bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review article: the changing epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in Canada
Authors: DYER Z. , PELTEKIAN K. , VELDHUYZEN VAN ZANTEN S.
Published: June 2005

The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of and mortality caused by hepatocellular carcinoma over the last 20 years in Canada, including the associated risk factors hepatitis C, diabetes and obesity. Databases from the Surveillance & Risk Assessment Division of Health Canada & Statistics Canada were analysed for trends in both age‐adjusted incidence of and mortality due to hepatocellular carcinoma from 1984 to 2001. The epidemiological impact of hepatitis C, diabetes and obesity on hepatocellular carcinoma was also assessed. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma increased from 4.0 per 100 000 in 1984 to 5.5 in 2000 for males, and from 1.6 per 100 000 in 1984 to 2.2 in 2000 for females. Mortality rates showed a 48% increase in males and 39% increase in females. The incidence of hepatitis C increased sharply in 1995 and remained elevated until 2000 with an average value of 85.4 per 100 000 in males and 45.4 per 100 000 in females. This increase is likely due to the widespread testing for hepatitis C. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes has increased in recent years and probably contributes to the increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Canada has increased in the past 20 years and is associated with a rise in the incidence of hepatitis C, obesity and diabetes.
Nurses’ views on ethical codes: a focus group study
Authors: Verpeet Ellen , De Casterle Bernadette Dierckx , Arend Arie Van der , Gastmans Chris A.E.
Published: June 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring nurses’ views on the ‘potential’ content and functions of an ethical code for nurses in Belgium. The term ‘potential’ is used, because Belgian nurses do not have experience with an ethical code.

Background.  Ethical codes have been developed to guide nurses’ practice and to improve their professional status. Little empirical research, however, has been undertaken to determine nurses’ views on the content and functions of these codes. The available quantitative studies merely give some information on nurses’ (lack of) knowledge and use of their ethical code. No nursing ethical code currently exists in Belgium. Qualitative research exploring nurses’ views, therefore, was needed in order to find out which functions an ethical code could fulfil and what the code's content could be.

Method.  Eight focus groups were conducted with 50 nurses in different healthcare settings in Belgium. Data were generated during 2003.

Findings.  According to participants, an ethical code could fulfil several functions, including supporting their professional nursing identity (external function) and giving guidelines for nursing practice (internal function). In addition, some aspects of content were mentioned, including nurses’ responsibilities in a relational context: particular attention should be paid to the personality of the nurse and to the specificity of nursing as a relational activity. Most agreement was reached on the ‘ethical’ function of the code, namely guiding nurses’ professional moral practice. Regarding disciplinary use and the need for legalization of the ethical code, on the contrary, opinions were divergent.

Conclusions.  It is of utmost importance to take into account nurses’ views when developing an ethical code for their profession. This study gave a first picture of the views of nurses themselves. These initial findings should be completed with nurses’ views on the formulation, dissemination and promotion of the ethical code. Such evidence‐based development of an ethical code will probably give more guarantees that the code will meet nurses’ expectations and will function optimally.
Effect of bladder ischaemia/reperfusion on superoxide dismutase activity and contraction
Authors: Erdem Erim , Leggett Robert , Dicks Brian , Kogan Barry A. , Levin Robert M.
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVES

To correlate the effect of bilateral in‐vivo bladder ischaemia/reperfusion on superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and then to correlate this with contractile responses to various forms of stimulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty mature male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into five equal groups: group 1 (controls); group 2, 2 h of in‐vivo bilateral bladder ischaemia; and groups 3–5, 2 h of in‐vivo ischaemia followed by 1, 7 or 14 days of reperfusion (recovery). At the end of the treatment period, bladder strips were incubated and placed in isolated baths for contractile studies. The contractile responses to field stimulation, carbachol (10 µmol/L), ATP and KCl were determined. The balance of the bladder body was separated into muscle and mucosa sections and analysed for SOD activity.

RESULTS

There were few effects on contraction either directly after ischaemia or after 1 day of reperfusion. However, all contractile responses were significantly reduced at 7 and 14 days after ischaemia. SOD activity of the detrusor muscle was reduced significantly immediately after ischaemia and at 7 and 14 days of reperfusion. SOD activity of the mucosa was significantly greater than that of the muscle, and was significantly reduced by both ischaemia and all times of reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show clearly that both ischaemia and reperfusion result in significantly lower activity of SOD, and in contractile dysfunctions, and that reperfusion results in greater decreases in both SOD activity and contractile responses than ischaemia alone.
CONTRAST‐ENHANCED ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN NORMAL CANINE LIVER. EVALUATION OF IMAGING AND SAFETY PARAMETERS
Authors: Nyman Helena T. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Kjelgaard‐Hansen Mads , McEvoy Fintan J.
Published: June 2005

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography, a new imaging modality in veterinary medicine, can provide data on tissue perfusion. The objective of this study was to use the ultrasonographic contrast agent SonoVue™ to evaluate various transit time indices in the normal canine liver, to examine the effect of anesthesia on these parameters, and to evaluate the safety of this agent in dogs. The liver of 11 healthy dogs was studied by ultrasound during an intravenous bolus injection of SonoVue™. Each dog underwent the examination twice, first with and later without the use of anesthesia. A time–intensity curve was generated from a selected region of interest within the liver from each scanning session. Ratios derived from peak enhancement, time to peak enhancement, up‐slope and full‐width half‐maximum (FWHM) of the curve were calculated from the time–intensity curves, and are reported. There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in peak enhancement, up‐slope and FWHM between dogs that were anesthetized and dogs that were not. Time to peak enhancement, however, was significantly shorter when the dogs were anesthetized than when they were nonanesthetized (P<0.05). There were no biologically significant changes in clinical laboratory findings. This study indicates that contrast‐enhanced ultrasound using SonoVue™ gives reproducible liver perfusion data, and appears to be a safe and well‐tolerated agent for use in dogs. When considering normal values, the use of anesthetic drugs has to be considered.
EFFECTS OF METHIMAZOLE ON THYROID GLAND UPTAKE OF99MTC‐PERTECHNETATE IN 19 HYPERTHYROID CATS
Authors: Fischetti Anthony J. , Drost Wm Tod , DiBartola Stephen P. , Chew Dennis J. , Schenck Patricia A. , Meadows Cheyney
Published: June 2005

Nineteen cats with abnormally high serum T4concentrations underwent thyroid scintigraphy using technetium‐99m pertechnetate (99mTcO4) before and after 36±6 days of methimazole administration (approximately 2.5 mg PO q 12 h). Thyroid‐to‐salivary gland ratios (T:S ratios) and percentage thyroidal uptake of injected radioactivity at 20 and 60 min after injection of99mTcO4were compared before and after methimazole treatment. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration was measured before and after methimazole treatment. Quantitatively, there was a positive association between the thyroid uptake of99mTcO4and the serum T4before treatment (r=0.74–0.83). TSH suppression was present when cats were first evaluated for hyperthyroidism. Methimazole treatment did not relieve TSH suppression in 17 cats. Two cats with unilateral thyroid uptake developed bilateral, asymmetric thyroid uptake of99mTcO4after treatment and had the greatest increase in TSH concentration after treatment. Quantitatively, thyroid scintigraphy did not significantly change after methimazole treatment (P>0.1). Evaluation of serum TSH concentration may be helpful in identifying methimazole‐induced changes in the scintigraphic features of hyperthyroidism in mildly hyperthyroid cats.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC AND DOPPLER DIAGNOSIS: FIRST CASE OF ATRIAL SEPTAL ANEURYSM IN A CAT
Authors: Nicolle A. P. , Chetboul V. , Namba H. , Crespeau F. , Tidholm A. , Carlos C. , Gouni V. , Pouchelon J. L.
Published: June 2005

A 6‐year‐old female cat developed pleural and abdominal effusion. Cardiac ultrasound and 2D color tissue Doppler imaging revealed restrictive cardiomyopathy with severe biatrial dilatation and hypertension. This cardiomyopathy was associated with atrial septal aneurysm and a patent foramen ovale. The atrial septal aneurysm involved the entire atrial septum. Necropsy and histological examination confirmed all these findings. ASA is a rare malformation and, as in this cat, it generally occurs concomitantly with congenital or acquired heart disease and may be explained by greater pressure in one atrium, leading to controlateral protrusion of the atrial septum.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF TIBIAL TORSION IN THE DOG
Authors: Aper Rhonda , Kowaleski Michael P. , Apelt Detlef , Tod Drost W. , Dyce Jonathan
Published: June 2005

The goal of this study was to develop a method for computed tomographic (CT) measurement of tibial torsion, and to compare this technique with direct anatomic measurement of tibial torsion in cadaveric canine tibiae. Paired hind limbs of 10 cadaveric dogs were mounted on a custom‐designed limb holding apparatus. One‐millimeter thick, contiguous, transverse CT slices were obtained from the distal femur to the proximal tibia and 2 mm CT slices were obtained from the distal tibia to the proximal tarsus. The tibiae were freed of soft tissues and digital photographic images of the proximal and distal articular surfaces were obtained with the camera lens aligned perpendicular to the long axis of the tibia. Multiple proximal and distal tibial axes were identified on the images; two proximal and two distal axes were found to be repeatable in all specimens in both the direct and CT methods. The torsion angle was calculated by determining the difference between the axis angles for each pair of proximal and distal axes. There was no significant difference in torsion angle identified between the direct photographic and CT method for any pair of proximal and distal axes. CT determination of tibial torsion is a rapid and accurate method, and warrants investigation in clinical patients.
P2X2 knockout mice and P2X2/P2X3 double knockout mice reveal a role for the P2X2 receptor subunit in mediating multiple sensory effects of ATP
Authors: Cockayne Debra A. , Dunn Philip M. , Zhong Yu , Rong Weifang , Hamilton Sara G. , Knight Gillian E. , Ruan Huai‐Zhen , Ma Bei , Yip Ping , Nunn Philip , McMahon Stephen B. , Burnstock Geoffrey , Ford Anthony P. D. W.
Published: June 2005

Extracellular ATP plays a role in nociceptive signalling and sensory regulation of visceral function through ionotropic receptors variably composed of P2X2 and P2X3 subunits. P2X2 and P2X3 subunits can form homomultimeric P2X2, homomultimeric P2X3, or heteromultimeric P2X2/3 receptors. However, the relative contribution of these receptor subtypes to afferent functions of ATP in vivo is poorly understood. Here we describe null mutant mice lacking the P2X2 receptor subunit (P2X2−/−) and double mutant mice lacking both P2X2 and P2X3 subunits (P2X2/P2X3Dbl−/−), and compare these with previously characterized P2X3−/− mice. In patch‐clamp studies, nodose, coeliac and superior cervical ganglia (SCG) neurones from wild‐type mice responded to ATP with sustained inward currents, while dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurones gave predominantly transient currents. Sensory neurones from P2X2−/− mice responded to ATP with only transient inward currents, while sympathetic neurones had barely detectable responses. Neurones from P2X2/P2X3Dbl−/− mice had minimal to no response to ATP. These data indicate that P2X receptors on sensory and sympathetic ganglion neurones involve almost exclusively P2X2 and P2X3 subunits. P2X2−/− and P2X2/P2X3Dbl−/− mice had reduced pain‐related behaviours in response to intraplantar injection of formalin. Significantly, P2X3−/−, P2X2−/−, and P2X2/P2X3Dbl−/− mice had reduced urinary bladder reflexes and decreased pelvic afferent nerve activity in response to bladder distension. No deficits in a wide variety of CNS behavioural tests were observed in P2X2−/− mice. Taken together, these data extend our findings for P2X3−/− mice, and reveal an important contribution of heteromeric P2X2/3 receptors to nociceptive responses and mechanosensory transduction within the urinary bladder.
ENERGY–MOMENTUM IN VISCOUS KASNER-TYPE UNIVERSE IN BERGMANN–THOMSON FORMULATIONS
Authors: SALTI MUSTAFA , HAVARE ALI
Published: June 2005

Using the Bergmann–Thomson energy–momentum complex and its tele-parallel gravity version, we obtain the energy and momentum of the universe in viscous Kasner-type cosmological models. The energy and momentum components (due to matter plus field) are found to be zero and this agree with a previous work of Rosen and Johri et al. who investigated the problem of the energy in Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe. The result that the total energy and momentum components of the universe in these models is zero supports the viewpoint of Tryon. Rosen found that the energy of the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker space–time is zero, which agrees with the studies of Tryon.
Λ POLARISATION: A PROBE TO STUDY THE NUCLEON STRUCTURE
Authors: BERTINI RAIMONDO
Published: June 2005

The measurement of spin observables in the Λ hyperon production has shown how poor is our understanding of the spin effects in the nucleon structure and in the hadronisation processes. New possibilities are offered by future facilities.
NUCLEON SPIN AND ITS GAUGE INVARIANCE AND CANONICAL COMMUTATION RELATION
Authors: WANG FAN
Published: June 2005

The nucleon spin structure has been shown to be described by a dynamical constituent quark model with ~85% q3 and [Formula: see text] Fock components. As a QCD system there is no gauge invariance and canonical commutation relation simultaneously satisfied decomposition of the nucleon spin operator. To keep gauge invariance but give up the canonical commutation relation of the angular momentum operator will ruin the multiple moments expansion and the partial wave decomposition. A weak gauge invariant condition is proposed where the canonical commutation relation of angular momentum operator is intact and the gauge invariance is only true for special sets of matrix elements instead of the operators.
A UNIFIED DESCRIPTION OF BARYON ELECTROMAGNETIC FORM FACTORS
Authors: WAN QIAN , IACHELLO FRANCESCO
Published: June 2005

We suggest a unified description of baryon form factors in terms of a two-component model with an intrinsic q3 structure and a meson [Formula: see text] cloud, parameterized in terms of vector mesons. We use this model to study the N-Δ form factors. The results are in excellent agreement with data. The N-Δ transition appears to be dominated by coupling to the ρ meson.
ANALYSIS OF JPC=1-+ EXOTIC HYBRID ηπ, η′π DECAYS
Authors: ZHANG AILIN , STEELE T. G.
Published: June 2005

Investigations of the mass and decays of the JPC=1-+ hybrid are reviewed, including calculation of the π1(1-+)→ηπ, η′π decay widths within the QCD sum rules technique. In this calculation, the recently-proposed η, η′ quark mixing scheme is employed. The results indicate that the decay width Γπ1→ηπ≈250 MeV is large compared with the decay width Γπ1→η′π≈20 MeV . Inspired by these results, some phenomenological approaches are suggested to gain an understanding of the underlying mechanism of ηπ and η′π hybrid decays.
PEAK EFFECT IN SUPERCONDUCTORS: ABSENCE OF PHASE TRANSITION AND POSSIBILITY OF JAMMING IN VORTEX MATTER
Authors: CHANDRAN MAHESH
Published: June 2005

The magnetic field B dependence of the critical current Ic for the vortex phase of a disordered superconductor is studied numerically at zero temperature. The Ic(B) increases rapidly near the upper critical field Bc2 similar to the peak effect (PE) phenomenon observed in many superconductors. The real space configuration across the PE changes continuously from a partially ordered domain (polycrystalline) state into an amorphous state. For B≥0.4Bc2, the topological defect density nd(b) increases as eαBk with k>1. There is no evidence of a phase transition in the vicinity of the PE suggesting that an order-disorder transition is not essential for the occurrence of the PE phenomenon. An alternative view is presented wherein the vortex system with high dislocation density undergoes jamming at the onset of the PE.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS OF CHARGED AND MAGNETIZED CYLINDRICAL CONDUCTORS IN NUT SPACE
Authors: AHMEDOV B. J. , KHUGAEV A. V. , RAKHMATOV N. I.
Published: June 2005

We present analytic solutions of Maxwell equations for infinitely long cylindrical conductors with nonvanishing electric charge and currents in the external background spacetime of a line gravitomagnetic monopole. It has been shown that vertical magnetic field arising around cylindrical conducting shell carrying azimuthal current will be modified by the gravitational field of NUT source. We obtain that the purely general relativistic magnetic field which has no Newtonian analog will be produced around charged gravitomagnetic monopole.
UNIFIED PHANTOM COSMOLOGIES
Authors: CHIMENTO LUIS P. , LAZKOZ RUTH
Published: June 2005

We present a general algorithm based on the concept of form-invariance which can be used for generating phantom cosmologies. It involves linear transformations between the kinetic energy and the potential of the scalar field, and transforms solutions of the Einstein–Klein–Gordon equations which preserve the weak energy condition into others which violate it, while keeping the energy density of the field positive. Several known solutions representing phantom cosmologies are unified by this procedure. Using the general algorithm we obtain those solutions and show the relations between them. In addition, the scale factors of the product and seed solutions are related by a generalization of the well-known a→a-1 duality.
ON IRREDUCIBILITY OF THE ENERGY REPRESENTATION OF THE GAUGE GROUP AND THE WHITE NOISE DISTRIBUTION THEORY
Authors: SHIMADA YOSHIHITO
Published: June 2005

We consider the energy representation for the gauge group. The gauge group is the set of C∞-mappings from a compact Riemannian manifold to a semi-simple compact Lie group. In this paper, we obtain irreducibility of the energy representation of the gauge group for any dimension of M. To prove irreducibility for the energy representation, we use the fact that each operator from a space of test functionals to a space of generalized functionals is realized as a series of integral kernel operators, called the Fock expansion.
Contrasting Early Carboniferous field geotherms: evidence for accretion of a thickened orogenic root and subducted Saxothuringian crust (Central European Variscides)
Authors: KonopÁsek JiřÍ , Schulmann Karel
Published: June 2005

In the central part of the Erzgebirge, the age of granulite-facies metamorphism corresponds to the age of formation of mafic eclogites exhumed at the base of the recently defined Lower Crystalline nappe. Granulite-facies conditions in acidic continental crust and eclogite-facies conditions in mafic eclogites developed at the same time of about 342 Ma, suggesting the existence of two distinct tectonic units with contrasting initial geothermal gradients. Existing petrological and geochronological data are used to present a new model for Carboniferous collision at the western margin of the Bohemian Massif. We propose that juxtaposition of rocks with contrasting thermal histories is the result of subduction of the Saxothuringian crust and its later collision with a thickened continental orogenic root existing to the SE. A short time span between the formation ages of high-pressure rocks and cooling ages of the host lithologies suggests extremely fast exhumation of a coupled subduction zone–orogenic root system during continuing Variscan collision.
Epithelial Cells and Their Neighbors I. Role of intestinal myofibroblasts in development, repair, and cancer
Authors: Powell D. W. , Adegboyega P. A. , Di Mari J. F. , Mifflin R. C.
Published: June 2005

Intestinal myofibroblasts are α-smooth muscle actin-positive stromal cells that exist as a syncytium with fibroblasts and mural cells in the lamina propria of the gut. Through expression and secretion of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, prostaglandins, and basal lamina/extracellular matrix molecules, as well as expression of adhesion molecules and receptors for many of the same soluble factors and matrix, myofibroblasts mediate information flow between the epithelium and the mesenchymal elements of the lamina propria. With the use of these factors and receptors, they play a fundamental role in intestinal organogenesis and in the repair of wounding or disease. Intestinal neoplasms enlist and conscript myofibroblast factors and matrix molecules to promote neoplastic growth, carcinoma invasion, and distant metastases.
P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein expression in human placentae of various gestational ages
Authors: Mathias Anita A. , Hitti Jane , Unadkat Jashvant D.
Published: June 2005

Placental efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) protect the developing fetus from exposure to potentially toxic xenobiotics. However, little is known about the expression of these transporters in human placentae of different gestational ages. Therefore, we quantified the expression of P-gp and BCRP in human placentae of different gestational ages. We also measured the expression of various nuclear regulatory factors such as the pregnane xenobiotic factor to determine whether their expression also changes with gestational age. Syncitial microvillous plasma membranes were isolated from human placentae of various gestational ages (60–90 days, 90–120 days, and full-term C-section placentae). P-gp and BCRP expression (protein) in these preparations were measured by Western blot analysis followed by an ELISA. Expression (mRNA) of P-gp, BCRP, and nuclear regulatory factors in the placentae were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. P-gp expression (relative to that of alkaline phosphatase) was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher (44.8-fold as protein; 6.5-fold as mRNA) in early gestational age human placentae (60–90 days) vs. term placentae. In contrast, BCRP (protein and mRNA) and nuclear regulatory factors (mRNA) expression in placental tissue did not change significantly with gestational age. However, placental expression of P-gp and human chorionic gonadotropin-β (hCG-β) transcripts was highly correlated ( r = 0.73; P < 0.0001; Spearman rank correlation). Expression of P-gp, but not BCRP, decreases dramatically with gestational age in human placentae. This decrease in P-gp expression is not caused by a change in expression of nuclear receptor transcripts but appears to be related to hCG-β expression. The placental P-gp expression appears to be upregulated in early pregnancy to protect the fetus from xenobiotic toxicity at a time when it is most vulnerable to such toxicity.
Chronic estradiol and progesterone treatment in conscious dogs: effects on insulin sensitivity and response to hypoglycemia
Authors: Batista Marcia R. , Smith Marta S. , Snead Wanda L. , Connolly Cynthia C. , Lacy D. Brooks , Moore Mary Courtney
Published: June 2005

We evaluated the effect of chronic (3 wk) subcutaneous treatment with progesterone and estradiol (PE; producing serum levels observed in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy) or placebo (C) on hepatic and whole body insulin sensitivity and response to hypoglycemia in conscious, overnight-fasted nonpregnant female dogs, using tracer and arteriovenous difference techniques. Insulin was infused peripherally for 3 h at 1.8 mU·kg−1·min−1. Glucose was allowed to fall to 3 mM (Hypo) or maintained at 6 mM (Eugly) by peripheral glucose infusion. Insulin concentrations were significantly higher in Eugly-PE ( n = 7) and Hypo-PE ( n = 7) than in Eugly-C ( n = 6) and Hypo-C groups ( n = 7), but there were no significant differences in hepatic insulin extraction. Concentrations of glucagon, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine did not differ significantly between Eugly groups or between Hypo groups. Whole body glucose disposal, adjusted for the differences in insulin between groups, was 35% higher in Eugly-C vs. Eugly-PE groups ( P < 0.05). Eugly-C and Eugly-PE groups exhibited similar rates of net hepatic glucose uptake, but the rate of glucose appearance was greater in Eugly-PE in the last hour ( P < 0.05). Net hepatic glucose output was greater ( P < 0.05) in Hypo-PE than in Hypo-C groups, and the glucose infusion rate required to maintain equivalent hypoglycemia was less ( P < 0.05). The rate of gluconeogenic flux did not differ between Hypo groups. Chronic progesterone and estradiol exposure caused whole body (primarily skeletal muscle) insulin resistance and enhanced the liver's response to hypoglycemia without altering counterregulatory hormone concentrations.
Comparison of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Measurement by the Automated SEDIsystemTM and Conventional Westergren Method Using the Bland and Altman Statistical Method
Authors: AlFadhli Suad M. , Al-Awadhi Anwar M.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: To compare the performance of SEDIsystemTM, a fully automated analyzer for the measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), with the manual Westergren method. Materials and Methods: Both methods were applied to 150 randomly selected subjects. The linear regression and Bland and Altman data analysis methods were used to measure the agreement between the automated and manual methods. Results: The regression analysis showed a good correlation between the two methods (r = 0.91). The Bland and Altman data analysis showed no systematic bias (95% confidence interval for mean difference); however, limits of agreement were between 11.52 and –37.88. This indicates that ESR values measured by the SEDIsystem may be 11.52 mm/h above or 37.88 mm/h below the reference method. A greater scatter of data was also observed with abnormally high (>25 mm/h) ESR results (mean of difference = –21.4 and limits of agreement = –45.2 and 2.26) compared with normal (<25 mm/h) readings (mean of difference = –3.9 and limits of agreement = –13.5 and 5.7). Conclusion: The Bland and Altman statistical analysis showed a wide degree of scatter between results obtained by the two ESR techniques that was not clearly demonstrated using the linear regression analysis. The automated system was found to underestimate ESR with the Bland and Altman statistical analysis, and therefore a correction factor is recommended.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) at the Maternity Hospital, Kuwait
Authors: AL-Sweih N. , Jamal M. , Kurdia M. , Abduljabar R. , Rotimi V.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of clinical isolates of group B streptococcus(GBS, Streptococcus agalactiae) and to use the information for formulating appropriate intrapartum antibiotic policy for GBS carriage in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,166 clinical isolates (single isolates) of GBS obtained from vaginal/rectal samples of pregnant mothers seen at the Maternity Hospital, Kuwait were studied over a period of 43 months between May 1998 and December 2001. The isolates were identified by standard methods and their susceptibility to penicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin, clindamycin and erythromycin was determined by disk diffusion technique, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the Vitek automated sensitivity card system and E-test methods. Results: All the GBS isolates were fully susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin and cephalothin. Only 0.7 and 1.7% were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively. Disk diffusion results interpreted by the standard interpretative criteria recommended by the National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards correlated well with Vitek results as well as the E-test for penicillin. The MIC of penicillin against all isolates ranged between 0.016 and 0.064 µg/ml. For the 6 months of 1998 and throughout 1999, the percentages of isolates susceptible at MICs of 0.016, 0.023, 0.032, 0.047 and 0.064 µg/ml were 6.5, 9.9, 31, 38.8 and 12%, respectively. The trend was similar in the subsequent years except that the percentage of isolates susceptible at MIC of 0.064 µg/ml increased to 26.6% in 2000, but went down to 4.4% in 2001. Conclusion: The trend in susceptibility of GBS to a variety of often used antibiotics for therapy and prophylaxis remained unchanged over nearly a 4-year period. The apparent increase in the number of isolates susceptible at higher MIC values of penicillin (0.047 and 0.064 µg/ml) in 2000 appears to be a bleb that cannot be explained by any event in the hospital for that year. Our data, based on susceptibility profiles, supports the use of penicillin or ampicillin for intrapartum chemoprophylaxis to prevent early-onset neonatal GBS infections.
Investigation of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin- Embedded Breast Cancer Tissues
Authors: Kalkan Ahmet , Ozdarendeli Aykut , Bulut Yasemin , Yekeler Hayrettin , Cobanoglu Bengu , Doymaz Mehmet Z.
Published: June 2005

Objective: To investigate etiological role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The presence of EBV DNA in 57 breast cancer tissues was investigated with a sensitive PCR assay. The breast cancer tissues were from invasive ductular (n = 28), lobular (n = 20) and other miscellaneous carcinomas (n = 9). Tissues from normal breasts and patients with various benign breast diseases (n = 55): fibrocystic disease (n = 34), fibroadenoma (n = 16), hyperplasia, and granulomatous mastitis (n = 5), were used as control samples. Results: EBV DNA was detected in 13 (23%) cancerous tissues (7 ductular, 4 lobular, 2 other carcinoma) and 19 (35%) in the control tissues. The difference between EBV presence in malignant and benign tissues was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of EBV DNA was detected almost equally in both breast cancer and normal tissues, which indicates no etiological role for EBV in breast cancer. We suggest further etiological studies.
Primary Hepatic Carcinoid Tumor
Authors: Bastaki W. , Mothaffer F. , Varro J. , Al-Ghanim M. , Malak L. , Ayyash E. , Asfar S.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: To describe a rare case of primary carcinoid tumor of the liver and its management. Clinical Presentation and Interventions: A 44-year-old Nigerian male presented with a big inoperable liver mass, which proved to be a carcinoid tumor by fine needle aspiration cytology. Extensive search for a primary lesion including laparotomy and peroperative ultrasound failed to find a primary lesion in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Percutaneous embolization of the tumor followed by complete dearterializations of the liver seemed to have halted the growth of the tumor. The patient remained well with normal liver function tests for 56 months when he decided to go back to his country. Conclusion: The result showed that dearterializations of a primary inoperable carcinoid of the liver offered good palliation.
Effect of Liver Transplantation on Tuftsin Activity and Phagocytic Activity of Neutrophil Granulocytes in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Trevisani Franco , Loggi Elisabetta , Parazza Monica , Melotti Cristina , Bedeschi Enrico , Mingazzini Lorenza , Cappa Federica Mirici , Cescond Matteo , Andreone Pietro , Grazi Gianluca , Stefanini Giuseppe Francesco , Bernardi Mauro
Published: June 2005

Background: Tuftsin activity (TA) is reduced in cirrhosis. This contributes to the defective phagocytic activity (PA) of neutrophil granulocytes and is related to the impairment of splenic function. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) cures cirrhosis and might restore TA. This study was aimed at determining if OLT restores TA and PA. Methods: We measured in 9 cirrhotic patients, before and after successful OLT, TA by a bioassay and PA by chemiluminescence in which neutrophils of the patient were tested with both autologous (PA1) and pooled sera from healthy subjects (PA2). Splenic function was assayed by the pitted red cell count. Results: Before OLT, TA was reduced in 7 patients, and PA1 in all the patients. Pitted cell count was elevated in all the patients. After OLT (median 39 months; range 21–49), TA improved in all cases [median: from 8% (5–16%) to 20% (9–22%), p < 0.008], normalizing in 5 out of the 7 patients with low values. PA1 improved in all the patients [from 102 cpm (65–128 cpm) to 235 cpm (78–280 cpm), p < 0.008], normalizing in 5. Pitted red count decreased in 7 patients and normalized in 3 [from 3.3% (2.1–6.0%) to 2.4% (1.4–2.8%), p < 0.021]. Platelet count [from 55 × 103 (30–100) to 185 × 103 (93–286), p < 0.008] and leucocyte count [from 3.60 × 103 (1.81–5.23) to 5.53 × 103 (3.31–6.71), p < 0.008] also improved. Conclusions: OLT improves TA and PA of cirrhotic patients. This effect is associated with an improvement of both functional hyposplenism and haematological hypersplenism. The restoration of natural defences against infections may mitigate the adverse effect of immunosuppressive treatment.
Intra-Familial Clinical Heterogeneity: Absence of Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 in Israel
Authors: Frishberg Yaacov , Rinat Choni , Shalata Adel , Khatib Ihab , Feinstein Sofia , Becker-Cohen Rachel , Weismann Irit , Wanders Ronald J.A. , Rumsby Gill , Roels Frank , Mandel Hanna
Published: June 2005

Background/Aims: Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is caused by the deficiency of the liver enzyme alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase which results in increased synthesis and excretion of oxalate. The clinical manifestations of PH1 are heterogeneous with respect to the age of onset and rate of progression. The aim of this study was to investigate possible relationships between a given genotype, the biochemical profile and the clinical phenotype. Methods: We conducted a study of 56 patients from 22 families with PH1 from Israel. The clinical and biochemical data were compiled and the genotype was determined for each family. Results: The prevalent phenotype was of early onset with progression to end-stage renal disease during the first decade of life. Fifteen PH1-causing mutations were detected in 21 families: 10 were first described in this patient population. Marked intra-familial clinical heterogeneity was noted, meaning that there was no correlation between a given genotype and the phenotype. Conclusions: The clinical course of patients with PH1 is not dictated primarily by its genotype. Other genetic and/or environmental factors play a role in determining the ultimate phenotype.
Novel Conformation-Specific Antibodies Against Matrix γ-Carboxyglutamic Acid (Gla) Protein
Authors: Schurgers Leon J. , Teunissen Kirsten J.F. , Knapen Marjo H.J. , Kwaijtaal Martijn , van Diest Rob , Appels Ad , Reutelingsperger Chris P. , Cleutjens Jack P.M. , Vermeer Cees
Published: June 2005

Objective—

Matrix γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) protein (MGP), a vitamin K–dependent protein, is a potent in vivo inhibitor of arterial calcification. We hypothesized that low endogenous production of MGP and impaired carboxylation of MGP may contribute to the development or the progression of vascular disease.

Methods and Results—

Novel conformation-specific antibodies against MGP were used for immunohistochemistry of healthy and sclerotic arteries. In healthy arteries, MGP was mainly displayed around the elastin fibers in the tunica media. The staining colocalized with that for carboxylated MGP, whereas undercarboxylated MGP (ucMGP) was not detected. In atherosclerotic arteries, ucMGP was found in the intima, where it was associated with vesicular structures. In Mönckeberg’s sclerosis of the media, ucMGP was localized around all areas of calcification. The results indicate that ucMGP is strongly associated with vascular calcification of different etiologies. In a separate study, serum MGP concentrations in a cohort of 172 subjects who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention were significantly reduced compared with an apparently healthy population.

Conclusions—

These data show that impaired carboxylation of MGP is associated with intimal and medial vascular calcification and suggest the essentiality of the vitamin K modification to the function of MGP as an inhibitor of ectopic calcification.
Reperfusion-Induced Translocation of δPKC to Cardiac Mitochondria Prevents Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Reactivation
Authors: Churchill Eric N. , Murriel Christopher L. , Chen Che-Hong , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Szweda Luke I.
Published: June 2005

Cardiac ischemia and reperfusion are associated with loss in the activity of the mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Pharmacological stimulation of PDH activity improves recovery in contractile function during reperfusion. Signaling mechanisms that control inhibition and reactivation of PDH during reperfusion were therefore investigated. Using an isolated rat heart model, we observed ischemia-induced PDH inhibition with only partial recovery evident on reperfusion. Translocation of the redox-sensitive δ-isoform of protein kinase C (PKC) to the mitochondria occurred during reperfusion. Inhibition of this process resulted in full recovery of PDH activity. Infusion of the δPKC activator H
2
O
2
during normoxic perfusion, to mimic one aspect of cardiac reperfusion, resulted in loss in PDH activity that was largely attributable to translocation of δPKC to the mitochondria. Evidence indicates that reperfusion-induced translocation of δPKC is associated with phosphorylation of the αE1 subunit of PDH. A potential mechanism is provided by in vitro data demonstrating that δPKC specifically interacts with and phosphorylates pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK)2. Importantly, this results in activation of PDK2, an enzyme capable of phosphorylating and inhibiting PDH. Thus, translocation of δPKC to the mitochondria during reperfusion likely results in activation of PDK2 and phosphorylation-dependent inhibition of PDH.
The Early Systemic Prophylaxis of Infection After Stroke Study
Authors: Chamorro A. , Horcajada J.P. , Obach V. , Vargas M. , Revilla M. , Torres F. , Cervera A. , Planas A.M. , Mensa J.
Published: June 2005

Background and Purpose—

Early infection after stroke is frequent but the clinical value of antibiotic prophylaxis in acute stroke has never been explored.

Objective and

Methods—

The Early Systemic Prophylaxis of Infection After Stroke (ESPIAS) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients older than 18 years with nonseptic ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke enrolled within 24 hours from clinical onset. Interventions included intravenous levofloxacin (500 mg/100 mL/d, for 3 days) or placebo (0.9% physiological serum) in addition to optimal care. A sample size of 240 patients was calculated to identify a 15% absolute risk reduction of the primary outcome measure, which was the incidence of infection at day 7 after stroke. Secondary outcome measures were neurological outcome and mortality at day 90.

Results—

Based on a preplanned futility analysis, the study was interrupted prematurely when 136 patients had been included. Levofloxacin and placebo patients had a cumulative rate of infection of 6% and 6% (
P
=0.96) at day 1; 10% and 12% (
P
=0.83) at day 2; 12% and 15% (
P
=0.66) at day 3; 16% and 19% (
P
=0.82) at day 7; and 30% and 33% (
P
=0.70), at day 90. Using logistic regression, favorable outcome at day 90 was inversely associated with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.89;
P
=0.002) and allocation to levofloxacin (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.87;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

Prophylactic administration of levofloxacin (500 mg/100 mL/day for 3 days) is not better than optimal care for the prevention of infections in patients with acute stroke.
Studies on China and the Process of Asian Economic Unification
Authors: Chaocheng Yao , Yinping Hu
Published: June 2005

At present, the regional economic cooperation in Asia is progressing quite fast and well with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) at the centre and major Asian nations such as China, Japan and India, participating at the periphery. The cooperation is refelctive of the ongoing process of Asia's economic unification.The unification process may result in the forging of an Asian economic community at some time in future. The authors not only describe the recent trends in Asian economic cooperation but also believe that the economic integration process should be the best way of helping Asian nations repair and transcend the ‘fault lines’ as mentioned in Samuel Huntington's paradigm1 and finally be united economically and politically.

The outcome of China's opening up and reform since 1978, and the subsequent rapid economic growth in recent years have captured the attention of the world. In recent years, China has been positively engaged in the globalisation process and participates actively in the regional cooperation in Asia. To answer the contention of the ‘China threat’, the thesis also analyses and elaborates China's role in the Asian economic unification process. It opines that the process shall enhance China's political and democratic reforms and help it become a solid pier in Asia's peace structure, and not a threat for the world.
China's Peaceful Rise and Sino-Indian Relations
Authors: Guihong Zhang
Published: June 2005

China and India rank among the world's largest developing nations, fastest growing economies, most populous states, and greatest ancient civilisations. But most importantly, they are among the foremost rising powers in Asia. In the past quarter of century, both China and India's productive forces and overall national strength have been constantly enhanced, which are now widely perceived as ‘the rise of China’ 1 and ‘the emerging India’ (see, for example Cohen 2001; Ma 2002). The rise of China has to be grasped not only in terms of the past (when the Chinese people stood up, became enriched and strengthened under the first, second and third generation of leaders, respectively), but also in terms of the present and future (of a ‘peaceful rise’ under the new generations of leaders and in the wake of globalisation). Fifty years ago, Beijing and New Delhi jointly proposed ‘Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence’ (known as Panchsheel in India) to guide bilateral relations between the two newly independent countries. However, the Sino-Indian relationship has experienced an up-and-down process since then, and the resolution of bilateral issues and the establishment of mutual trust still have a long way to go. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to reiterate and materialise Panchsheel, especially in the context of the simultaneous rise of China and India in Asia.
‘The Ferringees are flying—the ship is ours!’
Authors: Anderson Clare
Published: June 2005

This article is part of a broader project that seeks to ‘read against the grain’ in reconstructing the experiences of convicts transported overseas to prisons and penal settlements in South and Southeast Asia during the nineteenth century. In many ways, convict ships are empty archival spaces. Colonial officials recorded their departure and arrival, and enumerated and described the convicts on board, often in meticulous detail. However, the limitations of these records make the experiences of convict men and women on board transportation vessels more difficult to access. This article will attempt to do so through an analysis of convict ship mutinies. From the 1830s there were more than a dozen incidents in which convicts rose against their captains and made a bid for freedom. These mutinies were trans-gressive acts that reveal much about convict journeys into transportation: the limitations of colonial regulation of convict vessels, conditions on board ship, and the alliances forged between convicts and crew. They also reveal the multidimensional nature of the convict middle passage, and dispel simplistic notions of single convict identities and experiences.
Interviewing Young Children: Explicating Our Practices and Dilemmas
Authors: Irwin Lori G. , Johnson Joy
Published: June 2005

Qualitative research studies have demonstrated that very young children can provide important insights into their daily lives and health experiences. Despite the shift to include children’s perspectives in research and document principles related to good data collection with children, there has not been a parallel move within the scholarly community to lay bare the practical challenges inherent in conducting interviews with children. In this article, the authors consider the degree to which well-known standards for qualitative research apply to research interviews with young children. They make practical recommendations that build on existing theoretical work about the conduct of qualitative interviews with young children.
From Schism to Continuum? The Problematic Relationship Between Expert and Lay Knowledge—An Exploratory Conceptual Synthesis of Two Qualitative Studies
Authors: McClean Stuart , Shaw Alison
Published: June 2005

Ideas about lay and expert knowledge increasingly underscore debates within qualitative health research. In this article, the authors develop an exploratory synthesis of two qualitative studies in which they critique the lay-expert divide, suggesting instead a spectrum of knowledge(s) about health and scientific issues. In the original studies, the researchers examined food risks and alternative medicine, and they shared an interest in the lay-expert knowledge relationship. Reinterpreting each study in the light of the other led to greater conceptual development. Three mutual themes emerged and are presented with discussion of their contribution to wider theoretical debates. This worked example indicates that researchers can achieve valuable additional conceptual development through the cross-fertilization of ideas across qualitative studies united not by common health topics but by shared conceptual concerns.
Observations of Shipboard Illness Behavior: Work Discipline and the Sick Role in a Residential Work Setting
Authors: Bloor Michael
Published: June 2005

In this article, the author reports on a small-scale ethnographic study of illness behavior in a residential work setting, a large merchant cargo ship with a multinational crew. Although parallels with previous observational work on illness behavior in residential settings (where illnesses result in treatment only if there is a break in accommodation to symptoms) exist, it is clear that type of setting is pivotal in shaping illness careers. Here, accommodation to symptoms was overlain by the economic imperative to keep the ship functioning: Management feared that the right to the sick role would allow “malingering,” whereas workers feared adoption of the sick role would exclude them from employment. In the latter case, the worker might experience illness or disability in a manner parallel to a Marxist analysis of the product of workers’labor: as an alien object of control and oppression, grounds for his or her removal from the workforce.