bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young women with diabetes: using Internet communication to create stability during life transitions
Authors: Rasmussen Bodil , Dunning Patricia , O'Connell Beverly
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the current study was to explore and describe the strategies young women with Type 1 diabetes used to manage transitions in their lives. This paper will describe one aspect of the findings of how women with Type 1 diabetes used the Internet to interact with other people with diabetes and create stability in their lives.

Background.  Individuals living with diabetes develop a range of different strategies to create stability in their lives and enhance their well‐being. Changing social and emotional conditions during life transitions have a major impact on diabetes management. Although the literature indicates that strategies enabling the individuals to cope with transitions are important, they remain under‐researched.

Design.  Using grounded theory, interviews were conducted with 20 women with Type 1 diabetes. Constant comparative data analysis was used to analyse the data and develop an understanding of how young women with Type 1 diabetes used the Internet to create stability in their lives.

Findings.  The findings revealed that the women valued their autonomy and being in control of when and to whom they reveal their diabetic status, especially during life transitions and at times of uncertainty. However, during these times they also required health and social information and interacting with other people. One of the women's main strategies in managing transitions was to use Internet chat lines as a way of obtaining information and communicating with others. This strategy gave women a sense of autonomy, enabled them to maintain their anonymity and interact with other people on their own terms.

Conclusions.  Having meaningful personal interactions, social support and being able to connect with others were fundamental to the women's well being. Most importantly, preserving autonomy and anonymity during such interactions were integral to the way the women with Type 1 diabetes managed life transitions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals need to explore and incorporate Internet communication process or anonymous help lines into their practice as a way to assist people manage their diabetes.
ZrO2 three‐unit fixed partial dentures: comparison of failure load before and after exposure to a mastication simulator
Authors: ATT W. , GRIGORIADOU M. , STRUB J. R.
Published: March 2007

Summary  This study evaluated the failure load of different zirconia‐based all‐ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPD) before and after artificial aging. Forty‐eight zirconia frameworks for three‐unit FPDs were fabricated using different manufacturing systems [(DCS), Procera (Nobel Biocare) and Cerec inLab (Sirona)], veneered using Vita VM9 (Vita Zahnfabrik) opaque ceramic and conventionally cemented on human teeth. The restorations were divided according to the system used for manufacturing the frameworks into three groups of 16 specimens each (DCS, Procera and Vita YZ‐Cerec). Half of each group was artificially aged through dynamic loading and thermal cycling, whereas, the other half was not subjected to artificial aging. Subsequently, all specimens were loaded occlusally until fracture occurred using a universal testing machine. Pair‐wise Wilcoxon rank tests were performed to test for differences in failure loads at a statistical significance level of 0·05. All specimens subjected to artificial aging survived with no failures. The median (IQR = x0·25–x0·75) failure loads (N) before and after artificial aging were, respectively, as follows: group DCS, 2131 (1948–2239) and 1797 (1590–2074); group Procera, 1684 (1615–1873) and 1394 (1275–1495); and group Vita YZ‐Cerec, 1845 (1621–1923) and 1625 (1521–1747). No significant differences were found for comparisons between different groups before artificial aging. After artificial aging, group Procera showed significantly smaller values than group DCS (P = 0·042). All tested restorations have the potential to withstand occlusal forces applied in the posterior region and can therefore represent interesting alternatives to replace metal‐ceramic restorations. Further assessments are needed before recommending these restorations for daily practice.
Genetic diversity and population size: island populations of the common shrew,Sorex araneus
Authors: WHITE THOMAS A. , SEARLE JEREMY B.
Published: March 2007

Populations of many species are currently being fragmented and reduced by human interactions. These processes will tend to reduce genetic diversity within populations and reduce individual heterozygosities because of genetic drift, inbreeding and reduced migration. Conservation biologists need to know the effect of population size on genetic diversity, as this is likely to influence a population's ability to persist. Island populations represent an ideal natural experiment with which to study this problem. In a study of common shrews (Sorex araneus) on offshore Scottish islands, 497 individuals from 13 islands of different sizes and 6 regions on the mainland were trapped and genotyped at eight microsatellite loci. Previous genetic work had revealed that most of the islands in this study were highly genetically divergent from one another and the mainland. We found that most of the islands exhibited lower genetic diversity than the mainland populations. In the island populations, mean expected heterozygosity, mean observed heterozygosity and mean allelic richness were significantly positively correlated with log island size and log population size, which were estimated using habitat population density data and application of a Geographic Information System.
The Cross‐priming Pathway: A Portrait of an Intricate Immune System
Authors: Basta S. , Alatery A.
Published: March 2007

Antigen presentation by professional antigen‐presenting cells (pAPCs) to cytotoxic CD8+ T cells can occur via two processing routes – the direct and cross‐presentation pathways. Cross‐presentation of exogenous antigens in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules has recently attracted a lot of research interest because it may prove crucial for vaccine development. This alternative pathway has been implicated in priming CD8+ T‐cell responses to pathogens as well as tumours in vivo (cross‐priming). In cross‐presentation, the internalized antigens can be processed through diverse intracellular routes. As many unresolved questions regarding the molecular basis that controls the cross‐priming process still exist, it is essential to explore the various elements involved therein, to better elucidate this pathway. In this review, we summarize current data that explore how the source and nature of antigens could affect their cross‐presentation. Moreover, we will discuss and outline how recent advances regarding pAPCs’ properties have increased our appreciation of the complex nature of the cross‐priming pathway in vivo. In conclusion, we contemplate how the direct and cross‐presentation pathways can function to allow the immune system to deal efficiently with diverse pathogens.
Removal of iodine by solid phase adsorption to charcoal following iodine oxidation of acetamidomethyl‐protected peptide precursors to their disulfide bonded products: oxytocin and a Pre‐S1 peptide of hepatitis B virus illustrate the method
Authors: Sahal D.
Published: March 2007

Abstract: Chemical quenching, gel filtration or liquid phase extraction procedures are currently in vogue for taking iodine off from the reaction mixtures in which it is used to cause the formation of disulfide bonds in acetamidomethyl or trityl protected peptides. It has been found that charcoal effectively, selectively and rapidly removes iodine by solid phase extraction from reaction mixtures in which it is used to convert the acetamidomethyl protected precursors of oxytocin or a peptide from the Pre‐S1 region of hepatitis B virus into their intramolecularly disulfide‐bonded products. The advantages of this new method, namely simplicity, rapidity, quantitative yields, freedom from side reactions, linear scalability, cost effectiveness and adsorption of iodine on to solid charcoal are discussed.
Differential ability of alcohol fermentation between the seeds of flooding‐tolerant and flooding‐susceptible varieties of Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) Beauv.
Authors: MORIMOTO KINUYO , YAMASUE YUJI
Published: March 2007

Seed germination and respiratory metabolism under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were studied in the flooding‐tolerant and flooding‐susceptible varieties of Echinochloa crus‐galli with an identical genome and common ancestry. In the flooding‐tolerant E. crus‐galli var. formosensis, the seeds imbibed under nitrogen could germinate and exhibited an I/N quotient > 0.6. They accelerated glycolysis and concomitantly produced large and equimolar quantities of carbon dioxide and ethanol, suggesting that the seeds of this variety showed operation of the Pasteur effect and respired through alcohol fermentation under anaerobic conditions. The seeds excreted most of the toxic fermentation product. In contrast, the seeds of the flooding‐susceptible E. crus‐galli var. praticola were capable of germinating only under aerobic conditions through the conventional aerobic respiration and were unable to anaerobically respire to germinate through alcohol fermentation regardless of the presence of both sufficient alcohol dehydrogenase activity and a high redox charge of the pyridine nucleotides.
Development of a spot plow providing complete inversion for effective weed control
Authors: SHOJI KOICHI
Published: March 2007

Tillage for the “complete inversion” of soil, that is, overturning soil slices 180° was proposed, a “spot plow” was developed and tested to accomplish the task, and a simulation model was evaluated to demonstrate the efficacy of the plow on weed control. A 360 mm wide spot plow was designed to operate at a speed of 1.9 m s−1 for the spot plowing with the least possible lateral displacement of the soil slice by utilizing the inertia of the soil slice and securely rotating it. In field experiments, complete spot inversion required an operating speed of at least 1.6 m s−1; at lower speeds, a portion of the soil block was left half‐inverted and further lowering led to considerable lateral displacement. The displacement in the forward and lateral directions was minimal, implying that spot plowing is suitable for potential application to and verification of the weed population dynamics model in the field. A simple linear matrix model of the population dynamics of annual weeds was proposed, whereby four layers of soil were set to describe tillage and other ecological events. The effect of tillage on weed control was evaluated by the equilibrium reproduction rate allowed to sustain a stable population of weeds. The simulation model showed that alternately changing the depth of spot plowing had a significant effect on controlling weeds of low‐survival‐rate seeds, even when some incomplete inversion of the soil slice was taken into account.
Effects of loosing Aigamo ducks on the growth of rice plants, weeds, and the number of arthropods in paddy fields
Authors: TOJO SEISHU , YOSHIZAWA MASAHIRO , MOTOBAYASHI TAKASHI , WATANABE KENGO
Published: March 2007

Aigamo duck farming has been noticed as one of the techniques of environmental conservation agriculture. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of loosing Aigamo ducks on the growth and production of rice plants, the quantity of weeds and arthropods, and the balance of nitrogen (N) in paddy fields by changing the density of the Aigamo ducks. A paddy field was divided into three test plots: a 10‐Aigamo‐duck plot, a five‐Aigamo‐duck plot, and a weeding plot. The results show that the height, number of culms, and yield crops of the rice plants increased more in the 10‐Aigamo‐duck plot and the five‐Aigamo‐duck plot than that of the weeding plot. Millet (Echinochloa oryzicola) remained in both the Aigamo duck plots. The weeding plot was covered with monochoria (Monochoria vaginalis). In both the Aigamo duck plots, the outbreak of total arthropods was lower than that of the weeding plot, but the number of rice plants damaged by grass leaf rollers (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) was increased. The number of spiders, regarded as useful insects, did not differ that much between the experimental plots. The N content of the soil did not differ as an effect of loosing the Aigamo ducks. The rice plants in the 10‐Aigamo‐duck plot absorbed more N than the rice plants in the other plots.
Factors favouring the development and maintenance of outbreaks in an invasive leaf miner Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): a life table study
Authors: Girardoz Sandrine , Quicke Donald L. J. , Kenis Marc
Published: March 2007

1 Life tables were constructed for seven generations of the invasive horse‐chestnut leaf miner Cameraria ohridella in Switzerland, to assess the factors allowing the moth to build and maintain outbreak densities and to identify ‘gaps’ among their mortality factors that could be targeted by new control methods. The fecundity of females was calculated and the mortality factors affecting all developmental stages determined.

2 Females contained 106.6 eggs. In captivity, the mean number of eggs laid per female varied between 34 and 82 eggs, with a maximum of 184 eggs. Egg mortality was 18–75% and was mostly due to unknown factors.

3 The main mortality factors affecting larvae and pupae in the leaves were predation by birds and arthropods in all generation and leaf senescence in the autumn generation. Parasitoids killed less than 5% of the population.

4 Nearly 90% of overwintering pupae died in dead leaves, the majority of them being killed by earthworms and other leaf decomposers. As a result, the overwintering generations were the only ones showing a net rate of increase less than one. Non‐overwintering generations had net rates of increase between four and 11, allowing populations to build up from spring to autumn.

5 The persistence of high outbreak densities in Europe is explained by a combination of at least three factors: (i) high fecundity; (ii) multivoltinism; (iii) the unusually low impact of traditional natural enemies of leaf miners and particularly parasitoids.

6 Yearly variations in population densities could be at least partly explained by differences in larval mortality due to leaf senescence and intraspecific competition in the last generation in autumn.
Looking beyond food aid to livelihoods, protection and partnerships: strategies for WFP in the Darfur states
Authors: Young Helen
Published: March 2007

The humanitarian crisis in Darfur remains extremely serious. The optimism that followed the signing of the Abuja Peace Accord was followed by a rapid deterioration in security on the ground in part associated with increasing factionalism in various rebel movements. This paper briefly reviews the evolution of the crisis, its impact on lives and livelihoods and the response by the World Food Programme (WFP) to June 2006. The major challenges and issues facing the food aid programme in the previous 18 months included: dealing with insecurity while maintaining or even extending programme outreach; the need to link protection with assistance more explicitly; and determining the wider impact of food aid programming on the processes and institutions linked with the conflict. The paper discusses the main strategic issues facing WFP in the future such as: integrating security and protection with needs assessments and operational decisions, broadening response strategies beyond food aid and bringing livelihoods to the fore, the need to review cost‐efficiency, promoting partnerships and strengthening national and regional capacities.
Sub‐regional integration in Sudan: the key to food security and recovery
Authors: D'Silva Brian , Tecosky Olivia
Published: March 2007

The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan has created a new opportunity for peace. Approaches to food security must now be reoriented based on the agro‐ecological diversity in Sudan. WFP is in a unique position to catalyse an approach to food security that meets immediate needs and contributes to long‐term recovery, in collaboration with the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Government of South Sudan (GOSS). Aggregate food production in Sudan has increased in the past decade. At sub‐regional levels, however, many areas remain food insecure. Major research must be undertaken to identify optimum levels of food production and barriers to access to food at sub‐regional levels as a first step towards linking deficit areas with areas of surplus. Initiatives must also be undertaken to facilitate increased integration between sub‐regions. Increased sub‐regional linkages could ensure more efficient delivery of food in the short term as well as recovery and economic growth in the long term.
Devolution's Unfinished Business
Authors: MITCHELL JAMES
Published: March 2007

Devolution was a response to a decline in legitimacy in the territorial politics of the UK. To differing extents and in different ways, there was a legitimacy gap in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This has largely been restored in the non‐English parts of the UK but has created new problems of legitimacy in England. The West Lothian Question and territorial finance are the unfinished business of devolution. Using Beetham's classic work on The Legitimation of Power, this article argues that the situation today in England resembles that which existed before devolution in the non‐English parts of the UK: there is nothing illegal in the current constitutional arrangements; but there are constitutional anomalies and inconsistencies, which may lead to a withdrawal of consent.
Leaps of Faith in the Obesity Debate: a Cautionary Note for Policy Note for Policy‐makers
Authors: BOTTERILL LINDA COURTENAY
Published: March 2007

The obesity epidemic has become an issue of major public concern in recent years, with dire predictions of its impact on public health budgets and the long‐term health of populations in the developed world. Governments are being urged to act to improve our eating habits and make us more active. Policy proposals range from education campaigns to banning junk food advertising to more extreme measures such as ‘fat taxes’. Although the debate has included discussion of public policy solutions to the problem, there has been little input from public policy specialists. This article explores some of the leaps of faith that are currently being made in the obesity debate and suggests that policy‐makers need to be cautious about how they respond to calls for action. It is suggested that public policy research may provide some useful frameworks for considering the nature of the problem and assessing possible solutions.
A comparison of aspects of the US and UK censuses of population
Authors: BARR ROBERT
Published: March 2007

Census data, and its underlying geographical framework, is a fundamental resource for social, demographic, and economic applications of GIS. The US and UK censuses have many similarities, but their differences are instructive. This paper examines the constitutional basis of the censuses and the contrasts in the way they are administered. In particular the geographical base used for each census is examined. These issues have a major impact on the products that are made available from each census and the way in which results are disseminated. In particular the US census is taken, and used, for electoral re‐districting to a greater extent than the UK census. The free availability of US data does, however, appear to mitigate against good co‐ordination of census users both in local government and in academe and results in a much more fragmented user community. The paper concludes with an assessment of the similarities and the contrasts between the two censuses.
Fields as a framework for integrating GIS and environmental process models. Part 2: Specifying field variables
Authors: KEMP KAREN K
Published: March 2007

In Part 1 of this paper, the concept of a field variable was described. In Part 2, the way in which a field variable might be specified is outlined. Field variables can be declared like other data types in any standard computing language. Specifications of field variables must include several special properties which are used to express the relationship between the physical field and the discrete data model. Field variable properties determine how the spatial data can be manipulated. For example, specifying a cellgrid spatial data model requires information about grid orientation and origin and the size of cells, while specifying a polygon data model requires information about the minimum distance over which variation is recorded. In either case, this information can be used to select appropriate conversion procedures between spatial data models using similarly specified conversion matrices and rules. The use of field variables has pedagogic as well as practical value. New operations allowed include field functions such as those for determining integrals, slope, and aspect, and reserved variables such as latitude and longitude.
CEMPS: A prototype spatial decision support system to aid in planning emergency evacuations
Authors: PIDD MICHAEL , EGLESE RICHARD , DE SILVA F NISHAKUMARI
Published: March 2007

CEMPS is a prototype spatial decision support system which links the topographical support and analysis provided by a geographic information system, ARC/INFO, with the ability to simulate the dynamics of an evacuation process. CEMPS has been designed to enable emergency planners to experiment with different emergency evacuation plans in order to devise a plan which meets their requirements. ARC/INFO is used to parameterize a dynamic simulation with topographical information and to display its results. The prototype runs on a Sun SPARCStation cluster but could be modified to run on other hardware and software.
GIS, expert systems, and interoperability
Authors: LILBURNE LINDA , BENWELL GEORGE , BUICK ROZ
Published: March 2007

Integrating a GIS has been a common way to combine the functionality of two or more systems for some time. A three‐dimensional model of integration is described which shows the range of linkages that can be achieved. Extremely flexible and dynamic linkages between systems can now be created through the recent advances of client/server and object‐oriented technology. An expert system shell is coupled with a GIS to create a generic spatial rule‐based toolbox called SES (spatial expert shell). An expert system developer using this toolbox can transparently access spatial data and relationships from a GIS by linking application objects to spatial classes. These spatial classes include methods that format and send requests to the GIS server. Thus the linkage is determined at run‐time allowing a flexible interwoven interaction between the expert system and the GIS.
The hierarchical tessellation model and its use in spatial analysis
Authors: TSUI PAUL H Y , BRIMICOMBE ALLAN J
Published: March 2007

The hierarchid tessellation model belongs to a class of spatial data models based on the recursive decomposition of space. The quadtree is one such tessellation and is characterized by square cells and a 1:4 decomposition ratio. To relax these constraints in the tessellation, a generalized hierarchical tessellation data model, calledAdaptive Recursive Tessellations(ART), has been proposed. ART increases flexibility in the tessellation by the use of rectangular cells and variable decomposition ratios. In ART, users can specify cell sizes which are intuitively meaningful to their applications, or which can reflect the scales of data. ART is implemented in a data structure called Adaptive Recursive Run‐Encoding (ARRE), which is a variant of two‐dimensional run‐encoding whose running path can vary with the different tessellation structures incorporated in an ART model. Given the recognition of the benefits of implementing statistical spatial analysis in GIS, the use of hierarchical tessellation models such as ART in spatial analysis is discussed. Three examples are introduced to show how ART can: (1) be applied to solve the quadrat size problem in quadrat analysis of point patterns; (2) act as the data model in the variable resolution block kriging technique for geostatistical data to reduce variation in kriging error; and (3) facilitate the evaluation of spatial autocorrelation for area data at multiple map resolutions via the construction of a connectivity matrix for calculating spatial autocorrelation indices based on ARRE.
The geographic eye: Seeing through GIS?1
Authors: DOWNS ROGER M
Published: March 2007

Vermeer's sixteenth‐century painting ‘The Geographer’ captures the geographer in the act of doing geography, but looking up and away from a map. As professional geographers, many of us now do geography ‘through’ geographic information systems. We too need to look up from the screen in order to understand the act of thinking geographically. With such an understanding, we can design geographic information systems that are both developmentally appropriate and that support the development of the geographic eye. This paper offers a first approximation to a description of the structure and function of the geographic eye whose operation can be supported by a geographic information system.
Risk Measures for Hedge Funds: a Cross‐sectional Approach
Authors: Liang Bing , Park Hyuna
Published: March 2007

This paper analyses the risk‐return trade‐off in the hedge fund industry. We compare semi‐deviation, value‐at‐risk (VaR), Expected Shortfall (ES) and Tail Risk (TR) with standard deviation at the individual fund level as well as the portfolio level. Using the

Fama and French (1992)

methodology and the combined live and defunct hedge fund data from TASS, we find that the left‐tail risk captured by Expected Shortfall (ES) and Tail Risk (TR) explains the cross‐sectional variation in hedge fund returns very well, while the other risk measures provide statistically insignificant or marginally significant results. During the period between January 1995 and December 2004, hedge funds with high ES outperform those with low ES by an annual return difference of 7%. We provide empirical evidence on the theoretical argument by

Artzner et al. (1999)

that ES is superior to VaR as a downside risk measure. We also find the

Cornish‐Fisher (1937)

expansion is superior to the nonparametric method in estimating ES and TR.
City‐Regions and Social Reproduction: A ‘Place’ for Sustainable Development?
Authors: KRUEGER ROB , SAVAGE LYDIA
Published: March 2007

Recent studies have suggested a city‐region’s competitiveness is based not only on production, but social reproduction. These issues as well as the policy measures adopted by many city‐regions are frequently couched in a discourse of ‘sustainable development’. But as an analytical framework how well does the concept of sustainable development account for the dynamics of social reproduction and the sustainability of a city‐region? This article examines the possible relationship between city‐regions and sustainable development at a conceptual level. We argue that despite some excellent work on the concept of ‘just sustainability’, current constructions of sustainable development are inadequate to capture the broad array of social and economic issues found in the city‐region. As a way forward we initiate a discussion between the sustainability literature and labor geography, and provide a case study of a hospital privatization process in Boston, USA, which has been framed by a politics of city‐regionalism.
Ordering competition: the interactional accomplishment of the sale of art and antiques at auction
Authors: Heath Christian , Luff Paul
Published: March 2007

Auctions provide an institutional solution to a social problem; they enable the legitimate pricing and exchange of goods where those goods are of uncertain value. In turn, auctions raise a number of social and organizational issues that are resolved within the interaction that arise in sales by auction. In this paper, we examine sales of fine art, antiques and objets d'art and explore the ways in which auctioneers mediate competition between buyers and establish a value for goods. In particular, we explore how bids are elicited, co‐ordinated and revealed so as to rapidly escalate the price of goods in a transparent manner that enables the legitimate valuation and exchange of goods. In directing attention towards the significance of the social interaction, including talk, visual and material conduct, the paper contributes to the growing corpus of ethnographic studies of markets. It suggests that to understand the operation of markets and their outcomes, and to unpack issues of agency, trust and practice, we need to place the ‘interaction order’ at the heart of analytic agenda.
Primary biliary cystadenocarcinoma perforating the duodenum and left intrahepatic biliary tree ‐mimicking a hydatid cyst
Authors: Bacher Heinz , Cerwenka Herwig , Werkgartner Georg , El‐Shabrawi Azab , Höss Gabriele , Preidler Klaus , Klimpfinger Martin , Mischinger Hans‐Jörg
Published: March 2007

Abstract: We report the case of a 76‐year‐old woman with biliary cystadenocarcinoma perforating the left biliary tree and exhibiting intra‐tumoral gas bubbles resulting from invasion of the duodenum. The clinical history included subfebrile temperatures of 3 months duration, and pains associated with an abdominal mass in the right upper quadrant. Blood tests showed leucocytosis, and radiological studies revealed the features of a partially calcified septated tumor with nodular components combined with multiple gas‐fluid levels, mimicking an infected hydatid cyst. Intraoperative ultrasonography, cholangiography and frozen section histology were necessary to prove the malignant nature of this cystic tumor. Provided that complete resection with strict adherence to oncological precepts is possible, the prognosis of cystadenocarcinoma is better than in hepatocellular or cholangiocellular carcinoma.
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki‐67 labeling in hepatocellular nodules: a comparative study
Authors: Tiniakos Dina G. , Brunt Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2007

Abstract: Aims/Background: The morphologic differential diagnosis of hepatocellular nodules (HCN) is frequently difficult and objective criteria would be useful in the categorization of such lesions. This study evaluated the proliferative activity of HCN, including regenerative, macroregenerative (MRN), cirrhotic, dysplastic, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as intranodular cytologic changes such as bile‐stained hepatocytes, eosinophilia, clear, large cell (LCC) and small cell (SCC) change, by comparing the cellular density (CD), labeling indices (LI) and density (DP) of two proliferation markers. Methods: Routinely processed tissue sections from 45 HCN from 17 adult liver explants were studied by immunohistochemistry for PCNA and Ki‐67 (MIB‐1). Results: A progressive increase in LI from regenerative to dysplastic nodules to HCC was observed with both proliferation markers. The values of the two markers were significantly correlated (p < 0.001). CD, PCNA and MIB‐1 LI and DP values were significantly lower in regenerative compared to dysplastic nodules or HCC. MRNs had lower PCNA and MIB‐1 LI and DP than regenerative nodules, but similar CD. There were no statistically significant differences in CD, PCNA, and MIB‐1 LI and DP between dysplastic nodules and HCC, comparing high versus low grade dysplasia, or HCC smaller than 2 cm with those larger than 2 cm. The CD and proliferation indices LI and DP were higher in HCC than in the surrounding non‐neoplastic parenchyma. Lesions with clear cell, eosinophilic and large cell change had CD, PCNA and MIB‐1 indices similar to those of regenerative nodules, while these were lower in bile‐stained hepatocellular lesions (p < 0.01). SCC showed CD, PCNA and MIB‐1LI and DP similar to HCC and higher than surrounding regenerative lesions (p < 0.003). Conclusions: Our results suggest that PCNA and MIB‐1 values are closely correlated in HCN. Regenerative nodules are characterized by low cellular proliferation, while dysplastic nodules are usually highly proliferative lesions and may represent an early stage in hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatocellular lesions characterized by bile stained hepatocytes, eosinophilic, clear and large cell change have low proliferation rates and may not be significant for the development of malignancy.
Estrogen‐progestogen therapy for low bone mineral density in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Olsson Rolf , Mattsson Lars‐Åke , Obrant Karl , Mellström Dan
Published: March 2007

Abstract: Aims/Background: Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) often have osteoporosis of the high‐turnover type, suggesting that estrogen could have a beneficial effect. However, the cholestatic potential of estrogen could imply a risk of increased cholestasis in a disease characterized by cholestasis. The aim of the present study was to test whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could be used to increase bone mineral density (BMD) in PBC patients with osteoporosis, without causing deterioration of the liver function. Methods: Nine female PBC patients with osteoporosis and one with osteopenia were offered HRT for two years. The change in BMD was compared to the change in ten age‐matched female PBC patients who had less severe or no osteopenia and who did not receive HRT. Liver function tests were checked at six‐month intervals. Results: HRT patients showed a statistically significant increase in lumbar spine BMD and total body BMD whereas control patients showed a significant decrease in lumbar and total body BMD. In contrast to the controls, HRT patients also showed a decrease in truncal fat (–3.8%). Neither of the groups showed any statistically significant changes in the liver function tests. Conclusions: HRT is safe and effective in female PBC patients with osteoporosis.
Strategy of liver‐directed gene therapy: present status and future prospects
Authors: Shiratori Yasushi , Kanai Fumihiko , Ohashi Makoto , Omata Masao
Published: March 2007

Abstract: The liver is particularly amenable to gene therapy as it is the site of many metabolic diseases and malignancies. Thus, liver‐directed gene therapy is being actively pursued and developed as a method of treatment for various liver diseases. Strategies of liver‐directed gene therapy include drug delivery to the liver, compensation of the defective gene(s), anti‐tumor activity, anti‐viral therapy, and immunomodulation. The strategy chosen for liver‐directed gene therapy depends on the genetic basis of the disease. Many aspects are key factors to the success of the chosen strategy: intervention of genes, efficient gene delivery system, stable transgene expression, transgene regulation, target cell transfection, and timing of transgene expression. Several tactics can be used to overcome problems in the above, and these include the use of a gene switch to exogenously regulate transgene expression, targeting at the transcriptional level, circumvention of the immune response (as in the use of adenovirus vector to achieve long‐term correction of genetic diseases), and genetically engineered antibodies in gene transfer. At the present rate of research activity and development, gene therapies may soon be more efficient than current standard treatments for some liver diseases.
Steatosis and bile duct damage in chronic hepatitis C: distribution and relationships in a group of Northern Italian patients
Authors: Giannini Edoardo , Ceppa Paola , Botta Federica , Fasoli Alberto , Romagnoli Paola , Cresta Elena , Venturino Valentina , Risso Domenico , Celie Guido , Testa Roberto
Published: March 2007

Abstract: Background/Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) related disease follows a long, benign course and most affected patients have mild disease. Liver biopsy is mandatory to grade and stage the disease. Characteristic, though non‐specific, HCV histological lesions such as bile duct damage and steatosis have been singled out but their association with non‐histological parameters has not been completely defined. Our aim was to study the relationships among these histological lesions and clinical, biochemical, functional and virological characteristics in a group of Northern Italian patients with chronic hepatitis. Methods: We studied 172 patients with HCV‐related chronic hepatitis. Patients were divided into groups on the basis of histology including bile duct damage and steatosis. Clinical, biochemical, functional and virological profiles were related to histological findings. Results: Histological grading and staging of disease increased as the age of patients increased. Steatosis was present in 70% of our patients and was related to a higher degree of fibrosis and to decreased functional activity. The prevalence of bile duct damage was 20%. This lesion was present in older patients with higher staging and impaired liver function. Biochemically it was associated with an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, gammaglutamyltranspeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin. Conclusions: In the population we studied, HCV chronic hepatitis was predominantly a mild disease. Moreover both steatosis and bile duct damage were also mild. Steatosis was associated with fibrosis and this might influence liver metabolic function. Bile duct lesions were found in older patients with advanced disease showing biochemical evidence of cholestasis. The molecular role HCV might play in the pathogenesis of these histological features should be addressed in further studies.
Interferon treatment of two patients with quadruple infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis G virus (HGV), and TT virus (TTV)
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Fukuda Yoshihide , Yokozaki Shoichi , Nakano Isao , Hayakawa Tetsuo , Takamatsu Junki
Published: March 2007

Abstract: We administered interferon (IFN) to two patients who had quadruple infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis G virus (HGV), and TT virus (TTV), a recently isolated novel DNA virus. Nine mega‐units of natural alpha‐IFN were administered daily during the first two weeks and thrice weekly during the following 22 weeks (total dose, 720 mega‐units). In both cases, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decreased during IFN administration but increased thereafter. The concentrations of HCV, HIV, HGV, and TTV declined with the administration of IFN. However, the concentrations of these 4 viruses increased after the cessation of IFN with the except of TTV in patient 2 which disappeared during treatment and did not subsequently reappear. IFN reduced the concentrations of 4 viruses, in an apparently independent manner.
The significance of apoptosis in the liver
Authors: Benedetti Antonio , Marucci Luca
Published: March 2007

Abstract:Apoptosis is a form of cell death which occurs in normal as well as in pathological tissues. We provide a description of the morphological changes during apoptosis and an overview of the role of apoptosis dysregulation in the pathogenesis of non‐neoplastic liver diseases.
Hepatic stimulator substance activity in the liver of thioacetamide‐intoxicated rats
Authors: Margeli Alexandra P. , Skaltsas Spyridon D. , Spiliopoulou Chara A. , Mykoniatis Michael G. , Theocharis Stamatios E.
Published: March 2007

Abstract: Aims/Background: Hepatic stimulator substance (HSS) is a known hepatic growth factor which appears to be organ‐specific but species non‐specific. We have recently shown that the administration of HSS enhanced hepatocyte proliferation occurring due to thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced liver injury in rats (Theocharis SE, et al., Scand J Gastroenterol 1998; 33: 656–63). In the present study, we examined the activity of the endogenously produced HSS in the liver of TAA administered rats during injury and regeneration. Methods: TAA at a dose of 300 mg/kg of body weight was injected intraperitoneally in male Wistar rats. The animals were sacrificed at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after TAA administration. The rate of tritiated thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA, the enzymatic activity of liver thymidine kinase and the assessment of mitotic index in hepatocytes were used to estimate liver regeneration. HSS extract was obtained from the livers of TAA‐treated rats, sacrificed at the above mentioned time points. This HSS extract was injected in 34% partially hepatectomized rats, to assess its activity. The ability of the injected HSS extract to increase hepatocellular proliferation over that normally occurring 24 h following 34% partial hepatectomy was used to express the activity of HSS by determining the above mentioned indices of liver regeneration. Results: The administration of TAA caused severe hepatic injury recognized histopathologically as well as by the increased activities of serum hepatic enzymes aspartate and alanine aminotrasferases. The hepatic injury, which peaked at 24 and 36 h post‐TAA treatment (p<0.001), was followed by hepatocyte proliferation, presenting peaks at 48 and 60 h (p<0.001). The activity of the endogenously produced HSS from livers of TAA‐treated rats increased at 36 h after TAA administration as well as being highly expressed at 48 and 60 h thus coinciding with the peak of hepatocyte proliferation. At other time points, HSS activity was decreased. Conclusions: The observed variations of HSS activity in rat liver suggest active participation of this growth factor in hepatocyte replication which follows toxin‐induced liver injury as a repair mechanism process.
Transverse hepatectomy for symptomatic polycystic liver disease
Authors: Johnson Lynt B. , Kuo Paul C. , Plotkin J. S.
Published: March 2007

Abstract: Polycystic liver disease can result in massive enlargement of the liver with resultant debilitating symptoms of abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, and severely compromised functional status. Fenestration of hepatic cysts has been advocated as a treatment for polycystic disease. However, in patients with predominant small cyst replacement, fenestration alone often results in limited hepatic volume reduction without improvement in patient functional status. Liver transplantation has also been previously advocated for polycystic liver disease with predominant small cyst replacement, but, with the severe shortage of donor organs, alternative treatment should be considered. In this report we present a case of massive enlargement of the liver with severe clinical debilitation due to polycystic liver disease. Transverse hepatectomy provided a safe and effective alternative to fenestration or liver transplantation.
Biomechanical Comparison of Dual Interlocking Single Loop and Double Loop Tension Band Techniques to the Classic AO Tension Band Technique for Repair of Olecranon Osteotomies in Dogs
Authors: GRAFINGER MICHAEL S. , ROE SIMON C. , SPODNICK GARY , SMITH ERIC S.
Published: March 2007

Objective— To compare olecranon fragment stability between the classic tension band wire (TBW) technique with the wire placed either in contact with (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen [AO]), or not in contact with, a Kirschner (K)‐wire (AOW) to 2 novel wire patterns: a dual interlocking single loop (DISL) and a double loop (DL).

Study Design— Ex vivo mechanical evaluation on cadaveric bones.

Sample Population— Canine ulnae (n=40) with olecranon osteotomies repaired with 2 K‐wires and 1 of 4 TBW constructs.

Methods— Single load to failure applied through the triceps tendon. Displacement was measured from images captured from digital video. Techniques were compared based on the load resisted when the olecranon fragment was displaced 0.5, 1, and 2 mm.

Results— At 0.5 mm of displacement, the DISL construct resisted more load than the AOW construct (505 versus 350 N; P=.05). AO and DL constructs resisted an intermediate load (345 and 330 N, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups at 1 mm of displacement. At 2 mm of displacement, DL (785 N) resisted more load than AO (522 N, P=.01) and AOW (492 N, P=.03) groups.

Conclusions— DISL constructs provided similar stability to classic TBW constructs whereas DL constructs were more stable at higher loads.

Clinical Relevance— The DL construct is easy to perform, less bulky, and provides comparable fragment stability to standard TBW techniques at functional loads. Surgical method is important for optimal performance of all TBW constructs.
Genetic diversity of KELnull and KELel: a nationwide Austrian survey
Authors: Körmöczi Günther F. , Wagner Thomas , Jungbauer Christof , Vadon Maria , Ahrens Norbert , Moll Willi , Mühlbacher Annelies , Özgül‐Gülce Seyhan , Kleinrath Thomas , Kilga‐Nogler Susanne , Schönitzer Diether , Gassner Christoph
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND: Besides ABO and RH, the KEL blood group system, including the two antithetical antigens KEL1 and KEL2, is the most important owing to the frequent appearance of anti‐KEL alloantibodies and their considerable clinical significance. So far, only limited information was available on KEL variant alleles determining the rare silent KELnull and KELel phenotypes with absent or diminished KEL antigen expression detected only by adsorption‐elution techniques, respectively.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: For a systematic investigation of the KELnull and KELel phenotypes, 401 KEL:1,‐2 samples (representing 2.6% of all Austrian KEL:1,‐2 samples) and 811 KEL:1,2 samples were genotyped for the KEL*1/KEL*2‐specific single‐nucleotide polymorphism. All heterozygous KEL*1/KEL*2 and 4 additional KELnull samples were subjected to detailed immunohematologic examination and allele‐specific sequencing.

RESULTS: In 14 KEL:1,‐2 samples, discrepant KEL*1/KEL*2 heterozygosity was observed, indicating the presence of silent or barely expressed KEL*2 alleles, whereas all KEL:1,2 individuals were homozygous for KEL*2. In the course of further molecular analysis, 8 novel KEL*2null and 2 KEL*2el alleles were discovered, representing 67 and 33 percent of previously known KEL*2null‐ and KEL*2el‐encoding alleles, respectively. In addition, two different known KEL*2null and KEL*2el alleles each were confirmed. The immunohematologic properties of KEL variant red blood cells were defined by extended KEL phenotyping and flow cytometric KEL1, KEL2, KEL4, and KEL7 antigen as well as total Kell protein quantification.

CONCLUSION: For the first time, exact KELnull and KELel population frequencies could be established in this population.