bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political Reconciliation Through a Struggle for Recognition?
Authors: Schaap Andrew
Published: October 2004

In societies divided by a history of political violence, political reconciliation depends on transforming a relation of enmity into one of civic friendship. In such contexts, the discourse of recognition provides a ready frame in terms of which reconciliation might be conceived. Yet social theorists are divided in their assessment of the emancipatory potential of the struggle for recognition. For Charles Taylor, it establishes the possibility of reconciliation through a reciprocal dialogue oriented towards a fusion of horizons. Yet Frantz Fanon highlights the violent appropriation inherent in the logic of recognition that curtails the possibility of reconciliation. I demonstrate that Taylor’s optimism about the possibility of reconciliation through a struggle for recognition is unwarranted. For, although recognition provides the rough ground in terms of which an ethical encounter between former enemies becomes possible, it tends to fix the terms on which a reconciliatory politics might be enacted in a way that reduces the prospect of community between them. This argument is developed through a consideration of the legal-politics of reconciliation in Australia. But against Fanon’s pessimism, I advocate an agonistic reconciliation, according to which political actors would indefinitely postpone the moment of positive recognition while staking the prospect of community on the non-identity of the other, i.e. that quality in the other that cannot be reduced to the terms of identity or otherness.
Multibody System Modeling of Leaf Springs
Authors: Omar Mohamed A. , Shabana Ahmed A. , Mikkola Aki , Loh Wei-Yi , Basch Rena
Published: October 2004

Leaf springs are essential elements in the suspension systems of vehicles including sport utility vehicles, trucks, and railroad vehicles. Accurate modeling of the leaf springs is necessary in evaluating ride comfort, braking performance, vibration characteristics, and stability. In order to accurately model the deformations and vibrations of the leaf springs, nonlinear finite-element procedures, which account for the dynamic coupling between different modes of displacement, are employed. Two finite-element methods that take into account the effect of the distributed inertia and elasticity are discussed in this investigation to model the dynamics of leaf springs. The first is based on a floating frame of reference formulation, while the second is an absolute nodal coordinate formulation. The floating frame of reference formulation allows for using a reduced-order model by employing component mode synthesis techniques, while the absolute nodal coordinate formulation enables more detailed finite-element models for the large deformation of very flexible leaf springs. Methods for modeling the contact and friction between the leaves of the spring are discussed. A comparison is also presented between the results obtained using the proposed method and simplified approaches presented in the literature. While there are many issues that can be important in leaf spring modeling, the analysis presented in this paper is focused on a few key issues that include the computer implementation, the effect of the dynamic load on the spring stiffness, the selection of the vibration modes in the reduced-order model, and the effect of the structural damping on the response of the leaf spring.
Control of Elastic Systems via Passivity-Based Methods
Authors: Kelkar A. G. , Joshi S. M.
Published: October 2004

In this paper we present a controller synthesis approach for elastic systems based on the mathematical concept of passivity. For nonlinear and linear elastic systems that are inherently passive, robust control laws are presented that guarantee stability. Examples of such systems include flexible structures with col-located and compatible actuators and sensors, and multibody space-based robotic manipulators. For linear elastic systems that are not inherently passive, methods are presented for rendering them passive by compensation. The “passified” systems can then be robustly controlled by a class of passive linear controllers that guarantee stability despite uncertainties and inaccuracies in the mathematical models. The controller synthesis approach is demonstrated by application to five different types of elastic systems.
The projectability of turn constructional units and the role of prediction in listening
Authors: Liddicoat Anthony J.
Published: October 2004

In conversation analysis, prediction, in the form of the projectability of turn constructional units, is a central feature of the ways in which talk is structured in interaction. As such, prediction is an important part of what recipients do when listening to talk in progress. This article will examine a number of instances of collaborative talk in English and French in which both participants produce similar talk at roughly the same time. It will be shown that prediction is being exercised in these utterances to determine not only the form of the next lexical item but also to identify larger syntactic structures. The article will also assess the nature of the resources that participants in interaction draw on in order to be able to make their predictions about their interlocutor’s talk.
Mock intimacy: strategies of engagement in Israeli gossip columns
Authors: Schely-Newman Esther
Published: October 2004

Information about celebrities is abundant in media, including bits of information about marginal events that appear in gossip columns; a media genre not sufficiently studied. This article analyzes Israeli national gossip columns in an attempt to identify stylistic and linguistic ways columnists frame information as confidential and personal. It is argued that the use of discursive strategies creates an illusion of intimacy between the reader and the column, inviting readers to participate in a deciphering game. Columnists engage readers by creative use of pronouns, reported speech, use of coda and lexical inventions intended to criticize and poke fun at celebrities. The analysis traces the origins of this specific discourse in Israeli modes of communication.
Can the EU Anchor Policy Reform in Third Countries?
Authors: Tovias Alfred , Ugur Mehmet
Published: October 2004

The emerging literature on ‘anchoring’ draws attention to non-conventional benefits of regional integration arrangements, which include increased policy credibility. Nevertheless, this literature tends to view the anchoring of policy reform as an exogenously given option for a reforming country. We demonstrate that anchoring is an endogenously determined choice, which may guarantee neither optimal levels of policy reform nor effective anchoring unless the relevant contracts are both complete and incentive compatible. We examine the economic pillar of the Euro-Med Partnership (EMP) to ascertain the extent to which its contractual provisions satisfy these conditions. Our findings suggest that the EMP leaves too much room for discretion and does not internalize the positive externalities associated with policy reform. These findings enable us to elaborate on why the EU cannot be expected to function as an effective anchor for policy reform for its trading partners.
The Power of Institutions
Authors: Mahoney Christine
Published: October 2004

This article investigates the ways in which government activity, or demand-side forces, influence interest mobilization and formal inclusion in the policy-making process in the European Union. Drawing on an original dataset of nearly 700 civil society groups active in the European Union, the paper provides empirical evidence of three routes by which the EU institutions influence interest group activity: (1) direct interest group subsidy; (2) manipulation of the establishment and composition of formal arenas of political debate; and (3) broader, system-wide expansion of competencies and selective development of chosen policy areas.
Gfi-1B plays a critical role in terminal differentiation of normal and transformed erythroid progenitor cells
Authors: Garçon Loïc , Lacout Catherine , Svinartchouk Fédor , Le Couédic Jean-Pierre , Villeval Jean-Luc , Vainchenker William , Duménil Dominique
Published: October 2004

Growth factor independence-1B (Gfi-1B) is a transcription factor with a highly conserved transcriptional repressor snail–Gfi-1 (SNAG) domain and 6 zinc-finger domains at the N- and C-terminus, respectively. Disruption of the Gfi-1B gene is lethal in the embryo with failure to produce definitive enucleated erythrocytes. In this study, we analyzed the role of Gfi-1B in human erythropoiesis. We observed an increase of Gfi-1B expression during erythroid maturation of human primary progenitor cells. We studied the consequences of variations in Gfi-1B expression in 2 transformed cell lines (K562 and UT7 cells), as well as in primary CD36+/GPA– progenitors. A knock-down of Gfi-1B delayed the terminal differentiation of K562 and primary cells. Forced expression of Gfi-1B in UT7 and K562 cells led to an arrest of proliferation and an induction of erythroid differentiation. Enforced expression of Gfi-1B in primary cells at the colony-forming units-erythroid (CFU-E) stage led to a partial glycophorin A (GPA) induction after erythropoietin (EPO) withdrawal but failed to protect cells from apoptosis. Deletion of the SNAG repressor domain abolished Gfi-1B–induced erythroid maturation, strongly suggesting that Gfi-1B acts in the late stage of erythroid differentiation as a transcriptional repressor.
Selective cytotoxicity and telomere damage in leukemia cells using the telomerase inhibitor BIBR1532
Authors: El-Daly Hesham , Kull Miriam , Zimmermann Stefan , Pantic Milena , Waller Cornelius F. , Martens Uwe M.
Published: October 2004

Telomerase represents an attractive target for a mechanism-based therapeutic approach because its activation has been associated with unlimited proliferation in most cancer cells. Recently, a nonnucleosidic small molecule inhibitor, BIBR1532 (2-[(E)-3-naphtalen-2-yl-but-2-enoylamino]-benzoic acid), has been identified that is highly selective for inhibition of telomerase, resulting in delayed growth arrest of tumor cells. Here we examined the effects of BIBR1532 in different leukemia cell lines as well as in primary cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in short-term culture assays. We observed a dose-dependent direct cytotoxicity in concentrations ranging from 30 to 80 μM. Interestingly, cell death was not dependent on the catalytic activity of telomerase but was delayed in cells with very long telomeres. We observed time-dependent individual telomere erosion, which was associated with loss of telomeric repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) and increased phosphorylation of p53. Importantly, the proliferative capacity of normal CD34+ cells from cord blood and leukapheresis samples was not affected by treatment with BIBR1532. We conclude that using this class of telomerase inhibitor at higher concentrations exerts a direct cytotoxic effect on malignant cells of the hematopoietic system, which appears to derive from direct damage of the structure of individual telomeres and must be dissected from telomerase-suppressed overall telomere shortening. (Blood. 2005; 105:1742-1749)
Enhanced antilymphoma efficacy of CD19-redirected influenza MP1–specific CTLs by cotransfer of T cells modified to present influenza MP1
Authors: Cooper Laurence J. N. , Al-Kadhimi Zaid , Serrano Lisa Marie , Pfeiffer Timothy , Olivares Simon , Castro Adrian , Chang Wen-Chung , Gonzalez Sergio , Smith David , Forman Stephen J. , Jensen Michael C.
Published: October 2004

To enhance the in vivo antitumor activity of adoptively transferred, CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–redirected cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), we studied the effect of restimulating CAR+ CTLs through their endogenous virus-specific T-cell antigen receptor (TcR) by the cotransfer of engineered T-cell antigen–presenting cells (T-APCs). Using influenza A matrix protein 1 (MP1) as a model antigen, we show that ex vivo–expanded CD4+ and CD8+ T-APCs expressing a hygromycin phosphotransferase-MP1 fusion protein (HyMP1) process and present MP1 to autologous human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–restricted, MP1-specific CD4+ and CD8+ CTL precursors. The MP1-specific CTLs are amenable to subsequent genetic modification to express a CD19-specific CAR, designated CD19R, and acquire HLA-unrestricted reactivity toward CD19+ leukemia and lymphoma tumor targets while maintaining HLA-restricted MP1 specificity. The restimulation of MP1×CD19 dual-specific CTLs in vivo by the adoptive transfer of irradiated HyMP1+ T-APCs resulted in the enhanced antilymphoma potency of bispecific effector cells, as measured by elimination of the biophotonic signal of established firefly luciferase–expressing Burkitt lymphoma xenografts in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/scid) animals compared with control groups restimulated by Hy+MP1neg T-APCs. Engineered T-APCs are a novel and versatile antigen-delivery system for generating antigen-specific T cells in vitro and enhancing the in vivo effector functioning of CAR-redirected antitumor effector cells.
Generation of migratory antigen-specific plasma blasts and mobilization of resident plasma cells in a secondary immune response
Authors: Odendahl Marcus , Mei Henrik , Hoyer Bimba F. , Jacobi Annett M. , Hansen Arne , Muehlinghaus Gwendolin , Berek Claudia , Hiepe Falk , Manz Rudi , Radbruch Andreas , Dörner Thomas
Published: October 2004

Maintenance of protective humoral immunity depends on the generation and survival of antibody-secreting cells. The bone marrow provides niches for long-term survival of plasma cells generated in the course of systemic immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs. Here, we have analyzed migratory human plasma blasts and plasma cells after secondary vaccination with tetanus toxin. On days 6 and 7 after immunization, CD19+/CD27high/intracellular immunoglobulin Ghigh (IgGhigh)/HLA-DRhigh/CD38high/CD20–/CD95+ tetanus toxin–specific antibody-secreting plasma blasts were released in large numbers from the secondary lymphoid organs into the blood. These cells show chemotactic responsiveness toward ligands for CXCR3 and CXCR4, probably guiding them to the bone marrow or inflamed tissue. At the same time, a population of CD19+/CD27high/intracellular IgGhigh/HLA-DRlow/CD38+/CD20–/CD95+ cells appeared in the blood in large numbers. These cells, with the phenotype of long-lived plasma cells, secreted antibodies of unknown specificity, not tetanus toxoid. The appearance of these plasma cells in the blood indicates successful competition for survival niches in the bone marrow between newly generated plasma blasts and resident plasma cells as a fundamental mechanism for the establishment of humoral memory and its plasticity.
BCL-6 negatively regulates macrophage proliferation by suppressing autocrine IL-6 production
Authors: Yu Raymond Yick-Loi , Wang Xing , Pixley Fiona J. , Yu J. Jessica , Dent Alexander L. , Broxmeyer Hal E. , Stanley E. Richard , Ye B. Hilda
Published: October 2004

The transcription repressor BCL-6 is known to play critical roles in B-cell lymphomagenesis, germinal center formation, and balanced Th1/Th2 differentiation. In macrophages, although BCL-6 has also been shown to regulate the expression of several chemokine genes, its function in other aspects of macrophage biology has not been studied. In addition, the precise role of BCL-6 in cell proliferation is poorly understood in general. Here we report that BCL-6-/- macrophages hyperproliferate due to an accelerated G1/S transition accompanied by increased cyclin D2 and c-myc and decreased expression of p27. Crucial to this enhanced proliferation is spontaneous interleukin 6 (IL-6) production and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation in BCL-6-/- macrophages. In colony-forming assays, BCL- 6-/- bone marrow progenitor cells form spontaneous macrophage colonies that can be inhibited by anti-IL-6 antibodies. Gene expression studies demonstrate that BCL-6 binds to several sequence motifs scattered in the IL-6 locus and can repress IL-6 transcription both in 293T cells and in macrophages. In conclusion, our results indicate that BCL-6 negatively regulates proliferation of the monocytic/macrophage lineage by suppressing an autocrine IL-6/STAT3-mediated gene expression program. Our work also suggests that BCL-6 prevents abnormal Th2 differentiation by suppressing basal level IL-6 production in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). (Blood. 2005;105:1777-1784)
Germinating fission yeast spores delay in G1 in response to UV irradiation
Authors: Nilssen Esben A , Synnes Marianne , Tvegård Tonje , Vebø Heidi , Boye Erik , Grallert Beáta
Published: October 2004

Background

Checkpoint mechanisms prevent cell cycle transitions until previous events have been completed or damaged DNA has been repaired. In fission yeast, checkpoint mechanisms are known to regulate entry into mitosis, but so far no checkpoint inhibiting S phase entry has been identified.

Results

We have studied the response of germinating Schizosaccharomyces pombe spores to UV irradiation in G1. When germinating spores are irradiated in early G1 phase, entry into S phase is delayed. We argue that the observed delay is caused by two separate mechanisms. The first takes place before entry into S phase, does not depend on the checkpoint proteins Rad3, Cds1 and Chk1 and is independent of Cdc2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, it is not dependent upon inhibiting the Cdc10-dependent transcription required for S phase entry, unlike a G1/S checkpoint described in budding yeast. We show that expression of Cdt1, a protein essential for initiation of DNA replication, is delayed upon UV irradiation. The second part of the delay occurs after entry into S phase and depends on Rad3 and Cds1 and is probably due to the intra-S checkpoint. If the germinating spores are irradiated in late G1, they enter S phase without delay and arrest in S phase, suggesting that the delay we observe upon UV irradiation in early G1 is not caused by nonspecific effects of UV irradiation.

Conclusions

We have studied the response of germinating S. pombe spores to UV irradiation in G1 and shown that S phase entry is delayed by a mechanism that is different from classical checkpoint responses. Our results point to a mechanism delaying expression of proteins required for S phase entry.
Mapping the brain's orchestration during speech comprehension: task-specific facilitation of regional synchrony in neural networks
Authors: Härle Markus , Rockstroh Brigitte S , Keil Andreas , Wienbruch Christian , Elbert Thomas R
Published: October 2004

Background

How does the brain convert sounds and phonemes into comprehensible speech? In the present magnetoencephalographic study we examined the hypothesis that the coherence of electromagnetic oscillatory activity within and across brain areas indicates neurophysiological processes linked to speech comprehension.

Results

Amplitude-modulated (sinusoidal 41.5 Hz) auditory verbal and nonverbal stimuli served to drive steady-state oscillations in neural networks involved in speech comprehension. Stimuli were presented to 12 subjects in the following conditions (a) an incomprehensible string of words, (b) the same string of words after being introduced as a comprehensible sentence by proper articulation, and (c) nonverbal stimulations that included a 600-Hz tone, a scale, and a melody. Coherence, defined as correlated activation of magnetic steady state fields across brain areas and measured as simultaneous activation of current dipoles in source space (Minimum-Norm-Estimates), increased within left- temporal-posterior areas when the sound string was perceived as a comprehensible sentence. Intra-hemispheric coherence was larger within the left than the right hemisphere for the sentence (condition (b) relative to all other conditions), and tended to be larger within the right than the left hemisphere for nonverbal stimuli (condition (c), tone and melody relative to the other conditions), leading to a more pronounced hemispheric asymmetry for nonverbal than verbal material.

Conclusions

We conclude that coherent neuronal network activity may index encoding of verbal information on the sentence level and can be used as a tool to investigate auditory speech comprehension.
Weight loss dynamics during combined fluoxetine and olanzapine treatment
Authors: Perrone Jennifer A , Chabla Janet M , Hallas Brian H , Horowitz Judith M , Torres German
Published: October 2004

Background

Fluoxetine and olanzapine combination therapy is rapidly becoming an effective strategy for managing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Determining drug-drug interactions, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics is of particular interest for revealing potential liabilities associated with drug augmentation in special patient populations. In the current studies, we chronically administered fluoxetine and olanzapine in non-stressed rats to extend our previous findings regarding body weight dynamics.

Results

Chronic fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and olanzapine (5 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg) treatment decreased weight gain irrespective of olanzapine dosing. At the 10 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg dose, respectively, fluoxetine and olanzapine also significantly reduced food and water consumption. This pharmacodynamic event-related effect, however, was not observed at the 10 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg dosing paradigm suggesting differences in tolerability rates as a function of olanzapine dose. The decrease in weight gain was not associated with apparent changes in glucose metabolism as vehicle- and drug-treated rats showed undistinguishable serum glucose levels. The combination of fluoxetine and olanzapine in rats yielded drug plasma concentrations that fell within an expected therapeutic range for these drugs in psychiatric patients.

Conclusions

These data suggest that fluoxetine and olanzapine treatment decreases weight gain in rats; a pharmacodynamic event-related effect that differs considerably from what is observed in the clinical condition. The possibility of mismatched models regarding body weight changes during drug augmentation therapy should be seriously considered.
Adjuvant interferon gamma in patients with drug – resistant pulmonary tuberculosis: a pilot study
Authors: Suárez-Méndez Roberto , García-García Idrian , Fernández-Olivera Norma , Valdés-Quintana Magalys , Milanés-Virelles María T , Carbonell Dalia , Machado-Molina Delfina , Valenzuela-Silva Carmen M , López-Saura Pedro A
Published: October 2004

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is increasing in the world and drug-resistant (DR) disease beckons new treatments.

Methods

To evaluate the action of interferon (IFN) gamma as immunoadjuvant to chemotherapy on pulmonary DR-TB patients, a pilot, open label clinical trial was carried out in the Cuban reference ward for the management of this disease. The eight subjects existing in the country at the moment received, as in-patients, 1 × 106 IU of recombinant human IFN gamma intramuscularly, daily for one month and then three times per week up to 6 months as adjuvant to the indicated chemotherapy, according to their antibiograms and WHO guidelines. Sputum samples collection for direct smear observation and culture as well as routine clinical and thorax radiography assessments were done monthly.

Results

Sputum smears and cultures became negative for acid-fast-bacilli before three months of treatment in all patients. Lesion size was reduced at the end of 6 months treatment; the lesions disappeared in one case. Clinical improvement was also evident; body mass index increased in general. Interferon gamma was well tolerated. Few adverse events were registered, mostly mild; fever and arthralgias prevailed.

Conclusions

These data suggest that IFN gamma is useful and well tolerated as adjunctive therapy in patients with DR-TB. Further controlled clinical trials are encouraged.
Active collaboration with primary care providers increases specialist referral in chronic renal disease
Authors: Mondry Adrian , Zhu Ai-Ling , Loh Marie , Vo Thuy D , Hahn Kai
Published: October 2004

Background

Late referral to specialist nephrological care is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost. Consequently, nephrologists' associations recommend early referral. The recommendations' effectiveness remains questionable: 22–51% of referrals need renal replacement therapy (RRT) within 3–4 months. This may be due to these recommendations addressing the specialist, rather than the primary care providers (PCP).

The potential of specialist intervention aiming at slowing progression of chronic renal failure was introduced individually to some 250 local PCPs, and referral strategies were discussed. To overcome the PCPs' most often expressed fears, every referred patient was asked to report back to his PCP immediately after the initial specialist examination, and new medications were prescribed directly, and thus allotted to the nephrologist's budget.

Methods

In retrospective analysis, the stage of renal disease in patients referred within three months before the introductory round (group A, n = 18), was compared to referrals two years later (group B, n = 50).

Results

Relative number of patients remained stable (28%) for mild/ moderate chronic kidney disease (MMCKD), while there was a noticeable shift from patients referred severe chronic kidney disease (SCKD) (group A: 44%, group B: 20%) to patients referred in moderate chronic kidney disease (MCKD) (group A: 28%, group B: 52%).

Conclusion

Individually addressing PCPs' ignorance and concerns noticeably decreased late referral. This stresses the importance of enhancing the PCPs' problem awareness and knowledge of available resources in order to ensure timely specialist referral.
Differential diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis from partially-treated pyogenic meningitis by cell ELISA
Authors: Kashyap Rajpal S , Kainthla Rani P , Satpute Ravindra M , Agarwal Neha P , Chandak Nitin H , Purohit Hemant J , Taori Girdhar M , Daginawala Hatim F
Published: October 2004

Background

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a major global health problem, and it is sometimes difficult to perform a differential diagnosis of this disease from other diseases, particularly partially-treated pyogenic meningitis (PTPM). In an earlier study, we demonstrated the presence of a 30-kD protein antigen in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of TBM patients. We have also shown that lymphocytes from CSF of TBM patients respond differently to this antigen than do those from PTPM patients. The purpose of this study was to develop an assay that can discriminate between TBM and PTPM.

Methods

We developed a cell enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (Cell ELISA) to quantitatively measure production of antibodies against the 30-kD protein in B cells from CSF of TBM and PTPM patients.

Results

The cell ELISA yielded 92% (11/12) sensitivity and 92% (11/12) specificity for the differential diagnosis of TBM from PTPM.

Conclusion

When induced with the 30-kD protein antigen, B cells derived from CSF of TBM patients respond to IgG production within 24 h while those derived from PTPM patients do not respond.
Image fusion for dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Twellmann Thorsten , Saalbach Axel , Gerstung Olaf , Leach Martin O , Nattkemper Tim W
Published: October 2004

Background

Multivariate imaging techniques such as dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) have been shown to provide valuable information for medical diagnosis. Even though these techniques provide new information, integrating and evaluating the much wider range of information is a challenging task for the human observer. This task may be assisted with the use of image fusion algorithms.

Methods

In this paper, image fusion based on Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) is proposed for the first time. It is demonstrated that a priori knowledge about the data domain can be easily incorporated into the parametrisation of the KPCA, leading to task-oriented visualisations of the multivariate data. The results of the fusion process are compared with those of the well-known and established standard linear Principal Component Analysis (PCA) by means of temporal sequences of 3D MRI volumes from six patients who took part in a breast cancer screening study.

Results

The PCA and KPCA algorithms are able to integrate information from a sequence of MRI volumes into informative gray value or colour images. By incorporating a priori knowledge, the fusion process can be automated and optimised in order to visualise suspicious lesions with high contrast to normal tissue.

Conclusion

Our machine learning based image fusion approach maps the full signal space of a temporal DCE-MRI sequence to a single meaningful visualisation with good tissue/lesion contrast and thus supports the radiologist during manual image evaluation.
Atherosclerosis of the descending aorta predicts cardiovascular events: a transesophageal echocardiography study
Authors: Varga Albert , Gruber Noemi , Forster Tamás , Piros Györgyi , Havasi Kálmán , Jebelovszki Éva , Csanády Miklos
Published: October 2004

Purpose

Previous studies have shown that atherosclerosis of the descending aorta detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a good marker of coexisting coronary artery disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the presence of atherosclerosis on the descending aorta during TEE has any prognostic impact in predicting cardiovascular events.

Material and Methods

The study group consisted of 238 consecutive in-hospital patients referred for TEE testing (135 males, 103 females, mean age 58 +/- 11 years) with a follow up of 24 months. The atherosclerotic lesions of the descending aorta were scored from 0 (no atherosclerosis) to 3 (plaque >5 mm and/or "complex" plaque with ulcerated or mobile parts).

Results

Atherosclerosis was observed in 102 patients, (grade 3 in 16, and grade 2 in 86 patients) whereas 136 patients only had an intimal thickening or normal intimal surface. There were 57 cardiovascular events in the follow-up period. The number of events was higher in the 102 patients with (n = 34) than in the 136 patients without atherosclerosis (n = 23, p < 0.01). The frequency of events was in close correlation with the severity of the atherosclerosis of the descending aorta. Fifty percent of the patients with grade 3 experienced cardiovascular events. Excluding patients with subsequent revascularization, the multivariate analysis only left ventricular function with EF < 40% (HR 3.0, CI 1.3–7.1) and TEE atherosclerotic plaque >=2 (HR 2.4, CI 1.0–5.5) predicted hard cardiovascular events.

Conclusion

Atherosclerosis of the descending aorta observed during transesophageal echocardiography is a useful predictor of cardiovascular events.
Granzyme B; the chalk-mark of a cytotoxic lymphocyte
Authors: Waterhouse Nigel J , Sedelies Karin A , Clarke Chris JP
Published: October 2004

During cytotoxic lymphocyte (CL) mediated killing of target cells, granzyme B is released from the CL into the immune synapse. Recent studies have found that ELISPOT-detection of granzyme B correlated well with conventional assays for CL mediated killing. In this way, the released granzyme B can be used to mark the spot where a target cell was murdered. We discuss the benefits and potential limitations of using this assay to measure CL mediated killing of target cells.
Acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy after intravascular angiography: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bagshaw Sean M , Ghali William A
Published: October 2004

Background

Contrast-induced nephropathy is an important cause of acute renal failure. We assess the efficacy of acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy among patients undergoing intravascular angiography.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing prophylactic acetylcysteine plus hydration versus hydration alone in patients undergoing intravascular angiography. Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. Our main outcome measures were the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and the difference in serum creatinine between acetylcysteine and control groups at 48 h.

Results

Fourteen studies involving 1261 patients were identified and included for analysis, and findings were heterogeneous across studies. Acetylcysteine was associated with a significantly reduced incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in five studies, and no difference in the other nine (with a trend toward a higher incidence in six of the latter studies). The pooled odds ratio for contrast-induced nephropathy with acetylcysteine relative to control was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.32–0.91, p = 0.02) and the pooled estimate of difference in 48-h serum creatinine for acetylcysteine relative to control was -7.2 μmol/L (95% CI -19.7 to 5.3, p = 0.26). These pooled values need to be interpreted cautiously because of the heterogeneity across studies, and due to evidence of publication bias. Meta-regression suggested that the heterogeneity might be partially explained by whether the angiography was performed electively or as emergency.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that published studies of acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy yield inconsistent results. The efficacy of acetylcysteine will remain uncertain unless a large well-designed multi-center trial is performed.
Uric acid: A new look at an old risk marker for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The urate redox shuttle
Authors: Hayden Melvin R , Tyagi Suresh C
Published: October 2004

Background

The topical role of uric acid and its relation to cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and hypertension is rapidly evolving. Its important role both historically and currently in the clinical clustering phenomenon of the metabolic syndrome (MS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atheroscleropathy, and non-diabetic atherosclerosis is of great importance.

Results

Uric acid is a marker of risk and it remains controversial as to its importance as a risk factor (causative role). In this review we will attempt to justify its important role as one of the many risk factors in the development of accelerated atherosclerosis and discuss its importance of being one of the multiple injurious stimuli to the endothelium, the arterial vessel wall, and capillaries. The role of uric acid, oxidative – redox stress, reactive oxygen species, and decreased endothelial nitric oxide and endothelial dysfunction cannot be over emphasized.

In the atherosclerotic prooxidative environmental milieu the original antioxidant properties of uric acid paradoxically becomes prooxidant, thus contributing to the oxidation of lipoproteins within atherosclerotic plaques, regardless of their origins in the MS, T2DM, accelerated atherosclerosis (atheroscleropathy), or non-diabetic vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. In this milieu there exists an antioxidant – prooxidant urate redox shuttle.

Conclusion

Elevations of uric acid > 4 mg/dl should be considered a "red flag" in those patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and should alert the clinician to strive to utilize a global risk reduction program in a team effort to reduce the complications of the atherogenic process resulting in the morbid – mortal outcomes of cardiovascular disease.
A Survey of Master's-Level Psychology Programs: Admissions Criteria and Program Policies
Authors: Briihl Deborah S. , Wasieleski David T.
Published: October 2004

This study summarizes the admission and program characteristics of American master's-level graduate programs housed in psychology departments. Individual programs (N = 253) from 163 colleges and universities provided data, including the use of grade point average, Graduate Record Exam scores, and other tests (Psychology Graduate Record Exam, Miller Analogies Test, Test of English as a Foreign Language) for admission, as well as the importance of recommendation letters, interviews, research experience, practical experience, and personal statements. Additional information obtained included undergraduate course requirements, number of students accepted, admission caps, probationary admission, a strict deadline for admission, and rolling admission. Respondents also reported basic program characteristics, including length of program; use of thesis, comps, or practicum; removal policies; and the percentage of students obtaining licenses and continuing into a doctoral program.
Truncated TrkB receptor-induced outgrowth of dendritic filopodia involves the p75 neurotrophin receptor
Authors: Hartmann Matthias , Brigadski Tanja , Erdmann Kai S. , Holtmann Bettina , Sendtner Michael , Narz Frank , Leßmann Volkmar
Published: October 2004

The Trk family of receptor tyrosine kinases and the p75 receptor (p75NTR) mediate the effects of neurotrophins on neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptic plasticity. The neurotrophin BDNF and its cognate receptor tyrosine kinase, TrkB.FL, are highly expressed in neurons of the central nervous system. At later stages in postnatal development the truncated TrkB splice variants (TrkB.T1, TrkB.T2) become abundant. However, the signalling and function of these truncated receptors remained largely elusive.

We show that overexpression of TrkB.T1 in hippocampal neurons induces the formation of dendritic filopodia, which are known precursors of synaptic spines. The induction of filopodia by TrkB.T1 occurs independently of neurotrophin binding and of kinase activity of endogenous TrkB.FL. Coexpression of a p75NTR lacking an intracellular domain inhibits the TrkB.T1-induced effect in a dominant negative manner. Steric hindrance of extracellular p75NTR interactions with a specific antibody, or absence of p75NTR with an intact extracellular domain also inhibit this TrkB.T1-induced effect.

We thus propose a novel signalling pathway initiated by neurotrophin-independent extracellular or intramembrane interaction of TrkB.T1 with the p75NTR receptor, which modulates dendritic growth via p75NTR signalling cascades.
Thiacrownether-mediated Size-controlled Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: In Insik , Jun Young-Wook , Kim Yun Jun , Kim Sang Youl
Published: October 2004

Thiacrownether-mediated self-assembly of Au nanoparticles produced a larger sized aggregation of which grain size was controlled by the relative concentration and the structure of thiacrownethers. The thiacrownethers at the surface of self-assembled nanoparticles have further complexation ability to some metal ions, which can be used to build new metal/semiconductor–metal ion nanocomposite materials.
Sedative Drug Use in the Home-Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Linjakumpu Tarja A , Hartikainen Sirpa A , Klaukka Timo J , Koponen Hannu J , Hakko Helinä H , Viilo Kaisa M , Haapea Marianne , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Isoaho Raimo E
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

The elderly use more sedatives than other populations. Reports on the sedative load of drugs and their associations with health items are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of sedatives and drugs with sedative properties and the associations between those drugs and demographic or health items in the home-dwelling elderly in a cross-sectional community survey.

METHODS

Information was obtained from 1197 persons (43% men) aged 64 years in the Finnish municipality of Lieto in 1998–1999. The brand names of the prescription drugs taken by each interviewee during one week prior to the interview were recorded. The classification created in a previous study, where the drugs used in Finland were divided into 4 groups by their sedative properties, was utilized to determine associations with health items.

RESULTS

A total of 88% (n = 1056) of the participants used some drug. Forty percent (n = 422 persons) of the drug users took sedatives or drugs with sedative properties. The oldest individuals (80 y), women, those with low education, smokers, those with poor self-perceived health, people with dementia and mobility problems, and especially those with depression had an independent association with the simultaneous use of many (2) sedatives or drugs with sedative properties.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population of home-dwelling elderly patients, abundant sedative drug use was common and especially associated with high age, female gender, poor basic education, poor health habits (eg, smoking), depression, dementia, or impaired mobility. Users also had poor self-perceived health. The need to further develop the classification will be a major challenge, and the classification needs to be updated every year. More studies are needed in this field.
Osteonecrosis in Six HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Molia Aurélie C , Strady Christophe , Rouger Christine , Beguinot Isabelle M , Berger Jean-Luc , Trenque Thierry C
Published: October 2004

OBJECTIVE

To report 6 cases of osteonecrosis in HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and compare the observed risk factors with those of published cases.

CASE SUMMARIES

Osteonecrosis was diagnosed between 1999 and 2002 in 6 of 417 HIV-infected patients in our department of infectious diseases. At the time of diagnosis, mean patient age was 42 years, and 5 patients had developed AIDS. Mean CD4+ lymphocyte count was 563.5 cells/mm3 and viral load was undetectable (<50 copies/mL) in 5 patients. The patients’ mean body mass index was 22.5 kg/m 2 . Four had lipodystrophy. All were receiving HAART, including a protease inhibitor in 4 patients; the remaining 2 patients had a history of protease inhibitor treatment. Median time from the first antiretroviral therapy to osteonecrosis diagnosis was 46.5 months. Established risk factors were the use of corticosteroids in 2 patients and dyslipidemia in all patients. All of the patients developed pain and functional impotence of the hip or ankle joints. Osteonecrosis of the hip was bilateral in 4 cases. Three patients required surgical intervention, all of whom had favorable outcomes.

DISCUSSION

HIV-infected patients are at a higher risk for the development of osteonecrosis and are more likely to be exposed to predisposing factors to its development. The HAART implication as a predisposing factor remains controversial.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathogenesis of osteonecrosis in HIV-infected individuals may be multifactorial; the reasonable approach for clinicians consists of treating concomitant predisposing conditions that might further cause osteonecrosis.
Clinical Pharmacy Travel Medicine Services: A New Frontier
Authors: Jackson Adam B , Humphries Tammy L , Nelson Kent M , Helling Dennis K
Published: October 2004

Travel to remote destinations has increased dramatically in recent years. The Clinical Pharmacy International Travel Clinic (CPITC) was established in 1991 in the Kaiser Permanente Colorado Region to provide pre-travel advice to members to decrease their risk of travel-related diseases. The CPITC is unique from other travel medicine clinics because it is a pharmacist-run telepharmacy service. The team includes an infectious diseases physician, an infectious diseases clinical pharmacy specialist, 4 clinical pharmacists, and a pharmacy technician. The clinical pharmacists provide consultations via telephone. Both patient- and trip-related information are gathered to assess the traveler's health risks. Recommendations are provided regarding food- and water-borne diseases, insect-borne diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, and diseases related to animal bites. Additionally, detailed information is provided on vaccines that may be needed to protect travelers against various diseases. The travel consult is documented electronically. A copy of the consult, along with a booklet that provides travel information, is mailed to the patient. Success of the CPITC is demonstrated in several ways. The clinic initially served Kaiser Permanente members in the Colorado Region. The service has expanded and now also provides travel consults to Kaiser Permanente members in the Northwest and Ohio Regions. Patient satisfaction is high, and significant cost-savings have been realized secondary to avoiding the use of unnecessary vaccinations and medications. The CPITC allows resources to be leveraged and provides one center where individuals trained in travel medicine provide information to members, thus improving efficiency and decreasing cost.
Informational Content of Official Pharmaceutical Industry Web Sites about Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Waack Katherine E , Ernst Michael E , Graber Mark A
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

In the last 5 years, several treatments have become available for erectile dysfunction (ED). During this same period, consumer use of the Internet for health information has increased rapidly. In traditional direct-to-consumer advertisements, viewers are often referred to a pharmaceutical company Web site for further information.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accessibility and informational content of 5 pharmaceutical company Web sites about ED treatments.

METHODS

Using 10 popular search engines and 1 specialized search engine, the accessibility of the official pharmaceutical company–sponsored Web site was determined by searching under brand and generic names. One company also manufactures an ED device; this site was also included. A structured, explicit review of information found on these sites was conducted.

RESULTS

Of 110 searches (1 for each treatment, including corresponding generic drug name, using each search engine), 68 yielded the official pharmaceutical company Web site within the first 10 links. Removal of outliers (for both brand and generic name searches) resulted in 68 of 77 searches producing the pharmaceutical company Web site for the brand-name drug in the top 10 links. Although all pharmaceutical company Web sites contained general information on adverse effects and contraindications to use, only 2 sites gave actual percentages. Three sites provided references for their materials or discussed other treatment or drug options, while 4 of the sites contained profound advertising or emotive content. None mentioned cost of the therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The information contained on pharmaceutical company Web sites for ED treatments is superficial and aimed primarily at consumers. It is largely promotional and provides only limited information needed to effectively compare treatment options.
Tenofovir Therapy for Lamivudine Resistance Following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Neff Guy W , Nery Jose , Lau Daryl TY , O'Brien Christopher B , Duncan Robert , Shire Norah J , Ruiz Phillip , Nery Caio , Montalbano Marzia , Muslu Halim , Safdar Kamran , Schiff Eugene R , Tzakis Andreas G , Madariaga Juan R
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

Resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains develop in 30% of liver transplant recipients treated with lamivudine within 2 years from the time of transplantation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess safety and outcomes of tenofovir salvage therapy for patients with lamivudine resistance in a retrospective cohort of liver-transplanted patients.

METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively evaluated for patients who received tenofovir. Data collected included demographics, HBV serologic information prior to and during tenofovir therapy, drug-related complications, and creatinine clearance. Criteria for lamivudine resistance included elevation of liver chemistries along with reappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis Be antigen, and/or HBV DNA.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients showed resistance to lamivudine at 10–85 months (median 26) following liver transplantation. Tenofovir 300 mg/day orally was added in 8 patients 1–66 months after the development of viral lamivudine resistance and continued for 14–26 months (median 19.3). All 8 patients experienced HBV DNA viral suppression, with 7 currently nondetectable. No adverse events were reported, and creatinine clearance was not impaired.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that tenofovir safely and markedly decreases replication of lamivudine-resistant HBV variants after liver transplantation and is another potential option for the treatment of HBV lamivudine resistance.