bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive patterns in pygmy lorises (Nycticebus pygmaeus): Behavioral and physiological correlates of gonadal activity
Authors: Fitch‐Snyder Helena , Jurke Mike
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to evaluate behavioral and physiological parameters of reproduction in a breeding colony of pygmy lorises. To this end, nine male and eight female adult pygmy lorises were kept under natural lighting conditions and monitored through five consecutive breeding seasons. Behavioral data were collected continuously throughout the year on all loris pairs. Behaviors associated with estrogen peaks in females included approaches, leaves, and lunges by females. Whistles were more frequent during estrus, but there was high inter‐individual variability. Males responded to estrous females by persistent following. There was a higher percentage of births in pairs that were together for more than 30 days before onset of estrus, compared with pairs that were put together when females came into estrus. However, these results may have been influenced by factors such as previous familiarity and social compatibility. Fecal testosterone levels were measured using radioimmunoassays and correlated with estrogen peaks and labial swelling of the females. The data showed an annual rhythm in testosterone that was consistent with a July–August mating season. Captive births were significantly higher during January–April than they were during any other months of the year. The earliest testosterone peak in a juvenile male was detected at 58 weeks, while the youngest male to sire offspring was 73 weeks of age at the time of the conception. Zoo Biol 22:15–32, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behavior of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in captive conditions: Gender differences and enclosure effects
Authors: Liu Dingzhen , Wang Zhipeng , Tian Hong , Yu Changqing , Zhang Guiquan , Wei Rongping , Zhang Heming
Published: April 2003

The behavior of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) was studied under captive conditions. Both male and female pandas spent similar amounts of time engaged in eating and locomotion. Males performed anogenital‐marking more but rested less than females, which suggests a sexually dimorphic pattern of behavior. Furthermore, females housed in the seminatural environment spent significantly less time engaged in stereotyped behavior than did females housed in the traditional enclosure, indicating that an enclosure environment affects the behavior of giant pandas. These data illustrate the importance of careful management and facility design for captive giant pandas. Zoo Biol 22:77–82, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reproductive assessment of the great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) by fecal hormone analysis
Authors: Crofoot M. , Mace M. , Azua J. , MacDonald E. , Czekala N.M.
Published: April 2003

The population of great hornbills (Buceros bicornis) in the United States is rapidly aging, and captive breeding efforts have not met population managers' expectations for a sustainable captive group. Little is known about the reproductive physiology of these birds. This study reports the first data on the re‐productive endocrinology of the great hornbill. The hormone profiles of the only pair of these birds that hatched a chick in the 1999–2000 breeding season are compared to the profiles of six other pairs of hornbills, from different institutions in the United States, that did not reproduce successfully that season. The study investigates the estradiol, corticosterone, and testosterone profiles of these seven pairs of birds, establishing a base of knowledge from which endocrine data may be used to improve the success of captive breeding programs. The estradiol profiles from this study indicate a difference in hormonal patterns between laying and non‐laying female great hornbills. Egg‐laying females had significantly higher estradiol concentrations during the breeding season than the non‐laying females (P<0.003). Testosterone concentrations of the males were not significantly different between the mates of egg‐laying and non‐egg‐laying females. The corticosterone concentrations tended to be lower in the females that laid eggs vs. the non‐egg‐laying group. The males of the egg‐laying pairs showed a significantly lower (P<0.036) corticosterone concentration than the non‐egg‐laying male pairs. This, combined with the extremely low corticosterone levels (compared to the other birds in the study) of the pair of hornbills that hatched a chick in the 1999–2000 breeding season, suggests that adrenal activity may play a role in the reproductive failure of some captive great hornbills. Zoo Biol 22:135–145, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BTK‐2, a new inhibitor of the Kv1.1 potassium channel purified from Indian scorpion Buthus tamulus
Authors: Dhawan Ritu , Varshney Anurag , Mathew M.K , Lala Anil K
Published: April 2003

A novel inhibitor of voltage‐gated potassium channel was isolated and purified to homogeneity from the venom of the red scorpion Buthus tamulus. The primary sequence of this toxin, named BTK‐2, as determined by peptide sequencing shows that it has 32 amino acid residues with six conserved cysteines. The molecular weight of the toxin was found to be 3452 Da. It was found to block the human potassium channel hKv1.1 (IC50=4.6 μM). BTK‐2 shows 40–70% sequence similarity to the family of the short‐chain toxins that specifically block potassium channels. Multiple sequence alignment helps to categorize the toxin in the ninth subfamily of the K+ channel blockers. The modeled structure of BTK‐2 shows an α/β scaffold similar to those of the other short scorpion toxins. Comparative analysis of the structure with those of the other toxins helps to identify the possible structure–function relationship that leads to the difference in the specificity of BTK‐2 from that of the other scorpion toxins. The toxin can also be used to study the assembly of the hKv1.1 channel.
An initiator and its flanking elements function as a core promoter driving transcription of the Hepatopoietin gene
Authors: Zhao Yanlin , Tang Fei , Cheng Jingwei , Li Li , Xing Guichun , Zhu Yunping , Zhang Lingqiang , Wei Handong , He Fuchu
Published: April 2003

Hepatopoietin (HPO)/ALR (augmenter of liver regeneration), as a versatile hepatotrophic growth factor and a cellular thiol oxidase, is involved in a wide variety of basic processes of various tissues, especially in liver and testis. Here, we studied the regulation of HPO gene expression. By sequential deletion of the HPO 5′‐flanking region, the minimal promoter of the HPO gene was shown to span positions −22 to +42 relative to the transcriptional start point. Further transfection assay and mutation analysis showed that the core promoter contains a functional initiator. Interestingly, three tandem repeats of a CTGGAGGC element, surrounding the transcription start site and bound by specific nuclear factors, were found to be pivotal for the promoter activity. This initiator flanking element functions in an initiator‐dependent fashion and is present in many initiator‐containing genes. Taken together, our findings revealed that the initiator‐like element and its flanking repeat sequence comprise a core promoter and drive the transcriptional initiation of the HPO gene in a combinatorial manner. The HPO gene promoter might represent a novel architecture for core promoters.
Constitutive overexpression of barley 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase in tobacco results in elevation of the vitamin E content in seeds but not in leaves1
Authors: Falk Jon , Andersen Gaby , Kernebeck Birgit , Krupinska Karin
Published: April 2003

With the aim to enhance the plant vitamin E content, the barley gene encoding 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase was overexpressed in tobacco plants under control of the 35S promoter. Transgenic lines have a higher capacity for homogentisate biosynthesis as evident by a more than 10‐fold higher resistance towards the bleaching herbicide sulcotrione. Seeds from transgenic lines have an up to two‐fold enhanced level of vitamin E without a change in the ratio of γ‐tocopherol and γ‐tocotrienol. While the vitamin E content is not affected in leaves, the level of plastoquinone is enhanced in leaves of transgenic lines during leaf senescence.
Shear stress augments the enhanced adhesive phenotype of cells expressing the Pro33 isoform of integrin β3
Authors: Vijayan K.Vinod , Huang Trevor C. , Liu Yan , Bernardo Aubrey , Dong Jing-Fei , Goldschmidt-Clermont Pascal J. , Alevriadou B.Rita , Bray Paul F.
Published: April 2003

Adhesion of platelets to the exposed extracellular matrix proteins at sites of vascular injury is partly regulated by the local fluid shear stress. Because the Leu33Pro (PlA) polymorphism of integrin β3 confers only a modest increase in adhesion under static conditions, we used CHO and 293 cells expressing the Leu33 or Pro33 isoform of β3 in flow chamber experiments to test whether shear forces would alter the PlA adhesive phenotype. We found that shear force augmented the Pro33‐mediated enhanced adhesion to fibrinogen. This Pro33‐dependent enhancement was aspirin‐sensitive and was also observed on immobilized von Willebrand factor and cryoprecipitate, but not fibronectin. Thus, shear stress enhances the adhesive phenotype of the Pro33 cells to multiple physiologic substrates.
Crosslinking of CD44 on human osteoblastic cells upregulates ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1
Authors: Fujii Yuko , Fujii Koichi , Nakano Kazuhisa , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: April 2003

Cell adhesion of osteoblasts and osteoclastic precursors of hematopoietic origin is a prerequisite for osteoclast maturation. We have investigated the relevance of osteoblast–matrix binding and regulation of adhesion molecules to this process. Human osteoblastic cells highly expressed CD44, a major receptor for hyaluronan present in the surrounding bone matrix. Crosslinking of CD44 on osteoblastic cells with specific antibodies augmented the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1. Hyaluronan, the major ligand of CD44, also up‐regulated ICAM‐1 expression. Stimulation of CD44 on osteoblastic cells amplified their adhesion to monocytic cells through ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1. These results suggest that such crosstalk among distinct adhesion molecules may be relevant to bone metabolism, including osteoclastogenesis.
Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for resistance to hyperosmosis
Authors: Garay-Arroyo Adriana , Lledı́as Fernando , Hansberg Wilhelm , Covarrubias Alejandra A
Published: April 2003

Here we analyzed the role of the antioxidant response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae adaptation to hyperosmotic stress. We show that Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1) plays a fundamental role in this adaptation process since under hyperosmosis SOD1 mutants lead to high protein oxidation levels and show a sensitive phenotype, which is reversed by the addition of N‐acetylcysteine to the medium. Pretreatment with MnCl2, a superoxide scavenger, improves the survival of the sod1 strain upon hyperosmosis. Additionally, we show that upon hyperosmotic shock there is a small and transient increase in SOD1 transcript levels, regulated by the protein kinase A‐cAMP and SKN7 pathways.
Truncated thioredoxin (Trx80) exerts unique mitogenic cytokine effects via a mechanism independent of thiol oxido‐reductase activity
Authors: Pekkari Klas , Avila-Cariño Javier , Gurunath Ramanathan , Bengtsson Åsa , Scheynius Annika , Holmgren Arne
Published: April 2003

Recently we discovered that a naturally occurring C‐terminally truncated thioredoxin (Trx80) is a potent mitogenic cytokine stimulating IL‐12 production from CD40+ monocytes. To further characterise Trx80 we have engineered cysteine to serine mutants of Trx80 corresponding to the active site cysteines of Trx (Trx80SGPS) and to the structural cysteine at position 72 (Trx80C72S). Trx80SGPS and Trx80C72S retained the cell stimulatory activity of Trx80 and increased peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation three‐ to five‐fold in vitro (P<0.01, n=18). Both Trx80SGPS and Trx80C72S significantly stimulated IL‐12 and IFN‐γ secretion from PBMCs in the same manner as Trx80 (P<0.01, n=9 and 10). The previously described Trx80 dimer is caused by non‐covalent interactions, and not by any intermolecular disulphide bonds.
Solution structure of CnErg1 (Ergtoxin), a HERG specific scorpion toxin
Authors: Torres Allan M , Bansal Paramjit , Alewood Paul F , Bursill Jane A , Kuchel Philip W , Vandenberg Jamie I
Published: April 2003

The three‐dimensional structure of chemically synthesized CnErg1 (Ergtoxin), which specifically blocks HERG (human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene) K+ channels, was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. CnErg1 consists of a triple‐stranded β‐sheet and an α‐helix, as is typical of K+ channel scorpion toxins. The peptide structure differs from the canonical structures in that the first β‐strand is shorter and is nearer to the second β‐strand rather than to the third β‐strand on the C‐terminus. There is also a large hydrophobic patch on the surface of the toxin, surrounding a central lysine residue, Lys13. We postulate that this hydrophobic patch is likely to form part of the binding surface of the toxin.
Cytotoxic ribonucleases: molecular weapons and their targets
Authors: Makarov Alexander A , Ilinskaya Olga N
Published: April 2003

Many ribonucleases (RNases) are highly cytotoxic. In some cases, they attack selectively malignant cells, triggering apoptotic response, and therefore are considered as alternative chemotherapeutic drugs. Factors that determine the cytotoxicity of RNases, primarily of those of microbial origin, are reviewed here. These factors include catalytic activity, ability to escape natural inhibitors, stability, and efficiency of internalization. The latter is, in turn, determined by positive charge on the molecule and interaction with cell membrane. Cellular targets and molecular determinants of RNases decisive for their cytotoxic action are characterized.
Regulation of taurine transporter gene (TauT) by WT1
Authors: Han Xiaobin , Chesney Russell W
Published: April 2003

In the present study we have demonstrated that WT1 (Wilms tumor suppressor gene) enhances the expression of TauT (taurine transporter gene) in human embryonic kidney 293 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. TauT promoter activity was increased five‐fold by cotransfection of a full‐length TauT promoter–reporter construct with WT1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) using nuclear extracts from WT1‐overexpressing 293 cells showed a putative WT1‐binding site in the basal promoter region of TauT, which bound to WT1 in EMSAs. Mutation of this WT1 consensus sequence abolished binding of WT1. These results demonstrate that TauT may represent a downstream target gene of WT1 during renal development.
RETRACTED: Ultraviolet B radiation‐induced apoptosis in human keratinocytes: cytosolic activation of procaspase‐8 and the role of Bcl‐2
Authors: Assefa Zerihun , Garmyn Marjan , Vantieghem Annelies , Declercq Wim , Vandenabeele Peter , Vandenheede Jackie R , Agostinis Patrizia
Published: April 2003

In this study, we show that ultraviolet B radiation (UVB)‐induced apoptosis of human keratinocytes involves mainly cytosolic signals with mitochondria playing a central role. Overexpression of Bcl‐2 inhibited UVB‐induced apoptosis by blocking the early generation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial cardiolipin degradation and cytochrome c release, without affecting Fas ligand (FasL)‐induced cell death. It also prevented the subsequent activation of procaspase‐3 and ‐8 as well as Bid cleavage in UVB‐treated cells. Comparative analysis of UVB and FasL death pathways revealed a differential role and mechanism of caspase activation, with the UVB‐induced activation of procaspase‐8 only being a bystander cytosolic event rather than a major initiator mechanism, as is the case for the FasL‐induced cell death. Our results suggest that Bcl‐2 overexpression, by preventing reactive oxygen species production, helps indirectly to maintain the integrity of lysosomal membranes, and therefore inhibits the release of cathepsins, which contribute to the cytosolic activation of procaspase‐8 in UVB‐irradiated keratinocytes.
PCR‐linked in vitro expression: a novel system for high‐throughput construction and screening of protein libraries
Authors: Rungpragayphan Suang , Nakano Hideo , Yamane Tsuneo
Published: April 2003

A novel entirely in vitro strategy for generation and screening of a combinatorial protein library in an array format has been developed and is experimentally demonstrated. The strategy exploits virtues of PCR and in vitro coupled transcription/translation. Our new approach provides high‐throughput construction and screening of the in vitro protein library, and compatibility with various selection methods.
Amino acid availability regulates S6K1 and protein synthesis in avian insulin‐insensitive QM7 myoblasts
Authors: Tesseraud Sophie , Bigot Karine , Taouis Mohammed
Published: April 2003

The regulation of S6K1 by nutritional status and insulin has been recently reported in vivo in chicken muscle despite the relative insulin resistance of this tissue as estimated by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐kinase) activity. The present work aimed to study the impact of amino acids on S6K1 activity in quail muscle (QM7) myoblasts. Firstly, we characterized S6K1 in QM7 cells and demonstrated the absence of insulin receptors in these cells. Secondly, we showed that amino acids in the absence of insulin induced S6K1 phosphorylation on Thr389 and concomitantly increased its enzymatic activity. Amino acid‐induced S6K1 activation was inhibited by LY294002 (PI3‐kinase inhibitor) and rapamycin (inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR), suggesting the involvement of an avian homolog of mTOR. The availability of individual amino acids (methionine or leucine) regulated S6K1 phosphorylation on Thr389 and QM7 protein synthesis. In conclusion, amino acids regulate S6K1 phosphorylation and activity in QM7 cells through the mTOR/PI3‐kinase pathway in an insulin‐independent manner.
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) isoforms differentially induce nitric oxide production in endothelial cells
Authors: Sacre Sandra M , Stannard Anita K , Owen James S
Published: April 2003

Although apolipoprotein E3 (apoE3) is atheroprotective, two common isoforms, apoE2 and apoE4, produce recessive and dominant hyperlipidaemias, respectively. Using a fluorescent assay, we report herein that apoE3 particles secreted from recombinant cells stimulate more nitric oxide release in cultured human EA.hy926 endothelial cells than apoE2 or apoE4 (141% more than controls vs. 61 or 11%). Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3‐kinase inhibitors suppressed the apoE effect, while apoE receptor 2 (apoER2) was tyrosine phosphorylated. We conclude that apoE stimulates endothelial nitric oxide release in an isoform‐dependent manner, and propose that tyrosine phosphorylation of apoER2 initiates PI3‐kinase signalling and activation of nitric oxide synthase.
Analysis of nucleotide distribution in the genome of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) using the Z curve method
Authors: Ou Hong-Yu , Guo Feng-Biao , Zhang Chun-Ting
Published: April 2003

The nucleotide distribution of all 33 527 open reading frames (ORFs) (≥300 bp) in the genome of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) has been analyzed using the Z curve method. Each ORF is mapped onto a point in a 9‐dimensional space. To visualize the distribution of mapping points, the points are projected onto the principal plane based on principal component analysis. Consequently, the distribution pattern of the 33 527 points in the principal plane shows a flower‐like shape, in which there are seven distinct regions. In addition to the central region, there are six petal‐like regions around the center, one of which corresponds to 7172 coding sequences. The central region and the remaining five petal‐like regions correspond to the intergenic sequences and out‐of‐frame non‐coding ORFs, respectively. It is shown that selective pressure produces a remarkable bias of the G+C content among three codon positions, resulting in the interesting phenomenon observed. A similar phenomenon is also observed for other bacterial genomes with high genomic G+C content, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 (G+C=66.6%). However, for the genomes of Bacillus subtilis (G+C=43.5%) and Clostridium perfringens (G+C=28.6%), no similar phenomenon was observed. The finding presented here may be useful to improve the gene‐finding algorithms for genomes with high G+C content. A set of supplementary materials including the plots displaying the base distribution patterns of ORFs in 12 prokaryotes is provided on the website http://tubic.tju.edu.cn/highGC/.
Soymetide, an immunostimulating peptide derived from soybean β‐conglycinin, is an fMLP agonist
Authors: Tsuruki Takahiro , Kishi Katsuki , Takahashi Masakazu , Tanaka Makoto , Matsukawa Taiji , Yoshikawa Masaaki
Published: April 2003

A tridecapeptide (MITLAIPVNKPGR) that stimulates phagocytosis of human neutrophils was isolated from a trypsin digest of soybean proteins. This peptide is derived from the soybean β‐conglycinin α′ subunit and was named soymetide‐13. The N‐terminal methionine residue of soymetide‐13 is essential for its activity, and removal of C‐terminal residues revealed that soymetide‐4 (MITL) is the minimal structure required for phagocytosis stimulation. Although they are not formylated at their N‐termini, soymetides have a weak affinity for the N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) receptor and their phagocytosis‐stimulating activity is inhibited by the fMLP antagonist Boc‐MLP. Interestingly, soymetide‐4 promotes tumor necrosis factor α production at a higher level than soymetide‐13 following oral administration in mice.
Which neuroleptic would psychiatrists take for themselves or their relatives?
Authors: Steinert Tilman
Published: April 2003

Objective. –

Psychiatrists should be asked which neuroleptic they would prefer for themselves and their relatives in the case of first manifestation of schizophrenia.

Method. –

Questionnaires were answered by 66 psychiatrists from 13 different sites in Baden-Wuerttemberg (South West Germany). Only those were included who had treated more than 50 patients with schizophrenia within the last 5 years (n = 54).

Results. –

The psychiatrists were experienced with conventional and most of the atypical agents. Fifty-one point nine percent would take olanzapine as first line treatment, 20.4% risperidone, 13.0% quetiapine, 9.3% amisulpride, 3.7% haloperidol and 1.9% perazine. In four cases, different substances were preferred for oneself and relatives.

Conclusion. –

Most psychiatrists would not take conventional neuroleptics, though 70% of prescriptions for schizophrenic patients have been conventional neuroleptics in Germany in 2000. The preferences among atypicals correspond well with the current prescription practice in Germany.
Four-year outcome in non-compliant schizophrenia patients treated with or without home-based ambulatory outpatient care
Authors: Kampman O. , Illi A. , Poutanen P. , Leinonen E.
Published: April 2003

Non-compliance in neuroleptic maintenance treatment is a major concern in schizophrenia. Home-based outpatient care has been shown both to improve medication compliance and reduce relapse frequency. We analysed the need for hospitalisation, levels of functioning and mortality rate during the de-institutionalisation process in 41 schizophrenia patients with repeated hospitalisations and prolonged history of non-compliance. Eighteen of the patients received ambulatory outpatient care (AOC) after discharge. This treatment procedure focuses on enduring neuroleptic maintenance treatment. One of the hospital nurses takes care of home visits every 2–4 weeks. In the 4-year follow-up, half of the patients in the AOC group did not need hospitalisation at all and the number of days of hospitalisation in the whole group diminished by almost four-fifths compared with the previous 4 years. In the non-AOC group, there was a more limited decrease in the number of days of hospitalisation during the corresponding follow-up period. The mortality rates showed a slight tendency towards a better outcome in the AOC group. There was no change in the levels of functioning in the AOC group. This treatment can be carried out with limited resources. It clearly reduces the need for hospitalisation in a subgroup of schizophrenia patients having problems with compliance and recurrent relapse. The effectiveness of AOC on the mortality rates of schizophrenia patients needs further examination.
Zuclopenthixol-acetate treatment in catatonic patients: the implication of iron metabolism
Authors: Conca A. , Bertsch E. , Küng A. , Waschgler R. , Hrubos W. , König P. , Hansen M.
Published: April 2003

There is some evidence of ferropenia correlating with neuroleptic malignant syndrome and catatonic symptoms. The aim of this prospective and naturalistic study was to investigate the implications of ferremia in patients undergoing an intramuscular injection treatment of Zuclopenthixol-acetate in Visceolo. We recruited 59 catatonic patients (33 females). Age, sex, psychiatric and somatic diagnoses, body mass index (BMI), dosage and duration of Zuclopenthixol-acetate medication and the timing of the changeover from intramuscular to oral prescription, the single dosage of Clopenthixol if initially coadministered, incidence, onset and duration of transient benign hyperthermia, iron, ferritin, transferrin and saturation values, and white and red blood cell counts as well as liver function and electrolytes were registered. A transient and benign hyperthermic reaction (mean degrees: 37.5 + 0.3 °C) lasting for an average of 3.0 + 1.9 d was shown by 72.9% patients (N = 43, 22 females), during a mean treatment period of 5.8 + 3.1 d. These patients were medicated with significant different mean doses of Zuclopenthixol-acetate and compared to the patients with normal body temperature (ANOVA P < 0.01). The duration of Zuclopenthixol-acetate application did not vary between these patients groups. Furthermore, significant differences of iron (59.5 + 30.6 μmol/dl vs. 87.8 + 40.8 μmol/dl; ANOVA P < 0.006) and transferrin saturation values (18.3 + 10.4% vs. 27.2 + 17.0%; ANOVA P < 0.02) were found. Ferritin and transferrin were not implicated in the episode of hyperthermia. Diagnoses, sex, white and red blood cell counts also did not vary between these groups. Our findings indicate a possible involvement of ferropenia in catatonic patients, regardless of the diagnoses, and in the development of benign transient hyperthermia, also known as drug fever.
The Maudsley bipolar disorder project Clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder I in a Catchment area treatment sample
Authors: Raymont Vanessa , Bettany David , Frangou Sophia
Published: April 2003

The clinical characteristics of bipolar I disorder (BD1) have prognostic and therapeutic importance. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of demographic and clinical variables on the course of BD1. We reviewed the case notes of all BD1 patients (n = 63) receiving treatment in a London psychiatric service during a 1-month period. Depressive and manic onsets were equally likely without any gender difference. The earlier the age of onset, the more likely it was for patients to experience psychotic features. Only depressive onsets predicted a higher number of episodes of the same polarity. Male gender and substance abuse were associated with younger age at first presentation, while women with co-morbid substance abuse had more manic episodes. Male patients were more likely than females to be unemployed or single.
Inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase or epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase abolishes lysophosphatidic acid‐mediated DNA‐synthesis in human myometrial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Nilsson Ulrika K. , Svensson Samuel P.S.
Published: April 2003

Human myometrial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were used to evaluate the proliferative activity of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). This study specifically focuses on the role of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein (CaM) kinase and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase. Myometrial SMCs were cultured from biopsies taken at Cesarean sections. The expression of LPA receptors was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and DNA‐synthesis was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. LPA1, LPA2, and LPA3receptor subtypes were detected in the SMCs using RT‐PCR. KN‐62, an inhibitor of CaM kinase, and Tyrphostin AG 1478, an inhibitor of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase, dose‐dependently decreased LPA‐stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation. Furthermore, BB‐3103, an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also reduced DNA‐synthesis induced by LPA in these cells. The results show, for the first time, that human myometrial SMCs express all three known LPA receptor subtypes. Growth stimulatory effects of LPA on myometrial SMCs seems to be mediated by several pathways, where transactivation of EGF receptors through MMPs appears to be of importance. Furthermore, CaM kinase activity may be critical for LPA signaling since inhibition of CaM kinase totally abolish the proliferative effect of LPA.
Information Needs of Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Timmins Fiona , Kaliszer Michael
Published: April 2003

The main objectives of this study were to assess the perceptions of patients immediately after their first myocardial infarction of their needs in a cardiac education programme and to compare these with their perceptions 6 weeks after the event and also with their nurse educators. The data were collected by a questionnaire, the cardiac patients' learning needs inventory which was administered to both patients and nurses. It comprised 37 ‘needs’ items grouped into seven categories, each item to be scored into one of five levels of importance. There were 27 patients interviewed on the first occasion, of whom 18 responded to a postal questionnaire on the second occasion. A census of three groups of nurses was taken in the study, namely all nurses employed in one coronary care unit and in a cardiac ward at a large Dublin Hospital and all nurses employed as cardiac rehabilitation nurses/officers in Ireland at the time of commencement of the study. Sixty-eight nurses responded, a response rate of 80%. A key finding was that the responses were highly skewed, with two-thirds in the top grade (‘very important’) and less than 1% in the two lowest grades (‘not important’ and ‘somewhat important’). The overall response score distribution of the patients differed somewhat from that of the nurses, but this difference was accounted for by mainly three items, all in the ‘physical activity’ category, namely ‘when to resume driving’, ‘when to resume sexual activity’, and ‘when to resume work’, which the nurses scored high and the patients low. Both patients and nurses gave the highest mean scores to four items, namely ‘what to do when in chest pain’, ‘what are the symptoms of a heart attack’, ‘when to call a doctor’, and ‘what to do to reduce the chance of another heart attack’. The first three of these are in the ‘symptom management’ category. These findings support previous studies on the topic. The findings also support the need for individualised nurse/patient negotiated cardiac teaching programmes that can be tailored to suit each patient's needs.
Genetic Counseling—Stress, Coping, and the Empowerment Perspective
Authors: McConkie‐Rosell Allyn , Sullivan Jennifer A.
Published: April 2003

Historically one of the basic foundations of the genetic counseling process has been nondirectiveness; however, its definition and utility continues to be in question. There remains a need to develop genetic counseling interventions in order to qualify, quantify, measure, and enhance the genetic counseling process as well as to delineate the complex interactions of education and counseling that occur. We propose a framework for genetic counseling interventions utilizing an empowerment perspective and Lazarus and Folkman's adaptation of the theory of stress and coping. This model frames the genetic counseling process as one that promotes the autonomy of the individual by providing the individual with the tools required to make their own decisions and enhances coping and adjustment to the outcome of those decisions through control and mastery.
Control of Quantum Langevin Equations
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Boukas Andreas
Published: April 2003

The problem of controlling quantum stochastic evolutions arises naturally in several different fields such as quantum chemistry, quantum information theory, quantum engineering, etc. In this paper, we apply the recently discovered closed form of the unitarity conditions for stochastic evolutions driven by the square of white noise [9] to solve this problem in the case of quadratic cost functionals (cf. (5.5) below). The optimal control is explicitly given in terms of the solution of an operator Riccati equation. Under general conditions on the system Hamiltonian part of the stochastic evolution and on the system observable to be controlled, this equation admits solutions with the required properties and they can be explicitly described.
A Synthesis of Thermodynamic Models Unifying Traditional and Work-Driven Operations with Heat and Mass Exchange
Authors: Sieniutycz Stanisław
Published: April 2003

A novel trend in the theory of thermodynamic limits for energy convertors and traditional heat and mass exchangers is analyzed, where certain special controls called, the Carnot control variables, play a common role. In terms of these controls an expression for the lost work has the same form in irreversible energy convertors and in traditional processes of purely dissipative transport. For sequential-type equipment of a finite size, enhanced limits are obtained for the energy production or consumption. Formal models of simplest energy convertors and characteristics of endoreversible operations are particularly lucid in terms of the Carnot controls. Progress in the theory of energy generation problems is achieved; examples of applications are outlined. Efficiency decrease caused by dissipation and finite rate bounds are estimated for work released from an engine or work added to a heat pump. It is shown that a simplification in the analysis of energy limits in complex thermal operations is achieved when Carnot controls are applied. Extensions involve mass transfer problems and a finite-rate counterpart of classical available energy (exergy).
Development and Evaluation of a Decision Aid About Prenatal Testing for Women of Advanced Maternal Age
Authors: Drake Elizabeth R. , Engler‐Todd Lori , O'Connor Annette M. , Surh Linda C. , Hunter Alasdair
Published: April 2003

Objective:To develop and evaluate a decision aid designed to prepare patients of advanced maternal age for counseling about prenatal diagnostic testing.Setting:A regional genetics center.Design:A before/after study.Interventions:Participants used an audioguided workbook to learn about options and outcomes and to clarify personal risks, values, questions, and predispositions.Subjects:21 women of advanced maternal age and 17 spouses.Main outcome measures:Knowledge of prenatal testing alternatives, decisional conflict, level of anxiety, and acceptability of the decision aid.Results:After using the decision aid, participants had significantly reduced decisional conflict (uncertainty) and a significant increase in knowledge. There was no effect on state or trait anxiety. More than three‐quarters of participants were satisfied with the length, clarity, balance, and acceptability of the decision aid.Conclusions:The decision aid shows promise as a useful aid for preparing couples for counseling.
Bridging the Personal and the Political: Practices for a Liberation Psychology
Authors: Moane Geraldine
Published: April 2003

In the Irish context, legacies of colonialism, the Northern Ireland conflict situation, and the strength of community and women's liberation movements all provide rich resources for understanding the processes involved in both oppression and liberation. This paper draws on the theoretical and research literature and on Irish experiences to develop an understanding of some of the processes and practices that aid in liberation. The research is grounded in diverse writings on oppression and liberation, which include writings on colonialism (E. Duran &B. Duran, 1995; F. Fanon, 1967; V. Kenny, 1985, L. Maracle, 1996), feminist psychology (J. B. Miller, 1986; S. Wilkinson, 1996), liberation psychology (H. A. Bulhan, 1985; L. Comas‐Díaz, M. B. Lykes, & R. D. Alarcon, 1998; I. Martín‐Baró, 1994; Starhawk, 1987), and psychological aspects of racism (b. hooks, 1993; A. Mama, 1995; R. J. Watts, D. M. Griffith, & J. Abdul‐Adil, 1999), homophobia (A. R. D'Augelli & C. J. Patterson, 1995), poverty (K. O'Neill, 1992), and other dimensions of oppression.
Emancipatory Education Versus School‐Based Prevention in African American Communities
Authors: Potts Randolph G.
Published: April 2003

Schools have become strategic settings for the work of community psychologists. In a review of 177 primary prevention programs for children and adolescents, Durlak and Wells (1997) found that 129 (72.9%) were based in schools. The literature in community psychology describes many school‐based prevention programs targeting problems such as substance abuse, school “maladjustment,” delinquency, and violence (e.g. C. A. Mason, A. M. Cauce, L. Robinson & G. W. Harper, 1999). A large number of these programs are based in schools in African American communities and include social–cognitive, decision making, affective education, and other skills‐building modules along with direct instruction. In this paper, it is argued that ideas from emancipatory education (e.g. Freire, 1998) and African‐centered education (e.g. H. Madhubuti & S. Madhubuti, 1994; M. J. Shujaa, 1995) should guide school‐based interventions in communities of people of African descent. There is an extensive and distinguished history of emancipatory schools and school‐based programs in African American communities. Included in this history are the freedom schools during reconstruction, the SNCC Freedom Schools, the Liberation Schools of the Black Panther Party, the Malcolm X Academy in Detroit, Sankofa Shule in Lansing, the Institute for Positive Education/New Concept Development Center in Chicago, the Benjamin E. Mays Institute in Hartford, and the schools affiliated with the Council of Independent Black Institutions (CIBI) to name just a few. This paper will first provide a brief, critical review of the role of schools and social oppression. Second, primary prevention programs in communities of people of African descent will be examined, questioning some of the dominant methods and assumptions. Next, underlying assumptions about relationships between African identity, educational success, and healthy outcomes for young people will be addressed. This will be followed by a discussion of African‐centered emancipatory education, focusing specifically on the role of students as agents of social change and the importance of critical reflection on African cultural resources. The Benjamin E. Mays Institute will be presented as an example of how ideas from an African‐centered emancipatory approach to education have been incorporated within a school serving a community of people of African descent in Hartford, Connecticut.
Correlates of African American and Latino Parents' Messages to Children About Ethnicity and Race: A Comparative Study of Racial Socialization
Authors: Hughes Diane
Published: April 2003

Recently, social scientists have become increasingly interested in the nature of communications from parents to children regarding ethnicity and race. Termed racial socialization, race‐related messages to children may have important consequences for children's identity development and well‐being. This study examined the frequency and correlates of two dimensions of racial socialization—messages about ethnic pride, history, and heritage (Cultural Socialization) and messages about discrimination and racial bias (Preparation for Bias)—among 273 urban African American, Puerto Rican, and Dominican parents. Parents reported more frequent Cultural Socialization than Preparation for Bias. There were no significant ethnic group differences in the frequency of Cultural Socialization. However, African American parents reported more frequent Preparation for Bias than did Dominican parents who, in turn, reported more frequent messages of this sort than did Puerto Rican parents. Ethnic identity was a stronger predictor of Cultural Socialization among Puerto Rican and Dominican parents than among their African American counterparts. In contrast, perceived discrimination experiences was a stronger predictor of Preparation for Bias among African American and Dominican parents than among Puerto Rican parents. Finally, race‐related phenomenon accounted for more variance in both Cultural Socialization and Preparation for Bias among parents reporting on their behaviors with children 10–17 years old as compared to parents reporting on their behaviors with children 6–9 years old.
The Violent Matrix: A Study of Structural, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal Violence Among a Sample of Poor Women
Authors: James Susan E. , Johnson Janice , Raghavan Chitra , Lemos Tessa , Barakett Michele , Woolis Diana
Published: April 2003

One goal of this paper is to present an integrated tripartite model of violence, with a focus on structural violence within an oppression paradigm. Using qualitative and quantitative data from 27 women (70% African American and 30% European American) who participated in a national substance abuse treatment demonstration program, we describe a model of violence in which structural violence is presented within a transactional relationship with interpersonal, and intrapersonal violence. We suggest that the effects of structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal violence are magnified when race and poverty are considered. The second goal of the paper is to present a preliminary test of the new model of violence. Results indicated that different levels and types of violence are interrelated. Implications of these findings for empowering solutions are suggested.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Patients With Alcohol–Induced Cirrhosis and Jaundice
Authors: Pelletier Gilles , Roulot Dominique , Davion Thierry , Masliah Claude , Causse Xavier , Oberti Frédéric , Raabe Jean-Jacques , Van Lemmens Claire , Labadie Hélène , Serfaty Lawrence
Published: April 2003

The aim of our multicenter study was to assess the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on the survival of patients with alcohol–induced cirrhosis and jaundice. We included patients with histologically proven alcohol–induced cirrhosis and serum bilirubin >50 μmol/L. After randomization, patients received either UDCA (13–15 mg/kg/d) or a placebo for 6 months. Two hundred twenty–six patients (113 in each group) were included in 24 centers. There were 139 men and 87 women, mean age of 50.3 years. Seventy–four percent had associated alcohol–induced hepatitis, and 24% received a corticosteroid therapy. At inclusion, the 2 groups were comparable for the main clinical and biologic parameters, but serum bilirubin was higher in the UDCA group than in the placebo group (163 μmol/L vs. 145 μmol/L, P < .03). The percentage of patients lost at follow–up or who resumed their alcoholism during the study was comparable in the 2 groups. During the study, 55 patients died, 35 in the UDCA group and 20 in the placebo group. In the intention to treat analysis, the probability of survival at 6 months (Kaplan–Meier method) was lower in the UDCA than in the P group (69% vs. 82%, respectively; P = .04, log–rank test). After adjustment on the bilirubin level at entry (Cox model), the independent predictive value of the treatment group did not reach the statistical level (RR = 1.64, CI 0.85–2.85; P = .077). In conclusion, UDCA administered at the dose recommended in primary biliary cirrhosis has no beneficial effect on the 6–month survival of patients with severe alcohol–induced cirrhosis. An inappropriate dosage of UDCA cannot be excluded as an explanation for the lack of therapeutic benefit.
Homozygous Deletion Scanning in Hepatobiliary Tumor Cell Lines Reveals Alternative Pathways for Liver Carcinogenesis
Authors: Pineau Pascal , Marchio Agnès , Nagamori Seishi , Seki Shuichi , Tiollais Pierre , Dejean Anne
Published: April 2003

Despite high rates of loss of heterozygosity affecting various chromosomes, the number of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) found to be consistently involved in primary liver cancer is low. In the past decade, characterization of homozygous deletions (HDs) in tumors has become instrumental to identify new TSGs or to reveal the influence of a particular TSG on the development of a specific tumor type. We performed a detailed HD profiling at 238 critical loci on a collection of 57 hepatobiliary tumor cell lines (hepatocellular, cholangiocellular, and bile duct carcinomas, hepatoblastomas, and immortalized hepatocytes). We identified HDs at 9 independent loci, the analysis of which was extended to 17 additional hepatobiliary tumor cell lines. In total, 34 homozygous losses involving 9 distinct genes were detected in the 74 cell lines analyzed. Besides expected deletions at the p16–INK4A/p14–ARF, FHIT, AXIN1, and p53 genes, we detected HDs at the PTEN, NF2, STK11, BAX, and LRPDIT genes that were formerly not known to be implicated in human liver tumorigenesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that these genes may represent novel liver tumor suppressive targets. Additional tumorigenic pathways should be carefully considered in hepatocarcinogenesis. (Hepatology 2003;37:852–861.)
Racial Differences in the Relationship Between Hepatitis C Infection and Iron Stores
Authors: Ioannou George N. , Dominitz Jason A. , Weiss Noel S. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Kowdley Kris V.
Published: April 2003

Black race and increased hepatic iron stores predict poor response to interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We tested the hypothesis that these 2 observations are linked by investigating whether HCV–infected African–Americans have increased iron stores relative to uninfected persons. Using data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), we determined the risk of having increased iron stores, defined as elevation of both serum ferritin and transferrin–iron saturation (TS), in HCV–RNA–positive blacks (n = 100) and nonblacks (n = 126) relative to HCV–RNA–negative blacks (n = 4,002) and nonblacks (n = 10,943). HCV–positive blacks were 5.4 times (95% CI, 1.2 to 24) more likely to have increased iron stores than HCV–positive nonblacks. The proportion of HCV–positive blacks who had increased iron stores was 16.4% among those with abnormal liver enzymes and 2.8% among those with normal liver enzymes, compared with only 0.6% among HCV–negative blacks. After adjustment for age, alcohol intake, gender, menopausal status, education, body mass index, and poverty index, HCV–positive blacks with abnormal liver enzymes had an elevated risk of having increased iron stores (odds ratio, 17.8; 95% CI, 5.1 to 63). In contrast, among persons of other races, there was a much smaller difference in the proportion of persons with increased iron stores between HCV–positive persons with (3.4%) or without (1.4%) abnormal liver enzymes and HCV–negative persons (0.9%). In conclusion, a greater proportion of blacks than persons of other races respond to HCV infection with an increase in iron stores. This finding may partly explain the reduced response of HCV–positive African–Americans to antiviral treatment. (Hepatology 2003;37:795–801.)