bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory Event-Related Potentials and Psychological Changes during Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Lee Heon-Jeong , Kim Leen , Kim Yong-Ku , Suh Kwang-Yoon , Han Jinkyu , Park Min-Kyu , Park Kun-Woo , Lee Dae-Hie
Published: June 2004

This study investigated the psychophysiological effects of sleep deprivation on auditory event-related potentials (AERPs) and their relationship with psychological parameters. Twenty-four subjects remained awake for 37 h under continuous surveillance. In the mornings and the evenings of 2 consecutive study days, AERPs were recorded and 4 self-rated scales (sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety, and mood) were quantified. The latencies of P300 and N200 were significantly prolonged (p < 0.001) and their amplitudes decreased (p < 0.05) as a consequence of sleep deprivation. However, the only significant change in N100 and P200 was an increase in the P200 amplitude (p < 0.05). The increase in the latencies of P300 and N200 were correlated with increased sleepiness (p < 0.05), and the increase in P200 amplitude was correlated with negative mood, anxiety, and fatigue (p < 0.05). Although the changes in P300 and N200 induced by sleep deprivation are due to sleepiness, which may slow cognitive processing and decrease the efficiency of mental processing, the increase in P200 may be related with increased anxiety, negative mood, and fatigue.
Plasma Concentrations of Anxiolytic Neurosteroids in Men with Normal Anxiety Scores: A Correlation Analysis
Authors: Brambilla Francesca , Biggio Giovanni , Pisu Maria Giuseppina , Purdy Robert H. , Gerra Gilberto , Zaimovich Amir , Serra Mariangela
Published: June 2004

Neurosteroids are physiological regulators of anxiety in experimental animals, but there are no data for humans about the modulatory effects of the hormones on normal aspects of this emotional parameter. Plasma concentrations of four neurosteroids, pregnenolone, progesterone (PROG), allopregnanolone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, suggested to be major anxiety regulators in experimental animals, were measured in a group of 58 physically and psychologically normal adult male subjects. In parallel, trait (genotypical) and state (phenotypical) anxiety scores were measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The possible correlations between the hormonal secretions and the psychological parameters were statistically analyzed. The neurosteroid concentrations and the anxiety scores of the probands were within the ranges of normality according to data of the literature and our own. PROG concentrations correlated significantly with state anxiety scores. These data suggest that neurosteroids may physiologically modulate anxiety not only in experimental animals but also in humans.
Lack of Plasma Norepinephrine Cyclicity, Increased Estradiol during the Follicular Phase, and of Progesterone and Gonadotrophins at Ovulation in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors: Blum I. , Lerman M. , Misrachi I. , Nordenberg Y. , Grosskopf I. , Weizman A. , Levy-Schiff R. , Sulkes J. , Vered Y.
Published: June 2004

In healthy women, plasma norepinephrine (NE) has a cycle with the highest levels occurring at ovulation and early luteal phase. We examined plasma NE cyclicity in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) patients as compared to controls, its relation to estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, and the correlation of these parameters with the PMS symptoms. Lack of NE cyclicity was observed in PMS patients. In controls, peak NE levels occurred at ovulation and early luteal phase. In PMS, serum E2 was higher during the follicular phase, while P and gonadotrophins were higher especially at ovulation and the luteal phase. In the late luteal phase, E2 levels were lower in PMS patients than in controls. A negative correlation was observed between the area under the curve for E2 in the luteal phase and PMS somatic and mental scores. Plasma NE showed a negative correlation with abrupt mood swings, impatience, nervousness, tiredness, weakness, apathy, and headache. These data suggest that lack of NE cyclicity characterizes PMS, some symptoms being related to low E2 levels during the late luteal phase and decreased noradrenergic activity at ovulation and the luteal phase.
ADHD and Sleep in Homicidal Men with Antisocial Personality Disorder
Authors: Lindberg Nina , Tani Pekka , Porkka-Heiskanen Tarja , Appelberg Björn , Rimón Ranan , Virkkunen Matti
Published: June 2004

A history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly found in subjects with antisocial personality disorder (ASP). Besides ASP, childhood ADHD also predicts drug abuse disorders and criminal activity in adulthood. Childhood ADHD and ASP appear to be the only psychiatric disorders reported to be associated with an increase in deep sleep. The aims of the present study were to retrospectively measure the childhood ADHD of habitually violent men with ASP and Cloninger type 2 alcoholism, and to characterize the possible relationship between childhood ADHD and sleep architecture in these men. The subjects of the study consisted of 14 homicidal offenders recruited from a forensic psychiatric examination. Ten age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. Childhood ADHD symptoms were measured using the Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS). The main findings were that violent offenders with ASP had significantly higher mean WURS scores compared with controls, and both the absolute and percentage amount of stage 4 sleep as well as δ and Θ powers in this sleep stage were positively correlated with the WURS scores. The present study supports the idea that childhood ADHD is associated with the abnormal sleep architecture in habitually violent men with ASP. These two disorders seem to share, at least partly, the same central nervous system deficit.
Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Frontal White Matter in Late-Life Depression: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Nobuhara K. , Okugawa G. , Minami T. , Takase K. , Yoshida T. , Yagyu T. , Tajika A. , Sugimoto T. , Tamagaki C. , Ikeda K. , Sawada S. , Kinoshita T.
Published: June 2004

This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on frontal white matter in late-life depressed patients. Diffusion tensor imaging was performed on 8 late-life depressed patients and 12 healthy age-matched controls. The patients were scanned before and after a course of ECT. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was determined in the frontal and temporal regions and the corpus callosum. A significant white matter FA reduction was found in widespread frontal and temporal brain regions in patients with depression before ECT treatment compared with controls. A significant increase in frontal white matter FA was seen following ECT treatment. A course of bilateral ECT ameliorated white matter integrity in frontal brain regions. This suggests a strong relationship with the antidepressant action of ECT.
Low-Dose Pramipexole in the Management of Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Stiasny-Kolster Karin , Oertel Wolfgang H.
Published: June 2004

Dopaminergic agents are considered the treatment of choice for restless legs syndrome (RLS); levodopa is the only substance licensed for this disorder in some European countries. However, in a substantial proportion of patients symptoms are not adequately controlled for a whole night due to the short half-life of levodopa or because symptom augmentation may develop. To further investigate the impact of pramipexole on the management of RLS we performed a short-term open label trial with pramipexole in 17 patients who were being insufficiently treated with levodopa or for whom pramipexole was primarily being considered because of the severity of the RLS symptoms. A single dose of 0.125–0.75 mg pramipexole (mean 0.3 ± 0.2 mg) in the evening resulted in a significant improvement of subjective RLS symptoms as rated by the International RLS Study Group Severity Scale (IRLS scores: 29.8 ± 4.7 baseline vs. 7.3 ± 5.9 endpoint; p = 0.0001). Polysomnographic recordings showed a significant improvement of the periodic leg movements (PLM) index, PLM sleep arousal index, sleep-onset latency, total sleep time and sleep efficiency. All patients who had developed a worsening of RLS symptoms under levodopa recovered from daytime symptoms after their medication was switched to pramipexole. Since pramipexole was well tolerated, an ideal dosage to control RLS symptoms could be reached rapidly. Pramipexole has proven a suitable alternative in patients with moderate to severe RLS, particularly when their therapy has to be switched to a dopamine agonist.
Nondisjunction rates of mouse specific chromosomes involved in heterozygous Rb rearrangements measured by chromosome painting of spermatocytes II. I. The effects of the number of trivalents
Authors: Scascitelli M. , Gustavino B. , Pacchierotti F. , Spirito F. , Rizzoni M.
Published: June 2004

Dual-colour FISH painting with alternative fluorescent chromosome-specific probes allowed us to distinguish chromosomes 1, 4, 6 and 14. The purpose was to check whether nondisjunction rates of specific chromosomes involved in heterozygous Robertsonian fusions are independent of the number of trivalents, or an epistatic effect among Rb chromosomes takes place affecting nondisjunction rates. Probes were used on DAPI-stained metaphases of spermatocytes II of laboratory strains of mice with reconstructed karyotypes heterozygous for one, two, three or four Robertsonian metacentrics in an all-acrocentric background. The existence of such epistatic interactions was not verified.
Autosomal localization of interstitial telomeric sites (ITS) in brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Pisces, Salmonidae)
Authors: Ocalewicz K. , Sliwinska A. , Jankun M.
Published: June 2004

Cytogenetic analysis of brook trout performed with molecular and conventional methods led to identification of interstitial telomeric sites on one or two subtelocentric chromosomes within the same pair. Morphology and specific patterns of these chromosomes using fluorochromes associated with A/T- or G/C-rich DNA proved that these chromosomes are not sex related. The chromomycin-positive region was located on the short arms of the ITS bearing chromosome pair and flanked by telomeric sequences, suggesting that this part of the chromosome had been translocated from another one. Our observations confirm that GC-rich regions are highly mobile genetic structures, and led to ITS formation on brook trout chromosomes.
Chromosomes of tuatara, Sphenodon, a chromosome heteromorphism and an archaic reptilian karyotype
Authors: Norris T.B. , Rickards G.K. , Daugherty C.H.
Published: June 2004

We examined karyotypes of the endemic New Zealand reptile genus Sphenodon (tuatara) from five populations, finding a karyotype unchanged for at least one million years. Animals karyotyped were from five geographically distinct populations, representing three groups, namely S. guntheri, S. punctatus (Cook Strait group), and S. punctatus (northeastern North Island group). All five populations have a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 36, consisting of 14 pairs of macrochromosomes and four pairs of microchromosomes. Chromosomal differences were not found between the five populations nor between female and male animals, except for one animal with a structural heteromorphism. Similarity between Sphenodon and Testudine karyotypes suggests an ancestral karyotype with a macrochromosome complement of 14 pairs and the ability to accumulate variable numbers of microchromosome pairs. Our research supports molecular phylogenies of the Reptilia.
Cloning, characterization and physical mapping of three cervid satellite DNA families in the genome of the Formosan muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus)
Authors: Lin C.C. , Chiang P.-Y. , Hsieh L.-J. , Liao S.-J. , Chao M.-C. , Li Y.-C.
Published: June 2004

Due to their high sequence diversity even among closely related species, satellite DNA sequences can be a useful molecular marker for phylogenetic and taxonomic analyses. To characterize the satellite DNA in the genome of a native muntjac species of Taiwan, the Formosan muntjac, satellite DNA clones representing three different cervid satellite DNA families from this species were isolated and analyzed. Genomic organization study of these satellite DNAs was also undertaken. Three Formosan muntjac satellite DNA clones were obtained and designated as FM-satI (1,391 bp), FM-satII (1,143 bp) and FM-satIV (1,103 bp), and found to share ∼82, 81 and 98% sequence homology with the Chinese muntjac satellite I clone (C5), Indian muntjac satellite II clone (Mmv-0.7) and Chinese muntjac satellite IV clone (MR-1.0), respectively. These three satellite DNA families are organized in a pter←FM-satII–FM-satIV–FM-satI→qter orientation in the centromeric region with satII closely associated with the telomeric sequences. Satellite DNA sequence comparison, in combination with chromosome data concludes that the Formosan muntjac is likely a subspecies of M. reevesi, closely related to the Chinese muntjac. With the kinetochore satellite II DNA co-localizing with the telomeric sequences, the Formosan muntjac chromosomes could be truly telocentric.
Does differential selection on the 5S rDNA explain why the rainbow trout sex chromosome heteromorphism is not linked to the SEX locus?
Authors: Phillips R.B. , Noakes M.A. , Morasch M. , Felip A. , Thorgaard G.H.
Published: June 2004

Many but not all rainbow trout strains have morphologically distinguishable sex chromosomes. In these strains, the short arm of the X has multiple copies of 5S rDNA and a bright DAPI band near the centromere, both of which are missing from the Y chromosome, which has a very small short arm. We examined the presence of these markers using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in four different YY clonal lines derived from different strains and compared the results with sexed fish of the Donaldson strain with the normal X/Y heteromorphism. The Y chromosome in two of the YY clonal lines (Arlee and Swanson) is indistinguishable from the X chromosome and it is positive for 5S rDNA and the DAPI bright band. On the other hand, both 5S rDNA sequences and the DAPI band were not found on the Y chromosome in Hot Creek and Clearwater which have the normal Y. Thus the presence of these two cytogenetic markers may account for the size difference between the short arm of the X and Y chromosome found in most rainbow trout strains. In fishes the expression of one type of 5S rRNA is restricted to oocytes and previous work suggests that although XX males are fairly common, XY females are rare, implying a selective disadvantage for XY females. A hypothesis is presented to explain why this sex chromosome heteromorphism is not closely linked to the SEX locus, which is found on the long arm of the Y chromosome in rainbow trout.
Prevalence and Distribution of Root Caries in Pomerania, North-East Germany
Authors: Splieth Ch. , Schwahn Ch. , Bernhardt O. , John U.
Published: June 2004

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of root caries in the adult population of Pomerania, Germany. The study sample comprised 6,267 randomly selected subjects who were scheduled for examination from 1997 to 2001 (population-based cross-sectional study, response rate: 69%, age range 20–79 years). 499 edentulous persons were excluded from the dental examination (12%) performed according to WHO guidelines (1997). In the statistical analysis, frequency distributions, means and median values were calculated and subdivided for different age groups. The percentage of exposed and affected root surfaces increased with age (root caries index 4.6–10.6%). The mean number of carious/filled root surfaces (RDFS) rose from 0.4 per person (25–34 years) to 2.3 (55–64 years) and dropped for seniors due to the low number of retained teeth. Fillings comprised the largest proportion of the RDFS (69.5%). Most caries/fillings were found on buccal surfaces, the highest rate in mandibular premolars. With about half of over-45-year-olds having at least one carious/filled root surface and increasing number of retained teeth in seniors, root caries is a relevant and probably growing disease in Pomerania and East Germany.
Selenium in the Treatment of Head and Neck Lymphedema
Authors: Bruns F. , Büntzel J. , Mücke R. , Schönekaes K. , Kisters K. , Micke O.
Published: June 2004

Objective: To investigate the impact of selenium in the treatment of lymphedema of the head and neck region after radiotherapy alone or in combination with surgery. Subjects and Materials: Between June 1996 and June 2001 a total of 36 cancer patients (29 male, 7 female; median age 61 years) were treated with selenium for persistent, extensive or progressive lymphedema of the head and neck region. Twenty had interstitial endolaryngeal edema associated with stridor and dyspnea. All patients received 350 µg/m2 body surface sodium selenite medication p.o. daily (total dose 50 µg per day) for a period of 4–6 weeks after radiotherapy. The optimal effect of the selenium treatment was assessed after 4 weeks of therapy using the Miller score system. A visual analogue scale on a scale of 0–10 was used to assess the patient’s quality of life prior to and after selenium. Results: 75% of the patients had an improvement of the Miller score of one stage or more. The self-assessment of quality of life using the visual analogue scale improved significantly after selenium treatment with a reduction of 4.4 points (p < 0.05). Of the 20 patients with endolaryngeal edema tracheostomy was not necessary in 13 patients (65%), but 5 and 2 received a temporary or permanent tracheostomy, respectively. No episode of erysipelas was observed in all study patients. Conclusion: Our results suggest a short positive effect of sodium selenite on secondary head and neck lymphedema caused by radiotherapy alone or in combination with surgery.
Seroepidemiological and Microbiological Study of Brucellosis in Kuwait
Authors: Dimitrov Ts. , Panigrahi D. , Emara M. , Awni F. , Passadilla R.
Published: June 2004

Objective: The primary objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of brucellosis and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of local Brucellae isolates in the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: A single serum sample was collected from each of 1,836 patients of different nationalities from January 2000 to December 2001. Any patient with a provisional diagnosis of fever or brucellosis had a standard tube agglutination (STA) test for the quantitation of Brucella antibodies. Blood cultures were done in 166 of 455 patients with significant STA titers, using the Bactec system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 123 isolates of Brucella spp. was done against 8 antimicrobial agents. Results: A total of 455 serum samples (24.8%) having an STA titer of ≧1:160 were presumptively diagnosed as cases of brucellosis. The peak isolation was in April and May. Brucella spp. were isolated from 123 blood cultures (74.1%). The blood culture isolation rate was significantly higher in patients with an STA titer of ≧1:1,280 than in those with an STA titer of ≤1:160 (p < 0.05). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed good in vitro activity of tetracycline, gentamicin, amikacin, streptomycin and ciprofloxacin against all isolates. Azithromycin had good anti-Brucella activity against only 42% of the isolates, while rifampicin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole showed low in vitro anti-Brucella activity against 8 and 25% of the isolates, respectively. Conclusion: Brucellosis is quite common in Kuwait. Kuwaiti and Bangladeshi nationals were most affected. Significant titers on the STA test were detected in 24.8% of serum samples. Good in vitro activity against all isolates was found with tetracycline, gentamicin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin and streptomycin, and low activity with azithromycin, rifampicin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Giant Cell Arteritis of the Breast
Authors: Anim J.T. , van Herk E.J.
Published: June 2004

Objective: To report a rare case of giant cell arteritis of the breast in a 56-year-old woman. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: The patient presented with tenderness in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, in the absence of any constitutional symptoms. A diagnosis of giant cell arteritis was made only after surgical wedge excision of the affected breast quadrant. She returned 6 weeks later with tenderness in the upper inner medial quadrant of the same breast, with a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate. She has since been referred to the rheumatologist for further management. Conclusion: The diagnosis of giant cell arteritis of the breast was made only after pathological examination of the excised breast tissue. This study focused attention on the need to be aware of systemic conditions that may present as localised lesions of the breast and to maintain a high index of clinical suspicion in order to adequately investigate them and perhaps avoid unnecessary radical surgical intervention such as mastectomy.
Reference Values for Multifrequency Bioimpedance Analysis in Dialysis Patients
Authors: van de Kerkhof Jos , Hermans Marc , Beerenhout Charles , Konings Constantijn , van der Sande Frank M. , Kooman Jeroen P.
Published: June 2004

Background: The role of multifrequency bioimpedance (MF-BIA) in the assessment of fluid status in dialysis patients is still not fully elucidated. Especially, the predictive value of reference values for extracellular water (ECW) has not yet been addressed. Aim of the present study was to validate cut-off values for MF-BIA in the diagnosis of hypervolemia in dialysis patients, using strict clinical criteria and echocardiography as reference techniques. Methods: 90 patients [42 on hemodialysis; 48 on peritoneal dialysis] were divided into the following groups: clinically normovolemic (mean 24- or 48-hour systolic blood pressure below 133 mm Hg without use of antihypertensive agents; n = 12), ‘hypervolemic’ (mean systolic blood pressure above 133 mm Hg with 2 or more antihypertensive agents; n = 34) or undetermined (n = 44). The 80th percentile for normalized ECW in the clinically normovolemic patients was used as reference value. 20 healthy age-matched controls were included for comparison. Results: The 80th percentiles for ECW:body weight (BW) and ECW:height in ‘normovolemic’ subjects were, respectively, 0.245 liters/kg and 10.96 liters/m in males, and 0.232 liters/kg and 9.13 liters/m in females. ECW:BW and ECW:height were above these values in, respectively, 26 (sensitivity 76%) and 29 (sensitivity 86%) of the 34 ‘hypervolemic’ patients. In the undetermined group, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly different between patients with normalized ECW below and above these cut-off values (49.0 ± 5.1 vs. 52.4 ± 5.7 mm; p < 0.05). Use of the ECW:TBW ratio resulted yielded low sensitivity (45%). ECW:height was lower in the ‘normovolemic’ dialysis patients compared to healthy controls (9.7 ± 1.3 l/m versus 12.2 ± 1.9 l/m). Conclusion: In our study population, ECW by MF-BIA, normalized for height was able to predict hypervolemia, based on strict clinical criteria, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 80%. The normalization procedure for ECW may influence the classification of hydration status. Strictly normotensive dialysis patients had lower normalized ECW than healthy control subjects.
Expression of Costimulatory Molecules in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Atopic Asthmatic Children during Virus-Induced Asthma Exacerbations
Authors: Bossios A. , Xatzipsalti M. , Manoussakis E. , Psarros F. , Saxoni-Papageorgiou P. , Papadopoulos N.G.
Published: June 2004

Background: Respiratory viruses are the most frequent triggers of acute asthma exacerbations. Herein we investigate costimulatory molecule expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during such exacerbations. Methods: Eleven children with atopic asthma were followed prospectively and respiratory symptoms were recorded on diary cards. A blood sample and nasopharyngeal wash (NPW) were obtained at baseline and subsequently during an exacerbation. PBMC were immunophenotyped using flow cytometry. NPW samples were examined for the presence of respiratory viruses by RT-PCR. Results: A virus was detected in 73% of exacerbations and none at baseline. A drop of NK cells and a marginal increase of monocytes were the only changes of cell count during the exacerbation. A significant downregulation of B7-2 on NK cells and of B7-1 on monocytes was also observed during exacerbations. Conclusions: The above observations are in contrast to in vitro findings showing an upregulation of costimulatory molecules after exposure of blood cells to viruses or allergens. It is possible that activated immune cells leave the blood stream to migrate to the inflammation site during acute asthma exacerbations.
A Possible Role of TARC in Antigen-Specific Th2-Dominant Responses in Patients with Paragonimiasis westermani
Authors: Katoh Shigeki , Matsumoto Nobuhiro , Matsumoto Kiyoshi , Tokojima Masatoshi , Ashitani Jun-ichi , Nakamura-Uchiyama Fukumi , Matsushima Kouji , Matsukura Shigeru , Nawa Yukifumi
Published: June 2004

Background: Paragonimiasis westermani (Pw), a common parasitic zoonosis in Asia, is typically associated with eosinophilia. Th2 cytokines seem to have an important role in the clinical manifestations of this disease. Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is a potential key regulator of Th2-mediated inflammation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antigen-specific Th2-dominant responses in patients with Pw. Methods: The concentrations of cytokines and chemokines in supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures with or without antigen stimulation were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TARC levels in serum from Pw patients were also evaluated by ELISA. The number of Th2 cells expressing the CC-chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) in the peripheral blood was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: Antigen-stimulation induced production of IL-5 and IL-13, but not IFN-γ from PBMC cultures in patients with Pw. Pw patients had elevated serum TARC levels and a higher proportion of CCR4-expressing cells among CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood. There were also higher levels of TARC, but not IP-10, in supernatants of antigen-stimulated PBMC culture compared to unstimulated PBMC culture in patients with Pw. Conclusion: Our findings clarify antigen-specific Th2-dominant responses in patients with Pw and suggest a possible role for TARC in Th2-dominant responses.
In vitro Pharmacological Inhibition of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation for the Prevention of Hemodialysis Vascular Access Stenosis
Authors: Masaki Takahisa , Kamerath Craig D. , Kim Seung-Jung , Leypoldt John K. , Mohammad Syed F. , Cheung Alfred K.
Published: June 2004

Background: Vascular access for chronic hemodialysis often fails as a result of stenosis caused primarily by the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Various drugs have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of VSMC under different conditions. Methods: In this study, we compared the inhibitory effect of ten drugs on the proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) in culture. Quiescent cells were cultured in the presence of growth factors, fetal bovine serum and incremental concentrations of the test drug. Cell proliferation was assessed by the MTT reduction assay. Results: Aspirin, enalaprilat, heparin, hydroxyurea, indomethacin and tirofiban were ineffective. While dipyridamole, paclitaxel, tranilast and verapamil inhibited cell proliferation, the concentrations required were significantly higher than the clinical plasma levels achieved after systemic administration. Conclusion: Local delivery of these drugs to the target site may therefore be a more effective and appropriate strategy for the prevention of hemodialysis vascular access stenosis.
Regional Citrate Anticoagulation in Critically Ill Patients Treated with Plasma Filtration and Adsorption
Authors: Mariano Filippo , Tetta Ciro , Stella Maurizio , Biolino Piera , Miletto Antonio , Triolo Giorgio
Published: June 2004

Background: In high-risk bleeding conditions conventional systemic anticoagulation with heparin is a contraindication to renal replacement therapy. We evaluate the feasibility and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation in high-risk bleeding conditions during coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA). Methods: Thirteen critically ill patients (9 severely burned, 4 polytraumas) with septic shock and acute renal failure treated with CPFA-CVVHD by using bicarbonate-based solutions (heparin-CPFA group, 58 sessions) or with CPFA-CVVHF using citrate (citrate-CPFA group, 36 sessions). Results: Plasma flow and used cartridges showed no differences between the citrate-CPFA and heparin-CPFA groups, while lost clotted cartridges were significantly lower in the citrate-CPFA group. Blood ionized calcium (iCa2+), Ca2+ infusion, pH and bicarbonates remained constant during citrate-CPFA, with no difference between pre- and post-cartridge plasma citrate. A significant positive correlation between iCa2+ in blood and ultrafiltrate was present. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the feasibility and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation in severely burned and polytrauma septic patients treated by CPFA.
Multiple Organ System Failure in Critically Ill Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Tsai Ming-Hung , Peng Yun-Shing , Lien Jau-Min , Weng Hsu-Huei , Ho Yu-Pin , Yang Chun , Chu Yin-Yi , Chen Yung-Chang , Fang Ji-Tseng , Chiu Cheng-Tang , Chen Pang-Chi
Published: June 2004

Objectives: The prognosis for critically ill cirrhotic patients depends on the extent of hepatic and extrahepatic organ dysfunction/failure. We hypothesize that a graded multiple organ dysfunction score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), would provide more descriptive and discriminative power for predicting the hospital mortality for critically ill cirrhotic patients than the classical organ system failure (OSF) score, which defines organ failure as an all-or-none phenomenon. Methods: 160 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2002 to June 2003. Information considered necessary for calculating the Child-Pugh, OSF and SOFA scores on ICU admission was collected prospectively. Results: Hepatitis B infection was the most common cause of liver cirrhosis. A significantly progressive increase in mortality rate was associated with OSF and SOFA scores (p < 0.001). Close correlation between OSF and SOFA scores (p < 0.001) suggested that both systems evaluated the same event. In patients with similar organ dysfunction, the number of failed organ system(s) was significantly higher among non-survivors. However, no correlation existed between the SOFA scores and mortality rate in patients with the same OSF number. Meanwhile, both OSF and SOFA scores displayed excellent discriminative power (areas under receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) were 0.906 and 0.892, respectively), while Child-Pugh scores clearly performed more poorly (AUROC 0.712). Both OSF and SOFA demonstrate a good fit using the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Conclusions: Both OSF and SOFA scores are excellent tools for predicting prognosis for cirrhotic patients admitted to ICU. Both of them are superior to Child-Pugh score. Hospital mortality for critically ill cirrhotic patients occurs owing to severe failure of a relatively few organs, rather than because of an accumulation of mild dysfunction in many organ systems. Graded organ dysfunction scales provide no further benefit for predicting hospital mortality for critically ill cirrhotic patients.
Pharmacokinetics of Natural Progesterone Vaginal Suppository
Authors: von Eye Corleta Helena , Capp Edison , Cardoso Ferreira Maria Beatriz
Published: June 2004

Natural and synthetic progesterone have been used to treat luteal insufficiency, premenstrual syndrome, and in infertile patients. The transvaginal route has advantages, such as lack of local pain, avoidance of first-pass hepatic metabolism, rapid absorption, high bioavailability and local endometrial effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic of natural progesterone administered as vaginal suppositories of 25, 50 or 100 mg. Thirty-five healthy ovulating patients, 31.54 ± 1.29 (mean ± SEM) years old, in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (between days 7 and 10) participated in the study. They were separated in three groups and received vaginal suppositories containing either 25, 50 or 100 mg of natural progesterone. Progesterone serum concentration reached maximal levels within 2 or 3 h after the administration and was similar for the three groups (7.27 ± 2.8 ng/ml; 8.84 ± 3.14 ng/ml; 9.82 ± 9.8 ng/ml, respectively). This study demonstrated that vaginally administered progesterone could reach levels that are similar to those obtained in ovulatory and luteal phases. The progesterone regimen for adequate endometrial protection and in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs still remains to be studied.
Psychosocial Factors and Sexual Dysfunctions: A Descriptive Study in Turkish Males
Authors: Uguz Sukru , Soylu Levent , Unal Mehmet , Diler Rasim Somer , Evlice Yunus Emre
Published: June 2004

The study of human sexuality has dramatically changed in the last decade. The conceptualization of sexual dysfunction developed in the West is now mushrooming in different parts of the world and there is a dearth of research on characteristics of patients seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction in non-Western countries. This paper describes the demographic characteristics, related factors, and clinical symptomatology of 40 male patients with various sexual dysfunctions attending the psychiatric out-patient clinic of Çukurova University, Turkey. Turkey’s population is predominantly Muslim and the country unites Europe and Asia, showing the cultural characteristics of both continents. Our results suggest that the patterns of manifestation are similar to those reported elsewhere with the exception of premarital patterns of sexuality.
Beyond ICANN Vs ITU?
Authors: Kleinw‰chter Wolfgang
Published: June 2004

Internet governance became one of the most controversial issues in the WSIS process. While the subject was a marginal one during the initial phases of WSIS (PrepCom1, Geneva, June 2002), it moved gradually from the periphery of the debate to the top of the agenda. After the series of five regional ministerial conferences (from Bamako, May 2002, to Beirut, February 2003) Internet governance suddenly emerged as one of the ‘hot items’ at PrepCom2 (Geneva, February 2003). But neither PrepCom3 (Geneva, September 2003) nor PrepCom3bis (Geneva, November 2003) could reach an agreement. PrepCom3bis+ (Geneva, December 2003) finally ‘agreed to disagree’, to postpone the debate and to ask the UN secretary-general, Kofi Annan, ‘to set up a working group on Internet Governance’ with the mandate, ‘to investigate and make proposals for action, as appropriate, on the governance of the Internet by 2005’. The second phase of the Summit is scheduled for Tunis, November 2005.
Twin Peaks: WSIS from Geneva to Tunis
Authors: Opoku-Mensah Aida
Published: June 2004

This article looks at the emergence of ICT for development activities in Africa with the advent of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI), which is an action framework led by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to address digital divide issues on the continent. The discussion is presented in the context of Africa’s subsequent participation in the WSIS process, with the preparatory meeting held in Bamako, Mali in May 2002. Developmental concerns were central to the debates raised at the meeting and remained central in deliberations in Geneva. The article analyses Africa’s participation and considers the gains resulting from the Summit and explores the prospects for implementation of the Plan of Action at country level. Furthermore, the article looks ahead to Tunis 2005 with proposals as to what the relevant considerations should be.
Between a World Summit and a Chinese Movie
Authors: Zhao Yuezhi
Published: June 2004

In this personal reflection from a non-direct participant, the author compares the visions of the ‘information society’ at the WSIS with fragments of imagined and lived experiences of such a society in China, which has emerged as an increasingly important player at the global stage. While the author praises the liberal and egalitarian visions articulated in both the state and civil society declarations, she is wary of a technology-driven notion of social progress in the official documents. She also notes how the highly abstract language of the Declaration of Principles glosses over the specific logics of a capitalist global political economy and conceals the complicated and unequal power relationships between the various ‘partners’ and ‘stakeholders’ in the global political economy – governments, private corporations, civil society organizations and international and regional institutions. Finally, the author discusses how the complicated alignment of various positions at the WSIS underscores the inadequacy of a simplistic dichotomy between state and civil society and between the North and the South, and raises questions about the theoretical and strategic challenges of addressing issues such as uneven global civil society participation at the WSIS process.
Who Put the Con in Consultancy? Fads, Recipes and ‘Vodka Margarine’
Authors: Collins David
Published: June 2004

This article assesses the merits of analyses that have called for a more developed and constructive engagement with the management advice industry. It argues that attempts to reconstitute academic interest in the advice industry will do little to improve our appreciation of the complex and mediated nature of management advice so long as these (i) remain tied to a debunking agenda and (ii) focus exclusively on the production of advice. Accordingly, the article refocuses attention on the consumption of management knowledge and on the users of advice. Directing attention to the users of recipes and cookbooks the article argues that a more constructive relationship with management practitioners awaits those who can conceive of the reasons, circumstances and processes that might translate business process reengineering (BPR) into total quality management (TQM) and ‘brandy butter’ into ‘vodka margarine’.
Bridging the Micro–Macro Divide: A New Basis for Social Science
Authors: Goldspink Chris , Kay Robert
Published: June 2004

A ‘pervasive’ problem in the social sciences, referred to as the ‘micro to macro problem’ concerns our capacity to explain the relationship between the constitutive elements of social systems (people) and emergent phenomena resulting from their interaction (i.e. organizations, societies, economies). Without a capacity to explain this relationship there is, in effect, no substantive theory of sociality. In this article, we explore the potential of a synthesis between autopoietic and complexity theory for understanding social systems in a way that addresses this issue. It is argued that autopoietic theory provides a basis for understanding the characteristics of the microlevel agents that make up social systems – human individuals, whereas complexity theory provides a basis for understanding how these characteristics influence the range and type of macro-level phenomena that arise from their interaction. The synthesis proposed here provides the basis for a theory of sociality that deals consistently with the relationship between the micro and macro-levels of social phenomena and their ontological status. This approach has the potential to re-unite current scientific oppositions and avoid unnecessary pluralism within social science.
Freya Stark in America: Orientalism, Antisemitism and Political Propaganda
Authors: Karsh Efraim , Miller Rory
Published: June 2004

Between November 1943 and May 1944, Freya Stark, the noted writer, Arabian adventurer and wartime propagandist, undertook a publicity tour of the United States on behalf of the British Ministry of Information. The objective of her trip was to defend Britain’s wartime Palestine policy, especially the 1939 White Paper and its severe restriction on Jewish immigration into Palestine. Since its implementation, the White Paper had been subject to criticism and attack from the entire Jewish world, not only the Zionist movement. Indeed, Stark’s trip was initiated, organized and sponsored by Whitehall as an attempt to counter anti-White Paper agitation in the United States which, by this time, was being blamed for strains on the Anglo-American alliance. Stark’s dedication to her task of spreading pro-White Paper propaganda among the general public, the media and political élite highlights her fiercely anti-Zionist position as well as her negative attitude to Jews and Judaism in general. But her trip also clearly shows the determination of the British foreign policy élite to make the fight against Zionism a wartime priority, in stark contrast to its indifference and insensitivity towards the annihilation of Europe’s Jewish populations that was occurring at the same time.
Eugenics and the Welfare State in Sweden: The Politics of Social Margins and the Idea of a Productive Society
Authors: Spektorowski Alberto , Mizrachi Elisabet
Published: June 2004

This article focuses on the ideological and political role of Social Democracy in the enactment of eugenic policies in Sweden during the 1930s and 1940s. At first sight, these policies, which could be defined as ‘welfare eugenics’, are in contrast to the ‘racist’ romantic and mythically-based eugenic policies often promoted by conservatives and national socialists. This article analyses this claim by focusing on the productivist reasoning of eugenics. It maintains first and foremost that although the ideological core of Swedish Social Democracy remained reformist and universalistic, there were strong tendencies towards a Fabian concept of industrial democracy and an exclusionist concept of social welfare. This was the basis for social eugenics: a welfare community for ‘the fittest’. Second, it stresses the role of Social Democracy in ensuring a broad basis of support for social policies in general appealing to the concern for national popular quality with which members of the right-wing bloc could identify. Special attention is paid to the efforts to achieve a parliamentary majority in favour of a blend of biological and social concepts rendered legitimate by scientific arguments. The article suggests that when reformist socialism stresses the values of productivity, social efficiency and the idea of a healthy society, it erodes the basis of legitimacy for rising social expenditure, providing yet another reason for exclusionist eugenic policies. In this way, in spite of its universalist credo, Social Democracy moved closer to more problematic examples of national socialism.
Towards ‘Mother Earth’: Jorian Jenks, Organicism, the Right and the British Union of Fascists
Authors: Moore-Colyer Richard
Published: June 2004

This article is concerned with aspects of the career of Jorian E.F. Jenks, a senior figure in the British Union of Fascists, close associate of Oswald Mosley, and author of his party’s agricultural and rural policy. The fundamental keystone of this policy would be the creation of a vibrant, secure community of peasant owner-occupiers whom the fascists believed would represent the seedbed of civilization — the well-spring of creativity and culture. Linked to the notion of regenerating the countryside and rural life, fascist policy embraced a rural-nostalgic, anti-modernist organicist theme wherein a farming community supporting a native craft tradition would represent an eternal and enduring order. After the second world war Jorian Jenks threw in his lot with the burgeoning organicist cause, becoming a leading player in the Soil Association and editor of its journal Mother Earth until his death in 1963. His postwar books and journalistic efforts indicate that he never entirely cast off his earlier fascist leanings despite a period of stressful wartime internment. The article suggests that whereas those engaged with the post-1960s organicist renaissance approached the issue from a rather different social, political and cultural perspective, many elements of pre-war right-wing thinking remain entrenched in the present-day organicist ethos.
Lack of Interaction between Enfuvirtide and Ritonavir or Ritonavir‐Boosted Saquinavir in HIV‐1‐Infected Patients
Authors: Ruxrungtham Kiat , Boyd Mark , Bellibas S. Eralp , Zhang Xiaoping , Dorr Albert , Kolis Stanley , Kinchelow Tosca , Buss Neil , Patel Indravadan H.
Published: June 2004

Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon™) is an HIV fusion inhibitor, the first drug in a new class of antiretrovirals. The HIV protease inhibitors ritonavir and saquinavir both inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoenzymes, and low‐dose ritonavir is often used to boost pharmacokinetic exposure to full‐dose protease inhibitors. These two studies were designed to assess whether ritonavir and ritonavir‐boosted saquinavir influence the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of enfuvirtide. Both studies were single‐center, open‐label, one‐sequence crossover clinical pharmacology studies in 12 HIV‐1‐infected patients each. Patients received enfuvirtide (90 mg twice daily [bid], subcutaneous injection) for 7 days and either ritonavir (200 mg bid, ritonavir study, orally) or saquinavir/ritonavir (1000/100 mg bid, saquinavir/ritonavir study, orally) for 4 days on days 4 to 7. Serial blood samples were collected up to 24 hours after the morning dose of enfuvirtide on days 3 and 7. Plasma concentrations for enfuvirtide, enfuvirtide metabolite, saquinavir, and ritonavir were measured using validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods. Efficacy and safety were also monitored. Bioequivalence criteria require the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the least squares means (LSM) of Cmax and AUC12h to be between 80% and 125%. In the present studies, analysis of variance showed that when coadministered with ritonavir, the ratio of LSM for enfuvirtide was 124% for Cmax (90% confidence interval [CI]: 109%‐141%), 122% for AUC12h (90% CI: 108%‐137%), and 114% for Ctrough (90% CI: 102%‐128%). Although the bioequivalence criteria were not met, the increase in enfuvirtide exposure was small (< 25%) and not clinically relevant. When administered with ritonavir‐boosted saquinavir, the ratio of LSM for enfuvirtide was 107% for Cmax (90% CI: 94.3%‐121%) and 114% for AUC12h (90% CI: 105%‐124%), which therefore met bioequivalence criteria, and 126% for Ctrough (90% CI: 117%‐135%). The pharmacokinetics of enfuvirtide are affected to a small extent when coadministered with ritonavir at a dose of 200 mg bid but not when coadministered with a saquinavir‐ritonavir combination (1000/100 mg bid). However, previous clinical studies have shown that such increases in enfuvirtide exposure are not clinically relevant. Thus, no dosage adjustments are warranted when enfuvirtide is coadministered with low‐dose ritonavir or saquinavir boosted with a low dose of ritonavir.