bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fell–Muir Lecture: From collagen chemistry towards cell therapy – a personal journey
Authors: Grant Michael E.
Published: May 2007

The Fell–Muir Award requires the recipient to deliver a lecture and a review manuscript which provides a personal overview of significant scientific developments in the field of matrix biology over the period of the recipient's career. In this context, this review considers the collagen family of structural proteins and the advances in biochemical, molecular biological and genetic techniques which led to the elucidation of the structure, synthesis and function of this important group of extracellular matrix constituents. Particular attention is focussed on early research on the identification and assembly of the soluble precursors of collagen types I and II, and the identification of the precursor of basement membrane collagen type IV. In subsequent studies investigating the maintenance of the chick chondrocyte phenotype in culture, the influence of the extracellular milieu was found to influence markedly both cell morphology and collagen gene expression. These studies led to the discovery of collagen type X whose expression is restricted to hypertrophic chondrocytes at sites of endochondral ossification. Such research provided a prelude to investigations of mammalian endochondral ossification which is known to be aberrant in a variety of human chondrodysplasias and is reactivated in bone fracture repair and in osteoarthritis. The cloning of bovine and then human collagen type X genes facilitated studies in relevant human diseases and contributed to the discovery of mutations in the COL10A1 gene in families with metaphyseal chondrodysplasia type Schmid. Clustering of mutations in the C‐terminal domain of the type X collagen molecule has now been widely documented and investigations of the pathogenic mechanisms in animal models are beginning to suggest the prospect of novel treatment strategies.
Relationships among the nurse work environment, self‐nurturance and life satisfaction
Authors: Nemcek Mary Ann , James Gary D.
Published: May 2007

Title. Title. Relationships among the nurse work environment, self‐nurturance and life satisfaction

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to (1) ascertain the relationship among self‐nurturance, perceived Magnet features and life satisfaction and (2) evaluate the predictive effects of self‐nurturance and Magnet features on life satisfaction.

Background.  Promoting health is a global priority for nurses and for the public who depend upon them to provide quality care. Health gains can be realized by modifying the work environment and by modifying lifestyle choices (self‐nurturance). A study of nurses that examined perceptions of workplace features that enable nurses’ professional practice (Magnet features), self‐nurturance and healthy outcomes (life satisfaction) was not found in the literature.

Methods.  Survey data collected in May 2003 from a convenience sample of 310 Registered Nurses were used for this descriptive, correlational study.

Findings.  Self‐nurturing nurses were more satisfied with life and perceived that more Magnet features were present in the workplace. Nurses with a master's degree were more self‐nurturing than nurses without a baccalaureate degree. The synergistic effect of both self‐nurturance and workplace factors predicted 29% of variance in nurses’ life satisfaction.

Conclusion.  Higher levels of perceived Magnet features and frequent self‐nurturance choices are important health influences on nurses’ life satisfaction. Greater life satisfaction is known to reduce job dissatisfaction while improving retention. Approaches that incorporate both self‐nurturance and workplace Magnet features are suggested to improve the health and retention of experienced nurses.
Multilocus nuclear sequences reveal intra‐ and interspecific relationships among chromosomally polymorphic species of cactophilic Drosophila
Authors: MACHADO CARLOS A. , MATZKIN LUCIANO M. , REED LAURA K. , MARKOW THERESE A.
Published: May 2007

Drosophila mojavensis and Drosophila arizonae, a pair of sibling species endemic to North America, constitute an important model system to study ecological genetics and the evolution of reproductive isolation. This species pair can produce fertile hybrids in some crosses and are sympatric in a large part of their ranges. Despite the potential for hybridization in nature, however, evidence of introgression has not been rigorously sought. Further, the evolutionary relationships within and among the geographically distant populations of the two species have not been characterized in detail using high‐resolution molecular studies. Both species have six chromosomes: five large acrocentrics and one ‘dot’ chromosome. Fixed inversion differences between the species exist in three chromosomes (X, 2 and 3) while three are colinear (4, 5 and 6), suggesting that were introgression to occur, it would be most likely in the colinear chromosomes. We utilized nucleotide sequence variation at multiple loci on five chromosomes to test for evidence of introgression, and to test various scenarios for the evolutionary relationships of these two species and their populations. While we do not find evidence of recent introgression, loci in the colinear chromosomes appear to have participated in exchange in the past. We also found considerable population structure within both species. The level of differentiation discovered among D. arizonae populations was unexpectedly high and suggests that its populations, as well as those of D. mojavensis, may be themselves undergoing incipient speciation and merit further attention.
BEN1, a gene encoding a dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase (DFR)‐like protein, regulates the levels of brassinosteroids in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yuan Tong , Fujioka Shozo , Takatsuto Suguru , Matsumoto Shogo , Gou Xiaoping , He Kai , Russell Scott D. , Li Jia
Published: May 2007

The ben1‐1D (bri1‐5 enhanced 1‐1dominant) mutant was identified via an activation‐tagging screen for bri1‐5 extragenic modifiers. bri1‐5 is a weak mutant allele of the brassinosteroid receptor gene, BRI1. Overexpression of BEN1 greatly enhances the defective phenotypes of bri1‐5 plants. Removal of BEN1 by gene disruption in a Col‐0 wild‐type background, on the other hand, promotes the elongation of organs. Because BEN1 encodes a novel protein homologous to dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase (DFR) and anthocyanidin reductase (BAN), BEN1 is probably involved in a brassinosteroid metabolic pathway. Analyses of brassinosteroid profiles demonstrated that BEN1 is indeed responsible for regulating the levels of several brassinosteroids, including typhasterol, castasterone and brassinolide. In vivo feeding and in vitro biochemical assays suggest that BEN1 is probably involved in a new mechanism to regulate brassinosteroid levels. These results provide additional insight into the regulatory mechanisms of bioactive brassinosteroids.
The R2R3‐MYB transcription factor HAG1/MYB28 is a regulator of methionine‐derived glucosinolate biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gigolashvili Tamara , Yatusevich Ruslan , Berger Bettina , Müller Caroline , Flügge Ulf‐Ingo
Published: May 2007

Methionine‐derived glucosinolates belong to a class of plant secondary metabolites that serve as chemoprotective compounds in plant biotic defense reactions and also exhibit strong anticancerogenic properties beneficial to human health. In a screen for the trans‐activation potential of various transcription factors toward glucosinolate biosynthetic genes, we could identify the HAG1 (HIGH ALIPHATIC GLUCOSINOLATE 1, also referred to as MYB28) gene as a positive regulator of aliphatic methionine‐derived glucosinolates. The content of aliphatic glucosinolates as well as transcript levels of aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthetic genes were elevated in gain‐of‐function mutants and decreased in HAG1 RNAi knock‐down mutants. ProHAG1:GUS expression analysis revealed strong HAG1 promoter activity in generative organs and mature leaves of A. thaliana plants, the main sites of accumulation of aliphatic glucosinolates. Mechanical stimuli such as touch or wounding transiently induced HAG1/MYB28 expression in inflorescences of flowering plants, and HAG1/MYB28 over‐expression reduced insect performance as revealed by weight gain assays with the generalist lepidopteran herbivore Spodoptera exigua. Expression of HAG1/MYB28 was significantly induced by glucose, indicating a novel transcriptional regulatory mechanism for the integration of carbohydrate availability upon biotic challenge. We hypothesize that HAG1/MYB28 is a novel regulator of aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis that controls the response to biotic challenges.
Regulation of arbuscular mycorrhization by apoplastic invertases: enhanced invertase activity in the leaf apoplast affects the symbiotic interaction
Authors: Schaarschmidt Sara , Kopka Joachim , Ludwig‐Müller Jutta , Hause Bettina
Published: May 2007

The effect of constitutive invertase overexpression on the arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is shown. The analysis of the enhanced potential for sucrose cleavage was performed with a heterozygous line of Nicotiana tabacum 35S::cwINV expressing a chimeric gene encoding apoplast‐located yeast‐derived invertase with the CaMV35S promoter. Despite the 35S promoter, roots of the transgenic plants showed no or only minor effects on invertase activity whereas the activity in leaves was increased at different levels. Plants with strongly elevated leaf invertase activity, which exhibited a strong accumulation of hexoses in source leaves, showed pronounced phenotypical effects like stunted growth and chlorosis, and an undersupply of the root with carbon. Moreover, transcripts of PR (pathogenesis related) genes accumulated in the leaves. In these plants, mycorrhization was reduced. Surprisingly, plants with slightly increased leaf invertase activity showed a stimulation of mycorrhization, particularly 3 weeks after inoculation. Compared with wild‐type, a higher degree of mycorrhization accompanied by a higher density of all fungal structures and a higher level of Glomus intraradices‐specific rRNA was detected. Those transgenic plants showed no accumulation of hexoses in the source leaves, minor phenotypical effects and no increased PR gene transcript accumulation. The roots had even lower levels of phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid and scopolin), amines (such as tyramine, dopamine, octopamine and nicotine) and some amino acids (including 5‐amino‐valeric acid and 4‐amino‐butyric acid), as well as an increased abscisic acid content compared with wild‐type. Minor metabolic changes were found in the leaves of these plants. The changes in metabolism and defense status of the plant and their putative role in the formation of an AM symbiosis are discussed.
New Alternative Methods to Teach Surgical Techniques for Veterinary Medicine Students despite the Absence of Living Animals. Is that an Academic Paradox?
Authors: Silva R. M. G. , Matera J. M. , Ribeiro A. A. C. M.
Published: May 2007

Due to a raised ethical mentality, veterinary schools are pursuing methods to preserve animal corpses used for surgical technique classes in an attempt to reduce the use of living animals for teaching. Generally speaking, animal and human bodies are usually preserved with 10% aqueous formalin solution especially for descriptive anatomy classes. Other possibilities include the use of glycerol, alcohol and phenol. At present, new fixatives have been developed to allow a better and longer preservation of animal corpses in order to maintain organoleptic characteristics, i.e. colour, texture, as close as possible to what students will deal with living animals. From 2004, in our college, surgical technique classes no longer use living animals for students’ training. Instead, canine corpses chemically preserved with modified Larssen (MLS) and Laskowski (LS) solutions are preferred. The purpose of this study was to investigate comparatively the biological quality of preservation of these two solutions and to evaluate students’ learning and acceptance of this new teaching method. Although these fixatives maintain body flexibility, LS solution failed to keep an ordinary tissue colouration (cadavers were intensely red) and tissue preservation was not adequate. By contrast, MLS solution, however, did not alter the colouration of cadavers which was fairly similar to that normally found in living animals. A remarkable characteristic was a very strong and unpleasant sugary odour in LS‐preserved animals and therefore the MLS solution was the elected method to preserve cadavers for surgical technique classes. The students’ feedback to the use of Larssen‐preserved cadavers was very satisfactory, i.e. 96.6% of students were in favour of the use of cadavers for surgical training and on average 91.8% (2002–2003) of students preferred the MLS solution as the chemical preserver, whereas only 8.2% elected LS solution for teaching purposes. From the students’ point of view (95.1%) the ideal class would be an initial training in MLS cadavers followed by classes with animals admitted to the Veterinary Hospital.
Female‐Biased Helping in a Cooperatively Breeding Bird: Female Benefits or Male Costs?
Authors: Williams Dean A. , Hale Amanda M.
Published: May 2007

There is often a sex bias in helping effort in cooperatively breeding species with both male and female helpers, and yet this phenomenon is still poorly understood. Although sex‐biased helping is often assumed to be correlated with sex‐specific benefits, sex‐specific costs could also be responsible for sex‐biased helping. Cooperatively breeding brown jays (Cyanocorax morio) in Monteverde, Costa Rica have helpers of both sexes and dispersal is male‐biased, a rare reversal of the female‐biased dispersal pattern often seen in birds. We quantified helper contributions to nestling care and analyzed whether there was sex‐biased helping and if so, whether it was correlated with known benefits derived via helping. Brown jay helpers provided over 70% of all nestling feedings, but they did not appear to decrease the workload of breeders across the range of observed group sizes. Female helpers fed nestlings and engaged in vigilance at significantly higher levels than male helpers. Nonetheless, female helpers did not appear to gain direct benefits, either through current reproduction or group augmentation, or indirect fitness benefits from helping during the nestling stage. While it is possible that females could be accruing subtle future direct benefits such as breeding experience or alliance formation from helping, future studies should focus on whether the observed sex bias in helping is because males decrease their care relative to females in order to pursue extra‐territorial forays. Explanations for sex‐biased helping in cooperative breeders are proving to be as varied as those proposed for helping behavior in general, suggesting that it will often be necessary to quantify a wide range of benefits and costs when seeking explanations for sex‐biased helping.
The Effect of Age on a Sexually Selected Acoustic Display
Authors: Jacot Alain , Scheuber Hannes , Brinkhof Martin W. G.
Published: May 2007

Models of sexual selection suggest that females should prefer to mate with older males because old age is evidence of heritable high viability. In a longitudinal analysis, we demonstrate that male field crickets (Gryllus campestris) alter their calling song with age. Carrier frequency, a calling song character related to growing condition and the main song component under female preference, changed towards higher sexual attractiveness with age. Body mass decreased slightly with age, while chirp rate, an indicator of current condition, remained stable. By choosing males singing at a low frequency, female field crickets would base their mate choice decision on a sexual trait that indicates superior growing conditions as juvenile and on viability, i.e. enhanced current condition as adult.
Androgen profiles among Egyptian adults considering liver status
Authors: Aguilar Cristina E , Soliman Amr S , McConnell Daniel S , Zekri Abdel‐Rahman , Banerjee Mousumi , Omar Ayman , Sharawy Mohamed , Omar Sherif , Raouf Ahmed , Sowers MaryFran R
Published: May 2007

Background and aim:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and environmental hepatotoxins may have an indirect influence on health by altering the synthesis and function of hormones, particularly reproductive hormones. We aimed to evaluate liver diseases and sex steroid hormones in Egypt, which has the highest prevalence of HCV worldwide.

Methods:  We measured markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV and schistosomiasis infection as well as liver function in 159 apparently healthy subjects. We measured total testosterone (T), sex‐hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, and calculated the free androgen index.

Results:  Anti‐HCV antibodies were detected in 51% of men and 42% of women. Based on HCV reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) of 44 men and 33 women, 11% of men and 21% of women showed HCV viremia. There was schistosomiasis in 25% of men and 9% of women, and mixed HCV viremia and schistosomiasis in 57% of men and 52% of women. Compared with men with schistosomiasis only (mean 593.3 ± 73.4 ng/dL), T was higher in men with mixed HCV viremia and schistosomiasis (mean 854.5 ± 47.9 ng/dL; P = 0.006) and men with mixed chronic HCV and schistosomiasis (mean 812.1 ± 43.3 ng/dL; P = 0.001). Men with mixed chronic HCV and schistosomiasis had also significantly higher SHBG (mean 57.7 ± 3.9 ng/dL) than males with schistosomiasis only (mean 34.8 ± SE 4.5 ng/dL; P = 0.0003).

Conclusion:  Future investigations should consider that a high prevalence of asymptomatic liver disease may alter associations between hormone concentrations and chronic disease etiology.
Association between the family environment and television viewing in Australian children
Authors: Van Zutphen Moniek , Bell Andrew C , Kremer Peter J , Swinburn Boyd A
Published: May 2007

Aim:  To describe the time children spend watching television (TV) and to assess associations between TV viewing time, the family environment and weight status.

Methods:  Parents reported the amount of time children watched TV/video both for ‘the previous school day’ and ‘usually’ and described aspects of the family environment influencing TV access as part of a large cross‐sectional study in the Barwon South‐western region of Victoria, Australia. Child weight status was based on measured height and weight. All data were collected in 2003/2004.

Results:  A total of 1926 children aged 4–12 years participated. Parent‐reported mean ± SE TV time for the previous school day was 83 ± 1.5 min. Children who lived in a family with tight rules governing TV viewing time (22%), or who never watched TV during dinner (33%), or had only one TV in the household (23%) or had no TV in their bedroom (81%) had significantly less TV time than their counterparts. Overweight or obese children had more TV time than healthy weight children 88 ± 2.9 versus 82 ± 1.7 min per day (P = 0.04). They were also more likely to live in a household where children had a TV in their bedroom than healthy weight children (25% vs. 17%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Strategies to reduce TV time should be included as part of broader strategies to prevent childhood obesity. They should include messages to parents about not having a TV in children’s bedrooms, encouraging family rules restricting TV viewing, and not having the TV on during dinner.
Vitamin D deficiency in general medical inpatients in summer and winter
Authors: Chatfield S. M. , Brand C. , Ebeling P. R. , Russell D. M.
Published: May 2007

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in various populations worldwide. Adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency are the development of bone disorders; however, other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers have also been linked to vitamin D deficiency. The general medical inpatient population is a group at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. These patients often have coexistent risk factors for its consequences. This study aims to document a point prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this population.

Methods: Two cross‐sectional audits of patients admitted to general medicine units were carried out – the first in mid‐November at the end of winter and the second in mid‐April and May at the end of summer. Information regarding patients’ comorbidities, medication usage, previous falls and fractures was obtained and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone and calcium levels were measured.

Results: A total of 129 patients was studied (65 in winter and 64 in summer). Ninety‐four patients (74%) had 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels ≤50 nmol/L. Seven patients had severe deficiency (levels ≤12.5 nmol/L). Average vitamin D levels were lower at the end of winter (35 vs 43 nmol/L, P = 0.007). Of the 37 patients receiving vitamin D supplements, 20 (54%) had 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels ≤50 nmol/L.

Conclusion: Low vitamin D levels were common in this general medical inpatient population. The average vitamin D level was lower in the patient group tested in November following winter. Supplementation of vitamin D did not uniformly prevent deficiency.
Differentiation potential of urothelium from patients with benign bladder dysfunction
Authors: Southgate Jennifer , Varley Claire L. , Garthwaite Mary A.E. , Hinley Jennifer , Marsh Fiona , Stahlschmidt Jens , Trejdosiewicz Ludwik K. , Eardley Ian
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To develop a novel in vitro approach to test the hypothesis that failure of urothelial differentiation underlies the aetiopathology of interstitial cystitis (IC), where there is evidence of compromised urinary barrier function, as benign dysfunctional bladder disease encompass several poorly understood clinically defined conditions, including IC, idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biopsy‐derived urothelial cells from dysfunctional bladder biopsies were propagated as finite cell lines and examined for their capacity to differentiate in vitro, as assessed by the acquisition of a transitional cell morphology, a switch from a cytokeratin (CK)13lo/CK14hi to a CK13hi/CK14lo phenotype, expression of claudin 3, 4 and 5 proteins, and induction of uroplakin gene transcription.

RESULTS

Two of 12 SUI cell lines showed early senescent changes in culture and were not characterized further; one of seven IC, one of five IDO and a further three SUI cell lines had some evidence of senescence at passage 3. Of the seven IC‐derived cell lines, four showed a near normal range of differentiation‐associated responses, but the remainder showed little or no response. Most IDO cell lines (four of five) showed a normal differentiation response, but at least three of the 10 SUI cell lines showed some compromise of differentiation potential.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the existence of a subset of patients with IC in whom a failure of urothelial cytodifferentiation might contribute to the disease, and provides a novel platform for investigating the cell biology of urothelium from SUI and other benign dysfunctional conditions.
Venous thromboembolism and cyproterone acetate in men with prostate cancer: a study using the General Practice Research Database
Authors: Seaman Helen E. , Langley Stephen E.M. , Farmer Richard D.T. , De Vries Corinne S.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with the use of cyproterone acetate (CPA) amongst men with prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using data from the General Practice Research Database, cases of VTE were identified amongst men with prostate cancer. Four controls with no evidence of a VTE were selected for each case. The time from diagnosis of prostate cancer to first hormonal treatment, and from first hormonal treatment to VTE, was compared for different treatments. Adjusted risk estimates for VTE were derived from further analysis using a nested case‐control study design amongst all men with advanced prostate cancer, qualified by evidence of hormonal treatment.

RESULTS

The time between diagnosis and first treatment was significantly shorter for men first treated with CPA than for men first treated with a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue (adjusted hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.06–1.67). When the first treatment was CPA, the treatment‐free period after diagnosis was significantly shorter for men who later had a VTE than for those who did not. The case‐control study yielded an adjusted risk estimate for VTE amongst CPA users that was significantly higher than amongst men who were prescribed an LHRH analogue or who had had an orchidectomy (adjusted odds ratio 5.23, 95% CI 3.12–8.79).

CONCLUSION

There was a greater risk of VTE associated with CPA, which might be due to differences in disease severity between users of different products. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.
Rivalry or Synergy? Formal and Informal Local Governance in Rural India
Authors: Ananth Pur Kripa
Published: May 2007

Informal local governance institutions (ILGIs) are prevalent at the village level in rural India. Generally perceived by urban Indians to be ‘oppressive’, ILGIs also have progressive features and often perform a range of useful collective functions at the village level. Instead of fading away in the face of modernity, ILGIs have found ways to interact, often in a positive manner, with the newer, elected local government institutions, the Grama Panchayats. Based on field research in Karnataka state, this article tries to present a more holistic picture of ILGIs, including their role in village governance and service delivery; the ways in which they interact with Grama Panchayats, and the implications of their existence and role for local democracy. It also presents a tentative theoretical framework towards explaining why ILGIs in Karnataka particularly, and in India generally, seem to be less repressive, more functional and more likely to survive than in some other countries of the South.
IT Industrial Development in Taiwan and the Constraints on Environmental Mobilization
Authors: Tu Wen‐Ling
Published: May 2007

Studies in the development of high‐tech industries have shown low levels of community involvement and environmental mobilization. In contrast to the tenets of social movement theories, it seems that the openness of political systems and the tactics of social movements are not enough to lead to increased grassroots environmental resistance in the context of high‐tech development. This article uses the example of high‐tech electronic development in Hsinchu, Taiwan, to examine why and how grassroots activism has been impeded in the past two decades. The article highlights the industrial characteristics and processes within the information technology sector, and analyses existing obstacles to environmental mobilization in the context of a fast‐growing high‐tech economy. It argues that a unique IT development structure has dramatically changed local social characteristics in a way that constrains grassroots mobilization in public social agendas. It also shows how the influential and rapidly expanding IT sector has come to dominate resource‐use in the area, leaving opposing forces more powerless than ever.
Unofficial Road Building in the Amazon: Socioeconomic and Biophysical Explanations
Authors: Perz Stephen G. , Caldas Marcellus M. , Arima Eugenio , Walker Robert J.
Published: May 2007

Roads have manifold social and environmental impacts, including regional development, social conflicts and habitat fragmentation. ‘Road ecology’ has emerged as an approach to evaluate the various ecological and hydrological impacts of roads. This article aims to complement road ecology by examining the socio‐spatial processes of road building itself. Focusing on the Brazilian Amazon, a heavily‐studied context due to forest fragmentation by roads, the authors consider non‐state social actors who build ‘unofficial roads’ for the purpose of gaining access to natural resources to support livelihoods and community development. They examine four case studies of roads with distinct histories in order to explain the socio‐spatial processes behind road building in terms of profit maximization, land tenure claims, co‐operative and conflictive political ecologies, and constraints as well as opportunities afforded by the biophysical environment. The study cases illustrate the need for a multi‐pronged theoretical approach to understanding road building, and call for more attention to the role of non‐state actors in road construction.
Asset Pricing and Cost of Equity in the Tunisian Banking Sector: Panel Data Evidence
Authors: Ben Naceur Samy , Ghazouani Samir
Published: May 2007

In spite of popularity and theoretical simplicity of the one‐factor Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) used in the valuation of financial assets, researchers are more concerned with the important extension proposed by Fama and French (1993), that is, the Three‐Factor Pricing Model (TFPM). Alongside beta, average stock returns could be explained by some size and book‐to‐market supplementary effects. With these two complementary models, estimation of the cost of equity is carried out for the Tunisian banking sector. In order to account for inter‐individual heterogeneity, estimation of parameters is conducted according to random coefficient specifications within the context of panel data analysis.
Dynamic Equilibrium with Overpriced Put Options
Authors: Isaenko Sergey
Published: May 2007

It is a well‐known anomaly that prices of put options are too high when options are out‐of‐the‐money. This paper presents a simple general equilibrium model of the market where European put options become substantially overpriced when they are out‐of‐the‐money. Overpricing is due to the presence of short‐sale constraints on trading stocks and derivatives, as well as the heterogeneity between investors. We confirm the predicting power of the model by comparing its implications with existing empirical results.
Control of microcomedone formation throughout a maintenance treatment with adapalene gel, 0.1%
Authors: Thielitz A , Sidou F , Gollnick H
Published: May 2007

Background  Microcomedones representing the clinically non‐visible central precursor lesions of acne are induced by sebaceous hyperplasia as well as altered follicular growth and differentiation, and evolve into both comedones and inflammatory lesions. Thus, targeting microcomedone formation is essential in the prevention and therapeutic control of acne.

Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of adapalene gel, 0.1%, to control the number of microcomedones after a combination treatment followed by a maintenance treatment.

Methods  This was a single‐site exploratory study in subjects with a diagnosis of mild to moderate acne vulgaris and the presence of at least 250 microcomedones per cm2 at screening visit, counted via cyanoacrylate strips (CyASt). During the first 8 weeks, a combination of adapalene gel (0.1%) and benzoyl peroxide gel (2.5%) was applied. During the randomized, investigator‐blinded, and vehicle‐controlled 12‐week maintenance phase, adapalene once daily (QD), or adapalene alternately with its vehicle once daily every other day (QoD), or vehicle QD were applied to the face. CyASt sampling on the forehead was done at baseline, week 8, and week 20. Lesion counting allowing calculating a defined success rate was done at all visits.

Results  A total of 54 subjects entered the combination phase, and 49 subjects were randomized into the maintenance phase: 16 in both the adapalene QD and the QoD group and 17 subjects receiving the vehicle. The microcomedone median count decreased for all groups until week 8 (end of combination phase) from 319 to 157. Microcomedone counts at the end of the maintenance phase (week 20) showed a significant percent difference (P = 0.04) between adapalene QoD (–53.5) and the vehicle (–42.1) and between adapalene QD (–50.6) and the vehicle (P = 0.037) compared with baseline.

Conclusion  The application of adapalene gel, 0.1% monotherapy daily, or alternately every other day, significantly helps to control the microcomedone count during a 12‐week maintenance treatment after a previous combination therapy with benzoyl peroxide in patients with mild to moderate acne.
Pimecrolimus cream (1%) efficacy in perioral dermatitis – results of a randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study in 40 patients
Authors: Oppel T , Pavicic T , Kamann S , Bräutigam M , Wollenberg A
Published: May 2007

Background  Perioral dermatitis (POD) is a common skin disease and difficult to treat. Pimecrolimus cream (1%) successfully controls atopic eczema.

Objective  Our aim was to investigate its efficacy in POD.

Study design  Single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study including 40 POD patients with a 4‐week treatment and a 4‐week follow‐up. Efficacy was assessed by a novel Perioral Dermatitis Severity Index (PODSI) and Finlay's Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Setting  Outpatient clinics of a large dermatological hospital in Munich, Germany.

Results  During treatment, the PODSI was significantly lower in the pimecrolimus group compared with vehicle (P = 0.005–0.02) whereas at follow‐up, no significant differences were observed. At week 2, the responder rates (≥ 50% PODSI improvement) were 50% with pimecrolimus cream (1%) and 25% with vehicle (P = 0.095). DLQI was improved in pimecrolimus group compared with vehicle.

Conclusion  Results suggest that pimecrolimus cream (1%) effectively treats acute‐stage POD.
Natural history of extensive Mongolian spots in mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome): a survey among 52 Japanese patients
Authors: Ochiai T , Suzuki Y , Kato T , Shichino H , Chin M , Mugishima H , Orii T
Published: May 2007

Background  Recent reports have shown a correlation between extensive Mongolian spots and mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome). However, a statistical survey of the incidence and natural history of extensive Mongolian spots among the patients with Hunter syndrome is lacking.

Objectives  To determine the prevalence of extensive Mongolian spots, to determine the natural course of the spots according to age in Japanese patients with Hunter syndrome, and to compare them with the results obtained from the patients’ brothers who did not have Hunter syndrome.

Patients/Methods  Fifty‐two males with Hunter syndrome aged 3 to 40 years were studied. Twenty‐five patients were examined in two clinics to determine the existence and characteristics of the spots. We interviewed their families about the spots in their neonates and the natural course of the spots according to their ages. The same survey was done among another 27 patients using a mailed questionnaire to their families. As control, we investigated 21 brothers of the patients by a mailed questionnaire to their families.

Results  The extensive Mongolian spots are identified in almost all the infants with Hunter syndrome and disappear extremely later in their life. The lesions had a high incidence of deep‐blue hyperpigmentation. Regardless of age, the overall incidence was 78%. All of the brothers who did not have Hunter syndrome had common‐type Mongolian spots in neonates, which regressed during their childhood.

Conclusion  Our results confirm a strong correlation between extensive Mongolian spots and Hunter syndrome for the Japanese population. The presence of extensive Mongolian blue spots should alert the physician to the possibility of Hunter syndrome.
The ‘EpiEnlist’ project: a dermo‐epidemiologic study on a representative sample of young Italian males. Prevalence of selected pigmentary lesions
Authors: Ingordo V , Gentile C , Iannazzone SS , Cusano F , Naldi L
Published: May 2007

Background  Few studies on the prevalence and incidence of many skin conditions in the general population are available because it is difficult to submit to dermatologic examination large samples of seemingly healthy population.

Objective  The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of several skin conditions among a sample that is deemed to be representative of the general population of young men living in southern Italy.

Patients/Methods  Potential conscripts resident in the coastal regions of southern Italy and called at the age of 18 to the Draft's Council Medical Unit in Taranto underwent a clinical and instrumental examination to evaluate their psycho‐physical fitness to compulsory service in Italian Navy. From January 1998 to April 2004 a dermo‐epidemiologic project named EpiEnlist (EPIdemiology in ENLISTed Men) project was carried out by the Department of Dermatology of the Italian Navy Hospital in Taranto under the auspices of the Italian Group for Epidemiological Research in Dermatology. All the subjects showing skin lesions evocative of neurofibromatosis (NF), congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), Becker nevus (BN), and vitiligo were referred to the Department of Dermatology of the Italian Navy Hospital for confirming the diagnosis. The confirmed cases were recorded in a predefined patient's card, containing the main anamnestic, clinical, instrumental, and laboratory data.

Results  Because the recording of the various conditions started and ended in different times, the total number of examined subjects varied. NF type 1 was diagnosed in 6 of 34 740 subjects [prevalence 1:5735 or 0.017%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.0008–0.0037], CMN in 157 of 23 354 (prevalence 1:148 or 0.67%; 95% CI, 0.57–0.79). BN was observed in 70 of 27 954 young men (prevalence 1:399 or 0.25%; 95% CI, 0.15–0.35), and its mean age of appearance was 11.9 years (minimum 5–maximum 17). In 41 subjects (58.6%), the age of appearance was over 10 years. Vitiligo was recorded in 60 of 34 740 persons (prevalence 1:579 or 0.17%; 95% CI, 0.13–0.22). In 40 subjects with vitiligo, the blood test was done: in 40% of these circulating autoantibodies, mainly anti‐thyroid (25.6%) and anti‐smooth muscle (17.3%) autoantibodies were detected, but only in 5% of cases, a thyroid disease was diagnosed, and no other sign of autoimmune diseases was observed.

Conclusions  The epidemiological data of the skin conditions considered in the present study can be considered roughly in agreement with those reported in the available surveys. Because they were obtained in a large sample of Italian young males from the general population, they can be useful for therapeutic and preventive interventions by the public health organizations.
Enhanced epithelial gap closure and increased angiogenesis in wounds of diabetic mice treated with adult murine bone marrow stromal progenitor cells
Authors: Javazon Elisabeth H. , Keswani Sundeep G. , Badillo Andrea T. , Crombleholme Timothy M. , Zoltick Philip W. , Radu Antoneta P. , Kozin Elliot D. , Beggs Kirstin , Malik Asim A. , Flake Alan W.
Published: May 2007

The direct application of bone marrow (BM) can accelerate the healing of chronic wounds. We hypothesized that this effect is due to the presence of stromal progenitor cells (SPCs) found within whole BM preparations. To test this hypothesis, we isolated adult murine SPCs from whole BM and examined their ability to enhance impaired wound healing compared with ficoll separated BM cells in the diabetic (db/db) mouse model. SPCs significantly enhanced reepithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and neovascularization compared with control wounds treated with BM or PBS alone. Higher frequencies of donor SPC cells compared with donor BM cells were observed in treated wounds at 7 days. Transdifferentiation into GFP‐positive mature endothelial cells was not observed. These observations suggest that SPCs improve wound healing through indirect mechanisms which lead to enhanced vascularization rather than through direct participation and incorporation into tissue. We conclude that topical application of BM‐derived SPCs may represent an effective strategy for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.
Cbfa1/Runx2‐deficiency delays bone wound healing and locally delivered Cbfa1/Runx2 promotes bone repair in animal models
Authors: Tu Qisheng , Zhang Jin , James Laji , Dickson Julia , Tang Jean , Yang Pishan , Chen Jake
Published: May 2007

Core binding factor 1 (Cbfa1)/runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) has been identified as a “master gene” in osteoblastic differentiation. In this two‐part study, part I of the study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that bone regeneration is compromised in Cbfa1+/− mice. Compared with wild‐type mice, wound healing was dramatically delayed in Cbfa1+/− mice characterized by the presence of a small amount of bone near the base of the wounds. The bone defects were largely filled with fibrous connective tissues 3 weeks after surgery. Part II was performed to determine the effects of Cbfa1 in enhancing bone wound healing using a gene‐activated matrix (GAM) method. Cbfa1 cDNA was mixed with a biodegradable bovine type I collagen sponge and was inserted into the periodontal window wounds of mice. Control sponges were collagen matrix without Cbfa1 cDNA. Histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that compared with controls, there was increased new bone formation that almost filled the wound defects 14 days after surgery in the Cbfa1‐GAM group. The collagen sponge matrix did not seem to elicit significant foreign body reaction in either group. In conclusion, the reduced expression of Cbfa1 interferes with the process of bone wound healing, and local application of Cbfa1 cDNA incorporated into a collagen matrix promotes bone tissue regeneration.
Antihypertensive Utility of Perindopril in a Large, General Practice‐Based Clinical Trial
Authors: Julius Stevo , Cohn Jay N. , Neutel Joel , Weber Michael , Turlapaty Prasad , Shen Yannan , Dong Victor , Batchelor Alicia , Lagast Hjalmar
Published: May 2007

The authors evaluated, in a community‐based open‐label trial, the effectiveness and safety of perindopril in 13,220 US hypertensive patients and studied how physicians adhere to hypertension treatment guidelines. Patients received perindopril 4 mg q.d. for 6 weeks. Based on physicians' perception of blood pressure response, the patient was either maintained on 4 mg or the dose was increased to 8 mg for an additional 6 weeks. From baseline to week 12, the mean sitting blood pressure significantly declined from 156.9/94.5 mm Hg to 139.2/84.0 mm Hg. Further dose titration resulted in a clinically significant reduction in blood pressure in all patients with inadequate response on 4 mg at week 6. Blood pressure control (<140/<90 mm Hg) was achieved at 12 weeks in 48.8% patients. The subpopulation analyses demonstrated that perindopril monotherapy was effective in both men and women, in patients of all ethnicities, and in patients <65 and ≤65 years of age. Perindopril was safe and well tolerated in all hypertensive subgroups including high‐risk patients. Physicians were more attuned to controlling diastolic than systolic blood pressure, and their adherence to the treatment guidelines was found to be not optimal.
The Use of Aldosterone Receptor Blockers in the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Weinberger Myron H.
Published: May 2007

The emerging role of aldosterone in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases has prompted a renewal of interest in therapeutic approaches designed to interfere with the action of this mineralocorticoid hormone. While spironolactone has long been used for this purpose, side effects, largely attributable to the interaction of this agent with non‐mineralocorticoid steroid receptors, has reduced the enthusiasm for its use. Eplerenone, a specific aldosterone receptor blocker with a lower incidence of the sex hormone‐related side effects than spironolactone, has been used in several recent clinical trials in hypertension and congestive heart failure. This review will highlight the major findings from these studies.
Efficacy and Safety of the Selective Aldosterone Blocker Eplerenone in Japanese Patients With Hypertension: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Dose‐Ranging Study
Authors: Saruta Takao , Kageyama Shigeru , Ogihara Toshio , Hiwada Kunio , Ogawa Masayo , Tawara Kazuji , Gatlin Marjorie , Garthwaite Susan , Bittman Richard , Patrick Jeffrey
Published: May 2007

Approximately 40% of Japanese patients with essential hypertension, including low‐renin hypertension, are inadequately managed. Low‐renin hypertension generally responds poorly to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor blockers, but may respond more optimally to diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and aldosterone blockers. This multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, dose‐ranging study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the selective aldosterone blocker eplerenone in 193 Japanese patients with essential hypertension. Although not a study inclusion criterion, baseline active plasma renin levels were consistently low (5.7–10.1 mU/L); most patients met the criteria for low‐renin hypertension (≤42.5 mU/L; normal range, 7–76 mU/L). Patients received placebo or eplerenone 50, 100, or 200 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (−6.8 to −10.6 mm Hg vs. −2.1 mm Hg; p≤0.0245 vs. placebo) at all eplerenone doses; diastolic pressure decreased significantly at 100 and 200 mg doses (−6.9 to −7.5 mm Hg vs. −3.0 mm Hg; p≤0.0022 vs. placebo). Eplerenone offers significant blood pressure reduction with good tolerability in Japanese patients with hypertension, including those with low‐renin hypertension.
Clinical Experience With Angiotensin Receptor Blockers With Particular Reference to Valsartan
Authors: Chrysant Steven G. , Chrysant George S.
Published: May 2007

The angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), are highly selective for the AT1 subtype and will block the effects of angiotensin II on peripheral vessels. Several short‐ and long‐term studies have shown these agents to be safe and effective antihypertensive drugs. Since monotherapy of hypertension may be ineffective in lowering the blood pressure to goal, the use of an ARB, especially in combination with a diuretic or another medication, is frequently necessary to bring the blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg (<130/80 mm Hg among people with diabetes mellitus or chronic renal failure), according to JNC 7 guidelines. Besides hypertension, the ARBs have been shown to reduce left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients. Other benefits of these medications, as well as the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), include a decrease in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure, or hypertensive diabetic nephropathy with proteinuria. Some of the beneficial effects noted with the ACEIs and ARBs (congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy), have also been demonstrated with the use of β blockers alone and in combination with a diuretic. These drugs, i.e., β blockers, ARBs, and ACEIs, seem to exert their beneficial action through the blockade of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system. The role of this system in cardiovascular remodeling and its blockade will be discussed in this review, which will specifically summarize data with the ARB, valsartan.
Clinical Problems in the Management of Hypertension 1) Prehypertension: Should We Treat? 2)The Very Elderly: How Should We Treat
Authors: Moser Marvin , Alderman Michael H. , Wright Jackson T.
Published: May 2007

Following a hypertension symposium in New York, NY, on January 28, 2004, a panel was convened to discuss several issues of interest in the management of hypertension. Dr. Marvin Moser of the Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, moderated the discussion. Dr. Michael Alderman of the Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Bronx, NY, and Dr. Jackson Wright, Jr. of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, were the participants.