bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locally Advanced Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Treatment Approach Revisited
Authors: Poulsen Michael , Porceddu Sandro V. , Kingsley Pamela Alice , Tripcony Lee , Coman William
Published: January 2007

Aims: The purpose of this study was to review the treatment policy for locally advanced stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tonsil at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Head and Neck Unit, Brisbane, Australia.

Materials and Methods: The records of 148 patients with curable stage III and IV SCC of the tonsil were reviewed from the years 1992 to 2004 inclusive. During this period, patients were treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy and only offered definitive radiation if they were medically or surgically inoperable. There were 102 patients treated with surgery ± postoperative radiotherapy (group 1) and 46 patients treated with definitive radiotherapy ± chemotherapy (group 2). The endpoints of locoregional control (LRC), disease specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) were studied and prognostic factors were investigated with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: The 5‐year OS, DSS, and LRC were 57%, 69%, and 84%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that patients in group 1 had a superior OS (69% vs. 41%, P = .007), a trend toward improvement in LRC (88% vs. 73%, P = .08), and a nonsignificant improvement in DSS (75% vs. 56%, P = .14). There was a greater percentage of patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 2 or less in group 1, suggesting selection bias toward the surgical group. Multivariate analyses, which adjusted for known prognostic factors, showed that treatment group was significant for OS but not for LRC or DSS.

Conclusions: Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy continues to provide a superior outcome in locally advanced tonsil SCC in patients with surgically resectable disease, good ECOG performance status, and medically operable.
Nutritional Intake and Status in Children With Cystic Fibrosis: Does Age Matter?
Authors: White Helen , Wolfe Susan P , Foy Jeanette , Morton Alison , Conway Steven P , Brownlee Keith B
Published: January 2007

Objectives:

To determine whether nutritional intake and status vary with age in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods:

Case‐control study examining differences in nutritional parameters and intakes in 58 children with CF recruited from a regional centre (2000–2001) and 45 controls. Participants were divided into age groups of 5–8 years, 9–12 years and 13–16 years. Weight, height, body mass index and standard deviation scores were recorded. A 4‐day food diary (51 CF, 31 controls) was calculated for macronutrients and micronutrients.

Results:

Energy intakes (%EAR) increased with age (112%, 115% and 116%, respectively) and were significantly higher in children with CF than controls. Lower weight and growth trends were observed in children ages 5 to 8 years (NS). Weight gain and growth was normal in children with CF ages 9 to 12 years but declined at 13 to 16 years (weight z score −0.85 vs 0.68 P = 0.003, height z score −0.54 vs 0.53 P = 0.002, body mass index z score −0.72 vs 0.41 P = 0.03). Lung function was the most significant predictor of nutritional status at 9 to 12 years (r2 = 0.37, P = 0.006) and 13 to 16 years (r2 = 0.31, P = 0.01), but was not significant in children ages 5 to 8 years.

Conclusion:

Energy intakes increased with age in children with CF and exceeded that of healthy peers in all age groups. Weight gain and growth equaled that of healthy peers at 9 to 12 years but was suboptimal at 5 to 8 years and dramatically declines at 13 to 16 years. Energy intakes were unable to meet the clinical demands of children in these age groups. Both remain vulnerable and require greater nutritional targeting.
Comparison of the 13C‐Urea Blood Test to Histology and Rapid Urease Testing in the Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Jolley Christopher D , Wagner David A
Published: January 2007

Objective:

Helicobacter pylori infection is commonly investigated in children with abdominal pain. The definitive means of diagnosing infection, histology, requires endoscopy and sedation, making it invasive and expensive. Our objective was to compare histology against a less invasive and safer method, the 13C‐urea blood test.

Patients and Methods:

Forty children with abdominal pain undergoing upper endoscopy were randomized into either of 2 dosages of 13C‐urea. Several biopsies were taken for histology and rapid urease testing. After endoscopy, each child ingested a randomly assigned dosage of either 75 mg or 125 mg 13C‐urea, and blood was withdrawn 30 min later.

Results:

Irrespective of the dosage of 13C‐urea, the 13C‐urea blood test performed with high accuracy (89%) when compared against either histology or rapid urease testing. The sensitivity and specificity of the blood test was 83% and 91%, respectively. When the smaller dosage of 13C‐urea was used, the accuracy of the blood test was 100% compared with histology. There were no adverse events related to using either dosage of 13C‐urea.

Conclusions:

The 13C‐urea blood test may be comparable with histology in diagnosing H pylori infection in children, and the smaller dosage of 13C‐urea does not adversely affect blood test performance. The 13C‐urea blood test is well tolerated in children.
Paediatric Hepatology Dependency Score (PHD Score): An Audit Tool
Authors: Cowley Andrew D , Cummins Carole , Beath Sue V , Lloyd Carla , van Mourik Indra D , McKiernan Patrick J , Kelly Deirdre A
Published: January 2007

Background:

The aim was to develop a tool that measures patient dependency and disease severity in children with mild to severe liver disease.

Methods:

The initial pilot score was based on known markers of disease severity in acute and chronic liver disease. Between 1997 and 2001, the score was modified 4 times and reduced to comprise 10 key parameters: aspartate transaminase, prothrombin time, albumin, bilirubin, ascites, nutritional support, organ dysfunction, blood product support, sepsis and intravenous access. The score's face validity, internal consistency, interobserver agreement and construct validity were evaluated statistically and by the use of endpoints such as survival and transplant after 6 months.

Results:

The final 10 variable score was tested on 71 children admitted over two 3‐month periods. The Cronbach's α score (a test for internal consistency) for the total score was 0.72. Serial data paralleled clinical deterioration and response to interventions. A Paediatric Hepatology Dependency score >15 had an odds ratio of 7 (P = 0.0125) for death or transplant at 6 months. The score was also found to agree with the paediatric end‐stage liver disease score for the 12 patients being listed for liver transplantation (r = 0.660, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The Paediatric Hepatology Dependency score is valid and internally consistent and is a convenient measure of dependency and disease severity in a heterogeneous group of patients with liver disease. It also allows admissions to be audited for comparison between eras and for monitoring the progress of patients while on the ward.
Role development and career stages in addiction nursing: an exploratory study
Authors: Clancy Carmel , Oyefeso Adenekan , Ghodse Hamid
Published: January 2007

Title. Role development and career stages in addiction nursing: an exploratory study

Aim.  This paper reports a study to explore factors influencing recruitment and retention in addiction nursing, and the stages and features of role acquisition and personal qualities important to that role.

Background.  Specialist addiction nurses engage in a number of roles in the care of individuals with problematic use of psychoactive substances. These include assessment, outreach, prescribing, counselling, and harm reduction. In a climate of increasing demand for specialist substance misuse workers, and a trend to identify key occupational competencies, there is a need for a framework in which career progression can be supported. Studies exploring the roles of addiction nurses are minimal, and there is less comment on how these roles are developed in the context of career stages.

Method.  A qualitative study using focus groups was undertaken with specialist addiction nurses between March and June 2004. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Burnard's six content analysis stages.

Findings.  Positive factors identified as influencing recruitment and retention included: prior knowledge of the working environment (as a nursing student), opportunities for autonomous practice, the client profile, and associated treatment philosophy and care approach. There was consensus that nurses choosing to work in the field of addiction needed, in addition to being non‐judgmental, personal qualities including hardiness, patience and tolerance. Five role development stages, with a set of descriptors, were identified: encounter, engagement, stabilization, competency and mastery.

Conclusion.  Identification of these five role development stages for addiction nurses offers employers, nurse managers, educators and addiction nurses a starting point from which specific occupational competencies can be further explored. In addition, continuing professional development needs can be mapped to specific role development stages. Employers and nurse managers may wish to offer increased learning opportunities to student nurses to gain work experience within specialist addiction units.
Glomerular filtration rate as measured by serum cystatin C is an important determinant of plasma homocysteine and serum methylmalonic acid in the elderly
Authors: Lewerin C. , Ljungman S. , Nilsson‐Ehle H.
Published: January 2007

Objectives.  To explore the dependence of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), as well as the consequences for the diagnosis of cobalamin and/or folic acid deficiency in an elderly community‐dwelling population.

Design and setting.  Population‐based study of 209 community‐dwelling subjects, mean age 76 years.

Interventions.  Four months’ treatment study with oral vitamin B12, folic acid and B6 or placebo.

Main outcome measures.  Determinants of tHcy and MMA: cystatin C as a marker of GFR and serum/plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate, age and sex.

Results.  Elevated cystatin C (>1.55 mg L−1) was found in 31.3% (men) and 13.0% (women). Elevated tHcy (≥16 μmol L−1) occurred in 53% and elevated MMA (≥0.34 μmol L−1) in 11% of all subjects. When GFR was taken into consideration, the proportion of elevated tHcy was reduced to 10% (20/209), whilst the proportion of elevated MMA was unchanged. Cystatin C was correlated with tHcy (r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and with MMA (r =0.28, P < 0.001), independently of vitamin B12‐ and folate status. According to multiple regression, independent predictors for tHcy were plasma folate (15%), cystatin C (11%) and vitamin B12 (4%), and for MMA, cystatin C (8%) and vitamin B12 (2%).

Conclusions.  The prevalence of elevated tHcy may be overestimated in elderly populations unless GFR is taken into account. Nomograms for evaluation of tHcy and MMA in relation to both cystatin C and serum creatinine are presented.
New roles for an old enzyme: Na,K‐ATPase emerges as an interesting drug target
Authors: Aperia A.
Published: January 2007

Na,K‐ATPase (NKA) is well known for its role as a maintainer of electrolyte and fluid balance in cells, organs and whole body. Exciting new findings have revealed additional fundamental roles for NKA as a signal transducer and modulator of growth, apoptosis, cell adhesion and motility. The signal transduction function can be triggered by the binding of ouabain, the mammalian analogue of digitalis to NKA. The catalytic subunit of NKA exists in different forms and mutations in two of the forms that are expressed in brain can give rise to migraine, epilepsy and Parkinsonism – like symptoms. This review will present these new aspects of NKA and their clinical implications.
Contained metabolic engineering in tomatoes by expression of carotenoid biosynthesis genes from the plastid genome
Authors: Wurbs David , Ruf Stephanie , Bock Ralph
Published: January 2007

Applications of chloroplast engineering in agriculture and biotechnology will depend critically on success in extending the crop range of chloroplast transformation, and on the feasibility of expressing transgenes in edible organs (such as tubers and fruits), which often are not green and thus are much less active in chloroplast gene expression. We have improved a recently developed chloroplast‐transformation system for tomato plants and applied it to engineering one of the central metabolic pathways in fruits: carotenoid biosynthesis. We report that plastid expression of a bacterial lycopene β‐cyclase gene results in herbicide resistance and triggers conversion of lycopene, the main storage carotenoid of tomatoes, to β‐carotene, resulting in fourfold enhanced pro‐vitamin A content of the fruits. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of engineering nutritionally important biochemical pathways in non‐green plastids by transformation of the chloroplast genome.
Upregulation of c‐Myc may contribute to the pathogenesis of canine pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Williamson Lina , Suter Maja M. , Olivry Thierry , Wyder Marianne , Müller Eliane J.
Published: January 2007

The pathomechanism in human pemphigus vulgaris (PV) has recently been described to rely on generalized c‐Myc upregulation in skin and oral mucosa followed by hyperproliferation. Here we assessed whether dogs suffering from PV present the same pathological changes as described for human patients with PV. Using immunofluorescence analysis on patients’ biopsy samples, we observed marked nuclear c‐Myc accumulation in all layers of the epidermis and oral mucosa in all (3/3) dogs analysed. In addition, c‐Myc upregulation was accompanied by an increased number of proliferating Ki67‐positive cells. These molecular changes were further paralleled by deregulated expression of wound healing and terminal differentiation markers as observed in human PV. Together these findings suggest a common pathomechanism for both species which is of particular relevance in the light of the recently discussed novel therapeutic strategies aiming at targeting PV antibody‐induced signalling cascades.
Age‐dependent Expression and Localization of the Progesterone Receptor in the Boar Testis
Authors: Kohler C , Riesenbeck A , Hoffmann B
Published: January 2007

Contents

Expression of the progesterone receptor (PR) was monitored in testes of groups of five boars aged 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 days. The primary monoclonal antibody used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) was raised against a peptide mapping the amino acids 922–933 of the carboxy‐terminus of the human PR, negative controls were set up using an irrelevant monoclonal isotype‐specific antibody, porcine endometrium served as positive control tissue. In parallel, qualitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was applied. Based on the developmental status of spermatogenesis the 50‐ and 100‐day‐old boars were considered as immature, the boars aged 200 and 250 days as mature. Positive and negative controls confirmed specificity of IHC. In the 50‐day‐old boars 85.1% of the prespermatogonia that had reached the basal lamina and 18.2% of the centrally located prespermatogonia stained positive, while it was 92.1% respectively 2.1% in the 100‐day‐old boars. The effect of time and location was highly significant (p < 0.005 resp. 0.0001). In mature boars between 77 and 80% of the A and B spermatogonia stained positive, there was no effect of boar age and stage of spermatogenesis. In both groups also few peritubular myoid cells stained positive. It is hypothesized that Leydig cell‐derived progesterone plays a functional role in spermatogoniogenesis in a synergistic manner with Leydig cell‐derived oestrogens.
Chronic lung disease of prematurity and respiratory outcome at eight years of age
Authors: Kulasekaran Karthikeyan , Gray Peter H , Masters Brent
Published: January 2007

Aim:  The study aimed to determine the respiratory outcome of children who had chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD) compared with a preterm control group of children at school age.

Methods:  Fifty‐two preterm infants with CLD born between 26 and 33 weeks gestation were assessed regarding respiratory illness with 47 having lung function testing. Information regarding respiratory illness was obtained from 52 children in the birthweight‐matched control group of whom 45 had lung function testing. The results were compared between the CLD and control groups.

Results:  There was no difference in respiratory symptomatology between CLD groups and control preterm infants. On lung function testing, a significantly lower mean forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of vital capacity was identified compared with the preterm controls (P = 0.024). This significant difference did not persist after bronchodilator therapy. There was no evidence of increased air trapping or bronchial hyper‐reactivity in the CLD children compared with the controls.

Conclusion:  Lung function in CLD children is largely normal in comparison with preterm controls, apart from some evidence of reversible small airway obstruction. Respiratory symptomatology is not increased in chronic disease children in comparison with control preterm children.
Probabilities of heart donors arising within specified times for child recipients
Authors: Galati John C , Tibballs James , Carlin John B , Weintraub Robert , Carter Bradley G
Published: January 2007

Aim:  To determine the availability of donor hearts for children of different blood group and weight needing urgent heart transplantation.

Methods:  Data maintained by the Australia and New Zealand Organ Donor Registry 1989–2004 were analysed to determine the frequency of donation. Probabilities of suitable donor availability within 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 90 and 180 days were estimated using a Poisson model with the assumptions that traditional ABO blood compatibilities applied, suitable donors were 0.8–4.0 times the recipient’s body weight (BW) and suitable adult donors were aged <40 years.

Results:  Probabilities of suitable donor availability increase with passage of time from 10 to 180 days and decrease with competition from other needful recipients. Maximum suitable donor availability occurs for children of all blood groups at body weight 20 kg. The probabilities of a donor heart arising within 40 days (maximum safe duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support locally available for young children) for this recipient body weight according to blood group is 0.89, 0.85, 0.73, 0.67 (AB, A, B, O). Probabilities for recipients of BW 3 kg and 60 kg respectively are 0.16, 0.14, 0.10, 0.09 (AB, A, B, O) and 0.66, 0.61, 0.47, 0.42 (AB, A, B, O).

Conclusion:  Expectation of suitable heart donation arising within 40 days for needful recipients in Australia is low for infants (probability <0.3), moderate for small children (probability 0.5–0.9) and modest for large children (probability 0.4–0.7), with variation at all body weights according to blood group and waiting time.
Seasonal incidence of Stenodiplosis sorghicola (Coquillett) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and its parasitoids on Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. in south‐eastern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Lloyd Richard J , Franzmann Bernard A , Zalucki Myron P
Published: January 2007

Abstract  To quantify the role of Johnson grass, Sorghum halepense, in the population dynamics of the sorghum midge, Stenodiplosis sorghicola, patterns of flowering of Johnson grass and infestation by sorghum midge were studied in two different climatic environments in the Lockyer Valley and on the Darling Downs in south‐eastern Queensland for 3 years. Parasitism levels of S. sorghicola were also recorded. In the Lockyer Valley, Johnson grass panicles were produced throughout the year but on the Darling Downs none were produced between June and September. In both areas, most panicle production occurred between November and March and infestation by S. sorghicola was the greatest during this period. The parasitism levels were between 20% and 50%. After emergence from winter diapause, one to two generations of S. sorghicola developed on S. halepense before commercial grain sorghum crops were available for infestation. Parasitoids recorded were: Aprostocetus diplosidis, Eupelmus australiensis and two species of Tetrastichus. Relationships between sorghum midge population growth rate and various environmental and population variables were investigated. Population size had a significant negative effect (P < 0.0001) on population growth rate. Mortality due to parasitism showed a significant positive density response (P < 0.0001). Temperature, rainfall, open pan evaporation, degree‐days and host availability showed no significant effect on population growth rate. Given the phenology of sorghum production in south‐eastern Queensland, Johnson grass provides an important bridging host, sustaining one to two generations of sorghum midge. Critical studies relating population change and build‐up in sorghum to sorghum midge populations in Johnson grass are yet to be performed.
Summer activity patterns of nocturnal Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) of the southern tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Steinbauer Martin J , Weir Tom A
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Australia has a rich diversity of Scarabaeoidea; however, little is known about the majority of them. Because adults of Anoplognathus, Automolius, Heteronychus, Heteronyx and Liparetrus in particular are reliant upon eucalypts, a number of bluegum plantation companies supported the commencement of research into the biology and ecology of scarabs of economic significance to them. Consequently, it was decided that the occurrences of species endemic to this area would be studied and it was assumed that information on the nocturnal species in the aforementioned genera would be obtained. From late November 2003 until late February 2004, the abundances of Scarabaeoidea caught in two light traps that partition insects caught on a given night into seven time periods each of 1.75 h duration were recorded. A total of 48 263 scarabs representing 21 genera were caught. Within the 14 species caught most often, six types of summer activity pattern were apparent: late spring to early summer (Australobolbus gayndahensis), early to mid‐summer (Scitala sericans), mid‐summer only (Sericesthis ignota), mid‐ to late summer (Acrossidius tasmaniae, Aphodius lividus, Heteronyx chlorotica, Het. praecox and Antitrogus morbillosus), late summer only (Ataenius picinus) and all summer (Anoplognathus pallidicollis, Phyllotocus macleayi, Sericesthis geminata, Ser. micans and Ser. nigrolineata). Abundances of nine species peaked between 21:30 and 23:15 h (Aph. lividus, Phy. macleayi, Het. chlorotica, Sci. sericans, Ser. geminata, Ser. micans, Ser. nigrolineata and possibly also Ant. morbillosus), three were most abundant between 19:45 and 21:30 h (Ano. pallidicollis, Ser. ignota and possibly also Ata. picinus), another two were most abundant from 19:45 to 23:15 h (Acr. tasmaniae and Het. praecox) and Aus. gayndahensis was most abundant between 23:15 and 01:00 h. Of course, it is not just a knowledge of the identity of the species and the timing of their occurrence that are important when making insect management decisions, but also the size of population needed to inflict economically significant loss. It is now beholden upon bluegum plantation companies to support further research to determine the relationships between light trap catches of eucalypt‐feeding scarabs, tree age and/or size and level of defoliation in order to improve their confidence in this method of monitoring over ground surveys.
Revision of the genus Innobindus Jacobi (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) with the description of six new species and comments on other Australian Brixiini genera
Authors: Löcker Birgit , Fletcher Murray J , Gurr Geoff M
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Australian planthoppers of the genus Innobindus Jacobi are revised. A lectotype for Innobindus multimaculatus Jacobi is designated and six new species of Innobindus are described: I. alternans, I. collessi, I. licinus, I. marginatus, I. robinae and I. unicornis. Maps of the known distribution for the species of Innobindus are presented and discussed. The Australian Brixiini fauna, which appears to be restricted in distribution to Queensland and New South Wales, comprises a further two genera: Solonaima Kirkaldy and Undarana Hoch & Howarth. The majority of Brixiini, including Innobindus, is non‐cavernicolous; however, eight species within the genera Solonaima and Undarana have adapted to life in lava tubes and limestone caves. A key to genera and a checklist of the Australian species are presented.
Management of foreign bodies in the rectum
Authors: Rodríguez‐Hermosa J. I. , Codina‐Cazador A. , Ruiz B. , Sirvent J. M. , Roig J. , Farrés R.
Published: January 2007

Objective  The discovery of foreign bodies (FB) in the rectum is an infrequent clinical problem. Most commonly, FB are introduced through the anal passage or reach the rectum after oral ingestion. We describe our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of FB retained in the rectum.

Method  From 1997 to 2004, data were collected prospectively in 30 patients (20 men and 10 women; median age 42.5 years). Extraction method, size and type of object, and postextraction evolution were reviewed.

Results  The FB was introduced anally in 16 cases and by oral ingestion in 14. Principal associated factors were: mental disorder in 11, penitentiary confinement in two, and drug and alcohol intake in two. Recent sexual activity had taken place in 14 cases. The size and nature of the FB were varied. The most frequent symptom was constipation with or without pelvic or anal discomfort (n = 23, 77%). Treatment consisted of spontaneous ejection (n = 2), digital extraction with or without enemas (n = 10), digital extraction under local/regional anaesthesia after fragmentation (n = 11) and regional exploratory laparotomy under general anaesthesia (n = 7). Grade I rectal trauma was the most common (n = 23, 77%). Six patients required colostomy. Four patients (13.5%) suffered complications and none died. Only 17 patients were hospitalized, with a mean stay of 6 days. All patients recovered without sequelae.

Conclusion  The diagnosis of rectal FB should be suspected when faced with low pelvic or perianal abdominal pain and/or rectal haemorrhage within the context of an unconvincing story in patients without a history of recent instrumental rectal exploration for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Because of potential complications, FB in the rectum should be considered a serious condition that must be treated without delay.
Hierarchical control or individuals' moral autonomy? Addressing a fundamental tension in the management of business ethics
Authors: Maclagan Patrick
Published: January 2007

There is a fundamental tension in business ethics between the apparent need to ensure ethical conduct through hierarchical control, and the encouragement of individuals' potential for autonomous moral judgement. In philosophical terms, these positions are consequentialist and Kantian, respectively. This paper assumes the former to be the dominant position in practice, and probably in theory also, but regards it as a misplaced extension of the more general managerial tendency to seek and maintain control over employees. While the functions of such control are recognized, the arguments in favour of individuals' moral autonomy are pursued from both a Kantian and a social–theoretic perspective. Reference is made to Kohlberg's research on moral development that provides an insight into how individuals, through participation in debate with colleagues, might become more effective moral agents within organizational settings. This is contrasted with a managerial perspective, which pays lip service to individuals' right to such genuine involvement. The paper considers psychological manipulation and the legitimacy of managerial authority on matters of ethics, as opposed to in the purely technical context. The wider societal significance of such hierarchical power in organizations constitutes an important background to the paper. It is concluded that genuine, non‐manipulative, participation by employees (and others) is the way forward for the ethical management of business ethics.
Does New Labour have a Consistent Conception of Social Justice?
Authors: Kenny Caroline
Published: January 2007

This article analyses the consistency of New Labour's conception of social justice both discursively and in its application to policy. It begins by illustrating the ways that New Labour has constructed an image of itself as having a consistent conception of social justice. From here, the consistency criteria with which to evaluate New Labour's programme is outlined. Finally, the article applies the consistency framework to New Labour's programme revealing that in addition to being inconsistent discursively, the practical application of the conception of social justice is contradictory to such discourse, thus rendering New Labour's conception of social justice inconsistent.
Defining Political Theory: An Arendtian Approach to Difference in the Public Realm
Authors: Beacroft Melanie
Published: January 2007

This article seeks to readdress the defining of political theory not by encapsulating its rightful place in a single definition, but rather by distinguishing between ‘the political’ and ‘the social’. By using the public realm as a vehicle, this article highlights inconsistencies between the ‘political public realm’ and the ‘social public realm’ that help to demonstrate the differing themes between political and social theory. An Arendtian approach to the resulting plurality of perspectives and the space ‘in-between’ them is used to formulate an overall position on the state of the discipline of political theory as a whole.
Revisiting the Radical View: Power, Real Interests and the Difficulty of Separating Analysis from Critique
Authors: Heyward Clare
Published: January 2007

Lukes's three-dimensional view of power (1974) included a substantial normative element. This prompted some, including Hay (1997 and 2002 ) to argue that Lukes conflated analysis and critique, which resulted in unsatisfactory answers to some difficult questions about the exercise of power. This article examines Hay's critique and Lukes's defence of the normative component in his revised edition of Power: A Radical View(2005). It argues that attempts to formulate a purely empirical account of ‘real interests’ and separate the analysis of the third face of power from critique fail because positions on the structure and agency debate are at least partly informed by normative commitments and it shows how Lukes's 2005 reformulation can provide answers to two questions raised in his 1974 discussion.
TAYLOR RULES AND INTEREST RATE SMOOTHING IN THE EURO AREA*
Authors: CASTELNUOVO EFREM
Published: January 2007

Conventional wisdom suggests that central banks implement monetary policy in a gradual fashion. Some researchers claim that this gradualism is due to ‘optimal cautiousness’; in contrast, Rudebusch (Journal of Monetary Economics, Vol. 49 (2002), pp. 1161–1187) states that the observed policy rate sluggishness is mainly due to serially correlated exogenous shocks. In this paper we use models in first differences to assess the ‘endogenous’ versus ‘exogenous’ gradualism hypothesis for the Euro area. Our results suggest that the joint formalization of the two hypotheses is likely to offer the best simple approximation of the Euro area monetary policy conduct.
The Growing Importance of Family: Evidence from Brothers’ Earnings
Authors: LEVINE DAVID I. , MAZUMDER BHASHKAR
Published: January 2007

We examine between‐brother correlation of earnings, family income, and wages from two cohorts of the National Longitudinal Surveys. Young brothers who entered the labor market in the 1970s had lower correlations of economic outcomes than did those who entered in the 1980s and early 1990s. Neither the rising brother correlation in education nor the rising return to schooling accounts for much of the increase in the brother correlation in earnings. These results suggest that family and community influences other than years of education that are shared by brothers have become increasingly important in determining economic outcomes.
Interindustry Wage Differentials and Unobserved Ability: Siblings Evidence from Five Countries
Authors: BJÖRKLUND ANDERS , BRATSBERG BERNT , ERIKSSON TOR , JÄNTTI MARKUS , RAAUM ODDBJÖRN
Published: January 2007

We examine the role of unobserved ability in explaining interindustry wage differentials. By using data on brothers, we account for unmeasured abilities shared by siblings. The data came from four Nordic countries and the United States. In the Nordic countries, only a moderate proportion of the variability in industry wages can be attributed to unobserved ability, while unmeasured factors explain as much as half of the U.S. industry‐wage variation. Accounting for such differences, we show that the U.S. interindustry wage dispersion is similar with that in the Nordic countries.
Smoothing the mosaic subclinical melanoderma by calcipotriol
Authors: Piérard‐Franchimont C , Paquet P , Quatresooz P , Piérard GE
Published: January 2007

Background  The observation of photo‐exposed skin under ultraviolet light reveals a mosaic pattern of varying intensity in epidermal melanization. Several patterns of mosaic subclinical melanoderma (MSM) have been described using a specially designed CCD camera and the ultraviolet light‐enhanced visualization (ULEV) method. Vitamin D3 and its analogues influence the biology of keratinocytes and melanocytes.

Objective  To assess the effect of calcipotriol on MSM.

Methods  This randomized split‐face study was conducted in 27 men to compare the effect of once daily applications of 5% calcipotriol cream or a moisturizing cream on the heterogeneity of facial MSM. Computerized image analysis of video images was used at 1‐month intervals before and during a 2‐month treatment, as well as during a 3‐month follow‐up.

Results  At both sites, the average melanin content of the epidermis showed no significant change over time. However, the mottled appearance was smoothened at the calcipotriol site, whereas it was increased at the site receiving the moisturizer.

Conclusion  The decreased heterogeneity in MSM after calcipotriol applications suggests a control of the epidermal melanocyte unit by the vitamin D3 derivative.
Cultural Policy, Literature and Readership in Revolutionary Cuba: The View from the 21st Century
Authors: KUMARASWAMI PAR
Published: January 2007

This article presents a fresh perspective on cultural policy in revolutionary Cuba, focusing specifically on the centrality of dialogue with the general readership to the production, reception and regulation of literature. It first summarises the positions regarding revolutionary literature that have been asserted and essayed at various points along the sometimes chaotic trajectory of revolution in Cuba. It then examines reading‐related policies and recent attempts within Cuba to re‐orient reading practices in the aftermath of the Período Especial [Special Period], and ends by presenting current Cuban debates on the need to mitigate dialogic breakdown between literary text and readership.
The same γ‐secretase accounts for the multiple intramembrane cleavages of APP
Authors: Zhao Guojun , Tan Jianxin , Mao Guozhang , Cui Mei‐Zhen , Xu Xuemin
Published: January 2007

It has been hypothesized that different C‐terminus of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) may be generated by different γ‐secretase activities. Recently, we have identified a new ζ‐cleavage site at Aβ46, leading to an important finding that the C‐terminus of Aβ is produced by a series of sequential cleavages. This finding prompted us to examine the effects of the known γ‐secretase inhibitors on different steps of the γ‐secretase‐mediated sequential cleavages and specifically their effects on the formation and turnover of the intermediate Aβ46. Our results demonstrate that some of the known inhibitors, such as L‐685,458 and III‐31C as well as inhibitors IV and V, inhibit the formation of secreted Aβ40/42 by inhibiting the formation of the intermediate Aβ46. However, most of the other inhibitors show no inhibitory effect on the formation of the intermediate Aβ46, but rather inhibit the turnover of Aβ46, resulting in its accumulation. In addition, the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen and sulindac sulfide have no effect on the formation and turnover of Aβ46, but rather modulate the ratio of secreted Aβ at a step after the formation of Aβ40 and Aβ42. Thus, our data strongly suggest that the multi‐sequential intramembrane cleavages of amyloid precursor protein C (APP) are likely catalyzed by the same γ‐secretase.
Mechanism of toxicity of pesticides acting at complex I: relevance to environmental etiologies of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sherer Todd B. , Richardson Jason R. , Testa Claudia M. , Seo Byoung Boo , Panov Alexander V. , Yagi Takao , Matsuno‐Yagi Akemi , Miller Gary W. , Greenamyre J. Timothy
Published: January 2007

Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and pesticide exposure. The pesticide rotenone (ROT) inhibits complex I and reproduces features of PD in animal models, suggesting that environmental agents that inhibit complex I may contribute to PD. We have previously demonstrated that ROT toxicity is dependent upon complex I inhibition and that oxidative stress is the primary mechanism of toxicity. In this study, we examined the in vitro toxicity and mechanism of action of several putative complex I inhibitors that are commonly used as pesticides. The rank order of toxicity of pesticides to neuroblastoma cells was pyridaben > rotenone > fenpyroximate > fenazaquin > tebunfenpyrad. A similar order of potency was observed for reduction of ATP levels and competition for 3H‐dihydrorotenone (DHR) binding to complex I, with the exception of pyridaben (PYR). Neuroblastoma cells stably expressing the ROT‐insensitive NADH dehydrogenase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NDI1) were resistant to these pesticides, demonstrating the requirement of complex I inhibition for toxicity. We further found that PYR was a more potent inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration and caused more oxidative damage than ROT. The oxidative damage could be attenuated by NDI1 or by the antioxidants α‐tocopherol and coenzyme Q10. PYR was also highly toxic to midbrain organotypic slices. These data demonstrate that, in addition to ROT, several commercially used pesticides directly inhibit complex I, cause oxidative damage, and suggest that further study is warranted into environmental agents that inhibit complex I for their potential role in PD.
Modern Britain and the New Imperial History
Authors: Thompson James
Published: January 2007

This article reviews recent trends in British studies, particularly the impact of ‘four nations’ perspectives, and the rise of the new imperial history. It offers a close examination of debates about the relationship between ‘nation’ and ‘empire’ in modern British history, and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of existing approaches. The article identifies the need to integrate accounts of empire's impact upon Britain with a broader comparative perspective that embraces mainland Europe, and to combine more cultural concerns with greater attention to political and economic history.
The up‐regulation of type I plasminogen activator inhibitor in human gingival fibroblasts stimulated with cyclosporin A
Authors: Lin H.‐J. , Tsai C.‐H. , Huang F.‐M. , Chang Y.‐C.
Published: January 2007

Background and Objective:  Cyclosporin A is used as an immunosuppressive agent and its prominent side‐effect is the induction of fibrous gingival overgrowth. The progression of fibrous gingival overgrowth results from the accumulation of extracellular matrix. Type I plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI‐1) acts as the inhibitor of extracellular matrix degradation and is involved in some fibrotic diseases. However, little is known about the correlation between PAI‐1 and cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cyclosporin A on the expression of PAI‐1 mRNA and protein in human gingival fibroblasts human gingival fibroblasts in vitro and to compare PAI‐1 expression in normal healthy gingival tissues and cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth specimens in vivo.

Material and Methods:  Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were used to investigate the effects on human gingival fibroblasts exposed to cyclosporin A. In addition, 10 cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth specimens and five normal gingival tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Investigations of the time dependence of PAI‐1 mRNA expression in human gingival fibroblasts treated with 200 ng/ml of cyclosporin A revealed a rapid accumulation of the transcript: a significant signal was first detectable after 1 h of exposure and the signal remained elevated throughout the 24‐h incubation period (p < 0.05). Cyclosporin A was also found to up‐regulate PAI‐1 protein in a time‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). The PAI‐1 staining in gingival tissue was stronger in the cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth group than in the normal gingival group (p < 0.05). In the cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth group, intensive staining for PAI‐1 expression was observed mainly in the cytoplasm of fibroblasts, endothelial cells and inflammatory cells.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that the up‐regulation of PAI‐1 may play an important part in the molecular pathogenesis of cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth.
CHILD CUSTODY MEDIATION AND SPOUSE ABUSE
Authors: Magaña Holly A. , Taylor Nancy
Published: January 2007

This article discusses domestic violence, providing information and a review of literature regarding this phenomena. The article then goes on to describe a protocol developed by the Orange County (California) mediation and investigative unit that provides protection to the alleged victim of violence through the use of assessment interviews, co‐mediation with a male‐female mediation team, and the development of postparenting arrangements that provide for protection and security. The article also reviews a sample of 100 domestic violence cases handled in Orange County during 1991. Data from this research suggest that mediators using the protocols described in this article are able to guide the more serious, high‐risk cases into more protective outcomes and that mediation can provide a very important adjunct to the trial court process.
Study of Interstitial Cells in the Penis: Human Study
Authors: Shafik Ahmed
Published: January 2007

Introduction

Specialized pacemaker cells, similar to the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) of the gut, have been detected in the urinary organs and are thought to pace their motile activity.

Aim

We investigated the hypothesis that such cells could also exist in the corpora cavernosa (CC) of the human penis.

Methods

During the treatment of Peyronie’s disease in 11 subjects (age 42.6 ± 3.2 SD years), 3 × 3 mm strips were excised from each of the two CC and subjected to C-kit immunohistochemistry. Controls for the specificity of the antisera consisted of incubation of the tissue with normal rabbit serum substituted for the primary antiserum.

Main Outcome Measures

Interstitial cells similar to ICC could exist in the CC based on C-kit immunohistochemistry.

Results

C-kit positive branched interstitial cells were detected in the CC. They were clearly distinguishable from the smooth muscle cells that were C-kit negative and non-branched. Although the mast cells were C-kit positive, they had a smooth body surface.

Conclusion

Interstitial cells have been identified in the CC. They are similar to the ICC and may be responsible for initiating the slow waves recorded from the smooth muscle cells and for controlling their activity. We assume that a deficiency or absence of these cells may affect the erectile function of the patient. Further studies are needed to explore the role of these cells in erection.
ENZYME‐LINKED IMMUNOMAGNETIC CHEMILUMINESCENCE INCORPORATING ANTI‐H7 AND ANTI‐O157 ANTIBODIES FOR THE DETECTION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7*
Authors: GEHRING ANDREW G. , IRWIN PETER L. , REED SUE A. , TU SHU‐I
Published: January 2007

The pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been associated with numerous cases of foodborne illnesses. Many rapid methods have been developed for the screening of this pathogen in foods in order to circumvent timely plate culture techniques. However, many of these methods are presumptive and do not claim to confirm the presence of E. coli O157:H7. We developed a rapid method (termed enzyme‐linked immunomagnetic chemiluminescence [ELIMCL]) that employed a relatively affordable and portable luminometer with a superparamagnetic microparticle‐based enzyme‐linked sandwich immunoassay. A key feature of this assay is that it combines the highly selective synergism of both anti‐O157 and anti‐H7 antibodies in the sandwich immunoassay format, thus allowing for potential confirmation of the pathogen. This work presented the development of ELIMCL that incorporated a one‐step sandwich immunoassay that was demonstrated to have a limit of detection of approximately 1 e5–1 e6 live cells/mL of E. coli O157:H7 in pristine‐buffered saline in approximately 1 h or at least 50 cells/mL of E. coli O157:H7 inoculated into ground beef and culture enriched for 5.5 h.
STUDY OF PHENOTYPIC AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS ISOLATES RESISTANT TO BOTH ISONIAZID AND ETHAMBUTOL
Authors: ZAKI MAYSAA EL‐SAYED , GODA TAREK
Published: January 2007

In the present study, we performed radiometric susceptibility testing, and we analyzed the genetic regions associated with resistance to isoniazid (INH) and ethambutol (EMB) in 100 selected isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The studied codons of M. tuberculosis were amino acid Ser315 of katG for INH resistance and embB Met306 and Gly406 for EMB resistance. The goal of the study was to determine (1) how often these common mutations occurred in the targeted genes in isolates displaying resistance in the phenotypic assays, (2) whether the particular INH‐resistance‐associated mutation occurred with the studied particular EMB‐resistance‐associated mutation and (3) the value of PCR to these regions as a rapid screening tool to identify multidrug‐resistant (MDR) M. tuberculosis. The percentage of isolates resistant to INH, rifampicin (RIF), EMB and streptomycin (STR) was 70, 20, 100 and 70%, respectively. All resistant strains of M. tuberculosis to INH, RIF and STR were resistant to EMB. Sixty strains (85.7%) with phenotypic resistance to INH displayed mutation in amino acid Ser315 of katG sequence. All strains resistant (100%) to EMB had mutations in amino acids Met306 and Gly406 of embB sequence. In conclusion, both mutations in amino acid Ser315 of katG for INH resistance and embB Met306 and Gly406 for EMB resistance are common findings in MDR‐M. tuberculosis. Moreover, the study of embB Met306 and Gly406 for EMB resistance by PCR can be used as a rapid screening test for identifying MDR‐M. tuberculosis.