bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presenile dementia mimicking Pick's disease: An autopsy case of localized amygdala degeneration with character change and emotional disorder
Authors: Shibuya‐Tayoshi Sumiko , Tsuchiya Kuniaki , Seki Yukako , Arai Tetsuaki , Kasahara Toshihiko
Published: August 2005

This report concerns an autopsy case showing localized amygdala degeneration. The patient was a Japanese single woman without hereditary burden who was 58 years old at the time of death. At the age of 55 years, the patient began to feel anxiety, agitation and depressive in mood. At age 58 years, she developed marked character changes and emotional disorders, although disorientation and memory disturbance were slight. We suspected her disease was a variant of presenile dementia, especially Pick's disease, and some neuroradiological examinations disclosed bilateral temporal involvements. We could not make a definitive diagnosis from the clinical findings. She choked to death 3 years after the disease onset. From the neuropathological examinations, the known neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia, including Pick's disease, were excluded and we diagnosed our case as having localized amygdala degeneration. Localized amygdala degeneration itself is very rare. Moreover, in this case, the amygdala degeneration was presumed to be idiopathic, without any apparent cause. To our knowledge, this is the first case of idiopathic localized amygdala degeneration. This case indicates that localized amygdala degeneration can cause presenile dementia, and that character changes and emotional disorders are predominant over memory disturbance and/or disorientation.
Tumor cell‐associated neuropilin‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression as determinants of tumor growth in neuroblastoma
Authors: Marcus Karen , Johnson Michelle , Adam Rosalyn M. , O'Reilly Michael S. , Donovan Michael , Atala Anthony , Freeman Michael R. , Soker Shay
Published: August 2005

We sought to characterize the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors in neuroblastoma (NBL) and to correlate the results with N‐myc (MYCN) expression and in vivo growth of these tumors. Two representative human‐derived NBL cell lines, SK‐N‐AS (AS) with low and SK‐N‐DZ (DZ) with a high MYCN copy number, were used for the study. We examined their proliferation, VEGF and VEGF receptor expression in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in vivo. In parallel, human NBL specimens were analyzed for expression of VEGF and neuropilin‐1 (NRP‐1). DZ cells exhibited a 4‐fold higher proliferation rate than AS. In contrast, VEGF protein expression was significantly higher in AS cells. NRP‐1 was the only VEGF receptor produced in AS and DZ cells in vitro and in vivo. Both AS and DZ cells formed tumors in athymic mice but AS tumors grew 3.5 times larger than DZ tumors and had larger diameter tumor vessels. VEGF and NRP‐1 expression was also demonstrated in human NBL specimens. Our studies indicate that VEGF and VEGF receptor expression in NBL tumor cells are associated with tumor growth and that angiogenic factors may serve as a biological marker together with already established MYCN amplification.
Application trials of in situ hybridization at the electron microscopic level
Authors: Kitazawa Sohei , Kondo Takeshi , Kitazawa Riko
Published: August 2005

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a morphology‐oriented technique for demonstrating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences at chromosomal, cytological and histological levels. It is, however, sometimes difficult to recognize specific cell identity, early phase mRNA expression and alternative splicing because of the limited resolution of the light microscope. To overcome this limitation, we developed an improved technique for ISH at the electron microscopic level, in which pre‐embedding hybridization with a non‐radioactively labeled probe was used, followed by post‐embedding immunoglobulin gold colloid staining. By applying this technique, early phase bone morphogenetic protein‐3 mRNA in the nuclei and cytoplasm was successfully demonstrated in a differentiating chondrocytic cell lineage. Moreover, with oligo‐DNA probes specific for alternative spliced forms of parathyroid hormone‐related protein mRNA, we demonstrated such forms in a hyperplastic parathyroid gland attributed to renal failure.
Non‐uniformity in the regional pattern of Lewy pathology in brains of dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Yamamoto Ryoko , Iseki Eizo , Marui Wami , Togo Takashi , Katsuse Omi , Kato Masanori , Isojima Daisuke , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Kosaka Kenji , Arai Heii
Published: August 2005

We examined the regional pattern of Lewy pathology in brains of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) to clarify whether Lewy pathology uniformly progresses or not. Thirty‐five autopsied DLB cases were examined using α‐synuclein‐immunohistochemistry, and the regional degree of Lewy pathology in the brainstem, diencephalon and cerebral cortex was quantitatively evaluated. Consequently, we found that the regional pattern of Lewy pathology differed according to the pathological subtype, and was divided into three types: type 1 showed a brainstem‐predominant pattern, type 2 was almost equal for the brainstem and cerebral cortex, and type 3 showed a cerebral cortex‐predominant pattern. The limbic type/pure and common forms were mainly composed of type 1, whereas the neocortical type/common and Alzheimer's disease (AD) forms were mainly composed of type 3. These findings suggest the possibility that Lewy pathology of the limbic type/pure and common forms mainly progresses from the brainstem to the cerebrum, whereas that of the neocortical type/common and AD forms mainly progresses from the cerebrum to the brainstem. Cases with type 1 Lewy pathology mainly developed parkinsonism, whereas those with type 3 Lewy pathology mainly developed dementia. This corresponded to most of the limbic type/pure and common forms which developed parkinsonism, whereas most of the neocortical type/common and AD forms developed dementia. Type 1 cases may thus be clinically diagnosed as having Parkinson's disease (PD) with dementia. These findings suggest that PD has clinico‐pathological continuity with DLB, and that the regional pattern of Lewy pathology is not uniform.
Detection of fusion genes in sarcomas using paraffin‐embedded tissues
Authors: Yoshida Keiichi , Oikawa Kosuke , Takanashi Masakatsu , Kuroda Masahiko
Published: August 2005

Many sarcomas are characterized by specific recurrent chromosomal translocations resulting in gene fusions. The genes involved in almost all of these translocations have been cloned, greatly changing sarcoma diagnosis. At the biological level, these chromosomal translocations produce highly specific fusion genes that encode key molecules for tumor development. The clinical correlation between these translocation‐derived genetic markers and discrete histopathological entities has been remarkable. Today, detection of fusion genes plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of sarcomas that harbor atypical clinical or pathological presentations. The focus of this brief review is the recent impact that cytogenetic and molecular detection of these translocations has had on sarcoma diagnosis using paraffin‐embedded sections.
Lung cancer in Asian women—the environment and genes*
Authors: LAM Wah Kit
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  The mortality rate of lung cancer in Asian women has increased significantly in the past few decades. Environmental factors include tobacco smoke (active and environmental), other indoor pollutions (cooking oil vapours, coal burning, fungus spores), diet, and infections. Active tobacco smoking is not the major factor. The relative risk of lung cancer among non‐smoking women ever exposed to environmental smoke from their husbands was 1.20 from a meta‐analysis. Cooking oil vapours associated with high temperature wok cooking and indoor coal burning for heating and cooking in unvented homes, particularly in rural areas, are risk factors for Chinese women. Chronic benign respiratory diseases due to the fungus Microsporum canis probably accounts for the high incidence of lung cancer in northern Thai women at Sarapee. Diets rich in fruits, leafy green vegetables, and vitamin A are protective, while cured meat (Chinese sausage, pressed duck and cured pork), deep‐fried cooking, and chili increased the risk. Tuberculosis is associated with lung cancer. Also, a Taiwanese study showed that the odds ratio of papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 infection in non‐smoking female lung cancer patients was 10.1, strongly suggesting a causative role. Genetic factors have also been studied in Chinese women, including human leucocyte antigens, K‐ras oncogene activation, p53 mutation, polymorphisms of phase I activating enzymes (cytochrome P450, N‐acetyltransferase slow acetylator status), and phase II detoxifying enzymes (glutathione‐S‐transferases, N‐acetyltransferase rapid acetylator status). New molecular screening technology would facilitate identification of molecular targets for future studies. The interaction between environmental and genetic factors should also be further elucidated.
Risk factors for intensive care in children with acute asthma
Authors: LYELL Patricia J. , VILLANUEVA Elmer , BURTON Debbie , FREEZER Nicholas J. , BARDIN Philip G.
Published: August 2005

Objective:  A retrospective case–control study at Monash Medical Centre (MMC), a tertiary referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia, was conducted to identify risk factors associated with very severe asthma in paediatric patients.

Methodology:  Asthmatics admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU; n = 52) were identified and considered to represent cases of very severe/near fatal asthma (NFA group). This group was compared to asthmatics who had been admitted on one occasion only to the emergency department at MMC (non‐NFA controls, n = 53). Patient files were examined and factors that may be linked to NFA were recorded. Information not on file was obtained from patients/parents during a structured telephone interview. Data for the two groups were compared, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated.

Results:  Univariate analysis indicated that asthmatics with NFA were more likely to be older (P = 0.01) and have a longer duration of asthma (P = 0.02). They were also more likely to have hay fever (P = 0.002; OR, 7.6), use inhaled corticosteroids (P = 0.001), long acting β2 agonists (P = 0.02), have an asthma management plan (P = 0.006), and see a respiratory specialist (P = 0.001). Parental smoking habits were not different between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified male gender (P = 0.05; OR, 5.7) and use of inhaled corticosteroids (P = 0.07; OR, 7.2) as factors that may be predictive of NFA.

Conclusions:  This study identifies a number of factors associated with NFA; many are similar to those reported in adult patients. Asthma severity explains some findings, but the data also suggest that additional independent risk factors such as gender and duration of asthma may operate in children.
Effect of smoking on FEV1 decline in a cross‐sectional and longitudinal study of a large cohort of Japanese males
Authors: OMORI Hisamitsu , NONAMI Yoshio , MORIMOTO Yasuo
Published: August 2005

Objective:  The effects of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation on age‐related pulmonary function decline was assessed in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies.

Methodology:  In the cross‐sectional study, pulmonary function data from 11 875 healthy asymptomatic males, aged between 35 and 74, were analysed and correlated with their smoking history and age. In the longitudinal study, changes in pulmonary function were monitored over a 5‐year period in 1888 healthy males.

Results:  The cross‐sectional study showed that the difference in FEV1 between male never smokers and current smokers was small at a younger age but increased with age. A beneficial effect on FEV1 decline was observed in those who ceased smoking, even within the previous 12 months. Longitudinally, current smokers showed a more rapid decline in FEV1 over the 5‐year period than non‐smokers. Those who ceased smoking had lower rates of decline in FEV1 than those who continued to smoke.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that cigarette smoking is associated with a reduction in pulmonary function, and that smoking cessation has a beneficial effect on FEV1 decline. Provision of a smoking cessation program for all smokers, especially those showing a rapid decline of FEV1, should be considered as an important strategy to prevent progression of COPD.
The impact of dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise on health‐related quality of life in patients with COPD
Authors: KATSURA Hideki , YAMADA Kouichi , WAKABAYASHI Ritsuko , KIDA Kozui
Published: August 2005

Objective:  COPD patients frequently complain of symptoms such as dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise. However, the impact of these symptoms on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is not known. This study tested whether dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise affects the HRQoL of patients with COPD.

Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, 90 patients with stable COPD (mean age, 76.0 ± 0.7 years; FEV1, 1.11 ± 0.04 L) completed the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gas analysis, and a 6‐min walking distance test (6MWD). Dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise were quantitated into 12 grades using the Borg scale (0–10). Correlations between the SGRQ and various variables were determined. In a longitudinal study, 22 patients with COPD (mean age, 71.5 ± 1.1 years; FEV1, 1.31 ± 0.08 L) completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program, for which correlations between changes in the SGRQ as well as changes in both dyspnoea and leg fatigue, during the 6MWD before and 3 months after pulmonary rehabilitation, were examined.

Results:  For the cross‐sectional study, the total SGRQ score correlated significantly with the walking distance, dyspnoea and leg fatigue during the 6MWD and FEV1, respectively. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that dyspnoea and leg fatigue during the 6MWD were independent variables for HRQoL measured by the SGRQ. For the longitudinal study, changes in the SGRQ correlated significantly with changes in dyspnoea and leg fatigue, before and 3 months after, pulmonary rehabilitation.

Conclusions:  Symptoms, such as the degree of dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise, are significant variables which influence the HRQoL of patients with COPD. In addition, the improvement in HRQoL following pulmonary rehabilitation may be due to improvements in dyspnoea and leg fatigue in patients with COPD.
Efficacy and safety of intravenous theophylline administration for treatment of mild acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma
Authors: YAMAUCHI Kohei , KOBAYASHI Hitoshi , TANIFUJI Yukio , YOSHIDA Takumi , PIAN Huan Deng , INOUE Hiroshi
Published: August 2005

Objective:  The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenously administered theophylline (IAT) for the treatment of an acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. The theophylline was solubilized and not combined with ethylenediamine.

Methodology:  The subjects were 22 asthmatic patients with mild acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. All patients had been taking oral sustained‐release theophylline and their serum concentrations of theophylline were measured. The 16 patients whose serum theophylline concentrations were <13 µg/mL were randomly selected and treated with IAT (200 mg theophylline in 200 mL saline) for 2 h. Six patients were randomly selected as controls and received 200 mL of saline. Pulmonary function and asthma severity (Borg scale) before and after treatment were measured.

Results:  After IAT, both PEF (before IAT, 313 ± 79 L/min; after IAT, 335 ± 107; P < 0.05) and FEV1 (before IAT, 1.66 ± 0.47 L; after IAT, 1.83 ± 0.44; P < 0.05) increased significantly. Furthermore, their severity of asthma as assessed by the Borg scale (before IAT, 2.5 ± 1.2; after IAT, 1.3 ± 1.0; P < 0.05) improved significantly. In contrast, neither FEV1, PEF, severity of asthma or Borg scale changed significantly in the group who only received saline. None of the patients treated in this study had any adverse effects.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that IAT is useful for patients with mild acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and is safe if serum theophylline concentrations are measured.
Non‐cardiogenic pulmonary oedema induced by salazosulfapyridine
Authors: SAITO Takashi , MORI Yoshihiro , YOSHIDA Mitsuo , MAETA Tsuyoshi , KOUI Fumikazu , HARADA Mine
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  A 25‐year‐old woman received oral salazosulfapyridine, 4 g/day, for treatment of ulcerative colitis. At 10 days later, she presented with fever and respiratory symptoms. Based on physical, laboratory and radiological findings, bacterial pneumonia and non‐cardiogenic pulmonary oedema was suspected. Salazosulfapyridine was immediately halted and antibiotic therapy started. Two days later, her symptoms and abnormal findings had improved rapidly. Bacteriological studies were negative. Salazosulfapyridine‐induced non‐cardiogenic pulmonary oedema was diagnosed. Non‐cardiogenic pulmonary oedema should be considered as one of several salazosulfapyridine‐ induced pulmonary diseases in patients who are receiving salazosulfapyridine and who develop respiratory symptoms and an abnormal CXR.
A rare case of dilatation of pulmonary veins and pulmonary emphysema in both lower lobes
Authors: ISHII Hiroshi , MUKAE Hiroshi , KAKUGAWA Tomoyuki , YOSHIOKA Sumako , SAKAMOTO Noriho , INOUE Yuichi , KOHNO Shigeru
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  A 34‐year‐old man was admitted to hospital because of persistent shortness of breath and diffuse vascular dilation at both lower fields of his CXR. Bronchiectasis had been suspected during childhood because of abnormal chest shadows. However, a chest CT scan obtained on admission failed to show bronchiectasis, but rather there was a dilation of blood vessels and low attenuation areas in both lower lobes. A pulmonary angiogram showed normal pulmonary arteries in the arterial phase and diffuse dilated veins in the venous phase. Although the patient also had liver cirrhosis type B with portal hypertension, no association could be found between his liver cirrhosis and the lung lesions. This is a rare case of possible congenital or idiopathic diffuse dilatation of the pulmonary veins.
Fixed and adjustable dose asthma action plans based on combination therapy: A pilot study
Authors: HOLT Shaun , RYDER‐LEWIS Simon , MASOLI Matthew , WEATHERALL Mark , BEASLEY Richard
Published: August 2005

Objective:  The use of combination inhaled corticosteroid/long‐acting β‐agonist therapy within the framework of a self‐management plan has yet to be investigated.

Methodology:  In this randomized open‐label study, 69 adult asthmatic patients taking ≥ 1000 µg per day of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) or equivalent were treated for 3 months with Symbicort Turbuhaler (200 µg budesonide/6 µg formoterol). Patients were assigned to one of two self‐management plans, based on either a fixed or adjustable dose regimen. The primary outcome variable was episode‐free days.

Results:  Both regimens resulted in good asthma control, at least comparable to that obtained with previous high dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy. There were no significant differences in clinical outcome measures between the regimens. The mean (± SD) usage of Symbicort was similar for the fixed and adjustable dose regimens (3.8 ± 0.68 vs 3.6 ± 1.54 puffs per day, respectively).

Conclusion:  We conclude that Symbicort is effective when administered as either a fixed or adjustable dose regimen as part of a self‐management plan.
The effect of Ramadan fasting on spirometry in healthy subjects
Authors: SIDDIQUI Qamar A. , SABIR Salman , SUBHAN Mirza M. F.
Published: August 2005

Objectives:  Lung function tests are an important investigative tool in diagnosing respiratory diseases, judging their severity and assessing prognosis. The primary aim of the present study was to assess whether Ramadan fasting affected normal lung function values.

Methodology:  Forty‐six non‐smoking healthy males, with a mean age of 24.2 years (SD 6.4 years) were investigated. Spirometry was performed according to the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society. Days between the 15th and 25th of three Islamic months (pre‐Ramadan, Ramadan and post‐Ramadan) were selected for spirometry. On all three occasions, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, maximum voluntary ventilation (MVVindirect), PEF, FEF25−75% and body mass were measured. Pre‐ and post‐Ramadan readings were compared with the readings during Ramadan fasting. The results were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results:  No significant change was seen in lung function during Ramadan as compared to the pre‐Ramadan period. FVC was decreased significantly in the post‐Ramadan period compared to Ramadan and this period was associated with a significant increase in body mass.

Conclusion:  Relative to pre‐Ramadan baseline values, there was no change in spirometry during Ramadan fasting in these subjects.
Sarcoidosis occurring after interferon‐α therapy for chronic hepatitis C: Report of two cases
Authors: HIRANO Atsushi , KATAOKA Mikio , NAKATA Yasunari , TAKEDA Katsuyuki , KAMAO Takayuki , HIRAMATSU Junichi , KIMURA Goro , TANIMOTO Yasushi , KANEHIRO Arihiko , TANIMOTO Mitsune
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  We report two patients who were diagnosed with sarcoidosis after receiving interferon (IFN)‐α therapy for chronic hepatitis C, and conduct a review the relevant literature. The first patient was a 52‐year‐old female who developed multiple subcutaneous nodules 2 months after finishing IFN‐α therapy. A skin biopsy from subcutaneous nodules on the right elbow joint revealed sarcoid granulomata. These lesions resolved spontaneously 4 months later. The second patient, a 57‐year‐old male, developed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement 2 years after finishing IFN‐α 2a therapy. A transbronchial lung biopsy demonstrated sarcoid granulomata. In addition, he had uveitis and left ulnar nerve involvement. His eye and nerve involvement gradually improved over 20 months. It is feasible that IFN therapy has been a trigger for sarcoidosis in these patients.
Landscape dysfunction and reduced spatial heterogeneity in soil resources and fertility in semi‐arid succulent thicket, South Africa
Authors: LECHMERE‐OERTEL RICHARD G. , COWLING RICHARD M. , KERLEY GRAHAM I. H.
Published: August 2005

Abstract  Succulent thicket in the Eastern Cape of South Africa is one of many rangeland ecosystems in the world that displays evidence of unsustainable grazing pressure. Widespread transformation of succulent thicket has resulted in the replacement of the typical two‐phase perennial vegetation patches with a structurally simple field layer of ephemeral and weakly perennial grasses and forbs. We hypothesized that (i) transformation of succulent thicket leads to a switch from a spatially heterogeneous landscape to a homogenous and relatively infertile state; and (ii) that this loss of fertility is associated with a breakdown in the processes that conserve resources and promote water use efficiency. We tested these hypotheses at five fenceline contrast sites in Sundays River Thicket, an arid form of succulent thicket. We compared soil fertility (organic carbon, available nitrogen and phosphorus), texture, matric potential, and surface microtopography in the two main microhabitats on either side of the fencelines using a nested anova. Our results show that intact Sundays River thicket has a distinct spatial pattern of soil fertility where nutrients and organic carbon are concentrated under the patches of perennial shrubs, compared with under canopy trees. Transformation results in a significant homogenization of this pattern and an overall reduction in the fertility of the landscape. The proportion of the landscape surface that promotes infiltration due to a distinct litter layer decreases from 60% to 0.6%. Soil moisture retention (matric potential) also decreases with transformation. We interpret these patterns within the framework of semi‐arid landscape functionality.
Sexual selection and infection by ectoparasites in Wellington tree weta, Hemideina crassidens (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae)
Authors: KELLY CLINT D.
Published: August 2005

Abstract  Sexual selection can affect the prevalence and intensity of infection of individuals by ectoparasitic mites. According to this theory, males should exhibit greater infection by parasites than females and juveniles should be less infected than adults. In the wild, I investigated whether prevalence and intensity of the chyzeriid mite, Nothotrombicula deinacridae (Dumbleton) differed between the sexes and between developmental stages in Wellington tree weta, Hemideina crassidens. Despite being under strong sexual selection, male tree weta did not exhibit greater parasitism and there was some evidence that adults and juveniles differed in prevalence. The sexual selection hypothesis was not supported in this study.
Intertidal assemblages on seawalls and vertical rocky shores in Sydney Harbour, Australia
Authors: BULLERI F. , CHAPMAN M. G. , UNDERWOOD A. J.
Published: August 2005

Abstract  Understanding the ecological role of artificial structures, such as seawalls, in shallow coastal waters is necessary in order to plan sound strategies of conservation and management of natural habitats. In Sydney Harbour (NSW, Australia), about 50% of the foreshore is made of retaining seawalls This study evaluates the changes caused to natural assemblages of organisms by these structures, by comparing intertidal assemblages between seawalls and vertical rocky shores. The following hypotheses were tested: that assemblages on seawalls would differ from those on rocky shores at mid‐, but not at low‐shore levels; where assemblages differ between habitats, there would be differences in cover/abundances of widespread species; patterns would be consistent among locations and through time; the variability of assemblages at the scales of 10s of cm and metres would differ between seawalls and rocky shores at mid‐ and low‐shore levels. To test these hypotheses, assemblages on seawalls and rocky shores were sampled at three locations, at roughly 4‐monthly intervals, over a period of about 18 months. Results indicated that mid‐shore assemblages on seawalls were different from those on rocky shores, but this was not the case at low‐shore levels. Few taxa were unique to either habitat. Cover of common species of algae and sessile animals and abundances of mobile grazers were variable with few consistent patterns. Variability at the scales sampled differed between habitats and heights on the shore. Seawalls and rocky shores, in general, supported a similar suite of species, but patterns of abundance and variation differed among locations and from height to height in each habitat. The implications of these findings for the future management of seawalls are briefly considered.
Pseudoclaudication as a manifestation of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Papanas N. , Edmonds M. , Maltezos E.
Published: August 2005

We present the case of a 64‐year‐old male Type 1 diabetic patient with painful diabetic neuropathy masquerading as intermittent claudication. Examination of the peripheral circulation (both arterial and venous) was normal. An MRI scan excluded lumbar spinal stenosis and nerve root compression as the cause of claudication. The case suggests that, in the absence of other identifiable causes and in the presence of peripheral diabetic neuropathy, ‘intermittent claudication’ may be due to the neuropathy itself.
Ethnic differences in glycaemic control in adult Type 2 diabetic patients in primary care: a 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Ng T.‐P. , Goh L.‐G. , Tan Y. , Tan E. , Leong H. , Tay E.‐G. , Thai A.‐C.
Published: August 2005

Objective  To evaluate ethnic differences and characteristics related to glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Research design and methods  Prospective cohort study; 500 adult patients with Type 2 diabetes, who were not on insulin therapy, were followed up annually for 3 years. HbA1c at baseline and 3‐year changes and subsequent insulin therapy were related to baseline characteristics.

Results  Malay patients had significantly higher HbA1c (mean 8.7% ± sd 1.66) compared with Chinese (8.2 ± sd 1.67) and Indian (8.2 ± sd 1.55) (P = 0.032) at baseline, and consistently for all years of HbA1c assessment (P = 0.017). At baseline, Malay patients were significantly more obese than Chinese or Indians (P < 0.001); fewer of them received structured shared‐care intervention (P = 0.001), but they had a significantly higher glucose control educational score (P < 0.05). Multivariable analyses showed that HbA1c at baseline was significantly related to age (P = 0.001), BMI (P = 0.031) and ethnicity (P = 0.002). HbA1c declined significantly over 3 years in the whole population and in all ethnic groups. Significantly greater HbA1c declines were associated with higher baseline HbA1c, structured shared‐care intervention and non‐insulin therapy. Correcting for differences on these factors, the decline in HbA1c in Malays was significantly less than in the Chinese. Insulin therapy was associated with higher baseline HbA1c and higher BMI.

Conclusions  Malay ethnicity was associated with persistently poor glycaemic control. Sociocultural and behavioural factors should be addressed in improving care for patients with poorly controlled diabetes.
Achieving the Lisbon Goal: the contribution of Vocational Education and Training
Authors: LENEY TOM , GREEN ANDY
Published: August 2005

This article summarises the main conclusions of the ‘Maastricht study’: Achieving the Lisbon Goal: The Contribution of VET (Leney et al., 2004), which the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), in collaboration with the Institute of Education and other international partners, prepared for the European Commission's DG Education and Culture in 2004. Based on the self‐assessment reports prepared by the Directors‐General for VET (DGVTs) of 31 European countries, and on independent expert reviews of the national and international literature on VET, the report analysed the contribution of VET to achieving the Lisbon goal and influenced the framing of the Maastricht Communiqué which the European education ministers agreed in December 2004. This summary of the findings of the report is organised under the following sections: 1) The potential of VET as an aspect of European cooperation; 2) The current state of play and progress of VET towards achieving the Lisbon goal; 3) Innovation in VET teaching and learning; and 4) Conclusions.
Transparency of Qualifications: are we there yet?
Authors: DEANE CYNTHIA
Published: August 2005

Greater transparency improves the understanding and interpretation of qualifications and competences. This article asks whether transparency of qualifications has become a reality in Europe. It begins by outlining the three main strategies that were adopted at Community level between 1957 and 1999 to address the problem of transferring qualifications from one country to another. It then describes recent Community action on transparency and recognition of qualifications at both VET and higher education levels. The outcomes of the European Forum on Transparency of Vocational Qualifications are outlined, and in particular the new Europass framework for transparency of qualifications is described, and issues about its implementation are discussed. Some of the main tensions that are observed between the approaches to transparency in VET and in higher education are highlighted. Finally, there is a brief case study on the approaches that have been adopted in recent years to achieve transparency of qualifications in Ireland, against a background of extensive reform of the national qualifications system. In summary, the article is primarily a reflection on the practical aspects of making transparency of qualifications a reality.
Using the Copenhagen Process to Facilitate National Qualification Framework Strategies in South Eastern Europe
Authors: MC BRIDE VINCENT
Published: August 2005

This article presents and discusses a perspective on the implications of the Lisbon Process for education and training in a selected group of partner countries of the European Union — the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro). It presents the reflections of a member of staff of the European Training Foundation responsible for managing the six country regional project underway since 2003 on developing strategies for national qualification frameworks. The reflection aims to assess the potential contributions of a major strategy of the European Union on the reform processes underway in the social and economic transitions in the Western Balkans. It draws on the broader experience of the Foundation in supporting reforms in vocational education and training systems. Qualification reform is taken as an illustrative example of the use, relevance and constraints of EU ‘processes’ in accompanying education and training reform. Although the Copenhagen process partially provides a broad structure and there is a shared history between the countries of the region, each country is sufficiently different in its local contexts to suggest that the manner and pace of adoption will diverge. The emphasis on further development to suit local circumstances essentially gives partner countries an approach or set of tools with which they can shape and form their own initiatives with some confidence that the result will be in line with general European trends.
Towards Universal Primary Education: investments, incentives, and institutions
Authors: BIRDSALL NANCY , LEVINE RUTH , IBRAHIM AMINA
Published: August 2005

The UN Millennium Project Task Force on Education and Gender Equality, an expert advisory group commissioned by the UN Secretary‐General, was asked to examine how dramatic improvements in education can be achieved in the developing world. The task force investigated the problems of low enrolment, early drop‐out and poor learning outcomes that so profoundly affect many children in the developing world. The experiences of both countries that have achieved important successes in rapidly scaling‐up access to primary education, and countries that have made only slow progress, shed light on the priorities for the leadership in both developing countries and donor agencies. The task force developed specific recommendations about overcoming demand‐ and supply‐side constraints to greater primary school completion; and about how international donors and technical agencies can stimulate and support country‐led progress, with financial resources that are linked to performance.
A Statistical Model of International Accounting Harmonization
Authors: ARCHER SIMON , DELVAILLE PASCALE , MCLEAY STUART
Published: August 2005

This article shows how the difference between the observed frequencies of accounting policy choice and the outcome of a random policy choice, where each available method has an equal chance of being selected, may be fully explained with a statistical model. The process of harmonization is described in a way that identifies departures from equiprobable accounting policy choice as either: (a) the systematic effects of harmonization, or (b) the effects of systematic divergence from international harmony where the frequency of adoption of differing accounting methods varies across countries, or (c) the effects of company‐specific accounting policy choices.

The understanding of harmony that underlies previous attempts to measure harmonization is such that, with respect to a particular financial statement item, a situation of maximum harmony is reached when all companies in all countries use the same accounting method. From the standpoint of modelling the harmonization process. however, a different concept of harmony may be more useful. In this article, therefore, we posit a state of distributional harnzony in which, other things being equal, the expected distribution of accounting policy choices is the same in each country. In this theoretical state. the odds of selecting a given accounting method from those available for a particular financial statement item are identical for each country. A major advantage of this benchmark is that it provides a basis for distinguishing between two possibly conflicting components of the international harmonization process: between‐country harmonization and within‐country standardization.

A hierarchy of nested statistical models is then used to describe accounting policy choices made by companies with an international shareholding and registered in Europe, where the European Union has been involved in a program of accounting harmonization. The accounting policies analysed in depth in this article comprise the treatment of goodwill and accounting for deferred taxation. The results are compared with the comparability index method used previously in harmonization research studies.
A Study of Accountants' Judgments With Respect to the Provision of Consolidated Financial Statements
Authors: DAY RON , PSAROS JIM
Published: August 2005

The release of the Australian Accounting Standards Board AASB 1024. Consolidated Accounts. in September 1991 represents a fundamental shift in concept, criteria and approach. The Standard is based on the entity concept and adopts ‘capacity to control’ as the sole criterion for identifying related entities for the purpose of preparing consolidated financial statements. A conceptual (substance‐over‐form) approach is used to implement the control criterion. In essence, this approach requires accountants to make professional judgments about the existence of control based on the substance of group structures and arrangements rather than their legal form. Concerns about the subjectivity and possible variability of accountants' judgments cast some doubt on the operational effectiveness of the conceptual approach. In response to these concerns, this paper reports the results of an experiment that examines the consolidation judgments accountants make in response to a number of hypothetical scenarios. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to provide some insights into the likely quality and reliability of consolidation judgments under the conceptual approach adopted by AASB 1024. The results indicate that accountants can be expected to exhibit broad consensus in their consolidation judgments. In addition, an analysis of the variables suggests that the degree of share ownership is the most significant factor in making such judgments. Nevertheless, other factors including the composition of the board of directors, the existence of a special arrangement, and interactions with the other variables also proved to be significant. Overall, the study provides tentative support for the conceptual approach adopted in AASB 1024.
Do Japanese Analysts Overreact or Underreact to Earnings Announcements?
Authors: MANDE VIVEK , KWAK WIKIL
Published: August 2005

Several recent studies have used U.S. analysts' forecasts to test for underreaction or overreaction to information in earnings announcements. These tests have provided mixed results. Evidence in Mendenhall (1991) is that analysts underreact. By contrast. results in De Bondt and Thaler (1990) show overreaction by U.S. financial analysts to earnings announcements. The current study contributes to this topic by examining over/underreaction by Japanese financial analysts. Test results show that Japanese analysts do not overreact to earnings announcements, market to book ratios and sales growth. Instead. there is strong evidence that Japanese analysts underreact to earnings announcements and that their underreaction is more pronounced for firms with mostly permanent earnings. Our results also show that Japanese analysts display larger forecast biases for earnings reported under U.S. GAAP as opposed to Japanese GAAP. Finally, we find that US. analysts discount information in earnings announcements to a larger degree (relying to a greater extent on information in past prices instead) when compared to their Japanese counterparts. Further, in contrast to their Japanese counterparts, these analysts display no optimistic bias. The results above suggest that the impact of each country's unique culture and capital norms will have to be taken into account by policy makers in evaluating the feasibility of harmonization of accounting standards.
Why 1886? Historical Notes on the Passage of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act
Authors: FUNNELL WARWICK
Published: August 2005

The British 1866 Audit Act was the direct outcome of Gladstone's vision for public‐sector audit and the recommendations of the influential Select Committee on Public Monies in 1857. The Committee's recommendations to establish appropriation audits for all government departments received general approval on both sides of parliament. Its proposal to combine the Comptrollership of the Exchequer with the Board of Audit was not as well received. It was not until nearly a decade later that reform to give effect to the audit recommendations was finally brought about. A crucial factor in this delay was the resistance of Lord Monteagle to the abolition of the Comptrollership of the Exchequer.
An Experimental Market's Investigation of Discretionary Financial Disclosure
Authors: CHOW CHEE W. , HADDAD KAMAL , HIRST MARK
Published: August 2005

The extent to which market forces can induce full financial disclosure by managers has long been an issue of interest to regulators. Investigating this phenomenon with naturally occurring data produces a major obstacle: since managers' private information sets are unknown, it is necessary to make assumptions about them in order to interpret the nature (e.g., favourable or unfavourable, income increasing or income decreasing) of the information that is disclosed. The validity of the inferences relies critically on the validity of these assumptions.

The present study uses a laboratory experiment to test three hypotheses derived from prior analytical and empirical research: (H1) When disclosure costs are zero, managers voluntarily disclose all (good and bad) news; (H2) When disclosure costs are positive. managers only disclose news which exceeds some threshold: and (H3) The mandatory disclosure of non‐proprietary information induces an increase in the disclosure of correlated. proprietary information.

One hundred and fifty‐six subjects participated in markets with one firm manager and three investors. Over thirteen independent periods, the managers decided whether to truthfully disclose the liquidation value of the asset under their stewardship, and the investors submitted competing bids for the asset. With costless disclosure. investors price‐protected themselves when managers withheld information, but the price penalty that they imposed was insufficient to induce full disclosure. With positive disclosure cost, investors reduced the price penalty that they imposed for non‐disclosure, and managers disclosed proportionally fewer of the less extreme good news. Finally, mandatory disclosure of information had no significant impact on the voluntary disclosure of correlated proprietary information.

Discussion centres on our failure to support the (equilibrium) prediction from analytical research that full disclosure should obtain when disclosures are costless. Several limitations of the study are examined. and it remains an open question whether additional trials (periods) in the present study might have provided full disclosure.
The Commercialization of Government's Departmental Accounting (AAS 29): Quasi Rents and Public Welfare
Authors: AIKEN MAXWELL , MCCRAE MICHAEL
Published: August 2005

In the Australian public sector. departmental administrative reform is intent on producing lean. efficient. commercially orientated government entities. An accounting regulatory response is AAS 29.Financial Reporting for Governtizetzt Departments.which requires all government departments as reporting entities to adopt in principle much of the whole corpus of private sector accounting standards and statements including. importantly, current cost accounting. This paper explores the proposition that the commercialization of departmental accounting through AAS 29 or similar pronouncements is directly associated with a significant reduction in social and public welfare accountability. Accounting processes are powerful. value‐laden agents of social change. Benston (1980) states that ‘benefits (net of costs) of accounting standards to society’ cannot be measured but can be specified for individuals. Here. accounting outcomes are identified to be the residuals of economic policies to eliminate quasi rents in government. Standardization in AAS 29 rests on the assumption that rights and obligations beingequitiesof generations of participants can be periodically measured as A ‐L = E at current factor prices. This economic notion lacks cultural heritage in financial disclosure of continuing equities in government and may, for any generation of consumers. induce an excess of social costs over social benefits for the accounting standardization process under prevailing managerialist philosophies.
Conjectures on Colonial Accounting History in Australia
Authors: CRAIG RUSSELL , JENKINS SARAH
Published: August 2005

This article analyses three current conjectures regarding Australian accounting history between 1788 and 1817. All relate to double entry bookkeeping. First, that it was practised in Australia before 1817: second, that it was introduced to Australia by Lieutenant John Palmer. RN. in 1788: and third, that its teaching in Australia can be traced to the period 1804–6. Additional conjectures are proposed about the introduction of double entry bookkeeping to Australia and the identity of Australia's first double entry accountant. It is argued that the pioneering of double entry bookkeeping in the colony of New South Wales should not be located before 1810.
Genocide Prevention in the New Global Architecture
Authors: Etzioni Amitai
Published: August 2005

Where do future humanitarian interventions fit into the evolving post-9/11 new global architecture? To answer this question I ask: what are the main features of this architecture? In what directions is it propelled? Could these expected developments accommodate more forthcoming and more effective humanitarian interventions than we have seen in the past? And, in what ways would these future humanitarian interventions differ from past ones, so that they would both find a home in the new global architecture and be more effective? To proceed, the article first explores short and long-term developments in the role legitimacy plays in international relations; it then examines the new global order and its quest for enhanced legitimacy; and it then places humanitarian intervention within this changing context.
Relapsing acute transverse myelitis: a specific entity
Authors: Seifert T. , Enzinger C. , Ropele S. , Storch M. K. , Strasser‐Fuchs S. , Fazekas F.
Published: August 2005

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) not related to systemic disease may present in a relapsing manner. Data in the literature about this condition are scarce. We describe three patients suffering from relapsing myelitis in whom no association with systemic disease, i.e. infectious or connective tissue disease was found. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were also distinctly different from multiple sclerosis and consistent with a necrotizing type of inflammation. Despite various treatment strategies, all patients became severely disabled. Relapsing ATM not related to systemic disease appears to be a specific entity which accounts for severe disability and currently lacks effective treatment.