bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori neutrophil‐activating protein activates neutrophils by its C‐terminal region even without dodecamer formation, which is a prerequisite for DNA protection – novel approaches against Helicobacter pylori inflammation
Authors: Kottakis Filippos , Papadopoulos Georgios , Pappa Eleni V. , Cordopatis Paul , Pentas Stefanos , Choli‐Papadopoulou Theodora
Published: September 2010

Helicobacter pylori neutrophil‐activating protein (HP‐NAP) protects DNA from free radicals as a dodecamer through its ferroxidase activity without, however, directly binding to it. The retardation that was observed at pH 7.5 could be easily attributed to an iron effect, as it was revealed by experiments in the absence of HP‐NAP. A total loss of ferroxidase activity, dodecamer formation and DNA protection in environments rich in free radicals was observed after replacement of His25, His37, Asp52 and Lys134, which are located within the ferroxidase site, with Ala. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that dimer formation is highly unlikely following mutation of the above amino acids, as the Fe2+ is no longer attracted with equal strength by both subunits. These findings probably indicate that iron plays an important role in the conformation of HP‐NAP by initiating the formation of stable dimers that are indispensable for the ensuing dodecamer structure. Very surprisingly, neutrophil activation appeared to be stimulated by structural elements that are localized within the C‐terminal region of both mutant HP‐NAP and wild‐type dodecamer HP‐NAP. In particular, the dodecamer conformation does not seem to be necessary for activation, and helices H3 (Leu69–Leu75) and H4 (Lys89–Leu114) or the linking coils (His63–Thr68 and Thr76–Ser88) are probably critical in stimulating neutrophil activation.
Lumican expression is positively correlated with the differentiation and negatively with the growth of human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Nikitovic Dragana , Berdiaki Aikaterini , Zafiropoulos Alexandros , Katonis Pavlos , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Karamanos Nikos K. , Tzanakakis George N.
Published: September 2010

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumour associated with childhood and adolescence. The possible role of the small leucine‐rich proteoglycan, lumican, in the growth and metastasis of various cancer types has recently been investigated. In this study, the expression of lumican was examined in moderately differentiated (MG‐63) and well‐differentiated (Saos 2) human osteosarcoma cell lines of high and low metastatic capability, respectively. Real‐time PCR, western blotting with antibodies against the protein core and keratan sulfate, and specific enzymatic digestions were the methods employed. The two human osteosarcoma cell lines were found to express and secrete lumican partly substituted with keratan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. Importantly, the non‐metastatic, well‐differentiated Saos 2 cells produced lumican at rates that were up to sevenfold higher than those of highly metastatic MG‐63 cells. The utilization of short interfering RNA specific for the lumican gene resulted in efficient down‐regulation of its mRNA levels in both cell lines. The growth of Saos 2 cells was inhibited by lumican, whereas their migration and chemotactic response to fibronectin were found to be promoted. Lumican expression was negatively correlated with the basal level of Smad 2 activation in these cells, suggesting that lumican may affect the bioavailability of Smad 2 activators. By contrast, these cellular functions of highly aggressive MG‐63 cells were demonstrated not to be sensitive to a decrease in their low endogenous lumican levels. These results suggest that lumican expression may be positively correlated with the differentiation and negatively correlated with the progression of osteosarcoma.
Improvement of ecdysone receptor gene switch for applications in plants: Locusta migratoria retinoid X receptor (LmRXR) mutagenesis and optimization of translation start site
Authors: Singh Ajay K. , Tavva Venkata S. , Collins Glenn B. , Palli Subba R.
Published: September 2010

Gene switches have potential applications for the regulation of transgene expression in plants and animals. Recently, we have developed a two‐hybrid ecdysone receptor (EcR) gene switch using chimera 9 [CH9, a chimera between helices 1–8 of Homo sapiens retinoid X receptor (HsRXR) and helices 9–12 of Locusta migratoria RXR (LmRXR)] as a partner for Choristoneura fumiferana EcR (CfEcR). As CH9 includes a region of human RXR, public acceptance of this gene switch for use in genetically modified crops may be an issue. The current studies were conducted to identify an LmRXR mutant that could replace CH9 as a partner for CfEcR. The amino acid identity between LmRXR and HsRXR is fairly high. However, there are a few amino acid residues that are different between these two proteins. LmRXR mutants were produced by changing the amino acids in the helices 1–8 that are different between LmRXR and HsRXR to HsRXR residues. Screening of these mutants in tobacco protoplasts identified a triple mutant, A62S:T81H:V123I (SHILmRXR), that performed as well as CH9. The performance of the EcR gene switch was further improved by optimizing the translational start site (Kozak sequence, AACAATGG) of the transgene. The EcR gene switch containing SHILmRXR and the modified translation start site supported very low background activity in the absence of a ligand and a higher induced activity in the presence of a ligand in tobacco protoplasts, as well as Arabidopsis thaliana transgenic plants. At 16–80 nm methoxyfenozide, the induction of luciferase activity was better than that observed with the CfEcR:CH9 switch.
Bactenecin 7 peptide fragment as a tool for intracellular delivery of a phosphorescent oxygen sensor
Authors: Dmitriev Ruslan I. , Ropiak Honorata M. , Yashunsky Dmitri V. , Ponomarev Gelii V. , Zhdanov Alexander V. , Papkovsky Dmitri B.
Published: September 2010

Research on cell‐penetrating peptides for the intracellular delivery of porphyrin compounds has mainly focused on the use of trans‐activator of transcription (TAT)‐derived peptides and, to a lesser extent, on proline‐rich peptides and phosphorescent metalloporphyrins. In this article, we describe a novel phosphorescent oxygen‐sensitive probe for intracellular use which comprises a bactenecin 7 peptide fragment (15–24) conjugated with the uncharged monofunctional derivative of Pt(II) coproporphyrin I (PEPP0). This probe provides efficient loading of various mammalian cells, including PC12, HCT116, SH‐SY5Y and HeLa, via cell‐type‐dependent uptake mechanisms. The conjugate displays a similar distribution in cytoplasm and mitochondria which allows local oxygen levels to be monitored. Respiratory responses of PC12 cells loaded with the conjugate, measured on a time‐resolved fluorescent reader, showed significant cell deoxygenation in response to uncoupling by carbonyl cyanide 4‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone and external hypoxia. Treatment with mitochondrial inhibitors led to a decrease in cell deoxygenation. Although the biophysical properties of this conjugate are similar to those of the phosphorescent intracellular oxygen‐sensitive probes described previously, it possesses a number of advantages, including ease of synthesis, high loading efficiency and reliability in physiological experiments with cells. This intracellular probe can be employed for the measurement of intracellular O2 levels in samples containing mammalian cells using the phosphorescence quenching technique. In addition, the responses to metabolic stimuli can be assessed in a wide range of cells, as can the levels of relative cell oxygenation under external hypoxia.
Interaction of 42Sp50 with the vegetal RNA localization machinery in Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Loeber Jana , Claußen Maike , Jahn Olaf , Pieler Tomas
Published: September 2010

Localization of a specific subset of maternal mRNAs to the vegetal cortex of Xenopus oocytes is important for the regulation of germ layer formation and germ cell development. It is driven by vegetal localization complexes that are formed with the corresponding signal sequences in the untranslated regions of the mRNAs and with a number of different so‐called localization proteins. In the context of the present study, we incorporated tagged variants of the known localization protein Vg1RBP into vegetal localization complexes by means of oocyte microinjection. Immunoprecipitation of the corresponding RNPs allowed for the identification of novel Vg1RBP‐associated proteins, such as the embryonic poly(A) binding protein, the Y‐box RNA‐packaging protein 2B and the oocyte‐specific version of the elongation factor 1α (42Sp50). Incorporation of 42Sp50 into localization RNPs could be confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation of Vg1RBP and Staufen1 with myc‐tagged 42Sp50. Furthermore, myc‐42Sp50 was found to co‐sediment with the same two proteins in large, RNAse‐sensitive complexes, as well as to associate specifically with several vegetally localizing mRNAs but not with nonlocalized control RNAs. Finally, oocyte microinjection experiments reveal that 42Sp50 is a protein that shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Taken together, these observations provide evidence for a novel function of 42Sp50 in the context of vegetal mRNA transport in Xenopus oocytes.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐7994313: epab (uniprotkb:Q98SP8) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Vg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

 MINT‐7994335: 42Sp50 (uniprotkb:P17506) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Vg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

 MINT‐7994166: Vg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Vg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932), 42Sp50 (uniprotkb:P17506), frgy2‐b (uniprotkb:P45441) and epab (uniprotkb:Q98SP8) by tandem affinity purification(MI:0676)

 MINT‐7994324: frgy2‐b (uniprotkb:P45441) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Vg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

 MINT‐7994345: 42Sp50 (uniprotkb:P17506) physically interacts (MI:0914) with staufen (uniprotkb:Q5MNU4) and Vg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

 MINT‐7994363: 42Sp50 (uniprotkb:P17506), Vg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932), staufen (uniprotkb:Q5MNU4) and 40LoVe (uniprotkb:Q6GM69) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)

 MINT‐7994241: Vg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932) physically interacts (MI:0914) with elrB (uniprotkb:Q91903), ElrA (uniprotkb:Q1JQ73), hnRNPI (uniprotkb:Q9PTS5), 40LoVe (uniprotkb:Q6GM69), staufen (uniprotkb:Q5MNU4) andVg1RBP (uniprotkb:O73932) by tandem affinity purification (MI:0676)
Emergency physicians can reliably assess emergency department patient cardiac output using the USCOM continuous wave Doppler cardiac output monitor
Authors: Dey Ian , Sprivulis Peter
Published: September 2010

Objectives:  1 To develop a training package for ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM) cardiac output assessments and determine the number of proctored studies necessary for skill acquisition.

2 To develop criteria for acceptance of cardiac output results obtained with the USCOM.

3 To evaluate the reliability of USCOM cardiac output assessments in the ED.

Methods:  The authors developed an audiovisual training package. Four emergency physicians and one geriatrician subsequently underwent hands‐on training, and skill acquisition was assessed at the fifth, 10th, 15th and 20th examinations. Six image‐scoring criteria were developed to assess acoustic image quality. Upon completion of training a protocol was developed to optimize interassessor reliability. Two trained emergency physicians then performed blinded examinations on ED patients using the protocol and interassessor reliability was evaluated.

Results:  During training average image score improved between the fifth and 20th assessed patient from 4.6 (95% CI 4.0–5.3) to 5.5 (95% CI 5.0–6.0, Pt‐test = 0.02) out of 6 and average intra‐assessor cardiac output difference improved from 17% (95% CI 4–25) to 5% (95% CI 0–11, Pt‐test = 0.02). Analysis of 52 cardiac output assessments in 21 ED patients demonstrated excellent interassessor correlation (r = 0.96, 95% CI 0.90–0.98, P < 0.001). The average interassessor difference in cardiac output and index was 0.2 L/min (4%, 95% CI 3–6) and 0.1 L/min/m2 (4%, 95% CI 2–6), respectively.

Conclusion:  Emergency physicians with no prior ultrasonographic experience can be trained to obtain reliable cardiac output estimations upon conscious ED patients with the USCOM over the course of 20 patient assessments.
Witnessing invasive paediatric procedures, including resuscitation, in the emergency department: A parental perspective
Authors: Isoardi Jonathon , Slabbert Neil , Treston Greg
Published: September 2010

Objective:  To determine whether parents prefer to be present during invasive procedures performed on their children in the ED.

Methods:  A prospective study using a written survey was carried out in the ED of a secondary level regional hospital in south‐east Queensland. The survey conducted between August 2003 and November 2003 consisted of parental demographics, seven theoretical paediatric procedural scenarios with increasing level of procedural invasiveness (including resuscitation) and reasons for the decisions of parents to either stay with the child or leave the room. Parents of children with Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) triage category 3, 4 and 5 were surveyed.

Results:  Of 573 surveys collected, 553 (96.5%) were completed correctly. The number of parents expressing a desire to be present during a procedure performed on their child was 519 (93.9%) for phlebotomy or i.v. cannulation of an extremity, 485 (87.7%) for nasogastric tube insertion, 461 (83.4%) for lumbar puncture, 464 (83.9%) for urinary catheter insertion, 430 (77.8%) for suprapubic bladder aspiration, 519 (93.4%) during procedural sedation and 470 (85%) during a resuscitation where the possibility existed that their child may die. The most common reason for wanting to be present was to provide comfort to their child (542/98%). The most common reason for not wanting to be present was a parental concern of getting in the way (181/33%).

Conclusion:  Most parents surveyed would want to be present when invasive procedures are performed on their children in the ED. With increasing invasiveness, parental desire to be present decreased. However, the overwhelming majority of parents would want to be in attendance during procedural sedation or resuscitation.
Survival of massive γ‐hydroxybutyrate/ 1,4‐butanediol overdose
Authors: Strickland Richard M , Felgate Peter , Caldicott David GE
Published: September 2010

Gamma‐hydroxybutyrate and its metabolic precursors gamma butyrolactone and 1,4‐butanediol are widely used recreational drugs known to cause short periods of deep sedation with rapid recovery. We present a case of survival with good neurological outcome following massive ingestion in which the patient remained sedated for 14 h.
Unusually difficult ring removal from a finger solved using a dental instrument
Authors: Taylor Simon P , Boyd Matthew J
Published: September 2010

Ring removal is indicated in a number of clinical circumstances to manage or prevent tourniquet effect of the digit, or allow access to underlying conditions or injuries. A ring made from hardened metal may defy many or all commonly known methods of removal. We report a case of unusually difficult removal of a ring of hardened metal composition using a dental volvere. We believe the unusual circumstances of this case are likely to be repeated on some readers’ clinical practice, and that this instrument is an appropriate option to consider in such cases.
A primer for clinical researchers in the emergency department: Part I: Ethical and regulatory background
Authors: Davidson Andrew , Babl Franz E
Published: September 2010

Research is an important part of emergency medicine and provides the scientific underpinning for optimal patient care. Although increasing numbers of emergency physicians participate in research activities, formal research training is currently neither part of emergency physician training in Australia nor easily available for clinicians interested in clinical research. In a two‐part series, which is targeted at part‐time clinical researchers in the ED, we set out and explain the key elements for conducting high‐quality and ethical research. In Part I, we describe important underlying ethical principles for research in humans and explain key regulatory processes and documents pertaining to good clinical research practice in Australia. The ethics of research in children as a particularly vulnerable group will also be addressed. Part II will address important elements of research science and conduct.
A primer for clinical researchers in the emergency department: Part II: Research science and conduct
Authors: Babl Franz E , Davidson Andrew
Published: September 2010

Research is an important part of emergency medicine and provides the scientific underpinning for optimal patient care. Although increasing numbers of emergency physicians participate in research activities, formal research training is currently neither part of emergency physician training in Australia nor easily available for clinicians interested in clinical research. In a two‐part series, which is targeted at part‐time clinical researchers in the ED, we set out and explain the key elements for conducting high‐quality and ethical research. Part I addressed ethical and regulatory aspects. In Part II, we describe important elements of research science, and practical elements of research conduct and administration, which form the basis for high‐quality research.
Emergency care workload units: A novel tool to compare emergency department activity
Authors: Gedmintas Audra , Bost Nerolie , Keijzers Gerben , Green David , Lind James
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Funding bodies have traditionally used attendance figures as a way of determining the allocation of funding for resources in the EDs. Using attendance figures only might not accurately reflect the funding and resources required. The need to create an easily implemented tool to compare workload and resources required was identified. Using the Australasian Triage Scale, a tool was developed to estimate staffing requirements and resource use within each ED. This, although currently not validated, provides a promising start in finding a way to accurately determine ED workload.

Methods:  Existing data on patient acuity, disposition, numbers of patients and the individual costing of each presentation was used to estimate and define the workload of an ED in emergency care workload units (ECWU). The tool is applied to six de‐identified hospitals within Queensland to demonstrate its potential use for equitable budget and staffing allocation.

Results:  The tool was applied to a selection of de‐identified EDs within Queensland hospitals. An increased number of ECWU is generated for a patient with a more urgent triage category reflecting a higher resource consumption and workload.

Discussion:  Although a few studies have been completed in Canada linking workload, resource consumption and cost to triage category, this tool will need to be validated before its use can be fully appreciated.

Conclusion:  This tool provides a simple method to calculate equitable distribution of staffing and budget allocation based on workload across the different EDs within Australia.
Molecular identification of the Hyalesthes species (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) occurring in vineyard agroecosystems
Authors: Bertin Sabrina , Picciau Luca , Ács Zoltán , Alma Alberto , Bosco Domenico
Published: September 2010

The insect family Cixiidae includes economically important vectors of plant pathogens. Hyalesthes obsoletus transmits the stolbur phytoplasma (16SrXII‐A genetic group) associated with a serious grapevine yellows disease known as Bois Noir (BN). Other cixiids are currently suspected to be BN vectors, and the correct identification of Hyalesthes species present in vineyards is essential for epidemiological surveys. This study aims to discriminate between H. obsoletus, Hyalesthes luteipes and Hyalesthes scotti by integrating their morphological descriptions with new molecular assays. The sole amplification of a ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region was enough to discriminate between H. luteipes and H. scotti, which are externally indistinguishable. Alternatively, PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays carried out on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) with TaqI provided species‐specific profiles for all three Hyalesthes species. These molecular identification keys proved to be fast and reliable and can contribute to broaden the current handful of entomologists involved in cixiid identification. Furthermore, these markers can also be successfully applied to nymphs, whose morphological distinctive traits are unavailable. The identification of nymphs greatly extends the vector monitoring period and allows the unambiguous association with the actual host plants. Thus, these molecular tools will help monitoring activities and the rational control of potential stolbur vectors. The same ITS2 and COI sequences have been analysed at an intraspecific level for H. obsoletus to identify possible different populations involved in different epidemiological cycles of BN. Both markers confirmed a high degree of genetic conservation within the species and could not characterise populations living on different host plants and transmitting different phytoplasmas strains.
Why are mycorrhizal fungi and symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing bacteria not genetically integrated into plants?
Authors: Raven J.A.
Published: September 2010

The bacteria and fungi involved in diazotrophic and mycorrhizal symbioses with plants have varying degrees of genetic recombination. Those with very limited, or no, recombination are at risk from the progressive accumulation of mutations (‘Müller's ratchet'). This accumulation could be alleviated by complete genetic integration of the parts of the symbiont genomes relating to their functionin hospice(nitrogen fixation and acquisition of a range of nutrients, respectively) into the nuclear genome of the (usually) sexually reproducing exhabitant. This integration is not known to have occurred, and the diazotrophic and mycorrhizal inhabitants with very restricted recombination survive ‘Müller's ratchet', as do some other symbioses, free‐living organisms that have reproduced asexually for many generations and the organelle genomes of mitochondria and plastids. An evolutionary and environmental possibility is that it was difficult to maintain genetically integrated diazotrophs and mycorrhizas as environments changed with respect to the availability of combined nitrogen and of phosphorus. Genetic modification techniques could be used to attempt to genetically integrate diazotrophs and mycorrhizas; even granted that this could be done, a careful evaluation is required of whether the benefits of such manipulation outweigh whatever costs are entailed.
A Few Words on Mill, Walzer, and Nonintervention
Authors: Doyle Michael W.
Published: September 2010

Nonintervention has been a particularly important and occasionally disturbing principle for liberal scholars, such as John Stuart Mill and Michael Walzer, who share a commitment to basic and universal human rights. On the one hand, liberals have provided some of the strongest reasons to abide by a strict form of the nonintervention doctrine. It was only with the security of national borders that peoples could work out the capacity to govern themselves as free citizens. On the other hand, those very same principles of universal human dignity when applied in different contexts have provided justifications for overriding or disregarding the principle of nonintervention.

In explaining this dual logic I present an interpretive summary of s'Mill famous argument against and for intervention, presented in his “A Few Words on Non-Intervention” (1859), that illustrates what makes Mill's “few words” both so attractive and alarming to us. We should be drawn to Mill's arguments because he is among the first to address the conundrums of modern intervention. The modern conscience tries simultaneously to adhere to three contradictory principles: first, the cosmopolitan, humanitarian commitment to assistance, irrespective of international borders; second, respect for the significance of communitarian, national self-determination; and, third, accommodation to the reality of international anarchy, which puts a premium on self-help national security. I stress, more than has been conventional, the consequentialist character of the ethics of both nonintervention and intervention.

Comparing Mill's “Non-Intervention” and Walzer's Just and Unjust Wars (1977) links two classic statements on just wars of intervention. I conclude that interventionist arguments should go beyond the three paradigmatic cases Walzer explores in Just and Unjust Wars. But while they can draw on Mill's “Non-Intervention,” they need to offer a more convincing set of criteria for when such interventions are likely to do more good than harm
Realism About Tense and Perspective
Authors: Hare Caspar
Published: September 2010

On one view of time (a view that has gone by the names oftense realism,eternalist A‐theory,hyper‐kenesis, and themoving spotlight view) past, present and future things exist, but their being past, present or future does not consist in their standing in before‐ and after‐relations to other things. So, for example, the event of the signing of the Magna Carta is past, and its being so does not consist in, or reduce to, its coming before the events of 2010.

In this paper I discuss arguments for and against this view and view in its near vicinity,perspectival realism. I suggest that perspectival realism is a better view than tense realism. It shares the principal virtues, but not the principal vices, of tense realism.
Philosophical Questions about the Nature of Willpower
Authors: Sekhar Sripada Chandra
Published: September 2010

In this article, I survey four key questions about willpower: How is willpower possible? Why does willpower fail? How does willpower relate to other self‐regulatory processes? and What are the connections between willpower and weakness of will? Empirical research into willpower is growing rapidly and yielding some fascinating new findings. This survey emphasizes areas in which empirical progress in understanding willpower helps to advance traditional philosophical debates.
Between Polish Positivism and American Capitalism: The Educational Agents' Experiment in the Polish-American Community, 1889–1914
Authors: Jaroszyńska-Kirchmann Anna D.
Published: September 2010

Those who think that the job of an intelligent agent of Mr. Paryski is limited to selling his books [and] his newspaper, collecting the money, attending to business and never showing up again are wrong indeed…. The true, intelligent agent of “Ameryka-Echo” has the responsibility to visit as many Polish families (or Lithuanian, Slovak, and Russyn) as possible, to encourage them to learn, to facilitate their learning through providing them with suitable inexpensive books and newspapers, getting to know their problems and needs, and giving them appropriate advice so that people can be brought out from their misery and degradation…. Whoever wants to effectively work for the people, needs to go among the people, get to know the people and then to begin the Positivist work (praca pozytywna).
Capturing complexity: developing an integrated approach to analysing HRM in SMEs
Authors: Harney Brian , Dundon Tony
Published: September 2010

This article presents a framework to evaluate HRM in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), using an open systems theoretical perspective. In presenting an open systems perspective the objective is to overcome the limitations of existing theorising in HRM, in particular to facilitate a move away from the ‘small is beautiful’ versus ‘bleak house’ stereotypes evident in much of the literature concerned with HRM in SMEs. The evidence is drawn from six SMEs operating in the Republic of Ireland, using a case study method. The findings show that a complex interplay of external structural factors and internal dynamics shaped HRM in each of the companies. HRM was not the coherent set of practices typically identified in the literature but rather was often informal and emergent. It is argued that the open systems theoretical framework enables a move beyond mere recognition of the complexity and heterogeneity of HRM in SMEs, towards an understanding, accommodation and explanation of particularistic factors.
Justice source and justice content: evaluating the fairness of organisational career management practices
Authors: Crawshaw Jonathan R.
Published: September 2010

This article presents part of the findings of a multi‐method study into employee perceptions of fairness in relation to the organisational career management (OCM) practices of a large financial retailer. It focuses on exploring how employees construct fairness judgements of their career experiences and the role played by the organisational context and, in particular, OCM practices in forming these judgements. It concludes that individuals can, and do, separate the source and content of (in)justice when it comes to evaluating these experiences. The relative roles of the employer, line manager and career development opportunities in influencing employee fairness evaluations are discussed. Conceptual links with organisational justice theory are proposed, and it is argued that the academic and practitioner populations are provided with empirical evidence for a new theoretical framework for evaluating employee perceptions of, and reactions to, OCM practices.
Profitability and Productivity of the Chinese Textile Industry
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Wang Tianmu
Published: September 2010

This paper considers the cost structure, profitability and productivity of the Chinese textile industry and estimates the impacts of RMB appreciation on this industry. Using data for 1999–2006, we found that the industry has suffered from very low profit margins and returns on capital. Because input prices have been increasing, particularly since 2001, generating profits has become more difficult for the industry. Nevertheless, the industry achieved substantial productivity growth over the period examined. Although at an inadequate level, the profitability of the industry did show some signs of improvement. As long as this trend continues, the industry could obtain a decent level of profitability. Since 2005, however, the industry has faced a new challenge: the appreciation of the RMB. Based on 2006 data, we estimated the maximum rate of RMB appreciation that the industry would be able to sustain to be approximately 5 percent a year.
Measuring Net Foreign Assets: The Case of China
Authors: Zhu Chao
Published: September 2010

This paper discusses two methods of measuring net foreign assets(NFA): directly using the financial account and indirectly using the current account. The former method is found to be more accurate than the latter method. The paper also includes a detailed discussion of the valuation methodology. The results show that China's NFA are much lower than the cumulative current account surplus or the cumulative foreign exchange reserves. This leads to an underestimation of growth in foreign direct investment and an overestimation of the capacity of foreign exchange reserves to cope with possible withdrawals. Therefore, the Chinese Government should pay more attention to valuation issues to obtain more accurate measurement of NF A. Meanwhile, the Chinese monetary authority should relax its control on the foreign exchange settlement system, allow the private sector to hold a certain amount of foreign exchange, and encourage foreign assets to be denominated in RMB to solve structural problems, including entity and currency mismatch.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Syggelou Angeliki , Iacovidou N. , Kloudas S. , Christoni Z. , Papaevangelou V.
Published: September 2010

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a serious health problem. The obstacles for limiting this infection are the lack of public awareness on this issue, especially owing to the asymptomatic nature of CMV infections, the inefficacy of therapy, and the unsuccessful vaccine trials to date. It is therefore important to organize the current data to estimate the results and to report that the development of a vaccine against CMV must be of the highest priority.
Management of premature prelabor rupture of the membranes
Authors: Strevens Helena , Allen Kirsten , Thornton Jim G.
Published: September 2010

Premature prelabor rupture of the fetal membranes affects about 3% of pregnancies. The cause is usually infection, especially at earlier gestations. The prognosis and the risks of delivery are both much worse at earlier gestations. Before viable pregnancy, termination may be offered. Once the fetus is viable, steroids to mature the fetal lungs and antibiotics to reduce infection are the mainstays of treatment. Delivery is recommended in the presence of signs of clear‐cut infection at early gestational ages. At later ones, balancing the risks of infection from conservative treatment against the risk of prematurity from delivery is difficult. Published trials to date have not given clear guidance, but a number are ongoing.
Is it possible to reduce obstetrical brachial plexus palsy by optimal management of shoulder dystocia?
Authors: Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Arulkumaran Sabaratnam
Published: September 2010

Obstetrical brachial plexus palsies (OBPP) have been historically attributed to the impaction of the fetal shoulder behind the symphysis pubis and to excessive lateral traction of the fetal head during maneuvers to deliver the fetal shoulders in shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia is indeed a major risk factor as it increases the risk for OBPP 100‐fold. The incidence of OBPP following shoulder dystocia varies widely from 4% to 40%. However, a significant proportion of OBPPs are secondary to in utero injury. The propulsive forces of labor, intrauterine maladaptation, and compression of the posterior shoulder against the sacral promontory as well as uterine anomalies are possible intrauterine causes of OBPP. Many risk factors for OBPP may be unpredictable. Early identification of risk factors for shoulder dystocia, as well as appropriate management when it occurs, may improve our ability to prevent the occurrence of OBPP in those cases that are caused by shoulder dystocia.
Neonatal outcome of preterm delivery
Authors: Iacovidou Nicoletta , Varsami Marianna , Syggellou Angeliki
Published: September 2010

Advances in perinatal and neonatal care over the last 30 years have contributed to improved survival among extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. As the rate of neonatal morbidity has remained stable, parents and health care professionals involved in the care of these infants often raise questions regarding the prevalence of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Existing data in the literature is heterogeneous and the reported prevalence of disability varies more than survival rates do. One of the key issues toward a better clinical management of ELBW infants is the knowledge of the nature of mortality and disability in this population of infants. Studies from individual centers report outcomes of ELBW infants and demonstrate several limitations as to the ways babies were treated. Advice to parents and decisions to be made regarding the care of these infants should be based on reliable, unbiased, and representative data drawn from geographically defined populations. Such data have recently become available. This report gives an overview of existing literature on this issue.
The role of gonadotropins in the follicular phase
Authors: Messinis Ioannis E. , Messini Christina I. , Dafopoulos Konstantinos
Published: September 2010

Folliculogenesis in humans is a lengthy process that involves several regulators. Pituitary gonadotropins play crucial roles in the late stages, particularly in the last 15 days of follicle maturation. During the intercycle rise of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), selection of the dominant follicle takes place. This is a complex process that also involves locally produced substances. At the same time, luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the synthesis of androgens, which serve as the substrate for the production of estrogens. During the second half of the follicular phase, the follicle becomes dependent on LH. Induction of multiple follicular development by exogenous FSH results in a marked suppression of endogenous LH. For normal follicle maturation, both an LH threshold and an LH ceiling have been considered. In the context of an in vitro fertilization program, application of protocols for ovarian stimulation that will prevent the marked suppression of endogenous LH secretion might provide a better approach to treatment optimization.
Is the decrease in breast cancer incidence related to a decrease in postmenopausal hormone therapy?
Authors: Gompel A. , Plu‐Bureau G.
Published: September 2010

Following the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) publication in mid 2002, a drastic decrease in hormone therapy for postmenopausal women has been observed worldwide. Since 2007, the reported incidence in breast cancer has declined. Most authors have linked this decline to the reduction in hormone treatment. In this paper we discuss why these ecological observations are not fully convincing and focus on the importance of screening and variations in other risk factors to interpret this decline in breast cancer.
Coagulation disorders in pregnancy: acquired and inherited thrombophilias
Authors: Benedetto Chiara , Marozio Luca , Tavella Anna Maria , Salton Loredana , Grivon Sara , Di Giampaolo Francesca
Published: September 2010

Both acquired and inherited thrombophilias are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy‐related venous thromboembolism (VTE) as well as with adverse pregnancy outcome. However, the extension of attributable risk for each thrombophilia and outcome is still a question of debate. Thrombophilias have been investigated in connection with VTE and pregnancy complications such as: recurrent and nonrecurrent early pregnancy loss, late fetal death, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia. This review discusses the evidence of association between thrombophilias and pregnancy outcome together with issues as to clinical management and preventive strategies.
Bone acquisition during adolescence in athletes
Authors: Markou Kostas B. , Theodoropoulou Anastasia , Tsekouras Athanasios , Vagenakis Apostolos G. , Georgopoulos Neoklis A.
Published: September 2010

Bone mass (BM) and skeletal size are similar in prepubertal girls and boys and double between the onset of puberty and early adult life. Sex steroids are responsible for the maturation in human skeleton, as well as for the sexual dimorphism, observed after the onset of puberty. Physical activity in childhood is critical for maximizing bone growth and thus for preventing osteoporosis during older age. Therefore, it constitutes the most effective prevention strategy available. In athletes, high‐impact loading activities have been shown to improve BM, whereas in sports requiring a lean somatotype (therefore leading to a negative energy balance), the delay in skeletal maturation and pubertal development predisposes athletes to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Although the early onset of training, the continuous intensive exercise and its long duration attenuate bone acquisition, the excess mechanical load to which these athletes are exposed from a young age exerts beneficial effects on bone formation that lead to a positive net‐effect on BM.
Clinical management of HPV‐related disease of the lower genital tract
Authors: Kyrgiou M , Valasoulis G. , Founta C. , Koliopoulos G. , Karakitsos P. , Nasioutziki M. , Navrozoglou I. , Dalkalitsis N. , Paraskevaidis E.
Published: September 2010

Cytology remains the mainstay for cervical screening. The need to achieve effective management, limit complications, and preserve reproductive function led to the popularity of local treatment. Although the cure rates for ablative and excisional methods are similar, the excisional method provides a more reliable histopathological diagnosis. Recent evidence revealed increased perinatal morbidity after treatment that appears to be related to the proportion of cervix removed. The human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test appears to enhance the detection of disease in primary screening, in the triage of minor cytological abnormalities, and in follow‐up. Further research on the clinical application of a scoring system is ongoing. The vaccines are now available and appear to be safe, well tolerated, and highly efficacious in HPV naive women. A synergy of vaccination and screening will be required. Treatment for early cervical cancer is increasingly shifting toward more fertility‐sparing surgical techniques. Careful selection of patients is essential.
The influence of intensive physical training on growth and pubertal development in athletes
Authors: Georgopoulos Neoklis A. , Roupas Nikolaos D. , Theodoropoulou Anastasia , Tsekouras Athanasios , Vagenakis Apostolos G. , Markou Kostas B.
Published: September 2010

Genetic potential for growth can be fully expressed only under favorable environmental conditions. Although moderate physical activity has beneficial effects on growth, excessive physical training may negatively affect it. Sports favoring restricted energy availability, in the presence of high energy expenditure, are of particular concern. In gymnastics, a different pattern in skeletal maturation and linear growth was observed, resulting in an attenuation of growth potential in artistic gymnasts (AG), more pronounced in males than in females. In female rhythmic gymnasts (RG), the genetic predisposition to growth was preserved owing to a late catchup growth phenomenon. In all other sports not requiring strict dietary restrictions, no deterioration of growth has been documented so far. Intensive physical training and negative energy balance alter the hypothalamic pituitary set point at puberty, prolong the prepubertal stage, and delay pubertal development and menarche in a variety of sports. In elite RG and AG, prepubertal stage is prolonged and pubertal development is entirely shifted to a later age, following the bone maturation rather than the chronological age.
Menopause and sexuality: key issues in premature menopause and beyond
Authors: Graziottin Alessandra
Published: September 2010

Woman's sexuality encompasses sexual identity, sexual function, and sexual relationships. It is modulated throughout life by life and reproduction‐related events, health, relationships, and sociocultural variables. The aging process and menopause are two potent contributors to female sexual dysfunction. The earlier the menopause, the more severe and complex the impact on sexuality is. The younger the woman, the less she realizes the different key goals of her life cycle (falling in love, having a satisfying sexual life, forming a stable couple, getting married, having a family) and the more pervasive the consequences on her sexual identity, sexual function, and sexual relationship can be. Premature menopause is an amplified paradigm of the complex impact menopause can have on women's and couple's sexuality. This paper will focus on biologically based sexual issues, namely desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain disorders, as well as key questions encountered in infertility. The concepts of “symptom inducer” and “symptom carrier” will also be addressed.
Pathophysiology of bone loss in the female athlete
Authors: Lambrinoudaki Irene , Papadimitriou Dimitra
Published: September 2010

Low bone mass is frequent among female athletes. The “female athlete triad” is a term that describes the interaction among energy availability, menstrual function, and bone metabolism that may lead to amenorrhea and osteopenia or osteoporosis. The main pathophysiologic mechanisms that lead to low bone mass in female athletes are low energy availability and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Increased energy expenditure and/or decreased energy intake, as well as the presence of eating disorders, are associated with low bone mass. In addition, menstrual dysfunction is quite common, especially among athletes competing in sports favoring leanness, and also associates with low bone mass. Screening for bone loss in female athletes should take place in the presence of amenorrhea or body mass index <18 kg/m2. Management of low bone mass aims to restore normal energy availability and nutritional habits. Hormone replacement therapy has no effect in abnormally underweight patients unless normal eating behaviors are restored.
Fetal origins of adult diabetes
Authors: Kanaka‐Gantenbein Christina
Published: September 2010

According to the fetal origin of adult diseases hypothesis, the intrauterine environment through developmental plasticity may permanently influence long‐term health and disease. Therefore, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), due either to maternal, placental, or genetic factors, may permanently alter the endocrine–metabolic status of the fetus, driving an insulin resistance state that can promote survival at the short term but that facilitates the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in adult life, especially when the intrauterine nutrient restriction is followed by a postnatal obesogenic environment. Furthermore, an energy‐rich environment during fetal programming may also drive the development of excess abdominal fat and type 2 diabetes in later life, demonstrating that both intrauterine nutrient restriction as well as intrauterine nutrient excessive supply may predispose for the development of adult diabetes.
The future of women's contraception: stakes and modalities
Authors: Hugon‐Rodin Justine , Chabbert‐Buffet Nathalie , Bouchard Philippe
Published: September 2010

The two main contraceptive methods are the combined pill and the intrauterine device. In several countries, sterilization is a commonly used alternative. The current goals of contraception remain to achieve effective, accessible, reversible, and well‐tolerated birth control for everyone. Despite progress, these goals have not been reached. To achieve these goals, it is mandatory to create new hormonal combinations and to discover new contraceptive targets. Recent innovations associate the development of new progestogens, selective progesterone receptor modulators, and the creation of new contraceptive combinations. Other innovations involve the use of natural estrogens but also optimizing existing treatment regimens and doses, as well as the development of new methods of emergency contraception. Finally, a major step will be to invent an efficient contraceptive that carries the lowest possible risk associated with methods protecting against sexually transmitted diseases. In the future, in relation to progress in the fields of genomics, proteomics, and immunology, new methods of contraception will be developed. These methods will be more targeted and will eventually be nonhormonal and independent of sexual activity.