bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of indocyanine green removal from blood can be used to predict the size of the area removed by radiofrequency ablation of hepatic nodules
Authors: Sato Shuichi , Miyake Tatsuya , Mishiro Tomoko , Furuta Kohichiro , Azumi Takane , Oshima Naoki , Takahashi Yoshiko , Rumi Mohammad A.K. , Ishihara Shunnji , Adachi Kyoichi , Amano Yuji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: June 2006

Background and Aim:  The size of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the liver can be negatively influenced by the surrounding blood flow. The indocyanine green (ICG) test can be used to evaluate the effective blood flow in the liver, and distance from the hilus can affect local blood flow. The aim of this study was to assess whether the ICG test or distance from the hilus could be used to predict the size of the ablated area in liver by RFA treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules.

Methods:  The RFA measurements of 44 HCC nodules in 39 patients were retrospectively studied. Cases were included if they met the following criteria: (i) no catheter treatment before RFA; (ii) no movement of the RFA device; (iii) strict ablation time; and (iv) only one ablation. In all patients, ICG‐R15 testing was done immediately before RFA and the initial therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by dynamic computed tomography scanning 2–5 days after RFA. The correlation between the maximum size of the RFA area and the ICG test results or the distance of the target area from the hilus (site of first portal vein divergence) were analyzed statistically.

Results:  The ICG‐R15 result was significantly correlated with the maximum diameter of the ablated area both in 2 cm‐electrode tip length (R2 = 0.35, P = 0.0012), and in 3 cm‐tip length (R2 = 0.26, P = 0.0377). Multiple‐regression analysis showed that the electrode tip length (P = 0.0010) and ICG‐R15 (P = 0.0046) were independent factors that could predict the maximum diameter of the RFA area.

Conclusion:  The results of ICG testing can be used to predict the size of the area that will be ablated at a target liver site before RFA treatment.
Increased lipid peroxidation in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic hepatitis C as measured by the plasma level of 8‐isoprostane
Authors: Konishi Masayoshi , Iwasa Motoh , Araki Jun , Kobayashi Yoshinao , Katsuki Akira , Sumida Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Naoki , Kojima Yuji , Watanabe Shozo , Adachi Yukihiko , Kaito Masahiko
Published: June 2006

Background:  Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. The plasma level of 8‐isoprostane, a product of lipid peroxidation, is a marker of oxidative stress in vivo. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether the degree of lipid peroxidation, as measured by the plasma level of 8‐isoprostane, influences the progression of chronic liver diseases and hepatocarcinogenesis.

Methods:  Plasma 8‐isoprostane levels were investigated in 14 patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 75 with chronic hepatitis C (CH‐C), 14 with cured CH‐C, 14 with HCV‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC‐C) and 38 healthy volunteers. 8‐Isoprostane was measured by enzyme immunoassay after affinity column purification.

Results:  Plasma 8‐isoprostatne was significantly elevated in NAFLD (11.9 [3.8–56.8] pg/mL), CH‐C (10.1 [4.2–134.5] pg/mL) as compared to controls (6.3 [3.6–11.1] pg/mL). Plasma 8‐isoprostane values were positively correlated with body mass index in NAFLD (P < 0.05) and with total cholesterol in cured CH‐C (P < 0.01). 8‐Isoprostane levels were not significantly related to sex, age, biochemical data or iron metabolism markers in all liver diseases. In addition, after the administration of peg‐interferon, the values of 8‐isoprostane improved in almost all patients, reaching values of healthy subjects.

Conclusions:  8‐Isoprostane values are elevated in patients with NAFLD and CH‐C as compared to healthy controls. Oxidative stress caused by increased lipid peroxidation is involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and CH‐C.
Risk factors for liver transplantation waiting list mortality
Authors: Fink Michael A , Berry S Roger , Gow Paul J , Angus Peter W , Wang Bao‐Zhong , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan , Christophi Christopher , Jones Robert M
Published: June 2006

Background and Aim:  The gap between the demand for liver transplantation and organ donation rates has a major impact on waiting list mortality. Understanding the risk factors that predict liver transplant waiting list death may help optimize organ allocation policy and reduce waiting list deaths.

Methods:  We analyzed risk factors associated with waiting list mortality in the Liver Transplant Unit Victoria for the period 1988 through 2004.

Results:  The mean annual waiting list mortality for the period examined was 10.2% (10.6% for adult and 6.4% for pediatric patients). Factors associated with waiting list death included female sex, fulminant hepatic failure, primary non‐function, blood group O, more urgent United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)‐derived medical status, a Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) score ≥11, a model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥20, and a pediatric end‐stage liver disease score ≥20. UNOS‐derived medical status, CTP class, and MELD score were significant at the multivariate level.

Conclusions:  Disease severity scores, such as MELD, predict the risk of liver transplantation waiting list mortality. Use of such scores in organ allocation in Australian liver transplant units may result in reduced waiting list mortality.
GABRA6 genetic polymorphism is associated with the risk of functional heartburn in Chinese
Authors: Lee Yi‐Chia , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Chiu Han‐Mo , Huang Shih‐Pei , Liao Shih‐Cheng , Chen Ming‐Fong , Lin Jaw‐Town , Wu Ming‐Shiang
Published: June 2006

Background and Aim:  Polymorphisms of GABAAα6 (GABRA6)‐1521 and IL‐1β‐511 have been linked with susceptibility to stress and gastric acid secretion. The aim of this study was to assess psychiatric profiles and GABRA6 and IL‐1β genotypes in functional heartburn, an important esophageal reflux condition.

Methods:  Psychological symptoms were assessed with a Brief Symptom Rating Scale and personality traits with a short‐form Maudsley Personality Inventory. DNA from 452 healthy controls, 80 controls with neurosis, and 122 patients with functional heartburn was genotyped with PCR‐RFLP technique.

Results:  Symptom‐scale parameters (except hostility) were significantly higher in patients with functional heartburn than in healthy controls; their neuroticism scores were also higher, but extroversion scores were lower. Distribution of GABRA6 genotypes in patients with functional heartburn showed more heterozygotes than among healthy controls and neurotic subjects, but distributions of IL‐1β genotypes were similar. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed GABRA6 heterozygosity was significantly associated with functional heartburn (odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–4.12; P < 0.01) even after adjustment for age, sex, Helicobacter pylori infection, General Symptom Index, and score of neuroticism.

Conclusions:  Chinese patients with certain psychiatric characteristics and GABRA6 heterozygosity are probably predisposed to functional heartburn, providing insight into this condition’s psychopathology and genetics.
Gastric emptying time of fluids and solids in healthy subjects determined by 13C breath tests: influence of age, sex and body mass index
Authors: Hellmig Stephan , Von Schöning Florian , Gadow Christof , Katsoulis Stavros , Hedderich Jürgen , Fölsch Ulrich Robert , Stüber Eckhard
Published: June 2006

Background and Aim:  Disturbance of gastric emptying leads to a variety of symptoms. Furthermore, gastric motility disorders might play a role in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia. In previous studies 13C breath tests were validated as non‐invasive tools in the measurement of gastric emptying time. So far, reliable reference values of healthy subjects are missing and the impact of constitutional traits (age, sex, body mass index [BMI]) needs to be clarified.

Methods:  A study was conducted in 90 healthy individuals (45 men, 45 women) that assessed the correlation of parameters of gastric emptying (half gastric emptying time [T1/2] and time of fastest gastric emptying [Tlag]) with age, sex and BMI for fluid and solid test meals by 13C breath tests. 100 mg of sodium acetate or sodium octanoate, respectively, were used as tracers. Breath probes were analyzed by non‐dispersive infrared spectroscopy.

Results:  The mean ± SD of half gastric emptying time (T1/2) of a fluid test meal was determined to be 80.5 ± 22.1 min and for Tlag to be 40.3 ± 10.2 min. However, the T1/2 and Tlag of solid meals did not fit to normal distribution and thus median and percentiles were determined. The median time of T1/2 for solids was 127 min (25–75% percentiles: 112.0–168.3 min) and 81.5 min for Tlag (25–75% percentiles: 65.5–102.0 min). No significant correlation was found between gastric emptying and age, sex or BMI.

Conclusion:  This is the first study to examine gastric emptying in an adequate number of healthy subjects by 13C breath tests. No significant correlation was found with age, sex and BMI. Although there is considerable standard deviation in gastric emptying time, these results may nevertheless serve as reference values for further studies.
Hepatic arterial flow becomes the primary supply of sinusoids following partial portal vein ligation in rats
Authors: Yokoyama Yukihiro , Wawrzyniak Andrew , Sarmadi Amir M , Baveja Rajiv , Gruber Helen E , Clemens Mark G , Zhang Jian X
Published: June 2006

Background and Aim:  Partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) is a commonly used procedure to induce prehepatic portal hypertension in animal models. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the hepatic arterial flow becomes the primary source feeding the sinusoids in the liver after PPVL.

Methods:  Sprague–Dawley rats underwent either sham operation or partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). The number of vessels in the liver at 2 weeks postoperatively was determined by factor VIII immunolocalization and the gene expression of angiogenic factors was assessed by RT‐PCR. The total hepatic arterial supply to the liver was measured using the fluorescent microsphere injection technique. To further test the hypothesis, two additional groups of rats underwent hepatic artery ligation (HAL) or PPVL plus HAL (PPHAL). The integrity of hepatic microcirculation was then evaluated in all four groups by intravital microscopy.

Results:  At 2 weeks after operation, the number of vessels detected by factor VIII staining was significantly higher in PPVL compared to sham. Densitometric analysis of RT‐PCR bands revealed a significant increase of vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression in PPVL compared to sham. Arterial flow to the liver measured by fluorescent microspheres was increased by 190% in PPVL compared to sham. When all four groups were compared, no prominent histological abnormality was observed in sham, HAL, and PPVL groups; however, PPHAL livers showed focal necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration around the portal triads. Additionally, only the PPHAL livers showed a decreased sinusoidal diameter and significantly lower perfusion index (PPHAL 42.9 ± 6.1; sham 85.7 ± 7.0, PPVL 80.2 ± 6.5, HAL 70.9 ± 4.5).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that the hepatic artery flow becomes the primary source for the blood supply of sinusoids and the compensatory change in the hepatic arterial system plays a critical role in maintaining microcirculatory perfusion following the restriction of the portal vein flow by PPVL.
Factors influencing the prevalence of gallstones in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Yong , Liu Dapeng , Ma Qingyong , Dang Chengxue , Wei Wei , Chen Wuke
Published: June 2006

Background and Aims:  To investigate the prevalence of gallstone disease in Chinese patients with liver cirrhosis and to identify risk factors for cholelithiasis.

Methods:  Blood samples were tested and ultrasonographic examination of the upper abdomen was conducted to observe the prevalence of gallstones in 90 compensated cirrhotic patients (Child–Pugh A), 180 decompensated cirrhotic patients (Child–Pugh B, C) and 300 controls. Risk factors for gallstone formation (age, sex, pregnancy, family history) and the characteristics of liver cirrhosis (Child class, inside diameter of portal vein), and gallbladder (wall thickness) were assessed.

Results:  Gallstones were found more often in cirrhotic patients (23.7%) than in controls (7.33%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of gallstones in decompensated cirrhotic patients was higher than that of the compensated cirrhotic patients (P < 0.001). Advanced age, female sex, family history of gallstones, gallbladder wall thickness 4 mm or greater and inside diameter of portal vein 13 mm or greater were significantly associated with gallstone disease in patients with liver cirrhosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (P < 0.001), sex (P = 0.0005) and thickness (4 mm or greater) of the gallbladder wall (P = 0.0064) were independently associated with gallstone disease in such patients.

Conclusions:  This study confirms the high prevalence of cholelithiasis in liver cirrhosis. Age and sex are risk factors for gallstones and gallbladder wall thickness could be an additional risk factor for the development of gallstone in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Safer endoscopic gastric mucosal resection: Preoperative proton pump inhibitor administration
Authors: Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Kato Naoyuki , Maehata Tadateru , Okamoto Masaru , Tsuda Takashi , Hattori Santa , Yamauchi Shunichi , Fujita Kazuhiko , Baba Satoshi , Nakaya Shinichi , Inaba Hiroyuki , Kitajima Satoshi , Suzuki Michihiro , Niwa Hirohumi , Itoh Fumio
Published: June 2006

Background and Aim:  Control of bleeding is crucial in improving the safety of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and intragastric acidity has a great impact on hemostasis and blood coagulation. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are potent suppressors of gastric acid; however, PPI need to be continuously administered orally for several days, and thus initial effects may be insufficient if PPI is only administered immediately after EMR. The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative administration of PPI prior to EMR can elevate intragastric acidity, facilitate better control of intraoperative bleeding (complete coagulation and hemostasis), prevent postoperative bleeding, and facilitate healing of artificial ulcers.

Methods:  A randomized clinical study was conducted in which EMR was performed with or without 1 week of preoperative PPI administration.

Results:  Artificial ulcers created by EMR healed more rapidly in patients who received preoperative PPI.

Conclusions:  The results of the study suggest that preoperative administration of PPI before EMR is useful for controlling and preventing bleeding, and for facilitating the healing of artificial ulcers.
Influence of overweight and obesity on upper endoscopic findings
Authors: Kim Hong Joo , Yoo Tae Woo , Park Dong Il , Park Jung Ho , Cho Yong Kyun , Sohn Chong Il , Jeon Woo Kyu , Kim Byung Ik
Published: June 2006

Background:  In previous studies, increasing body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was related to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, such as frequent vomiting, upper abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. However, there have been no reports about the relationship between increasing BMI and abnormal upper endoscopic findings such as gastritis or ulcer.

Methods:  The study group consisted of 27 319 individuals who underwent medical checkup at a healthcare center from 1 January to 31 December 2003. The following classification of BMI was applied. (i) underweight; BMI < 18.5; (ii) normal weight; 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25.0; (iii) overweight; 25.0 ≤ BMI < 30.0; and (iv) obese; BMI ≥ 30.0. The subjects were grouped according to the findings of upper endoscopy as follows: group 1, those with erosive gastritis, gastric ulcers (benign and malignant) and duodenal ulcers; group 2, those with reflux esophagitis; and group 3, those with findings of upper endoscopy other than group 1 and group 2.

Results:  The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 2.2% and 30.5%, respectively. By multivariate analyses, overweight (OR 1.31, 95% CI; 1.22–1.40, P = 0.000) and obesity (OR 1.40, 95% CI; 1.14–1.72, P = 0.001) were significant contributors of group 1. Overweight (OR 1.61, 95% CI; 1.42–1.83, P = 0.000) and obesity (OR 2.23, 95% CI; 1.59–3.11, P = 0.000) were also significant contributors of group 2.

Conclusions:  In the general population, increasing BMI was associated with abnormal upper endoscopic findings, such as erosive gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and reflux esophagitis. Clarification of the cause‐and‐effect relationships and the mechanisms of these associations require further investigation.
Serum levels of stem cell factor and thrombopoietin are markedly decreased in fulminant hepatic failure patients with a poor prognosis
Authors: Okumoto Kazuo , Saito Takafumi , Onodera Motoyuki , Sakamoto Ayuka , Tanaka Mamiko , Hattori Etsuko , Haga Hiroaki , Ito Jun–Itsu , Sugahara Kazuhiko , Saito Koji , Togashi Hitoshi , Kawata Sumio
Published: June 2006

Background and Aim:  Hematopoietic growth factors including stem cell factor (SCF), thrombopoietin (TPO) and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) have a potential role in inducing bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells to move into the circulation, and the association of these factors with liver regeneration has received a lot of attention recently. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of such factors in patients with acute liver injury.

Methods:  The subjects were 25 patients with acute hepatitis (AH) who had a favorable prognosis and 26 patients with fulminant hepatitis (FH), of whom 11 were alive and 15 had died. Sixty‐six healthy subjects matched for age and sex served as controls. Serum samples were collected before treatment, and the levels of SCF, TPO and G‐CSF were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assays.

Results:  The levels of SCF and TPO were significantly lower in FH patients than in AH patients and the controls, and were also significantly lower in the FH patients who died, compared to the surviving patients. The G‐CSF levels did not differ among them.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that low serum levels of SCF and TPO may be linked to poor prognosis in patients with severe liver injury.
Clinical usefulness of CYFRA 21‐1 for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in radiation therapy
Authors: Wakatsuki Masaru , Suzuki Yoshihiko , Nakamoto Soken , Ohno Tatsuya , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Kiyohara Hiroki , Kiyozuka Makoto , Shirai Katsuyuki , Nakayama Yuko , Nakano Takashi
Published: June 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to examine the clinical usefulness of cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA 21‐1) compared with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen in patients with esophageal cancer treated with radiation therapy.

Methods:  Fifty‐one patients with stage I–IV esophageal cancer were evaluated. CYFRA 21‐1 and SCC antigen serum levels were measured at the start and the end of radiation therapy.

Results:  CYFRA 21‐1 (>3.5 ng/mL) and SCC antigen (>1.5 ng/mL) before radiation therapy were elevated in 63% and 53% of the patients, respectively. The CYFRA 21‐1 levels were significantly correlated with TNM stages, tumor depth and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0003, P = 0.019 and P = 0.019, respectively), whereas no correlation was observed between SCC antigen and these factors. The values of CYFRA 21‐1 in all patients who survived without recurrence were under the cutoff level at the end of treatment, but the values in all patients with locoregional recurrence were above the level. However, there was no significant correlation between SCC antigen level at the end of treatment and any clinical outcome.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that the evaluation of CYFRA 21‐1 would be useful not only for assessment before radiation therapy but also for monitoring after radiation therapy in the treatment for esophageal cancer.
Cyanoacrylate in the treatment of gastric varices complicated by multiple pulmonary emboli
Authors: Alexander S. , Korman M. G. , Sievert W.
Published: June 2006

Bleeding gastric varices are increasingly being obliterated with the aid of endoscopic injection of n‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate (histoacryl) diluted with lipiodol. This glue acts as a tissue adhesive that polymerizes on contact with blood in a gastric varix. Severe glue pulmonary embolism is a rare complication of injection therapy. This case involves a 52‐year‐old man with fundal gastric varices, who developed multiple pulmonary emboli following glue injection with profound hypoxia requiring hospital admission for 13 days, but with eventual recovery of normal lung function.
Temporal trends in major angioplasty complications: technical issues and the case for on‐site coronary surgery
Authors: Mishra K. J. , Sage P. R. , Philpott A. C. , Zeitz C. J. , Horowitz J. D.
Published: June 2006

The need for on‐site cardiac surgery has been a component of guidelines for the practice of elective and emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, proportions of cases requiring emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) post‐PCI have fallen. This audit of complications of PCI confirms the very low incidence of need for emergency CABG, despite increasingly complex PCI caseload. Although the availability of stents/antiplatelet pharmacotherapy probably has contributed to improved PCI outcomes, the avoidance of emergency CABG is not contingent on either extensive use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or strategies of universal stenting.
Nocturnal hypoxia in motor neuron disease is not predicted by standard respiratory function tests
Authors: Winhammar J. M. C. , Joffe D. , Simmul R. , Schoeffel R. , Kiernan M. C. , Rowe D. B.
Published: June 2006

Background: With increasing awareness of motor neuron disease (MND) in Australia, the approach to respiratory management of patients with this disease will more commonly face the respiratory physician.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if standard respiratory function tests could determine the presence of nocturnal hypoxia (NH) in patients with MND.

Methods: Respiratory function tests were used to examine daytime respiratory function, and sleep studies were used to detect NH in 16 consecutive patients with MND and in 9 healthy control subjects. Demographic data, clinical parameters, respiratory function tests and sleep studies were obtained. Statistical analyses were carried out using t‐tests and anova, where appropriate.

Results: NH was detected in 50% of patients with MND, with no hypoxic events detected in the control group. Standard respiratory function tests were not able to predict the presence of NH.

Conclusion: There was no correlation between respiratory function tests and NH. This study emphasizes the inability of standard respiratory function tests to predict NH that may arise early in the course of MND.
Outcomes of patients with interstitial lung disease referred for lung transplant assessment
Authors: Reed A. , Snell G. I. , McLean C. , Williams T. J.
Published: June 2006

Background: Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) very frequently die before the opportunity to receive lung transplantation (LTx). This retrospective study describes the clinical course of 86 patients with ILD referred for LTx assessment between January 1999 and December 2002.

Aims: (i) To describe the outcomes, (ii) to identify reasons of delay to transplantation, (iii) to describe the causes of death/complications and (iv) to assess the pathological diagnosis and concordance with explanted lung pathology.

Methods: Data were collected from the case notes of all patients with ILD referred to the Alfred Hospital over a 4‐year period.

Results: Twenty women and 66 men, mean age of 55 ± 8 years, were referred for LTx assessment. Forty‐five patients were deemed not suitable for LTx and 41 were listed. Twenty‐two patients underwent transplantation, 16 died on the waiting list and 7 are still on the waiting list. Complications were frequent (e.g. pulmonary embolism, malignancy and infection) and carried high mortality. Patients dying on the waiting list appeared generally to be in accelerated decline, dying shortly after listing, with no evidence in their lung function test assessment predicting them as a poor prognosis group.

Conclusions: Serious complications and death on the waiting list of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are high, not apparently because of delayed referral but usually in patients undergoing very rapid decline.
Quinine‐induced renal failure as a result of rhabdomyolysis, haemolytic uraemic syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Lim A. K. H. , Ho L. , Levidiotis V.
Published: June 2006

This report describes a case of quinine‐induced acute renal failure as a result of a combination of haemolytic uraemic syndrome and rhabdomyolysis with disseminated intravascular coagulation. The abrupt onset of symptoms occurred after ingestion of 300 mg of quinine along with atorvastatin. The patient recovered with supportive management, suggesting that plasma exchange may not be necessary in this situation. The possibility of a drug interaction contributing to rhabdomyolysis is raised. The proposed mechanism is through quinine inhibition of the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 3A4, which may increase systemic levels of atorvastatin by reducing its first‐pass metabolism.
Near infrared spectroscopy monitoring during pediatric aortic coarctation repair
Authors: BERENS RICHARD J. , STUTH ECKEHARD A. , ROBERTSON FREDERICK A. , JAQUISS ROBERT D. , HOFFMAN GEORGE M. , TROSHYNSKI TODD J. , STAUDT SUSAN R. , CAVA JOSEPH R. , TWEDDELL JAMES S. , BERT LITWIN S.
Published: June 2006

Background:  Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measures regional tissue oxygenation continuously and noninvasively and may allow assessment of changes in regional perfusion in real time.

Methods:  We used NIRS monitoring to track real‐time changes in regional oxygenation (rSO2) above and below the aortic cross‐clamp in patients undergoing aortic coarctation repair and routinely stored these data in an operative electronic data base. This allowed us to analyze the changes in rSO2 during aortic coarctation repair for three pediatric age groups (neonates, infants <1 year, and children >1 year).Two site [cerebral (rSO2‐C) and somatic thoracodorsal (rSO2‐S)] rSO2 monitoring was performed in patients undergoing aortic coarctation repair. Data for rSO2 were analyzed across sites and age groups before, during and after cross‐clamp.

Results:  Twenty‐six patients were available for analysis (11 neonates, 5 infants and 10 children). The regional oxygenation below the cross clamp (rSO2‐S) declined significantly in all three age groups, but the decrease in neonates and infants <1 year of age was significantly greater than in the older children.

Conclusions:  Monitoring rSO2‐S provides real‐time trend information of regional oxygenation below the aortic cross‐clamp. The decline in rSO2‐S during aortic cross‐clamp was rapid and large in most neonates and young infants <1 year which suggests impairment of regional perfusion presumably because of a lack of adequate collateral circulation to the monitored regional tissue. In contrast, the rSO2‐S changed only to a minor degree in most infants and children >1 year, possibly because they had time to develop a more adequate collateral circulation around incomplete aortic obstruction.
Comparison of the effects of topical administration of a fixed combination of dorzolamide–timolol to monotherapy with timolol or dorzolamide on IOP, pupil size, and heart rate in glaucomatous dogs
Authors: Plummer Caryn E. , MacKay Edward O. , Gelatt Kirk N.
Published: June 2006

Objective To determine whether the combination multiple‐dose dorzolamide–timolol administered topically has any greater effects on the reduction of intraocular pressure, pupil size, and heart rate in dogs with glaucoma than do either timolol or dorzolamide alone.

Procedure Applanation tonometry, pupil size, and heart rate measurements were made at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. daily of 12 laboratory Beagles with inherited primary open‐angle glaucoma during each active phase of this study. Timolol 0.5% was administered first twice daily for 4 consecutive days. Dorzolamide 2.0% was administered next three times daily for 4 consecutive days. The fixed combination of the two (timolol 0.5% and dorzolamide 2.0%) was administered twice daily for 4 consecutive days during the final week of the study. Between administration of each drug, a withdrawal period of at least 10 days was instituted. Statistical comparisons between the effects of the three drugs were performed.

Results Intraocular pressure (IOP) was decreased with the administration of all three drugs: timolol alone, dorzolamide alone, and the combination of the two decreased IOP after 1 day of treatment 2.83 ± 0.70 mmHg, 6.47 ± 0.32 mmHg, and 6.56 ± 0.37 mmHg, respectively. After 4 days of treatment, the IOP decreased even further: timolol alone, dorzolamide alone, and the combination of the two decreased IOP 3.75 ± 0.88 mmHg, 7.50 ± 0.29 mmHg, and 8.42 ± 0.58 mmHg, respectively. Heart rate was significantly decreased with timolol (−11.9 ± 2.0 bpm) and the combination preparation (−8.6 + 2.4 bpm), but not with dorzolamide (−3.7 ± 1.8 bpm) alone. Pupil size was significantly decreased with timolol (−1.42 + 0.40 mm) and the combination preparation (−1.3 + 0.33 mm), but not with dorzolamide (0.97 ± 0.36 mm) alone.

Conclusions The combination dorzolamide–timolol appears to be more effective at reducing intraocular pressure in glaucomatous dogs than is either timolol or dorzolamide alone.
Feline conjunctival hemangioma and hemangiosarcoma: a retrospective evaluation of eight cases (1993–2004)
Authors: Pirie Chris G. , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: June 2006

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate feline primary conjunctival vascular tumors of endothelial origin. Eight cases (six hemangiomas, two hemangiosarcomas) from a collection of 3460 feline submissions between 1993 and 2004 were evaluated using routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Signalment, location, size, duration, epithelial pigmentation, margins, adjuvant therapy, outdoor activity, and geographic location, comparing ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels by state, were recorded. Follow‐up information was available for five cases. In this study, the average age was 10.6 years, with neutered males over‐represented. The Domestic Short‐haired cat was most commonly affected. The most common anatomic site was the nictitating membrane, with the left eye preferentially affected. The average size and duration, prior to presentation, was 7.5 mm and 4.4 months, respectively. Seven of eight cases were devoid of epithelial pigmentation in nonaffected areas and the majority of cases were from states with high annual UV‐light exposure. Only cases of hemangiosarcoma underwent surgical re‐excisions following incomplete excision; however, no further recurrences were reported. No cases evaluated had evidence of metastatic disease at the time of excision. Surgical excision alone may be curative. However, recurrence is possible. These tumors demonstrate similar predilection sites and involvement of nonpigmented epithelium, as is true in canine cases, which may relate to risk factors as well.
Primary closure of the corneas of two Great Horned owls after resection of nonhealing ulcers
Authors: Gionfriddo Juliet R. , Powell Cynthia C.
Published: June 2006

Two Great Horned owls were presented to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of corneal lesions. Each bird had a corneal ulcer and bullous keratopathy. Following unsuccessful attempts at medical and surgical management, the corneal defects in each bird were treated with penetrating keratoplasties and conjunctival pedicle grafts. In each bird the cornea healed well and regained approximately its normal shape. Both birds fully recovered and have been released into the wild.
A true and fair view of the principles/rules debate
Authors: Alexander David , Jermakowicz Eva
Published: June 2006

The nature of ‘reality’ in the context of financial reporting is, at best, a generally agreed, inter‐subjective human construction. This article considers the nature, and alternative perceptions, of the notions of principles and rules, exploring the idea of true and fair view presentation as a meaningful requirement in its own right, and as an override. An overview of the standard setting process in the United States from the historical perspective identifies factors fostering the rules‐based accounting system. We then analyse recent developments in the United States regarding the adoption of a principles‐based accounting system, and in the U.K. arising from the introduction of IAS in Europe. Both support the conclusions that: The purpose of financial reporting is to give an understanding, which is not misleading, of the underlying economics of an enterprise; the ‘underlying economics’ represents an inherently subjective construct; rules, by themselves, are inadequate, whether or not they are based on principles; major and fundamental differences exist between various players on the world regulatory scene; much of the debate at the regulatory and policy level is at best vague and confused, more likely disingenuous, possibly intellectually dishonest; interested parties will interpret words, concepts and agreements differently; significant limitations for international standardization are implied by the above points. Further, no one player, construct or culture can impose its will at a global level.

In 1942 the U.S. SEC aptly captured the appropriate sentiment: ‘The basic question [is] whether the financial statements performed the function of enlightenment, which is their only reason for existence’.
Perceptions of the true and fair view concept: an empirical investigation
Authors: Kirk Ngaire
Published: June 2006

If major groups of financial reporting participants differ in their perceptions of standards for financial reporting quality, such as ‘true and fair view’, ‘present fairly’ and ‘fair presentation’, a financial reporting expectation gap may occur. This article reports the results of a survey designed to explore this potential gap by determining New Zealand financial directors’, auditors’ and shareholders’ perceptions of terms associated with financial reporting quality.

The results show that a clear majority of all three groups share similar perceptions of the ‘true and fair view’; but perceive ‘true and fair view’ to be quite different from ‘fairly presents’ and ‘fair presentation’, terms the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (2005) describes as equivalent to ‘true and fair view’. Thus there appears to be a perception gap between the respondents surveyed and the Institute. The findings also support a literal rather than a technical interpretation of ‘true and fair view’; that respondents do not perceive ‘true and fair view’ as compliance with GAAP; and that ‘true’ (‘truth’ in accounting), the word separating ‘true and fair view’ from terms that include only ‘fair’, may be perceived as a key factor required for financial reporting quality.
Real (adaptation) options and the valuation of equity: some empirical evidence
Authors: Ataullah Ali , Higson Andrew , Tippett Mark
Published: June 2006

Data from 1,374 firms across four broad industrial groupings are used to assess the contribution that real (adaptation) options make to overall equity values. The analysis indicates that real (adaptation) options make a significant contribution to the equity value of firms with a market to book ratio (of equity) of around unity or less. As the market to book ratio grows beyond this level, however, the contribution made by real (adaptation) options decays quickly away and equity values are mainly comprised of the present value of the dividends that firms are expected to pay. This means that for around one in every five of the firms in our sample real (adaptation) options make a significant contribution to overall equity value. Thus, while linear equity valuation models would seem to be appropriate for the substantial majority of firms on which our sample is based, there is a sizeable minority of firms where real (adaptation) options have a significant impact on equity values. For this latter group of firms there will be a non‐linear relationship between equity value and its determining variables. This has important implications for the regression procedures that are applied in this area of accounting research.
Restructuring Uganda's Coffee Industry: Why Going Back to Basics Matters
Authors: Baffes John
Published: June 2006

After experiencing a boom during the mid‐1990s, the performance of Uganda's coffee industry has been disappointing. Most existing analysis sees the sector's problems as quality deterioration, a poor marketing position in the global market, a weak regulatory framework, and poor infrastructure. Recommendations range from setting up a coffee auction to increasing the share of specialty coffees. This article concludes that such advice has been largely inconsistent with the stylised facts of the Uganda coffee industry, and it argues that coffee wilt disease and the effectiveness of the coffee replanting programme are the two key issues on which policymakers and the donor community should focus their activities and allocate their resources.
Business Ethics as Practice
Authors: Clegg Stewart , Kornberger Martin , Rhodes Carl
Published: June 2006

In this article we develop a conceptualization of business ethics as practice. Starting from the view that the ethics that organizations display in practice will have been forged through an ongoing process of debate and contestation over moral choices, we examine ethics in relation to the ambiguous, unpredictable, and subjective contexts of managerial action. Furthermore, we examine how discursively constituted practice relates to managerial subjectivity and the possibilities of managers being moral agents. The article concludes by discussing how the ‘ethics as practice’ approach that we expound provides theoretical resources for studying the different ways that ethics manifest themselves in organizations as well as providing a practical application of ethics in organizations that goes beyond moralistic and legalistic approaches.
Working around the Barriers to Creating and Sharing Knowledge in Capital Goods Projects: the Client's Perspective*
Authors: Ivory Chris J. , Alderman Neil , Thwaites Alfred T. , McLoughlin Ian P. , Vaughan Roger
Published: June 2006

The article considers knowledge management issues from the client's perspective. In the example presented, a sludge treatment centre procured by Northumbrian Water Ltd (NWL), the task faced by the client was to manage knowledge in a context where the core technology being procured was new and resulted in the need for new knowledge to be created and shared both pre‐ and post‐delivery. In exploring these issues, the article reveals the problems of (and some solutions to) managing knowledge across the project life‐cycle and between different groups, where the motivation for generating and sharing knowledge was not the same for all participants.
Formative Versus Reflective Indicators in Organizational Measure Development: A Comparison and Empirical Illustration
Authors: Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Siguaw Judy A.
Published: June 2006

A comparison is undertaken between scale development and index construction procedures to trace the implications of adopting a reflective versus formative perspective when creating multi‐item measures for organizational research. Focusing on export coordination as an illustrative construct of interest, the results show that the choice of measurement perspective impacts on the content, parsimony and criterion validity of the derived coordination measures. Implications for practising researchers seeking to develop multi‐item measures of organizational constructs are considered.
Inclusion – the heart of the matter: trainee teachers' perceptions of a parent's journey
Authors: Forlin Chris , Hopewell Treena
Published: June 2006

The importance of parental choice, and parents' participation in educational processes, continue to be highlighted in strategies, acts and policies around the world. Partnership with parents is given an even higher profile in relation to educational opportunities for children with special needs. Yet many trainee teachers have only limited understandings of the impact on family life of a child with special needs; are uncertain how best to work with parents; and are not confident about the choices that parents may wish to make for their children.

In this article, Chris Forlin, Visiting Professor at the Hong Kong Institute of Education, and Treena Hopewell, MEd student at Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, report the responses of a group of fourth year trainee teachers after listening to the story of a mother of a child with high support needs. Their discussion focuses on three themes emerging from the reflective comments written by the trainee teachers after the session: empathy, understanding and personal growth. Chris Forlin and Treena Hopewell review the value of this approach as a means of establishing in trainee teachers a greater desire to work more collaboratively with parents and family members. They also provide excerpts from the mother's story to enable readers to experience the passionate spirit of the storyteller; to further appreciate the needs of parents; and to understand their desire for greater participation in decisions regarding their children.
Truants on truancy – a badness or a valuable indicator of unmet special educational needs?
Authors: Southwell Neil
Published: June 2006

Neil Southwell states that he was, himself, a persistent truant from school. He returned to education as a mature student via an access course and he now lectures in education studies at the University of Northampton. He is currently researching into truancy, its causes and its management and brings to his work an unusual but highly illuminating ‘truantist perspective’.

In this article, Neil Southwell reviews the literature on truancy and reveals a complex and contradictory picture. Policy and practice to date have, however, tended to be united in locating responsibility for truancy with truants and their families. Drawing on his own experience and his research into the perspectives of truants, Neil Southwell makes a case for a radically different approach. He argues that truancy can be seen as a key indicator of unmet educational needs and that the issue of truancy will not be addressed effectively until policy makers, practitioners and researchers learn to listen to the voices of truants themselves.
An Argument Against Reduction in Morality and Epistemology
Authors: Koons Jeremy Randel
Published: June 2006

To avoid Moore’s open question objection and similar arguments, reductionist philosophers argue that normative (e.g. moral and epistemic) and natural terms are only coextensive, but not synonymous. These reductionists argue that the normative content of normative terms is not a feature of their extension, but is accounted for in some other way (e.g. as a feature of these terms’ meaning). However, reductionist philosophers cannot account for this “normative surplus” while remaining true to their original reductionist motivations. The reductionist’s theoretical commitments both require and forbid a reductionist account of the normative content of moral and epistemic concepts.
Another View of G. H. von Wright
Authors: Stoutland Frederick
Published: June 2006

This Note is a response to Thomas Wallgren’s “Georg Henrik von Wright: a Memorial Notice” (Philosophical Investigations, January, 2005). I contend that Wallgren gave an account of von Wright’s work that is sometimes erroneous and generally off‐key. I offer a more accurate account and defend it against those who view his work with suspicion: analytical philosophers, Wittgensteinians and intellectuals who hoped for a more engaged participation in public life. Wallgren also wrote that von Wright probably had no close friends, which I show to be absurd.
The Role of Dimensions in the Syntax of Noun Phrases
Authors: Schwarzschild Roger
Published: June 2006

Abstract. An extended noun phrase may contain an expression that describes some dimension. Weight is described by each of the prenominal expressions inheavy rock,too much ballast,2 pound rock,2 pounds of rocks.The central claim of this paper is that the position of these types of expressions within the noun phrase limits the kinds of dimensions they may describe. The limitations have to do with whether or not the dimension tracks relevant part‐whole relations. An analogy is made between these constraints and the well‐known constraints on thematic relations that are incurred by the position of a noun phrase in a clause. A proposal is made about the meanings of expressions liketoo muchand2 poundswhich explains their common cross‐categorial distribution and this informs the analysis of their use in noun phrases. A position is taken on the meaning of the count mass distinction which, in conjunction with the hypothesis about dimensions, explains asymmetries in the distribution of prenominal adjectives with count and mass nouns.
Departments that Work: Building and Sustaining Cultures of Excellence in Academic Programs – Jon F. Wergin
Authors: Burreson Kent J.
Published: June 2006

Books reviewed:

Departments that Work: Building and Sustaining Cultures of Excellence in Academic Programs. By Jon F. Wergin. Bolton, Mass.: Anker Publishing Co., 2003. xvii and 156 pages. ISBN 1‐882982‐57‐6. $37.95.
THE ATHENS/JERUSALEM TEMPLATE AND THE TECHNO‐SECULARISM THESIS—KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD
Authors: Caiazza John C.
Published: June 2006

Abstract. The publication of my article “Athens, Jerusalem, and the Arrival of Techno‐secularism” (2005) in Zygon was followed by twenty‐one responses, most of them critical. In this essay I reply by clarifying the earlier one, separating out its two major theses: the Athens/Jerusalem template and the techno‐secularism thesis. The Athens/Jerusalem template is a typology that provides a historical basis for understanding why religion/science conflicts persist by showing that the contrasts between intellectual knowledge and revealed knowledge are permanent features of Western cultural history. Postmodern criticisms often have a negative edge, rejecting “canonical” accounts but not presenting alternative explanations. Historical context is helpful in understanding religion/science conflicts, which continue to exist. The present cultural situation is that technology is replacing religion—and science—as the dominant condition and theory of our culture. Evidence for the techno‐secularism thesis can be seen in the nature of electronic entertainment, which invades the silence required for religious contemplation and obscures the scientific laws that are the basis for the new technology.
HOW ACTS OF DISCOVERY TRANSFORM OUR TACIT KNOWING POWERS IN BOTH SCIENTIFIC AND RELIGIOUS INQUIRY
Authors: Milavec Aaron
Published: June 2006

Abstract. In this essay I take Michael Polanyi's analysis of scientific discovery and extend it to encompass fresh encounters with the living God. Given the embodied character of all human knowing, Polanyi challenged objectivism and positivism as untenable. In its place, Polanyi noted that the tacit skills established when a physicist learns to detect radio waves has its counterpart in a Christian's being trained to find God. Once trained, stubborn organismic habits constrain both physicist and believer within a socially approved heuristic circle that can be broken only by the act of discovery. The puzzlement that erupts at the onset of an inquiry ultimately finds relief only in an expanded encounter with the realities that one has been trained to serve. Thus, the act of discovery not only serves to disrupt the tradition as it has been received but also reveals that the realities being served make themselves known in novel ways. The lifelong pursuit of God and the lifelong pursuit of novel manifestations of radio waves thus share a common epistemological and phenomenological underpinning.