bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different aspirin doses on platelet aggregation in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Malhotra S. , Sharma Y. P. , Grover A. , Majumdar S. , Hanif S. M. , Bhargava V. K. , Bhatnagar A , Pandhi P.
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background:  Aspirin is widely used as an antiplatelet agent in the primary and secondary prevention of cardio­vascular disease. In order to spare prostacyclin formation and reduce gastrointestinal side‐effects, very low doses of aspirin have been introduced. However, it remains unclear whether these low doses are equally effective with respect to inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Aims:  In a randomized, controlled study in 60 patients with stable coronary artery disease, the effects on platelet aggregation of five doses (50, 80, 100, 162.5 and 325 mg) of aspirin, which are widely used in clinical practice, given for 70 days, were investigated. Two ­reagents, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and epinephrine, were used to induce platelet aggregation in ­platelet‐rich plasma. An age‐ and sex‐matched group of people without coronary artery disease served as the control.

Results:  ADP‐ and epinephrine‐induced platelet ­aggregation was 78.2 ± 12.8% and 76.7 ± 15.5% of maximum aggregation in the control group. Aspirin inhibited platelet aggregation in a dose‐dependent manner. Minimum platelet aggregation was observed at a dose of 325 mg aspirin (27.5 ± 17.4% with ADP). Doses of 50 and 80 mg aspirin were much less effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation (59.1 ± 11.4% and 50.3 ± 12.1% with ADP, respectively). Doses of 100 and 162.5 mg aspirin produced significantly greater inhibition of platelet aggregation than lower doses (36.2 ± 11.7% and 38.5 ± 19.8% platelet aggregation with ADP, respectively).

Conclusion:  Our results demonstrate that doses of aspirin less than 100 mg are not as effective at inhibiting platelet aggregation as doses greater than 100 mg. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 350−354)
Complication rates of colonoscopy in an Australian teaching hospital environment
Authors: Viiala C. H. , Zimmerman M. , Cullen D. J. E. , Hoffman N. E.
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background:  Quality assurance is an important part of health‐care delivery. With the high level of awareness relating to adverse events from medical care, demonstration of a high standard of practice in gastroenterology is desirable.

Aims:  To determine the incidence of significant complications or death within 30 days of an outpatient colonoscopy, and confirm that these are in keeping with international standards.

Methods:  A retrospective audit of linked endoscopy and other hospital databases and selected medical records was carried out, based on reports of 30 463 colon­oscopies performed between 5 September 1989 and 31 December 1999 in the three Western Australian public teaching hospitals.

Results:  A total of 23 508 colonoscopies was performed on an outpatient basis between 5 September 1989 and 31 December 1999. Post‐procedural complications identified (and incidence) were: bleeding episodes 49 (0.21%), colonic perforation 23 (0.1%), abdominal pain 22 (0.09%), and others 19 (0.08%). A total of 196 patients died within 30 days of undergoing colonoscopy (0.83%), although only three deaths were attributable to the procedure itself (incidence 0.01%). Two were inpatients at the time of the procedure (outpatient mortality rate 0.004%). The combined incidence of bleeding and perforation was not significantly different between consultant endoscopists and unassisted trainees (incidence 0.21% vs 0.20%, P = 0.98).

Conclusions:  The incidence of bleeding and perforation is similar to other reported series and reflects procedures performed by personnel with a wide range of endoscopic experience. The incidence of complications was not greater for trainees compared with consultant endoscopists. All bleeding episodes and the majority of per­forations were associated with a therapeutic intervention. Diagnostic colonoscopy in particular is a very safe procedure. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 355−359)
Star fruit intoxication in uraemic patients: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Tse K‐C. , Yip P‐S. , Lam M‐F. , Choy B‐Y. , Li F‐K. , Lui S‐L. , Lo W‐K. , Chan T‐M. , Lai K‐N.
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Star fruit, belonging to the Oxalidaceae family, species Averrhoa carambola, is a popular fruit among Orientals. There have been reports of hiccup, confusion, and occasional fatal outcomes in uraemic patients after ingestion of star fruit. An excitatory neurotoxin from star fruit has been implicated although the exact nature of this toxic substance has not been identified. A group of seven patients is described from the dialysis centres at Queen Mary and Tung Wah Hospitals who developed symptoms including hiccup, confusion, vomiting, impaired consciousness, muscle twitching and hyperkalaemia shortly after ingestion of star fruit. Symptoms of most patients resolved after intensified dialysis or spontan­eously, and no mortality was observed. The close temporal relationship of ingestion of star fruit and onset of symptoms strongly suggests the existence of a causal relationship between the two. It is recommended that uraemic patients should totally abstain from star fruit due to these rare but potentially fatal complications. The clinical manifestations of other reported series and current evidence for the possible candidate(s) of the neurotoxin are discussed. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 314−316)
A16. Low dose ethinyloestradiol combined oral contraceptive in acne vulgaris
Authors: Zelenkova H , Jautova J , Stracenska J
Published: December 2004

Hormonal contraceptives have long been used successfully by dermatologists. Diane 35R (cyproterone acetate 1 mg, ethinyloestradiol 35 mg) is the preparation used most frequently in this respect. LoetteR (Wyeth‐Lederle Pharma GmbH) is a member of the group of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). It contains 100 mg levonorgestrelol and 20 mg ethinyloestradiol (EE) per tablet. In spite of the low dose of EE (20 mg), it has a high contraceptive efficiency (99%) that is comparable to the efficiency of combined oral contraceptives containing 30–35 mg EE. In addition to the obvious gynaecological treatment, LoetteR also has a notable value for dermatologists.

LoetteR was applied in 15 female patients with acne of a moderate to intermediary grade that did not respond to conventional therapy.

A significant reduction of the total number of lesions was apparent after the first two cycles of treatment. The evaluation of therapeutic effect and of other estimated parameters after three cycles of LoetteR application are reported.
Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation by Catheter Ablation of Conduction Gaps in the Crista Terminalis and Cavotricuspid Isthmus of the Right Atrium
Authors: LIU TU‐YING , TAI CHING‐TAI , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: December 2004

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. A 74‐year‐old man with atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent electrophysiologic study and catheter ablation with a noncontact mapping system. AF was induced by coronary sinus pacing, and noncontact mapping showed ever‐changing movement of multiple wavefronts with one dominant reentrant circuit around the tricuspid annulus, splitting wavefront conduction through the gaps in the crista terminalis, and then fusion and stasis of wavefronts. After creation of bidirectional conduction block over crista terminalis gaps and the cavotricuspid isthmus, AF or atrial flutter was noninducible. No further AF recurrence was noted during 6‐month follow‐up.
Manifestation of Brugada Syndrome After Pacemaker Implantation in a Patient with Sick Sinus Syndrome
Authors: NAKAZATO YUJI , SUZUKI TAKESHI , YASUDA MASAYUKI , DAIDA HIROYUKI
Published: December 2004

A 49‐year‐old woman experienced syncope 10 months after DDD pacemaker implantation for sick sinus syndrome. ECG revealed abnormal ST elevation in leads V1 to V3 during a paced rhythm. Multifocal premature ventricular contractions followed by ventricular fibrillation were documented. Saddleback‐type ST elevation was confirmed after a mode change to AAI. The diagnosis of Brugada syndrome was made, and the DDD pacemaker was upgraded to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Brugada syndrome can be easily overlooked if the classic ECG findings are not initially noted but may be observed even during pacing therapy.
The end of public housing as we know it: public housing policy, labor regulation and the US city
Authors: Crump Jeff R.
Published: December 2004

In this article I argue that the US public housing policy, as codified by the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (QHWRA), is helping to reconfigure the racial and class structure of many inner cities. By promoting the demolition of public housing projects and replacement with mixed‐income housing developments, public housing policy is producing a gentrified inner‐city landscape designed to attract middle and upper‐class people back to the inner city. The goals of public housing policy are also broadly consonant with those of welfare reform wherein the ‘workfare’ system helps to bolster and produce the emergence of contingent low‐wage urban labor markets. In a similar manner, I argue that public housing demonstration programs, such as the ‘Welfare‐to‐Work’ initiative, encourage public housing residents to join the lowwage labor market. Although the rhetoric surrounding the demolition of public housing emphasizes the economic opportunities made available by residential mobility, I argue that former public housing residents are simply being relocated into private housing within urban ghettos. Such a spatial fix to the problems of unemployment and poverty will not solve the problems of inner‐city poverty. Will it take another round of urban riots before we seriously address the legacy of racism and discrimination that has shaped the US city?

Cet article démontre que la politique du logement public américaine, telle que la réglemente la Loi de 1998, Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, contribue à remodeler la structure par races et classes de nombreux quartiers déshérités des centres‐villes. En favorisant la démolition d'ensembles de logements sociaux et leur remplacement par des complexes urbanisés à loyers variés, la politique publique génère un embourgeoisement des centres‐villes destinéà y ramener les classes moyennes et supérieures. Les objectifs de la politique du logement rejoignent largement ceux de la réforme sociale où le système de ‘l'allocation conditionnelle’ facilite et nourrit la création de marchés contingents du travail à bas salaires. De même, les programmes expérimentaux de logements publics, telle l'initiative Welfare‐to‐Work (De l'aide sociale au travail) poussent les habitants des logements sociaux à rejoindre le marchéde la main d'œuvre à bas salaires. Bien que les discours autour de la démolition des logements sociaux mettent en avant les ouvertures économiques créées par la mobilité résidentielle, leurs anciens habitants sont simplement en train d'être déplacés vers des logements privés situés dans des ghettos urbains. Ce genre de solution spatiale aux problèmes du chômage et de la pauvreté ne viendra pas à bout du dénuement des quartiers déshérités du centre. Faudra‐t‐il une autre série d'émeutes urbaines pour que l'on aborde sérieusement l'héritage de racisme et de discrimination qui a façonné les villes américaines?
Rejoinder: Alex Schwartz's critique of ‘The end of public housing as we know it’
Authors: Crump Jeff R.
Published: December 2004

In this article I argue that the US public housing policy, as codified by the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (QHWRA), is helping to reconfigure the racial and class structure of many inner cities. By promoting the demolition of public housing projects and replacement with mixed‐income housing developments, public housing policy is producing a gentrified inner‐city landscape designed to attract middle and upper‐class people back to the inner city. The goals of public housing policy are also broadly consonant with those of welfare reform wherein the ‘workfare’ system helps to bolster and produce the emergence of contingent low‐wage urban labor markets. In a similar manner, I argue that public housing demonstration programs, such as the ‘Welfare‐to‐Work’ initiative, encourage public housing residents to join the lowwage labor market. Although the rhetoric surrounding the demolition of public housing emphasizes the economic opportunities made available by residential mobility, I argue that former public housing residents are simply being relocated into private housing within urban ghettos. Such a spatial fix to the problems of unemployment and poverty will not solve the problems of inner‐city poverty. Will it take another round of urban riots before we seriously address the legacy of racism and discrimination that has shaped the US city?

Cet article démontre que la politique du logement public américaine, telle que la réglemente la Loi de 1998, Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, contribue à remodeler la structure par races et classes de nombreux quartiers déshérités des centres‐villes. En favorisant la démolition d'ensembles de logements sociaux et leur remplacement par des complexes urbanisés à loyers variés, la politique publique génère un embourgeoisement des centres‐villes destinéà y ramener les classes moyennes et supérieures. Les objectifs de la politique du logement rejoignent largement ceux de la réforme sociale oú le système de ‘l'allocation conditionnelle' facilite et nourrit la création de marchés contingents du travail à bas salaires. De même, les programmes expérimentaux de logements publics, telle l'initiative Welfare‐to‐Work (De l'aide sociale au travail) poussent les habitants des logements sociaux à rejoindre le marchéde la main d'œuvre à bas salaires. Bien que les discours autour de la démolition des logements sociaux mettent en avant les ouvertures économiques créées par la mobilité résidentielle, leurs anciens habitants sont simplement en train d'être déplacés vers des logements privés situés dans des ghettos urbains. Ce genre de solution spatiale aux problèmes du chômage et de la pauvreté ne viendra pas à bout du dénuement des quartiers déshérités du centre. Faudra‐t‐il une autre série d'émeutes urbaines pour que l'on aborde sérieusement l'héritage de racisme et de discrimination qui a façonné les villes américaines?
Danger signals derived from stressed and necrotic epithelial cells activate human eosinophils
Authors: Stenfeldt Anna‐Lena , Wennerås Christine
Published: December 2004

Eosinophilic granulocytes are found in tissues with an interface with the external environment, such as the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and respiratory tracts. These leucocytes have been associated with tissue damage in a variety of diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether necrotic epithelial cells can activate eosinophils. The danger theory postulates that cells of the innate immune system primarily recognize substances that signal danger to the host. We damaged epithelial cell lines derived from the genital (HeLa cells), respiratory (HEp‐2 cells) and intestinal tracts (HT29 cells) and assessed their capacity to cause eosinophilic migration, release of putative tissue‐damaging factors, such as eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), as well as secretion of tissue‐healing factors, e.g. fibroblast growth factors (FGF)‐1 and ‐2 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1. We found that necrotic intestinal cells induced chemotaxis in human eosinophils. EPO release was elicited in eosinophils stimulated with necrotic cells derived from all cell lines, as well as from viable HEp‐2 and HT29 cells. Release of ECP was only seen in eosinophils incubated with necrotic intestinal or genital cells, not viable ones. Both necrotic intestinal and genital cells elicited FGF‐2 secretion from eosinophils. TGF‐β1 was released from eosinophils exposed to viable and necrotic HT29 cells. These findings indicate that eosinophils are able to recognize and be activated by danger signals released from damaged epithelial cells, which may be of importance in understanding the role of eosinophils in the various inflammatory conditions in which they are involved.
Purification, cDNA cloning and expression of an insect defensin from the great wax moth,Galleria mellonella
Authors: Lee Y. S. , Yun E. K. , Jang W. S. , Kim I. , Lee J. H. , Park S. Y. , Ryu K. S. , Seo S. J. , Kim C. H. , Lee I. H.
Published: December 2004

An insect defensin, namedGalleriadefensin, was purified from the larval haemolymph ofGalleria mellonellaimmunized againstE. coli. The peptide was composed of forty‐three amino acid residues containing six cysteines that might be engaged in intramolecular disulphide bridges. The primary structure ofGalleriadefensin shared about 90.7% identity to that of heliomicin, which was an insect defensin isolated fromHeliothis virescens. The full‐length cDNA encodingGalleriadefensin was cloned from the fat body of the immunizedG. mellonellalarvae. Northern blot analysis revealed thatGalleriadefensin was expressed not only in the fat body but also in the midgut against invading bacteria into haemocoel. This is the first report presenting cDNA and expression of an insect defensin in the lepidopteran species.
Breast‐feeding and early childhood caries: an assessment among Brazilian infants
Authors: ROSENBLATT A. , ZARZAR P.
Published: December 2004

Objectives.  The purpose of the present study was to evaluate early childhood caries among 12–36‐month‐old children from families living in poor socio‐economic conditions in the city of Recife, Brazil, its association with the type and duration of feeding (e.g. natural, sugared, bottle and glass), as well as the relationship between a supplementary diet and the occurrence of this type of caries.

Methods.  The present study consisted of a visual clinical examination of teeth that had been previously cleaned with gauze. This was carried out under natural light in a waiting room. Four calibrated examiners performed the examination and the kappa test value was 8·0. The parents or guardians were interviewed for the following information: name, address, age, type of feeding, number of sugary meals, sugar intake and habitual diet. Some 468 children were included in this study. Their ages ranged from 12 to 36 months. The sample was comprised of 222 (47·4%) males and 246 females (52·6%).

Results.  Of the 468 children included in this study, 133 (28·4%) had caries. Only 59 (12·6%) of the children examined had been breast‐fed, 20 (33·9%) of whom presented with caries. Three hundred and twenty‐seven (69·9%) subjects had been bottle‐fed with sugared milk, 86 (26%) of whom had caries. Two hundred and eight children had five or more sugary meals per day, 70 (33·6%) of whom had caries. No statistically significant relationship was seen between breast‐feeding and the prevalence of tooth decay.

Conclusions.  The results of the present study show that the prevalence of early childhood caries in 12–36‐month‐old children from poor backgrounds in Recife is in accordance with the rate found in other Brazilian cities and is extremely high compared with that of the world population as a whole. Early childhood caries was not clearly related to the type of feeding in this sample. The prevalence of early childhood caries increased with age, and the number of sugary snacks between meals and a cariogenic diet were strongly related to early childhood caries. The lack of fluoridated water and high rates of early childhood caries in lead the authors to suggest that fluoride dentifrice should be introduced at 12 months of age as a fluoride supplement and an important aid in the prevention of childhood caries. Additional studies in different cultures and societies need to be undertaken before a definitive conclusion can be drawn.
Congenitally missing maxillary permanent canines: report of 32 cases from an ethnic Chinese population
Authors: CHO S. Y. , LEE C. K. , CHAN J. C. Y.
Published: December 2004

Cases of congenitally missing permanent teeth involving only maxillary canines are uncommon. Prevalence studies have revealed that it is a rare finding in Caucasian populations, but it may be relatively more common in Asian groups. This report describes radiographic findings in 32 Chinese children with congenitally missing maxillary permanent canines. The aetiology of such an anomaly is obscure, but the racial difference in prevalence suggests that genetic factors may be more influential than environmental ones.
Severe incisor resorption by impacted maxillary canines: case report and literature review
Authors: NUTE S. J.
Published: December 2004

This paper reviews the literature relating to incisor resorption caused by impacted maxillary canines, and describes the presentation and management of a patient with unusually severe early resorption. This case highlights the need for careful monitoring of maxillary canine eruption for all paediatric patients.
Interpreting ecological patterns in an intact estuary, South‐west New Zealand World Heritage Area
Authors: Dickinson K. J. M. , Mark A. F.
Published: December 2004

Vegetation pattern, soil attributes, and salinity regimes along with several other environmental factors were studied in a small (11 ha) but unmodified estuary in south Westland, New Zealand. Part of an unmodified 40 km2catchment within the South‐west New Zealand World Heritage Area, the Hapuka Estuary, formed behind a 5‐km long barrier beach, provides considerable ecological value as well as baseline, conservation advocacy and educative potentials both in a national and international context.

Seventy‐four quadrats were sampled randomly along five transects at right angles to the main Hapuka River. Eight plant communities comprising 141 native and thirteen exotic vascular species, were differentiated using multivariate analyses, from bare mud (mean elevation 1.23±0.24 m above Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS)), saltmarsh and shrubland associations through to the adjacent podocarp‐broadleaved rain forest (4.53±0.74 m above MLWS). Bulk density of the upper 10 cm of substrate varied from a maximum of 1.15 g cm−3in the lowest elevation association to a minimum of 0.15 g cm−3in the rain forest. pH showed a similar trend with values of 6.97 and 4.31, respectively. The reverse pattern was evident with organic matter, with the highest content (53% ODWt) in the rain forest substrate. The water which irrigates the saltmarsh at high tide reaches 15–19» salinity on calm days but may be much less saline when moderate to strong southerly winds counter the tidal influence. Northerly winds, or a southern outlet through the barrier beach, intermittently evident in the past, are likely to enhance salinity of the tidal waters across the saltmarsh.

Ordination of the vegetation samples indicated a very strong gradient associated with Axis 1 (eigenvalue=0.872) and Axis 2 (eigenvalue=0.461). Vector fitting of nine measured environmental factors indicated a strong positive correlation with Axis 1 of the ordination, of soil pH, sodium and conductivity, and negative correlations with elevation, soil water, organic matter and potassium contents.
Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE) of Mexican hydrological basins based on helminth parasites of freshwater fishes
Authors: Aguilar‐Aguilar Rogelio , Contreras‐Medina Raúl , Salgado‐Maldonado Guillermo
Published: December 2004

Aim The distributional patterns of helminthological fauna of freshwater fishes were analysed to postulate a general hypothesis on the relationships of some Mexican hydrological systems.

Location Eight hydrological systems of central and eastern Mexico were studied and compared with records from Nicaragua.

Methods A Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE) was applied to the presence/absence of ninety‐two helminth parasite taxa (Monogeneans, Digeneans, Cestodes, Acanthocephalans and Nematodes) of freshwater fishes, from eight Mexican hydrological systems, using the Hennig86 program.

Results The results represent the first attempt for a biogeographical analysis through application of the PAE method to the distributional patterns of helminth parasites of freshwater fishes in Mexico. A single most parsimonious cladogram was obtained, which grouped all the Neotropical systems in accordance with previous proposals based on other plant and animal taxa.

Main conclusions The most basal systems were Santiago and Lerma basins, which exhibited Nearctic affinities. The remaining areas of the cladogram showed Neotropical affinities. All the southeastern systems were grouped in a clade with the Nicaragua system, providing support for a ‘Mesoamerican province’ based on helminth parasites of cichlids. The cladogram also suggests that the treatment of the Lerma‐Santiago basin as a single biogeographical unit is inaccurate and that they should be treated as separate systems.
Head injury: long‐term consequences for patients and families and implications for nurses
Authors: Kneafsey Rosie , Gawthorpe Dawn
Published: December 2004

Background.  Head injury as a result of trauma is an important cause of long‐term disability. Recently published guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on Acute Head Injuries and a forthcoming National Service Framework for Long‐Term Neurological Conditions provides renewed focus on this practice speciality.

Aims and objectives.  This article presents a narrative review of a range of quantitative and qualitative studies that have explored the impact of head injury and postinjury disabilities on patients’ and families lives.

Results.  Patients may experience a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, social and behavioural problems after head injury that will have a significant impact on both their own and their families’ everyday lives. It is important that the behavioural, physical and psychological aspects of head injury are addressed. Carers may be vulnerable to stress and anxiety as a result of their caring role.

Conclusions.  It is often in the longer term that the true complexity and impact of head injury may become apparent. Ongoing support, from a range of services, will be required to assist both patient and family to cope with their circumstances. Ensuring that practice is evidence based, it is necessary to conduct further research, both to explore the effectiveness of current service provision and investigate those aspects deemed important by patients and carers.

Relevance to clinical practice.  As nurses play an important role in both the acute and long‐term care and support of those who have suffered a head injury, it is vital that they are aware of the wide ranging needs with which patients and families may present.
Learning disabilities: a survey of community nurses for people with prevalence of challenging behaviour and contact demands
Authors: Slevin Eamonn
Published: December 2004

Background.  There is scant knowledge on the contacts community nurses for people with learning disabilities have with clients who display challenging behaviours, or the numbers of such people on these nurses‘ caseloads. This study was undertaken in a UK region with a population of 1.68 million people. In this region it is estimated that there are 8500 people with learning disabilities who are in contact with services, this includes around 500 people remaining in hospitals awaiting resettlement.

Aims and objectives.  The research aims were to identify the overall caseload sizes of the nurses, the prevalence of people with learning disabilities who have challenging behaviours on the nurses’ caseloads and what contact demands these people required. An additional aim was to discover courses or training that helped the nurses to fulfill their roles.

Design and methods.  A postal survey was undertaken of the total population of community nurses for people with learning disabilities in the region. The method of data collection was a self‐completion questionnaire.

Results.  The study found that people with challenging behaviours accounted for over a quarter of the combined caseloads, and these clients required the most frequent visits from the nurses. There was a wide range in the number of clients on the caseloads of each nurse but overall these were higher than in other parts of the UK.

Conclusions.  It is concluded that community nurses for people with learning disabilities have large caseloads and people with learning disabilities who have challenging behaviours, who account for over one‐quarter of the clients they visit, require much more frequent contact visits than other clients. The combination of high numbers of clients (or low numbers of these nurses) may impact on how such nurses are able to perform their role and functions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  An increase in the numbers of community nurses for people with learning disabilities and skill development in caring for people with challenging behaviours is recommended. If this is not performed the clinical effectiveness of this group of nurses with respect to their work with people who challenge services may be unduly hampered.
Myocardial infarction: narrations by afflicted women and their partners of lived experiences in daily life following an acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Svedlund Marianne , Danielson Ella
Published: December 2004

Background.  The review of the literature showed that many people and their family members share feelings of distress after an acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, it is important to show how the illness affects the relationship in the couple's daily life when the closest relatives involved are men.

Aim.  The aim was to illuminate the meaning of lived experiences in daily life after an acute myocardial infarction, as narrated by afflicted women and their partners.

Methods.  Nine women and their partners narrated their experiences three and 12 months after an infarction. The interview texts were then interpreted, using a phenomenological hermeneutic method, inspired by the philosophy of Ricoeur. The text was divided into meaning units that were condensed and abstracted. Two themes and eight sub‐themes were then extracted from the text.

Results.  The first theme was ‘living in a changed life situation’ with the sub‐themes: ‘showing consideration’, ‘taking responsibility’, ‘living side by side’ and ‘desiring what to do’. The second theme was ‘looking to the future’ with the sub‐themes: ‘feeling uncertain’, ‘feeling powerless’, ‘feeling limited’ and ‘feeling hope’.

Conclusions.  The results revealed that couples lived in a changed life situation, somewhat in ‘discordance’, and showed consideration to each other in order to protect the partner. There seemed to be a lack of verbal communication, but both women and their partners revealed that they sensed how their partners felt without verbal communication. In this ‘discordance’, couples may experience loneliness, in that they may not share feelings about the event and the situation it causes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Women and their partner have specific needs in daily living following an acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, nurses should acknowledge the specific needs for the female patient and the partner more clearly.
Scleromyxedema‐like fibromucinosis in a patient undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: McNeill Anne Marie , Barr Ronald J.
Published: December 2004

Fifteen hemodialysis patients were recently reported with a new scleromyxedema‐like fibrosing disorder thought to be associated with renal dialysis. A case of this new clinicopathological entity is described as well as a limited review of the literature relevant to this disease.

The patient was a 31‐year‐old Hispanic female with firm cutaneous plaques with brawny hyperpigmentation on the thighs and arms, which started 1 month after starting hemodialysis therapy for end‐stage renal disease. There was no monoclonal gammopathy or evidence of systemic mucin deposition or other organ system disease.

Histopathologically, the skin biopsy samples show haphazardly arranged dermal fibroblasts with associated collagen and small collections of interfibrillar mucin.

The skin biopsy was interpreted as scleromyxedema‐like fibromucinosis. This represents an additional case of this new renal dialysis‐associated disorder. The disease may also occur in nondialysis patients, including those with liver disease.
Investigation of the porcine PA28 activator γ‐subunit (PSME3) gene: isolation, polymorphism and its chromosomal localization
Authors: Yu M. , Wang Y. , Te Pas M. F. W. , Yerle M. , Liu B. , Fan B. , Xiong T. , Li K.
Published: December 2004

The PA28 activator γ‐subunit encoded by the PSME3 gene is the third component of the PA28 activator complex, which is the 11S regulator of the 20S proteasome. The open reading frame (ORF) sequence of the porcine PSME3 gene encoding the proteasome activator γ‐subunits (or proteasome activator subunit 3) was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence shows 100% identity with the corresponding human and murine sequence. Two single nucleotide substitutions, one located in intron 5 (I5), the other one in exon 8 (E8), were detected using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment‐length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). Analysis on allele frequencies of the two polymorphic sites determined in different pig breeds (Duroc, Tibet, Qingping, Meishan, Erhualian and Mingzhu) showed large differences between Duroc and Chinese indigenous pig breeds investigated. The PSME3 gene was physically assigned to SSC12p11 – (2/3) p13 in the vicinity of the GH gene. This result provides an additional type I marker to the GH linkage group on SSC12.
Networking for the advancement of nursing research in Europe for twenty‐five years
Authors: Perälä Marja‐Leena , Pelkonen Marjaana
Published: December 2004

The Work Group of European Nurse Researchers (WENR) has been networking for advancement of nursing research in Europe for 25 years. The most well‐known activity of WENR is its biennial conferences organized in all parts of Europe. They have provided a unique opportunity for nurses to come together to discuss nursing research and clinical practice. Recently, WENR has published a position paper in order to reinforce its own and International Council of Nurses, World Health Organization and The Standing Committee of Nurses of the European Union (PCN) aims. The Work Group of European Nurse Researchers recommends that the recommendations of The Council of Europe report be adopted formally by national nurses associations. Future activities of WENR include promotion of infrastructures and research capacities in member countries, and planning of new scientific activities.
Successful recovery from a massive pulmonary artery tumor embolism occurring during surgery for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: KOBAYASHI TAKASHI , OGURA KEIJI , NISHIZAWA KOJI , MURANAKA HIROYUKI , ONO HIROSHI , ODA TEIJI , MATSUMOTO YUMIKO , IDE YOSHIHIRO
Published: December 2004

Abstract  We report herein on a case of renal cell carcinoma with retrohepatic inferior vena cava tumor thrombus in which intraoperative cardiac arrest from a massive pulmonary embolism was managed successfully with emergency sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, followed by the removal of the primary site and pulmonary artery embolus.
Case of α‐fetoprotein‐producing transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis
Authors: SHIGA YOSHIYUKI , KAWAI KOJI , SHIMAZUI TORU , IIJIMA TATSUO , NOGUCHI MASAYUKI , AKAZA HIDEYUKI
Published: December 2004

Abstract  An α‐fetoprotein‐producing transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis is extremely rare. To our knowledge, this has not been reported previously. We present the first case of an α‐fetoprotein‐producing transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis in a 70‐year‐old female.
Chemohormonal therapy as primary treatment for metastatic prostate cancer: A randomized study of estramustine phosphate plus luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone agonist versus flutamide plus luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone agonist
Authors: NOGUCHI MASANORI , NODA SHINSHI , YOSHIDA MASAKI , UEDA SHOICHI , SHIRAISHI TAIZO , ITOH KYOGO ,   THE KURUME–KUMAMOTO ESTRACYT STUDY GROUP
Published: December 2004

Background:  The present study was undertaken mainly to investigate whether chemohormonal therapy with estramustine phosphate plus luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist has a more beneficial effect than the hormonal therapy with flutamide plus LHRH agonist for newly diagnosed patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Methods:  A total of 57 patients with metastatic prostate cancer aged 59–80 years (median 74 years) were entered in the study and were randomized to the treatment of estramustine phosphate (560 mg/day) plus LHRH agonist (estramustine group) or flutamide (375 mg/day) plus LHRH agonist (flutamide group) with stratification for the degree of performance status, histological differentiation and bone metastasis.

Results:  Both of the treatment regimens were well tolerated with similar incidences of adverse drug reactions. The overall response rates (complete response plus partial response) at 12 weeks after treatment in the estramustine and flutamide groups were 76 and 55%, respectively. The median time to objective progression for the estramustine group (25.4 months) was longer than that of the flutamide group (14.6 months). The serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone were significantly lower in the estramustine group.

Conclusions:  Chemohormonal therapy with estramustine phosphate plus LHRH agonist showed longer clinical progression‐free survival than the hormonal therapy with flutamide plus LHRH agonist (P = 0.03), although there was no significant difference in the overall survival. A larger‐scaled trial with more statistical power is required to clarify that the former regimen is more beneficial than the latter for newly diagnosed patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Is the human skin a pheromone‐producing organ?
Authors: Pause Bettina M
Published: December 2004

It is controversial whether or not humans convey specific compounds within their body odours which can potentially affect the physiology and behaviour of others. Such compounds are called pheromones and have been discovered in many other species, including mammals. It has been suggested that humans might have a special organ within their nose that can transmit such chemosensory information. However, the evidence for this organ is highly questionable. In any case, the main olfactory system is a highly diverse system, capable of transmitting pheromonal information.

 So far, no single substance has been found that acts as a chemical messenger for erotic attraction. On the other hand, studies investigating the pheromonal properties of natural complex body odour have proven that it does deliver information about the sender and that it has an effect on the physiology and likely behaviour of other humans. Its significance for human mating preferences probably lies not in driving them to choose the right mate but rather in warning them not to choose the wrong one.
Convergence and stability of the three‐step iterative schemes fora class of general quasivariational‐like inequalities
Authors: Liu Zeqing , An Zhefu , Kang Shin Min , Ume Jeong Sheok
Published: December 2004

We introduce and study a class of general
quasivariational‐like inequalities in Hilbert spaces,
suggest two general algorithms, and establish the
existence and uniqueness of solutions for these kinds
of inequalities. Under certain conditions, we discuss
convergence and stability of the three‐step iterative
sequences generated by the algorithms.
Alchemie an einem Fürstenhof der Renaissance. Graf Wolfgang II. von Hohenlohe (1546–1610) und Schloß Weikersheim
Authors: Weyer Jost
Published: December 2004

Graf Wolfgang II. von Hohenlohe war wie Kaiser Rudolf II. von Habsburg und andere fürstliche Zeitgenossen ein Liebhaber der Alchemie. In Schloß Weikersheim, seiner Residenz, hatte er ein Laboratorium eingerichtet, in dem er eigenhändig experimentierte. Reichhaltiges Quellenmaterial zu diesem Thema vermittelt ein anschauliches Bild von der Alchemie an einem Fürstenhof der Renaissance.
Zur Kenntnis der flüchtigen Pflanzenstoffe II. Über Turmeron, den Riechstoff des Curcumaöls
Authors: Rupe H. , Clar Georges , St. Pfau Alexander , Plattner Pl.
Published: December 2004

1. Der Riechstoff des Curcumaöls ist ein Gemisch eines Sesquiterpen‐ketons C15H22O; mit einem aromatischen Keton C15H20O; sie werden als Turmeron und ar‐Turmeron bezeichnet.
Über die Komplexbildung des Ferri‐ions mit Carbonsäuren
Authors: Treadwell W. D. , Wettstein E.
Published: December 2004

Es wurde die elektrometrische Titration von Alkalisalzen organischer Carbonsäuren mit Ferrichlorid im Aciditätsbereich von pH = 3−5 beschrieben. Die Säuren wurden zu Gruppen mit gleichartigem stöchiometrischem Verhalten zusammengestellt.
Sur l'élasticité du caoutchouc
Authors: Meyer Kurt H. , Ferri Cesare
Published: December 2004

1° Nous avons avons examiné la tension du caoutchouc étiré en fonction de la température.
Strömungsoptische und viskosimetrische Untersuchungen über den Lösungszustand von Casein I
Authors: Nitschmann Hs. , Guggisberg H.
Published: December 2004

Der Einfluss von Neutralsalz auf die Strömungsdoppelbrechung und Viskosität von Natriumcaseinatlösungen.

Allgemeines über die Versuchstechnik.

Herstellung der Lösungen.

Viskositätsmessungen.

Messung der Strömungsdoppelbrechunung.

Einfluss variabler Salzkonzentrationen auf 4‐proz. neutrale Natriumcaseinatlösung.

Einfluss auf die Stärke der Strömungsdoppelbrechung und auf die Viskosität.

Einfluss auf den Orientierungswinkel der Strömungsdoppelbrechung.

Messungen an Natriumcaseinatlösungen anderer Konzentration.

Beziehungen zwichen Viskosität und Teilchengestalt.

Achsenverhältnisse der Teilchen in neutraler Natriumcaseinatlösung mit 0,08% Kaliumchlorid.

Achsenverhältnisse der Teilchen in neutraler Natriumcaseinatlösung mit 1,6‐n. Natriumsulfat.

Einfluss der Caseinkonzentration auf die Grösse des elektroviskosen Effektes.

Zur Frag der Abhängigkeit des Aggregationsgrades von der Caseinkonzentration.

Zur Frage nach der Reversibilität der durch die Salze bedingten Aggregationsänderungen.
Hemmung der Cholin‐esterase durch Pyrazolone, zugleich ein Beitrag zur Differenzierung der Cholin‐esterasen verschiedener Herkunft. 2. Mitteilung über die Beeinflussung von Fermentreaktionen durch Chemotherapeutica und Pharmaca
Authors: Zeller E. Albert
Published: December 2004

1. Die Cholin‐esterase (ChE) wird durch eine Reihe von Pyrazolonen stark gehemmt. Die Hemmung tritt sofort ein und ist reversibel. Inhibitorkonzentration und Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit lassen sich durch die einfache Formel y = a x−b darstellen, wobei y die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit und x die Inhibitorkonzentration ist.
Untersuchungen über optisch aktive Diphenylverbindungen I. (Problemstellung und experimentelle Ergebnisse)
Authors: Kuhn W. , Rometsch R.
Published: December 2004

Modellmässige Betrachtungen über das Zustandekommen der optischen Aktivität führen zu bestimmten Vermutungen über das Schwingungsbild, welches bei asymmetrischen Diphenylverbindungen, die aus 2 identischen, gegeneinander gedrehten Molekelhälften bestehen, zu erwarten ist.
Ultrarotspektrum und Kraftkonstanten des Äthylenoxyds I
Authors: Günthard Hs. H. , Messikommer B. , Kohler M.
Published: December 2004

Die Ultrarotbanden des Äthylenoxydes zwischen 800 und 1500 cm−1 wurden untersucht und die Enveloppen der meisten dieser Banden festgestellt. Der Vergleich der Enveloppen mit den theoretisch berechneten erlaubt eine Zuordnung der Ultrarotbanden zu den Normalschwingungen der Molekel vorzuschlagen, die in mehrfacher Hinsicht von den früher in der Literatur angegebenen abweicht. Die auf Grund dieser Zuordnung statistisch berechnete spezifische Wärme und Entropie des idealen Gases stimmen mit den experimentell bestimmten innerhalb der Fehlergrenzen überein. Eine Anzahl der Potentialkonstanten eines einfachen Valenzkraftmodells der Molekel wurden berechnet und diskutiert.
Reaktionen mit 15N. II. Eine spektroskopische Mikromethode zur Bestimmung von 15N
Authors: Hoch Michael , Weisser Hermann‐Rolf
Published: December 2004

Es wird eine Methode beschrieben, um Konzentrationen der Stickstoffisotope 15N und 14N mit nur 50 γ N2 durch Photometrierung ultravioletter Banden zu bestimmen. Der mittlere Fehler beträgt etwa ± 2% bei Berücksichtigung der Schwärzungsverhältnisse. Die gewöhnlichen Verunreinigungen beeinflussen die Resultate nieht.
Über die Herstellung mehrkerniger Ketone
Authors: Wieland P. , Miescher K.
Published: December 2004

Ähnlich wie sich 2 Mol Acetessigester und Formaldehyd zum monocyclischen Hagemann'schen Ester in wässeriger Lösung kondensieren lassen, führt die analoge Umsetzung von Acetessigester, Acetessigsäure bzw. Acetondicarbonsäure und Formaldehyd mit Derivaten cyclischer Mono‐ und Diketone schon in wässeriger bzw. wässerig‐alkoholischer Lösung zur Bildung mehrkerniger cyclischer Ketone.
Sur la provenance de la sarmentocymarine: Strophanthus spec. var. sarmentogenifera No MPD 50(communication préliminaire). Hétérosides et génines, 68e communication
Authors: v. Euw J. , Reber F. , Reichstein T.
Published: December 2004

Nous avons étudié les graines d'une variété locale de Strophanthus, dont I'identité botanique n'est pas encore établie définitivement et que nous désignerons provisoirement sous le nom de Strophanthus spec. var. sarmentogenifera N° MPD 50. Les extraits de ces graines ont donné sous l'effet de leurs ferments hydrosolubles, un mélange d'hétérosides dont nous avons pu isoler 3 substances avec les rendements suivants: 1° 0,364% de sarmentocymarine; 2° 0,123% d'une substance répondant à la formule C30H46O9et possédant un groupe méthoxyle; il s'agit probablement d'un nouvel hétéroside que nous appellerons provisoirement substance N° 799; 3° 0,42% de cristaux, désignés provisoirement comme cristallisat N° 804. Il s'agit 'un mélange composé en grande partie de sarmentoside A puisque par acétylation de ce cristallisat nous avons obtenu environ 30% d'acétate de sarmentoside A. Nous n'avons pas trouvé de sarvéroside.
Zur Kenntnis der Sesquiterpene und Azulene. 99. Mitteilung. Die basischen Eigenschaften der Azulene (Teil I)
Authors: Plattner Pl. A. , Heilbronner E. , Weber S.
Published: December 2004

Die Annahme, dass Lösungen von Azulenen in starken Säuren Kationen vom Typus II enthalten, wurde durch weitere experimentelle Tatsachen gestützt.
Molekel‐Eigenfunktionen bestimmter Symmetrie: Linearkombinationen von P‐Funktionen. Teil II: Molekel‐Eigenfunktionen der Symmetrie C3v und D3
Authors: Heilbronner E. , Günthard Hs. H.
Published: December 2004

Am Beispiel der wichtigen Symmetriegruppen C3v und D3 wird gezeigt, wie sich mittels der im Teil I abgeleiteten Formel (I, 25) jene Matrix M berechnen lässt, welche über die Formel (I, 26) die richtigen Linearkombinationen von PAO's, die zu einer solchen Symmetrie‐gruppe gehören, liefert. Die Matrix und die richtigen Linearkombinationen werden angegeben.
Zur Kenntnis der Metallhydroxyd‐Einschlussverbindungen. II. Über den Bau der Zinkhydroxydflavianate
Authors: Feitknecht W. , Bürki H.
Published: December 2004

1. Die Zinkhydroxydflavianate besitzen eine Doppelschichtenstruktur, bei der zwischen Schichten von Zinkhydroxyd Schichten von Zinkflavianat eingebaut sind.
Zur Kenntnis der Metallhydroxyd‐Einschlussverbindungen IV. Über weitere aromatische Hydroxydsalze des Zinks
Authors: Feitknecht W. , Bürki H.
Published: December 2004

1. Durch unvollständiges Fällen von Zn(NO3)2 mit NaOH in Gegenwart von Salzen organischer Säuren (Nitrophenole, Carbonsäuren, Sulfonsäuren) wurden basische Zinksalze dieser Sauren erhalten. Der Anteil des organischen Salzes an diesen Verbindungen beträgt etwa 50 Gewichtsprozente.
Synthese eines hochwirksamen Hypertensin II‐amids (L‐Asparaginyl‐L‐arginyl‐L‐valyl‐L‐tyrosyl‐L‐isoleucyl‐L‐histidyl‐L‐prolyl‐L‐phenylalanin)
Authors: Rittel W. , Iselin B. , Kappeler H. , Riniker B. , Schwyzer R.
Published: December 2004

The synthesis of Ileu5‐hypertensin II‐Asp‐β‐amide, L‐Asparaginyl‐L‐arginyl‐L‐valyl‐L‐tyrosyl‐L‐isoleucyl‐L‐histidyl‐L‐prolyl‐L‐phenylalanine, is described. The highly purified octapeptide is 5 to 10 times as active as noradrenaline on the blood pressure of the rat in the experimental set‐up of Peart9), and 2 to 4 times as active as Val5‐ hypertensin I, isolated from bovine plasma3).