bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarized Pluralist and Democratic Corporatist Models
Authors: Strömbäck Jesper , Luengo Óscar G.
Published: October 2008

Even though the news coverage of election campaigns is important and has been at the centre of political communication research for a long time, there is still a lack of comparative studies in this area. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the election news coverage in Spain and Sweden. Theoretically, the study draws primarily on the concept and theory of framing and structural bias. The empirical method used is quantitative content analysis of the election news coverage in three newspapers in each country. The time period includes the three weeks prior to the Swedish national election in 2002 and the Spanish national election in 2004.
The Morbidity of the Button-over-Nail Technique for Zone 1 Flexor Tendon Repairs. Should we still be using this Technique?
Authors: KANG N. , MARSH D. , DEWAR D.
Published: October 2008

The button-over-nail technique is commonly used to fix the core suture to the distal phalanx for flexor digitorum profundus repairs in zone 1. We report a retrospective study of 23 consecutive patients who had a repair of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon in zone 1 using the button-over-nail technique. Fifteen patients experienced a complication, of which ten were directly related to the button-over-nail technique. Complications included nail deformities, fixed flexion deformities of the distal interphalangeal joint, infections and prolonged hypersensitivity. Two patients required amputation of the fingertip. We recommend that the button-over-nail technique should be avoided or used only with caution and with close attention to the details of the technique.
Hand Injuries During Hand Surgery: A Survey of Intraoperative Sharp Injuries of the Hand Among Hand Surgeons
Authors: LOPEZ R. A. , RAYAN G. M. , MONLUX R.
Published: October 2008

An e-mail survey comprising 19 questions was directed towards members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) to investigate the prevalence and nature of intraoperative injuries to hand surgeons during hand surgery. The responses were collected, statistical analysis was done and trends were extrapolated. Two hundred members of the ASSH completed the e-mail survey. A hand surgeon in practice for greater than 10 years has a 97% chance of sustaining an intraoperative “sharps” injury. The injury is self-inflicted (88%) in most cases and the index finger (94%) of the left hand (87%) is the most likely site. The suture needle was the cause in 91% of cases. Awareness of the risks and factors associated with hand injuries during hand surgery and adopting intraoperative measures are important strategies for preventing these potentially serious and life-threatening accidents.
Vascularised Bone Grafting in the Management of Scaphoid Non-Union – A Review of 34 Cases
Authors: KAPOOR A. K. , THOMPSON N. W. , RAFIQ I. , HAYTON M. J. , STILLWELL J. , TRAIL I. A.
Published: October 2008

We reviewed the outcomes of 34 patients who had undergone vascularised bone grafting for a chronic scaphoid non-union. Mean age was 27 years (range 16–46 years). The dominant hand was involved in 17 cases. Eleven patients were smokers. In 18 cases the fracture involved the proximal and in 16 cases the middle third of the scaphoid. In 26 patients the proximal scaphoid fragment was deemed avascular. Sixteen patients had previously undergone scaphoid fixation and non-vascularised bone grafting. At a follow-up of 1 to 3 years (mean 1.6 years), 15 of the 34 scaphoid non-unions had united. Injury to the dominant hand and duration of the non-union significantly increased the risk of failure. Persistent non-union was more common in proximal third fractures and in the presence of an avascular proximal pole but these findings did not reach statistical significance.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Occult Dorsal Wrist Ganglions
Authors: GOLDSMITH S. , YANG S. S.
Published: October 2008

Small occult dorsal wrist ganglia, which are not visible or palpable, may be painful. Clinically, there is tenderness over the scapholunate ligament and pain with hyperextension of the wrist with normal radiographs and an otherwise normal examination. We reviewed 20 patients with suspected occult ganglia who underwent an MRI scan and subsequently underwent surgical excision of the cyst. We compared the MRI diagnosis with the intra-operative findings and the histological evaluation of the surgical specimen to determine the accuracy of MRI in identifying an occult ganglion. When intra-operative determination of disease was used as a standard, the sensitivity of MRI scanning was 83%, the specificity was 50%, the positive predictive value was 94% and the accuracy 80%. Using histology as the standard, the sensitivity was 80%, the specificity 20%, and the positive predictive value 75%.
A Randomised Clinical Study Comparing Palmar and Dorsal Fixed-Angle Plates for the Internal Fixation of AO C-Type Fractures of the Distal Radius in the Elderly
Authors: JAKUBIETZ R. G. , GRUENERT J. G. , KLOSS D. F. , SCHINDELE S. , JAKUBIETZ M. G.
Published: October 2008

Current surgical treatments for distal radial fractures include dorsal and palmar plate fixation. We report results of a randomised study comparing these methods for AO C1–3 fractures. The emphasis was placed on the early postoperative functional recovery within the first 6 months as this interval is of decisive importance for elderly patients. Thirty patients with unilateral AO C1–3 fractures were enroled, 15 were treated with a palmar plate and 15 received a dorsal Pi-plate. Results were assessed 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively focusing on functional recovery. The palmar plate group demonstrated significantly better results in range of motion, grip strength and pain.
Thermal expansion behaviour of plasma sprayed Al–SiCp composites
Authors: Gui M. C. , Kang S. B. , Euh K.
Published: October 2008

Al with 55 and 75 vol.-%SiC powders were free mechanically mixed or ball milled as feedstock. The powder feedstock was deposited onto a graphite substrate to form near net shape of Al/SiC composites by air plasma spraying. The pores and the gaps at the Al/SiC interface as well as at the boundary of Al grains exist extensively in the as sprayed composites. Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the sprayed composites was measured in the temperature range of 25–300°C. The composites plasma sprayed with Al–75SiC powder feedstock can reach a low CTE value of 8 × 10−6 °C−1. The effect of pore on the CTE of the composites has been discussed. The gap at Al/SiC interface has an influence on thermal expansion behaviour only at lower test temperatures. Reduction and elimination of the gap with temperature can offset the thermal expansion of the as sprayed composites, resulting in lower CTE at the beginning of the CTE test. Roughly quantitative consideration of the effect of the interfacial gaps between Al and SiC on CET was given. Linear rule of mixture (ROM), Turner and Kerner's models were used to estimate the CTE of the sprayed composites. It was found that ROM and Kerner's model give closer CTE prediction for the present composites.
Finite element analysis for inductive reheating process of continuously cast steel billets
Authors: Wu X. Z. , Wang C. S. , Wang J. S.
Published: October 2008

Inductive heating has distinctive advantages for reheating of billets in continuous casting, but the success of this process requires good understanding of the operation principles and effective control of the process variables. In the present study modelling and finite element simulation are performed for the inductive reheating of continuously cast square billets. Important performance characteristics such as temperature profile, magnetic field distribution and the power absorption have been analysed. Representative temperatures obtained from the simulation are compared with experimentally measured temperatures. The results provide better understanding of the inductive reheating process and key information for process design.
Effect of prior austenite characteristics on mechanical properties of thermomechanically processed multiphase TRIP assisted steels
Authors: Hosseini S. M. K. , Zarei-Hanzaki A. , Essadiqi E. , Yue S.
Published: October 2008

To develop any multiphase transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) assisted steel through thermomechanical processing routes, the effects of materials and process variables are to be thoroughly identified. Accordingly, the present work was programmed to study the influence of the state of prior austenite on the subsequent transformations and the related final phase combinations. In this framework, using a low carbon TRIP assisted multiphase steel, the compression specimens were subjected to different thermomechanical processing schedules to generate different prior austenite characteristics. The results indicated that the characteristics of martensite/austenite (M/A) microcomponent in the final microstructure were dictated by the state of prior austenite. In fact, increasing prior austenite grain size led to large decrease in the amount of M/A phase and this, in turn, resulted to higher strength without sacrificing the ductility. It was also found that static recrystallisation of austenite brings about more percentage of M/A phase compared with dynamic recrystallisation.
Comparative experimental study on effects of conventional and ultrasonic deep cold rolling processes on Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Bozdana A. T. , Gindy N. N. Z.
Published: October 2008

The present paper presents the experimental studies on the treatment of Ti–6Al–4V using conventional and ultrasonic deep cold rolling (CDCR and UDCR) processes. The UDCR process is a novel technique in which the ultrasonic technology was incorporated into the concept of the CDCR process, which enables use of superimposed dynamic forces onto considerably reduced static forces applied on a part surface during treatments by UDCR. Considerable improvements in surface topography and near surface characteristics of treated material were achieved in the present study. Both processes exhibited comparable results in surface finish and induced compressive residual stresses, while the UDCR process produced superior results than the CDCR process in work hardening. The investigations suggest that the UDCR process could provide technological benefits for the treatment of thin walled aerospace components to be carried out without geometry distortion, which would lead to improved fatigue life and resistance to failure mechanisms.
Numerical computing and experimental validation of effective elastic properties of 2D multilayered C/SiC composites
Authors: Wang H. B. , Zhang W. H. , Xu Y. J. , Zeng Q. F.
Published: October 2008

The effective elastic properties of carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide composite (C/SiC) with multilayered matrix manufactured by chemical vapour infiltration method are studied in the present paper. Based on the material tomography of scanning electron microscopy, distributions of voids and microcracks are identified and taken into account in the finite element model of such C/SiC composite. It is shown the proposed two scale finite element models of multilayered C/SiC composites can characterise physically the real situation of involved voids and microcracks related to the chemical vapour infiltration process. The numerical results of effective moduli and experimental ones have a reasonable agreement.
Menin regulates the function of hematopoietic stem cells and lymphoid progenitors
Authors: Maillard Ivan , Chen Ya-Xiong , Friedman Ann , Yang Yuqing , Tubbs Anthony T. , Shestova Olga , Pear Warren S. , Hua Xianxin
Published: October 2008

Men1 is a tumor suppressor gene mutated in endocrine neoplasms. Besides its endocrine role, the Men1 gene product menin interacts with the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) protein, a histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase. Although menin and MLL fusion proteins cooperate to activate Homeobox (Hox) gene expression during transformation, little is known about the normal hematopoietic functions of menin. Here, we studied hematopoiesis after Men1 ablation. Menin loss modestly impaired blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts. Without hematopoietic stress, multilineage and myelo-erythroid bone marrow progenitor numbers were preserved, while B lymphoid progenitors were decreased. In contrast, competitive transplantation revealed a marked functional defect of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the absence of menin, despite normal initial homing of progenitors to the bone marrow. HoxA9 gene expression was only modestly decreased in menin-deficient HSCs. These observations reveal a novel and essential role for menin in HSC homeostasis that was most apparent during situations of hematopoietic recovery, suggesting that menin regulates molecular pathways that are essential during the adaptive HSC response to stress.
The strength of inhibitory input during education quantitatively tunes the functional responsiveness of individual natural killer cells
Authors: Brodin Petter , Lakshmikanth Tadepally , Johansson Sofia , Kärre Klas , Höglund Petter
Published: October 2008

Natural killer (NK) cells express inhibitory receptors for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. If self-MHC is down-regulated or absent, lack of inhibition triggers “missing self” killing. NK cells developing in the absence of MHC class I are hypo-responsive, demonstrating that MHC class I molecules are required for NK-cell education. Here, we show that the number and the type of MHC class I alleles that are present during NK-cell education quantitatively determine the frequency of responding NK cells, the number of effector functions in individual NK cells, and the amount of interferon-γ production in NK cells of specific Ly49 subsets. A relationship between the extent of inhibitory signals during education and functional responsiveness was corroborated by an enhanced probability of NK cells expressing more than one inhibitory receptor for a single host self–MHC class I allele to degranulate after activation. Our data suggest that the capacity of an individual NK cell to respond to stimulation is quantitatively controlled by the extent of inhibitory signals that are received from MHC class I molecules during NK-cell education.
Degradation of soluble VEGF receptor-1 by MMP-7 allows VEGF access to endothelial cells
Authors: Ito Ta-Kashi , Ishii Genichiro , Saito Seiji , Yano Keiichi , Hoshino Ayuko , Suzuki Tasuku , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: October 2008

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in endothelial cells serves a critical role in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Endothelial cells secrete soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1/sFlt-1), an endogenous VEGF inhibitor that sequesters VEGF and blocks its access to VEGF receptors. This raises the question of how VEGF passes through this endogenous VEGF trap to reach its membrane receptors on endothelial cells, a step required for VEGF-driven angiogenesis. Here, we show that matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) degrades human sVEGFR-1, which increases VEGF bioavailability around the endothelial cells. Using a tube formation assay, migration assay, and coimmunoprecipitation assay with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we show that the degradation of sVEGFR-1 by MMP-7 liberates the VEGF165 isoform from sVEGFR-1. The presence of MMP-7 abrogates the inhibitory effect of sVEGFR-1 on VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2 on HUVECs. These data suggest that VEGF escapes the sequestration by endothelial sVEGFR-1 and promotes angiogenesis in the presence of MMP-7.
Inhalation of vasoactive intestinal peptide in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Leuchte H. H. , Baezner C. , Baumgartner R. A. , Bevec D. , Bacher G. , Neurohr C. , Behr J.
Published: October 2008

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) leads to an increased right ventricular workload, cardiac failure and death. In idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) the vasodilating vasoactive intestinal peptide (aviptadil) is deficient. The aim of the present study was to test the acute effects on haemodynamics and blood gases, and the safety, of a single dose of inhaled aviptadil in chronic PH.

A total of 20 patients with PH (PAH in nine, PH in lung disease in eight and chronic thromboembolic PH in three) inhaled a single 100-µg dose of aviptadil during right-heart catheterisation. Haemodynamics and blood gases were measured.

Aviptadil aerosol caused a small and temporary but significant selective pulmonary vasodilation, an improved stroke volume and mixed venous oxygen saturation. Overall, six patients experienced a pulmonary vascular resistance reduction of >20%. In patients with significant lung disease, aviptadil tended to improve oxygenation.

The pulmonary vasodilating effect of aviptadil aerosol was modest and short-lived, did not cause any side-effects and led to a reduced workload of the right ventricle without affecting systemic blood pressure. Aviptadil inhalation tended to improve oxygenation in patients with significant lung disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate the full therapeutic potential of aviptadil aerosol, including higher doses and chronic treatment.
Lung cancer gene associated with COPD: triple whammy or possible confounding effect?
Authors: Young R. P. , Hopkins R. J. , Hay B. A. , Epton M. J. , Black P. N. , Gamble G. D.
Published: October 2008

Recently, several large genome-wide association studies have identified a putative “lung cancer” locus in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit genes (nAChR) on 15q25. However, these findings may be confounded by the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is also strongly associated with smoking exposure and lung cancer. This is likely as the prevalence of COPD in lung cancer cohorts is as much as two-fold greater than that reported in smoking control populations (50versus 20%).

The present authors compared the genotype frequencies of the most strongly associated single nucleotide polymorphism (rs16969968) in the α5 subunit of the nAChR gene cluster between three matched smoking cohorts.

The AA genotype was found to be more frequent and was seen in 437 (16%) lung cancer cases and 445 (14%) COPD cases compared with 475 (9%) healthy smoking controls. More importantly, when 429 lung cancer cases were divided according to spirometry results (performed within 3 months of diagnosis, prior to surgery and in the absence of effusions or collapse), the AA genotype was present in 19 and 11% of cases with and without COPD, respectively.

These findings suggest that the association between the α5 subunit nicotinic acetylcholine receptor single nucleotide polymorphism and lung cancer may, in part, be confounded by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Assessment of the pharmacokinetics and dynamics of two combination regimens of fosmidomycin-clindamycin in patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria
Authors: Ruangweerayut Ronnatrai , Looareesuwan Sornchai , Hutchinson David , Chauemung Anurak , Banmairuroi Vick , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: October 2008

Background

This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of fosmidomycin when given in combination with clindamycin at two dosage regimens in patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Methods

A total of 70 patients with acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria who fulfilled the enrolment criteria were recruited in the pharmacokinetic study. Patients were treated with two different dosage regimens of fosmidomycin in combination with clindamycin as follows:

Group I: fosmidomycin (900 mg) and clindamycin (300 mg) every 6 hours for 3 days (n = 25); and Group II: fosmidomycin (1,800 mg) and clindamycin (600 mg) every 12 hours for 3 days (n = 54).

Results

Both regimens were well tolerated with no serious adverse events. The 28-day cure rates for Group I and Group II were 91.3 and 89.7%, respectively. Steady-state plasma concentrations of fosmidomycin and clindamycin were attained at about 24 hr after the first dose. The pharmacokinetics of both fosmidomycin and clindamycin analysed by model-independent and model-dependent approaches were generally in broad agreement. There were marked differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of fosmidomycin and clindamycin when given as two different combination regimens. In general, most of the dose-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters (model-independent Cmax: 3.74 vs 2.41 μg/ml; Cmax-ss: 2.80 vs 2.08 μg/ml; Cmax-min-ss: 2.03 vs 0.71 μg/ml; AUC: 23.31 vs 10.63 μg.hr/ml (median values) were significantly higher in patients who received the high dose regimen (Group II). However, Cmin-ss was lower in this group (0.80 vs 1.37 μg/ml), resulting in significantly higher fluctuations in the plasma concentrations of both fosmidomycin and clindamycin following multiple dosing (110.0 vs 41.9%). Other pharmacokinetic parameters, notably total clearance (CL/F), apparent volume of distribution (V/F, Vz/F) and elimination half-life (t1/2z, t1/2e) were also significantly different between the two dosage regimens. In addition, the dose-dependent pharmacokinetics of both fosmidomycin and clindamycin tended to be lower in patients with recrudescence responses in both groups.

Conclusion

The findings may suggest that dosing frequency and duration have a significant impact on outcome. The combination of fosmidomycin (900 mg) and clindamycin (300–600 mg) administered every six hours for a minimum of five days would constitute the lowest dose regimen with the shortest duration of treatment and which could result in a cure rate greater than 95%.
"Sequencing-grade" screening for BRCA1 variants by oligo-arrays
Authors: Monaco Alessandro , Menolascina Filippo , Zhao Yingdong , Tommasi Stefania , Sabatino Marianna , Fasano Ross , Paradiso Angelo , Marincola Francesco M , Wang Ena
Published: October 2008

The need for fast, efficient, and less costly means to screen genetic variants associated with disease predisposition led us to develop an oligo-nucleotide array-based process for gene-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. This cost-effective, high-throughput strategy has high sensitivity and the same degree of accuracy as direct sequencing, the current gold standard for genetic screening. We used the BRCA1 breast and ovarian cancer predisposing gene model for the validation of the accuracy and efficiency of our strategy. This process could detect point mutations, insertions or deletions of any length, of known and unknown variants even in heterozygous conditions without affecting sensitivity and specificity. The system could be applied to other disorders and can also be custom-designed to include a number of genes related to specific clinical conditions. This system is particularly useful for the screening of long genomic regions with relatively infrequent but clinically relevant variants, while drastically cutting time and costs in comparison to high-throughput sequencing.
Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies for depression: the evidence base
Authors: Taylor David
Published: October 2008

This article argues that the current approach to guideline development for the treatment of depression is not supported by the evidence: clearly depression is not a disease for which treatment efficacy is best determined by short-term randomised controlled trials. As a result, important findings have been marginalised. Different principles of evidence-gathering are described. When a wider range of the available evidence is critically considered the case for dynamic approaches to the treatment of depression can be seen to be stronger than is often thought. Broadly, the benefits of short-term psychodynamic therapies are equivalent in size to the effects of antidepressants and cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT). The benefits of CBT may occur more quickly, but those of short-term psychodynamic therapies may continue to increase after treatment. There may be a ceiling on the effects of short-term treatments of whatever type. Longer-term psychodynamic treatments may improve associated social, work and personal dysfunctions as well as reductions in depressive symptoms.
Intellectual disability co-occurring with schizophrenia and other psychiatric illness: population-based study
Authors: Morgan Vera A. , Leonard Helen , Bourke Jenny , Jablensky Assen
Published: October 2008

Background

The epidemiology of intellectual disability co-occurring with schizophrenia and other psychiatric illness is poorly understood. The separation of mental health from intellectual disability services has led to a serious underestimation of the prevalence of dual diagnosis, with clinicians ill-equipped to treat affected individuals.

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of dual diagnosis and describe its clinical profile.

Method

The Western Australian population-based psychiatric and intellectual disability registers were cross-linked (totaln=245 749).

Results

Overall, 31.7% of people with an intellectual disability had a psychiatric disorder; 1.8% of people with a psychiatric illness had an intellectual disability. Schizophrenia, but not bipolar disorder and unipolar depression, was greatly overrepresented among individuals with a dual diagnosis: depending on birth cohort, 3.7–5.2% of those with intellectual disability had co-occurring schizophrenia. Pervasive developmental disorder was identified through the Intellectual Disability Register and is therefore limited to individuals with intellectual impairment. None the less, pervasive developmental disorder was more common among people with a dual diagnosis than among individuals with intellectual disability alone. Down syndrome was much less prevalent among individuals with a dual diagnosis despite being the most predominant cause of intellectual disability. Individuals with a dual diagnosis had higher mortality rates and were more disabled than those with psychiatric illness alone.

Conclusions

The facility to combine records across administrative jurisdictions has enhanced our understanding of the epidemiology of dual diagnosis, its clinical manifestations and aetiological implications. In particular, our results are suggestive of a common pathogenesis in intellectual disability co-occurring with schizophrenia.
Severity of depression and risk for subsequent dementia: cohort studies in China and the UK
Authors: Chen Ruoling , Hu Zhi , Wei Li , Qin Xia , McCracken Cherie , Copeland John R.
Published: October 2008

Background

Depression and dementia often exist concurrently. The associations of depressive syndromes and severity of depression with incident dementia have been little studied.

Aims

To determine the effects of depressive syndromes and cases of depression on the risk of incident dementia.

Method

Participants in China and the UK aged ⩾565 years without dementia were interviewed using the Geriatric Mental State interview and re-interviewed 1 year later in 1254 Chinese, and 2 and 4 years later in 3341 and 2157 British participants respectively (Ageing in Liverpool Project Health Aspects: part of the Medical Research Council – Cognitive Function and Ageing study).

Results

Incident dementia was associated with only the most severe depressive syndromes in both Chinese and British participants. The risk of dementia increased, not in the less severe cases of depression but in the most severe cases. The multiple adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=5.44 (95% CI 1.67–17.8) for Chinese participants at 1-year follow-up, and HR=2.47 (95% CI 1.25–4.89) and HR=2.62 (95% CI 1.18–5.80) for British participants at 2- and 4-year follow-up respectively. The effect was greater in younger participants.

Conclusions

Only the most severe syndromes and cases of depression are a risk factor for dementia.
Associations between childhood trauma, bullying and psychotic symptoms among a school-based adolescent sample
Authors: Kelleher Ian , Harley Michelle , Lynch Fionnuala , Arseneault Louise , Fitzpatrick Carol , Cannon Mary
Published: October 2008

Background

Children and adolescents who report psychotic symptoms appear to be at increased risk for psychotic disorders in adulthood – a putative ‘symptomatic’ high-risk group. However, little research has investigated whether those in this high-risk population have increased rates of exposure to traumatic events in childhood, as seen in patients who have a psychotic illness.

Aims

To examine whether adolescents with psychotic symptoms have an increased rate of traumatic experiences.

Method

Psychiatric interviews were carried out with 211 adolescents aged between 12 and 15 years and their parents as part of a population-based study. The interview enquired about a number of early traumatic events including physical and sexual abuse, exposure to domestic violence and bullying.

Results

Fourteen adolescents (6.6% of those interviewed) reported experiencing at least one psychotic symptom. Adolescents who reported psychotic symptoms were significantly more likely to have been physically abused in childhood, to have been exposed to domestic violence and to be identified as a bully/victim (that is, both a perpetrator and victim of bullying) than those who did not report such symptoms. These findings were not confounded by comorbid psychiatric illness or family history of psychiatric history.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that childhood trauma may increase the risk of psychotic experiences. The characteristics of bully/victims deserve further study.
Alcohol-related dementia: a 21st-century silent epidemic?
Authors: Gupta Susham , Warner James
Published: October 2008

Evidence suggests a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment and other health indicators, with low levels of consumption having better outcomes than abstention or moderate to heavy drinking. Most research to date has focused on the protective effects of drinking small amounts of alcohol. As alcohol consumption is escalating rapidly in many countries, the current cohort of young and middle-aged people may face an upsurge of alcohol-related dementia. The dangers of heavy drinking and its effect on cognition require further attention.
Patient information on schizophrenia on the internet
Authors: Kalk Nicola J. , Pothier David D.
Published: October 2008

Aims and Methods

The internet is an important source of mental health information. Given variable literacy levels in the general public, patient information websites need to be easily readable to prevent misunderstanding and consequent misinformation about mental health problems being propagated. the aim was to ascertain the readability of websites containing patient information about schizophrenia. Twenty websites containing patient information about schizophrenia generated by Google® were analysed for Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level.

Results

According to standardised Flesch Reading Ease classification, 40% of the selected sites were classified as very difficult, 55% as difficult and 5% as fairly difficult. None were considered easy to read. There was a negative correlation of 70.798 (P < 0.001) between Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, which demonstrates the reliability of these results.

Clinical Implications

Easily accessed schizophrenia information websites do not score highly for readability. Those that produce websites should bear readability in mind when writing them in order to construct more readable sites. Ideally, these should be accredited by recognised organisations that evaluate readability. Clinicians should assess website information for readability before recommending them to patients or carers.
Therapeutic assessment based on cognitive–analytic therapy for young people presenting with self-harm: pilot study
Authors: Kraupl-Taylor Dennis Ougrin , Ng Audrey V. , Low James
Published: October 2008

Aims and Method

Adolescents presenting with self-harm have poor adherence to community follow-up. Poor adherence is a principal obstacle to treatment delivery and is associated with poor psychosocial outcomes. Therapeutic assessment is a novel method of assessing adolescents with self-harm. We compared therapeutic assessment with assessment as usual in a pilot study of 38 adolescents referred for psychosocial assessment following self-harm.

Results

Significantly more adolescents assessed with therapeutic assessment than with usual assessment attended the first community follow-up appointment (75% v. 40%, χ2=3.89, P < 0.05) and engaged with services (62% v. 30% χ2=4.49, P < 0.05).

Clinical Implications

Young people assessed using therapeutic assessment may be more likely to engage with community follow-up. A therapeutic intervention at the time of the initial assessment might be necessary to enable future therapeutic work.
Destigmatising schizophrenia: does changing terminology reduce negative attitudes?
Authors: Kingdon David , Vincent Selvarej , Vincent Sylvia , Kinoshita Yoshihiro , Turkington Douglas
Published: October 2008

Aims and Method

Health promotion campaigns using current terminology have had limited success in reducing stigma to schizophrenia. Terminology and subgroups based on historical precedent, clinical experience and psychosocial research have been developed to provide an alternative to existing terminology, and the attitudes to schizophrenia and alternative terminology of a sample of medical students (n=241) were compared.

Results

Overall attitudes were significantly less negative with the alternatives. the students were less negative about the potential for recovery in relation to all the subgroups than for schizophrenia. Concerns about dangerousness were also less prominent with the exception of the drug-related group.

Clinical Implications

Subgroups and alternative terminology should be further explored in programmes to destigmatise schizophrenia.
Implementing the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) in a forensic mental health service
Authors: Doyle Michael , Lewis Geraint , Brisbane Moya
Published: October 2008

Aims and Method

To evaluate the practical utility and face validity of a new risk assessment guideline, the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START), within a forensic mental health service. Staff attended training and subsequently used the START to assess and formulate risk. Staff then completed an evaluation questionnaire about their experiences of using the START.

Results

The study proved useful in evaluating the practical utility and face validity of the START. the START demonstrated both good practical utility and face validity. Areas of difficulty in completing the START were identified and areas for developing the START were highlighted.

Clinical Implications

The service subsequently implemented a revised version of the START into routine practice. the results of the pilot study suggest that the START can usefully assist in structuring risk judgements in practice.
Best practice in managing violence and related risks
Authors: Haque Quazi , Cree Adrian , Webster Christopher , Hasnie Bushra
Published: October 2008

Best Practice in Managing Risk is a recent Department of Health publication which provides a framework for mental health professionals working with service users to assess risk. It underpins risk assessment with principles of good practice for all mental health settings and provides a list of guides offering structure to risk management. We consider the potential issues that may influence successful implementation of this framework across services based on personal experience in the field of risk assessment.
Role of Protein Kinase C in the Expression of Endothelin Converting Enzyme-1
Authors: Khamaisi Mogher , Dahan Rachel , Hamed Saher , Abassi Zaid , Heyman Samuel N. , Raz Itamar
Published: October 2008

Increased expression of endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) is associated with diabetic nephropathy. The molecular mechanisms underlying this association, as yet unknown, possibly involve protein kinase C (PKC) pathways. In the present study, we examined the effects of high glucose and PKC activation on ECE-1 expression in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in HUVEC line (EA.hy926). Increasing glucose concentration, but not mannitol, from 5.5–22.2 mmol/liter for 3 d, enhanced prepro endothelin-1 (ET-1) mRNA expression, ET-1 levels, ECE-1 protein, and mRNA expressions by 7, 4, 20, and 2.6-fold, respectively. High glucose increased ECE-1 protein expression dose and time dependently. By Western blot analysis, PKC-β1, -β2, and -δ isoform levels were significantly increased relative to other isoforms when glucose level was increased. Treatment with Rottlerin, a PKC-δ isoform inhibitor, reduced significantly the glucose-induced ET-1 secretion, and ECE-1 protein expression, but (S)-13-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-10,11,14,15-tetrahydro-4,9:16,21-dimetheno 1H,13H-dibenzo[e,k]pyrrolo[3,4-h] (1, 4, 3) oxadiaza-cyclohexadecene-1,3(2H)-dione or Gö6976, specific PKC-β and -α inhibitors, respectively, did not. Overexpression of PKC-δ but not PKC-α or -β1 isoforms by adenovirus vector containing the respective cDNA in HUVECs incubated with 5.5 mmol/liter glucose, increased in parallel PKC proteins, and glucose-induced endothein-1 and ECE-1 protein expression by 4- to 6-fold. These results show that enhanced ECE-1 expression induced by hyperglycemia is partly due to activation of the PKC-δ isoform. Thus, inhibition of this PKC isoform may prevent diabetes-related increase in ET-1.

Hyperglycemia-induced enhanced endothelin converting enzyme-1 expression is mediated by PKC-δ. Inhibition of this PKC isoform may prevent diabetes-related increase in endothelin-1.
c-Fos Mediates Angiotensin II-Induced Aldosterone Production and Protein Synthesis in Bovine Adrenal Glomerulosa Cells
Authors: Rincon Garriz Jose Maria , Suarez Catherine , Capponi Alessandro M.
Published: October 2008

Angiotensin II (AngII), potassium ion, and ACTH are the main factors controlling aldosterone biosynthesis in adrenal glomerulosa cells. AP-1 response elements for the immediate early gene products, c-Fos and c-Jun, have been identified, among others, in the promoter of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein gene, whose expression is acutely regulated by activators of aldosterone production. In bovine glomerulosa cells, AngII treatment led to a rapid and transient increase in c-fos mRNA expression, c-Fos protein expression, and c-Fos phosphorylation. Inhibition of the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway abolished the effect of AngII on c-fos mRNA, protein, and phosphorylation. EMSA and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that c-Fos binds with c-Jun to the proximal StAR promoter and that AngII treatment increases the amount of c-Fos bound to the promoter. Overexpression of a dominant-negative form of c-Fos with adenoviral vectors inhibited StAR mRNA and StAR protein expression as well as aldosterone biosynthesis in response to AngII. The dominant-negative c-Fos also prevented the increase in protein synthesis induced by AngII in glomerulosa cells, as assessed by [3H]leucine incorporation. These results indicate that AngII rapidly induces c-Fos expression and posttranslational modifications. Furthermore, a heterodimeric c-Fos/c-Jun complex binds to the proximal StAR promoter in glomerulosa cells, thus activating StAR gene expression and acute aldosterone biosynthesis. Finally, c-Fos also contributes to other functional responses to the hormone, such as protein synthesis.

In adrenal glomerulosa cells, angiotensin II induces expression and phosphorylation of c-Fos, which mediates the peptide’s effects on StAR gene expression, aldosterone production and protein synthesis.
Targeted Ablation of the WW Domain-Containing Oxidoreductase Tumor Suppressor Leads to Impaired Steroidogenesis
Authors: Aqeilan Rami I. , Hagan John P. , de Bruin Alain , Rawahneh Maysoon , Salah Zaidoun , Gaudio Eugenio , Siddiqui Hasan , Volinia Stefano , Alder Hansjuerg , Lian Jane B. , Stein Gary S. , Croce Carlo M.
Published: October 2008

The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene encodes a 46-kDa tumor suppressor. The Wwox protein contains two N-terminal WW domains that interact with several transcriptional activators containing proline-tyrosine motifs and a central short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase domain that has been suggested to play a role in steroid metabolism. Recently, we have shown that targeted deletion of the Wwox gene in mice leads to postnatal lethality and defects in bone growth. Here, we report that Wwox-deficient mice display impaired steroidogenesis. Mutant homozygous mice are born with gonadal abnormalities, including failure of Leydig cell development in testis and reduced theca cell proliferation in ovary. Furthermore, Wwox−/− mice displayed impaired gene expression of key steroidogenesis enzymes. Affymetrix microarray gene analysis revealed differentially expressed related genes in steroidogenesis in knockout mice testis and ovary as compared with control mice. These results demonstrate the essential requirement for the Wwox tumor suppressor in proper steroidogenesis.

The Wwox tumor suppressor is an essential requirement in proper steroidogenesis.
Retarded Developmental Expression and Patterning of Retinal Cone Opsins in Hypothyroid Mice
Authors: Lu Ailing , Ng Lily , Ma Michelle , Kefas Benjamin , Davies Terry F. , Hernandez Arturo , Chan Chi-Chao , Forrest Douglas
Published: October 2008

Color vision is mediated by cone photoreceptors that express opsin photopigments with sensitivities to different light wavelengths. Most mammals, including mice, differentially express M and S opsins for response to medium-long and short wavelengths, respectively. Previous studies demonstrated that a thyroid hormone receptor (TRβ2) is critical for opsin patterning: in TRβ2-deficient mice, M opsin is lost and all cones instead express S opsin. Here, to investigate the requirement for thyroid hormone in cone development, we studied Tshr−/−mice as a model of congenital hypothyroidism. The onset of M opsin expression in Tshr−/−mice was severely delayed until after postnatal d 17 (P17), and M opsin expression failed to attain normal levels at older adult ages. S opsin showed a subtler change with an extended distribution pattern over the superior-inferior axis of the retina. Similar opsin abnormalities were detected in wild-type C57BL/6J mice made hypothyroid by methimazole treatment. In Tshr−/− mice, T3 treatment from P8 recovered significant M opsin expression at P17. Tshr−/− mice produced normal numbers of cones, indicating that the major requirement for thyroid hormone is in opsin patterning rather than in cone generation. The phenotype is similar to, although milder than, that caused by loss of TRβ2 and indicates the necessity for thyroid hormone for cone maturation.

Hypothyroidism in mice retards expression of cone opsins, the photopigments required for color vision, highlighting the sensitivity of sensory systems to thyroid hormone.
Bodily Fear
Authors: Houchin John
Published: October 2008

In this article, John Houchin, author of Censorship of the American Theater in the Twentieth Century, continues his exploration of censorship and its social ramifications. In censorship battles throughout history, debates may have been addressed in two or three newspaper articles, only to fade quickly from public view. Houchin argues the swift proliferation of internet and cable communication has protracted these debates, placing even greater pressure on artists, producers, and regulatory agencies. Houchin explores the impact of censorship vis-à-vis four events, events that all revolve around women and the presentation of the female body: Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues, Janet Jackson's “wardrobe malfunction” at the 2004 Super Bowl, Don Imus' defamatory comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team, and the play My Name is Rachel Corrie, compiled from the late activist's emails, letters, and journals.
Controlling the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Felton-Dansky Miriam
Published: October 2008

In this article, Miriam Felton-Dansky outlines recent debates over censorship and controversial theater in an international context. She describes the history of Western free speech debates since the fall of Communism, delineates recent scandals such as the uproar over Behzti, Jerry Springer: The Opera, and My Name Is Rachel Corrie, explores ideas about the powers of live performance to provoke and offend, and parses contemporary debates about what actually constitutes the conceptual category of “censorship.”
Not Clown
Authors: Moore Steve , Treviño Carlos
Published: October 2008

In this interview, theater scholar Jonathan Kalb and acclaimed German director Michael Thalheimer discuss Thalheimer's radically stripped-down approach to canonical dramatic texts, with reference to several recent productions, including Liliom, The Oresteia, Emilia Galotti, Faust I, Faust II, and Lulu.
The Measure of the Contingent: Walter Benjamin's Dialectical Image
Authors: Friedlander Eli
Published: October 2008

The present essay sketches in broad outlines the philosophical armature of Walter Benjamin's Arcades Project by analyzing the central theoretical notion in that incomplete manuscript of his: the dialectical image. So as to bring out the uniqueness of Benjamin's use of image, I consider his account of its relation to language. Rather than setting an opposition between language and image, I argue that language is the medium in which the dialectical image can emerge at all. I further think of the emerging image as characterizing the mode of presentation of the material of the investigation as a whole, or in other words, the dialectical image is what constitutes the presentation of what Kant calls an idea with the material of experience. The image so revealed is not a representation of reality, but rather Benjamin thinks of it, after Goethe, as an archetype, a standard for judging the significance of historical reality. The possibility of recognizing the image of the past further depends on being attuned to a peculiar temporality, a movement within the medium of memory in which the meaning of the past is realized in the present. Finally, as I argue, the past emerges in authentic historical remembrance initially in a distorted form which Benjamin compares to the form of meaning in dream experience. The recognition of the image must then be understood as the traversal of that space of semblance which brings out its truth, as the awakening from the dream.
Gramsci, Passive Revolution, and Media
Authors: Landy Marcia
Published: October 2008

The last decades of the twentieth century witnessed a restructuring of capital and redistribution of wealth to the top of an economic pyramid on an international scale. This neoliberal “reform” involves the gradual dismantling of the welfare state, relegation of the employed and unemployable to the bottom of the social and economic pyramid, and perpetual warfare on national and global fronts. Antonio Gramsci's analysis of “passive revolution” seems cogent for this moment, particularly for the ways media and other cultural forms play a significant role in mobilizing or disorganizing consent. The Prison Notebooks, published in 1948, influenced the thinking of Italian and postwar European intellectuals and filmmakers on the left, and they continue to be a reservoir for an examination of the character and relevance of passive revolution, forms of coercion and consent, relations between the State and civil society, and the position of intellectuals in the creation of hegemony. Visconti's films on the Risorgimento, The Leopard and Senso; Pasolini's films and writings on the cultural and political transformations wrought by the “Economic Miracle”; the critical work that emerged from Stuart Hall, among others, at the Birmingham Centre for Contemporary Cultural Study in the UK; and research generated by the Indian Subaltern Studies group are testimonials to Gramsci's ongoing legacy. These texts followed Gramsci in performing a multifaceted examination of language, political, and social institutions; however, despite prolific research on media, there is scant concerted attention to their contributions in the passive revolution begun in the 1970s.