bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphoproliferative disorders in autoimmune diseases in Japan: Analysis of clinicopathological features and Epstein‐Barr virus infection
Authors: Hoshida Yoshihiko , Tomita Yasuhiko , Zhiming Dong , Yamauchi Amane , Nakatsuka Shin‐ichi , Kurasono Yoshiko , Arima Yasuhiro , Tsudo Mitsuru , Shintaku Masayuki , Aozasa Katsuyuki
Published: November 2003

Lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) occasionally develop in individuals with immune deficiencies such as immunosuppressive conditions and autoimmune diseases (AID). In our study, the clinicopathologic features and virus status were analyzed in 53 cases with LPD developing in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other AID. AID in only 4 of 53 patients had been treated with some sort of immunosuppressive therapy, including methotrexate. Median age at the diagnosis of LPD in AID was 60 years old with marked female predominance (M/F = 0.4). The median interval between the onset of AID and LPD development was 45 months, and longer in RA patients than in other AID (p< 0.01). The primary site of lymphoma was nodal in 21 cases and extra‐nodal in 24, with clinical Stage I in 17, II in 5, III in 13, and IV in 13. Immunohistochemistry showed that 39 cases were B cell type, 10 were T cell type and 4 were Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Then majority of B cell cases were diffuse large B cell lymphomas, and 2 were diffuse polymorphic type. EBER‐1in situhybridization for Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) showed positive signals in tumor cells in 16 of 53 (30.2%) cases. The EBV‐positive rate in T cell LPD (70%) was much higher than that in B cell LPD (12.8%) (p< 0.01). All 4 cases of HL were EBV‐positive. Immunohistochemistry showed a latency II pattern of EBV infection (LMP‐1+and EBNA‐2−). Five‐year overall survival rate was 33%. Multivariate analysis showed that only type of AID was an independent factor for survival of patients,i.e., LPD in RA showed the most favorable prognosis. In conclusion, LPD in AID generally shared common features with sporadic LPD except for a much higher EBV‐positive rate in T cell LPD. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the flexibility of β‐peptides
Authors: Beke Tamás , Csizmadia Imre G. , Perczel András
Published: November 2003

The full conformational space was explored for an achiral and two chiral β‐peptide models: namely For‐β‐Ala‐NH2, For‐β‐Abu‐NH2, and For‐β‐Aib‐NH2. Stability and conformational properties of all three model systems were computed at different levels of theory: RHF/3‐21G, B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p)//RHF/3‐21G, B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p), MP2//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p), CCSD//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p), and CCSD(T)//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p). In addition,ab initioE = E(φ, μ, ψ) potential energy hypersurfaces of all three models were determined, and their topologies were analyzed to determine the inherent flexibility properties of these β‐peptide models. Fewer points were found and assigned than expected on the basis of Multidimensional Conformational Analysis (MDCA). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated, that the four‐dimensional surface,E = E(φ, μ, ψ), can be reduced into a three‐dimensional one:E = E[φ,f(φ), ψ]. This reduction of dimensionality of freedom of motion suggests that β‐peptides are less flexible than one would have thought. This agrees with experimental data published on the conformational properties of peptides composed of β‐amino acid residues. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 285–307, 2004
A novel pH sensitive porous membrane carrier for various biomedical applications based on pHEMA/chitosan: preparation and its drug release characteristics
Authors: Bayramoğlu Gülay , Arıca M. Yakup
Published: November 2003

The synthetic hydrogels based on pHEMA have been widely studied and used in biomedical fields. Numerous techniques exist for entrapment of drugs or proteins in the hydrogels. The suitable biomaterials for biomedical applications include poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), (pHEMA), and chitosan. In this work, a novel pH sensitive interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were prepared in the membrane form by using 2‐hydroxyethyl‐methacrylate monomer (HEMA) and chitosan via UV initiated photo‐polymerization in the presence of an initiator (i.e., α‐α;′‐azo‐isobutyronitrile; AIBN). UV‐free‐radical polymerization techniques are often used to synthesize hydrogels for controlled release applications. A series of HEMA and chitosan IPNs hydrogels were prepared and the equilibrium swelling studies were conducted to investigate swelling behaviors of the membrane according to the pH of the swelling medium. The swelling properties of the membrane were changed with the medium pH. The equilibrium water uptake is reached in about 60 min. The pHEMA/chitosan membrane thickness and density was measured to be 600 μm and 1.26 g cm−3, respectively. Antibiotic release experiments were also performed with amoxicillin loaded pHEMA/chitosan membrane in physiological saline solution. The IPNs membrane loaded with 100 mg antibiotic (i.e., amoxicillin) g hydrogel released around 80% of the amoxicillin in 10 h at pH 7.4. The presented well‐characterized novel pHEMA/chitosan membrane is a potential candidate for transdermal antibiotic carrier or a support in bioseparation.
Conformal chemoradiation for primary and metastatic liver malignancies
Authors: Dawson Laura A. , McGinn Cornelius J. , Lawrence Theodore S.
Published: November 2003

Historically, radiation therapy has played a minor role in the management of patients with unresectable primary hepatobiliary malignancies and liver metastases from colorectal cancer. This can be attributed chiefly to the low tolerance of the whole liver to radiation. Three‐dimensional radiation planning techniques have allowed much higher doses of radiation to be delivered to focal liver tumors, while sparing the majority of the normal liver. When combined with fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR), high‐dose focal liver radiation is associated with excellent response rates, local control, and survival in patients with large unresectable tumors. There appears to be a radiation dose response for intrahepatic malignancies. Advancements in tumor imaging, radiation techniques that can safely deliver higher doses of radiation, novel tumor radiation sensitizers, and normal‐tissue radioprotectors should substantially improve the outcome of patients with unresectable intrahepatic malignancies treated with chemoradiation. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 21:249–255, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A hand method for predicting the stability of regular buildings, using frequency measurements
Authors: Zalka K. A.
Published: November 2003

In combining two theoretical methods developed for the stability and frequency analyses of buildings and making use of experimental data obtained from the measurement of the fundamental frequency, a simple and reliable procedure is presented for the determination of the global critical load of regular building structures. It can be used for checking the stability and assessing the structural performance of existing buildings. The procedure is based on a closed‐form solution and design tables facilitating prompt calculation and can be carried out in minutes. The experimental data needed for the procedure is the fundamental frequency of the building, which can be obtained from standard measurements. The validity of the procedure is not dependent on the height of the building; it is equally applicable to low, medium‐rise and tall buildings. The results of tests on a small‐scale model are given for verification purposes. A worked example shows the easy use of the method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Setting biological reference points for Atlantic salmon stocks: transfer of information from data-rich to sparse-data situations by Bayesian hierarchical modelling
Authors: Prévost Etienne , Parent Eric , Crozier Walter , Davidson Ian , Dumas Jacques , Gudbergsson Gudni , Hindar Kjetil , McGinnity Phil , MacLean Julian , Sættem Leif M
Published: November 2003

We present an application of Bayesian hierarchical modelling of stock–recruitment (SR) relationships aiming at estimating Biological Reference Points (BRP) for European Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stocks. The structure of the hierarchical SR model developed distinguishes two nested levels of randomness, within-river and between rivers. It is an extension of the classical Ricker model, where the parameters of the Ricker function are assumed to be different between rivers, but drawn from a common probability distribution conditionally on two covariates: river size and latitude. The output of ultimate interest is the posterior predictive distribution of the SR parameters and their associated BRP for a new river with no SR data.

The flexible framework of the Bayesian hierarchical SR analysis is a step towards making the most comprehensive use of detailed stock monitoring programs for improving management advice. Posterior predictive inferences may be imprecise due to the relative paucity of information introduced in the analysis compared to the variability of the stochastic process modeled. Even in such cases, direct extrapolation of results from local data-rich stocks should be dismissed as it can lead to a major underestimation of our uncertainty about management parameters in sparse-data situations. The aggregation of several stocks under a regional complex improves the precision of the posterior predictive inferences. When several stocks are managed jointly, even imprecise knowledge about each component of the aggregate can be valuable. The introduction of covariates to explain between stock variations provides a significant gain in the precision of the posterior predictive inferences. Because we must be able to measure the covariates for all the stocks of interest, i.e. mostly sparse-data cases, the number of covariates which can be used in practice is limited. The definition of the assemblage of stocks which we model as exchangeable units, conditionally on the covariates, remains the most influential choice to be made when attempting to transfer information from data-rich to sparse-data situations.
Quantification of annual variations in fishing power due to vessel characteristics: an application to the bottom-trawlers of South-Brittany targeting anglerfish (Lophius budegassa and Lophius piscatorius)
Authors: Mahévas S , Sandon Y , Biseau A
Published: November 2003

We present a method based on generalised linear models fitted to CPUE data to quantify the changes in fishing power in a fleet targeting a particular species. Changes in the fleet's fishing power are differentiated from variations in population abundance through the use of an abundance index estimated from the CPUE of an index vessel catching the species as by-catch. Observed inter-vessel differences in efficiency are then explained by vessel characteristics such as gear used, engine power, length of headline and ground rope, availability of GPS and skipper skills. The application of the method to the French bottom-trawlers targeting anglerfish in the Bay of Biscay and in the Celtic Sea during the period 1983–1998 reveals that fishing gear (twin or simple trawls) and engine power are the most important variables for explaining differences in fishing power.

Nous présentons une méthode basée sur l'utilisation de modèles linéaires généralisés ajustés à des données de CPUE pour quantifier les changements de puissances de pêche dans une flottille ciblant une espèce particulière. Les changements de puissance de pêche sont distingués des variations d'abondance de la population en utilisant un indice d'abondance estimé à partir des CPUE d'un bateau témoin capturant cette espèce de manière accessoire. Les différences d'efficacité observées entre les bateaux sont ensuite expliquées par les caractéristiques techniques telles que l'engin utilisé, la puissance motrice, la longueur de la corde de dos, le bourrelet, la possession d'un GPS et l'expérience du capitaine. L'application de la méthode aux chalutiers de fond français ciblant la baudroie dans le golfe de Gascogne et la mer Celtique sur la période 1983–1998 a montré que la puissance motrice et l'engin de pêche (chalut jumeau ou simple) étaient les facteurs qui expliquaient le plus les différences de puissance de pêche.
GFPs of insertion mutation generated by molecular size‐altering block shuffling
Authors: Kitamura Koichiro , Yoshida Chuya , Nishigaki Koichi
Published: November 2003

Insertion and deletion analyses of a protein have been less common than point mutation analyses, partly due to the lack in effective methods. This is the case with the green fluorescent protein (GFP), which is so widely applied in molecular biology and other fields. In this paper we first introduce a systematic approach for generating insertion/deletion mutants of GFP. A new technology of Y‐ligation‐based block shuffling (YLBS) was successfully applied to produce size‐altered GFPs, providing insertion‐containing GFPs of fluorescence, though no deletion type of fluorescence was obtained so far as examined. The analysis of these proteins suggested that size alteration (deletion/insertion) is acceptable so far as some type of rearrangement in a local structure can accommodate it. This paper demonstrates that YLBS can generate insertion and deletion mutant libraries systematically, which are beneficial in the study of structure–function relationship.
ESID, Dissemination, and Community Psychology: A Case of Partial Implementation?
Authors: Gray Denis O. , Jakes Susan S. , Emshoff James , Blakely Craig
Published: November 2003

Dissemination, the second stage of Experimental Social Innovation and Dissemination (ESID) is a critical, if not defining, element of this social change model. This paper attempts to assess the extent to which community psychology has adopted and implemented ESID's dissemination focus in its training and publications. We identify four levels of commitment to dissemination: dissemination advocate, dissemination activist, dissemination researcher, and experimental dissemination researcher. Content analyses of textbooks, journal publications, and conference papers and a brief survey of doctoral training in the field were conducted. Findings suggest that the dissemination aspects of ESID have been modestly and partially implemented within the field. That is, although there is some evidence of a commitment to dissemination practice (advocate, activist), there is much less evidence of a commitment to dissemination research. The implications of these findings for the effectiveness of the ESID model and for training and practice in community psychology are discussed.
The Main Factors of Repetition
Authors: Osváth Peter , Kelemen Gábor , Erdös Márta B. , Vörös Viktor , Fekete Sándor
Published: November 2003

Summary: The authors obtained more information about the characteristics of suicide attempters in order to examine the most important differences between those who attempted suicide for the first time (first-evers) and those who had a previous attempt (repeaters). Within the framework of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Suicidal Behaviour in Pecs Center, 1158 cases of parasuicide were collected over 4 years (July 1, 1997-June 30, 2001). In the monitoring sample, 728 (62.9%) parasuicide acts were committed by women and 430 (37.1%) by men, and more than half of the attempters had made a previous attempt. In the logistic regression model a higher risk of repetition was found to be related to being divorced (OR 1.84), unemployed or economically inactive (OR 1.45), and without higher education (OR 2.54). In the sample, mental disorders were the most significant risk factor for repeated attempts. The odds ratio was highest (OR 5) for personality disorders. The results may reflect (besides some factors of social destabilization) a higher importance of major mental health problems among repeaters. For this reason, more effective recognition and treatment of the underlying psychiatric and social conditions of suicide attempters has special importance to prevent future suicidal behaviour.
Suicidal Behavior in Patients Diagnosed with Cancer of the Cervix
Authors: Noor-Mahomed S.B. , Schlebusch L. , Bosch B.A.
Published: November 2003

Summary: There is a paucity of literature on suicide and cancer, especially cancer of the cervix. This study reports on suicidal behavior in these patients. The sample consisted of adult, black, Zulu-speaking women from palliative and radical oncology treatment groups who volunteered for the study. There were more patients in the palliative group who were younger, and had a more significant delay between cancer symptom presentation and seeking oncology treatment. Patients experienced: significant depression, anxiety, stress, hopelessness/helplessness, anxious preoccupation about their disease, poor current or delayed social support, feelings of being a burden to their significant others, beliefs that they would be better off dead, perceptions that they were stigmatized by society or that their communities suspected them of being HIV-AIDS positive, and suppressed anger. More patients in the palliative, compared to the radical treatment, group were inclined toward suicidal ideation with serious intent. Overall, most patients coped inadequately with their disease and its management. These patients are a high risk group for suicidal behavior and should be identified in time for appropriate psychological intervention.
The Variation of the Mean Age of Suicides in the United States
Authors: Lester David , McIntosh John L.
Published: November 2003

Summary: In the United States from 1968-1996, the mean age of suicides was positively associated with measures of domestic social integration. It is suggested that the mean age of suicides could be an interesting dependent variable in suicidological research.
Seasonal and solar activity dependence of the generalized polar wind with low‐altitude auroral ion energization
Authors: Barakat A. R. , Schunk R. W. , Demars H. G.
Published: November 2003

The effects of low‐altitude energization (LAE) of ions on the dynamic behavior of the high‐latitude plasma was investigated using a macroscopic particle‐in‐cell (mac‐PIC) model. The model simulates the behavior of a plasma‐filled flux tube as it drifts across the different high‐latitude regions (cusp, polar cap, auroral, and subauroral regions). In addition to the LAE, the model properly accounts for gravity, electrostatic field, magnetic mirror force, ion‐ion collisions, wave‐particle interactions, magnetospheric electrons, and centrifugal acceleration. However, the focus here is on the effects of the LAE and their seasonal dependence. The LAE was emulated by uniform energization of the ions in the perpendicular direction as they pass through a narrow domain (200 km in altitude) that is embedded within the cusp/auroral oval region. The roles that season, solar activity, and the altitude of the LAE play, with regard to the effects of the LAE on the plasma characteristics, were studied. In particular, several simulation runs were performed for different seasons (summer/winter), for different solar activity levels, and for different altitudes of the LAE region. Comparing the results from these runs, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) When the LAE occurs at high altitudes, where less O+ exists, it does not appreciably enhance the O+ escape flux. The O+ escape flux for LAE occurring above ∼3000 km is almost identical to the case with no LAE. (2) In the absence of LAE, the dominant source of escaping O+ occurs in the polar cap due to magnetospheric electrons. (3) Both upward and downward O+ fluxes occur at low altitudes, while only upward O+ fluxes occur at high altitudes. (4) As the plasma drifts from the polar cap into the auroral region, it is (first) depleted due to the rapid energization associated with wave‐particle interactions (WPI) and then it is slowly replenished due to the effect of the LAE. (5) In general, the cases of summer‐solar maximum and winter‐solar minimum produce the two extreme results, while the other two cases (summer‐solar minimum and winter‐solar maximum) produce intermediate results. For example, the largest O+ escape fluxes were found for the case of (summer‐solar maximum) and the smallest fluxes were found for the case of (winter‐solar minimum).
Analysis of ozone loss in the Arctic stratosphere during the late winter and spring of 1997 using the Chemical Species Mapping on Trajectories (CSMT) technique
Authors: Kagawa Akiko , Hayashida Sachiko
Published: November 2003

A scheme to create synoptic maps of stratospheric minor species from asynoptic satellite measurements using a photochemical box model and trajectory analysis was developed and named Chemical Species Mapping on Trajectories (CSMT). CSMT combined with Improved Limb Atmospheric Spectrometer (ILAS) data were used to study the Arctic ozone loss mechanism in the late winter and early spring of 1997. Long‐ and short‐lived species in the stratosphere were successfully mapped by the CSMT initialized with ILAS‐observed ozone, nitric acid, and nitrous oxide. Comparisons of CSMT‐derived data and ozonesonde data, and/or other satellite data, validated the scheme. The comparisons showed the reliability of the scheme in mapping long‐ and short‐lived species. A chemical ozone loss amount was estimated using the chemical model; the maximum ozone loss rate was about 34 ppbv/day in late February. The integrated ozone loss from 13 January to 31 March was 41%, averaged over the entire polar vortex. The effects of differences in polar stratospheric cloud composition and a possible warm bias in the temperature data set were examined, and only minor differences were found in the ozone loss amount. The derived ozone loss rates and integrated ozone loss are consistent with results from other studies. The Arctic ozone loss in the late winter and early spring of 1997 depended significantly on latitude and showed complex features: ozone loss occurred mainly at lower latitudes until late February; the region of significant ozone loss shifted to higher latitudes in March. The CSMT scheme shows good potential for various applications including detailed analyses of chemical mechanisms in the atmosphere.
Wintertime shoaling of oceanic surface mixed layer
Authors: Takeuchi Emiri , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: November 2003

Wintertime oceanic surface mixed layer has been believed to deepen due to cooling and wind stirring. However, it is shown that in the latitudes of 20°–30° in the world ocean, there are regions where wintertime oceanic surface mixed layer shoals. The mixed layer shoaling is mostly accompanied by sea surface temperature (SST) cooling from January to February (from July to August), and SST warming from February to March (from August to September) in the northern (southern) hemisphere ocean. Further studies on the evolution of the mixed layer in these areas are suggested as these shoaling phenomena cannot be explained by existing theories of oceanic mixed layer based on monthly surface flux data.
Role of aerosol size and composition in nucleation scavenging within clouds in a shallow cold front
Authors: Levin Z. , Teller A. , Ganor E. , Graham B. , Andreae M. O. , Maenhaut W. , Falkovich A. H. , Rudich Y.
Published: November 2003

We investigated nucleation scavenging of aerosols by cloud drops during the passage of a shallow cold front at a mountain station in northern Israel. The chemical composition and size of the aerosols were measured during and following the passage of the front. Analysis of the air mass trajectories show that, prior to the frontal passage, the air originated from the north, bringing with it pollution particles from sources in Eastern Europe. Following the frontal passage, the air originated from the east, bringing with it some mineral dust particles. The results show that sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium were the dominant compounds in the particles. Of the total sulfate‐containing particles, 65% nucleated cloud drops. We found nucleation scavenging of aerosols to be correlated with the size of the aerosols. Aerosols smaller than 0.14 μm were not significantly affected by nucleation scavenging, while the number concentration of particles larger than 0.14 μm decreased in correspondence to the increase in droplet concentrations. During the time that the cloud covered the measuring site, 80% of the particles in the size range 0.3–1 μm were scavenged. The concentrations of the particles with diameter smaller than 1 μm returned to their original values after the cloud dissipated.
Leaving whom? Motherless families: problems of termination for the female family therapist
Authors: Jones Elsa
Published: November 2003

The issue of planned termination is seldom addressed by family therapists. Given the goals and assumptions of most family work the concept may indeed be irrelevant, but there are circumstances where it is necessary not only to understand the principles of planned termination, but the factors in client, family and therapist which can make it difficult to terminate at all. This may be the case where a female therapist has been working with a family where father is the single parent (motherless family): the family may experience itself as incomplete and attempt to draw the therapist into the family to fill the gap left by mother and marital partner, and pari passu the therapist may assume that the family cannot well cope without her. Some strategies for resolving the problems of termination which may arise from such assumptions are described.
Schindler's Ark: a study in heroism, therapy and change
Authors: Tuson Graham
Published: November 2003

He who saves a single life, saves the world entire.
Short Paper Section  The reliability of video viewing of family therapy interviews*
Authors: Street Eddy , Foot Hugh
Published: November 2003

The use of video‐taped material is common in family therapy practice and training. It is assumed that the video material conveys the same impression as when the interaction is viewed ‘live’. In this study the same eight interviews were viewed by two groups of experienced therapists, one group ‘in vivo’ and the other ‘via video’. The groups were required to rank concepts derived from Structural Family Therapy as relevant to each of the interviews. On six of the eight interviews there was substantial agreement in the ranking of concepts by the two groups lending general support to the assumption that judgements of family interactions are not influenced by the medium through which they are observed.
Family therapy and the glamour of science
Authors: Goldberg David , David Anthony S.
Published: November 2003

It is argued that family therapy has adopted esoteric and unrelated theories from ‘New Science’ in order to maintain its glamour and individuality in comparison with other therapies. One unfortunate consequence of this is to limit the development of the practice of family therapy by prejudicing empirical validation. An alternative approach which attempts to integrate linear and systemic viewpoints is suggested.
Working with Bangladeshi families in the East End of London
Authors: Messent Philip
Published: November 2003

This paper is an account of the author's evolving practice in working with Bangladeshi families in the East End of London. It considers first of all the circumstances of such families: their socio‐economic situation, and their beliefs about family life, mental illness and seeking help. Then it describes two case examples illustrative of those styles of working and techniques of intervention from different family therapy approaches which have proven most applicable to working with families from this community.
Diagnostic value of sonohysterography in the evaluation of submucosal fibroids and endometrial polyps
Authors: Nass Duce Meltem , Öz Utku , Özer Caner , Yildiz Altan , Apaydin Feramuz Demir , Çil Filiz
Published: November 2003

Aims:  To evaluate the diagnostic value of sonohysterography in the evaluation of submucosal fibroids and endometrial polyps.

Methods:  Thirty‐two women whose preliminary transvaginal ultrasound suggested endometrial abnormality underwent sonohysterography. The findings were then compared with histopathological results.

Results:  The sonohysterographic diagnosis was fibroid in seven patients, endometrial polyp in 23 patients and simple hyperplasia in two patients. Histopathological findings confirmed our diagnosis in all except three patients with endometrial polyps, who had normal secretory endometrium. Sonohysterography was found to have a sensitivity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 90% and diagnostic accuracy of 90.6%.

Conclusion:  Sonohysterography is a useful, minimally invasive and accurate technique to evaluate the pathologies involving endometrium and uterine cavity.
Gingival crevicular fluid levels of aspartate amino transferase, sulfide ions and N‐benzoyl‐dl‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide in diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Yucekal‐Tuncer B. , Uygur C. , Firatli E.
Published: November 2003

Background: The aim of this study is to analyze the correlations between plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), probable pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), N‐benzoyl‐dl‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide (BANA) and sulfide ion activity (SIA) of diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis with regard to disease activity detected by AST levels.

Material and Methods: A total of 95 sites from eight diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis and 74 sites from eight systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis were enrolled in the study. The patients had no history of periodontal treatment or any antibiotic therapy during the last 6 months and were nonsmokers. All the sites selected for the study had a CAL of at least 2 mm. Gingival crevicular fluid volumes (GCFV) were measured in all sites.

Results: According to the result of AST analysis, 45 sites were AST positive and 50 were AST negative in the diabetic group and 36 sites were AST positive and 38 were AST negative in the control group. There was a significant correlation between BANA hydrolysis and PPD in both diabetic and control groups, but no correlation between PPD and AST levels. A significant correlation was observed between AST‐positive sites and GI, but not between GI and BANA hydrolysis. In both groups, the correlation between SIA and BANA hydrolysis was significant, but no correlation was revealed between SIA and AST levels in either diabetic or control groups.

Conclusion: The GCF metabolites had significant correlations with periodontally diseased sites in patients with chronic periodontitis, whether diabetic or systemically healthy, and may help to confirm clinical findings.
Research into patients’ perspectives: relevance and usefulness of phenomenological sociology
Authors: Edwards Carol , Titchen Angie
Published: November 2003

Background.  The dominant epistemology underpinning much inquiry in the field of patient evaluation of health care is positivist, with categorization and quantification being high priorities, despite the highly personal and dynamic nature of people's responses to their health care experiences. The mis‐match between underpinning theoretical assumptions and the nature of the subject under investigation has led to ineffectiveness in much current inquiry into patients’ perspectives. More needs to be learnt about patients’ processes of evaluation prior to any summary assessment of the quality of their care.

Aims.  This paper documents the search for a close fit between a study's research questions and a theoretical perspective with which to underpin the research. It describes the benefits of identifying a specifically relevant perspective, in this case phenomenological sociology, and discusses the potential of that particular perspective to underpin research within health care.

Methods.  Research questions relating to patients’ processes of evaluation were established. The possible contribution of a range of interpretative methodologies was considered. While all were relevant to some degree, phenomenological sociology was identified as having considerable specific potential to illuminate the patient's process of evaluation.

Findings.  The particular strengths of phenomenological sociology relevant to the investigation of patients’ processes of reflection are in highlighting the importance of subjectivity; its insistence on a clear link from theoretical development right back to the raw data; its wealth of evocative ideas and concepts that support the investigation of the development of interpretation; and the relatively accessible language and style of its texts.

Conclusion.  Time spent evaluating the potential contribution of different theoretical perspectives to a study is worthwhile, as a good choice can not only support but also enhance the quality of the research. Phenomenological sociology has much potential to underpin research into patient evaluation of health care and in nursing research more widely.
Educational needs of families caring for Chinese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Chien Wai‐Tong , Norman Ian
Published: November 2003

Background.  Schizophrenia is a disruptive and distressing illness for patients and family members who care for them. As in Western countries more than 20% of people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong are discharged to their homes, but their families are unprepared to care for them. Studies of caregivers’ opinions about the information required to supervise patients are limited, particularly for the purposes of optimizing family‐centred care.

Aim.  The aim of this study was to identify the educational needs of Chinese families caring for a relative with schizophrenia.

Methods.  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Hong Kong with a random sample of 204 family members caring for a relative with schizophrenia. A Chinese version of the Modified Educational Needs Questionnaire, validated in a previous study, was used to identify educational needs that family caregivers considered important in caring for mentally ill relatives.

Findings.  Educational needs perceived as important by caregivers included gaining information about early warning signs of illness and relapse, effects of medication and ways of coping with patients’ bizarre and assaulting behaviour. Gender, education level and closeness of the relationship with the patient correlated positively and significantly with need importance. Conversely, the relationship between duration of caring for patient and need importance correlated significantly but negatively, indicating the adverse effect of enduring mental illness on family caregivers’ interest in mental health education.

Conclusion.  This study emphasizes the importance of assessing specific family needs in caring for a relative with mental illness. It also raises concern about the negative effects of the length of time of caring for such patients and the role of socio‐economic factors on the perceived educational needs of these families.
Outcome following haematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with myelodysplasia and del (5q) karyotypes
Authors: Stewart B. , Verdugo M. , Guthrie K. A. , Appelbaum F. , Deeg H. J.
Published: November 2003

Summary.  The deletion (5q) karyotype [del (5q)] in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is considered a good risk feature, while the impact of del (5q) combined with other karyotypic abnormalities [del (5q)+] is less well defined. We analysed the outcome of haematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) in patients with MDS with del (5q) or del (5q)+. Fifty‐seven patients, aged 6–72 years, with MDS and del (5q) abnormalities received HCT from related (n = 32) or unrelated (n = 25) donors. By French–American–British (FAB) criteria, 27 patients had refractory anaemia (RA), 10 RA with excess blasts (RAEB), eight RAEB in transformation (RAEB‐T) and 12 acute myeloid leukaemia evolving from MDS (tAML). Non‐relapse mortality at 1‐year post‐transplantation was 30% for del (5q) and 38% for del (5q)+ patients. Relapse occurred in one of 20 del (5q) patients and 15 of 37 del (5q)+ patients (P = 0·001). After adjusting for del (5q) status, blast count (<5%) was the only factor significantly associated with relapse‐free survival. Patients with del (5q), either as a ‘5q‐ syndrome’ or with MDS in general, had better outcomes than did patients with del (5q)+. The indication for transplantation in patients with del (5q) was generally severe cytopenias, compared with disease progression to a more advanced FAB stage in patients with del (5q)+. Conceivably, outcome for patients with del (5q)+ would be improved with transplantation earlier in the disease course.
The outcome of unrelated donor stem cell transplantation for patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Shaw Bronwen E. , Peggs Karl , Bird Jennifer M. , Cavenagh Jamie , Hunter A. , Alejandro Madrigal J. , Russell Nigel H. , Sirohi Bhawna , Towlson Keiren , Williams Catherine D. , Marks David I.
Published: November 2003

Summary.  We performed a retrospective analysis of outcome in 45 patients with multiple myeloma receiving unrelated donor stem cell transplants (UD‐SCT) in the UK between 1993 and 2002; 17 received myeloablative conditioning regimens and 28 received reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) protocols. Forty patients received pretransplant CAMPATH serotherapy. Forty‐two of 45 patients had detectable disease at transplant, but 33 of 45 were chemoresponsive. Sixty per cent of patients had received a previous autograft. Myeloid engraftment was seen in 95% of recipients and was significantly faster in recipients receiving peripheral blood stem cells (P = 0·07) and RIC (P = 0·001). The incidence of severe (grade 3/4) acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) was 5% (2/40). The 100‐d non‐relapse mortality was 18% (5/38) following RIC and 53% (9/17) following myeloablative regimens. Twenty‐nine per cent of patients achieved a complete remission, 61% a partial remission, giving a 90% overall response rate. At median follow‐up (513 d), overall survival was 40%: 54% in the RIC group (median follow‐up: 489 d) and 18% in the myeloablative group (median follow‐up: 560 d). In recipients of UD‐SCT, RIC protocols that incorporated CAMPATH were associated with faster myeloid engraftment, less severe aGvHD and lower 100‐d non‐relapse mortality than myeloablative regimens, without a corresponding rise in relapse rate during the period of observation.
Adult T‐biphenotypic acute leukaemia: clinical and biological features and outcome
Authors: Rubio M. T. , Dhedin N. , Boucheix C. , Bourhis J. H. , Reman O. , Boiron J. M. , Gallo J. H. , Lhéritier V. , Thomas X. , Fière D. , Vernant J. P. ,   for the Leucemie Aigue Lymphoblastique de l'Adulte (LALA) Group
Published: November 2003

Summary.  Biphenotypic acute leukaemia with T‐lymphoid and myeloid markers is rare and poorly documented. In the Leucemie Aigue Lymphoblastique de l'Adulte (LALA) prospective trial (LALA 94) of treatment for adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), seven patients (0·86%) had T‐biphenotypic forms. The clinical and biological characteristics and outcome of these seven patients are reported here. The patients’ median age was 35 years. At diagnosis, all had a tumoural syndrome and five had a mediastinal mass. In all the cases, leukaemic cells expressed myeloid and lymphoid markers. Two patients (28%) entered complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy. Four of the five remaining and assessable patients entered CR after designed salvage chemotherapy with mitoxantrone and high‐dose cytosine arabinoside. Three patients are currently in CR. Three patients died, from treatment toxicity in two cases and progressive disease in one case. One patient relapsed 6 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and is still alive. Thus, biphenotypic T‐acute leukaemia is clinically frequently associated with mediastinal involvement and the response to conventional chemotherapy used in ALL is poor. However, sustained CR can be acheived by salvage chemotherapy combining an intercalating agent with high‐dose cytosine arabinoside, as used in acute myeloid leukaemia.
Assessment of a new immunocytochemical technique in HbF‐cell counting by a novel objective evaluation method
Authors: Tsantes Argirios , Androutsos Georgios , Bonovas Stefanos , Vogiatzi Despina , Meletis Ioannis , Stamou Eleni , Stamoulakatou Alexandra , Paterakis Georgios
Published: November 2003

Summary.  A recently developed immunocytochemical technique in HbF‐cell counting was assessed by an objective evaluation method. The basic principle of this method is the preparation of aliquots with predetermined HbF‐cell (target) values. These aliquots serve as control samples to standardize the HbF‐cell measurements by the new immunocytochemical technique, which uses the StreptABComplex/AP staining procedure (SAP) and visualization under white light. Immunofluorescence optical counts (IF) were performed in parallel with the new technique. A trend of inaccuracy was observed in low target values for both methods. As the level of target values increased, deviations became insignificant (relative accuracy < 8%) with SAP having slightly better results. Linear regression data of the estimated %HbF‐cell rates by the two methods versus the target values were very satisfactory for both methods with SAP being slightly better. SAP seems to provide an accurate and reliable alternative for HbF‐cell estimation comparable with the classical IF optical count.
Default cycle phases determined after modifying discrete DNA sequences in plant cells
Authors: Sans J. , Leyton C. , Giménez‐Abián M. I. , Giménez‐Abián J. F. , Aller P. , De la Torre C.
Published: November 2003

After bromosubstituting DNA sequences replicated in the first, second, or third part of the S phase, in Allium cepa L. meristematic cells, radiation at 313 nm wavelength under anoxia allowed ascription of different sequences to both the positive and negative regulation of some cycle phase transitions. The present report shows that the radiation forced cells in late G1 phase to advance into S, while those in G2 remained in G2 and cells in prophase returned to G2 when both sets of sequences involved in the positive and negative controls were bromosubstituted and later irradiated. In this way, not only G2 but also the S phase behaved as cycle phases where cells accumulated by default when signals of different sign functionally cancelled out. The treatment did not halt the rates of replication or transcription of plant bromosubstituted DNA. The irradiation under hypoxia apparently prevents the binding of regulatory proteins to Br‐DNA.
EGF effects on p53 in MDA‐468 human breast cancer cells: implications for G1 arrest
Authors: Prasad K. A. N. , Church J. G.
Published: November 2003

EGF, in pharmacological concentrations, inhibits cell proliferation of the MDA‐468 human breast cancer cell line. Previously, we have demonstrated that this was characterized by a reversible cell cycle arrest at the G1‐S boundary, concomitant with downregulation of mRNA levels for p53 (a point mutant, p53273.His). Since p53273.His is regarded as a gain‐of‐function mutant and acts to enhance cell proliferation, we hypothesized that the G1 arrest induced by EGF might be mediated by p53273.His. In this study, we report an EGF‐dependent altered conformation as indicated by immunofluorescence, while no significant immediate effects of EGF‐treatment on p53273.His protein levels and synthesis were observed. These experiments demonstrated a decreased PAb 240 (mutant‐specific) reactivity of nuclear p53273.His in EGF‐treated cells, while that of PAb 1620 (wild‐type specific) was enhanced. Staining with PAb 1801 (pan specific), on the other hand, showed little change upon EGF treatment. Further studies indicated a decreased phosphorylation of nuclear p53273. His in EGF‐treated cells. These EGF‐dependent events were detected early enough to be attributed as causative of cell cycle arrest. We suggest that EGF‐mediated, phosphorylation‐dependent conformational change in nuclear p53273.His, and in turn altered p53 function, may be responsible for EGF‐dependent growth inhibition MDA‐468 cells.
Inter‐agency conflict: an ethnographic study
Authors: Scott Dorothy
Published: November 2003

An ethnographic study using observation and in‐depth interviewing of professionals from different organizations, intensively ‘shadowed’ a small number of alleged child abuse cases as they moved through the service system. A high level of inter‐agency conflict was observed and common sources of conflict were: gatekeeping disputes; dispositional disputes; and domain disputes. Dynamics relating to the displacement of hostility on to other agencies in cases in which all the professionals involved felt impo‐tent to protect vulnerable children, were also observed. These findings provide some fresh insights and hypotheses into the com‐plexity of inter‐agency interaction in the field of child protection.
GH treatment and its effect on bone mineral density, bone maturation and growth in short children born small for gestational age: 3‐year results of a randomized, controlled GH trial
Authors: Arends N. J. T. , Boonstra V. H. , Mulder P. G. H. , Odink R. J. H. , Stokvis‐Brantsma W. H. , Rongen‐Westerlaken C. , Mulder J. C. , Delemarre‐Van de Waal H. , Reeser H. M. , Jansen M. , Waelkens J. J. J. , Hokken‐Koelega A. C. S.
Published: November 2003

background  To investigate in a group of short children born small for gestational age (SGA), the effects of 3 years of GH treatment vs. no treatment on bone age (BA), height and bone mineral density (BMD). Also, to evaluate the influence of the severity of growth retardation at start and the GH dose on the gain in height.

patients and methods  The study design was an open‐labelled, controlled multicentre GH study for 3 years. Non‐GH‐deficient (GHD) children (n = 87) were randomized to either a GH group (n = 61) or an untreated control group (n = 26). In addition, 12 SGA children had GHD (GHD group) and were treated in parallel. Both the GH and the GHD group were treated with a GH dose of 33 µg/kg/day. BMD was evaluated using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In addition, data of our first GH trial in which short SGA children were treated with a GH dose of 66 µg/kg/day (n = 24) were used for comparison of height gain.

results  In contrast to the control group, the GH group showed a significant increase in height (P < 0·001), as did the parallel GHD group. Bone maturation [Δ bone age (BA)/Δ calendar age (CA)] increased significantly during the first 2 years of GH treatment but slowed‐down thereafter. The 3‐year ΔBA/ΔCA ratio correlated significantly with the gain in height (r = 0·6, P < 0·001). At start, mean BMD SDS and mean BMAD SDS were significantly lower than zero. During GH treatment both increased impressively (P < 0·001). The gain in height of children with severe short stature at start (≤ −3·00 SDS), did not differ between those receiving either a GH dose of 33 or 66 µg/kg/day.

conclusion  Three years of GH treatment in short children born SGA results in a normalization of height during childhood. Also, bone maturation increased proportionately to the height gain. At start, mean values of BMD and BMAD were significantly reduced but normalized during GH treatment. We did not find an indication to treat very short SGA children (H SDS ≤−3·00) with a higher GH dose. We rather suggest to start GH treatment at an early age in order to achieve a normal height before puberty starts.