bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LEON GOLDSTEIN AND THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF HISTORICAL KNOWING1
Authors: O'SULLIVAN LUKE 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTLeon Goldstein's critical philosophy of history has suffered a relative lack of attention, but it is the outcome of an unusual story. He reached conclusions about the autonomy of the discipline of history similar to those of R. G. Collingwood and Michael Oakeshott, but he did so from within the Anglo‐American analytic style of philosophy that had little tradition of discussing such matters. Initially, Goldstein attempted to apply a positivistic epistemology derived from Hempel's philosophy of natural science to historical knowledge, but gradually (and partly thanks to his interest in Collingwood) formulated an anti‐realistic epistemology that firmly distinguished historical knowledge of the past not only from the scientific perspective but also from fictional and common‐sense attitudes to the past. Among his achievements were theories of the distinctive nature of historical evidence and historical propositions, of the constructed character of historical events, and of the relationship between historical research and contemporary culture. Taken together, his ideas merit inclusion among the most important twentieth‐century contributions to the problem of historical knowledge.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and increased sensitivity to excitotoxicity in mice deficient in DNA mismatch repair
Authors: Francisconi Simona , Codenotti Mara , Toninelli Giulia Ferrari , Uberti Daniela , Memo Maurizio 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe expression profile in the hippocampus of mice lacking one allele of the MutS homologue (Msh2), gene, which is one of the most representative components of the DNA mismatch repair system, was analysed to understand whether defects in the repair or in response to DNA damage could impact significantly on brain function. The overall results suggested a reduction in mitochondrial function as indicated by gene expression analysis, biochemical and behavioural studies. In the hippocampus of Msh2+/– mice, array data, validated by RT–PCR and western blot analysis, showed reduced expression levels of genes for cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (CoxII), ATP synthase subunit β and superoxide dismutase 1. Biochemically, mitochondria from the hippocampus and cortex of these mice show reduced CoxII and increased aconitase activity. Behaviourally, these alterations resulted in mice with increased vulnerability to kainic acid‐induced epileptic seizures and hippocampal neuronal loss. These data suggest that lack of an efficient system involved in recognizing and repairing DNA damage may generate a brain mitochondriopathy.
Abstract no.: 5 Combined spatiotemporal and motility mapping of the murine small intestine during distension
Authors: Seerden T.C. , Lammers W.J. , Stephen B. , De Man J.G. , De Winter B.Y. , Pelckmans P. A. 
Published: May 2006

Background & aim  Since the development of knock out animals, the mouse has emerged as the model species to study GI motility. However, little information is available on the electrical and contractile activities induced by distension in the murine small intestine. In the present study we investigated the electrical and associated motor activity during distension in isolated segments of the murine small intestine.Methods  Short segments of the murine small intestine were mounted in a Tyrode‐superfused organ bath. Upon distension to 3.0 cmH20 periods of oscillations were generated. The electrical and contractile activities of these oscillations were recorded with a longitudinal row of 16 extracellular electrodes and a digital video camera. The electrodes recorded the slow wave and spike activities. The video camera monitored changes in intestinal configuration. Both signals were analyzed with custom‐developed software. In addition the effect of verapamil (3 × 10−5) and atropine (10−5) were examined.Results  Distension induced the appearance of oscillatory contractions. Motility analyses revealed that these oscillations propagated. The majority propagated aborally (50%), while others propagated in the oral (33%) or in both directions (17%). The frequencies, velocities and directions of the propagating oscillations were strongly correlated with the frequencies (R = 0.81), velocities (R = 0.83) and directions (R = 1.0) of the electrical slow wave. Atropine (n = 4) and verapamil (n = 4) abolished the propagating oscillations.Conclusion  The distension induced propagating oscillations are caused by propagating slow waves and its accompanying action potentials. Frequency, direction and velocity of these propagating oscillations are determined by the underlying slow wave activity. These propagating oscillation are cholinergic and calcium‐dependent.
Use of Public Health Nurse Competencies to Develop a Childcare Health Consultant Workforce
Authors: Wold Judith Lupo , Gaines Sherry K. , Leary Janie M. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this article is to describe the efforts in the state of Georgia to train public health nurse‐childcare health consultants (PHN‐CCHCs) using the framework of the “Core competencies for public health practice.”Objectives: The goal of the training was twofold: (1) to prepare a statewide cadre of PHNs as the primary workforce for Georgia's emerging childcare health consultation (CCHC) system and (2) to prepare their district nurse directors to lead and support CCHCs.Design: Administrators attended a 2‐day workshop followed by access to executive coaching for their management teams. PHNs participated in a three‐phase training program, with phases 1 and 3 offered as 3‐day workshops with field experiences, and phase 2 offered online and as a practicum.Sample: Forty‐four administrators and over 85 PHN‐CCHCs completed the training.Results: Graduates of the program reported satisfaction with training and reported the use of PHN core competencies in CCHC. Graduates also found enhanced skills in using core competencies to be applicable to a variety of population‐based practices. Beyond CCHC being instituted in selected health districts, interest in CCHC has occurred statewide.Conclusions: The PHN‐CCHC program enhanced the knowledge and use of core competencies and heightened interest in CCHC statewide.
Evaluation of a Community‐Based Outreach Worker Program for Children With Asthma
Authors: Primomo Janet , Johnston Sandra , DiBiase Frank , Nodolf Jocelyn , Noren Leanne 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
Objective: An asthma outreach worker (AOW) can provide home‐based education about asthma management and methods to minimize home environmental asthma triggers. A theory‐based AOW program was implemented by a community partnership and its effectiveness was evaluated.Design: Baseline and follow‐up surveys were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the AOW.Sample: The convenience sample consisted of 60 caregivers whose children received AOW services.Measures: Quality of life, use of asthma management plans, medication use, health care utilization, home environmental behavior changes to reduce triggers, and satisfaction with AOW services were self‐reported by caregivers.Results: Caregivers reported significantly higher quality of life at follow‐up than at baseline. At follow‐up, 93% of the children had asthma management plans as compared with 31% at baseline. Self‐reported hospitalizations were significantly reduced. All of the families made changes to minimize household asthma triggers. Caregivers reported high satisfaction with the AOW and 90% of them felt that the home environmental assessment conducted by the AOW helped improve their child's asthma.Conclusion: Short‐term community‐based AOW services for children can be effective in enhancing self‐management capabilities, improving the quality of life, increasing the use of asthma management plans, and helping families reduce asthma triggers in the home environment.
Replicating the Hospital Elder Life Program in a Community Hospital and Demonstrating Effectiveness Using Quality Improvement Methodology
Authors: Rubin Fred H. , Williams Jennifer T. , Lescisin Dianne A. , Mook William J. , Hassan Shuja , Inouye Sharon K. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a replication of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), a quality‐improvement model, in a community hospital without a research infrastructure, using administrative data.DESIGN: A pretest/posttest quality‐improvement study.SETTING: A 500‐bed community teaching hospital in western Pennsylvania.PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand seven hundred sixty‐three hospitalized patients aged 70 and older admitted to one nursing unit over 3.5 years.INTERVENTION: Application of the HELP multicomponent intervention targeting patients at risk for delirium.MEASUREMENTS: A proxy measure for delirium was developed using administrative data to calculate delirium rate and differences in variable costs of care and length of stay for patients before and after the intervention. Similar calculations were used in delirious patients for variable costs and length of stay before and after the intervention. Satisfaction surveys were administered to nursing staff and patient families before and after the intervention.RESULTS: The intervention reduced the absolute rate of delirium according to proxy report 14.4% from baseline, which represented a relative reduction in risk of 35.3% (P=.002). Total costs on this 40‐bed nursing unit were reduced $626,261 over 6 months. Satisfaction of nursing staff and families was high in the intervention group. In addition, the intervention showed sustained benefits over time and remains funded by the hospital.CONCLUSION: HELP can be successfully replicated in a community hospital, yielding clinical and financial benefits.
Identification of a novel A1v‐O1v hybrid allele with G829A mutation in a chimeric individual of AelBel phenotype
Authors: Sun Chien‐Feng , Chen Ding‐Ping , Tseng Ching‐Ping , Wang Wei‐Ting , Liu Jui‐Ping 
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND:  Many A and B suballeles responsible for ABO subgroup formation have been identified. Some of these minor alleles have mutations in the ABO gene coding sequence. Most of these mutations are due to single‐nucleotide substitution and lead to amino acid alteration. Several alleles at the ABO locus appear to be caused by crossing over between dissimilar alleles.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Blood samples were collected from an individual with AelBel phenotype and her family members. Sequencing of the seven ABO exons was performed on these samples. The following was performed for the samples from the AelBel proposita: cloning and sequencing of the genomic DNA of the ABO gene, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of cDNA transcript of the ABO gene, sequence‐specific priming (SSP)‐PCR analysis and direct sequencing of the ABO gene, SSP‐PCR DNA typing of generic HLA‐ABC and HLA‐DRB, and short‐tandem repeat (STR)‐PCR typing on 15 autosomal, 2 X‐chromosomal, and 6 Y‐chromosomal loci.RESULTS:  The proposita with AelBel phenotype has blood group chimerism with a major group of A1v‐O1v/O1(O01) and a minor group of B(B101)/O1v(O02). Additional haplotypes on HLA‐ABC, HLA‐DR‐B, STR loci, and Y‐chromosome STR loci were present on the proposita. The paternal genotype is B(B101)/O1(O01) and the maternal genotype is A1v(A102)/O1v(O02). No other siblings have the A1v‐O1v hybrid allele. Parentage was confirmed with the paternity STR‐PCR test. Full‐length cDNA transcripts of the B(B101) allele and alternately spliced cDNA transcripts of the hybrid A1v‐O1v, O1, and O1v alleles were cloned from the proposita. The A1v‐O1v hybrid gene contains two missense mutations: C467T and G829A, resulting in Pro156Leu and Val277Met substitution.CONCLUSION:  Formation of the A1v‐O1v hybrid allele appears to result from de novo recombination in the germ line of the mother during meiosis. G829A with Val277Met appears to be responsible for the decrease in A‐transferase activity and Ael phenotypic expression in the proposita. The chimeric minor population of B(B101)/O1v is responsible for Bel phenotypic expression in the proposita.
Influence of rotating–oscillating, sonic and ultrasonic action of power toothbrushes on abrasion of sound and eroded dentine
Authors: Wiegand A. , Lemmrich F. , Attin T. 
Published: May 2006

Objective:  This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of sound and eroded dentine to brushing abrasion performed by different rotating–oscillating, sonic and ultrasonic toothbrushes.Methods:  Toothbrushing abrasion (20 cycles, each 30 s) was applied to bovine dentine samples (each subgroup n = 10) exhibiting both a demineralized (each cycle: 1% citric acid, pH: 2.3, 60 s; 30 min remineralization in artificial saliva) and a sound surface area. Toothbrushing was performed in an automatic brushing machine with the rotating–oscillating, sonic and ultrasonic toothbrushes either (a) activated, supplemented by 20 strokes/min of the brushing machine, (b) inactivated, supplemented by 20 strokes/min of the brushing machine or (c) inactivated, supplemented by 80 strokes/min of the brushing machine. A manual toothbrush was applied with 20, 80 or 100 linear strokes/min. Specimens of the control group were not brushed after erosion. After each cycle, the samples were stored in artificial saliva for 4 h. After 20 cycles, loss of sound and softened dentine was determined by profilometry. Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test and Bonferroni corrections were applied to the data (p < 0.05).Results:  For all groups, demineralized dentin areas exhibited significantly higher abrasion values than the respective sound dentine surfaces. However, mean dentine loss of both softened and sound dentine was higher after use of the rotating–oscillating, sonic and ultrasonic brushes with the activated regime [(a) eroded dentine: 9.94–16.45 µm; sound dentine: 3.31–5.47 µm] than after brushing with the inactivated regimes [(b) eroded dentine: 5.10–5.62 µm; sound dentine: 1.16–1.81 µm; (c) eroded dentin: 7.64–8.89 µm; sound dentine: 1.38–1.69 µm].Conclusion:  The results indicate that rotating–oscillating, sonic or ultrasonic action of the power toothbrushes leads to an increased loss of demineralized and sound dentine.
1141249460 A novel three‐dimensional in vitro system of trophoblast–endothelium cell interaction
Authors: Aldo P , Krikun G , Lockwood CJ , Mor G 
Published: May 2006

Introduction:  Preeclampsia and IUGR have been linked to improper trophoblast migration that impairs maternal spiral artery transformation minimizing vessel dilation and therefore restricting blood flow to the developing fetus. Endothelial cells are thought to play an essential role in directing trophoblast migration and transformation, although the mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood. We have developed a novel in vitro system that evaluates endothelial‐trophoblast interaction and signaling in a three‐dimensional environment.Methods:  An immortalized human endometrial endothelial cell line (HEEC) (Krikun et al., 2004) and first trimester trophoblast cell lines HTR‐8 and Swan.71 were used. Endothelial transformation into vessel‐like structures occurred in Matrigel Basement Membrane Matrix. Cell membrane linker dye and OpenLab Image Analysis software were used to monitor trophoblast migration and transformation. Cytokine and chemokine production was determined using a multiplex bead assay.Results:  Upon differentiation in matrigel, endothelial cells undergo a shift in cytokine production characterized by an increased secretion of chemokines. First trimester trophoblast cells migrate toward the differentiated endothelium, and reach it within 4–8 hr. Complete replacement of the endothelium is seen by 48 hr. The transformed tubes maintain structure and remain functional for several weeks allowing for further co‐culture studies.Conclusion:  We report the characterization of a novel three‐dimensional in vitro system of trophoblast–endothelium cell interaction. We found significant changes in the phenotype (cytokine expression and LPS responses) of endothelial cells upon differentiation in matrigel as compared to the monolayer culture. These changes may be necessary for the endothelium to direct trophoblast migration. Furthermore, this model represents an ideal co‐culture system to evaluate the role of additional cell types, e.g. immune cells, involved in the process of spiral artery transformation.
1141635485 Genetic stress (IL‐10 deficiency) and toxicant (PCB)‐induced disruption of pregnancy
Authors: Tewari N , Murphy SP , Sharma S 
Published: May 2006

Several epidemiologic studies have provided evidence that a significant number of pregnant women living within the World Trade Center disaster area experienced a high rate of low birth weight and premature deliveries. Our hypothesis is that these women were predisposed to pregnancy disruption effects of toxicants detected in the dust of the disaster area. We sought to examine the effects of PCB on pregnancy outcome in an IL‐10‐/‐ mouse model. IL‐10‐/‐ or congenic wild type mice of 6–8 weeks age were given i.p injections of Aroclor 1254 (PCB) at doses of 50 or 500 μg/mouse in 100 μL corn oil on gestational day (gd) 1 and 7 or an equivalent (100 μL) amount of corn oil. Mice were sacrificed on gd 13 and uteri and spleen were excised and collected. Uterine mononuclear cells (UMC) and splenic mononuclear cells (SMC) were isolated. These cell populations were subjected to phenotypic and functional characterization. A portion of uterine tissue was either snap frozen for placental PCB contents or for histology. No doses of Aroclor 1254 affected the pregnancy outcome in wild type mice. However, IL‐10‐/‐ mice experienced fetal resorption when injected with high dose (500 μg/mouse) of Aroclor 1254. Local immune dysregulation and placental anomalies including apoptosis and immunocyte infiltration are currently being investigated. Our results strongly suggest that IL‐10 deficiency and PCB‐mediated immunotoxicity lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes.Acknowledgement:  Supported by NIEHS Superfund Basic Research Program Award P42ES13660.
1141642587 Ras‐activators in trophoblastic cell lines
Authors: Enkelmann A , Poehlmann TG , Roediger J , Sedlmayr P , Rubio I , Markert UR 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Numerous cytokines influence functions and behaviour of trophoblast cells. The use of different signalling pathways is decisive for different functions, such as migration, proliferation and invasion. Epithelial growth factor (EGF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) are major inducers. MAP Kinase (MAPK) pathways, which are related to invasiveness in many malignant cells, are expected to be involved.Material and Methods:  The trophoblastic cell line AC1‐M59 and the choriocarcinoma cell line Jeg‐3 were stimulated with EGF, LIF or IL‐6. After 2–30 min, cells were lyzed and activated (GTP‐bound) ras was pulled down by using small modular GTPase‐binding domains derived from c‐Raf and sepharose micro‐beads. The ras‐containing pellet was analyzed by electrophoresis followed by Western blotting and detected with various anti‐ras antibodies. The remaining lysate was analyzed for phospho‐erk1/2.Results:  In AC1‐M59 cells, EGF induced a strong and immediate ras and erk1/2 activation as visible at all analyzed time points. Effects of LIF were much lower and started 15 min after stimulation. IL‐6 did not induce detectable effects. Jeg‐3 cells displayed a high spontaneous ras activation which was not further increased after stimulation.Discussion:  In trophoblastic cells, EGF activates signalling molecules of the MAPK pathways as similarly described for other cells. LIF is known to use the Jak/STAT pathway, which may be responsible for a slower ras activation than induced by EGF. The high spontaneous ras activation in Jeg‐3 cells may be related to their malign characteristics.Conclusion:  EGF is a powerful activator of ras in trophoblastic cell lines, which may be a key signalling molecule for invasion of trophoblast cells.
Short‐term and long‐term outcomes of patients with malignant large bowel obstruction
Authors: Ng Wing‐Chi , Lee Janet Fung‐Yee , Ng Simon Siu‐Man , Yiu Raymond Ying‐Chang , Leung Ka‐Lau 
Published: May 2006

Objective:  The aim of the present study was to review our experience in the surgical management of patients with obstructing colorectal cancers over an 11‐year period, 1987–1997.Patients and methods:  Retrospective review of case records of 275 patients (male: 177; female 98) who had undergone emergency surgery for obstructing colorectal cancers was performed. Tumours proximal to splenic flexure were defined as proximal tumours while those at or below the splenic flexure were defined as distal tumours.Results:  The obstruction was caused by proximal tumours in 88 (32%) patients. The resection rate and the primary anastomotic rate were higher for proximal tumours compared with distal tumours (95.5%vs 85.6%, P = 0.014; 92%vs 30.5%, P < 0.001). For distal tumours, stoma rate was found to be influenced by the following factors: preoperative albumin level, duration of observation after admission, operating surgeons’ years of experience, bowel perforation and site of the obstructing tumour. Multivariate analysis disclosed that surgeons’ experience was the only independent factor predicting stoma formation. The in‐hospital mortality and the anastomotic leakage rates were 15.3% and 5.6%, respectively. Tumour stage was the only prognostic factor affecting the disease‐free survival after curative resection. The 5‐year disease‐free survival rates for Dukes’ B and C disease were 66% and 37.2%, respectively.Conclusions:  Tumour stage was a significant prognostic factor for patients with obstructing colorectal cancers. Emergency surgery for distal tumours should preferentially be performed by more experienced surgeons in order to achieve a higher anastomotic rate.
Cryosurgery for prostate cancer: How I do it
Authors: Ho Sammy Shing‐Chee 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Cryosurgery for prostate cancer is the ablation of the cancer by inducing a lethal freezing temperature (−40°C) to kill the cancer cells. This is now one of the optional curative treatments for localized prostate cancer patients.Methods:  A third generation cryotherapy machine was used. An ultrathin 17 Fr cryoneedle was used to puncture the prostate gland transperineally under real‐time transrectal ultrasound guidance. Cryogen gas, using argon, was used for active freezing and helium gas was used for active thawing. Thermoprobes were used to ensure the lethal temperature was reached. A urethral warmer device was necessary to reduce urethral damage. Foley catheterization was necessary for 2–3 days postoperatively.Results:  Postoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was monitored 3 monthly. Biochemical success (PSA < 0.4) can be achieved in most cases.Conclusion:  This new cryoablation of prostate cancer can provide a minimally invasive option for localized prostate cancer patients.