAKEKAZU , SUETSUGU HIROSHI , YAGI JUNKO , KOMAZAWA YOSHINORI , MIHARA TAKAFUMI , KATSUBE TOMOKO , FUJISHIRO HIROFUMI , SHIZUKU TOSHIHIRO , HATTORI SHUZO , YAMAMOTO SHUN , KINOSHITA YOSHIKAZU
Published: November 2003

Background and Aim:  Rabeprazole has a faster onset of antisecretory activity than omeprazole and lansoprazole. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether there is any difference in the speed of symptom relief in patients with reflux esophagitis following the administration of these three proton pump inhibitors (PPI).

Methods:  Eighty‐five patients with erosive reflux esophagitis were randomized to receive 8 weeks of 20 mg of omeprazole (n = 30), 30 mg of lansoprazole (n = 25), or 20 mg of rabeprazole (n = 30) once a morning. Daily changes in heartburn and acid reflux symptoms in the first 7 days of administration were assessed using a six‐point scale (0: none, 1: mild, 2: mild–moderate, 3: moderate, 4: moderate–severe, 5: severe).

Results:  The mean heartburn score in patients administered rabeprazole decreased more rapidly than those given the other PPI. Complete heartburn remission also occurred more rapidly in patients administered rabeprazole (compared with omeprazole: P = 0.035, compared with lansoprazole: P = 0.038 by log‐rank test). No differences were seen in the rate of endoscopic healing of reflux esophagitis at 8 weeks between the three treatment regimens.

Conclusion:  Rabeprazole may be more effective than omeprazole and lansoprazole for the rapid relief of heartburn symptoms in patients with reflux esophagitis.
Stomach myoelectrical response of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease receiving omeprazole treatment
Authors: CHANG FULL‐YOUNG , LU CHING‐LIANG , CHEN CHIH‐YEN , LUO JIING‐CHYUAN , JIUN KANG LIH , LEE SHOU‐DONG , WU HAN CHANG
Published: November 2003

Background and Aim:  Proton pump inhibitor treatment is effective for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is unknown whether these agents effect any change in the stomach myoelectricity of GERD patients. Electrogastrographic (EGG) recording was used to study the probable effect of omeprazole on GERD patients.

Methods:  Nineteen endoscopically confirmed GERD patients and 38 dyspepsia‐free controls were invited to receive EGG recording. After daily omeprazole treatment for 4 weeks, the symptomatic response of GERD patients was scaled, healing of erosive esophagitis was endoscopically assessed, and EGG recording was repeated for comparison.

Results:  Before treatment, GERD patients and controls displayed similar dominant frequency, whereas the former had higher dominant power compared with controls, either in fasting (29.2 ± 6.0 dB compared with 25.3 ± 3.8 dB, P < 0.01) or postprandial (31.9 ± 5.6 dB compared with 27.7 ± 3.8 dB, P < 0.001) recording. They also had diminished percentile normal rhythm (2–4 c.p.m.), irrespective of fasting (40.2 ± 14.5% compared with 65.8% ± 23.5%, P < 0.001) or postprandial (47.5 ± 23.3% compared with 77.9 ± 16.8%, P < 0.001) recording. After omeprazole treatment, healing was achieved in 12 patients (63.2%). Among the abnormal EGG parameters, only the postprandial percentile normal rhythm was restored (47.5 ± 23.3% compared with 65.2 ± 20.8%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Gastroesophageal reflux disease patients may have obvious dysrhythmia and higher myoelectrical power. Effective omeprazole treatment only improves the postprandial myoelectrical regularity, whereas abnormal EGG parameters remain impaired.
Numerical modelling of micro‐pitting of gear teeth flanks
Authors: FAJDIGA G. , FLAŠKER J. , GLODEŽ S. , HELLEN T. K.
Published: November 2003

A two‐dimensional computational model for simulation of contact fatigue of gear teeth flanks is presented. In the model, it is assumed that the initial crack of length 0.015 mm is initiated at the surface due to previous mechanical or heat treatment of the material as well as a consequence of the running in process. The discretized model with the initial crack is then subjected to normal contact pressure, which takes into account the elasto‐hydro‐dynamic (EHD) lubrication conditions, and tangential loading due to friction between contacting surfaces. The model also considers the moving contact of gear flanks, fluid trapped in the crack and residual stresses due to heat treatment of the material on crack propagation. The virtual crack extension (VCE) method, implemented in the finite element method, is then used for simulating the fatigue crack growth from the initial crack up to the formation of the surface pit. The computational results show that the initial surface crack of length 15 μm and the considered boundary conditions lead to the appearance of very small surface pits, which can be termed as micro‐pitting on gear teeth flanks. The numerical results correspond well with available experimental data.
A Self‐report Family Data Form for family therapy
Authors: Stein Arthur , Kleiman Jerry
Published: November 2003

Family therapies which aim to begin treatment in the first session leave the practitioner at a disadvantage regarding the collection of demographic, historical, and genealogical data that may be useful as treatment proceeds. Not wanting to disrupt interactional reciprocity and flow, the therapist cannot perform methodical anamnesis. The Self‐report Family Data Form is presented for collecting useful biographical data from families in treatment without interfering with the clinical interaction.
Guidelines for clinicians considering family therapy research
Authors: Campbell David , de Carteret John
Published: November 2003

This paper is written by clinicians for clinicians who are thinking about or planning to evaluate family therapy. The basic premise is that to be successful a research project must be built from the beginning on a very solid foundation. This foundation is built from a careful consideration of various research problems which are interrelated yet which can be solved when addressed in a particular sequence. The paper describes eight stages which must be followed in any research project. The authors illustrate these stages with examples from their own experience with a family therapy process research study lasting five years. This project did not produce reliable results, but the authors learnt important lessons about such things as the way a particular theory may lead a researcher to select data which cannot be reliably observed; and the way in which practical constraints can erode the reliability of the outcome. Discussion of why and where the project went wrong offers direction and warnings for the prospective clinician/researcher.
Family crisis intervention in social services
Authors: O'Hagan Kieran
Published: November 2003

This article advocates the use of family therapy in crisis intervention. It relies upon the literature on crisis intervention, on family therapy literature, and on ten years experience of working in a social services area office, in which social workers are often required to respond alone to many different kinds of crises. Two typical referrals demanding crisis intervention and the responses to them are described.
Who solves the chronic problem: two professional family consultations
Authors: Bruggen Peter , O'Brian Charles
Published: November 2003

Two cases are presented in which the family found solutions when professionals reviewed goals and defined what they were anxious about.
Parental Involvement in the Residential Care of Persons with Intellectual Disability: The Impact of Parents' and Residents' Characteristics and the Process of Relocation
Authors: Schwartz Chaya , Tsumi Ayelet
Published: November 2003

Background  This study addresses three goals: (i) to describe the extent of parental involvement in residential care (post‐placement); (ii) to describe the extent of parental involvement in the relocation process (pre‐placement); and (iii) to examine the impact of residents' characteristics, parents' characteristics and pre‐placement parental involvement on post‐placement parental involvement.

Methods  Ninety‐seven parents of residents living in residential care facilities for people with intellectual disability completed the Parental Involvement in Residential Care Questionnaire that was constructed for this study.

Results  Post‐placement involvement was expressed by parents' high level of visiting to the residence, close direct contact with the resident and the staff, and low level of participation in decision making concerning their son/daughter and the operation of the residence. Most parents were not actively involved in the relocation process, did not participate in selecting the current residence and did not visit the residence prior to the move. However, the majority participated in a preparation program for parents whose son/daughter were candidates for out‐of‐home placement. Participants whose sons/daughters lived in the residence for fewer years or whose son's/daughter's level of intellectual disability was less severe reported a higher level of post‐placement involvement. These parents had fewer children at home and had participated in a longer preparation pre‐relocation program.
Investigating Organizational Culture: A Comparison of a ‘High’‐ and a ‘Low’‐Performing Residential Unit for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Gillett Elizabeth , Stenfert‐Kroese Biza
Published: November 2003

Background  This pilot study investigates organizational culture in small community‐based residential services for people with intellectual disabilities, one of the under‐researched determinants of staff behaviour and performance. Staff performance is of primary importance in the provision of quality services.

Materials and methods  Two matched residential units were assessed using COMPASS: A Multi‐Perspective Evaluation of Quality in Home Life, and identified as ‘high’ and ‘low’ performing. The organizational culture of the units was assessed using the Organizational Culture Inventory in order to investigate any associations.

Results  The unit with better quality outcomes demonstrated a more positive organizational culture overall, with statistically significant lower scores on three negatively influential cultural styles, namely, oppositional, competitive and perfectionistic.

Conclusions  There may well be a meaningful relationship between organizational culture and quality outcomes, although the nature of this relationship is far from clear. The continuation of investigations into organizational culture is encouraged.
Theorizing Political Psychology: Doing Integrative Social Science Under the Condition of Postmodernity
Authors: Rosenberg Shawn W.
Published: November 2003

The field of political psychology, like the social sciences more generally, is being challenged. New theoretical direction is being demanded from within and a greater epistemological sophistication and ethical relevance is being demanded from without. In response, an outline for a reconstructed political psychology is offered here. To begin, a theoretical framework for a truly integrative political psychology is sketched. In the attempt to transcend the reductionist quality of cross‐disciplinary or multidisciplinary inquiry, the theoretical approach offered here emphasizes the dually structured quality of social life as the singular product of both organizing social structures and defining discourse communities on the one hand and motivated, thinking individuals on the other. To further this theoretical effort, meta‐theoretical considerations are addressed. The modernist‐postmodernist debate regarding the status of truth and value is used as a point of departure for constructing the epistemological foundation for political psychology. In this light, structural pragmatic guidelines for theory construction, empirical research and normative inquiry are presented. While the focus remains on political psychology in particular, it is assumed that the criticisms of present research and the suggestions for future inquiry apply to the social sciences more generally.
The Nature of Culture. Towards a Realist Phenomenology of Material, Animal and Human Nature
Authors: Vandenberghe Frédéric
Published: November 2003

In an ironic rejoinder to the postmodern politics of nature, I will adopt an anthropological perspective on culture, which is conspicuous by its absence in the latest wave of science studies, and reformulate the distinction between nature and culture as a reflexive distinction within culture that emerges with modernity. In order to countering the hypertextualism of the (de)constructivists, I will next sketch out a realist theory of nature. Combining the transcendental realism of Roy Bhaskar with the transcendental phenomenology of Edmund Husserl, I will then try to outline the contours of a realist phenomenology of the ontological regions of physical, animal and human nature. Resuming my anthropological considerations on culture, I will finish the article with a progressive account of how the opposition between regional ontologies and regional typologies could be overcome.
Polymorphic mimicry in Papilio dardanus: mosaic dominance, big effects, and origins
Authors: Nijhout H. Frederik
Published: November 2003

Summary The mocker swallowtail, Papilio dardanus, has a female‐limited polymorphic mimicry. This polymorphism is controlled by allelic variation at a single locus with at least 11 alleles. Many of the alternative morphs are accurate mimics of different species of distasteful butterflies. Geneticists have long been interested in the mechanism by which a single gene can have such diverse and profound effects on the phenotype and in the process by which these complex phenotypic effects could have evolved. Here we present the results of a morpho‐metric analysis of the pleiotropic effects of the mimicry gene on the array of elements that makes up the overall pattern. We show that the patterns controlled by mimicking alleles are more variable and less internally correlated than those controlled by nonmimicking alleles, suggesting the two are subject to different degrees of selection and mutational variance. Analysis of the pleiotropic dominance of the alleles reveals a consistent pattern of dominance within a coevolved genetic background and a mosaic pattern of dominant and recessive effects (including overdominance) in a heterologous genetic background. The alleles of the mimicry gene have big effects on some pattern elements and small effects on others. When the array of big phenotypic effects of the mimicry gene is applied to the presumptive ancestral color pattern, it produces a reasonable resemblance to distasteful models and suggests the initial steps that may have produced the mimicry as well as the polymorphism.
Restructuring Primary Care Practices to Manage Geriatric Syndromes: The ACOVE‐2 Intervention
Authors: Reuben David B. , Roth Carol , Kamberg Caren , Wenger Neil S.
Published: November 2003

Despite evidence suggesting that primary care physicians do not address geriatric conditions adequately in practice, most efforts to change physicians' practice behaviors have been ineffective or too expensive to implement and sustain.

In its second phase, the Assessing Care of the Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE‐2) project has developed an intervention aimed at improving the care that primary care physicians provide for three geriatric conditions—falls, urinary incontinence, and cognitive impairment/dementia. The intervention addresses specific processes of care identified in the first phase of the ACOVE project (ACOVE‐1) as important to the care of community‐dwelling older persons. Beginning with case finding, the intervention uses a standardized multicomponent practice‐change effort. The condition‐specific intervention employs four methods of changing medical practice: efficient collection of condition‐specific clinical data, medical record prompts to encourage performance of essential care processes, patient education materials and activation of the patient's role in follow‐up, and physician decision support and physician education. Moreover, the costs of the intervention are low. The effectiveness of the intervention in improving the processes of care for these conditions and clinical outcomes will need to be evaluated in controlled trials.
On Feminist Economics
Authors: Dolfsma Wilfred , Hoppe Hella
Published: November 2003

Feminist economics draws increasing attention from professional mainstream economists. In this paper, we discuss methodological issues, some theoretical developments – notably on the household – and issues of economic policy. We point to parallels between feminist economics and institutional economics, and argue that these relations might be strengthened to the benefit of both.
Loss of m-AAA protease in mitochondria causes complex I deficiency and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress in hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Atorino Luigia , Silvestri Laura , Koppen Mirko , Cassina Laura , Ballabio Andrea , Marconi Roberto , Langer Thomas , Casari Giorgio
Published: November 2003

Mmutations in paraplegin, a putative mitochondrial metallopeptidase of the AAA family, cause an autosomal recessive form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). Here, we analyze the function of paraplegin at the cellular level and characterize the phenotypic defects of HSP patients' cells lacking this protein. We demonstrate that paraplegin coassembles with a homologous protein, AFG3L2, in the mitochondrial inner membrane. These two proteins form a high molecular mass complex, which we show to be aberrant in HSP fibroblasts. The loss of this complex causes a reduced complex I activity in mitochondria and an increased sensitivity to oxidant stress, which can both be rescued by exogenous expression of wild-type paraplegin. Furthermore, complementation studies in yeast demonstrate functional conservation of the human paraplegin–AFG3L2 complex with the yeast m-AAA protease and assign proteolytic activity to this structure. These results shed new light on the molecular pathogenesis of HSP and functionally link AFG3L2 to this neurodegenerative disease.
Cophosphorylation of amphiphysin I and dynamin I by Cdk5 regulates clathrin-mediated endocytosis of synaptic vesicles
Authors: Tomizawa Kazuhito , Sunada Satoshi , Lu Yun-Fei , Oda Yoshiya , Kinuta Masahiro , Ohshima Toshio , Saito Taro , Wei Fan-Yan , Matsushita Masayuki , Li Sheng-Tian , Tsutsui Kimiko , Hisanaga Shin-ichi , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Takei Kohji , Matsui Hideki
Published: November 2003

It has been thought that clathrin-mediated endocytosis is regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of many endocytic proteins, including amphiphysin I and dynamin I. Here, we show that Cdk5/p35-dependent cophosphorylation of amphiphysin I and dynamin I plays a critical role in such processes. Cdk5 inhibitors enhanced the electric stimulation–induced endocytosis in hippocampal neurons, and the endocytosis was also enhanced in the neurons of p35-deficient mice. Cdk5 phosphorylated the proline-rich domain of both amphiphysin I and dynamin I in vitro and in vivo. Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation of amphiphysin I inhibited the association with β-adaptin. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of dynamin I blocked its binding to amphiphysin I. The phosphorylation of each protein reduced the copolymerization into a ring formation in a cell-free system. Moreover, the phosphorylation of both proteins completely disrupted the copolymerization into a ring formation. Finally, phosphorylation of both proteins was undetectable in p35-deficient mice.
Modulation of Rac Localization and Function by Dynamin
Authors: Schlunck Günther , Damke Hanna , Kiosses William B. , Rusk Nicole , Symons Marc H. , Waterman-Storer Clare M. , Schmid Sandra L. , Schwartz Martin Alexander
Published: November 2003

The GTPase dynamin controls a variety of endocytic pathways, participates in the formation of phagosomes, podosomal adhesions, and invadopodia, and in regulation of the cytoskeleton and apoptosis. Rac, a member of the Rho family of small GTPases, controls formation of lamellipodia and focal complexes, which are critical in cell migration and phagocytosis. We now show that disruption of dynamin-2function alters Rac localization and inhibits cell spreading and lamellipodia formation even though Rac is activated. Dominant-negative K44A dynamin-2inhibited cell spreading and lamellipodia formation on fibronectin without blocking cell adhesion; dynamin-2depletion by specific small interfering RNA inhibited lamellipodia in a similar manner. Dyn2(K44A) induced Rac mislocalization away from cell edges, into abnormal dorsal ruffles, and led to increased total Rac activity. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging of Rac activity confirmed its predominant localization to aberrant dorsal ruffles in the presence of dominant-negative dyn2(K44A). Dyn2(K44A) induced the accumulation of tubulated structures bearing membrane-bound Rac-GFP. Constitutively active but not wild-type GFP-Rac was found on macropinosomes and Rac-dependent, platelet-derived growth factor-induced macropinocytosis was abolished by Dyn2(K44A) expression. These data suggest an indispensable role of dynamin in Rac trafficking to allow for lamellipodia formation and cell spreading.
Interactions of GIPC with Dopamine D2, D3but not D4Receptors Define a Novel Mode of Regulation of G Protein-coupled Receptors
Authors: Jeanneteau Freddy , Diaz Jorge , Sokoloff Pierre , Griffon Nathalie
Published: November 2003

The C-terminus domain of G protein-coupled receptors confers a functional cytoplasmic interface involved in protein association. By screening a rat brain cDNA library using the yeast two-hybrid system with the C-terminus domain of the dopamine D3receptor (D3R) as bait, we characterized a new interaction with the PDZ domain-containing protein, GIPC (GAIP interacting protein, C terminus). This interaction was specific for the dopamine D2receptor (D2R) and D3R, but not for the dopamine D4receptor (D4R) subtype. Pull-down and affinity chromatography assays confirmed this interaction with recombinant and endogenous proteins. Both GIPC mRNA and protein are widely expressed in rat brain and together with the D3R in neurons of the islands of Calleja at plasma membranes and in vesicles. GIPC reduced D3R signaling, cointernalized with D2R and D3R, and sequestered receptors in sorting vesicles to prevent their lysosomal degradation. Through its dimerization, GIPC acts as a selective scaffold protein to assist receptor functions. Our results suggest a novel function for GIPC in the maintenance, trafficking, and signaling of GPCRs.