bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of treatment adherence in type 1 diabetes: a novel approach
Authors: Kitzler T. M. , Bachar M. , Skrabal F. , Kotanko P.
Published: February 2007

Background  Intensified insulin therapy requires outstanding compliance but no measure of therapy adherence has been agreed upon. The aim of the current study was to test the hypothesis that treatment adherence, as described by a novel multiple regression model, relates to glycosylated haemoglobin and hypoglycaemia frequency in type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, we sought to analyse the complex diurnal patterns of therapy adherence.

Materials and methods  Thirty type 1 diabetes patients (20 females and 10 males), treated with intensified insulin therapy, were studied in a retrospective manner. Patients were trained to follow treatment algorithms for adjusting regular insulin dosage which took into account the actual blood glucose, food intake and the time of the day. By means of multiple linear regression analysis, with regular insulin dosage as the dependent variable, blood glucose and food intake as the independent variables, the insulin treatment algorithms actually used by the individual patient were retrieved. The correlation between prescribed and implemented insulin therapy served as a measure of adherence. Metabolic control was assessed by glycosylated haemoglobin and hypoglycaemia frequency.

Results  Median glycosylated haemoglobin was 7·7% (range: 6·3–10·8); median monthly hypoglycaemia frequency was 3·8 (range: 0–9·8). Patients with good metabolic control (glycosylated haemoglobin < 7·7 and/or hypoglycaemia frequency < 3·8 per month) adhered to prescribed insulin dosing algorithms more frequently than those with poor metabolic control.

Conclusions  In patients with type 1 diabetes on intensified therapy a positive relationship between adherence to the therapy prescribed and metabolic control exists.
Bile synthesis in rat models of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Dikopoulos N. , Schmid R. M. , Bachem M. , Buttenschoen K. , Adler G. , Chiang J. Y. L. , Weidenbach H.
Published: February 2007

Background  A broad spectrum of hepatobiliary disorders are found in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of the present work was to study interactions between gut and liver in experimental rat models of colitis and small bowel inflammation.

Materials and methods  Colitis was induced either by trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid or dextran sodium sulphate. Small‐bowel inflammation was induced by indomethacin. Bile acid secretion, bile acid pool, and cholesterol 7‐α hydroxylase were studied. Cholesterol 7‐α hydroxylase protein expression was analysed in the microsomal liver fraction. As portal mediators released form the inflamed gut we measured lipopolysaccharide, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β in portal serum. The hepatic inflammatory response was evaluated by binding activity of nuclear factor‐κB, activator protein‐1 and α‐2‐macroglobulin.

Results  Increased bile acid secretion, total bile acid content in gut and liver (bile acid pool size), and hepatic cholesterol 7‐α hydroxylase protein and mRNA levels were found in the two colitis models associated with only a minor hepatic acute phase and cytokine response. In contrast, during indomethacin‐induced small‐bowel inflammation bile acid secretion, pool size, and cholesterol 7‐α hydroxylase decreased in parallel to a strong hepatic cytokine and acute phase response.

Conclusions  Colitis without portal cytokine release and acute phase reaction shows an induction of bile acid secretion, pool size, and cholesterol 7‐α hydroxylase. In contrast, intestinal inflammation after indomethacin treatment is associated with an acute phase response and a repression of bile acid synthesis.
Struggling for confirmation – patients’ experiences of dissatisfaction with hospital care
Authors: Eriksson Ulrika , Svedlund Marianne
Published: February 2007

Aim. The aim of the study was to illuminate patients’ experiences of dissatisfaction with hospital care.

Background. During the last decade, interest in measuring patient satisfaction has become an important indicator of the quality of care. Researchers have, however, criticized the concept theoretically and methodologically. Subsequently, researchers have increasingly argued that the focus of attention should shift to explore patient dissatisfaction.

Design. A qualitative approach.

Methods. Narrative interviews were conducted with six people who had experienced dissatisfaction during a hospital care episode. The interview text was analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results. The results show the patients’ struggle for confirmation, the feeling of distrust in health care and what they have been forced to sacrifice because of lack of treatment. A feeling of being a troublesome patient is also apparent. At the same time a positive encounter is described, as well as situations of confirmation from caregivers. The results also show hope and a will to get on with life.

Conclusions. Dissatisfaction relating to aspects of encounter is a common problem in health care and conceivable causes and possible solutions are discussed from different perspectives.

Relevance to clinical practice. Caregivers as well as patients are in need of confirmation. If management were to take notice of and confirm caregivers this could consequently help them to gain the strength and energy necessary to provide care permeated with confirmation. A veritable, trustworthy care can be established through personal presence. To take notice of, confirm and listen to patients, creates opportunities for providing them with a positive experience of human encounter, which in the long run is rewarding from all perspectives.
What does partnership in care mean for children's nurses?
Authors: Lee Polly
Published: February 2007

Aim and objective.  To explore partnership in care with a small sample of children's nurses in an inner city trust. (i) To obtain local data on what a sample of children's nurses understand by partnership in care and to what degree partnership in care is evident in their practice; (ii) where feasible, to compare these data with national and international literatures describing partnership in care and provide pointers that will be useful in contributing and responding to the children's national service framework.

Background.  Partnership in care has been practised within children's nursing in UK for over a decade, but is an amorphous topic. More recently, it has been suggested that partnership in care can be described as a part of the spectrum of family‐centred care. An exploratory study with 10 experienced children's nurses was undertaken to determine what they understood by the term partnership in care.

Results.  Seven categories emerged from the data: attitudes, respect for family, communication, parent understanding, effective partnership, all parties (satisfied) and improved well‐being.

Conclusion.  It is suggested that a negative approach to one of the first four categories leads to ineffective partnership in care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Attitudes, respect for the family and communication should improve to enhance the practice of partnership in care. Respect for the child and family and communication have both been identified as important qualities within the new National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services. Further research is suggested to determine the applicability of these findings to other members of the multi‐disciplinary team.
Time‐correlated single‐photon counting fluorescence lifetime confocal imaging of decayed and sound dental structures with a white‐light supercontinuum source
Authors: McCONNELL G. , GIRKIN J. M. , AMEER‐BEG S.M. , BARBER P. R. , VOJNOVIC B. , NG T. , BANERJEE A. , WATSON T. F. , COOK R. J.
Published: February 2007

We report the demonstration of time‐correlated single‐photon counting (TCSPC) fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to ex vivo decayed and healthy dentinal tooth structures, using a white‐light supercontinuum excitation source. By using a 100 fs‐pulsed Ti:Sapphire laser with a low‐frequency chirp to pump a 30‐cm long section of photonic crystal fibre, a ps‐pulsed white‐light supercontinuum was created. Optical bandpass interference filters were then applied to this broad‐bandwidth source to select the 488‐nm excitation wavelength required to perform TCSPC FLIM of dental structures. Decayed dentine showed significantly shorter lifetimes, discriminating it from healthy tissue and hard, stained and thus affected but non‐infected material. The white‐light generation source provides a flexible method of producing variable‐bandwidth visible and ps‐pulsed light for TCSPC FLIM. The results from the dental tissue indicate a potential method of discriminating diseased tissue from sound, but stained tissue, which could be of crucial importance in limiting tissue resection during preparation for clinical restorations.
On the complex three‐dimensional amplitude point spread function of lenses and microscope objectives: theoretical aspects, simulations and measurements by digital holography
Authors: MARIAN A. , CHARRIÈRE F. , COLOMB T. , MONTFORT F. , KÜHN J. , MARQUET P. , DEPEURSINGE C.
Published: February 2007

The point spread function is widely used to characterize the three‐dimensional imaging capabilities of an optical system. Usually, attention is paid only to the intensity point spread function, whereas the phase point spread function is most often neglected because the phase information is not retrieved in noninterferometric imaging systems. However, phase point spread functions are needed to evaluate phase‐sensitive imaging systems and we believe that phase data can play an essential role in the full aberrations' characterization. In this paper, standard diffraction models have been used for the computation of the complex amplitude point spread function. In particular, the Debye vectorial model has been used to compute the amplitude point spread function of ×63/0.85 and ×100/1.3 microscope objectives, exemplifying the phase point spread function specific for each polarization component of the electromagnetic field. The effect of aberrations on the phase point spread function is then analyzed for a microscope objective used under nondesigned conditions, by developing the Gibson model (Gibson & Lanni, 1991), modified to compute the three‐dimensional amplitude point spread function in amplitude and phase. The results have revealed a novel anomalous phase behaviour in the presence of spherical aberration, providing access to the quantification of the aberrations.

This work mainly proposes a method to measure the complex three‐dimensional amplitude point spread function of an optical imaging system. The approach consists in measuring and interpreting the amplitude point spread function by evaluating in amplitude and phase the image of a single emitting point, a 60‐nm‐diameter tip of a Near Field Scanning Optical Microscopy fibre, with an original digital holographic experimental setup. A single hologram gives access to the transverse amplitude point spread function. The three‐dimensional amplitude point spread function is obtained by performing an axial scan of the Near Field Scanning Optical Microscopy fibre. The phase measurements accuracy is equivalent to λ/60 when the measurement is performed in air. The method capability is demonstrated on an Achroplan ×20 microscope objective with 0.4 numerical aperture. A more complete study on a ×100 microscope objective with 1.3 numerical aperture is also presented, in which measurements performed with our setup are compared with the prediction of an analytical aberrations model.
Use of EBSD to identify phases in interdendrite region of a cast Zn–Al‐based alloy (ZA27)
Authors: TO S. , ZHU Y. H. , LEE W. B.
Published: February 2007

Electron backscattered Kikuchi diffraction methodology was used to identify phases in the interdendrite region of an alloy ZA27. Two Zn‐rich hexagonal close‐packed structure phases η and ɛ phases were distinguished using predetermined lattice parameters of the phases. In relation to studies of scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, electron backscattered diffraction results revealed that the Al‐rich precipitates of the α phase were from decomposition of the η′T, and the four‐phase transformation: α+ɛ→ T′+η, had occurred in the ɛ phase after ageing at 150°C for 8 h.
GENETIC STUDY: Dopamine receptor genes (DRD2, DRD3 and DRD4) and gene–gene interactions associated with smoking‐related behaviors
Authors: Vandenbergh David J. , O’Connor Richard J. , Grant Michael D. , Jefferson Akilah L. , Vogler George P. , Strasser Andrew A. , Kozlowski Lynn T.
Published: February 2007

Cigarette smoking, like many addictive behaviors, has a genetic component, and the dopamine D2‐like receptor genes (DRD2, DRD3 and DRD4) are candidates for contributing to these behaviors. Phenotypic information concerning smoking‐related behaviors from a nationally representative sample of research volunteers was analyzed for association with polymorphisms in these genes. Genotype status at the DRD2 intron 2 simple tandem repeat was related to cigarettes per day (P = 0.035) and heaviness of smoking index (P = 0.049). The presence of the glycine allele at the S9G polymorphism of the DRD3 gene was associated with frequency/quantity measures of smoking [log‐transformed time to first cigarette (P = 0.031) and heaviness of smoking index (P = 0.035)]. There was a trend for DRD4 long alleles of the variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism to be associated with reduced severity of three withdrawal symptoms [desire/craving (P = 0.054); anger/irritability (P = 0.10); and trouble sleeping (P = 0.068)]. Interactions between genotypes at all three genes were associated with nervousness (P = 0.020) and trouble sleeping (P = 0.015). An interaction between DRD2 and DRD3 was found for trouble concentrating (P = 0.020). These relationships present possible dopamine‐related responses to nicotine that warrant further study.
Blood donor derived dendritic cells and cytotoxic T cells for specific fusion‐gene adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Gallagher R. C. J. , Waterfall M. , Samuel K. , Turner M. L.
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives  Therapeutic immunological reagents tailored to individual patients have been shown to be a viable treatment strategy for some forms of leukaemia. This work investigates the possibility of using blood donations as a source of leukaemia‐specific immune therapeutics.

Materials and Methods  The acute promyelocytic cell line NB4 carrying the PML‐RARα fusion was used as a target for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) stimulated to recognize the fusion. Stimulation of CTL was by production of dendritic cells pulsed with plasmid vectors containing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐generated sequences of PML‐RARα derived from NB4 cells. PCR primer design included a Kozak consensus sequence to allow correct translation of the nucleic acid into protein. Identification of specific cytotoxicity was by both Granzyme B ELISPOT and by 51Cr‐release assays.

Results  Specific CTL activity targeting NB4 cells can be generated from donor‐derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, individual donors appear to respond differently to the length of stimulatory sequence encoded in the vector. Use of an internal methionine in the PML gene, which also satisfies the Kozak rules, allows translation in vitro and, thus, might provide a suitable start site for stimulation using acute promyelocytic leukaemia‐specific sequence.

Conclusion  The work presented here suggests that blood donor derived dendritic cells can be used to stimulate leukaemia‐specific CTL from the same donation ex vivo. This would enable the generation of patient‐specific therapeutics from major histocompatibility (MHC)‐matched allogeneic donors. However, different MHC‐matched donors might vary in their response depending on the length of the antigenic sequence.
NEW TYPE OF CASSETTE FOR BIOPSY SAMPLES
Authors: Okada Akiyoshi , Abe Takashi , Kawai Naoki , Mizutani Masayo , Tanabe Jun , Matsumoto Yuko , Noguchi Michihiko , Oka Kazumasa , Tsujimoto Masahiko , Kawano Sunao
Published: February 2007

Background:  Biopsy samples may be erroneously mixed up during endoscopic examination. Although the conventional cassette which we previously reported was opaque before the fixation, it was not hard to confirm biopsy specimens in the cassette after closing the cover because the cover of conventional cassettes used resin which was not resistant against alcohol and xylene, resulting in non‐transparent resin.

Materials:  We developed a new safety cassette for biopsy samples with a transparent cover in collaboration with ANQ (ANQ W‐BioTM; ANQ, Ashiya, Japan), and also developed an original plate that allows confirmation of the number of biopsy specimens.

Results:  Using the new cassettes, we can easily confirm the presence and numbers of biopsy specimens without opening the cover. It is not necessary to open the cover until we fix the biopsy specimens with paraffin. With this newly developed cassette, one can prevent the loss of biopsy specimens, as well as mix‐ups, facilitating work efficiency.

Conclusion:  We developed the new cassette for biopsy samples during endoscopic examination. With the cassette, we were able to confirm the number of biopsy specimens, and reconfirm them at each phase of processing. This new type of cassette for biopsy samples is useful and convenient in comparison to the conventional cassette.
SPONTANEOUS COLONIC HEMATOMA: ENDOSCOPIC APPEARANCE
Authors: Martins Dos Santos Marcus , Rodrigues Rodrigo , Tafarel Jean , Nakao Frank , Ferrari Angelo , Libera Ermelindo
Published: February 2007

Intramural colonic hematoma is a rare complication of anticoagulation therapy. We report a patient under therapy with acetylsalicylic acid, low‐molecular‐weight heparin and clopidogrel for unstable angina, who presented with massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to spontaneous intramural colonic hematoma, with unremarkable coagulation tests. Diagnosis was promptly made by colonoscopy, and the patient was successfully managed with a conservative approach, with complete resolution of symptoms after 7 days. This is the first report of spontaneous intramural colonic hematoma presumed to be related to acetylsalicylic acid, enoxaparin and clopidogrel.
EXAMINATION OF RESPIRATORY AND CIRCULATORY DYNAMICS DURING EXAMINATION USING A THIN GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPE IN ADVANCED‐AGE SUBJECTS
Authors: Niki Miyako , Nomura Masahiro , Yasuda Mitsugi , Torisu Ryusuke , Ito Susumu
Published: February 2007

Background:  Endoscopic examination influences cardiovascular hemodynamics. Upper gastrointestinal examinations are currently performed with a thin endoscope. In the present study, respiratory and circulatory dynamics and autonomic nervous activity using a thin endoscope (XP260) or a standard endoscope (XQ240) were investigated.

Methods:  The subjects were 25 healthy adults aged less than 60 years (middle‐aged group) and 15 healthy adults aged 60 years or older (advanced‐age group). Percutaneous oxygen saturation, tonometric blood pressure, heart rate, and autonomic nervous activity were evaluated before the examination. After the endoscopic procedure, a questionnaire survey regarding examination‐related stress was conducted.

Results:  In the questionnaire survey, the proportion of subjects who answered ‘very stress free’ in the thin endoscope group was significantly higher than that in the standard endoscope group. The low frequency power of blood pressure variability (LFBP), an indicator of sympathetic nervous activity, was significantly lower during the thin endoscopic procedure than during the standard endoscopic procedure. Moreover, the ratio of low frequency power to high frequency power of heart rate variability (LFRR/HFRR), an indicator of sympathetic nervous activity, was significantly lower during thin endoscopic procedure than during the standard endoscopic procedure. The maximum rates of change in the LFBP and HFRR powers in the advanced‐age group using thin and standard endoscopic procedures were significantly lower than in the middle‐aged group.

Conclusions:  The findings, although not in cross‐over study, suggest that a thin endoscope has a less marked influence on circulatory kinetics. Gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations using a thin endoscope might reduce complications related to endoscopic screening examinations in advanced‐age subjects.
SMALL EARLY GASTRIC CANCER OCCURRING IN A YOUNG WOMAN WITH NODULAR GASTRITIS
Authors: Kochi Shuji , Hirakawa Katsuya , Matsumoto Takayuki , Nakamura Shotaro , Sumiyoshi Kinjiro , Nakashima Yutaka , Hirahashi Minako , Kawasaki Masumi , Iida Mitsuo
Published: February 2007

We found a small gastric cancer in a 25‐year‐old woman with nodular gastritis. Endoscopically, the cancer was identified as a whitish area in the gastric antrum. There was also a miliary pattern in the gastric antrum and corpus. In addition, serology and histology revealed the patient to have been infected by Helicobacter pylori. Histological examination of the resected stomach showed that the cancer was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet‐ring cell restricted to the mucosal layer. In the surrounding mucosa, there were chronic inflammatory cell infiltrates and enlarged lymphoid follicles with germinal centers. Our case suggests that nodular gastritis may be at a high risk for the development of gastric cancer of poorly differentiated type.
Lymphatic vessel density, microvessel density and lymphangiogenic growth factor expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Duff S. E. , Jeziorska M. , Kumar S. , Haboubi N. , Sherlock D. , O'Dwyer S. T. , Jayson G. C.
Published: February 2007

Objective  Microvessel density (MVD) has been studied as a prognostic marker in human cancers. Quantification of lymphatic vessel density (LVD) is now possible by using new antibodies. Expression of the lymphangiogenic growth factors, VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D, is associated with poorer clinicopathological outcomes in various tumours. The aim of this study was to quantify LVD and MVD in colorectal cancer, determine the relationship between LVD, MVD and clinicopathological variables and examine the relationship between LVD and tumour expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D.

Method  Thirty primary colorectal cancers were immunostained for CD34, lymph vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor‐1 (LYVE‐1), VEGF‐A and VEGF‐D using standard techniques. LVD and MVD were determined by Chalkley grid counting. Tumours were assessed for the presence or absence of LYVE‐1 positive lymphatics at different areas within the tumour and the tumour was scored for VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D immunostaining intensity at the invading tumour edge. Non‐parametric tests were used for statistical analysis and a P‐value of <0.05 was taken as significant.

Results  Lymph vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor‐1 was an excellent lymphatic vessel marker. Within normal bowel wall, lymphatic vessels were found rarely in the superficial colonic mucosa, but were numerous in the submucosa and muscularis propria. In the majority of tumours, lymphatic vessels were located in the peri‐tumoural area, intra‐tumoural vessels were sparse and tended to be narrow with closed lumina. At the invading tumour edge, VEGF‐C expression was higher (P = 0.028) and VEGF‐D expression lower (P = 0.011), in tumours in which lymphatic vessels were present. No significant differences between LVD and any clinicopathological variable or route of metastasis were identified.

Conclusion  Lymphatic vessel density and MVD can be quantified in colorectal carcinoma using immunohistochemical techniques. The balance between expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D at the invading tumour edge may enhance lymphatic metastasis, by promoting tumour lymphangiogenesis or by activation of pre‐existing lymphatic vessels. No relationship was identified between LVD and clinicopathological variables.
Modified lateral orbitotomy for vision‐sparing excision of a zygomatic mucocele in a dog
Authors: Bartoe Joshua T. , Brightman Alan H. , Davidson Harriet J.
Published: February 2007

A 1‐year‐old Shar Pei presented for recent‐onset exophthalmos and right peri‐ocular facial swelling. Physical examination revealed the facial mass was of soft‐tissue consistency and nonpainful to the dog. Due to inability to retropulse the globe during ophthalmologic examination, it was suspected the mass had impinged into the orbit, resulting in rostral displacement of the globe. Anatomic location suggested the lesion was probably associated with the zygomatic salivary gland. Fine‐needle aspiration and subsequent cytological evaluation of fluid extracted from the facial mass was consistent with a diagnosis of zygomatic mucocele. Computed tomography imaging confirmed a single fluid‐filled mass was resulting in both the facial distention and the exophthalmos. A modified, lateral orbitotomy surgical approach was selected for excision of the lesion to provide ventral exposure to the orbit, while minimizing trauma to the globe and supporting structures. Histopathology of the excised lesion confirmed a diagnosis of zygomatic mucocele. This case demonstrates utilization of a modified lateral orbitotomy for effective surgical management of a zygomatic mucocele in a dog, with preservation of vision and absence of any significant postoperative complications.
Assessment of bacterial contamination of three multidose ophthalmic solutions
Authors: Betbeze Caroline M. , Stiles Jean , Krohne Sheryl G.
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective To investigate the frequency of bacterial contamination of multidose proparacaine hydrochloride, tropicamide, and eyewash bottles used in veterinary ophthalmology examination rooms during normal operating procedures.

Methods Three representative bottles each of proparacaine hydrochloride, tropicamide, and purified water eye wash were opened at the same time, numbered, and placed into small animal examination rooms. Doctors, students and technicians who were using the solutions were blinded to the study. Aerobic cultures were obtained at the time of opening (time 0), at 1 week (time 1), and at 2 weeks after opening (time 2) the bottles. The sites cultured included a drop of each solution, the inside of the bottle cap, the tip of the bottle, and the bottle threads and medication residue found in these threads.

Results Aerobic cultures of tropicamide and proparacaine had no growth of bacteria from any of the evaluated sites.Staphylococcus epidermidiswas cultured from the tip of one bottle of eye wash after 1 week.

Conclusions We conclude that proparacaine, tropicamide, and eyewash solutions used in veterinary examination rooms are adequately preserved for use in ophthalmic examination. They have a low level of bacterial contamination 1 or 2 weeks after opening when used and stored according to the recommendations of the product manufacturers and previous studies.
Assessing the prevalence, monitoring and management of chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes compared with those without diabetes in general practice
Authors: New J. P. , Middleton R. J. , Klebe B. , Farmer C. K. T. , De Lusignan S. , Stevens P. E. , O'Donoghue D. J.
Published: March 2007

Aims  To compare rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes and management of risk factors compared with people without diabetes using general practice computer records, and to assess the utility of serum creatinine and albuminuria as markers of impaired renal function.

Methods  The simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and stage of CKD. Further data were extracted to assess how effectively impaired renal function was being identified and how well potentially modifiable risk factors were being managed. The setting was 17 practices in Surrey, Kent and Greater Manchester (2003–2004). Participants were all patients with serum creatinine (SCr) recorded.

Results  Of the total population of 162 113, 5072 were recorded as having a diagnosis of diabetes, giving a prevalence of 3.1%. Of patients with diabetes, 31% had clinically significant CKD (defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2; CKD stages 3–5) compared with 6.9% of those without diabetes. Only 33% of patients with diabetes at CKD stage 3 had serum creatinine > 120 µmol/l. Of patients with diabetes with eGFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 63% had normoalbuminuria. Considering those with eGFR 30–60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 42% of people with diabetes were on an ACE inhibitor compared with 25% of those without diabetes; 32% of patients with diabetes who had any record of micro‐ or macroalbuminuria at CKD stage 3 were taking an ACE inhibitor. Of people with diabetes and hypertension (BP > 140/80 mmHg), 26% were not prescribed any hypertensive medication, regardless of level of CKD.

Conclusions  CKD is common in people with diabetes living in the community in the UK. The study found a similar rate of stage 3–5 CKD to that found previously in the USA. Currently used measures of renal function fail to identify CKD as effectively as eGFR. Risk factors for CKD and its progression are suboptimally managed.
Effects of financial constraints on corporate policies in Australia
Authors: Chang Xin , Tan Tek Jun , Wong George , Zhang Hongfeng
Published: February 2007

We jointly study the impact of financial constraints on Australian companies’ investment decisions and demand for liquidity. By examining a large sample of Australian firms over the period 1990–2003, we find that financial constraints not only reduce the sensitivity of investment to the availability of internal funds, but also increase the responsiveness of cash holdings to internally generated cash flows. Further analysis shows that the impact of financial constraints varies across different cash flow states; that is, financial constraints have a small effect on corporate investment and cash policies when cash flows are positive. In contrast, the severity of constraints is high in negative cash flow years in which the cost disadvantage of external finance coincides with deteriorating operating performance.
EASY CASES AND VALUE INCOMMENSURABILITY
Authors: Grimm Stephen R.
Published: February 2007

Several critics have denied value incommensurability – or the claim, roughly, that there is no common measure in terms of which values can be weighed – on the basis of what we might call the argument from easy cases. Although the argument from easy cases is quite popular, what is much less often discussed is what exactly the argument entails – in other words, what sort of further commitments the argument generates. Suppose we grant that easy cases point to the existence of a common measure. How then should we think about this common measure? What is its scope? How widely does it range? I attempt to clarify these questions and in the process evaluate the force of the argument from easy cases.
PRISONER'S MISTRUST
Authors: Kelly Erin I. , McPherson Lionel K.
Published: February 2007

The standard, non‐repeated prisoner's dilemma poses no true dilemma about rationality, we argue. What the prisoners ought rationally to do, unless they are selfless, depends on the relationship of trust that they have or lack with one another. This helps to diffuse the apparent conflict between individual and collective rationality. If the prisoners have reason to trust one another, pursuing a joint strategy would be rational for them. In the absence of trust, pursuing an individual strategy would be rational. The solution that is supposed to be puzzling – because each prisoner confessing is worse for both than the alternative on which both remain silent – is simply the rational solution for persons who have no reason to trust one another. Philosophers have been misled by the apparent availability of the better alternative. Collective rationality is not relevant for persons who do not stand in a trusting relationship. When they do, there is no unresolved conflict between their individual and collective points of view.1
HOW TO ANALYSE SUBSTANCE: A REPLY TO SCHNIEDER
Authors: Hoffman Joshua , Rosenkrantz Gary S.
Published: February 2007

In a recent issue of this journal, Benjamin Schnieder has presented an objection to the account of individual substance that we have developed and put to various uses in our works on metaphysics. According to Schnieder's objection, our proposal to analyse this notion of substantiality suffers from a special kind of circularity. In this paper, we give two replies to Schnieder's objection. The first is that a successful analysis is not, in fact, required to avoid the sort of circularity about which Schnieder complains. The second is that our analysis does not involve the alleged circularity.
Delusional parasitosis in dermatological practice
Authors: Szepietowski JC , Salomon J , Hrehorów E , Pacan P , Zalewska A , Sysa‐Jȩdrzejowska A
Published: February 2007

Background  The accurate incidence of delusional parasitosis (DP) is difficult to assess. The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency of DP treated by dermatologists, and to evaluate the treatment modalities they applied.

Material and methods  A specially designed questionnaire was distributed to 172 dermatologists. A total of 118 doctors responded (68.6% of all subjects). The dermatologists were asked to answer questions concerning demographic data of the respondents and the frequency of DP observed in their everyday practice. Finally, methods of treatment used by the dermatologists to help patients suffering from DP were evaluated.

Results  During the whole working period the majority of dermatologists participating in the survey (84.7%) had seen at least one patient with DP in their practice. About one‐third of the respondents (33%) had seen one or two cases of DP during the past 5 years, and 28% of the doctors treated from three to five such patients. Twenty‐three per cent of dermatologists declared that they had diagnosed no cases of DP during the past 5 years. The rest of our respondents had seen more than five cases of DP during the past 5 years, and 7% of the doctors reported seeing more than 10 patients with DP within this period. Almost 20% of the dermatologists were currently treating a patient with DP. Our data show that 40.7% of the respondents always ask and 28.8% often ask for a psychiatric opinion about their patients with DP. More experienced dermatologists statistically more frequently (P < 0.05) obtained a psychiatric opinion about their patients. Only a small group of dermatologists (15.3%) use their own pharmacological treatment. If they do so, they first use sedatives and anxiety‐relieving drugs.

Conclusion  DP is a quite common disorder, however not all dermatologists are sufficiently prepared to treat it. There is an urgent need for training on the dermatological approach to psychodermatoses.
Activities of Z‐ajoene against tumour and viral spreading in vitro
Authors: Terrasson Jerome , Xu Bo , Li Min , Allart Sophie , Davignon Jean‐Luc , Zhang Li‐he , Wang Kui , Davrinche Christian
Published: February 2007

Z‐ajoene is a garlic‐derived compound with known anti‐tumour properties. This report argues in favour of pro‐apoptotic and cell cycle blockage activities of Z‐ajoene on various cell lines involving activation of the p53‐family gene products, p53, p63 and p73, at indicated doses. According to its known anti‐proteasome activity, Z‐ajoene induced a downregulation of MHC‐class I expression at the surface of treated cells but did not impair their recognition by CD8+ T cells. We further demonstrated a new activity of Z‐ajoene against human cytomegalovirus spreading in vitro that was mediated by an increased number of apoptotic cells after infection. Altogether our data point at the ubiquitous efficiency of Z‐ajoene as a new compound to fight against cancers of various origins including those that put up viruses.
The comparative clinical performance of a new polyhexamethylene biguanide‐ vs a polyquad‐based contact lens care regime with two silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: Santodomingo‐Rubido Jacinto
Published: February 2007

Purpose:  To compare the clinical performance of a new polyhexamethylene‐biguanide (PHMB)‐ vs a polyquad‐based contact lens care regime with two silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Methods:  This study was a randomised, controlled and investigator‐masked (to the lens regimen) clinical study where the clinical performance of two multipurpose contact lens solutions was compared at a single site. Forty‐one existing contact lens wearers were recruited and fitted randomly with either galyfilcon A or lotrafilcon A contact lenses. Subjects wore the same lens type for a period of 2 months but used a different care regime (PHMB‐ and polyquad‐based) in a crossover manner, each for a period of 1 month. The primary outcome measure was the difference in corneal staining. Corneal staining was graded in five different locations: central, superior, inferior, temporal and nasal. Measurements of conjunctival redness, limbal redness, conjunctival staining and papillary conjunctivitis were also carried out throughout the study. Biomicroscopic measures were graded using the Efron grading scales. A variety of symptoms were also measured using a visual analogue scale.

Results:  There was no statistically significant difference in overall corneal staining between lens types (p = 0.16) or care regimens (p = 0.60). Central corneal staining was significantly greater for the polyquad‐based care regimen when compared with the PHMB‐based care regimen (p = 0.04). Lotrafilcon A lenses showed greater superior corneal staining (p = 0.0004) and papillary conjunctivitis (p = 0.02), and lower comfort on insertion (p = 0.03) when compared with galyfilcon A lenses regardless of the care regime used. There were no statistically significant differences in the other biomicrosopic signs and symptoms between the lens types and the care regimes.

Conclusions:  Both care regimes performed in a similar clinical manner and are valid for use with the two silicone hydrogel contact lenses used in this study.
Changes in the visual field following laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia
Authors: Lleó‐Pérez Antonio , Sanchis Gimeno Juan
Published: February 2007

Purpose:  To assess the changes of the visual field (VF) caused by transient intraocular pressure (IOP) peaks during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery for myopia using automated perimetry.

Methods:  This prospective study involved 94 eyes of 94 patients who underwent a conventional LASIK procedure. A complete eye examination was carried out in which the IOP measurement, and Humphrey 24‐2 SITA standard VF were tested prior to LASIK and 6 and 12 months after LASIK. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to their refractive error. VF global indices, Glaucoma Hemifield Test and the number of depressed points deviating at p < 5%, p < 2%, p < 1% and p < 0.5% on the Pattern Deviation probability maps were compared using the analysis of variance.

Results:  In the low myopia group, there were no significant differences in the analysed variables, except a slight decrease in mean deviation (MD) when comparing results prior to and 6 months following LASIK (p = 0.036; anova) that returned to baseline values at 12 months after surgery. In the moderate and high myopia group, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the variables analysed. No significant correlation was found between the transitory reduction in MD and any of the variables studied.

Conclusions:  In patients with low myopia, the VF undergoes a transitory increase in diffuse defects 6 months after surgery, with spontaneous recovery at 12 months after LASIK procedure. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
On the use of Orbscan II to assess the peripheral corneal thickness in humans: a comparison with ultrasound pachometry measures*
Authors: Jonuscheit Sven , Doughty Michael J. , Button Norman F.
Published: February 2007

Purpose:  To compare the measures of corneal thickness measurements obtained by an optical scanning slit method with those obtained by an ultrasound (US) pachometer, with special interest in the mid‐peripheral (2.5 mm from centre) and peripheral (4.5 mm from centre) region of the cornea.

Methods:  Three measures of corneal thickness were taken using Orbscan II and then by US pachometry (under topical anaesthesia with benoxinate 0.4%) on 24 adults, aged 20–58 years and with up to 8.5 D of myopia. The full Orbscan topography maps were used to extract single point data along the horizontal corneal meridian for the geometric centre, 2.5 mm from centre (nasal and temporal) and 4.5 mm (nasal and temporal) from centre. No correction factor was used for the Orbscan data. The same set of measures were made with the US pachometer. In all cases, the averages of three (centre) or six (mid‐periphery and periphery) readings were taken as the measurements from each cornea.

Results:  Orbscan readings on the right eyes averaged 0.576, 0.632 and 0.712 mm for central, mid‐peripheral and peripheral sites with average values for emmetropic subjects (<1 DS, n = 12) being marginally higher than for myopic subjects (average – 4.00 DS, n = 12). For US pachometry, the average values were however 0.522, 0.554 and 0.606 mm. Similar results were obtained on left eyes. Combining data from both eyes also showed that the mean difference between Orbscan II and US measures was not constant across the cornea, being 0.055 ± 0.014 mm at the centre, 0.080 ± 0.019 mm at mid‐peripheral locations and 0.107 ± 0.046 mm at the peripheral sites. These differences persisted after application of the generally recommended acoustic factor (×0.92) to all of the Orbscan readings.

Conclusions:  A single acoustic factor correction cannot be applied to all corneal thickness measures made with an Orbscan II to equate the measures to those made with an US pachometer.
Technical Note: Comparison of the wavefront aberrations between natural and pharmacological pupil dilations
Authors: Yang Yabo , Wu Fang
Published: February 2007

Ocular wavefront aberrations were tested with the wavefront‐supported corneal ablation (WASCA) aberrometer when the pupil was dilated naturally under scotopic illumination levels, and pharmacologically using tropicamide. Wavefront aberrations were measured across a 5‐mm pupil in one eye of each of 58 subjects. There was a significant difference in the pupil diameter between the scotopic and cycloplegic conditions (p < 0.001). For higher order aberrations (HOAs), no significant difference was found in Zernike coefficients between the scotopic and cycloplegic conditions. There was no significant difference in the spherical equivalent refraction. Accommodation can be neglected during the wavefront aberration measurement with the WASCA aberrometer. In view of the shift of the pupil centre caused by pharmacological pupil dilation, obtaining measurements under natural conditions rather than using mydriatics is recommended for customized laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery.
Technical Note: How many readings are required for an acceptable accuracy in pulsatile ocular blood flow assessment?
Authors: Yu Bibianna S. Y. , Lam Andrew K. C.
Published: February 2007

Purpose: Pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) assessment aids the diagnosis of ocular diseases with defective ocular haemodynamics, such as glaucoma. Although each successful POBF measure given by the instrument represents five ‘repeatable’ pulses, there has been no study verifying how repeatable they are. There is also no report on the minimal number of measurements for an acceptable accuracy.

Methods: Forty‐three healthy young subjects were recruited and each subject had five consecutive POBF measurements obtained from one randomly selected eye. The coefficient of variation was calculated from the raw data of the five ‘repeatable’ pulses. The average from five consecutive measurements was considered as the standard for comparison with the first, average of the first two, the first three and the first four measurements. The 95% limits of agreement were determined using the Bland and Altman approach.

Results: The coefficient of variation was greater than the manufacturer's claim of within 10%. The mean (±S.D.) POBF calculated from five consecutive measures was 732.5 ± 243.2 μL min−1. The mean (±S.D.) difference between the standard POBF and the first, average of the first two, the first three and the first four measurements was (inμL min−1): 12.5 ± 59.8, 7.8 ± 42.1, 9.6 ± 32.5 and 3.7 ± 19.6 respectively. The corresponding 95% limits of agreement were (inμL min−1): ±117.2, ±82.6, ±63.8 and ±38.4 respectively.

Conclusions: As the five ‘repeatable’ pulses were not as repeatable as the manufacturer claims, practitioners should not rely on one single POBF measure. An average of three consecutive measurements will be adequate to detect the minimum reported difference in POBF between glaucoma and normal patients.
The Making of a Japanese Avant‐Garde in Colonial Dairen, 1924–1937
Authors: Culver Annika A.
Published: March 2007

In this article, I discuss how the Manchurian port city of Dairen became a cultural center for Japanese avant‐garde literary and artistic production in the twenties and thirties. I examine the transnational flow of aesthetic and literary ideas between Tokyo and Dairen, and the economic and political factors enabling Japanese and Western avant‐garde movements to flourish in this peripheral outpost of the Japanese empire. Notably, Dairen was the cradle of the Japanese surrealist movement in poetry, and later, provided a venue for an active group of surrealist artists. Though distanced from Tokyo, the central cultural and political locus of a rapidly expanding Japanese empire, Dairen served as an important crossroads in northeast Asia for trade, culture, and political ideology. Born out of Russian and Japanese imperialism, the free port of Dairen and its cosmopolitan cultural environment supported the complex historical conditions prompting a multi‐faceted literary and aesthetic vision for the Japanese avant‐garde.
Assyrians, Judaeans, Pastoral Groups, and the Trade Patterns in the Late Iron Age Negev
Authors: Tebes Juan Manuel
Published: February 2007

This article gives a current reassessment of the evidence of trade between the Negev, Edom, and the Mediterranean in the Late Iron Age. To determine the characteristics of this trade pattern, textual (Assyrian, Biblical) and archaeological data – especially the distribution of Edomite wares in the Negev – are used to propose a model in which trade was controlled by the local nomadic pastoral groups.
Sport and Ethnicity in New Zealand
Authors: Watson Geoff
Published: March 2007

This article argues that the centrality of rugby as a key formulator of Pakeha ethnicity and agent of interracial integration has been contested in recent scholarly research. It further argues that although sport and ethnicity has been examined in some case‐studies and some general histories, to date we have no systematic scholarly assessment of the connections between sport and ethnicity in New Zealand. Our presently fragmented understanding of this issue reflects a wider problem within sports studies in New Zealand, namely the lack of any comprehensive study of the role of sport in New Zealand history.