bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Always One Step Behind? National Legislatures and the European Union
Authors: Raunio Tapio 
Published: March 2007

NATIONAL PARLIAMENTS ARE CENTRAL ACTORS IN THE SCRUTINY AND implementation of European Union (EU) legislation. Member state legislatures provide a channel for incorporating public opinion into the governance of the Union. Their importance has become more evident during the 1990s as debate has focused on the democratic deficit and deparliamentarization of European governance.National parliaments are involved in EU decision-making in three ways: they 1) participate in national policy formulation on Union legislation; 2) monitor the behaviour of member state representatives in the Council of Ministers and the European Council; and 3) have functions specifically regulated in the treaties, such as ratification of treaty amendments and implementation of directives. The third function differs from the first two as the treaties impose rights and duties on the national parliaments, whereas there is no EU law on national policy formulation on Union legislation or on the scrutiny of ministers. During the 1996-97 Intergovernmental Conference (ICC) the member states saw no need for such European-level regulation. Thus it is up to each national parliament – within the limits set by member state constitutions and other constraints – to decide how it deals with the challenges brought by EU membership.
Continuity amid Change: Democratization, Party Strategies and Economic Policy‐making in Mexico
Authors: Shadlen Kenneth C. 
Published: March 2007

MEXICO'S NATIONAL, MID-TERM ELECTlONS OF JULY 1997 PRODUCED important changes in the country's political landscape. The ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which has dominated virtually all realms of Mexican politics since the late 1920s, suffered an unprecedented setback, losing its majority in the lower house of the Mexican Congress.Though the era of single-party political domination appears to have come to an end, policy-making since the July 1997 elections has exhibited considerable continuity. Notwithstanding the opposition's new legislative majority, the will of the President, Ernest0 Zedillo, of the PRI, has prevailed on important issues of public policy. What can the continued legislative strength of the President, in the wake of significant opposition gains, tell us about the nature of democratization in Mexico?
Reconsidering Women and Gender in Mining
Authors: Mercier Laurie , Gier Jaclyn 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis article examines the neglected role of women in mining, long believed to be the most ‘masculine’ of industries. The authors probe how the gendered nature of mining work evolved over time and in different parts of the world. Since the nineteenth century, colonialism, capitalism and cultural traditions have shaped gender roles for women and men in the world's mining communities. The article examines how even as men and women joined in militant protests against capital and the state, they struggled over appropriate roles in work, family and community.
Carbamazepine and Topiramate Modulation of Transient and Persistent Sodium Currents Studied in HEK293 Cells Expressing the Nav1.3 α–Subunit
Authors: Sun Guang‐chun , Werkman Taco R. , Battefeld Arne , Clare Jeffrey J. , Wadman Wytse J. 
Published: March 2007

Summary: Purpose:The transient and the persistent Na+current play a distinct role in neuronal excitability. Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) modulate the transient Na+current and block the persistent Na+current; both effects contribute to their antiepileptic properties. The interactions of the AEDs carbamazepine (CBZ) and topiramate (TPM) with the persistent and transient Na+current were investigated.Methods:HEK293 cells stably expressing the α‐subunit of the Na+channel NaV1.3 were used to record Na+currents under voltage‐clamp by using the patch‐clamp technique in whole‐cell configuration and to investigate the effects of CBZ and TPM.Results:The persistent Na+current was present in all cells and constituted 10.3 ± 3.8% of the total current. CBZ partially blocked the persistent Na+current in a concentration‐dependent manner [median effective concentration (EC50), 16 ± 4 μM]. CBZ also shifted the steady‐state inactivation of the transient Na+current to negative potentials (EC50, 14 ± 11 μM). TPM partially blocked the persistent Na+current with a much higher affinity (EC50, 61 ± 37 nM) than it affected the steady‐state inactivation of the transient Na+current (EC50, 3.2 ± 1.8 μM). For the latter effect, TPM was at most half as effective as CBZ.Conclusions:The persistent Na+current flowing through the α‐subunit of the NaV1.3 channel is partially blocked by CBZ at about the same therapeutic concentrations at which it modulates the transient Na+current, adding a distinct aspect to its anticonvulsant profile. The TPM‐induced partial block of the persistent Na+current, already effective at low concentrations, could be the dominant action of this drug on the Na+current.
E‐Learning Courses in Epilepsy—Concept, Evaluation, and Experience with the E‐Learning Course “Genetics of Epilepsies”
Authors: Wehrs Verena Hézser‐v. , Pfäfflin Margarete , May Theodor W. 
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the e‐learning course “Genetics of Epilepsies” and to assess the experiences of the participants and e‐moderators with this new approach. Methods: Prospective, controlled study with waiting group (control group, n = 18) and e‐learning group (n = 20). The control group got the same reference literature list as the e‐learning group. Both groups were assessed twice: The e‐learning group before and after the course; the control group was assessed at the same times. Primary outcome measure: increase in knowledge about genetics of epilepsies using questionnaires based on items formulated by experts (internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha = 0.86). Main hypothesis: greater increase of knowledge in the e‐learning group compared to control group. Secondary outcome measures: assessment of the educational course and learning environment by participants and by tutors/e‐moderators. Results: Significant time × group interaction and group effect (ANOVA, each p < 0.01) with regard to knowledge. At baseline, the groups did not differ with respect to knowledge about genetics of epilepsy. In contrast to the control group, the increase of knowledge in the e‐learning group was highly significant (p < 0.001). The majority of the participants of the e‐learning course was content with their personal learning process (75% agree, 15% strongly agree). Most of them reported a gain in competence in the treatment and counseling of people with epilepsy (38.9% agree, 50% strongly agree). All participants would recommend this course to others and all but one participant are interested in other e‐learning courses. Conclusion: The study indicates e‐learning courses are an appropriate tool to improve knowledge of physicians in genetics of epilepsy.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in the Elderly: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Bottaro F.J. , Martinez O.A. , Pardal M.M. Fernandez , Bruetman J.E. , Reisin R.C. 
Published: March 2007

Summary: Background:Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a usually underdiagnosed and potentially treatable cause of altered awareness in the elderly. To assess etiologies, associations with other medical problems, and prognosis of NCSE in a population aged >75 years we performed a nested case–control study.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the clinical manifestations and EEG findings in 19 consecutive elderly patients (mean age 83.3 years) presenting with NCSE and compared them with 34 elderly patients (mean age 83.3 years) with altered mental status but without EEG evidence of NCSE. The variables compared included brain lesions on CT or MRI, number of concomitant chronic active diseases, previous neurological disorders, acute medical problems, the use and withdrawal of medications, and outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using chi‐square test,t‐test, Fisher's exact two‐tailed test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test.Results:The etiology of NCSE was epilepsy in 2, acute medical disorders in 14, and a cryptogenic cause in 4. The NCSE group had a more frequent history of epilepsy, 35% versus 8.8% (p = 0.028); tramadol use, 31% versus 0% (p = 0.00151); longer hospitalization, 25 days versus 7 days (p = 0.0004); and unfavorable outcome, 50% versus 5.8% (p = 0.00031). No significant differences were found in the other variables. Unfavorable outcome was associated with a higher number of comorbidities (>2) and to a severely altered mental status.Conclusions:NCSE is a serious cause of altered mental status in the elderly. Although its direct role in brain damage is controversial, elderly patients with NCSE have higher morbidity and worst prognosis than those with altered mental status without NCSE.
Management of large traumatic zonular dialysis with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation using the capsular tension ring
Authors: Georgopoulos Gerasimos TH. , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios , Georgalas Ilias , Koutsandrea Chrysanthi N. , Margetis Ioannis , Moschos Marilita M. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To report our results and to evaluate the longterm effect of capsular tension ring (CTR) insertion in eyes with large traumatic zonular dialysis that underwent phacoemulsification with posterior chamber (PC) intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.Methods:  This prospective study included 17 eyes of 17 consecutive patients with cataract and large traumatic zonular dialysis (range 80–160 degrees determined pre‐or intraoperatively). After insertion of a CTR, phacoemulsification with foldable acrylic PC IOL implantation was performed. Posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) in the pre‐ and postoperative periods and postoperative IOL decentration were recorded. Results:  The mean follow‐up period was 25.9 months (range 15–35 months). Capsule collapse did not occur in any eye with a CTR. Postoperatively, four eyes developed raised IOP that responded well to medical therapy. An improvement in BCVA was observed in all eyes except one because of co‐existing fundus pathology. No IOL was found to be decentrated at the end of the follow‐up period, apart from one eye in which the PC IOL was dislocated due to a postoperative trauma, in which an anterior chamber IOL was implanted. Conclusions:  In cases of cataract associated with large traumatic zonular dialysis, implanting a CTR before or during phacoemulsification with an in‐the‐bag PC IOL is relatively safe technique with a high success rate. The CTR was found to be efficient in preventing IOL decentration in eyes with traumatic zonular deficiency.
Polyglactin sutures versus nylon sutures for suturing of conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Wong Victoria W. Y. , Rao Srinivas K. , Lam Dennis S. C. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the use of polyglactin sutures versus nylon sutures for conjunctival autograft suturing in pterygium surgery.Methods:  A prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted, in which 32 eyes of 32 patients with primary nasal pterygium were randomized to undergo pterygium surgery with the use of nylon sutures or polyglactin sutures for conjunctival autograft suturing. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Outcome measures included postoperative discomfort according to a visual analogue scale (VAS), graft hyperaemia, graft oedema and tarsal conjunctival papillary reaction.Results:  There was no significant difference in the postoperative discomfort as assessed by VAS in both groups at all follow‐up visits. Patients who had polyglactin sutures for suturing conjunctival autograft were noted to have more tarsal conjunctival papillary reaction at day 1 (p = 0.01) and more graft hyperaemia at week 1 (p = 0.019) after the operation. At 4 weeks postoperatively, significantly more nylon sutures remained on the autograft (p = 0.021), some of which were buried and could not be removed.Conclusions:  Both polyglactin and nylon are effective suture materials for autograft suturing in pterygium surgery and cause comparable postoperative discomfort. Polyglactin sutures resulted in slightly more conjunctival reaction in the early postoperative period compared with nylon sutures.
Are important patient‐rated outcomes in community mental health care explained by only one factor?
Authors: Hansson L. , Björkman T. , Priebe S. 
Published: March 2007

Introduction:  The study tested whether four commonly used patient‐rated outcomes are explained by only one factor, reflecting a general appraisal tendency of patients.Method:  Quality of life, needs and symptoms were rated by 92 patients in community mental health care at baseline and after 18 months and 6 years follow‐up periods. At follow ups treatment satisfaction was also assessed. Scores and change scores were subjected to factor analyses. We then tested which individual items predicted factor scores.Results:  One factor explained between 55% and 66% of the variance of the tested patient‐rated outcomes cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. Only change scores of treatment satisfaction loaded on a separate factor. Seven items consistently explained more than 80% of the variance of the general factor.Conclusion:  Four important patient‐rated outcomes are uniformly and substantially influenced by a general tendency for positive or negative appraisals. This tendency can be assessed more simply than using currently established methods.
Long‐term evaluation of erythema and pigmentation induced by ultraviolet radiations of different wavelengths
Authors: Suh K.‐S. , Roh H.‐J. , Choi S.‐Y. , Jeon Y.‐S. , Doh K.‐S. , Bae J.‐H. , Kim S.‐T. 
Published: March 2007

Backgrounds/aims: Although multiple studies have been reported about the biological effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiations, the comparative and long‐term reactions of human skin by several different UV‐wavebands were not reported. The aim of this study was to investigate a time course of erythema and pigmentation induced by UVA 1, broad‐band UVA (BBUVA), narrow‐band UVB (NBUVB) and broad‐band UVB (BBUVB).Methods: Ten volunteers participated in this study for 6 months. Four skin areas, from the back of each subject, were irradiated with two minimal erythema dose (MED) of four different UV wavelengths corresponding to UVA 1, BBUVA, NBUVB and BBUVB. Skin color changes were evaluated by visual scoring and values were converted into the L*a*b color system.Results: For both UVA 1 and BBUVA, erythema and pigmentation were most pronounced immediately and 1 h after exposure. Thereafter, erythema rapidly diminished but pigmentation persisted throughout the study. For both NBUVB and BBUVB, test areas reacted with erythema of maximum intensity at 1 and 2 days, respectively. A maximum tanning was reached at 3–6 days for NBUVB and 4–7 days for BBUVB, and the return toward the original color point was at 1 and 3 months, respectively. No significant difference was found in visual and colorimetric evaluation for the time course of skin color changes.Conclusion: Two MED of UVA produced far prolonged erythema and pigmentation than UVB. For UVA, UVA 1 and BBUVA showed similar intensity and time course of skin reaction. For UVB, erythema and pigmentation produced by NBUVB were milder in intensity and shorter in time course than those by BBUVB. These results would provide standard data on time courses and intensity of skin color changes by different UV wavelengths.
Enamel Microabrasion Followed by Dental Bleaching for Patients after Orthodontic Treatment—Case Reports
Authors: Sundfeld Renato Herman , Rahal Vanessa , Croll Theodore P. , De Aalexandre Rodrigo Sversut , Briso Andre Luiz Fraga 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTThis article reports clinical procedures used to remove residual bonded resin and enamel stains following bracket “debonding” at the conclusion of orthodontic treatment. A water‐cooled fine‐tapered diamond bur was used for resin removal, followed by enamel surface finishing using a commercially available microabrasion paste. It was noted that residual tooth coloration remained yellowish because of enamel translucency; the yellow dentin shade showed through. Additional tooth shade lightening was achieved using carbamide peroxide dental bleaching solution in custom‐formed trays. This report describes a safe and effective technique that optimizes tooth appearance at the conclusion of orthodontic therapy. Mechanical resin removal, enamel microabrasion, and tooth bleaching are employed.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEA combination of treatment methods are sometimes required for the best esthetic result. After orthodontic treatment, mechanical resin removal followed successively by enamel microabrasion and tooth bleaching can yield ideal long‐lasting improvement.
Identification of Dengue Virus in Respiratory Specimens from a Patient Who Had Recently Traveled from a Region Where Dengue Virus Infection Is Endemic
Authors: Tavakoli Norma P. , Tobin Ellis H. , Wong Susan J. , Dupuis Alan P. , Glasheen Bernadette , Kramer Laura D. , Bernard Kristen A. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Dengue is the most important arthropod-borne viral disease, and it is a major public health problem in subtropical and tropical regions. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected female mosquitoes of the genus
Aedes
. The global resurgence of dengue is thought to be due to failure to control the
Aedes
populations, uncontrolled urbanization, population growth, climate change, and increased airplane travel. In this paper we describe the methods used to detect dengue virus infection in a patient who presented to a hospital in New York State. The patient was a 21-year-old female who had recently traveled from Thailand. Serologic testing, viral culture, and molecular methods, including reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR, were tools used for diagnosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence assay of serum specimens indicated flavivirus infection. Conventional RT-PCR and sequencing, in addition to real-time RT-PCR of serum samples and nasal and throat swabs from the patient, confirmed dengue virus 1 (DEN-1) infection. A cytopathic effect was observed in virus cultures of the acute-phase serum samples and nasal swabs. DEN-1 was subsequently detected by RT-PCR from cell culture supernatants and by direct fluorescent-antibody assay staining of the cell culture monolayer. We show that a multipronged approach to the laboratory diagnosis of dengue infections can be used to successfully diagnose and differentiate the dengue virus serotypes. In addition, we show that both dengue viral RNA and infectious virus can be detected in respiratory specimens from an infected patient.
Pustular Dermatitis Caused by
Dermatophilus congolensis
Authors: Burd Eileen M. , Juzych Lydia A. , Rudrik James T. , Habib Fadi 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

We describe a case of pustular dermatitis in a 15-year-old girl who had just returned from horseback riding camp. Based on gram staining, colony characteristics, biochemical reactions, and whole-cell fatty acid analysis, the causative agent was identified as
Dermatophilus congolensis
. The literature contains few reports of human infection with this organism.
Surveillance for Reassortant Virus by Multiplex Reverse Transcription-PCR Specific for Eight Genomic Segments of Avian Influenza A H5N1 Viruses
Authors: Auewarakul Prasert , Sangsiriwut Kantima , Chaichoune Kridsda , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Wiriyarat Witthawat , Songserm Taweesak , Ponak-nguen Rasameepen , Prasertsopon Jarunee , Pooruk Phisanu , Sawanpanyalert Pathom , Ratanakorn Parntep , Puthavathana Pilaipan 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT
Avian influenza H5N1 virus is a global threat. An emergence of a reassortant virus with a pandemic potential is a major concern. Here we describe a multiplex reverse transcription-PCR assay that is specific for the eight genomic segments of the currently circulating H5N1 viruses to facilitate surveillance for a virus resulting from reassortment between human influenza virus and the H5N1 virus.
Frequent Frameshift and Point Mutations in the SH Gene of Human Metapneumovirus Passaged In Vitro
Authors: Biacchesi Stéphane , Murphy Brian R. , Collins Peter L. , Buchholz Ursula J. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT
During the preparation of recombinant derivatives of the CAN97-83 clinical isolate of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), consensus nucleotide sequencing of the recovered RNA genomes provided evidence of frequent sequence heterogeneity at a number of genome positions. This heterogeneity was suggestive of sizable subpopulations containing mutations. An analysis of molecularly cloned cDNAs confirmed the presence of mixed populations. The biologically derived virus on which the recombinant system is based also contained sizeable mutant subpopulations, whose presence was confirmed by biological cloning and nucleotide sequencing. Most of the mutations occurred in the SH gene. For example, partial consensus sequencing of 40 independent preparations of recombinant HMPV (wild-type and various derivatives) showed that 31 of these preparations contained a total of 41 instances of small insertions in the SH gene and a total of five small insertions elsewhere. In each of these 31 preparations, there was at least one insert in SH that changed the reading frame and would yield a truncated protein. Nearly all of these insertions involved adding one or more A residues to various tracks of four or more A residues, with the most frequent site being a tract of seven A residues. There were also two instances of nucleotide deletions and numerous instances of nucleotide substitution point mutations, mostly in the SH gene. The occurrence of mutant subpopulations was greatly reduced by the replacement of the SH gene with a synthetic version in which these oligonucleotide tracts were eliminated by silent nucleotide changes. We suggest that we frequently detected subpopulations in which the expression of full-length SH protein was ablated because it provided a modest selective advantage to this clinical isolate in vitro. Adaptation involving the functional loss of a gene is unusual for an RNA virus.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Subtype C Tat Fails To Induce Intracellular Calcium Flux and Induces Reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Production from Monocytes
Authors: Campbell Grant R. , Watkins Jennifer D. , Singh Kumud K. , Loret Erwann P. , Spector Stephen A. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTOver 50% of all human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections worldwide are caused by subtype C strains, yet most research to date focuses on subtype B, the subtype most commonly found in North America and Europe. The HIV-1trans-acting regulatory protein (Tat) is essential for regulating productive replication of HIV-1. Tat is secreted by HIV-infected cells and alters several functions of uninfected bystander cells. One such function is that, by acting at the cell membrane, subtype B Tat stimulates the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) from human monocytes and can act as a chemoattractant. In this study, we show that the mutation of a cysteine to a serine at residue 31 of Tat commonly found in subtype C variants significantly inhibits the abilities of the protein to bind to chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2), induce intracellular calcium flux, stimulate TNF and CCL2 production, and inhibit its chemoattractant properties. We also show that TNF is important in mediating some effects of extracellular Tat. This report therefore demonstrates the important functional differences between subtype C and subtype B Tat and highlights the need for further investigation into the different strains of HIV-1.