bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E‐cadherin promoter polymorphism (C‐160A) and risk of recurrence in patients with superficial bladder cancer
Authors: Lin J , Dinney CP , Grossman HB , Jhamb M , Zhu Y , Spitz MR , Wu X
Published: August 2006

Tumor recurrence is a hallmark of superficial bladder cancer. Currently, a molecular marker for bladder cancer recurrence is lacking. E‐cadherin plays an important role in epithelial development and in the establishment and maintenance of cell–cell adhesion and tissue architecture. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of an E‐cadherin promoter polymorphism (CDH1c‐160a) with the risk of bladder cancer recurrence. This study included 302 patients with superficial bladder cancer. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes and genotyping was performed using Taqman assay. Clinical data were collected by medical chart review. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) associated with genotypes while adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, tumor stage and grade where appropriate. During a median follow‐up of 27.65 months, 151 patients experienced disease recurrence. Subsequent analyses were restricted to Caucasians only due to the small sample size of other ethnic groups (13 in recurrence group and 15 in non‐recurrence group). Among the 274 Caucasian patients, 138 developed recurrence during the same length of follow‐up time. In Caucasian patients, having at least one variant A allele conferred a 32% reduction in recurrence risk (adjusted HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.96). The median recurrence‐free survival for patients carrying at least one variant A allele was significantly longer than that for patients with a homozygous CC genotype (40.4 vs 12.5 months, p = 0.04). Our findings suggest that the E‐cadherin promoter polymorphism may be a valuable molecular marker for bladder cancer recurrence.
CYLD mutations underlie Brooke–Spiegler, familial cylindromatosis, and multiple familial trichoepithelioma syndromes
Authors: Young AL , Kellermayer R , Szigeti R , Tészás A , Azmi S , Celebi JT
Published: August 2006

Brooke–Spiegler syndrome (BSS), familial cylindromatosis (FC), and multiple familial trichoepithelioma (MFT), originally described as distinct inherited disorders, are characterized by a variety of skin appendage neoplasms. Mutations in the CYLD gene are found in individuals with these syndromes. We describe a single family with affected members exhibiting either the FC or the MFT phenotypes associated with a mutation in the CYLD gene. These findings support the notion that BSS, FC, and MFT represent phenotypic variation of a single defect. Of interest, one of the affected individuals described in this report exhibits a severe phenotype illustrating the morbidity of the disorder.
Genetic and other diseases in the pottery of Tumaco‐La Tolita culture in Colombia–Ecuador
Authors: Bernal JE , Briceno I
Published: August 2006

The people of Tumaco‐La Tolita culture inhabited the borders of present‐day Colombia and Ecuador. Already extinct by the time of the Spaniards arrival, they left a huge collection of pottery artifacts depicting everyday life; among these, disease representations were frequently crafted. In this article, we present the results of the personal examination of the largest collections of Tumaco‐La Tolita pottery in Colombia and Ecuador; cases of Down syndrome, achondroplasia, mucopolysaccharidosis I H, mucopolysaccharidosis IV, a tumor of the face and a benign tumor in an old woman were found. We believe these to be among the earliest artistic representations of disease.
Spectrum of pathogenic mutations and associated polymorphisms in a cohort of 44 unrelated patients with long QT syndrome
Authors: Millat G , Chevalier P , Restier‐Miron L , Da Costa A , Bouvagnet P , Kugener B , Fayol L , Gonzàlez Armengod C , Oddou B , Chanavat V , Froidefond E , Perraudin R , Rousson R , Rodriguez‐Lafrasse C
Published: August 2006

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare and clinically heterogeneous inherited disorder characterized by a long QT interval on the electrocardiogram, increased risk of syncope and sudden death caused by arrhythmias. This syndrome is mostly caused by mutations in genes encoding various cardiac ion channels. The clinical heterogeneity is usually attributed to variable penetrance. One of the reasons for this variability in expression could be the coexistence of common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on LQTS‐causing genes and/or unknown genes. Some synonymous and nonsynonymous exonic SNPs identified in LQTS‐causing genes may have an effect on the cardiac repolarization process and modulate the clinical expression of a latent LQTS pathogenic mutation. We report the molecular pattern of 44 unrelated patients with LQTS using denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis of the KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1 and KCNE2 genes. Forty‐five disease‐causing mutations (including 24 novel ones) were identified in this cohort. Most of our patients (84%) showed complex molecular pattern with one mutation (and even two for four patients) associated with several SNPs located in several LQTS genes.
Fc function of a new intravenous immunoglobulin product: IGIV 10% triple virally inactivated solution
Authors: Reipert B. M. , Ilas J. , Carnewal C. , üreder S.F , Bölzlbauer U. , Teschner W. , Fiedler C. , Schwarz H. P.
Published: August 2006

Background and Objectives Baxter AG has developed a new liquid intravenous immunoglobulin product [Immune Globulin Intravenous (IGIV) 10%] using a new manufacturing procedure. A modified Cohn fractionation and ion exchange chromatography is used to produce an IgG solution with no alterations to the Fc region. Three dedicated virus reduction steps are included: solvent‐detergent treatment, nanofiltration, and incubation at low pH and elevated temperature in final formulation. We applied the reference method of the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) together with a flow‐cytometric binding assay for the evaluation of the Fc function of the new product.

Materials and Methods The EP reference method was done as described in the EP. The flow‐cytometric method measured binding of IgG to Fc receptors of human monocytic THP‐1 cells after exclusion of apoptotic cells.

Results Sixteen lots of the new product expressed Fc functions between 84% and 110% when analysed with the EP reference method and Fc‐binding activities between 82% and 121% when determined by the flow‐cytometric method.

Conclusion All tested lots of the new product demonstrated a high level of Fc activity and met the requirements of the EP for Fc function.
Pathological Conditions of the Reproductive Organs of Male Stray Dogs in the Tropics: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Morphological Findings and Testosterone Concentrations
Authors: Ortega‐Pacheco A , Rodríguez‐Buenfil JC , Segura‐Correa JC , Bolio‐Gonzalez ME , Jiménez‐Coello M , Linde Forsberg C
Published: August 2006

Contents

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for pathological conditions of the reproductive organs in stray dogs under tropical conditions. Three hundred and eighteen dogs were examined post‐mortem in the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003. Before killing, a blood sample (from the cephalic vein) for testosterone assay was taken. Pathological conditions of the reproductive organs were found in 135 of the dogs (42.5%) and in 175 of the testes (64.8%). The most frequent pathologies found were testicular degeneration, cryptorchidism, testicular hypoplasia and testicular tumours (in 15.1%, 6.6%, 6.6% and 5.4% of the dogs and 15.1, 4.6, 6.0 and 3.5 of the testes, respectively). Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) was seen in 5.4% of the dogs. Testicular degeneration was more common in old dogs and underweight dogs (p < 0.05). Testicular tumours were 14.3 times more common in cryptorchid dogs. Age was another important factor for the development of testicular tumours (p < 0.05). Lower levels of testosterone concentration (p < 0.05) were observed in dogs with advanced testicular degeneration (0.7 ± 0.8 nm), dogs with hypoplastic testicles (0.8 ± 0.9 nm) and dogs with one degenerated and one retained testis or with bilateral cryptorchidism (1.2 ± 0.9 nm) compared to dogs with one or two normal testes (7.0 ± 5.5 nm). Testicular volume and weight were significantly lower in degenerated, hypoplastic and retained testes compared with the contralateral normal testis. Some spermatogenic activity was found in three of the retained testes, producing oligozoospermic smears with a high percentage of sperm abnormalities. No comparable epidemiological data about male pathological conditions of the reproductive organs in the dog is available. The prevalence found in this study, yet, appears high.
Being before doing: The cultural identity (essence) of occupational therapy
Authors: Watson Ruth Marguerite
Published: August 2006

Occupational therapists know that culture is relevant to their work, but have failed to understand that while they share a professional foundation, practice cannot assume uniformity, given the cultural uniqueness of different contexts. A discussion of why culture matters forms the basis for appreciating the cultural identity of the profession, which unifies around a belief in the power and positive potential of occupation to transform people's lives. This is the profession's ‘essence’. Examples from South Africa are used to show that previous epistemologies must be challenged, and assumptions, values and beliefs adjusted in order to match cultural needs. As people's ‘being’ is shaped by the culture within which they are situated, the collective cultural practices or ‘doing’ of occupational therapy should be diversified across the globe. Service options that are driven by these perspectives are suggested as ways of giving due recognition to cultural needs and people's right to occupationally fulfilled lives.
ROLE OF ATP‐SENSITIVE POTASSIUM CHANNELS IN NORMAL AND HYPERTENSION‐ASSOCIATED PREGNANCY IN RATS
Authors: Lima R , Tardim JCBM , Barros ME , Boim MA
Published: August 2006

Activation of vascular ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels has been implicated in vasodilator responses to pregnancy.

The effect of glibenclamide, a KATP channel inhibitor, on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and renal function was evaluated in pregnant and non‐pregnant spontaneously hypertensive rats, as well as in normotensive and hypertensive Wistar rats that had been made hypertensive by simultaneous treatment with NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (0.4 mg/mL) and indomethacin (2 mg/kg, i.p.) from Day 1 of gestation. Pregnant animals received 10 mg/kg glibenclamide for 12 days starting at Day 7. In addition, the mRNA levels of the vascular KATP channel (Kir6.2) were estimated in aorta and kidney using real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction on Day 19 of pregnancy.

The decreased SBP observed in pregnant Wistar rats was paralleled by an increase in Kir6.2 mRNA levels. Glibenclamide blunted systemic vasodilation and reduced the mRNA expression of Kir6.2. There was no pregnancy induced vasodilation and no change in Kir6.2 mRNA expression in SHR. Glibenclamide had no effect on pregnant SHR. Hypertensive Wistar rats exhibited high SBP, followed by increased Kir6.2 mRNA levels. The effects of glibenclamide were not evaluated in this group because glibenclamide induced intense vaginal bleeding.

The results of the present study suggest that KATP channels may be involved in pregnancy induced vasodilation during normotensive pregnancy, but not in pregnant SHR. Glibenclamide may have an abortive effect if administered during the early phases of gestation or in association with nitric oxide and prostaglandin inhibitors.
EXCITATION–CONTRACTION COUPLING FROM THE 1950s INTO THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Authors: Dulhunty AF
Published: August 2006

Excitation–contraction coupling is broadly defined as the process linking the action potential to contraction in striated muscle or, more narrowly, as the process coupling surface membrane depolarization to Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

We now know that excitation–contraction coupling depends on a macromolecular protein complex or ‘calcium release unit’. The complex extends the extracellular space within the transverse tubule invaginations of the surface membrane, across the transverse tubule membrane into the cytoplasm and then across the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane and into the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The central element of the macromolecular complex is the ryanodine receptor calcium release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. The ryanodine receptor has recruited a surface membrane L‐type calcium channel as a ‘voltage sensor’ to detect the action potential and the calcium‐binding protein calsequestrin to detect in the environment within the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Consequently, the calcium release channel is able to respond to surface depolarization in a manner that depends on the Ca2+ load within the calcium store.

The molecular components of the ‘calcium release unit’ are the same in skeletal and cardiac muscle. However, the mechanism of excitation–contraction coupling is different. The signal from the voltage sensor to ryanodine receptor is chemical in the heart, depending on an influx of external Ca2+ through the surface calcium channel. In contrast, conformational coupling links the voltage sensor and the ryanodine receptor in skeletal muscle.

Our current understanding of this amazingly efficient molecular signal transduction machine has evolved over the past 50 years. None of the proteins had been identified in the 1950s; indeed, there was debate about whether the molecules involved were, in fact, protein. Nevertheless, a multitude of questions about the molecular interactions and structures of the proteins and their interaction sites remain to be answered and provide a challenge for the next 50 years.
BEHAVIOURAL TESTING AND HISTOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS OF RABBIT SPINAL CORD FOLLOWING INTRATHECAL ADMINISTRATION OF ONDANSETRON
Authors: Lacassie Hector J , Schultz John R , Cummings Thomas J , Morris Richard , Trasti Scott L , Reynolds James D
Published: August 2006

Intrathecal injection of ondansetron has the potential to reduce opioid‐related side‐effects. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this route of administration produces neuraxial injury.

Adult, non‐pregnant female New Zealand white rabbits received a single bolus injection of a low (40 mg) or high (4.0 mg) dose of ondansetron into the intrathecal space between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. In some cases, ondansetron was coadministered with morphine (5 mg/kg). Control animals received a bolus injection of normal saline. Behavioural assessments were conducted at 1 and 24 h to determine overt changes in arousal and mobility, followed by histological evaluation of the excised spinal cord.

Of 45 animals investigated, 10 rabbits exhibited modest behavioural evidence of spinal injury, the incidence of which was equally distributed between the treatment groups. Haematoxylin and eosin, along with HAM56, staining of cross‐sections of the cervical, thoracic and upper and lower lumbar areas revealed mild signs of inflammation. This, too, was equally distributed between the treatment groups, suggesting that any observed neuraxial injury was the result of needle trauma and not ondansetron neurotoxicity.

Collectively, these negative findings support conducting further experiments to fully assess the clinical usefulness of intrathecal ondansetron administration.
POSSIBLE ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIHYPERLIPIDAEMIC EFFECT OF FERMENTED PARKIA BIGLOBOSA (JACQ) EXTRACT IN ALLOXAN‐INDUCED DIABETIC RATS§
Authors: Odetola AA , Akinloye O , Egunjobi C , Adekunle WA , Ayoola AO
Published: August 2006

The hypoglycaemic effect of fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa (PB; African locust bean), a natural nutritional condiment that features frequently in some African diets as a spice, was investigated in the present study in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. Its effect was compared with that of glibenclamide (Daonil; Sanofi‐Aventis, Paris, France), a reference antidiabetic drug. The effects of PB on lipid profiles were also examined.

In order to assess the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of PB on experimental animals, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined. In addition, the weight of each animal was determined to assess any possible weight gain or loss in the experimental animals (diabetic rats treated with Daonil (group C), the aqueous extract of PB (group D) or the methanolic extract of PB (group E)) compared with control groups (non‐diabetic (group A) and non‐treated diabetic (group B)).

A single dose of 120 mg/kg, i.v., alloxan administered to rats resulted in significant increases in the FPG (P < 0.001) of test animals compared with controls. However, dietary supplementation with PB (6 g/kg extract for 4 weeks administered orally using an intragastric tube) ameliorated the alloxan‐induced diabetes in a manner comparable with that of the reference antidiabetic drug glibenclamide. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of PB (6% w/w) elicited 69.2% and 64.4% reductions, respectively, in FPG compared with 70.4% in 0.01 mg/150 g glibenclamide‐treated rats.

Although animals treated with the aqueous extract of PB gained weight in manner similar to normal controls, animals given the methanolic extract and glibenclamide lost weight in manner similar to non‐treated diabetic rats. In addition, high levels of HDL and low LDL were observed in animals treated with the aqueous extract of PB, a pattern similar to that seen in normal controls. Low levels of HDL and high levels of LDL were observed in animals treated with the methanolic extract of PB, a pattern similar to that seen in non‐treated diabetic controls.

The results of the present study demonstrate that both aqueous and methanolic extracts of fermented seeds of PB exert a hypoglycaemic effect; hence, PB has an antidiabetic property. However, only the aqueous extract of PB ameliorated the loss of bodyweight usually associated with diabetes. Although the aqueous extract has a favourable lipid profile, which is probably an indication of its possible anti‐arteriogenic property (hypertension and ischaemic heart diseases being common complications in diabetes mellitus), the methanolic extract shows possible contraindication to ischaemic heart diseases.
OMEGA‐3 FATTY ACIDS AND HYPERTENSION IN HUMANS
Authors: Mori Trevor A
Published: August 2006

Population studies and clinical trials provide compelling evidence that omega‐3 (w3) fatty acids have cardioprotective effects. The strongest evidence is from DART and GISSI‐P, two secondary prevention trials in patients with previous myocardial infarctions. Data from these trials support a reduction in ventricular fibrillation as a primary mechanism for the decreased incidence of myocardial infarction.

Evidence suggests that w3 fatty acids may also provide protection against stroke, particularly ischaemic stroke.

The cardioprotective effects of w3 fatty acids relate to improvements in blood pressure, cardiac function, arterial compliance and vascular function, as well as improved lipid metabolism, antiplatelet and anti‐inflammatory effects.

Clinical trials in humans have shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have different haemodynamic properties. Docosahexaenoic acid may be more favourable in lowering blood pressure and heart rate, as well as improving vascular function. However, the effects of EPA and DHA may also differ depending on the target population.
ALCOHOL IS BAD FOR BLOOD PRESSURE
Authors: Puddey Ian B , Beilin Lawrence J
Published: August 2006

The regular consumption of alcohol elevates blood pressure, with global estimates that the attributable risk for hypertensive disease from alcohol is 16%.

The increase in blood pressure is approximately 1 mmHg for each 10 g alcohol consumed and is largely reversible within 2–4 weeks of abstinence or a substantial reduction in alcohol intake.

This increase in blood pressure occurs irrespective of the type of alcoholic beverage. In particular, the postulated effects of vasodilator flavonoid components of red wine to lessen or reverse alcohol‐related hypertension have not been borne out in intervention studies.

Heavy drinking, especially a binge pattern of drinking, is linked to a higher incidence of cerebral thrombosis, cerebral haemorrhage and coronary artery disease deaths, although a role for alcohol‐related hypertension in the causal pathway is not well defined.

In contrast, the light to moderate intake of alcohol has been consistently linked to a reduced risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease end‐points. Such a protective effect may also extend to hypertensive subjects.

However, the magnitude of any protective effect appears to have been exaggerated because of unmeasured confounders, especially diet, lifestyle and patterns of drinking. Furthermore, a decrease in overall mortality with drinking appears confined to older subjects and to populations with a high background cardiovascular risk profile.

Any putative cardiovascular benefits from drinking need to be carefully considered against the effects of alcohol to elevate blood pressure, together with many other adverse health consequences from drinking. Maximum cardiovascular benefit occurs at relatively low levels of consumption (i.e. one to two standard drinks a day in men (10–20 g alcohol) and up to one a day in women (10 g alcohol)). In hypertensive subjects, consumption beyond these levels would be unwise.
HYPERTENSION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS
Authors: Ward Natalie C , Croft Kevin D
Published: August 2006

Oxidative stress has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. This may be via a number of possible mechanisms, including quenching of the important vasodilator nitric oxide.

Animal studies have generally supported the hypothesis that increased blood pressure is associated with increased oxidative stress. However, human studies have been inconsistent and may differ owing to the populations studied and the various methods used. Treatment with anti‐oxidants has been suggested to lower oxidative stress and, therefore, blood pressure. However, to date, studies investigating single or combination supplements have failed to show any consistent benefit.

Overall, the evidence supporting the link between hypertension and oxidative stress remains inconclusive, with methodological and population differences possibly confounding results. Further studies investigating this relationship are warranted.
SPECIES VARIABILITY IN CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH: THE EXAMPLE OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN‐INDUCED HYPERTENSION
Authors: Whitworth Judith A , Zhang Yi , Mangos George , Kelly John J
Published: August 2006

Lawrie Beilin has contributed greatly to international hypertension research through both animal and human studies.

Animals are used in biomedical research to gain insights that can be extrapolated ultimately to humans.

A simple experimental manipulation, adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) administration, has a range of different cardiovascular effects in different species.

Caution should be exercised in extrapolating data from animals to humans.
Analysis of polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor‐α and polymorphic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in inflammatory bowel disease: Study from northern India
Authors: Mittal Rama D , Manchanda Parmeet K , Bid Hemant K , Ghoshal Uday C
Published: August 2006

Background:  Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is a proinflammatory cytokine associated with inflammatory diseases, while GSTM1 and T1 enzymes catalyze detoxification of products of oxidative stress and hence reduce inflammation. Thus, both may play important roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of polymorphism of the TNF‐α promoter at the −308 site, GSTM1 and GSTT1 in patients with IBD and healthy controls from northern India.

Method:  Genotyping was performed in 114 patients with IBD (22 Crohn’s disease [CD] and 92 ulcerative colitis [UC]) in TNF‐α and 105 (20 CD and 85 UC) in GSTM1 and T1 and 164 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and multiplex PCR methods.

Results:  Patients with IBD were comparable to healthy controls in relation to age and gender. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of TNF‐α were comparable among patients with IBD and healthy controls. GSTM1 null genotype was more frequent in UC than in healthy controls (52/85 vs 49/164; P < 0.001) and GSTT1 null genotype was more frequent both in UC and CD as compared to healthy controls (77/85 and 18/20 vs 26/164, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Frequency of combined null genotype in GSTM1 and T1 was more frequently associated with IBD than healthy controls (4/20 vs 8/164; P = 0.029, OR = 4.875 and 28/85 vs 8/164; P < 0.001, OR = 9.579, respectively).

Conclusions:  ‘Null’ genotypes of GSTM1 and T1 are associated with IBD and the combination of the two GST genotypes further increases the risk, possibly due to gene–gene interaction. TNF‐α is unlikely to be an important determinant of susceptibility to IBD in the Indian population.
Up‐regulated eotaxin plasma levels in chronic liver disease patients indicate hepatic inflammation, advanced fibrosis and adverse clinical course
Authors: Tacke Frank , Trautwein Christian , Yagmur Eray , Hellerbrand Claus , Wiest Reiner , Brenner David A , Schnabl Bernd
Published: August 2006

Background and Aims: Recent studies highlight the role of chemokines for the attraction of inflammatory cells in liver injury and fibrogenesis. The CC chemokine ligand 11, eotaxin (CCL11), is up‐regulated in senescent human hepatic stellate cells and crucial in animal models of T‐cell mediated hepatitis. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of eotaxin in chronic liver disease.

Methods: Plasma eotaxin levels of 111 patients with chronic liver disease were correlated with clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, liver histology and clinical course in a 6‐year follow‐up.

Results: Eotaxin concentrations were significantly up‐regulated in patients with liver cirrhosis and increased according to Child–Pugh and model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score. Eotaxin correlated with the hepatic biosynthetic capacity and other inflammatory cytokines. High eotaxin was associated with hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis in liver histology. In patients with typical clinical complications of cirrhosis, eotaxin was found to be increased. High eotaxin indicated an unfavorable prognosis in 6‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions: High eotaxin expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. Plasma eotaxin levels correlate with the degree of liver cirrhosis and could serve as an additional biomarker indicating histological hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis as well as an adverse clinical course.
Biliary tract malignancy and abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction in a Western population
Authors: Roukounakis Nicholas , Manolakopoulos Spilios , Tzourmakliotis Dimitrios , Bethanis Sotiris , McCarty Todd M , Cuhn Joseph
Published: August 2006

Background and Aim:  Abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction is a rare congenital disorder in which the junction of biliary and pancreatic duct is located outside the duodenal wall and forms a long common channel. The disorder has been associated with a high incidence of gallbladder cancer in Japanese studies. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction in a Western population and its association with biliary tract malignancies.

Methods:  All endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography examinations of 82 consecutive patients with gallbladder carcinoma or biliary duct cancer treated at Baylor University during a period of 10 years were analyzed. A further 220 consecutive patients with normal films or non‐malignant pancreaticobiliary disease acted as controls.

Results:  Fifty‐eight (70.7%) patients were found to have adequate imaging of junction and were included in the analysis. These included 37 patients with common bile duct carcinoma and 21 with gallbladder carcinoma. Abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction (common channel ≥8 mm) was observed in 44.8% patients with biliary tract carcinoma compared to 6.2% of controls (P < 0.01). Eighteen had type I abnormality and eight type II. Seven patients had a cystic dilatation of the common bile duct, all with type I abnormality. Mean overall survival was 9.5 months. Survival did not differ significantly between patients with normal and abnormal junctions (P = 0.1).

Conclusions:  The results suggest a close association between the anatomy of the distal ends of the common bile duct and main pancreatic duct and development of biliary tract carcinoma in Western populations.
On conflict, containment and the relationship between them
Authors: Bowers Len
Published: August 2006

A programme of research into conflict (e.g. violence, absconding, medication refusal) and containment (e.g. seclusion, special observation, physical restraint) in inpatient psychiatry has been under way at City University, London, UK, for the past 10 years. Recent research findings, plus the challenges posed by ongoing projects, have made apparent the need for greater clarity about the overarching concepts of ‘conflict’ and ‘containment’. This paper pulls together research findings pertaining to this issue, and conducts a reasoned analysis of what common characteristics might underlie ‘conflict’ and ‘containment’. It is concluded that these are patient threats to safety, and the staff maintenance of safety. Details are presented on the inclusions and exclusions that follow from taking such a position, and potential definitions offered. On the grounds of this conceptual analysis, plus evidence for moderate degrees of statistical association between behaviours and events in each domain, it is concluded that it is legitimate to conduct analyses at the level of total conflict and containment rates, as well as at the level of individual types of behaviours and events (e.g. verbal abuse, sedation). Some of the mathematical difficulties in the analysis of total conflict and containment are addressed, and results of a weighting exercise presented. This exercise challenges our perception of the severity of some containment measures that are becoming more commonly used in acute psychiatry.
Phenomenology as a paradigm of movement
Authors: Rapport Frances , Wainwright Paul
Published: August 2006

Phenomenology is a well‐founded qualitative methodology that is frequently used by nurse researchers and considered of value when addressing research questions in nursing practice and nurse education. However, at present, nurse researchers using phenomenology tend to divide phenomenological methodology into the descriptive and interpretive formats. The nursing literature suggests that there is a deep divide between researchers following the methodological underpinnings and basic precepts pertaining to these two camps. If we are to reach a clearer understanding of the theory underlying phenomenological methods it would be more helpful if we started to recognise that there are also important associations between transcendental and interpretive phenomenology. One such association is that a paradigm of movement exists that is not unique to transcendental and interpretive phenomenology but is common to them, as well as being inherent within a variety of fields of study. If we consider the universality of such imagery, looking to examples through parallel texts, we can obtain insights into phenomenology and its transposition into a workable scientific method that can be of use to the nurse researcher.
To ‘raise dream and ambition’— the rhetorical analysis of a teenage pregnancy strategy
Authors: Fallon Debbie
Published: August 2006

Critical discourse analysis (CDA) has been evident in disciplines such as sociology and cultural studies for many years, and is of increasing interest to nurse scholars internationally. This paper outlines what CDA is and how it might be used as an approach to analysing any health text, using an example from the UK — the teenage pregnancy strategy. Discourses and linguistic techniques used within this document are discussed, together with the potential impact they may have, both on health professionals as readers, and on pregnant teenagers as targets of the strategy. Teenage pregnancy itself is an international concern, prompting different responses from the various governing bodies. When approaches to a health matter are so diverse across the developing world, it is useful to consider how policy analysis using CDA can advance our understanding of the positions taken up by the authors of the policies that might not otherwise be made explicit.
Has Finance Made the World Riskier?
Authors: Rajan Raghuram G.
Published: August 2006

Developments in the financial sector have led to an expansion in its ability to spread risks. The increase in the risk bearing capacity of economies, as well as in actual risk taking, has led to a range of financial transactions that hitherto were not possible, and has created much greater access to finance for firms and households. On net, this has made the world much better off. Concurrently, however, we have also seen the emergence of a whole range of intermediaries, whose size and appetite for risk may expand over the cycle. Not only can these intermediaries accentuate real fluctuations, they can also leave themselves exposed to certain small probability risks that their own collective behaviour makes more likely. As a result, under some conditions, economies may be more exposed to financial‐sector‐induced turmoil than in the past. The paper discusses the implications for monetary policy and prudential supervision. In particular, it suggests market‐friendly policies that would reduce the incentive of intermediary managers to take excessive risk.
Bidder CEO and Other Executive Compensation in UK M&As
Authors: Coakley Jerry , Iliopoulou Stavroula
Published: August 2006

This paper investigates the impact of M&As on bidder (CEO and other) executive compensation employing a unique sample of 100 completed bids in the UK over the 1998–2001 period. Our findings indicate that less independent and larger boards award CEOs significantly higher bonuses and salary following M&A completion both for the full sample and for the UK and US sub‐samples. UK CEOs and executives are rewarded more for the effort exerted in accomplishing intra‐industry or large mergers than for diversifying or small mergers and their cash pay is unaffected by other measures of their managerial skill or performance. US bidders are rewarded at higher levels than their UK counterparts and their remuneration is related only to measures of CEO dominance over the board of directors. Overall our findings offer support for the managerial power rather than the agency theory perspective on managerial compensation.
Sexual selection in hermit crabs: a review and outlines of future research
Authors: Contreras‐Garduño J. , Córdoba‐Aguilar A.
Published: August 2006

The information currently available on sexual selection in hermit crabs is reviewed to identify the role of males and females before, during and after mating. According to this information, possible mechanisms of male–male competition, female choice and/or sexual conflict are suggested. Important male components that may affect mating success include dragging the female shell, rotations of the female's shell and male cheliped palpations, and male size and/or shell characteristics (species and size). Possible female determinants of male mating/fertilization success include size (as an indicator of egg production capacity), signalling of sexual receptivity to males, delay from mate guarding to copulation and mating duration. Avenues for deeper exploration in males include the role of the number and morphometry of male sexual tubes during sperm transfer, and whether ejaculate size and sperm number can be adjusted with variable situations of sperm competition intensity and risk. In females it would be interesting to investigate the chemical and behavioural mechanisms affecting spermatophore breakage for sperm release and the variable duration from sperm transfer to spawning. Given these possibilities, and that sperm is externally deposited on the female's body but inside her shell (except for those species that do not use shells, e.g. Birgus, or species where shells are rather small and do not cover the body totally, e.g. Parapagurus), we conclude that hermit crabs are unique subjects for separating male and female effects, particularly with respect to the applicability of current ideas in sexual selection such as female choice and sexual conflict. Some practical ideas are provided to disentangle both hypotheses using these animals.
Necks for sex: sexual selection as an explanation for sauropod dinosaur neck elongation
Authors: Senter P.
Published: August 2006

The immensely long neck of a sauropod is one of the most familiar and striking of anatomical specializations among dinosaurs. Here, I use recently collected neontological and paleontological information to test the predictions of two competing hypotheses proposed to explain the significance of the long neck. According to the traditional hypothesis, neck elongation in sauropods increased feeding height, thereby reducing competition with contemporaries for food. According to the other hypothesis, which is advanced for the first time here, neck elongation in sauropods was driven by sexual selection. Available data match the predictions of the sexual selection hypothesis and contradict the predictions of the feeding competition hypothesis. It is therefore more plausible that increases in sauropod neck lengths were driven by sexual selection than by competition for foliage.
The influence of body weight on response to ovulation induction with gonadotrophins in 335 women with World Health Organization group II anovulatory infertility
Authors: Balen AH , Platteau P , Andersen AN , Devroey P , Sørensen P , Helmgaard L , Arce J‐C
Published: August 2006

Objective  To assess the influence of body weight on the outcome of ovulation induction in women with World Health Organization (WHO) group II anovulatory infertility.

Design  The combined results of two studies in which either a highly purified urinary follicle‐stimulating hormone or highly purified urinary menotrophin were compared with recombinant follicle‐stimulating hormone.

Setting  Thirty‐six fertility clinics.

Population  A total of 335 women with WHO group II anovulatory infertility failing to ovulate or conceive on clomifene citrate.

Methods  Ovarian stimulation using a low‐dose step‐up protocol.

Main outcome measures  The effects of body weight on ovarian response, ovulation rate and pregnancy rate after one treatment cycle.

Results  With increasing body mass index (BMI), a higher threshold dose of gonadotrophins was required and there were more days of stimulation; yet, despite a greater concentration of antral follicles, there were fewer intermediate and large follicles. There was no difference in the rates of ovulation and clinical pregnancy in relation to body weight.

Conclusions  Body weight affects gonadotrophin requirements but not overall outcome of ovulation induction in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome and a BMI of less than 35 kg/m2.
Buying a Beauty Standard or Dreaming of a New Life? Expectations Associated with Media Ideals
Authors: Engeln-Maddox Renee
Published: August 2006

This study explored college women's ideas regarding how their lives would change if their appearance were consistent with a media-supported female beauty ideal. Participants rated self-generated life changes they associated with looking like a media ideal in terms of likelihood and positivity. Women's tendency to link positive and likely life expectations with looking like the media ideal was significantly associated with both internalization of media ideals and appearance-related dissatisfaction. However, internalization fully mediated the relationship between expectations and appearance-related dissatisfaction. Results are discussed in terms of implications for understanding the nature of internalization and implications for the design of programs targeted at reducing appearance-related dissatisfaction and eating disordered behaviors.
Relational Health, Attachment, and Psychological Distress in College Women and Men
Authors: Frey Lisa L. , Beesley Denise , Miller Merle R.
Published: August 2006

This study examines relational health, parental attachment, and psychological distress in college men and women from the perspective of the relational-cultural model ( Jordan, Kaplan, Miller, Stiver, & Surrey, 1991 ; Miller, 1984). Peer, mentor, and community relationships, as well as secure parental attachment and year in school, were hypothesized to predict psychological distress, although predictive patterns were expected to differ in women and men. Overall, results supported the hypotheses. Secure parental attachment predicted decreased distress for both women and men. Authentic, empowered, and engaged community relationships significantly predicted decreased distress for women and men. However, for women, peer relational quality was also a significant predictor. The relational-cultural model, which suggests that differentiation and the “felt sense of self” ( Jordan, 1997 , p. 15) evolve through meaningful connections with others rather than as a result of the separation-individuation process, is applied as a framework for interpreting the findings.
Envisioning Oneself as a Leader: Comparisons of Women and Men in Spain and the United States
Authors: Killeen Lauren A. , López-Zafra Esther , Eagly Alice H.
Published: August 2006

In an examination of aspirations for leadership in the United States and Spain, male and female students envisioned themselves as a chief executive officer, vice president, or mid-level manager in an industry with a feminine image (clothing manufacturing) or a masculine image (auto manufacturing). Although men and women perceived these roles as equally positive, women perceived them as less possible and less facilitative of close relationships and gender relationships. Other gender effects included more positive perceptions of the roles by women in the feminine industry and by men in the masculine industry. Cross-nationally men perceived the roles as more positive than women did only in Spain, and U.S. students perceived the roles as more possible than Spanish students did.
Incretin mimetics as a novel therapeutic option for hepatic steatosis
Authors: Tushuizen Maarten E. , Bunck Mathijs C. , Pouwels Petra J. , Van Waesberghe Jan Hein T. , Diamant Michaela , Heine Robert J.
Published: August 2006

Abstract: Background: Fat accumulation in the liver or non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as a key pathogenic factor and component of the metabolic syndrome. It was reported that administration of the incretin mimetic exenatide reversed hepatic steatosis in an obese mouse model. We had the opportunity to study the effect of additional exenatide administration on liver fat content in a patient with type 2 diabetes.

Case report: A 59‐year‐old male with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes was treated with exenatide in addition to metformin monotherapy. Following 44 weeks of exenatide therapy, mean the liver fat measured by liver spectroscopy declined from 15.8% to 4.3%. This dramatic decrease in liver fat was accompanied by significant beneficial changes in several cardiovascular disease risk factors and improvement of all liver enzymes, in particular alanine aminotransferase, the most important marker of liver steatosis.

Conclusion: This case report suggests that the incretin mimetic exenatide decreases hepatic fat accumulation and may play a role in the future treatment of NAFLD, and the associated insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in an ever‐growing high‐risk population.
Expression of iron regulatory genes in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Holmström Petra , Gåfvels Mats , Eriksson Lennart C. , Dzikaite Vijole , Hultcrantz Rolf , Eggertsen Gösta , Stål Per
Published: August 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: The altered iron metabolism in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), characterized by the iron‐deficient phenotype, is suggested to be of importance for tumour growth. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We asked whether these iron perturbations would involve altered expression of genes controlling iron homeostasis.

Methods: HCCs were induced in rats by the Solt and Farber protocol of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis, and to evaluate the effects of iron loading, one group of animals were supplemented with dietary iron during tumour progression. Tissue iron contents were determined, labelling indices of S‐phase nuclei were calculated, and mRNA levels of iron‐regulatory genes were quantitated. Protein levels of ferroportin1 were determined with Western blot.

Results: HCCs displayed reduced amount of tissue iron and lack of histologically stainable iron. HCCs expressed significantly higher mRNA levels of genes involved in iron uptake (transferrin receptor‐1, divalent metal ion transporter‐1), ferroxidase activity (Ferritin‐H), and iron extrusion (ferroportin1). The protein levels of ferroportin1 in iron‐deficient HCCs were similar as in control livers, and did not increase in HCCs exposed to iron. Hepcidin mRNA levels were decreased in iron‐deficient HCCs, rose in response to iron loading and correlated to the tissue iron content.

Conclusions: Taken together, the altered expressions of iron‐regulatory genes in HCCs possibly reflect an increased demand for bioavailable iron and a high iron turnover in neoplastic cells.
Leisure‐time physical activity of 13‐year‐old adolescents
Authors: Pahkala K. , Heinonen O. J. , Lagström H. , Hakala P. , Sillanmäki L. , Simell O.
Published: August 2006

The leisure‐time physical activity of 13‐year‐old Finnish adolescents was assessed in the prospective STRIP study. A self‐administered questionnaire (N=565) was used. The leisure‐time physical activity index (PAI; MET h/week) was calculated on the basis of reported exercise intensity, duration and frequency (N=558; 53% boys). The participants were divided into Sedentary, Moderately Active and Active groups by PAI tertiles. A subpopulation (N=197) also used a heart rate monitor (3 days, ≥8 h/day) to assess the time spent on different activity intensities. The median male PAI was 31.3 (inter‐quartile range (IQR) 44.2) MET h/week and female 19.5 (IQR 26.3) MET h/week (P=0.0002). The cutoff points of the PAI tertiles were similar for the Active girls (31.3 MET h/week) and boys (32.6 MET h/week), but for the Sedentary boys it was 19.5 MET h/week and only 5.0 MET h/week for the Sedentary girls. High self‐reported leisure‐time physical activity associated poorly with time spent on moderate or vigorous exercise measured by heart rate monitoring. Active mothers had more often Active daughters or sons. In conclusion, the amount of leisure‐time physical activity of one‐third of 13‐year‐old girls is extremely low. Sedentary adolescents, especially girls, should therefore be put into focus for active efforts to increase their leisure‐time physical activity. Parental models may be important.