bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Chronic Disease
Authors: Patel Leena
Published: March 2008

Growth impairment occurs with many chronic conditions. Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and juvenile idiopathic arthritis are relatively common chronic diseases in childhood associated with substantial growth impairment. While growth failure may be the initial presenting feature of pathology, the pattern of growth is also a useful measure of disease severity and response to treatment. In addition to its diagnostic value, the resulting short stature cannot only be unacceptable to patients but can also have detrimental effects on the physical health of patients with conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Growth impairment in children with chronic disease is associated with disruption of the growth hormone (GH)–insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis, and predominantly results from undernutrition, chronic inflammation and prolonged corticosteroid treatment. Undernutrition leads to major adaptations in the endocrine system geared towards conserving energy, diverting substrates away from growth and reproduction, and providing alternative sources of energy for critical body homeostasis. Although chronic inflammatory processes exacerbate undernutrition, proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β also adversely affect growth, independent of nutrition, by disrupting the integrity of the GH–IGF axis and by direct local effects on growth plate chondrogenesis. These growth-regulating mechanisms are disturbed further by corticosteroids used in some chronic conditions for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is likely that the growth-suppressing processes slow growth plate senescence, and this in turn enables catch-up growth on recovery from chronic disease and withdrawal of corticosteroid treatment. Trials of recombinant human GH (rhGH) in patients with growth failure suggest improvement in linear growth as well as beneficial effects on body composition and clinical course. These have been of relatively short duration, and long-term benefits as well as the safety of rhGH need to be evaluated particularly when given concomitantly with corticosteroids.
Testosterone Levels in Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mearini Luigi , Costantini Elisabetta , Zucchi Alessandro , Mearini Ettore , Bini Vittorio , Cottini Emanuele , Porena Massimo
Published: March 2008

Introduction: Although hormones play fundamental roles in prostate growth, their clinical significance is not completely clear. In the present study we assessed whether serum hormone levels are markers of prostate disease. Patients and Methods: In 128 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin levels were correlated with disease. In patients with prostate cancer, the hormone levels were also correlated with prognostic factors. Predictive values were assessed for prostate-specific antigen and testosterone levels only, using multiple logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: The testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in patients with prostate cancer than in those with benign prostatic hypertrophy and were also significantly lower in patients with advanced-stage disease than in patients with organ-confined disease. Testosterone appears to be an independent predictor of disease and enhances the predictive accuracy for benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer. Conclusions: This study supports experimental findings that prostate cancer is frequently associated with low testosterone concentrations. In the diagnostic workup for prostate cancer, associating prostate-specific antigen and testosterone levels may improve the predictive accuracy of prostate disease tests.
Long-Term Experience with an Anatomical Anterograde Approach to Radical Prostatectomy: Results in Terms of Positive Margin Rate
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Gentile Vincenzo , De Matteis Anna , Dattilo Cristian , Autran Gomez Anna-Maria , Salciccia Stefano , Di Silverio Franco
Published: March 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of an anterograde approach to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in terms of positive surgical margins (SM+). Methods: 323 untreated patients underwent anterograde RRP for clinically localized prostate adenocarcinoma. Spearman coefficients, logistic univariate and multivariate analysis were used. Results: The incidence of SM+ was 14.9% and, in particular, this was 4.5% for apical, 9.0% for lateral, 0.9% for other sites, and 2.8% for multiple SM+. Upon univariate analysis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA; r = 0.2073, p = 0.0002), pathological stage (r = 0.3777, p < 0.0001), and seminal vesicle invasion (r = 0.1453, p = 0.0089) were found to be significantly associated with SM+. Upon multivariate analysis, only PSA (p = 0.0090) and pathological stage (p < 0.0001) were significantly and independently associated with SM+ occurrence. Conclusion: In our experience, the anterograde approach to RRP is associated with low SM+ rates.
Does Sildenafil Affect Uroflowmetry Values in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Enlargement?
Authors: Güler Cem , Tüzel Emre , Doğantekin Engin , Kızıltepe Güneş
Published: March 2008

Aims: To investigate the effect of sildenafil on uroflowmetry values of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Methods: Thirty-eight consecutive patients and 15 control subjects without voiding symptoms were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent uroflowmetry testing thrice on different occasions. The highest maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) values with a sufficient voided volume (≧150 ml) were evaluated. The patients and controls were seen the day after the initial uroflowmetry measurements and were given 100 mg sildenafil. Afterwards uroflowmetry was repeated. The uroflowmetry values of both groups before and after sildenafil were compared. Results: Of the 38 patients, 29 (76%) showed improvement in flow rates. The mean Qmax was 11.4 ± 0.39 and 15.7 ± 0.74 ml/s before and after sildenafil, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean percentage difference in Qmax was +38% higher after sildenafil. The mean average flow rate (Qave) and the mean voiding time values were also significantly improved. The mean voided volumes of the patients before and after sildenafil were 241 ± 78 and 264 ± 72 ml, respectively (p = 0.07). There were no significant differences in the Qmax, Qave and voided volumes of the control group. Conclusions: Sildenafil exhibits a significant improvement in Qmax and Qave rates in men with LUTS.
Effect of Curcumin on Ipsilateral and Contralateral Testes after Unilateral Testicular Torsion in a Rat Model
Authors: Basaran Umit Nusret , Dokmeci Dikmen , Yalcin Omer , Inan Mustafa , Kanter Mehmet , Aydogdu Nurettin , Turan Nesrin
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the protective effect of curcumin on testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Materials and Methods: 32 male rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): group 1: control; group 2: ischemia; group 3: I/R, and group 4: I/R+CUR. Curcumin (150 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered before 30 min of reperfusion in group 4. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Johnsen’s testicular biopsy scores, and mean seminiferous tubule diameter measurements were evaluated in testes. In addition, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions were evaluated immunohistochemically. Results: MDA levels in control groups were significantly lower than other groups in ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Johnsen’s scores in the control group were significantly higher than in other groups. MDA levels and Johnsen’s scores in the I/R+CUR group were similar to the ischemia and I/R groups in ipsilateral and contralateral testes. The immunoreactivity of iNOS and eNOS were increased in I/R ipsilateral testicular groups. After I/R, iNOS and eNOS expression increased slightly in contralateral groups. Additionally, the curcumin treatment decreased iNOS and eNOS immunoreactivity in ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Conclusion: The results suggest that curcumin did not protect the unilateral nor contralateral testes. This observation may depend on inhibition of iNOS and eNOS due to inhibition of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects of nitric oxide.
Intrinsic Endometriosis of Ureter and Bladder in Young Women without Gynecological Symptoms
Authors: Leonhartsberger Nicolai , Zelger Bettina , Rehder Peter
Published: March 2008

Urological endometriosis as the primary and sole form of presentation is rare. With ultrasound being available at routine examinations by the urologist and gynecologist, asymptomatic and incidental hydronephrosis is picked up far more than before. The behavior of endometriosis may be very aggressive in terms of ingrowth and fibrosis of the ureter, the periureteral structures and the bladder. It is important to get to an accurate and timely diagnosis to prevent loss of renal function. We report 2 cases who presented with asymptomatic hydronephrosis. Because of severe ureteric obstruction and infiltration of the ureters and/or bladder, surgery was selected as treatment option. Ureteric stenting was not possible because of severe fibrosis and stricture formation of the distal ureter. Primary surgery gave satisfactory results at more than 1 year of follow-up.
Radiographic Formation and Progression of Cervical Syringomyelia in a Child with Untreated Chiari I Malformation
Authors: Lipson Adam C. , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Avellino Anthony M.
Published: March 2008

We present the case of a 17-month-old girl with an untreated Chiari I malformation who developed radiographic progression of syringomyelia over a 23-month period. The patient presented with initial symptoms of airway difficulties and gait ataxia, which did not progress clinically over this period of observation, despite recommendations for surgical decompression. At 17 months, there was a region of T2 hyperintensity which progressed to become a syrinx within 3 months, enlarging over serial imaging studies. This is the first published report of radiographic progression from a ‘presyrinx’ state of T2 hyperintensity to syringomyelia in a pediatric patient with untreated Chiari I malformation.
Reduction of Capsular Thickness around Silicone Breast Implants by Zafirlukast in Rats
Authors: Spano A. , Palmieri B. , Palmizi Taidelli T. , Nava M.B.
Published: March 2008

Capsular contracture is a very disappointing complication, with an overall incidence between 0.5 and 30% of breast implant operations and, if severe, requiring a further surgical procedure (capsulotomy or capsulectomy). Many frustrating attempts have been made to prevent the fibrotic reaction, mainly with steroids or antibiotics. More recently leukotriene antagonists clinically used in the asthma and lung diseases have been suggested to be potentially useful in counteracting the inflammatory pathway leading to a dense collagen membrane around the prosthesis and thus preventing contracture of the capsule. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of zafirlukast with the following protocol. Disks of textured implant material were placed dorsally into each of the subcutaneous tissues of 40 rats that were subdivided in 2 groups: 20 rats treated with zafirlukast and 20 controls. At autopsy 77 days after, each implant with its surrounding collagenic tissue was excised, and the macroscopic measure of the membrane thickness was compared with the pathology reports, to definitely assess the foreign body reaction. The mean total thickness of the capsule around the implants was 161.97 µm in the zafirlukast-treated group compared with 345.98 µm in the control group (p < 0.001). Outstandingly, the collagen fibers and fibroblast layer were reduced in the zafirlukast-treated group compared to the controls. Our study confirms the effectiveness of this compound in preventing fibrosis and putatively also in reducing the extent of collagen reaction when a capsule has been formed.
Human Leukocyte Antigen DRB1 Alleles Predict Risk and Disease Progression of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy in Han Chinese
Authors: Cao Hui-Xia , Li Ming , Nie Jing , Wang Wie , Zhou Shu-Feng , Yu Xue-Qing
Published: March 2008

The role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II polymorphisms in the pathogenesis and progression of primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (pIgAN) is unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship of HLA-DRB1 alleles with the susceptibility and disease progression of pIgAN in Han Chinese. A PCR-based genotyping technique was used to detect HLA-DRB1 alleles in 139 patients with pIgAN and 143 healthy subjects. A total of 37 HLA-DRB1 alleles were detected, of which 30 were found in pIgAN patients and 29 in healthy subjects. In pIgAN patients, the frequencies of HLA-DRB1*140501 (belonging to DR*14) were significantly increased, while the frequencies of HLA-DRB1*070101 (belonging to DR*7) were significantly reduced compared with the healthy individuals. Further stratification analysis revealed that the frequencies of HLA-DRB1*030101 in pIgAN patients with normal renal function were significantly higher than those in patients with renal dysfunction. These findings suggest that HLA-DRB1 polymorphisms are related to the occurrence and disease progression of pIgAN patients in Han Chinese, with HLA-DRB1*140501 being a susceptible allele and HLA-DRB1*070101 a resistant allele. HLA-DRB1*030101 may serve as a predictor of disease progression and renal damage of pIgAN in Han Chinese. Further studies are warranted to explore the immunological mechanisms for the genotype-disease phenotype relationship.
Severe Heart Failure and Early Mortality in a Double-Mutation Mouse Model of Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tsoutsman Tatiana , Kelly Matthew , Ng Dominic C.H. , Tan Ju-En , Tu Emily , Lam Lien , Bogoyevitch Marie A. , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman J.G. , Semsarian Christopher
Published: March 2008

Background—

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is characterized by genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Five percent of FHC families have 2 FHC-causing mutations, which results in earlier disease onset, increased cardiac dysfunction, and a higher incidence of sudden death events. These observations suggest a relationship between the number of gene mutations and phenotype severity in FHC.

Methods and Results—

We sought to develop, characterize, and investigate the pathogenic mechanisms in a double-mutant murine model of FHC. This model (designated TnI-203/MHC-403) was generated by crossbreeding mice with the Gly203Ser cardiac troponin I (TnI-203) and Arg403Gln α-myosin heavy chain (MHC-403) FHC-causing mutations. The mortality rate in TnI-203/MHC-403 mice was 100% by age 21 days. At age 14 days, TnI-203/MHC-403 mice developed a significantly increased ratio of heart weight to body weight, marked interstitial myocardial fibrosis, and increased expression of atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic peptide compared with nontransgenic, TnI-203, and MHC-403 littermates. By age 16 to 18 days, TnI-203/MHC-403 mice rapidly developed a severe dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure, with inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias, which led to death by 21 days. Downregulation of mRNA levels of key regulators of Ca
2+
homeostasis in TnI-203/MHC-403 mice was observed. Increased levels of phosphorylated STAT3 were observed in TnI-203/MHC-403 mice and corresponded with the onset of disease, which suggests a possible cardioprotective response.

Conclusions—

TnI-203/MHC-403 double-mutant mice develop a severe cardiac phenotype characterized by heart failure and early death. The presence of 2 disease-causing mutations may predispose individuals to a greater risk of developing severe heart failure than human FHC caused by a single gene mutation.
Orally Active Aminopeptidase A Inhibitors Reduce Blood Pressure
Authors: Bodineau Laurence , Frugière Alain , Marc Yannick , Inguimbert Nicolas , Fassot Céline , Balavoine Fabrice , Roques Bernard , Llorens-Cortes Catherine
Published: March 2008

Overactivity of the brain renin-angiotensin system has been implicated in the development and maintenance of hypertension. We reported previously that angiotensin II is converted to angiotensin III by aminopeptidase A in the mouse brain. We then used specific and selective aminopeptidase A inhibitors to show that angiotensin III is one of the main effector peptides of the brain renin-angiotensin system, exerting tonic stimulatory control over blood pressure in hypertensive rats. Aminopeptidase A, the enzyme generating brain angiotensin III, thus represents a potential candidate central nervous system target for the treatment of hypertension. Given this possible clinical use of aminopeptidase A inhibitors, it was, therefore, important to investigate their pharmacological activity after oral administration. We investigated RB150, a dimer of the selective aminopeptidase A inhibitor, EC33, generated by creating a disulfide bond. This chemical modification allows prodrug to cross the blood-brain barrier when administered by systemic route. Oral administration of RB150 in conscious DOCA-salt rats inhibited brain aminopeptidase A activity, resulting in values similar to those obtained with the brains of normotensive rats, demonstrating the central bioavailability of RB150. Oral RB150 treatment resulted in a marked dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure in DOCA-salt but not in normotensive rats, with an ED
50
in the 1-mg/kg range, achieved in <2 hours and lasting for several hours. This treatment also significantly decreased plasma arginine-vasopressin levels and increased diuresis, which may participate to the blood pressure decrease by reducing the size of fluid compartment. Thus, RB150 may be the prototype of a new class of centrally active antihypertensive agents.
Decoupling of Balanced and Unbalanced Motions and Inertia–Gravity Wave Emission: Small versus Large Rossby Numbers
Authors: Zeitlin Vladimir
Published: March 2008

This paper provides a brief review of recent results on decoupling of fast [inertia–gravity wave (IGW)] and slow (vortex) motions at small Rossby numbers obtained in the framework of the geostrophic adjustment of localized perturbations. Special attention is paid to the IGW emission and its interpretation in the context of “spontaneous imbalance.” Several mechanisms that lead to spontaneous IGW emission and, thus, to violations of fast–slow splitting at large Rossby numbers are reviewed: Lighthill radiation, symmetric/inertial instability, and ageostrophic shear (Rossby–Kelvin) instability. New results on the saturation of symmetric instability and on the existence of Rossby–Kelvin instability in continuously stratified fluid are presented.
Education for Social Work: Field Work in Developing Nations
Authors: Manis Francis
Published: March 2008

This article, "Education for Social Work: Field Work in Developing Nations" is adapted from the first chapter of a book to be titled "Education for Social Work: New Approaches to Field Instruction in Developing Countries." Additional chapters cover such areas as goals and forms of social work education organizational principles. Core material centres on the introduction of an innovative structure within the field teaching-learning process. The article appears in English and Spanish both.
Education for Social Work: Science or Humanity?
Authors: Irvine Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2008

Prefatory note : This paper was originally written under another title as part of a conference programme, and is now reprinted by kind permission of the Editor of "Social Work" (the UK journal of this name) who first published it in Vol. XXVI No. 4 1969. It is not intended to imply (as some readers have thought) that it is enough for social workers to understand the individual, even within his family and his sub- cultural setting. Clearly the social worker also needs a knowledge of society per se, its power structure, its administrative structure and its economic system; a knowledge of the processes of social change, of how to intervene effectively to relieve economic, social and educational deprivation; and, I would add, some skill in predicting the unintended side-effects of such intervention. However, in what follows we are concerned with that element in the education of social workers which is concerned with human personality and interaction, whether within the family, the small group or the community.
A Study in Social Guilt
Authors: de Silva Fred
Published: March 2008

It is essential that the international community should follow up present major undertakings to help Third World countries achieve economic self-sufficiency. How ever, the ordinary man or woman, confronted with the bewildering mass of eco nomic formulations and technicalities employed in the approaches to a new inter- notional economic order, may be forgiven for wondering where the individual comes in. There is a danger that the means (international economic equality) may become more important than the ends (the satisfaction of basic human, i.e. indivi dual, needs and rights). A Third World journalist who was present at the Seventh special Session of the UN General Assembly and a participant in the 1975 Dag Hammarskjold Third World Journalists' Seminar suggests that the success of the joint endeavour will depend on the extent to which the collaborators understand the human problems involved in any exercise of give and take, and here he presents the problem in its most elemental form, in a sort of real-life allegory drawn from an experience in his own country, an essay in awakening the collective conscience of humanity.
Issues in the Utilization and Evaluation of Social Work Treatment
Authors: Segal Steven P.
Published: March 2008

[Five issues regarding utilization and evaluation of social work treatment are con sidered with the goal of understanding their impact on development of sound treatment technologies : (1) Outcome vs. Process Orientation, (2) Demonstrated Effect vs. Need Fulfillment, (3) Cost Effectiveness vs. Individual Commitment, (4) Individual Constructs vs. Social Context, and (5) Practice Art vs. Science. It is assumed that contributions to the resolution of these issues require specification of desired out comes expected to result from specific professional activities.
Folk Medicine in the Puerto Rican Culture
Authors: Delgado Melvin
Published: March 2008

There are a few Puerto-Rican words in this article, exact translations of which are difficult to find. However, a loose equivalent by the side of each of such words makes the meaning quite clear in the context.
Social Work as an Integral Part of Family Planning Service for Low-Income Families: an Example of U.S. Experience
Authors: Strng Kyu-taik
Published: March 2008

[The family planning movement in the United States is oriented not only toward regulating the fertility rate but also toward promoting the welfare of families. Thus, family planning assistance has become a standard component of public health and welfare services. The intent of the movement has been well realized in the government-supported maternity and infant care program designed to serve mothers and children of low-income families. Social work and family planning services are maior parts of this comprehensive, free-of-charge, health care program.

Citing an example of this program, the paper discusses the types of human problems that social workers handle in this program, ways in which the social workers deliver their services, and the significance that their services have to family planning for indigent mothers and pregnant teen-age girls.]
On the Job Training of Social Workers the Case for the Continuing Seminars
Authors: Halachmi Arie
Published: March 2008

The increase in the need for social services and the decrease in available resources may intensify the conflict between professional and organizational loyalties of social workers. Unless this conflict is resolved social workers will remain frustrated and uncooperative. The paper suggests the continuing seminar as a framework for action research and training. It suggests that such an approach may reduce the conflict of loyalties and provide social workers with a meaningful opportunity for professional growth.
The Chinese Workers' Social Assistance System-1949-1979
Authors: Dixon John
Published: March 2008

[Welfare in China is a topic which deserves considerable discussion. I think we in the West are generally cynical about welfare in Communist states on the assump tion that they are largely oriented towards the manipulation of power for political or military ends.1]
Unmarried Pregnant Adolescents: a Case for Counselling
Authors: Owuamanam Donatus O.
Published: March 2008

The problems of unmarried pregnant adolescents in Nigeria are many and social and psychological in nature. These problems had for long been neglected by guidance counsellors and social workers. The attention of counsellors and social workers is being drawn to the need to awaken interest in this area so that serious effort can be made to change public attitude towards these adolescents.
Rethinking the Effectiveness of Social Programmes
Authors: Hatry H. , Mushkat Miron
Published: March 2008

Social programme evaluation is becoming increasingly sophisticated in its reliance on experimental, quasi-experimental and pre-experimental designs. Yet, most of the formal work in this area continues to employ criteria of success and failure that are vulnerable to criticism on methodological grounds. It is argued that greater account should be taken in social programme evaluation of the pheno mena of "partial" and "delayed failure" which are two of the tangible consequences of social intervention.
Survey of Schools of Social Work and Their Libraries in Regional Brazil
Authors: Elder Charles
Published: March 2008

[The project was conducted in the universities of the major cities in Brazil of the south, southeast and southwest. I could not survey the entire country as originally planned, because of the vastness of the country and the funds available. Basically, the survey was of the schools of social work, both private, and public and their libraries. Interviews with faculty and library staff and visits to the facilities enabled me to make an objective appraisal of the curricula, book collections and status of the Social Work and Library profession. The survey will bring recognition to international social work and its inclusion in the curriculum of the schools of social work in America. It is my suggestion that the library resources be more international in native and foreign languages so as to provide exposure to the student.]
"I Just Wanted Out ...... "
Authors: Coutts Margret , McBean Ian
Published: March 2008

[Self-damaging behaviour is a complex action that is of increasing interest and concern to social workers. This article summarizes some of the main themes of such behaviour and relates these themes to social work approaches.]
Developing a Concept for Childhood Survival in Modern Nigeria
Authors: Kalu W.J.
Published: March 2008

[There are numerous problems facing childhood in contemporary Nigeria. This paper discusses the major features of the problems as they affect the two major institutions for socialisation, the family and the schools. The needs of the modern Nigerian child, especially for his future survival are highlighted. A description is given of the Child ren's Centre project which is now in operation in one of the Nigerian University Campuses. It serves as an interpretation of a new, positive concept of childhood survival necessary to meet the challenges posed on such a level in a developing country.]

The child is entitled to receive education which shall be free and com pulsory, at least in the elementary stages. He shall be given an education which will promote his general culture, and enable him on a basis of equal opportunity to develop his abilities, his individual judgement... The best interests of the child shall be the guiding principle of those res ponsible for his education and guidance... The child shall have full opportunity for play and recreation, which should be directed to the same purposes as education....
Pacific Developments: Implications for Future Direction in American Social Work
Authors: Sanders Daniel S.
Published: March 2008

[A critical assessment is made of new developments in the Pacific region, their impact on the lives of the Pacific peoples, and the social work profession's current and likely future contribution in humanizing development.

It is predicated on the assumption that the profession could make a positive con tribution in the development of the region and that the ultimate test of 'its' contribution to individuals, families and communities is the enhancing of the quality of life. This necessitates deeper understanding of the Pacific peoples' life styles, culture patterns, socio-economic conditions and the fostering of strong support for the Pacific peoples' own efforts to reshape their destiny.]
An Exploration of Factors Associated With the Stability and Continuity of the Foster Care System in the United States
Authors: Pardeck John T.
Published: March 2008

Foster care in the United States is viewed as a temporary service for children. However, for many children, foster care involves years of long term care. Most pro, fessionals working in the foster care system feel that the number of foster homes these children experience should be kept to a minimum. The evidence suggests that this movement from foster home to foster home has detrimental effects on the psycho-social development of the foster child. Little empirical research has been done on identifying factors associated with this movement. This research reports findings on a number of factors found to be related to this movement, thus giving new insight into the stability and continuity of the foster care system in the United States.
Content Analysis of the Advisory Opinion Archive of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
Authors: Shaw Linda R. , Lane Frank J.
Published: March 2008

Rehabilitation counselors are taught to use the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors in conjunction with ethical decision-making models to resolve ethical dilemmas. In this article, the authors underscore the importance of consultation in the process of ethical decision making. Advisory opinions provided by the Ethics Committee of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification are discussed as one method of consultation. The purpose and the process of requesting advisory opinions are discussed. Additionally, information about the content of the advisory opinion archive maintained by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification is provided. All opinions provided by the Ethics Committee between 1996 and 2006 are organized by category and so presented. Implications for counselors and suggestions for utilization of advisory opinions are explored.
Investigative Analysis of Neonaticide
Authors: Beyer Kristen , McAuliffe Mack Shannon , Shelton Joy Lynn
Published: March 2008

Neonaticide (defined as the killing of an infant within the first 24 hours of birth) has occurred throughout history for a variety of reasons. Law enforcement files involving 40 female offenders resulting in 41 infant deaths were examined. Descriptive and frequency statistics revealed that the majority of offenders were young women who had never been married and had no criminal or psychological history. However, approximately a quarter of the sample did not fit these characteristics, which has implications for broadening the scope of investigations. The findings of this research identified four main challenges associated with neonaticide investigations: (a) variation in offender characteristics and situational factors, (b) intermittent denial of the pregnancy, (c) the physical resiliency of the offenders, and (d) lack of documented mental health and criminal history.

Correspondence should be addressed to Kristen R. Beyer, P.O. Box 6566, Fredericksburg, VA 22403; email: kristen.beyer@krbconsultants.com and/or Joy Lynn E. Shelton, FBI Academy - NCAVC, Quantico, VA 22135; email: jlshelton@fbiacademy.edu
`Poetry', `Hymns' and `Traditional Material' in New Testament Epistles or How to Do Things with Indentations*
Authors: Peppard Michael
Published: March 2008

This article explores ancient rhetorical conceptions of poetry, prose and hymn in order to better understand what should perhaps be called the epideictic or encomiastic elements of some New Testament epistles. It surveys and criticizes previous methods for isolating the supposedly poetic or hymnic portions of these texts. Furthermore, the article analyzes the hermeneutical effects of a seemingly unremarkable editorial decision, the act of indenting such texts in the New Testament. This editorial action normally signifies `poetry', `hymns', or `traditional material' to a particular community of readers, namely the guild of New Testament scholarship. The article argues that the act of indenting bears more rhetorical force than has been previously acknowledged. It concludes with an ideological analysis of that editorial decision.
Toxicity, DNA Binding, and Cell Proliferation in Male F344 Rats following Short-term Gavage Exposures to Trans-2-Hexenal
Authors: Stout Matthew D. , Bodes Elmarie , Schoonhoven Robert , Upton Patricia B. , Travlos Gregory S. , Swenberg James A.
Published: March 2008

Hexenal is a genotoxic compound to which humans are exposed daily through the consumption of foods and beverages. The present studies were conducted to examine the relationships between the dose-responses of trans-2-hexenal-induced toxicity, DNA adduct formation, and cell proliferation. Male F344 rats were exposed by gavage to single doses of up to 500 mg/kg and killed 1, 2, or 4 days after dosing or were exposed to repeat doses of up to 100 mg/kg once daily for 5 days or 5 days per week for 4 weeks and killed 1 day after the end of the dosing period. Histologically, the primary observations were necroulcerative lesions, inflammation, and hyperplasia in the forestomach and inflammation in the glandular stomach. Hexenal-derived DNA adduct formation and cell proliferation were induced in the forestomach at doses of hexenal that also induced gastric toxicity; DNA adducts were not observed in the glandular stomach. These findings suggest that the toxicity of hexenal was limited to the site of contact (stomach) and that the observed DNA adduct formation and cell proliferation occurred in the setting of severe tissue damage.
Fibro-osseous (FOL) and Degenerative Joint Lesions in Female Outbred NIH Black Swiss Mice
Authors: Wancket Lyn M. , Devor-Henneman Deborah , Ward Jerrold M.
Published: March 2008

A review of spontaneous bone and joint lesions in female aging NIH Black Swiss mice (Cr:NIH BL[S]) revealed a high incidence of fibro-osseous lesions (FOL; 89%) and degenerative joint lesions (90%). FOL was characterized by the replacement of bone marrow by fibrovascular tissue and was first seen at 59 weeks of age, most commonly in the nasal bone, femur, and tibia. FOL in female Black Swiss was often accompanied by reproductive-tract lesions, including ovarian atrophy and uterine cervical dysplasia with hydrometra. Mild degenerative femorotibial joint lesions developed by 59 weeks and progressed to full-thickness articular cartilage ulceration and osteophyte development by 75 weeks; joint inflammation was minimal. Although the underlying etiology of FOL remains unknown, an accurate assessment of FOL and degenerative joint disease as background lesions in this stock is necessary to interpret lesions in genetically engineered mice produced from this outbred line.
Wind Power in Australia: Overcoming Technological and Institutional Barriers
Authors: Healey Gerard , Bunting Andrea
Published: March 2008

Until recently, Australia had little installed wind capacity, although there had been many investigations into its potential during the preceding decades. Formerly, state-owned monopoly utilities showed only token interest in wind power and could dictate the terms of energy debates. This situation changed in the late 1990s: Installed wind capacity began growing rapidly following the introduction of supportive renewable energy policies and the restructuring of the electricity industry. However, wind farms still provide only 1% of Australia's electricity, the future of supportive policies is uncertain, and industry momentum is yet to become self-sustaining. Wind power, the authors argue, faces significant technological and institutional barriers, which need to be overcome if wind power is to play a significant role in Australia's electricity supply. The current window of opportunity is providing—for the first time—a significant space in which these barriers can be better understood and addressed and the requirements for wind power institutionally embedded.
Renewable Energy for Rural Sustainability in Developing Countries
Authors: Alazraque-Cherni Judith
Published: March 2008

This article establishes the benefits of applying renewable energy and analyzes the main difficulties that have stood in the way of more widely successful renewable energy for rural areas in the developing world and discusses why outcomes from these technologies fall short. Although there is substantial recognition of technological, economic, institutional, and other supply-side barriers that have generally interfered with success, the household and other stake-holders have been left outside the scope of evaluation. This article first discusses the usefulness of renewable energy for encouraging sustainability in rural, poor areas, analyzes barriers that have often interfered with the promotion and delivery of expected outputs of installed modern energy technology in remote communities, and finally presents findings from a survey on the actual performance state of the renewable energy technology and degree of satisfaction with it.
Development of Affordable, Low-Carbon Hydrogen Supplies at an Industrial Scale
Authors: Roddy Dermot J.
Published: March 2008

An existing industrial hydrogen generation and distribution infrastructure is described, and a number of large-scale investment projects are outlined. All of these projects have the potential to generate significant volumes of low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen. The technologies concerned range from gasification of coal with carbon capture and storage to gasification of a range of biomass streams. These biomass streams derive in turn from the supply chains that feed large liquid biofuel production plants—some operational and the others under construction. Having described how such developments are coming together in a particular location to allow accelerated movement toward a hydrogen economy, this article explores the conditions under which similar acceleration could be seen in other locations.
The Potential for Community Information Services in a Developing Country
Authors: Martin William J.
Published: March 2008

It would be as well to begin with what will soon become a statement of the obvious, namely that I am a librarian and not an expert on development. My expertise such as it is lies in the development of community information service in Western countries and particularly within the United Kingdom. I will begin by explaining what I understand by Community Information and the conditions necessary for its operation, then proceed to consideration of its potential for a developing country.
Theorizing Mediated Public Diplomacy: The U.S. Case
Authors: Entman Robert M.
Published: March 2008

The field of public diplomacy has lacked theoretical frameworks to guide research and practice. This article is an attempt to supply a potentially useful theoretical model. The cascading network activation model, developed to explain the spread and dominance of different framings of U.S. foreign policy in the American media, is extended here to the international communication process. The article focuses on how to theorize about the success and failure of efforts by the U.S. government to promote favorable framing of its policies in foreign news media.The success of these efforts, termed “mediated U.S. public diplomacy,” depends most importantly on political cultural congruency between the United States and the targeted nation, as well as on the strategy, power, and motivations of foreign elites to promote positive news of the United States in their own media. The article explores the difficulties faced and the (less numerous) opportunities enjoyed by the U.S. President and administration to attain their objectives. The model proposed is generalizable to other countries' efforts to engage in mediated public diplomacy as well.
Exogenous and Endogenous Democracy: South African Politics and Media
Authors: Tomaselli Keyan G. , Teer-Tomaselli Ruth E.
Published: March 2008

The 2007 annual congress of the ruling African National Congress, South Africa, was a watershed in post-apartheid political and media developments. This article reviews the implications of this meeting for democracy and the media in light of the history of media-state relations during and after the political transition, and in terms of the unique role of the media in acting as internal opposition to the successive ruling apartheid and post-apartheid governments.The question of rotating elites within the ruling party briefly is examined. Issues of broadcasting and the print media are discussed against then backdrop of South African history. Issues of black economic empowerment and party political economic, and media-state, relations are examined. Also discussed are other parliamentary initiatives aimed at restricting media freedom.
Some psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale with cross validation
Authors: Yuan Siyang , Freeman Ruth , Lahti Satu , Lloyd-Williams Ffion , Humphris Gerry
Published: March 2008

Objective

To assess the factorial structure and construct validity for the Chinese version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2006 from adults in the Beijing area. The questionnaire consisted of sections to assess for participants' demographic profile and dental attendance patterns, the Chinese MDAS and the anxiety items from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The analysis was conducted in two stages using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Cross validation was tested with a North West of England comparison sample.

Results

783 questionnaires were successfully completed from Beijing, 468 from England. The Chinese MDAS consisted of two factors: anticipatory dental anxiety (ADA) and treatment dental anxiety (TDA). Internal consistency coefficients (tau non-equivalent) were 0.74 and 0.86 respectively. Measurement properties were virtually identical for male and female respondents. Relationships of the Chinese MDAS with gender, age and dental attendance supported predictions. Significant structural parameters between the two sub-scales (negative affectivity and autonomic anxiety) of the HADS anxiety items and the two newly identified factors of the MDAS were confirmed and duplicated in the comparison sample.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the MDAS has good psychometric properties and has the ability to assess, briefly, overall dental anxiety and two correlated but distinct aspects.
Organ-specific inflammation following acute ethanol and burn injury
Authors: Bird Melanie D , Kovacs Elizabeth J
Published: March 2008

Clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates that ethanol exposure prior to injury alters local and systemic inflammatory responses, increasing morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the aberrant inflammatory responses can directly and indirectly lead to the poor prognosis after injury by altering leukocyte infiltration into the wound site and remote organs and by suppressing immunity leading to increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Recent studies from our laboratory have focused on inflammatory responses at the wound site and in other distal organs after exposure to acute ethanol and burn injury. This combined insult leads to increased mortality after dermal or intratracheal pseudomonas infection, relative to infected mice given ethanol or burn injury alone. The increased mortality in mice given ethanol and burn injury parallels elevated serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α, marked infiltration of leukocytes into the lung and gut, as well as immunosuppression at the sites of infection. Bacterial translocation from the gut is likely to be responsible, in part, for the aberrant accumulation of leukocytes in the lungs of ethanol-exposed, burn-injured mice. Additionally, other factors, such as expression of adhesion molecules, increased chemokine production, and leakiness of the vascular endothelium, may also be involved.
Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Thalidomide Plus Dexamethasone Compared With Dexamethasone As Initial Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Rajkumar S. Vincent , Rosiñol Laura , Hussein Mohamad , Catalano John , Jedrzejczak Wieslaw , Lucy Lela , Olesnyckyj Marta , Yu Zhinuan , Knight Robert , Zeldis Jerome B. , Bladé Joan
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The long-term impact of thalidomide plus dexamethasone (thal/dex) as primary therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) is unknown. The goal of this study was to compare thalidomide plus dexamethasone versus placebo plus dexamethasone (placebo/dex)as primary therapy for newly diagnosed MM.

Patients and Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with untreated symptomatic MM were randomized to thal/dex (arm A) or to placebo plus dexamethasone (dex) (arm B). Patients in arm A received oral thalidomide 50 mg daily, escalated to 100 mg on day 15, and to 200 mg from day 1 of cycle 2 (28-day cycles). Oral dex 40 mg was administered on days 1 through 4, 9 through 12, and 17 through 20 during cycles 1 through 4 and on days 1 through 4 only from cycle 5 onwards. Patients in arm B received placebo and dex, administered as in arm A. The primary end point of the study was time to progression. This study is registered at http://ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT00057564 ).

Results

A total of 470 patients were enrolled (235 randomly assigned to thal/dex and 235 to placebo/dex). The overall response rate was significantly higher with thal/dex compared with placebo/dex (63% v 46%), P < .001. Time to progression (TTP) was significantly longer with thal/dex compared with placebo/dex (median, 22.6 v 6.5 months, P < .001). Grade 4 adverse events were more frequent with thal/dex than with placebo/dex (30.3% v 22.8%).

Conclusion

Thal/dex results in significantly higher response rates and significantly prolongs TTP compared with dexamethasone alone in patients with newly diagnosed MM.