bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interpersonal Measure of Psychopathy
Authors: Zolondek Stacey , Lilienfeld Scott O. , Patrick Christopher J. , Fowler Katherine A.
Published: October 2006

The authors examined the construct and incremental validity of the Interpersonal Measure of Psychopathy (IM-P), a relatively new instrument designed to detect interpersonal behaviors associated with psychopathy. Observers of videotaped Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) interviews rated male prisoners (N = 93) on the IM-P. The IM-P correlated significantly with the PCL-R total score. Moreover, the IM-P was preferentially related to the interpersonal rather than the affective and antisocial lifestyle features of psychopathy. IM-P scores were significantly correlated with age, antisocial behaviors, and self-reported fear, anxiety, and socialization (in reverse). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that although the IM-P exhibited incremental validity beyond the PCL-R total score in detecting self-reported fear, anxiety, and several personality traits, it did not exhibit much incremental validity beyond PCL-R Factor 1. These findings raise questions concerning the unique assessment contribution of the IM-P beyond PCL-R Factor 1. Potential reasons for these findings and alternative means of enhancing the interpersonal assessment of psychopathy are discussed.
The Incremental Validity and Clinical Utility of the MMPI-2 Infrequency Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale
Authors: Marshall Margarita B. , Bagby R. Michael
Published: October 2006

The incremental validity and clinical utility of the recently developed Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) Infrequency Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale (Fptsd) was examined in relation to the family of MMPI-2 F scales in distinguishing feigned post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from disability claimants with PTSD. Research participants instructed to feign PTSD when completing the MMPI-2 scored significantly higher on the MMPI-2 family of F scales and the Fptsd scale compared with their responses when completing the MMPI-2 under standard instructions and the sample of claimants with PTSD. Although comparable in magnitude, effect sizes derived from mean group differences and hierarchical logistic regressions for the Fptsd scale never exceeded those for F B , and F P , F, F B , and F P added incrementally to Fptsd in the prediction of feigned PTSD. These results suggest that the Fptsd scale does not afford any incremental predictive utility for detecting feigned PTSD relative to the complement of the existing family of F scales.
Elevation Differences Between MMPI-2 Clinical and Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales
Authors: Sellbom Martin , Ben-Porath Yossef S. , McNulty John L. , Arbisi Paul A. , Graham John R.
Published: October 2006

The frequency, origin, and interpretative implications of elevation differences on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory- 2 (MMPI-2) clinical and restructured clinical (RC) scales were examined. Two large clinical samples consisting of 1,770 outpatients and 2,438 inpatients were used for this study. Three potential factors (Demoralization, subtle items, and K correction) were explored as to the extent to which they contributed to elevation differences between a clinical scale and its restructured counterpart. Results showed that differences in elevation between clinical and RC scales occurred between 10% and 35% of cases. Demoralization, subtle items, and K correction contributed substantially to elevation differences. Findings indicate that core descriptors of a clinical scale should be emphasized only when its corresponding RC scale is also elevated, whereas for Scales 4, 6, and 8, elevated scores on the RC scales are interpretable even when the corresponding clinical scales are not elevated.
The Marginal Cost of Public Funds Is the Ratio of Mean Income to Median Income
Authors: Usher Dan
Published: October 2006

This article is a proof and critique of the theorem in its title. The marginal cost of public funds is the relative price of dollars in the hands of the government, with dollars in the hands of the public as the numeraire. It is the appropriate mark-up of benefit over cost for public sector projects and programs. With no deadweight loss in taxation, the marginal cost of public funds would have to be one. It exceeds one to account for the deadweight loss from taxpayers'maneuvers to reduce the tax they pay: tax evasion, substitution of leisure for labor, and so on. It is the ratio of mean to median income when public expenditure and taxation are arranged in the interest of the median voter.
Legislative Malapportionment and the Politicization of Germany's Intergovernmental Transfer System
Authors: Pitlik Hans , Schneider Friedrich , Strotmann Harald
Published: October 2006

Legislative bargaining theory suggests that fiscal transfers among member states of a federation are determined to a substantial degree by political representation effects. Malapportionment of the states'population in the legislature is claimed to lead to disproportional benefits of overrepresented states. The article analyzes empirically the determinants of funds in Germany's intergovernmental transfer system. The authors expand previous investigations to include the effects of both the bicameral system in Germany and the postreunification period. Using data for the period from 1970 to 2002, the authors find that malapportionment in the upper house leads to disproportional state shares of per capita transfers. Estimates also indicate that the impact of overrepresentation has somewhat increased over time. Disproportional representation in the lower house does not seem to matter, as the institutional framework of decision making in the lower chamber is not too supportive to constitute a bias towards overrepresented states.
Experimental Evidence on Mixing Modes in Income Tax Evasion
Authors: Cummings Ronald G. , Martinez-Vazquez Jorge , McKee Michael
Published: October 2006

Taxpayers unlawfully trying to avoid income tax in most countries can mis-report a wide variety of line items, including income sources, exemptions, deductions, and credits. Such portfolio opportunities, or “modes,” for evasion raise important policy questions. For example, increasing the probability of detection in underreporting of income may increase compliance in terms of income reporting but may decrease compliance as a result of increased evasion through over reporting of deductions. It is possible that the resulting increase in revenue from the mode targeted for increased enforcement effort will be partially, or even fully, offset by deteriorating compliance in other modes. In this article, data from a series of laboratory experiments are used to investigate the compliance behavior of individuals when evasion can be accomplished via multiple items. The findings suggest that increasing enforcement for a single item may lead to revenue declines as evasion increases in other items as an offset.
Smoke and Mirrors
Authors: Stevenson Taylor P. , Shughart William F.
Published: October 2006

The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) resolved litigation between forty-six states and the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers. In total, the defendants agreed to pay more than $246 billion over twenty-five years to compensate the states for costs incurred in treating smoking-related diseases. This article explores the political and economic determinants of the monies to be distributed to the states under the MSA. Consistent with a damage model, the evidence suggests that the tobacco settlement payments are positively correlated with states' smoking-attributable health care expenditures. However, the authors also find that politics influenced the amounts individual states are scheduled to receive from the tobacco companies: the four states that did not participate in the MSA, big-government states, and those with greater numbers of medical professionals and health-related organizations will collect significantly larger sums over time than the damage model predicts.
Challenges and Opportunities in Multichannel Customer Management
Authors: Neslin Scott A. , Grewal Dhruv , Leghorn Robert , Shankar Venkatesh , Teerling Marije L. , Thomas Jacquelyn S. , Verhoef Peter C.
Published: October 2006

Multichannel customer management is the design, deployment, coordination, and evaluation of channels through which firms and customers interact, with the goal of enhancing customer value through effective customer acquisition, retention, and development. The authors identify five major challenges practitioners must address to manage the multichannel environment more effectively: (a) data integration, (b) understanding consumer behavior, (c) channel evaluation, (d) allocation of resources across channels, and (e) coordination of channel strategies. The authors also propose a framework that shows the linkages among these challenges and provides a means to conceptualize the field of multichannel customer management. A review of academic research reveals that this field has experienced significant research growth, but the growth has not been distributed evenly across the five major challenges. The authors discuss what has been learned to date and identify emerging generalizations as appropriate. They conclude with a summary of where the research-generated knowledge base stands on several issues pertaining to the five challenges.
From Customer Lifetime Value to Shareholder Value
Authors: Berger Paul D. , Eechambadi Naras , George Morris , Lehmann Donald R. , Rizley Ross , Venkatesan Rajkumar
Published: October 2006

The authors propose a chain of effects framework for understanding how customer lifetime value (CLV) affects shareholder value (SHV). In the chain of effects framework, the authors propose that CLV serves as an intermediary in the relationship between firm actions and SHV. They also introduce the notion of the “prescient” value of CLV called CLV-P, which captures the impact on CLV from future modifications to a firm’s business model as well as competitive reactions. Finally, they identify econometric and data-related challenges in establishing the link, which suggest directions for future research.
CRM Implementation
Authors: Bohling Timothy , Bowman Douglas , LaValle Steve , Mittal Vikas , Narayandas Das , Ramani Girish , Varadarajan Rajan
Published: October 2006

Conceptually, customer relationship management (CRM) has been widely embraced by businesses. In practice, however, examples of success contrast with anecdotes where the diffusion of CRM into organizations continues to be a slow process and/or where CRM implementation outcomes have fallen short of expectations. Successful implementation depends on a number of factors such as fit between of a firm’s CRM strategy and programs and its broader marketing strategy, and intraorganizational and interorganizational cooperation and coordination among entities involved in implementation. Building on the results of a survey of the CRM-implementation-related experiences of 101 U.S.-based firms, in this article the authors identify factors associated with successful CRM implementation and advance directions for future research.
Issues and Perspectives in Global Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Ramaseshan B. , Bejou David , Jain Subhash C. , Mason Charlotte , Pancras Joseph
Published: October 2006

Over the past few decades, cross-border business has experienced unparalleled growth. This growth is due to advances in communication and information technologies, privatization and deregulation in emerging economies, and emergence of the global consumer. As the era of globalization continues to manifest through the emergence of global companies, the importance of customer relationship management (CRM) in these companies has become increasingly significant. Global CRM (GCRM) is the strategic application of the processes and practices of CRM by firms operating in multiple countries or by firms serving customers who span multiple countries, which incorporates relevant differences in business practices, competition, regulatory characteristics, country characteristics, and consumer characteristics to CRM strategies to maximize customer value across the global customer portfolio of the firm. In this article, the authors present an overview of the GCRM environment and the challenges in formulation and implementation of CRM across national boundaries as a source of sustained advantage. The authors also provide a conceptual framework for GCRM and recommendations for future research in Global CRM.
Doing and meaning
Authors: Amy-Chinn Dee , Jantzen Christian , Østergaard Per
Published: October 2006

In our last issue, the Journal of Consumer Culture published two very different contributions to the debate around women's underwear. In order to develop the issues raised in the original articles, we invited the authors to engage in a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary exchange.This dialogue is the result.
Using grounded theory to research parent participation
Authors: Coyne Imelda , Cowley Sarah
Published: October 2006

There are many interpretations and applications of the grounded theory method which have contributed to different understandings of grounded theory and different versions of how the key components (theoretical sampling, constant comparative analysis and theoretical saturation) should be implemented. The esoteric terminology coupled with the matrix style of the analysis process can be challenging for new researchers. This paper uses data from a study on parent participation to illustrate the application of the key components of grounded theory. Grounded theory provides clear guidelines on how to analyse qualitative data and so is a rigorous method that provides structure and direction to the researcher. However, theoretical sampling with vulnerable groups can be problematic and requires further discussion and debate from other users of grounded theory.
Evaluation of a national educational programme for healthcare workers on prevention and control of healthcare associated infections
Authors: West Bernice J.M. , Macduff Colin , McBain Maureen , Gass John
Published: October 2006

This paper presents an overview of key findings from an evaluation of a national educational programme that aims to provide healthcare staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure good practice in preventing healthcare associated infections. The research methods comprised literature review, large-scale questionnaire surveys of students and mentors on the Cleanliness Champions Programme, and 20 key-informant interviews. The educational programme was found to be fit for purpose, but there was a need for some restructuring and modifications. Nurses were found to comprise around two-thirds of all registrants on the programme. The study also provided some illumination of initial integration into practice. Cleanliness Champions typically reported substantial impact on their personal practice and many cited examples of influence on colleagues’ practice. However there is an urgent need to ensure that other occupational groups join with nursing by enrolling on the programme in much greater numbers. If this is accompanied by further investment, a critical mass may form that has sufficient multidisciplinary momentum to make good infection prevention and control practices more embedded clinical realities within Scotland. Key lessons from the evaluation are identified that may usefully inform similar initiatives and/or other national healthcare education programmes.
Exploring the influences and use of the literature during a grounded theory study
Authors: Heath Helen
Published: October 2006

In a grounded theory study, the literature review is delayed until the theory begins to emerge, it is then used as data. This paper will utilise my own research, a grounded theory study of transition to staff nurse as a process of disrupted continuity, to explore some of the issues stemming from this maxim. It starts by considering the debate around the delayed literature review, before illustrating the use of literature as data. In relation to this process, I have coined the terms deductive and inductive theoretical sensitivity and explain these by example. The ongoing vigilance needed to prevent use of literature becoming a distorting influence will be examined by describing the emergence of my core category. Grounded theory has been criticised for ignoring existing theories and failure to integrate the emergent theory with existing knowledge. This criticism is addressed by use of a priori theory and paradigm cases from my data set. Finally, I reverse the first issue by discussing how knowledge of emergent theory can both legitimately shape and unavoidably bias the literature review.
‘We’re Okay with Fake’: Cybercinematography and the Spectre of Virtual Actors in S1MØNE
Authors: Matrix Sidney Eve
Published: October 2006

This article considers Andrew Niccol’s comedic cyberpunk film S1MØNE, a story about the development of computer-generated animated actors. When a has-been Hollywood director secretly uploads a digital actress to save his career, passing her off as real, fans fall for the trick and delight in the newest ‘It girl’. Soon the synthespian’s celebrity eclipses the director’s fame, yet he finds it impossibly difficult to delete the program and get the genie back into the bottle. Niccol’s film is part cinematic fable and part philosophical inquiry into how the use of virtual actors (‘vactors’) in Hollywood cinema will affect filmmakers, actors and audiences.
Identification of a novel chromosome region, 13q21.33-q22.2, for susceptibility genes in familial chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Ng David , Toure Ousmane , Wei Ming-Hui , Arthur Diane C. , Abbasi Fatima , Fontaine Laura , Marti Gerald E. , Fraumeni Joseph F. , Goldin Lynn R. , Caporaso Neil , Toro Jorge R.
Published: October 2006

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent form of leukemia in adults in western countries. A genome scan of CLL-prone families revealed a lod score of one in band 13q22.1. To investigate this finding, we selected 6 CLL families consisting of 63 individuals (CLL affected, n = 19; unaffected, n = 44) for fine mapping of a 23-megabase region in 13q14.2-q22.2. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed 13q14 deletion in 85% (11/13) of CLL patients. Four CLL families shared a 3.68-Mb minimal region in 13q21.33-q22.2. Two asymptomatic siblings who shared the 13q21.33-q22.2 at-risk haplotype exhibited CD5+ monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) on flow cytometry. One of these individuals also had a 13q14 deletion by FISH. These 2 individuals with MBL shared the at-risk haplotype with their CLL-affected relatives, providing further evidence of the relationship between CLL and MBL, as well as of the biologic significance of this novel region. Using direct DNA sequencing analysis, we screened 13 genes for mutations, but no frameshift or nonsense mutations were detected. Our studies revealed that 11 of the 13 genes in the candidate region were expressed in immune tissues, supporting their functional relevance in investigations of familial CLL. In conclusion, we identified a novel candidate region that may predispose to familial CLL.
A biphasic pattern of gene expression during mouse retina development
Authors: Zhang Samuel Shao-Min , Xu Xuming , Liu Mu-Gen , Zhao Hongyu , Soares Marcelo Bento , Barnstable Colin J , Fu Xin-Yuan
Published: October 2006

Background

Between embryonic day 12 and postnatal day 21, six major neuronal and one glia cell type are generated from multipotential progenitors in a characteristic sequence during mouse retina development. We investigated expression patterns of retina transcripts during the major embryonic and postnatal developmental stages to provide a systematic view of normal mouse retina development,

Results

A tissue-specific cDNA microarray was generated using a set of sequence non-redundant EST clones collected from mouse retina. Eleven stages of mouse retina, from embryonic day 12.5 (El2.5) to postnatal day 21 (PN21), were collected for RNA isolation. Non-amplified RNAs were labeled for microarray experiments and three sets of data were analyzed for significance, hierarchical relationships, and functional clustering. Six individual gene expression clusters were identified based on expression patterns of transcripts through retina development. Two developmental phases were clearly divided with postnatal day 5 (PN5) as a separate cluster. Among 4,180 transcripts that changed significantly during development, approximately 2/3 of the genes were expressed at high levels up until PN5 and then declined whereas the other 1/3 of the genes increased expression from PN5 and remained at the higher levels until at least PN21. Less than 1% of the genes observed showed a peak of expression between the two phases. Among the later increased population, only about 40% genes are correlated with rod photoreceptors, indicating that multiple cell types contributed to gene expression in this phase. Within the same functional classes, however, different gene populations were expressed in distinct developmental phases. A correlation coefficient analysis of gene expression during retina development between previous SAGE studies and this study was also carried out.

Conclusion

This study provides a complementary genome-wide view of common gene dynamics and a broad molecular classification of mouse retina development. Different genes in the same functional clusters are expressed in the different developmental stages, suggesting that cells might change gene expression profiles from differentiation to maturation stages. We propose that large-scale changes in gene regulation during development are necessary for the final maturation and function of the retina.
Risk factors for oral mucositis in paediatric oncology patients receiving alkylant chemotherapy
Authors: Fadda Giulia , Campus Guglielmo , Lugliè PierFranca
Published: October 2006

Background

We describe the risk indicators for oral mucositis (OM) in paediatric oncology patients hospitalised in the Institut Gustave Roussy (Villejuif-Paris) and treated with alkylant chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells.

Methods

The sample was selected using PIGAS software. Three groups of subjects received different chemotherapy regimens: A. Melphalan, B. Busulfan and C. other alkylant protocols. The degree of mucositis was recorded by CTC version 2.0 (Common Toxicity Criteria). Descriptive statistics were performed. The association between mucositis and risk indicator variables was tested using a χ2 test. The association between case status and covariates was tested using unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 337 children enrolled, 241 showed mucositis (group 1) and 96 did not show mucositis (group 2) during alkylant chemotherapy. There was a higher prevalence of male patients in both groups. The three different chemotherapy regimen groups are correlated with the appearance of oral mucositis (χ2 = 22.42, p < 0.01). Weight loss was higher in group 1 (χ2 = 6.31, p = 0.01). The duration of aplasia was lower in the Busulfan protocol (7.5 days) than in the Melphalan group (9.3 days) or the other regimens (8.6 days). The use of Bufulfan® was directly associated with case status (presence of oral mucositis): odds ratio [OR] = 2.1 and confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.3–3.0. Also, occurrences of germinal tumours and secondary bacterial infections were directly linked with case status: [OR] = 1.4 and 1.8, confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.2 – 1.7 and 1.1 – 2.5, respectively.

Conclusion

The presence of OM was associated with the three different chemotherapy regimens considered; in particularly patients treated with Busulfan had the highest prevalence.
Antimicrobial activity of some ethnomedicinal plants used by Paliyar tribe from Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Duraipandiyan Veeramuthu , Ayyanar Muniappan , Ignacimuthu Savarimuthu
Published: October 2006

Background

Antimicrobial activity of 18 ethnomedicinal plant extracts were evaluated against nine bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Ervinia sp, Proteus vulgaris) and one fungal strain (Candida albicans). The collected ethnomedicinal plants were used in folk medicine in the treatment of skin diseases, venereal diseases, respiratory problems and nervous disorders.

Methods

Plants were collected from Palni hills of Southern Western Ghats and the ethnobotanical data were gathered from traditional healers who inhabit the study area. The hexane and methanol extracts were obtained by cold percolation method and the antimicrobial activity was found using paper disc diffusion method. All microorganisms were obtained from Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Results

The results indicated that out of 18 plants, 10 plants exhibited antimicrobial activity against one or more of the tested microorganisms at three different concentrations of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/disc. Among the plants tested, Acalypha fruticosa, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Toddalia asiatica,Cassia auriculata, Punica granatum and Syzygium lineare were most active. The highest antifungal activity was exhibited by methanol extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum and Punica granatum against Candida albicans.

Conclusion

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the some ethnomedicinal plants used in folkloric medicine. Compared to hexane extract, methanol extract showed significant activity against tested organisms. This study also showed that Toddalia asiatica, Syzygium lineare, Acalypha fruticosa and Peltophorum pterocarpum could be potential sources of new antimicrobial agents.
Describing the impact of health research: a Research Impact Framework
Authors: Kuruvilla Shyama , Mays Nicholas , Pleasant Andrew , Walt Gill
Published: October 2006

Background

Researchers are increasingly required to describe the impact of their work, e.g. in grant proposals, project reports, press releases and research assessment exercises. Specialised impact assessment studies can be difficult to replicate and may require resources and skills not available to individual researchers. Researchers are often hard-pressed to identify and describe research impacts and ad hoc accounts do not facilitate comparison across time or projects.

Methods

TheResearch Impact Frameworkwas developed by identifying potential areas of health research impact from the research impact assessment literature and based on research assessment criteria, for example, as set out by the UK Research Assessment Exercise panels. A prototype of the framework was used to guide an analysis of the impact of selected research projects at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Additional areas of impact were identified in the process and researchers also provided feedback on which descriptive categories they thought were useful and valid vis-à-vis the nature and impact of their work.

Results

We identified four broad areas of impact:

I. Research-related impacts;

II. Policy impacts;

III. Service impacts: health and intersectoral and

IV. Societal impacts.

Within each of these areas, further descriptive categories were identified. For example, the nature of research impact on policy can be described using the following categorisation, put forward by Weiss:

Instrumental usewhere research findings drive policy-making;

Mobilisation of supportwhere research provides support for policy proposals;

Conceptual usewhere research influences the concepts and language of policy deliberations and

Redefining/wider influencewhere research leads to rethinking and changing established practices and beliefs.

Conclusion

Researchers, while initially sceptical, found that the Research Impact Framework provided prompts and descriptive categories that helped them systematically identify a range of specific and verifiable impacts related to their work (compared to ad hoc approaches they had previously used). The framework could also help researchers think through implementation strategies and identify unintended or harmful effects. The standardised structure of the framework facilitates comparison of research impacts across projects and time, which is useful from analytical, management and assessment perspectives.
Resveratrol interferes with AKT activity and triggers apoptosis in human uterine cancer cells
Authors: Sexton Émilie , Van Themsche Céline , Leblanc Kim , Parent Sophie , Lemoine Pascal , Asselin Eric
Published: October 2006

Background

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most prominent cancer among all feminine cancers in the Western world. Resveratrol, a natural anti-oxidant found in red wine emerging as a novel anticancer agent, exerts antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity in various cancer cell types, but its effect on uterine cancer cells is poorly understood. At the molecular level, resveratrol has been reported to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) expression and/or activity; in endometrial cancer cells, COX-2 is overexpressed and confers cellular resistance to apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to determine if resveratrol could exert anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity over uterine cancer cells upon inhibition of COX-2 expression and/or activity. Six different human uterine cancer cell lines were used as a model (HeLa, Hec-1A, KLE, RL95-2, Ishikawa and EN-1078D).

Results and discussion

High-dose of resveratrol triggered apoptosis in five out of six uterine cancer cell lines, as judged from Hoechst nuclear staining and effector caspase cleavage. In accordance, uterine cancer cell proliferation was decreased. Resveratrol also reduced cellular levels of the phosphorylated/active form of anti-apoptotic kinase AKT. Endogenous COX-2 protein levels were decreased, concomitant with a decrease in production of COX metabolites PGE2 and PGF2α, in each uterine cancer cell line expressing detectable levels of COX-1 and/or COX-2 in presence of resveratrol. Although COX expression was identified as a target of resveratrol in uterine cancer cells, inhibition of COX activity or exogenously added PGE2 did not modulate the effect of resveratrol on cellular proliferation.

Conclusion

High-dose of resveratrol exerts tumoricidal activity over uterine cancer cells and regulates COX expression. In these cells, resveratrol would not directly target COX activity, but possibly other enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis that act downstream of the COXs.
The burden of disease and injury in the United States 1996
Authors: Michaud Catherine M , McKenna Matthew T , Begg Stephen , Tomijima Niels , Majmudar Meghna , Bulzacchelli Maria T , Ebrahim Shahul , Ezzati Majid , Salomon Joshua A , Gaber Kreiser Jessica , Hogan Mollie , Murray Christopher JL
Published: October 2006

Background

Burden of disease studies have been implemented in many countries using the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) to assess major health problems. Important objectives of the study were to quantify intra-country differentials in health outcomes and to place the United States situation in the international context.

Methods

We applied methods developed for the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) to data specific to the United States to compute Disability-Adjusted Life Years. Estimates are provided by age and gender for the general population of the United States and for each of the four official race groups: White; Black; American Indian or Alaskan Native; and Asian or Pacific Islander. Several adjustments of GBD methods were made: the inclusion of race; a revised list of causes; and a revised algorithm to allocate cardiovascular disease garbage codes to ischaemic heart disease. We compared the results of this analysis to international estimates published by the World Health Organization for developed and developing regions of the world.

Results

In the mid-1990s the leading sources of premature death and disability in the United States, as measured by DALYs, were: cardiovascular conditions, breast and lung cancers, depression, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, and alcohol use and abuse. In addition, motor vehicle-related injuries and the HIV epidemic exacted a substantial toll on the health status of the US population, particularly among racial minorities. The major sources of death and disability in these latter populations were more similar to patterns of burden in developing rather than developed countries.

Conclusion

Estimating DALYs specifically for the United States provides a comprehensive assessment of health problems for this country compared to what is available using mortality data alone.
Biomechanical spinal growth modulation and progressive adolescent scoliosis – a test of the 'vicious cycle' pathogenetic hypothesis: Summary of an electronic focus group debate of the IBSE
Authors: Stokes Ian AF , Burwell R Geoffrey , Dangerfield Peter H
Published: October 2006

There is no generally accepted scientific theory for the causes of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). As part of its mission to widen understanding of scoliosis etiology, the International Federated Body on Scoliosis Etiology (IBSE) introduced the electronic focus group (EFG) as a means of increasing debate on knowledge of important topics. This has been designated as an on-line Delphi discussion. The text for this debate was written by Dr Ian A Stokes. It evaluates the hypothesis that in progressive scoliosis vertebral body wedging during adolescent growth results from asymmetric muscular loading in a "vicious cycle" (vicious cycle hypothesis of pathogenesis) by affecting vertebral body growth plates (endplate physes). A frontal plane mathematical simulation tested whether the calculated loading asymmetry created by muscles in a scoliotic spine could explain the observed rate of scoliosis increase by measuring the vertebral growth modulation by altered compression. The model deals only with vertebral (not disc) wedging. It assumes that a pre-existing scoliosis curve initiates the mechanically-modulated alteration of vertebral body growth that in turn causes worsening of the scoliosis, while everything else is anatomically and physiologically 'normal' The results provide quantitative data consistent with thevicious cycle hypothesis. Dr Stokes' biomechanical research engenders controversy. A new speculative concept is proposed of vertebral symphyseal dysplasia with implications for Dr Stokes' research and the etiology of AIS. What is not controversial is the need to test this hypothesis using additional factors in his current model and in three-dimensional quantitative models that incorporate intervertebral discs and simulate thoracic as well as lumbar scoliosis. The growth modulation process in the vertebral body can be viewed as one type of the biologic phenomenon ofmechanotransduction. In certain connective tissues this involves the effects of mechanical strain on chondrocytic metabolism a possible target for novel therapeutic intervention.
Pathway and gene-set activation measurement from mRNA expression data: the tissue distribution of human pathways
Authors: Levine David M , Haynor David R , Castle John C , Stepaniants Sergey B , Pellegrini Matteo , Mao Mao , Johnson Jason M
Published: October 2006

Background

Interpretation of lists of genes or proteins with altered expression is a critical and time-consuming part of microarray and proteomics research, but relatively little attention has been paid to methods for extracting biological meaning from these output lists. One powerful approach is to examine the expression of predefined biological pathways and gene sets, such as metabolic and signaling pathways and macromolecular complexes. Although many methods for measuring pathway expression have been proposed, a systematic analysis of the performance of multiple methods over multiple independent data sets has not previously been reported.

Results

Five different measures of pathway expression were compared in an analysis of nine publicly available mRNA expression data sets. The relative sensitivity of the metrics varied greatly across data sets, and the biological pathways identified for each data set are also dependent on the choice of pathway activation metric. In addition, we show that removing incoherent pathways prior to analysis improves specificity. Finally, we create and analyze a public map of pathway expression in human tissues by gene-set analysis of a large compendium of human expression data.

Conclusion

We show that both the detection sensitivity and identity of pathways significantly perturbed in a microarray experiment are highly dependent on the analysis methods used and how incoherent pathways are treated. Analysts should thus consider using multiple approaches to test the robustness of their biological interpretations. We also provide a comprehensive picture of the tissue distribution of human gene pathways and a useful public archive of human pathway expression data.
Birth and life of tissue macrophages and their migration in embryogenesis and inflammation in medaka
Authors: Grabher Clemens , Cliffe Adam , Miura Kota , Hayflick Joel , Pepperkok Rainer , Rørth Pernille , Wittbrodt Joachim
Published: October 2006

Macrophages detecting and migrating toward sites of injury and infection represent one of the first steps in an immune response. Here we directly image macrophage birth and migration in vivo in transgenic medaka fish. Macrophages are born as frequently dividing, immotile cells with spherical morphology that differentiate into flat, highly motile cells. They retain mitotic activity while spreading over the entire body. Cells follow restricted paths not only in directed migration, but also during patrolling. Along those paths the macrophages rapidly patrol the tissue and respond to wounding and bacterial infection from long distances. Upon injury they increase their speed and migratory persistence. Specifically targeting PI3-kinase isoforms efficiently blocks the wounding response and results in a distinct inhibition of cell motility and chemotaxis. Our study provides in situ insights into the properties of immature and migratory macrophages and presents a unique model to further test modulating compounds in vivo.
Effects of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Severely Fatigued Disease-Free Cancer Patients Compared With Patients Waiting for Cognitive Behavior Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gielissen Marieke F.M. , Verhagen Stans , Witjes Fred , Bleijenberg Gijs
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Persistent fatigue is a long-term adverse effect experienced by 30% to 40% of patients cured of cancer. The main objective of this randomized controlled trial was to show the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) especially designed for fatigue in cancer survivors.

Patients and Methods

A total of 112 cancer survivors with somatically unexplained fatigue were allocated randomly to immediate cognitive behavior therapy or to a waiting list condition for therapy. Both conditions were assessed two times, at baseline and 6 months later. The primary outcome variables were fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength) and functional impairment (Sickness Impact Profile). Data were analyzed by intention to treat.

Results

Analyses were based on 50 patients in the intervention condition and 48 patients in the waiting list condition. Patients in the intervention condition reported a significantly greater decrease than patients in the waiting list condition in fatigue severity (difference, 13.3; 95% CI, 8.6 to 18.1) and in functional impairment (difference, 383.2; 95% CI, 197.1 to 569.2). Clinically significant improvement for the CBT group compared with the waiting list group was seen in fatigue severity (54% v 4% of the patients, respectively) and in functional impairment (50% v 18% of the patients, respectively).

Conclusion

Cognitive behavior therapy has a clinically relevant effect in reducing fatigue and functional impairments in cancer survivors.
Excessive Toxicity When Treating Central Tumors in a Phase II Study of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Medically Inoperable Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Timmerman Robert , McGarry Ronald , Yiannoutsos Constantin , Papiez Lech , Tudor Kathy , DeLuca Jill , Ewing Marvene , Abdulrahman Ramzi , DesRosiers Colleen , Williams Mark , Fletcher James
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Surgical resection is standard therapy in stage I non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, many patients are inoperable due to comorbid diseases. Building on a previously reported phase I trial, we carried out a prospective phase II trial using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in this population.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients included clinically staged T1 or T2 (≤ 7 cm), N0, M0, biopsy-confirmed NSCLC. All patients had comorbid medical problems that precluded lobectomy. SBRT treatment dose was 60 to 66 Gy total in three fractions during 1 to 2 weeks.

Results

All 70 patients enrolled completed therapy as planned and median follow-up was 17.5 months. The 3-month major response rate was 60%. Kaplan-Meier local control at 2 years was 95%. Altogether, 28 patients have died as a result of cancer (n = 5), treatment (n = 6), or comorbid illnesses (n = 17). Median overall survival was 32.6 months and 2-year overall survival was 54.7%. Grade 3 to 5 toxicity occurred in a total of 14 patients. Among patients experiencing toxicity, the median time to observation was 10.5 months. Patients treated for tumors in the peripheral lung had 2-year freedom from severe toxicity of 83% compared with only 54% for patients with central tumors.

Conclusion

High rates of local control are achieved with this SBRT regimen in medically inoperable patients with stage I NSCLC. Both local recurrence and toxicity occur late after this treatment. This regimen should not be used for patients with tumors near the central airways due to excessive toxicity.
Extradural Anterior Clinoidectomy as an Alternative Approach for Optic Nerve Decompression: Anatomic Study and Clinical Experience
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Hongjie , Shao Yi , Wei Zenghua , Zhu Shugan , Wang Jiangang
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVE:

We introduce pterional craniotomy extradural anterior clinoidectomy as a new alternative approach for optic nerve decompression in patients with traumatic optic neuropathy.

METHODS:

Intracranial structures pertinent to pterional craniotomy extradural anterior clinoidectomy were carefully studied in 10 dry craniums and 10 cranial bases with dura mater. Important parameters of these structures were measured. Stepwise dissections simulating pterional craniotomy extradural anterior clinoidectomy were performed in 20 cadaver heads bilaterally. Pterional craniotomy extradural anterior clinoidectomy was then applied to 12 patients (13 eyes) with traumatic optic neuropathy and severe visual dysfunction.

RESULTS:

The anatomic features and their variations of optic canal, ophthalmic artery, falciform ligament, and Zinn's ring (annular tendon) were studied and measured in detail. Extensive opening of the optic canal and optic nerve sheath was successfully achieved in all 12 patients without major surgical complications. Significant visual acuity improvement occurred in eight (nine eyes) out of our 12 patients after surgery. The surgical techniques and advantages of pterional craniotomy extradural anterior clinoidectomy for optic nerve decompression are presented and discussed in detail. @@CONCLUSION:@@ Pterional craniotomy extradural anterior clinoidectomy is a promising new alternative approach for optic nerve decompression in patients with traumatic optic neuropathy.
Giant Cerebral Aneurysms: Endovascular Challenges
Authors: Wehman J Christopher , Hanel Ricardo A. , Levy Elad I. , Hopkins L Nelson
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVE:

Giant (≥25 mm in diameter) cerebral aneurysms have a poor natural history, with high risks of subarachnoid hemorrhage or progressive disability or death caused by mass effect or stroke. Surgical treatment may be effective but carries a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Thus, attempts at endovascular solutions to these complex lesions have been developed to offer therapy at reduced risk.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed their clinical experience and the current body of literature concerning giant cerebral aneurysms and present their perspective on the current state of the art in endovascular therapy for these aneurysms. A variety of techniques are described that can be used in an attempt to provide a solution to the wide variety of clinical dilemmas associated with the management of these difficult lesions. Preprocedural planning and periprocedural considerations are discussed briefly. The use of intracranial balloons and stents are described in conjunction with the use of detachable platinum coils. The developing concept of using stents alone to treat aneurysms is discussed. Alternative methods of treating giant aneurysms are discussed.

RESULTS:

Current endovascular approaches, when properly selected and applied, can provide lower-risk therapies than conventional microsurgical approaches for patients harboring giant cerebral aneurysms. However, endovascular approaches do not, at present, provide results that are as durable as current surgical techniques for giant cerebral aneurysms.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment of giant cerebral aneurysms via endovascular therapeutics requires the interventionist to possess an extensive armamentarium. Meticulous preprocedure evaluation, patient selection, and execution of the treatment plan enable safe and effective management. Current therapies do not provide an ideal solution for every patient, so one must consider creative and evolving solutions to these difficult clinical challenges. The procedural morbidity of open surgery versus the decreased durability of current endovascular techniques must be assessed carefully.
Versican-thrombospondin-1 binding in vitro and colocalization in microfibrils induced by inflammation on vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Kuznetsova Svetlana A. , Issa Philip , Perruccio Elizabeth M. , Zeng Bixi , Sipes John M. , Ward Yvona , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Fielder Helen L. , Day Anthony J. , Wight Thomas N. , Roberts David D.
Published: October 2006

We identified a specific interaction between two secreted proteins, thrombospondin-1 and versican, that is induced during a toll-like receptor-3-dependent inflammatory response in vascular smooth muscle cells. Thrombospondin-1 binding to versican is modulated by divalent cations. This interaction is mediated by interaction of the G1 domain of versican with the N-module of thrombospondin-1 but only weakly with the corresponding N-terminal region of thrombospondin-2. The G1 domain of versican contains two Link modules, which are known to mediate TNFα-stimulated gene-6 protein binding to thrombospondin-1, and the related G1 domain of aggrecan is also recognized by thrombospondin-1. Therefore, thrombospondin-1 interacts with three members of the Link-containing hyaladherin family. On the surface of poly-I:C-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells, versican organizes into fibrillar structures that contain elastin but are largely distinct from those formed by hyaluronan. Endogenous and exogenously added thrombospondin-1 incorporates into these structures. Binding of exogenous thrombospondin-1 to these structures, to purified versican and to its G1 domain is potently inhibited by heparin. At higher concentrations, exogenous thrombospondin-1 delays the poly-I:C induced formation of structures containing versican and elastin, suggesting that thrombospondin-1 negatively modulates this component of a vascular smooth muscle inflammatory response.