bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antigen‐Specific β‐Chemokine Production and CD8+ T‐Cell Noncytotoxic Antiviral Activity in HIV‐2‐Infected Individuals
Authors: Ahmed R. K. S. , Norrgren H. , Da Silva Z. , Blaxhult A. , Fredriksson E.‐L. , Biberfeld G. , Andersson S. , Thorstensson R.
Published: January 2005

Human immunodeficiency virus‐2 (HIV‐2) is less pathogenic than HIV‐1, and the disease progression in HIV‐2‐infected individuals seems to be similar to that seen in HIV‐1‐infected long‐term nonprogressors. Cell‐mediated immune responses and the production of noncytotoxic CD8+ T‐cell antiviral factors (CAF) and β‐chemokines have been correlated to protection against HIV‐1 and associated with asymptomatic infection and slower disease progression. We investigated the antigen‐induced β‐chemokine production in HIV‐2‐infected patients living in Sweden and in Guinea‐Bissau. We also compared in vitro CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated noncytotoxic antiviral activity against β‐chemokine‐sensitive R5 virus (HIV‐1Bal) and β‐chemokine‐insensitive X4 virus (HIV‐1IIIB) in HIV‐2‐infected patients with that in HIV‐1‐infected patients. HIV‐2‐specific β‐chemokine production was demonstrated in a majority of the HIV‐2‐infected subjects. CD8+ T cells of both HIV‐1 and HIV‐2‐infected individuals suppressed R5 virus replication in vitro in a similar manner, while the inhibition of X4 virus replication seemed to be more frequent and of a higher magnitude among HIV‐2‐infected patients compared to HIV‐1‐infected subjects. Taken together, our results indicate that the production of CD8+ T‐cell noncytotoxic antiviral factors may contribute to the low transmission of the virus and slower disease progression in HIV‐2‐infected patients.
RAGE is the Major Receptor for the Proinflammatory Activity of HMGB1 in Rodent Macrophages
Authors: Kokkola R. , Andersson Å. , Mullins G. , Östberg T. , Treutiger C.‐J. , Arnold B. , Nawroth P. , Andersson U. , Harris R. A. , Harris H. E.
Published: January 2005

High‐mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) is a protein with both intranuclear functions and extracellular cytokine‐like effects. In this report, we study possible candidate receptors for HMGB1 on macrophages (Mφ) and define pathways activated by HMGB1 binding. Bone marrow Mφ were prepared from Dark Agouti (DA) rats and stimulated in vitro with HMGB1. The kinetics of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) production, NO production, activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), p44/42 MAPK‐ and SAPK/JNK‐signalling pathways, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and HMGB1‐induced upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and CD86 were analysed. Mφ from interleukin (IL)‐1 receptor type I–/–, Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2–/–) and RAGE–/– mice were used to investigate the role of these receptors in HMGB1 signalling. HMGB1 induced TNF and NO production by Mφ, phosphorylation of all investigated MAP kinase pathways and NF‐κB translocation, and expression of MHC class II was increased. Mφ from RAGE–/– mice produced significantly lower amounts of TNF, IL‐1β and IL‐6, while IL‐1RI–/– and TLR2–/– Mφ produced cytokine levels comparable with wildtype controls in response to HMGB1 stimulation. We conclude that HMGB1 has the potential to induce a proinflammatory phenotype in Mφ, with RAGE as the major activation‐inducing receptor.
Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 is Expressed in Adenoidal Crypt Epithelial Cells
Authors: Pajusto M. , Tarkkanen J. , Mattila P. S.
Published: January 2005

The adenoidal epithelial crypt is a potential site of antigen transport from pharyngeal lumen to adenoidal tissue. The base of the crypt is consistently infiltrated with leucocytes, forming a reticular lymphoepithelial structure. To evaluate mechanisms that possibly mediate leucocyte infiltration, expressions of leucocyte adhesion molecules, such as platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1) (CD31), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) (CD106) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (CD54), were studied in the adenoidal epithelial crypt. Epithelial cells in the outer opening of the adenoidal crypt were positive for VCAM‐1, whereas epithelial cells at the base of the crypt were positive for PECAM‐1. Isolated ICAM‐1‐expressing cells were found throughout the epithelial crypt. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that the epithelial cells positive for PECAM‐1 or VCAM‐1 were positive for cytokeratin. The expression of PECAM‐1 in the base and VCAM‐1 at the orifice of the adenoidal epithelial crypt implies that the base and the orifice of the crypt have a distinct ability to recruit leucocytes. Epithelial cells expressing PECAM‐1 may have a role in the formation of the reticular lymphoepithelial structure in the epithelial crypt.
DEFAULT RISK AND DIVERSIFICATION: THEORY AND EMPIRICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Jarrow Robert A. , Lando David , Yu Fan
Published: January 2005

Recent advances in the theory of credit risk allow the use of standard term structure machinery for default risk modeling and estimation. The empirical literature in this area often interprets the drift adjustments of the default intensity's diffusion state variables as the only default risk premium. We show that this interpretation implies a restriction on the form of possible default risk premia, which can be justified through exact and approximate notions of “diversifiable default risk.” The equivalence between the empirical and martingale default intensities that follows from diversifiable default risk greatly facilitates the pricing and management of credit risk. We emphasize that this is not an equivalence in distribution, and illustrate its importance using credit spread dynamics estimated in Duffee (1999). We also argue that the assumption of diversifiability is implicitly used in certain existing models of mortgage‐backed securities.
ANALYTICAL COMPARISONS OF OPTION PRICES IN STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY MODELS
Authors: Henderson Vicky
Published: January 2005

This paper gives an ordering on option prices under various well‐known martingale measures in an incomplete stochastic volatility model. Our central result is a comparison theorem that proves convex option prices are decreasing in the market price of volatility risk, the parameter governing the choice of pricing measure. The theorem is applied to order option prices under q‐optimal pricing measures. In doing so, we correct orderings demonstrated numerically in Heath, Platen, and Schweizer (Mathematical Finance, 11(4), 2001) in the special case of the Heston model.
MEAN VARIANCE PREFERENCES, EXPECTATIONS FORMATION, AND THE DYNAMICS OF RANDOM ASSET PRICES
Authors: Böhm Volker , Chiarella Carl
Published: January 2005

This paper analyzes the dynamics of an explicit random process of prices and price expectations of finitely many assets in an economy with overlapping generations of heterogeneous consumers. They maximize expected utility with respect to subjective transition probabilities defined by Markov kernels which describe the forecasting behavior of agents. Given such forecasting rules (predictors) and an exogenous process of dividends, the evolution of equilibrium asset prices and expectations is described by a random dynamical system in the sense ofArnold (1998). The paper investigates the long‐run behavior (stationary solutions) by proving the existence and stability of random fixed points for mean‐variance preferences under various predictors, including unbiased predictions, and adaptive, as well as OLS forecasting. An explicit characterization of rational expectations solutions is given, providing a full dynamic characterization of asset price processes for the classical CAPM in the case of stationary OLG economies. Numerical simulations are used to compare the performance of the different predictors under an AR(1) dividend process.
A NOTE ON ARBITRAGE AND CLOSED CONVEX CONES
Authors: Schachermayer Walter
Published: January 2005

We give an example of a subspace Kof such that , where denotes the closure with respect to convergence in probablity. On the other hand, the cone C≔K−L∞+ is dense in L∞ with respect to the weak‐star topology σ(L∞, L1). This example answers a question raised by I. Evstigneev. The topic is motivated by the relation of the notion of no arbitrage and the existence of martingale measures in Mathematical Finance.
Using Soft Systems Methodology for Performance Improvement and Organisational Change in the English National Health Service
Authors: Jacobs Brian
Published: January 2005

The Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) advocated by Checkland and Scholes (1990) has considerable potential. It can provide policy makers, professionals, and managers in complex health organisations with a valuable addition to management approaches leading to practical improvements through innovative organisational change. With reference to the English National Health Service (NHS), this author argues that SSM can enable managers and others to address problem situations holistically, identify critical issues, and reach an accommodation of different viewpoints as a basis for improvement. The SSM approach can usefully compliment strategic frameworks, such as the Balanced Scorecard, in achieving clarity of thinking about performance and change issues'.
Understanding the French 2003 Heat Wave Experience: Beyond the heat, a Multi‐Layered Challenge
Authors: Lagadec Patrick
Published: January 2005

The 2003 heat wave killed nearly 15,000 people in France. It was a stealth killer. “We did not notice anything”, as the Minister of Health declared to the Parliamentary Commission. It is of crucial importance to understand the keys to this collective failure, which has much in common with the Chicago experience in 1995 –the lessons of which had not been grasped nor learned.

A four‐layered challenge explains the fiasco. The emergency challenge, which is not the realm of bureaucracies outside the “9/11” bodies. The crisis management challenge, largely documented since the 80s and the 90s, but still poorly known by most organisations, in France and elsewhere. The unconventional crisis challenge, emerging more and more today with “outside‐of‐the‐box” scenarios – and for which very few are ready to prepare, in any country in the world. The “texture” challenge, when the whole fabric of our complex systems (rather than just some specific segment) is suddenly deeply affected — an entirely new front‐line in the crisis world, which urges to switch from a mechanical or an architectural to a more “biological” approach to read, seize, and handle emerging csrises.

The 2003 heat fiasco compels us to prepare for far more than climate‐related crises. It calls for a fresh and bold look at our crisis paradigms. As General Foch said: “Gunfire kills, but so do outdated visions”.
Patterns of alcohol consumption and Helicobacter pylori infection: results of a population‐based study from Germany among 6545 adults
Authors: Kuepper‐Nybelen J. , Thefeld W. , Rothenbacher D. , Brenner H.
Published: January 2005

Background : Moderate alcohol consumption has been suggested to facilitate elimination of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Aim : To investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and infection with H. pylori, with particular consideration of the role of age, different alcoholic beverages and specific drinking habits.

Methods : These issues were addressed in the German National Health Survey, conducted in a representative population sample between October 1997 and March 1999. Overall, 6545 subjects provided data on frequency and average amount of different alcoholic beverages consumed. H. pylori infection status was measured by serum immunoglobulin G antibodies.

Results : Seroprevalence of the infection was highest among subjects who reported drinking no alcohol (49.3%) and lowest among subjects consuming 25–50 g alcohol/day (35.2%, adjusted odds ratio = 0.60, 95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.75). This inverse association was consistently seen for different alcoholic beverages and in all age groups and it was particularly pronounced among women and among regular but moderate drinkers. There was also an inverse dose–response relationship between the frequency of alcohol consumption and H. pylori infection.

Conclusions : This analysis supports suggestions that regular but moderate consumption of alcohol from various sources may facilitate elimination of H. pylori infection.
Evaluation of anti‐Helicobacter pylori IgG2 antibody for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in western and Chinese populations
Authors: Ren Z. , Borody T. , Pang G. , Dunkley M. , Clancy R. , Xia H. H. X. , Chu K. M. , Wong J. , Wong B. C. Y.
Published: January 2005

Background : The performance of commercial Helicobacter pylori diagnostic kits developed for particular geographic regions has often been found to be of poor diagnostic value when applied to other regions, possibly because of infections being caused by different H. pylori strains in different regions.

Aim : To evaluate the performance of an IgG2 anti‐H. pylori enzyme‐linked immunoassay test (Helirad Alert) for detection of H. pylori infection in both Australian and Hong Kong (Chinese) subjects.

Methods : Serum samples were tested for H. pylori specific IgG2 and IgG antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunoassay kits using identical antigen preparation in 168 Australian and 160 Hong Kong (Chinese) subjects diagnosed with dyspepsia.

Results : Using a cut‐off value determined by analysis of H. pylori‐negative Australian samples, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the IgG2 assay were 77.8, 97.4 and 91.1%, respectively, for the Australian samples and 96.3, 83.8 and 90% for Hong Kong samples. For the IgG assay, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 87.0, 99.1 and 95.2% for Australian samples and 97.5, 75 and 86.3% for Hong Kong samples respectively. Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis showed better discrimination of H. pylori status when the IgG2 assay was applied to Hong Kong samples, while the IgG assay was better in the Australian samples.

Conclusion : These data demonstrate that the Helirad Alert enzyme‐linked immunoassay could provide a reliable method for screening H. pylori infection in both western and Chinese populations.
Tegaserod is effective in the initial and retreatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: Müller‐Lissner S. , Holtmann G. , Rueegg P. , Weidinger G. , Löffler H.
Published: January 2005

Background : Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are often cyclical and thus may require repeated rather than continuous therapy. Tegaserod is effective and well‐tolerated for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation but data on retreatment are lacking.

Aim : To assess whether tegaserod retreatment is as efficacious and well‐tolerated as initial treatment in a primary care setting.

Methods : This open‐label trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of tegaserod under real‐life conditions. Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation patients received tegaserod 6 mg b.d. for 12 weeks; response was assessed at weeks 4 and 12. Responders (those achieving satisfactory relief for at least 2 of the previous 4 weeks) at weeks 4 and/or 12 entered an 8‐week withdrawal period where symptom recurrence was assessed. Patients experiencing recurrence could receive tegaserod 6 mg b.d. for another 4 weeks (retreatment phase) and on completion, could choose to continue tegaserod in a 6‐month extension study.

Results : A total of 513 patients received initial treatment with tegaserod; 85.0% (436 of 513) responded. 403 responders entered the withdrawal period; symptoms recurred in 83.9% (338 of 403) after a mean of 38 days. Of the 307 patients who subsequently entered retreatment 89.3% (274 of 307) responded. Among patients entering the retreatment period, 269 (87.6%) had responded within the first 4 weeks of initial treatment. Of these, 243 (90.3%) responded to tegaserod retreatment. Adverse events were infrequent and similar during 4 weeks of the initial treatment period (11.1%) and on retreatment (10.4%). The extension study, completed by 188 of 232 (81.0%) patients, demonstrated good long‐term tolerability of tegaserod.

Conclusions : Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation patients can be successfully treated, and retreated, with tegaserod 6 mg b.d. Tegaserod was well‐tolerated during initial and retreatment periods.
Discontinuation of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in patients who are not responding to therapy – patients’ views of early cessation of therapy
Authors: D'Souza R. , Main J. , Crossey M. , Rosenberg W. , Murray‐Lyon I. M. , Hayward C. , Foster G. R.
Published: January 2005

Background : Current therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection involves a course of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Patients who do not show a virological response after 12 weeks of therapy have a low probability of sustained virological response and it is therefore recommended that such patients stop treatment.

Aim : To assess patients’ views of early treatment cessation.

Methods : We conducted a open‐labelled study in three UK centres, in which patients with biopsy‐proven chronic hepatitis C requiring therapy were offered the choice of a full course of therapy with 40 kDa pegylated interferon‐α 2a plus ribavirin (24 or 48 weeks depending on viral genotype) or early cessation if therapy had failed after 12 weeks.

Results : Ninety‐five participants were enrolled and the majority (69%) did not wish to discontinue therapy even if it had low probability of success. In this unselected UK population, very few patients (4%) did not achieve an early virological response with the 40‐kDa pegylated interferon‐α 2a plus ribavirin and two of the four early virological non‐responders decided to continue therapy.

Conclusion : Early discontinuation of ‘ineffective’ anti‐viral therapy may prove less popular with patients than with health care providers, and further patient‐directed education regarding the cost‐effectiveness of therapy will be needed if early discontinuation of unsuccessful therapy is to be accepted by patients.
Review article: portal vein thrombosis – new insights into aetiology and management
Authors: Webster G. J. M. , Burroughs A. K. , Riordan S. M.
Published: January 2005

Portal vein thrombosis may occur in the presence or absence of underlying liver disease, and a combination of local and systemic factors are increasingly recognized to be important in its development. Acute and chronic portal vein thrombosis have traditionally been considered separately, although a clear clinical distinction may be difficult. Gastrooesophageal varices are an important complication of portal vein thrombosis, but they follow a different natural history to those with portal hypertension related to cirrhosis. Consensus on optimal treatment continues to be hampered by a lack of randomized trials, but recent studies demonstrate the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy in acute thrombosis, and the apparent safety and benefit of anticoagulation in patients with chronic portal vein thrombosis.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of therapy with interferon‐α and pegylated interferon‐α/ribavirin on platelet plug formation and von Willebrand factor release in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Homoncik M. , Ferlitsch A. , Ferenci P. , Formann E. , Jilma B. , Gangl A. , Panzer S. , Peck‐Radosavljevic M.
Published: January 2005

Background : A pegylated interferon‐alpha‐induced decrease in platelet counts may become a limiting factor for continuation of therapy.

Aim : To evaluate the effect of pegylated interferon‐α administration on platelet plug formation and von Willebrand factor antigen release in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods : Thirty patients with chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1; fibrosis 1–3: n = 16, cirrhosis: n = 14) received a single dose of 9 MU interferon‐α2a, followed by weekly administration of 180 μg of pegylated interferon‐α2a/ribavirin for 48 weeks. Platelet counts, platelet function (collagen–epinephrine‐induced closure time) and von Willebrand factor antigen were measured.

Results : Platelet counts and collagen–epinephrine‐induced closure time decreased by 13% and 16%, respectively, 24 h after the first dose of interferon‐α2a, and von Willebrand factor antigen levels increased by 31% (P < 0.01) compared with baseline. During a 48‐week observation period, platelet counts decreased by a maximum of 33% (P < 0.001), von Willebrand factor antigen levels increased by 69% (P < 0.001) whereas collagen–epinephrine‐induced closure time did not change. In noncirrhotic patients, the increase of von Willebrand factor antigen levels was maintained throughout therapy without a change in collagen–epinephrine‐induced closure time. In contrast, in cirrhotics, von Willebrand factor antigen levels did not increase, while collagen–epinephrine‐induced closure time was prolonged.

Conclusion : Single‐dose interferon‐α decreases platelet counts but improves platelet function, possibly by the release of von Willebrand factor antigen. Accordingly, long‐term antiviral treatment had no effect on collagen–epinephrine‐induced closure time, despite the decrease in platelet count in noncirrhotic patients. Such a compensation of decreased platelet counts by increased von Willebrand factor antigen level did not occur in cirrhotics.
Comparison of the intubating laryngeal mask airway and laryngeal tube placement during manual in‐line stabilisation of the neck
Authors: Komatsu R. , Nagata O. , Kamata K. , Yamagata K. , Sessler D. I. , Ozaki M.
Published: January 2005

We compared the placement of the laryngeal tube (LT) with the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in 51 patients whose necks were stabilised by manual in‐line traction. Following induction of anaesthesia and neuromuscular blockade, the LT and ILMA were inserted consecutively in a randomised, crossover design. Using pressure‐controlled ventilation (20 cmH2O inspiratory pressure), we measured insertion attempts, time to establish positive‐pressure ventilation, tidal volume, gastric insufflation, and minimum airway pressure at which gas leaked around the cuff. Data were compared using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Insertion was found to be more difficult with the LT (successful at first attempt in 16 patients) than with the ILMA (successful at first attempt in 42 patients, p < 0.0001). Time required for insertion was longer for the LT (28 [23–35] s, median [interquartile range]) than for the ILMA (20 [15–25] s, p = 0.0009). Tidal volume was less for the LT (440 [290–670] ml) than for the ILMA (630 [440–750] ml, p = 0.013). Minimum airway pressure at which gas leak occurred and incidence of gastric insufflation were similar with two devices. In patients whose necks were stabilised with manual in‐line traction, insertion of the ILMA was easier and quicker than insertion of the LT and tidal volume was greater with the ILMA than the LT.
Effects of inhaled nitrous oxide 50% on estimated cerebral perfusion pressure and zero flow pressure in healthy volunteers*
Authors: Hancock S. M. , Eastwood J. R. , Mahajan R. P.
Published: January 2005

The role of vascular tone in determining cerebral perfusion pressure is increasingly being appreciated. It has been suggested that zero flow pressure, the arterial pressure at which blood flow ceases, represents the effective downstream pressure of the cerebral circulation. Nitrous oxide is a cerebral vasodilator and may therefore decrease zero flow pressure and increase cerebral perfusion pressure. However, these effects may be opposed by the increase in intracranial blood volume produced by cerebral vasodilation. We studied eight healthy volunteers at normocapnia and studied the effects of the inhalation of nitrous oxide 50% on estimated cerebral perfusion pressure and zero flow pressure using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. We found that nitrous oxide 50% significantly increased estimated cerebral perfusion pressure (p = 0.03), whilst decreasing zero flow pressure (p = 0.01). These results suggest that the vasomotor effects of nitrous oxide predominate in determining the effective downstream pressure of the cerebral circulation in healthy individuals.
Measured pulmonary oxygen consumption: difference between systemic oxygen uptake measured by the reverse Fick method and indirect calorimetry in cardiac surgery
Authors: Peyton P. J. , Robinson G. J. B.
Published: January 2005

Measurement of oxygen uptake by indirect calorimetry was compared with the reverse Fick method in a series of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Oxygen uptake measurements for indirect calorimetry were made using a calibrated measurement system utilizing the Haldane transformation in a simple semiclosed breathing system based upon a modified Bain circuit. Pulmonary blood flow for the reverse Fick method was measured using bolus thermodilution. The results were (mean [standard deviation]): indirect calorimetry 167[26] ml.min−1, and reverse Fick 148[27] ml.min−1. Indirect calorimetry overestimated the reverse Fick value by 11.3% (p < 0.001). These results are consistent with the findings of previous studies in similar patient groups and are explained by lung tissue oxygen consumption.
Comparison of fibreoptic‐guided orotracheal intubation through classic and single‐use laryngeal mask airways*
Authors: Danha R. F. , Thompson J. L. , Popat M. T. , Pandit J. J.
Published: January 2005

We compared times to intubate the trachea orally and success rates using two fibreoptically assisted techniques in 42 healthy patients with normal airways using (a) a 6.0‐mm nasal RAE tracheal tube passed through a classic laryngeal mask airway (CLMA group) or (b) a 6.0‐mm nasal RAE tracheal tube passed through a new disposable Portex Soft Seal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA group). The mean (SD) total intubation times were 82 (14) and 80 (17) s, respectively (p = 0.55). The success rates for intubation at the first attempt were similar (17/21 in the CLMA vs. 16/21 in the PLMA group; p = 0.50). We conclude that there is no clinically significant difference between the times to intubate the trachea or success rates using these two devices, but there may be other more subtle measures which might influence the choice of device in clinical practice. Finally, in the course of this study we developed a grading scale to describe the laryngeal views obtained when using a fibrescope passed through supraglottic airway devices.
Failed tracheal intubation in obstetrics: no more frequent but still managed badly
Authors: Rahman K. , Jenkins J. G.
Published: January 2005

In the South‐West Thames region of the United Kingdom, during a 5‐year period from 1999 to 2003, there were 20 failed tracheal intubations occurring in 4768 obstetric general anaesthetics (incidence 1 : 238). In half of the 16 cases for which the patient's notes could be examined there was a failure to follow an accepted protocol for failed tracheal intubation.
A programme for reducing smoking in pre‐operative surgical patients: randomised controlled trial*
Authors: Wolfenden L. , Wiggers J. , Knight J. , Campbell E. , Rissel C. , Kerridge R. , Spigelman A. D. , Moore K.
Published: January 2005

We assessed the efficacy of a comprehensive programme for stopping smoking in 210 smokers scheduled for surgery, before admission and 3 months after attending a pre‐operative clinic. Participants were randomly allocated to receive an intervention incorporating nicotine replacement therapy for patients smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day (‘dependent smokers’), or to a control group to receive usual care. Dependent smokers allocated to the intervention group were more likely to report abstinence before surgery than those allocated to receive usual‐care (63 (73%) vs. 29 (56%), respectively; OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.0–4.8)), and 3 months after attendance (16 (18%) vs. 3 (5%), respectively; OR = 3.9 (95% CI 1.0–21.7).
Olopatadine hydrochloride suppresses the rebound phenomenon after discontinuation of treatment with a topical steroid in mice with chronic contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Tamura T. , Matsubara M. , Hasegawa K. , Ohmori K. , Karasawa A.
Published: January 2005

Background
Olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine; Allelock®) is one of the second‐generation antihistamines that are treated for allergic disorders such as rhinitis, urticaria and eczema dermatitis. Olopatadine has recently been shown to have inhibitory effects on the chronic contact hypersensitivity induced by repeated application of oxazolone in mice. Although topical steroids have widely been prescribed for atopic dermatitis, a relapse often occurs within several days after discontinuation of their prolonged use.

Objectives
We investigated the possible efficacy of olopatadine against the relapse after discontinuation of prolonged use of topical prednisolone in the Balb/c mice with oxazolone‐induced chronic contact hypersensitivity.

Methods
Mice with the chronic contact hypersensitivity induced by repeated application of oxazolone were treated with olopatadine as a sequential therapeutic agent. The effects of olopatadine were quantified by measurements of ear‐swelling, and levels of cytokines and histamine in the lesioned ear.

Results
Topical prednisolone (0.05 mg/ear/day) significantly inhibited the increases in ear swelling and production of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐18, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and histamine. However, after discontinuation of the treatment with topical prednisolone, the inflammation relapsed and the IL‐4 level exceeded the control one. The sequential treatment with olopatadine (10 mg/kg/day) after discontinuation of the treatment with topical prednisolone alone, or topical prednisolone with olopatadine, significantly inhibited the increases in ear swelling and levels of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐18, GM‐CSF, nerve growth factor and histamine.

Conclusions
These results indicate that olopatadine is an antihistamine agent having inhibitory activities against the rebound phenomenon following the discontinuation of topical steroid therapy. Olopatadine is thus expected to be a sequential therapeutic agent after discontinuation of the chronic treatment with a topical steroid.
Talon cusp in a primary lateral incisor from a medieval child
Authors: MAYS S.
Published: January 2005

This paper describes talon cusp in an ancient skeleton and is a rare report of its occurrence in a primary lateral incisor. As well as talon cusp, the affected incisor also shows abnormal widening, probably representing a double tooth. There is also a supernumerary permanent incisor. The report shows that talon cusp existed in British populations more than 600 years before the first written description. A brief review of the literature on the occurrence of talon cusp in the primary dentition is presented.
Teaching oral hygiene to children with autism
Authors: PILEBRO C. , BÄCKMAN B.
Published: January 2005

Background.  The need for improved oral hygiene routines in individuals with disabilities has been documented in many reports. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether visual pedagogy is a suitable way to teach children with autism how to brush their teeth.

Methods.  The investigation took the form of a prospective study including clinical examinations and structured interviews. Based on visual pedagogy, a series of pictures were produced that showed a structured method and technique of tooth brushing. The pictures were placed in the bathroom or wherever tooth brushing was performed. Fourteen children with autism aged between 5 and 13 years (mean age = 9·3 years), and their parents participated.

Results.  Before the study, all parents found it difficult/very difficult to maintain good oral hygiene in their child. All children had visible plaque on their maxillary incisors and canines. After 12 months, the amount of visible plaque was reduced. After 18 months, most parents found maintaining good oral hygiene easier than before the study. All but one child/parent adopted the programme.

Conclusions.  Visual pedagogy is a useful tool in helping people with autism to improve their oral hygiene.
Clinical performance of a non‐rinse conditioning sealant in three paediatric dental practices: a retrospective study
Authors: RAM D. , MAMBER E. , FUKS A. B.
Published: January 2005

The present clinical retrospective study describes the retention rates of a compomer sealant (Dyract Seal, Dentsply‐De Trey, Germany) with non‐rinse conditioning (NRC) placed in three paediatric dentistry practices. Three hundred and seventeen sealants were applied in 220 primary and 97 permanent molars of 176 children aged 2·5–13 years. The tooth surface was freshened with a #1/2 round bur mounted on a slow speed engine, and isolated with cotton rolls. Application of the NRC and Dyract Seal followed the manufacturer's instructions. Sealant retention was classified as A (fully retained), B (partially lost) or C (completely missing).

 From a total of 220 sealants placed in primary molars, 38 were in the mouth between 12 and 18 months, 29 functioned between 19 and 24 months and 46 were followed up between 25 and 36 months. One hundred and thirteen (51%) were fully retained (A), 73 (33%) scored B (27 for 12–18 months; 20 for 19–24 months, 26 for 25–36 months) and 34 (16%) were lost and scored C (12 for 12–18 months; 12 for 19–24 months; 10 for 25–36 months).

 From a total of 97 sealed permanent molars, 45 (46%) were fully retained (score A). Of these, 25 were followed up for 12–18 months, 10 for 19–24 months and 10 for 25–36 months. Thirty‐eight sealed permanent molars (19%) scored B [17 for 12–18 months, 10 for 19–24 months and seven for 25–36 months and 14 (15%) were completely lost (score C: 6 for 12–18 months, seven for 19–24 months and two for 25–36 months)].

 Dyract Seal has a lower retention rate than conventional sealants. It may be appropriate for sealing primary molars of very young children for a limited period of time and for permanent molars of children with pronounced gag reflex, where rinsing can become a problem and lead to disruptive behaviour.
Randomized, controlled trial comparing the retention of a flowable restorative system with a conventional resin sealant: one‐year follow up
Authors: CORONA S. A. M. , BORSATTO M. C. , GARCIA L. , RAMOS R. P. , PALMA‐DIBB R. G.
Published: January 2005

This clinical trial evaluated the retention rate of a flowable restorative system (Bond 1 + Flow‐It!) used as a pit‐and‐fissure sealant compared with a conventional filled resin sealant (Fluroshield) over a 1‐year period.

Method.  Using a half‐mouth design, 160 sealants (80 in primary and 80 in permanent teeth) were placed on sound first/second primary molars and first permanent molars of 40 children aged between 4 and 7 years. For both primary and permanent dentitions, half the teeth (n = 40) were sealed with Fluroshield and half (n = 40) with Bond 1 + Flow‐It!. Teeth were evaluated at baseline, 6‐ and 12‐month intervals.

Results.  For both materials, there was no total loss of sealants placed on either the primary or permanent molars over 1 year. From Fluroshield sealants placed on primary teeth, 33 were completely intact after 6 months and 31 after 1 year. From those placed on permanent molars, no loss of material was observed after 6 months, while partial loss was noticed on 5% of teeth at 1‐year recall. For Flow‐It! resin applied on primary molars, partial loss of material was observed in only 1 sealant after 6 months and in 2 sealants after 1 year. On permanent teeth, 100% retention rate was observed over a 1‐year follow up. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0·01) between the sealing materials on primary but not permanent teeth, and, overall, Flow‐It! sealants presented a higher retention rate at both 6‐month and 1‐year evaluations. Significant differences (P < 0·01) between baseline and the other evaluation periods were also observed.

Conclusion.  It may be concluded that the flowable restorative system yielded optimal retention on both primary and permanent molars. Its retention rate was significantly higher than that of the conventional pit‐and‐fissure sealant on primary teeth.
Relationship between oral parafunctional/nutritive sucking habits and temporomandibular joint dysfunction in primary dentition
Authors: CASTELO P. M. , GAVIÃO M. B. D. , PEREIRA L. J. , BONJARDIM L. R.
Published: January 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nutritive and parafunctional habits and the presence of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in children with primary dentition.

Methods.  Ninety nine children, aged 3–5 years, were examined to check for the presence or absence of signs and symptoms of TMD (headache, preauricular pain, earache, masticatory muscle tenderness, deviation on opening, occlusal interference and asymmetric movement of the mandible), oral parafunctions (bruxism, nail biting, finger/thumb sucking, speech alteration, mouth breathing, pacifier and atypical swallowing) and nutritive habits (breast‐ or bottle‐feeding) through interview and clinical examination. The results were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and Fisher's exact test.

Results.  The results showed that only atypical swallowing was positively related to TMD (P < 0·0001); other oral parafunctional and nutritive habits were not related to TMD.

Conclusions.  It was concluded that parafunctional habits, with the exception of atypical swallowing, and feeding methods were not determinants for the presence of signs and/or symptoms of TMD in the sample of children included in the study.
The potential role of plant oxygen and sulphide dynamics in die‐off events of the tropical seagrass, Thalassia testudinum
Authors: BORUM J. , PEDERSEN O. , GREVE T. M. , FRANKOVICH T. A. , ZIEMAN J. C. , FOURQUREAN J. W. , MADDEN C. J.
Published: January 2005

Oxygen and sulphide dynamics were examined, using microelectrode techniques, in meristems and rhizomes of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum at three different sites in Florida Bay, and in the laboratory, to evaluate the potential role of internal oxygen variability and sulphide invasion in episodes of sudden die‐off. The sites differed with respect to shoot density and sediment composition, with an active die‐off occurring at only one of the sites.

Meristematic oxygen content followed similar diel patterns at all sites with high oxygen content during the day and hyposaturation relative to the water column during the night. Minimum meristematic oxygen content was recorded around sunrise and varied among sites, with values close to zero at the die‐off site.

Gaseous sulphide was detected within the sediment at all sites but at different concentrations among sites and within the die‐off site. Spontaneous invasion of sulphide into Thalassia rhizomes was recorded at low internal oxygen partial pressure during darkness at the die‐off site.

A laboratory experiment showed that the internal oxygen dynamics depended on light availability, and hence plant photosynthesis, and on the oxygen content of the water column controlling passive oxygen diffusion from water column to leaves and below‐ground tissues in the dark.

Sulphide invasion only occurred at low internal oxygen content, and the rate of invasion was highly dependent on the oxygen supply to roots and rhizomes. Sulphide was slowly depleted from the tissues when high oxygen partial pressures were re‐established through leaf photosynthesis. Coexistence of sulphide and oxygen in the tissues and the slow rate of sulphide depletion suggest that sulphide reoxidation is not biologically mediated within the tissues of Thalassia.

Our results support the hypothesis that internal oxygen stress, caused by low water column oxygen content or poor plant performance governed by other environmental factors, allows invasion of sulphide and that the internal plant oxygen and sulphide dynamics potentially are key factors in the episodes of sudden die‐off in beds of Thalassia testudinum. Root anoxia followed by sulphide invasion may be a more general mechanism determining the growth and survival of other rooted plants in sulphate‐rich aquatic environments.
Slow plants in a fast forest: local dispersal as a predictor of species frequencies in a dynamic landscape
Authors: MATLACK GLENN R.
Published: January 2005

Regional distributions of plants could be determined by local dispersal processes or by extreme long‐range dispersal. The importance of dispersal scale was examined by comparing regional frequencies of 36 forest herbs with predicted frequencies generated by a dynamic landscape model that only allowed local dispersal. The model was parameterized to land use turnover in south‐eastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware, USA, for the period of 300 years since initial forest clearance.

The model successfully predicted the frequencies of fleshy fruited and ant‐dispersed forest herbs in the modern landscape, but failed to predict frequencies of adhesive species or of all species considered together. No attempt was made to predict the frequency of wind‐dispersed species, which were infrequent in these forests.

Frequencies of species in the modern landscape appeared to be controlled by the time available for spread after emerging from a period of low habitat frequency in the 19th century.

Species dispersed by ingestion of fruits were more abundant than predicted, probably due to gap‐crossing by animal dispersal vectors. Ingested species appear to have spread at a rate only achievable by modelled species in an artificially long time frame.

The predictive power of a model based on local dispersal implies that extreme long‐range dispersal is rare on the time‐scale of human land use and does not significantly influence regional distributions.

Predicted frequencies were ≤ 20% for all species, consistent with an observed decline in forest species diversity. Herb species impoverishment can be interpreted as a distinct vegetational condition created by 18th‐century forest clearance, which will probably be detectable for at least another century.

Seed dispersal ability appears to be critical to the regional survival of forest herb species. At the spatial and temporal scales of human land use, slow‐migrating species, and those unable to cross gaps, may be in danger of regional extinction.
Development and psychometric properties of the Individualized Care Scale
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Välimäki Maritta
Published: January 2005

Rationale, aims and objectives  In this study we describe the development of the Individualized Care Scale (ICS) and evaluate its validity, psychometric properties and feasibility. The ICS was designed to measure patients’ views on how individuality is supported through specific nursing interventions (ICA) and how they perceive individuality in their own care (ICB) during hospitalization.

Method  Three different data sets were collected among patients being discharged from hospital (n1 = 203, n2 = 279, n3 = 454). This bipartite 38‐item ICS promises to be a brief, timely, easy to administer and useful self‐completion measure for evaluating clinical nursing practice from the patient's point of view.

Results  The findings supported the internal consistency reliability of the ICS (alpha 0.94 for ICA and ICB 0.93) and the three subscales (alphas 0.85–0.90). Item analysis supported the item construction of each scale. Content validity was furthered by a critical literature review and four expert analyses. Principal component analysis (Promax with Kaiser normalization) among earlier factor analyses supported construct validity by generating a three‐factor solution which accounted for 65% of the variance in the ICA and 61% in the ICB. Pearson's correlation coefficients were at least 0.88 between the subscales and the total domain ICA or ICB.

Conclusions  The ICS has demonstrated promise as a tool for measuring patients’ evaluations of their hospital experience and individuality in care.
Evaluation of a service development to increase detection of urinary tract infections in children
Authors: Cunningham Anne Marie , Edwards Adrian , Jones Kate Verrier , Bourdeaux Kate , Willock Jane , Barnes Rosemary
Published: January 2005

Rationale, aims and objectives  It is suspected that childhood urinary tract infection (UTI) remains under‐diagnosed in primary care, and is consequently the cause of subsequent morbidity from renal scarring, hypertension and eventual renal failure. Practice‐based education and service developments were undertaken to try to improve the detection of childhood UTI.

Methods  A controlled before‐and‐after intervention study was conducted. The educational and service developments promoted awareness of and greater testing for UTI among children less than two years of age presenting with febrile illness or other potentially relevant symptoms or signs. Appropriate diagnostic equipment was provided.

Results and conclusions  More urine samples were sent by the intervention practices but without a concomitant increase in detection of UTIs. This may indicate that current practice is approaching near maximal detection of UTI in young children.
Neoparamoeba branchiphila n. sp., and related species of the genus Neoparamoeba Page, 1987: morphological and molecular characterization of selected strains
Authors: Dyková I , Nowak B F , Crosbie P B B , Fiala I , Pecková H , Adams M B , Macháčková B , Dvořáková H
Published: January 2005

A total of 18 Neoparamoeba strains were characterized both morphologically and using the SSU rRNA gene sequences as molecular markers. Nine were isolated from gills of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., six from sediments sampled in areas of sea‐cage farms and three from net material of sea‐cages. The newly obtained sequences extended substantially the dataset of Neoparamoeba strains available for phylogenetic analyses, which were used to infer taxonomic relatedness among 32 strains morphologically assigned to this genus. In addition to the N. pemaquidensis and N. aestuarina clades, phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished a third clade with sequences from six strains. Members of this clade are characterized as representatives of a new species, N. branchiphila n. sp. The diagnostic primers for the identification of this species are introduced.
Food provision and the meal situation in elderly care – outcomes in different social contexts
Authors: Sydner Y. M. , Fjellström C.
Published: January 2005

Background  Nutritional problems concerning older people in care can be affected both by their illness and by the standard procedures surrounding food provision, for example rigid routines of food supply and ritualized mealtime situations.

Method  The aim was to study how organizational structure and staff members’ routines and actions influence activities related to food and meals in different caring context in Sweden. The qualitative methodology chosen for this study was participant observation.

Result  Care recipients were given different opportunities concerning what, how, when and with whom to eat, depending on where their meals were served. In restaurants, older people could choose from several foods and they could also choose the time of and company for the meal. At care units with ‘part‐of‐day’ care or ‘around‐the‐clock’ care, food choices, time and company were limited, especially at the units with ‘around‐the‐clock’ care, where the most ailing older people lived.

Conclusions  Food provision and the mealtime situation for the elderly are shaped by the individual's living arrangements, and the social organization surrounding it, not determined by the individual's needs and wishes, including social and cultural meanings of food and meals, which could, thereby, affect nutritional intake.