bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relevance of the pH probe in sleep study analysis in infants
Authors: Harris P. , Muñoz C. , Mobarec S. , Brockmann P. , Mesa T. , Sánchez I.
Published: June 2004

Background  To establish the relationship between sleep apnoea and gastro‐oesophageal reflux in infants and describe the clinical, demographic and pHmetric profile and the characteristic of the sleep polysomnography with a pH probe.

Methods  A total of 102 consecutive patients were evaluated. Parents were requested to fill out a questionnaire about symptoms and previous therapy. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux was considered abnormal when the percentage of time with pH less than 4 was higher than 4% of total sleep time.

Results  A total of 102 infants were enrolled, 53% males. Seventy‐four per cent of the infants were full‐term babies. At the moment of the polysomnography, the mean age of the sample was 2.6 months. Suspicion of apnoea was the most common clinical diagnosis prior to the study. Only two infants have abnormal electroencephalogram. Mild gastro‐oesophageal reflux was seen in 37 (36%) infants, while 22 (21.5%) did not have any reflux episode, and the remaining 43 (42%) infants had reflux index in the pathologic range. Only one patient had an unequivocal temporal relationship between acid oesophageal reflux and respiratory pause with oxygen desaturation.

Discussion  Infants with history of apnoea or acute life threatening event frequently had gastro‐oesophageal reflux episodes which did not correlated with respiratory events, suggesting that gastro‐oesophageal reflux and apnoea often occur in the same infant as two separate events.
Variation in how mothers, health visitors and general practitioners use the personal child health record
Authors: Hampshire A. J. , Blair M. E. , Crown N. S. , Avery A. J. , Williams E. I.
Published: June 2004

Background  In the UK, a national personal child health record (PCHR) with local adaptations is in widespread use. Previous studies report that parents find the PCHR useful and that health visitors use it more than other health professionals. This study was carried out in Nottingham, where the local PCHR is similar to the national PCHR.

Objectives  To explore variation in use of the PCHR made by mothers with differing social characteristics, to compare heath visitors’ and general practitioners’ (GPs’) use of the PCHR, and to compare health visitors’ and GPs’ perceptions of the PCHR with those of mothers for whose children they provide care.

Methods  Questionnaires to 534 parents registered with 28 general practices and interviews with a health visitor and GP at each practice. A score per mother for perceived usefulness of the PCHR was developed from the questionnaire, and variation in the score was investigated by linear regression adjusted for clustering.

Results  Four hundred and one (75%) questionnaires were returned. Three hundred and twenty‐five (82%) mothers thought the PCHR was very good or good. Higher scores for usage of the PCHR were significantly associated with teenage and first‐time mothers, but no association was found with mother's social class, education or being a single parent. There was no association between variation in the score and practice, health visitor or GP characteristics. Mothers, health visitors and GPs reported that mothers took the PCHR to baby clinic more frequently than when seeing their GP, and that health visitors wrote in the PCHR more frequently than GPs. Eighteen (67%) health visitors and 20 (71%) GPs said they had difficulty recording information in the PCHR.

Conclusion  The PCHR is used by most mothers and is important for providing health promotion material to all families with young children. It may be particularly useful for first‐time and teenage mothers.
Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in healthy sheep*
Authors: Jianzhong S. , Xiubo L. , Haiyang J. , Walter H. H.
Published: June 2004

A study on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of florfenicol was conducted in 20 crossbred healthy sheep following a single intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Florfenicol concentrations in serum were determined by a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method with UV detection at a wavelength of 223 nm in which serum samples were spiked with chloramphenicol as internal standard. Serum concentration–time data after i.v. administration were best described by a three‐compartment open model with values for the distribution half‐lives (T1/2α) 1.51 ± 0.06 and 1.59 ± 0.10 h, elimination half‐lives (T1/2β) 18.83 ± 6.76 and 18.71 ± 1.85 h, total body clearance (ClB) 0.26 ± 0.03 and 0.25 ± 0.01 L/kg/h, volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vd(ss)) 1.86 ± 0.11 and 1.71 ± 0.20 L/kg, area under curve (AUC) 76.31 ± 9.17 and 119.21 ± 2.05 μg·h/mL after i.v. injections of 20 and 30 mg/kg b.w. respectively. Serum concentration–time data after i.m. administration were adequately described by a one‐compartment open model. The pharmacokinetic parameters were distribution half‐lives (T1/2ka) 0.27 ± 0.03 and 0.25 ± 0.09 h, elimination half‐lives (T1/2ke) 10.34 ± 1.11 and 9.57 ± 2.84 h, maximum concentrations (Cmax) 4.13 ± 0.29 and 7.04 ± 1.61 μg/mL, area under curve (AUC) 67.95 ± 9.61 and 101.95 ± 8.92 μg·h/mL, bioavailability (F) 89.04% and 85.52% after i.m. injections of 20 and 30 mg/kg b.w. respectively.
Idiosyncratic toxicity associated with potentiated sulfonamides in the dog
Authors: Trepanier L. A.
Published: June 2004

Idiosyncratic toxicity to potentiated sulfonamides occurs in both humans and dogs, with considerable clinical similarities. The syndrome in dogs can consist of fever, arthropathy, blood dyscrasias (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or hemolytic anemia), hepatopathy consisting of cholestasis or necrosis, skin eruptions, uveitis, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Other manifestations seen less commonly include protein‐losing nephropathy, meningitis, pancreatitis, pneumonitis, or facial nerve palsy. The pathogenesis of these reactions is not completely understood, but may be due to a T‐cell‐mediated response to proteins haptenated by oxidative sulfonamide metabolites. Our laboratory is working on tests to characterize dogs with possible idiosyncratic sulfonamide reactions, to include ELISA for anti‐drug antibodies, immunoblotting for antibodies directed against liver proteins, flow cytometry for drug‐dependent anti‐platelet antibodies, andin vitrocytotoxicity assays. The management of idiosyncratic sulfonamide toxicity involves client education to identify clinical signs early and allow rapid drug discontinuation, supportive care to include possibly ascorbate and glutathione precursors, and avoidance of subsequent re‐exposure. It is important to realize that only antimicrobial sulfonamides, such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, and sulfadimethoxine, share this clinical syndrome. There is no evidence for cross‐reactivity with drugs that have different underlying structures but share a sulfonamide moiety, such as acetazolamide, furosemide, glipizide, or hydrochlorthiazide.
Measuring trap efficiency for bark beetles (Col., Scolytidae)
Authors: Safranyik L. , Shore T. L. , Linton D. A.
Published: June 2004

Abstract:  The relative efficiency of cylindrical, linear and cross‐barrier traps for trapping bark beetles was investigated based on a theoretical model. Using this model, the effective trap interception area of each trap type was calculated and trap efficiency was defined as the ratio of the effective interception area to the trap surface area. The relative efficiencies of the three trap types were calculated as the ratios of their respective effective interception areas. Based on this approach, assuming random directional movement of dispersing beetles, the order of efficiency of the three trap types, from highest to lowest, was linear, cross‐barrier and cylindrical. The expected ratios of trap catches based on the relative efficiencies of the three trap types were fitted to data from trapping experiments with the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins). In general, there was large variation in trap catches among traps of the same type but the ratios of mean catches per trap conformed to the expected ratios. The results indicate that the model of trap efficiency could be used for designing efficient traps. The methods presented are amenable for assessing the efficiency of other trap designs.
Ecdysteroid as a mediator in the regulation of silk protein synthesis and its influence on silkworm (Bom., Lepidoptera) genome
Authors: Miao Y.‐G. , Shi L.‐G. , Nair K. S.
Published: June 2004

Abstract:  Ecdysteroid is one of the two most important insect hormones, which controls growth and developmental activities of insect. In silkworm, Bombyx mori L., basically ecdysteroid induces molting and metamorphosis in larvae and exogenous administration hastens the silk synthetic activity and cocoon spinning process but it strictly depends on the time of administration. In the present study, we administered phytogenous ecdysteroid to the 48‐h‐old 5th instar silkworm, B. mori at a single dose of 2 μg per larva to study its effects on the larval growth, cocoon and silk variables. The possible role of ecdysteroid in altering the developmental sequence of silkworm and thereby its effect on cocoon and silk production at molecular level have been tried to get elucidated. The genomic DNA was isolated from the posterior silk gland on day 5 and 7 of the 5th instar from the ecdysteroid treated and the control larvae and was randomly amplified with arbitrary primers. The result presented notable variation in the amplified product suggesting the participation of ecdysteroid in regulating the silk gene. The feeding period of treated larvae was unaffected while the cocoon characters exhibited considerable improvement. The filament traits also were improved notably in the treated larvae. The participation of ecdysteroid in the silk biosynthetic process with its physiological and molecular implications was discussed.
Antennal response of cotton bollworm (Heliocoverpa armigera) to volatiles in transgenic Bt cotton
Authors: Yan F. , Bengtsson M. , Anderson P. , Ansebo L. , Xu C. , Witzgall P.
Published: June 2004

Abstract:  Volatile compositions in transgenic Bt cotton variety ‘GK‐97’ and its parental variety ‘Simian No. 3’ were analysed, and antennal response of cotton bollworm (Heliocoverpa armigera) to the volatiles were investigated. Volatile components in Bt cotton and regular cotton were almost same, except for absence of a sesquiterpene and a minor unknown compound in regular cotton. The results of gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD) experiments showed that cotton bollworm antennae responded to seven compounds and two minor unknown compounds in Bt volatiles, among which concentrations of α‐pinene and β‐pinene in Bt cotton were relatively higher than those in regular cotton, and one minor unknown compound was absent in regular cotton.
Mitochondrial DNA variation in Spanish populations of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Tephritidae) and the colonization process
Authors: Reyes A. , Ochando M. D.
Published: June 2004

Abstract:  Mitochondrial DNA variation in the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, Diptera: Tephritidae) was studied in three natural populations from southern, central and eastern Spain by means of restriction fragment length polymorphisms using 22 restriction endonucleases. Nine different haplotypes were found based upon the restriction patterns of the seven polymorphic endonucleases, providing a measure of discrimination between populations (NST = 0.2462, FST = 0.154). The observed distribution of haplotypes, corroborated by a parsimonious unrooted tree, suggests an ancient origin for haplotype VII, and a first step in the colonization of the Iberian Peninsula and subsequently the northern and eastern Mediterranean basin, through the Straits of Gibraltar. No relationship can be established between the colonization process for Europe and America.
First record of the Australian psyllid Ctenarytaina spatulata Taylor (Homoptera: Psyllidae) in Europe
Authors: Valente C. , Manta A. , Vaz A.
Published: June 2004

Abstract:  The Australian species Ctenarytaina spatulata Taylor (Homoptera: Psyllidae) is reported from Europe for the first time. In August of 2002, it was recorded in several eucalyptus plantations in central Portugal. During August and September of 2002, the insect was apparently circumscribed to the area between rivers Douro and Tagus, being absent in the North and South of the country. In February of 2003, C. spatulata was already present all over the country and also in every place we inspected in Spain, namely in Galicia, Extremadura and Andalucia regions. The dispersion of the insect suggests that its introduction in Iberian forests is recent. At the moment, damages were observed in plantations located in northern and central Portugal, and also in the north of Spain. Predation on C. spatulata by spiders, green lacewings (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae), hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae, Syrphinae), ladybeetles (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), and minute pirate bugs (Hemiptera, Anthocoridae) was observed in the field.
Activity of conventional and reduced‐risk insecticides for protection of grapevines against the rose chafer, Macrodactylus subspinosus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Isaacs R. , Mercader R. J. , Wise J. C.
Published: June 2004

Abstract:  Bioassays were conducted to compare the residual toxicity and leaf protection activity of conventional broad‐spectrum and reduced‐risk insecticides against the rose chafer, Macrodactylus subspinosus. Insecticides were applied to a Vitis labrusca (F.) vineyard and residues were aged for 1, 3 or 7 days before leaves were collected and exposed to beetles in no‐choice tests. Azinphosmethyl caused rapid knockdown and mortality for up to 1 week after application, with 1‐day‐old residues providing 95.6% protection against feeding, dropping to 51.6% when residues were a week old. Fenpropathrin caused mortality and knockdown after beetles had been exposed to fresh residues for 72 h. Although these effects diminished as residues aged, this compound provided the best protection of leaves against beetle feeding, with 77.9% reduction in feeding compared with the control after 7 days of aging in the vineyard. Of the reduced‐risk insecticides, imidacloprid caused the greatest initial mortality and knockdown of beetles, providing protection against feeding that was equivalent to azinphosmethyl. Exposure to azadirachtin caused a low level of knockdown and mortality when residues were 1‐ and 3‐days old. Protection against feeding was also low, lasting for only 3 days. Beetles were minimally affected by capsaicin and kaolin, with mortality and knockdown seen only when beetles were exposed to 1‐day‐old residues for 72 h. Foliage protection from these compounds was minimal, with between 10 and 15% reduction in feeding injury. Results are discussed in relation to development of semi‐field bioassay methods for evaluating reduced‐risk insecticides, and the management of M. subspinosus within grape pest management programs.
Pichia anomala fungaemia in immunocompromised children
Authors: Bakır M. , Çerikcioğlu N. , Tırtır A. , Berrak S. , Özek E. , Canpolat C.
Published: June 2004

Pichia anomala is an emerging yeast causing serious nosocomial infections in newborn and immunocompromised children. We describe nosocomial port catheter infection due to P. anomala in three children who were receiving cancer chemotherapy, bloodstream infection in a preterm infant and in an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency. All patients were treated with amphotericin B. All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B and fluconazole. No recurrence was observed during follow‐up in four of five patients. The common clinical feature in all of our patients was the presence of prior antimicrobial therapy.
Kerion Celsi in a newborn due to Microsporum canis
Authors: Aste Nicola , Pinna Anna Luisa , Pau Monica , Biggio P.
Published: June 2004

The present study deals with a case of a 40‐day‐old girl with kerion Celsi caused by Microsporum canis. The source of the infection were the parents who presented tinea corporis caused by M. canis. Systemic treatment was carried out with terbinafine and complete recovery was achieved. Tinea capitis is unusual in children during their first year of life and its evolution towards kerion is very rare in newborns.
In vitro activities of voriconazole (UK‐109, 496), fluconazole, itraconazole and amphotericin B against 132 non‐albicans bloodstream yeast isolates (CANARI study)
Authors: Swinne D. , Watelle M. , Van der Flaes M. , Nolard N.
Published: June 2004

The aim was to evaluate the in vitro activity of voriconazole compared with those of amphotericin B, itraconazole and fluconazole against 132 bloodstream isolates of Candida non‐albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae species. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by an adapted National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) M27‐A method using RPMI 1640 as test medium supplemented with 2% glucose. MIC end‐points were determined with a spectrophotometer after incubation for 48 h at 35 °C. Optical density data were used for the calculation of the MIC end‐points. For amphotericin B, the end‐point was defined as the minimal antifungal concentration that exerts 90% inhibition compared with the control well growth. For the azoles, the end‐points were determined at 50% inhibition of growth. Amphotericin B is highly active with 97% of isolates inhibited by ≤1 μg ml−1. Decreased susceptibility or resistance to fluconazole was the rule among C. krusei, which is intrinsically resistant to fluconazole. For C. glabrata isolates, resistance to fluconazole and itraconazole was measured in 13% and 17% of the isolates respectively. Voriconazole was quite active in vitro against all the isolates with a MIC90% of ≤1 μg ml−1 and we conclude that it may be useful in the treatment of non‐albicans bloodstream infections.
Literacy: The End and Means of Literature
Authors: Rozema David
Published: June 2004

In modern times a gap has appeared between the arts of history and literature, and the sciences of historicism and criticism. Many modern critics, historians, and teachers of literature and history (and even many so‐called authors of literature) have welcomed, or at least complied with, the “scientification” of their arts, resulting in widespread illiteracy with regard to literature and history. The solution to this problem lies in a (re‐)investigation of how the art of literature teaches us the truth. I maintain that the lifeblood of literature is the set of common joys and griefs, the common blessings and sufferings, of mankind. Without a communication of these passions as passions with the result of a transformation or shaping of the soul – without a mimesis, as the Greeks would say –across the boundaries of tribe, race, gender and era, there is no literature; and no literacy. Using a scene from Solzhenitsyn's First Circle, I argue that these passions are part of the truth (or falsity) of any story involving human beings. So literature and history would both be restored if the writers, readers, and teachers of each developed a deeper concern for the whole truth.
Evolution and devolution of knowledge: a tale of two biologies
Authors: Atran Scott , Medin Douglas , Ross Norbert
Published: June 2004

Anthropological enquiry suggests that all societies classify animals and plants in similar ways. Paradoxically, in the same cultures that have seen large advances in biological science, practical knowledge of nature has dramatically diminished. Here we describe historical, cross‐cultural, and developmental research on the ways in which people ordinarily conceptualize organic nature (folk biology), concentrating on cognitive consequences associated with knowledge devolution. We show that the results of psychological studies of categorization and reasoning from ‘standard populations’ fail to generalize to humanity at large. The populations most commonly used in studies by psychologists (Euro‐American college and university students) have impoverished experience of nature, and this generates misleading results about knowledge acquisition and the ontogenetic relationship between folk biology and folk psychology. We also show that groups living in the same habitat can manifest strikingly distinct behaviours, cognitions, and social relations relative to it. This has novel implications for environmental decision making and management, including commons problems.
Reformation on the Continent: Approaches Old and New
Authors: Hsia R. Po‐chia
Published: June 2004

Much has changed in Reformation historiography over the last two decades. Long established temporal and geographical frameworks have been thoroughly revised and reappraised. If theology, politics, social movements, and economic trends were once treated as discreet areas of study, nowadays scholars in the field are much more appreciative of how these themes inform each other. This review essay appraises a selection of works that are indicative of the richness and variety that characterizes Reformation and Counter‐Reformation scholarship today.
English individualism refuted—and reasserted: the land market of Earls Colne (Essex), 1550–1750
Authors: French H. R. , Hoyle R. W.
Published: June 2004

Earls Colne first came to the notice of historians through Macfarlane's study of its seventeenth‐century vicar, Ralph Josselin, and then Macfarlane's use of evidence from the village in his The origins of English individualism (1978). This article presents preliminary results drawn from a computer‐based reconstruction of the copyhold land market, 1546‐1750, to contest Macfarlane's reading of the family‐land bond in the manor. The familial possession of land over long periods is shown to be normal, and consistent with an active land market predominantly in smaller parcels. Little consolidation took place in the manor although some growth in holding size was achieved through subtenancy. Finally, the article asks whether the experience of copyholders is typical of the general.
Freemasonry and business networking during the Victorian period
Authors: Burt Roger
Published: June 2004

This article looks at the role of Freemasonry in socio‐economic networking in Cornwall during the late nineteenth century. It demonstrates that, like many other fraternities, Masonry created efficient conduits for the exchange of business information and reinforced a pro‐business culture. Particular attention is given to its role in facilitating the migration of Cornish miners and mine managers and in creating structures for national and international information flows. Masonry is shown to have the unusual potential to bridge wide occupational, social, and cultural divisions, and the sources for further, wider ranging research are indicated.
A soft touch? British industry, empire markets, and the self‐governing dominions, c.1870–1914
Authors: Thompson Andrew , Magee Gary
Published: June 2004

The belief that Britain's empire markets were soft is well entrenched in the literature. It is, however, a belief that has been largely untested. Indeed, the literature does not even offer an explicit definition of softness. This article attempts to fill this gap by discussing the meaning of the term and then posing the question whether between 1870 and 1914 Britain's fastest growing markets—Australasia and Canada—can in fact reasonably be labelled soft, as has often been assumed. The article concludes that the demand for British imports in these markets was driven more by considerations of income and price than by colonial sentiment or preference.
New social risks in postindustrial society: Some evidence on responses to active labour market policies from Eurobarometer
Authors: Taylor‐Gooby Peter
Published: June 2004

One result of the complex economic and social changes currently impacting on state welfare is the emergence of what may be termed “new social risks” as part of the shift to a postindustrial society. These concern access to adequately paid employment, particularly for lower‐skilled young people, in an increasingly flexible labour market, and managing work‐life balance for women with family responsibilities engaged in full‐time careers. They coexist with the old social risks that traditional welfare states developed to meet, which typically concern retirement from or interruption to paid work, in most cases for a male “breadwinner”. New social risks offer policymakers the opportunity to transform vice into virtue by replacing costly passive benefits with policies which mobilize the workforce, arguably enhancing economic competitiveness, and reduce poverty among vulnerable groups. However, the political constituencies to support such policies are weak, since the risks affect people most strongly at particular life stages and among specific groups. This paper examines attitudes to new social risk labour market policies in four contrasting European countries. It shows that attitudes in this area are strongly embedded in overall beliefs about the appropriate scale, direction and role of state welfare interventions, so that the weakness of new social risk constituencies does not necessarily undermine the possibility of attracting support for such policies, provided they are developed in ways that do not contradict national traditions of welfare state values.
Projected spending on pensions in Spain: A viability analysis
Authors: Del Brío Carretero Juan F. , De La Concepción González Rabanal Ma
Published: June 2004

The viability of pay‐as‐you‐go retirement pension schemes, such as that of Spain, remains a subject of ongoing debate. In this article we shall attempt to demonstrate that demography is the key variable that determines a system's viability. Analysis of several predictive studies conducted in the country shows that many of their predictions have been erroneous and their findings overpessimistic. This is because their forecasts were based on projections for the resident population, and overlooked the magnitude of the recent phenomenon of immigration. If the current influx of migrants continues, the problem of viability can be resolved.
Tort claims for road accident compensation and social security in South Africa
Authors: Satchwell Kathleen
Published: June 2004

The statutory scheme of road accident compensation in South Africa encapsulates both the common law of tort or delict and the residue of liability insurance principles. The absence of meaningful interaction between the road accident compensation scheme and the broader social security system raises significant challenges. There are dissonant responses to the targeted misfortune, provision of benefits, financing, choice of remedies and socioeconomic‐political priorities selected by the South African government. It is argued that the current scheme should be identified as falling squarely within a state‐funded and regulated scheme of comprehensive social protection.
The role of the actin cytoskeleton in plant cell signaling
Authors: Drøbak B. K. , Franklin‐Tong V. E. , Staiger C. J.
Published: June 2004

The plant actin cytoskeleton provides a dynamic cellular component which is involved in the maintenance of cell shape and structure. It has been demonstrated recently that the actin cytoskeleton and its associated elements provide a key target in many signaling events. In addition to acting as a target, the actin cytoskeleton can also act as a transducer of signal information. In this review we describe some newly discovered aspects of the roles of the actin cytoskeleton in plant cell signaling. In addition to a summary of the roles played by actin‐binding proteins, we also briefly review the progress made in understanding how the actin cytoskeleton participates in the self‐incompatibility response in pollen tubes. Finally, the emerging importance of the actin cytoskeleton in the perception and responses to stimuli such as gravity, touch and cold stress exposure are discussed.

ContentsI.Introduction – the actin cytoskeleton13II.Actin‐binding proteins14III.The actin cytoskeleton as a target and mediator of plant cell signaling20IV.Summary and conclusion25References25Acknowledgements25
Hepatocyte proliferation in chronic hepatitis C: correlation with degree of liver disease and serum α‐fetoprotein
Authors: Wilfredo Canchis P. , Gonzalez Stevan A. , Isabel Fiel M. , Chiriboga Luis , Yee Herman , Edlin Brian R. , Jacobson Ira M. , Talal Andrew H.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: Aims: Hepatocyte proliferation (HP) is an adaptive response to liver injury. The relationships between HP and necroinflammation, fibrosis, and serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, however, are not well understood.

Methods: Proliferative hepatocytes (Ki‐67+) were identified using immunohistochemical staining in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded liver tissue from 156 HCV RNA‐positive patients with different degrees of liver histopathology. Twenty high‐power fields (HPFs) in lobular areas were counted in each specimen.

Results: HP increased by 1.22±0.25 cells/HPF per increase in necroinflammation from grade 0 (median: 0.13; range: [0.1–0.5] cells/HPF) through grade 3 (median: 1.80; range: [0.0–25.2] cells/HPF; P=0.002). HP increased by 0.81 ±0.20 cells/HPF per increase in fibrosis from stage 0 (median: 0.33; range: [0.0–1.3] cells/HPF) through stage 3 (median: 1.70; range: [0.0–25.2] cells/HPF) and then decreased in stage 4 (to median: 0.90; range: [0.0–5.3] cells/HPF). HP also increased with advancing age (P=0.03). Among patients with advanced liver disease, HP was no higher in patients with elevated serum AFP levels (median: 1.68; range: [0.1–5.3] cells/HPF) than in those with normal serum AFP levels (median: 1.70; range: [0.0–25.2] cells/HPF; P=0.26).

Conclusions: In patients with chronic HCV infection, HP increases with histologic progression of liver disease, but is impaired in cirrhosis. HP was not increased in patients with elevated serum AFP levels.
Role of NF‐κB activation and nitric oxide expression during PGE1 protection against d‐galactosamine‐induced cell death in cultured rat hepatocytes
Authors: Fouad Dalia , Siendones Emilio , Costán Guadalupe , Muntané Jordi
Published: June 2004

Abstract: Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) reduces cell death in experimental and clinical liver dysfunction. Nitric oxide (NO) mediates PGE1 protection against d‐galactosamine (d‐GalN)‐induced cell death. Nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) plays a protective role in different experimental models of cell death. We investigated if NF‐κB was responsible for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and cytoprotection induced by PGE1 against d‐GalN cell death in cultured hepatocytes. Rat hepatocytes were isolated following the classical method of collagenase perfusion of liver. A kinetic study of cell death, NF‐κB activation, mRNA and protein iNOS expression, and NO production was carried in hepatocytes treated with d‐GalN (5 mM) in the presence or absence of PGE1 (1 μM) administered 2 h before the hepatotoxin. A proteasome inhibitor was used to evaluate the role of NF‐κB activation in our experimental conditions. PGE1 protection against d‐GalN‐induced cell death was associated with its capacity to rapidly enhance NF‐κB activation, mRNA and protein iNOS expression, and NO production in d‐GalN‐treated hepatocytes. The inhibition of NF‐κB activation abolished iNOS expression and cell protection by PGE1 in hepatocytes treated with the hepatotoxin. The present study shows that the cytoprotection by PGE1 against d‐GalN‐induced apoptosis was related to NF‐κB‐dependent iNOS expression.
Intrahepatic accessory spleen: imaging features
Authors: Izzo Luciano , Caputo Maria , Galati Gaspare
Published: June 2004

Abstract: The authors present a case report of a 60‐year‐old man with a hepatic unknown mass. For diagnosis, they used ECO, CT (with and without contrast), MR (with and without contrast) and an ultrasound‐assisted percutaneous lesion biopsy. Thus the mass‐lesion in the liver appeared to be an intrahepatic accessory spleen in a patient afflicted with chronic hepatitis.
Liver‐targeted doxorubicin: effects on rat regenerating hepatocytes
Authors: Di Stefano Giuseppina , Derenzini Massimo , Kratz Felix , Lanza Marcella , Fiume Luigi
Published: June 2004

Abstract: Background/Aims: The conjugate of doxorubicin (DOXO) with lactosaminated human albumin (L‐HSA) has the potential of improving DOXO efficacy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) expressing the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP‐R). In view of an adjuvant chemotherapy with L‐HSA–DOXO after the surgical removal of the tumour, in the present experiments we verified whether DOXO accumulation produced by the conjugate can impair the liver regeneration following hepatic resection in non‐cirrhotic liver.

Methods: Using saline‐injected hepatectomised rats as controls, we studied the effects of the conjugate on the ultrastructure of regenerating hepatocytes and evaluated [3H]thymidine incorporation, mitotic index and rate of DNA recovery in the liver remnant.

Results: L‐HSA–DOXO caused a selective drug accumulation in liver remnant, with low DOXO levels in extra‐hepatic tissues. It did not change the ultrastructure of hepatocytes and did not increase serum alanine aminotransferase. It decreased [3H]thymidine incorporation and mitotic index, causing a moderate delay in hepatic DNA recovery.

Conclusions: The experiments indicate a substantial resistance of rat regenerating hepatocytes to high intracellular concentrations of DOXO. They support the possibility of using L‐HSA–DOXO in an adjuvant chemotherapy after the surgical removal of HCCs which maintain the ASGP‐R.
Predictors of Hospital Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Community
Authors: WU AUDREY H. , GOSS J. RICHARD , MAYNARD CHARLES , STEWART DOUGLAS K. , ZHAO XUE‐QIAO
Published: June 2004

Background: It is not well established to what degree advances have been adopted into contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) practice in the community and what effect they have on the short‐term outcomes of in‐hospital mortality and length of stay.

Methods: We analyzed a prospectively‐collected, statewide registry that includes consecutive patients undergoing isolated PCI to determine predictors of in‐hospital outcomes after the first PCI performed in the community. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with in‐hospital mortality after first PCI.

Results: Between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2000 there were a total of 12,920 cases of first PCI performed, 4535 (35.1%) of which were for acute myocardial infarction (MI). Stents and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used in 89.6% and 70.0%, respectively, of all cases. In‐hospital mortality was 1.8%. Length of hospital stay was 1 (1, 3) days [median (interquartile range)] in the absence of acute MI, and 3 (2, 4) days after acute MI. After acute MI, peri‐procedure GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor use [adjusted OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.26, 0.63)] and stenting [adjusted OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.37, 0.996)] were the only factors positively associated with freedom from hospital death.

Conclusions: Intracoronary stenting and use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors have been well integrated into community practice. The observed in‐hospital mortality rate is slightly higher than published in other series, but likely reflects the significant proportion of acute MI cases being treated aggressively with PCI as the primary therapy. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:151–158)
Mechanisms for Enlarging Lesion Size During Irrigated Tip Radiofrequency Ablation:
Authors: PETERSEN HELEN HØGH , ROMAN‐GONZALEZ JAVIER , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , HASTRUP SVENDSEN JESPER , HAUNSØ STIG , PACKER DOUGLAS L.
Published: June 2004

Introduction:
Irrigated tip radiofrequency ablation of cardiac arrhythmias was developed to increase the size of the radiofrequency‐induced lesion, since cooling of the electrode tip allows use of higher power settings. The purpose of this study was to determine if the increased lesion size during irrigated tip ablation is caused by the cooling effect solely or if increased electrical conductivity around the tip also contributes by increasing the “current‐delivering size” of the tip: the so‐called “virtual electrode effect.”

Methods and Results:
In vitro strips of left ventricular porcine myocardium and in vivo canine left ventricles were ablated. In vitro closed loop tip and showerhead irrigated tip catheters were compared. In vitro and in vivo showerhead tip catheters irrigated with solutions having different ionic content were compared. We found no difference in lesion size for closed loop and showerhead‐type catheters (998 ± 345 vs. 811 ± 313 mm3 during power‐controlled ablation and 227 ± 76 vs 318 ± 127 mm3 during temperature‐controlled ablation). For irrigation with liquids having increasing ionic strength we found a decrease in lesion volume in vitro (361 ± 249 vs. 812 ± 229 mm3 (P < 0.001) for power‐controlled and 156 ± 78 vs. 318 ± 127 mm3 (P < 0.05) for temperature‐controlled ablation and nonsignificant differences in vivo.

Conclusions:
The mechanism for enlarging lesion size during radiofrequency irrigated‐tip ablation is that higher power levels can be used. There is no virtual electrode effect caused by the highly conductive surroundings of the tip during irrigation. In vitro this effect is shown to be opposite: It decreases lesion size. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:171–177)
Radiation Burns as a Severe Complication of Fluoroscopically Guided Cardiological Interventions
Authors: VLIETSTRA RONALD E. , WAGNER LOUIS K. , KOENIG TITUS , METTLER FRED
Published: June 2004

Radiation‐induced skin burns can be produced by high doses of fluoroscopic X rays. Though uncommon, such injuries can cause considerable distress to the patient and they can lead to deep ulcers requiring skin grafts. Factors that increase the chance of a burn can be readily identified and in nearly all instances they can be avoided or minimized. We discuss these issues and use case illustrations to point out how burns can be avoided. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:131–142)
Alcohol consumption and periodontal disease
Authors: Tezal Mine , Grossi Sara G. , Ho Alex W. , Genco Robert J.
Published: June 2004

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on the severity of periodontal disease.

Material and Methods: This cross‐sectional study employed 13,198 subjects of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) aged 20 and older who have at least six natural teeth. Alcohol intake was represented both as a continuous variable and dichotomized using 5, 10, 15, and 20 drinks/week as cut‐points. Periodontal disease was represented by clinical attachment loss (CAL) and was assessed both as a continuous variable and dichotomized as <1.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Independent effect of alcohol on CAL was assessed by weighted multiple linear and logistic regression analyses adjusting simultaneously for the effects of age, gender, race, education, income, smoking, diet, diabetes, gingival bleeding, number of remaining teeth.

Results: There was a significant linear relationship between number of drinks per week and log CAL (p=0.0001). Odds ratios for the risk of attachment loss using 5, 10, 15, and 20 drinks/week as cut‐points were 1.22 [1.02–1.47], 1.39 [1.13–1.71], 1.54 [1.22–1.93], and 1.67 [1.25–2.23], respectively.

Conclusion: Alcohol consumption may be associated with increased severity of CAL in a dose‐dependent fashion. Prospective studies and studies of mechanism are needed to confirm the role of alcohol as a risk factor for periodontal disease.
Effects of experimental gingivitis on crevicular PGE2 in a split mouth trial
Authors: Deinzer Renate , Waschul Bernd , Herforth Armin
Published: June 2004

Objective: The study aimed to analyse the effects of experimental gingivitis on crevicular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). An increase of PGE2 was expected.

Methods: Fourteen medical students refrained for 28 days from any oral hygiene procedures in two antagonistic quadrants while they maintained close to perfect oral hygiene in the remaining quadrants. Crevicular fluid samples were taken at baseline and at days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of experimental gingivitis both from quadrants with and without oral hygiene. PGE2‐concentrations (ng/ml) and absolute levels (pg/sample) were analysed for quadrants with and without oral hygiene.

Results: Comparison of quadrants with and without oral hygiene by repeated measures anova revealed no effects of experimental gingivitis both on crevicular PGE2‐concentrations and absolute levels.

Conclusion: The study does not support the notion that experimental gingivitis induces an increase of crevicular PGE2. The data are discussed in the context of other studies on PGE2 concentrations in gingivitis. Close inspection of these studies reveals no clear evidence for an increase of local PGE2 in gingivitis.
Local and systemic total antioxidant capacity in periodontitis and health
Authors: Brock G. R. , Butterworth C. J. , Matthews J. B. , Chapple I. L. C.
Published: June 2004

Background: The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in periodontal pathology is unclear but will be modulated by in vivo antioxidant defence systems. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to determine both local (saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and peripheral (plasma and serum) antioxidant capacity in periodontal health and disease.

Materials and Methods: Twenty non‐smoking volunteers with chronic periodontitis were sampled together with twenty age‐ and sex‐matched, non‐smoking controls. After overnight fasting, saliva (whole unstimulated and stimulated) and blood were collected. Total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) was determined using a previously reported enhanced chemiluminescence method.

Results: GCF antioxidant concentration was significantly lower (p<0.001) in periodontitis subjects compared to healthy controls. Although mean levels of peripheral and salivary TAOC were also lower in periodontitis the difference was only significant for plasma (p<0.05). Healthy subjects' GCF antioxidant concentration was significantly greater than paired serum or plasma (p<0.001). Data stratified for gender did not alter the findings and a male bias was revealed in all clinical samples except GCF.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the antioxidant capacity of GCF is both qualitatively and quantitatively distinct from that of saliva, plasma and serum. Whether changes in the GCF compartment in periodontitis reflect predisposition to or the results of ROS‐mediated damage remains unclear. Reduced plasma total antioxidant defence could result from low‐grade systemic inflammation induced by the host response to periodontal bacteria, or may be an innate feature of periodontitis patients.
Lactoferrin and other markers from gingival crevicular fluid and saliva before and after periodontal treatment
Authors: Jentsch H. , Sievert Y. , Göcke R.
Published: June 2004

Objectives: The aim of the study was to verify (i) if crevicular fluid defence variables reflect the changes after surgical periodontal treatment and (ii) if they are in correspondence with changes of these variables in the unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva.

Material and Methods: For 12 male and 13 female volunteers with chronic periodontitis lactoferrin concentration as well as the lysozyme and peroxidase activities were determined in crevicular fluid as well as in unstimulated and stimulated saliva before and 14 days after surgical periodontal treatment by a minimal invasive flap technique.

Results: The lactoferrin concentrations decreased significantly in the crevicular fluid eluting solution from 1.63 to 1.23 mg/l reflecting a decrease in the total amount collected, in unstimulated saliva from 10.54 to 8.96 mg/l, and in stimulated saliva from 9.00 to 7.11 mg/l after treatment. No significant change could be found for lysozyme. Peroxidase activity was significantly reduced from 269.06 to 186.15 U/l only in the crevicular fluid.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that (i) the defence factor lactoferrin is suitable for monitoring of periodontal treatment results and (ii) changes of the lactoferrin concentration in crevicular fluid are related with significant changes in unstimulated and stimulated saliva.
Five‐year results following treatment of intrabony defects with enamel matrix proteins and guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Sculean Anton , Donos Nicolaos , Schwarz Frank , Becker Jürgen , Brecx Michel , Arweiler Nicole B.
Published: June 2004

Background: Treatment with enamel matrix proteins (EMD) or guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration. However, until now there are limited data on the long‐term results following these treatment modalities.

Aim: The aim of the present clinical study was to present the 5‐year results following treatment of intrabony defects with EMD, GTR, combination of EMD and GTR, and open flap debridement (OFD).

Material and Methods: Forty‐two patients, each of whom displayed one intrabony defect of a probing depth of at least 6 mm, were randomly treated with one of the four treatment modalities. The following parameters were evaluated prior to surgery, at 1 year and at 5 years after: plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL). No statistically significant differences in any of the parameters were observed at baseline between the four groups.

Results: The sites treated with EMD demonstrated a mean CAL gain of 3.4±1.1 mm (p<0.001) and of 2.9±1.6 mm (p<0.001) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. The sites treated with GTR showed a mean CAL gain of 3.2±0.8 (p<0.001) at 1 year and of 2.7±0.9 mm (p<0.001) at 5 years. The mean CAL gain at sites treated with EMD+GTR was 3.0±1.0 mm (p<0.001) and 2.6±0.7 mm (p<0.001) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. The sites treated with OFD demonstrated a mean CAL gain of 1.6±1.0 mm (p<0.001) at 1 year and 1.3±1.2 mm (p<0.001) at 5 years. At 1 year, the only statistically significant difference between the four different treatments was found in terms of PPD reduction and CAL gain between EMD and OFD (p<0.05). However, at 5 years there were no statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters between the four different treatments.

Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, it may be concluded that the short‐term clinical results following treatment with EMD, GTR, EMD+GTR, and OFD can be maintained over a period of 5 years.