bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web authoring tools and meta tagging of page descriptions and keywords
Authors: Craven Timothy C.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To determine the effect of web page editing tools on inclusion and page specificity of meta tagged descriptions and keywords.

Design/methodology/approach

Using customized software with Yahoo!'s random page service, data from 2,048 URLs were logged. Generator identification was cross‐tabulated with presence and length of both descriptions and keywords. A second analysis on pages on geocities.com was performed using URLs from Altavista. Local links from a sample of the Yahoo! set were followed and linked‐to pages were examined for presence of description or keywords and whether these differed from those on the linking pages.

Findings

The Yahoo! set showed generally no significant difference in inclusion of descriptions and keywords between generator‐identifying and other pages. The geocities.com set did show a significant difference for both keywords and descriptions. Exact repetition of descriptions or keywords between pages on the same site did not generally correlate significantly with identified generators.

Research limitations/implications

Various other tools may have been used to create both generator‐identifying and other pages. A third factor, author level, is probably influencing both choice of authoring tool and decision to include description and keywords. How well keywords and descriptions actually fit the pages was not examined. Further research might examine other differences between the two sets.

Practical implications

Assistance with keywords and descriptions varies widely among web site editing packages, but is not a major selection criterion.

Originality/value

The hypothetical relationships had not previously been tested.
Information resources on chemistry and natural sciences in general
Authors: Pankratov Alexei N.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Information about the former and current status of many scientific journals is summarized.

Design/methodology/approach

Newly‐created journals (sometimes based on old ones), cessation of issues, journals incorporated into others, merged and split journals are mentioned. Information about a large number of scientific publishers (publishing houses, scientific institutions and organizations, educational institutions, societies, associations, federations, unions and companies) which make a significant contribution to printed and electronic output are noted. The web addresses of electronic libraries, information networks, search systems, databases and catalogs of natural‐scientific literature are collected.

Findings

It behoves scientists, who profess to disseminate scientific knowledge, to avail themselves of the myriad information sources on offer.

Originality/value

This is possibly the first attempt to embrace comprehensively and in minute detail the vast field of information on the sources of contemporary sciences and their representative bodies.
Exploration for the relationship between innovation, IT and performance
Authors: Jen Huang Cheng , Ju Liu Chun
Published: May 2005

Purpose

This study aims to ask two important research questions: “Do the investments of innovation capital and information technology (IT) capital have a non‐linear relationship with firm performance?” and “Does the interaction between innovation capital and IT capital have synergy effects on firm performance?”

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ multiple regression models and add the squared terms of research and development (R&D) intensity and IT intensity to examine the non‐linear relationship between innovation capital, IT capital and performance. The research sample includes the top 1,000 companies in Taiwan.

Findings

The main findings of the study are that: innovation capital has a non‐linear relationship (inverted U‐shape) with firm performance; and IT capital has no significant impact on firm performance. However, after considering the interaction between innovation capital and IT capital, there is a positive effect on firms' performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study can be extended in the following ways: researchers can adopt panel data and use more representative measures to examine the dynamic relationship between intellectual capital and performance; and future research should seek to examine the interaction effects of other perspectives of intellectual capital to understand further the comprehensive influence on performance.

Practical implications

The research results suggest that more investment in intellectual capital is not always better. Companies should coordinate different perspectives of intellectual capital to improve firm performance.

Originality/value

This paper extends prior research's viewpoint and suggests the non‐linear relationship between innovation capital and performance with empirical evidence. The results can provide the reference for further research about the relationship between intellectual capital and performance.
Building customer capital through relationship marketing activities
Authors: Chang Aihwa , Tseng Chiung‐Ni
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To provide a theoretic framework of the development of customer capital and an empirical verification using Taiwanese multilevel firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used survey research to collect data from members of four Taiwanese multilevel companies. They explored the mediating roles of the drivers of customer equity in the “relationship marketing activities‐customer capita” effect. A total of 306 valid responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

Four types of relationship marketing activities – core service performances, recognition for contributions, dissemination of organization knowledge, and member interdependence enhancement – have significant influences on relationship equity. Relationship equity in turn affects customer capital. Value equity and brand equity respectively have significant effects on customer acquisition and customer retention. Customer acquisition has a significant “feedback” effect on value equity, and relationship equity affects brand equity positively.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of this research is constrained due to a non‐probability sample of firms being used to verify the theoretic framework. It is also constrained due to the fact that only customer‐side data were collected and proxy measures of customer capital were used.

Practical implications

Effective and ineffective types of relationship marketing activities have been identified. The causal paths between relationship marketing and customer capital have been illustrated.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the approach to building customer capital for membership‐emphasized organization.
The integration between Balanced Scorecard and intellectual capital
Authors: Wu Anne
Published: May 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss how to integrate the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) with intellectual capital (IC); and handle the issues of creation, formation, measurement, reporting and even management of strategic intellectual capital (SIC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a case study to illustrate the integration between the BSC and IC, and to handle the significant issues related to SIC. The case company is a car dealership in Taiwan, which is one of the largest automobile dealerships in Taiwan. In addition, according to the firm's management philosophy, the company treats customers as the bosses and employees as the precious assets to the company. The company also treats quality as one of its important competitive advantages, hence implementing ISO 9002 in 1999.

Findings

The main findings of this study are: BSC can lead the creation, formation and measurement of SIC and strengthen the reporting for SIC; BSC's financial, customer, internal process, and growth and learning perspectives can strengthen the management of IC; and, all in all, how to integrate IC and BSC together for implementing a company's strategy effectively and maximize the value of a company deserves further discussion.

Practical implications

Based on this study, companies need to integrate BSC to IC in order to strengthen the creation, formation, measurement, reporting and management of SIC. While BSC directs IC, then the value of SIC can be improved.

Originality/value

Based on the literature review, the authors note that BSC is an important tool to measure and manage IC. However, no research illustrates how BSC directs the creation, formation and management of IC. In this study the authors fill this gap and introduce a case to illustrate how BSC affects the creation, formation and measurement, and even reporting of IC.
Intellectual capital system interaction in Taiwan
Authors: Tsan Wen‐Nan , Chang Chao‐Ching
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Confronted with the transformation of industrial economies, the Taiwanese information technology (IT) industry has to upgrade from production to innovation orientation. The paper seeks to explore what is the core competence of the Taiwanese IT industry. In brief, what kind of intellectual capital (IC) is embedded in the Taiwanese IT industry and how this IC is managed effectively. The point is to discover how the Taiwanese IT industry should start to accumulate or enhance the core resource and strategic capability for future competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The study selected a relatively representative number of IT firms in Taiwan covering six industries. This study conducted a two‐stage survey to construct a measurement model and explored the IC profile of the Taiwanese IT industries.

Findings

This study was able to identify eight IC factors as a measuring model in exploring the IC profiles of four Taiwanese IT industries. The findings indicate the stronger IC in the Taiwanese IT industry as well as the weaker side.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited by the sample within the Taiwan information communications technology industries. It needs to be extended across further industries in the future. It should also be compared with other countries’ industrial IC under similar assessment and measurement. The significant differences between industries could be explored by case study methodology.

Practical implications

Innovation capability plays an important role in confronting the knowledge‐based economy in Taiwanese IT industries. However, there is no compelling evidence to show that investment in research and development will help to achieve the goal of establishing Taiwan as an “Asia Pacific Electronic Information Industry Resource Integration Center”.

Originality/value

This research indicates that the IC System Model developed would help us to identify the interactions among IC elements. It could help to explore whether it is true that, the higher the IC management, the higher is the influence from the input of IC to the output.
Cognitive Architecture, Concepts, and Introspection: An Information‐Theoretic Solution to the Problem of Phenomenal Consciousness
Authors: Aydede Murat , Güzeldere Güven
Published: May 2005

This essay is a sustained attempt to bring new light to some of the perennial problems in philosophy of mind surrounding phenomenal consciousness and introspection through developing an account of sensory and phenomenal concepts. Building on the information‐theoretic framework ofDretske (1981), we present an informational psychosemantics as it applies to what we callsensory concepts, concepts that apply, roughly, to so‐called secondary qualities of objects. We show that these concepts have a special informational character and semantic structure that closely tie them to the brain states realizing conscious qualitative experiences. We then develop an account of introspection which exploits this special nature of sensory concepts. The result is a new class of concepts, which, following recent terminology, we callphenomenal concepts: these concepts refer to phenomenal experience itself and are the vehicles used in introspection. On our account, the connection between sensory and phenomenal concepts is very tight: it consists in different semantic uses of the same cognitive structures underlying the sensory concepts, such as the concept of red. Contrary to widespread opinion, we show that information theory contains all the resources to satisfy internalist intuitions about phenomenal consciousness, while not offending externalist ones. A consequence of this account is that it explains and predicts the so‐called conceivability arguments against physicalism on the basis of the special nature of sensory and phenomenal concepts. Thus we not only show why physicalism is not threatened by such arguments, but also demonstrate its strength in virtue of its ability to predict and explain away such arguments in a principled way. However, we take the main contribution of this work to be what it provides in addition to a response to those conceivability arguments, namely, a substantive account of the interface between sensory and conceptual systems and the mechanisms of introspection as based on the special nature of the information flow between them.
Electron spectroscopy and microscopy applied to chemical and structural analysis of hair
Authors: Beard B. C. , Johnson A. , Cambria F. M. , Trinh P. N.
Published: May 2005

The application of surface specific X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be shown to be an effective means for the elucidation of hair fiber surface chemistry and structure. Example studies of bleaching and fiber conditioning treatments are discussed. The bleached fiber surface is found to become more hydrophilic due to the loss of the naturally occurring hydrocarbon overlayer and oxidation of surface functional groups as a result of bleaching. Comparison between generic bleaching regimens illustrates the importance of increased pH and the presence of surfactant for effective treatment. Adsorption of conditioning diester quat and dimethicone molecules reintroduces a hydrophobic like surface layer on the hair fiber. Spectroscopic data indicate a segregated adsorption structure of the chemically different conditioning molecules. Electron microscope images of the conditioned hair show a smooth uniform surface.
Chronic sickle cell lung disease: new insights into the diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Machado Roberto F. , Gladwin Mark T.
Published: May 2005

Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). In spite of the mild elevations in pulmonary artery pressures in these patients, the associated morbidity and mortality is high. In fact, in adult patients with SCD, pulmonary hypertension is emerging as the major independent risk factor for death. The aetiology of pulmonary hypertension is probably multifactorial, including haemolysis, impaired nitric oxide bioavailability, chronic hypoxaemia, thromboembolism, parenchymal and vascular injury because of sequestration of sickle erythrocytes, chronic liver disease and asplenia. Interestingly, pulmonary hypertension is emerging as a common, and probably, invariant sequella of lifelong haemolytic anaemia in other hereditary and acquired haemolytic diseases, such as thalassaemia, stomatocytosis and spherocytosis. There are currently limited specific data on the effects of any treatment modality for pulmonary hypertension in patients with SCD. It is likely that maximization of SCD therapy, in all patients, and treatment with selective pulmonary vasodilators and antiproliferative agents, in patients with severe disease, would be beneficial. A large trial evaluating the effects of therapy for pulmonary hypertension in the SCD population is clearly indicated.
Expression of the Rho‐family GTPase gene RHOF in lymphocyte subsets and malignant lymphomas
Authors: Gouw Launce G. , Scott Reading N. , Jenson Stephen D. , Lim Megan S. , Elenitoba‐Johnson Kojo S. J.
Published: May 2005

We have studied the expression of RHOF, a member of the Rho‐GTPase family, in an array of lymphoid cells and tissues. Previous microarray studies demonstrated RHOF upregulation in a subset of transformed follicular lymphomas. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction evaluated RHOF expression in lymphocyte subpopulations, and normal and malignant lymphoid tissue. Cells and tissues of B‐cell origin expressed higher RHOF levels than their T‐cell counterparts. Neoplastic cells and tissues of B‐cell origin expressed higher levels of RHOF than their benign cellular counterparts. Relatively elevated levels of RHOF were seen in lymphomas derived from germinal centre origin.
Relevance of the criteria commonly used to diagnose myeloproliferative disorder in patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis
Authors: Chait Yasmine , Condat Bertrand , Cazals‐Hatem Dominique , Rufat Pierre , Atmani Sai , Chaoui Driss , Guilmin Françoise , Kiladjian Jean Jacques , Plessier Aurélie , Denninger Marie Hélène , Casadevall Nicole , Valla Dominique , Brière Jean B.
Published: May 2005

Myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) are reported in 25–65% of patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). Diagnostic criteria for MPD have not been fully established in this context. Using clusters of abnormal megakaryocytes in bone marrow (BM) biopsy as a reference standard for Philadelphia negative MPD, we assessed the relevance of other criteria currently recommended for the diagnosis of MPD in SVT (128 consecutive SVT patients). First, usual criteria were compared with BM results: endogenous erythroid colony formation (EEC) was strongly correlated with BM results; splenomegaly, blood cell count, total red cell volume, erythropoietin level and cytogenetic were much less accurate. Then, patients were assigned to three groups according to the combination of BM and EEC findings (group I: both present; group II: both absent; group III: other patients); clinical presentation and outcome were compared in each group. At a mean follow‐up of 6·09 ± 6·6 years, progression to a severe form of MPD occurred in 7 of 31 group I patients (23%), in 1 of 34 group III patients (3%) and 0 of 63 group II patients. The combination of marked splenomegaly and platelet count >200 × 109/l was restricted to groups I and III. In conclusion, in patients with SVT, BM findings and EEC allowed the diagnosis of MPD at risk of aggravation. Marked splenomegaly in association with platelet counts >200 × 109/l constitute a simple index with high specificity but low sensitivity.
Isolates of Trichuris muris elicit different adaptive immune responses in their murine host
Authors: Johnston C. E. , Bradley J. E. , Behnke J. M. , Matthews K. R. , Else K. J.
Published: May 2005

The J and S isolates of Trichuris muris have different infection profiles in C57BL/6 mice; J worms are expelled, S worms survive to chronicity. Building on this, the ability of the J and S isolates to survive, and the quality of the immune response induced was explored in three different strains of mouse. The resistant BALB/c mouse mounted a strong Th2 response against both isolates, which were quickly expelled. The susceptible AKR host mounted a Th1 response and retained both isolates. Despite equivalent worm exposure, mesenteric lymph node cells from AKR mice infected with the S isolate produced significantly higher levels of IL‐12 and the intestinal mastocytosis was reduced. IgG1 and IgG2a from S‐infected AKR mice recognized low molecular weight antigens not recognized by J‐infected mice. Differential expulsion kinetics was observed in the slower‐responding C57BL/6 strain; J worms were expelled but S isolate worms were retained. Survival of the S isolate was again associated with elevated IL‐12 and decreased Th2 responses. In resistant mouse strains, the outcome of infection is thus dominantly influenced by host genetics. However, in the slower‐responding host, isolate‐derived factors may play a role in shaping the quality of the adaptive immune response, thus influencing parasite survival.
Determinants of immunodiagnostic success in human ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: Garweg J. G.
Published: May 2005

Ocular toxoplasmosis is a local manifestation of systemic infection in whichToxoplasmaspreads into the eye, affecting mainly the posterior segment of the eye. Reactivation of the initial retinal condition presumably results from the rupture of quiescent parasitic cysts lying adjacent to pre‐existing scars and may secondarily involve the choroid (leading to retinochoroiditis). Although the molecular mechanisms underlying host–parasite interaction are largely unknown, toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis usually remains a local event, and does not necessarily evoke a detectable systemic immune response. Local immunotolerance mechanisms may likewise confound attempts to confirm the clinical diagnosis by serology. Aqueous humour may be analysed for the presence of parasite DNA or of specific antibodies, but the DNA burden therein is low, and a more definite confirmation would require risky puncturing of the vitreous. Laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis is also frustrated by marked individual differences in the time elapsing between the onset of clinical symptoms and the activation of specific antibody production, resulting in a high proportion of false negative results. Whether a delay in the onset of local specific antibody production reflects immunotolerance in cases of congenital – but not obviously in those of acquired – infection remains an open question, but it could account for a relatively low confirmation rate in laboratory tests for local antibody production. Against this background, current diagnostic strategies need to be re‐evaluated with a view to future improvements.
Polymorphism of tandem repeat in promoter of 5‐lipoxygenase in ASA‐intolerant asthma: a positive association with airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Kim S.‐H. , Bae J.‐S. , Suh C.‐H. , Nahm D.‐H. , Holloway J. W. , Park H.‐S.
Published: May 2005

Background:  5‐Lipooxygenase (ALOX5) and 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein (ALOX5AP) are known as key enzymes in cysteinyl‐leukotriene (cys‐LT) production, critical mediators in aspirin acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA)‐intolerant asthma (AIA). To date, studies of the promoter region of ALOX5 gene has revealed the potential influence of a variable number of tandem repeats of a Sp1‐ and Egr1‐binding motif, on the transcription rate.

Methods:  To understand the pathological process that arises from cys‐LT overproduction in AIA, we genotyped ALOX5 Sp1 and ALOX5AP poly(A) repeat promoter polymorphism by fluorescent‐based capillary electrophoresis in the Korean population.

Results:  No significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies of the ALOX5 and ALOX5AP promoter polymorphisms were observed between the three groups. However, there was a strong association of the ALOX5 Sp1 repeat polymorphism with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR; PC20 methacholine); AIA patients carrying a mutant allele (n > 5 or n < 5 repeats) showed increased AHR compared to AIA patients with wild‐type genotype (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:  Although the alleles of the ALOX5 and ALOX5AP promoter cannot be considered as a prominent risk factor in the development of AIA, the genetic variant of tandem repeat (GGGCGG; Sp1‐binding motif) in ALOX5 promoter is associated with the severity of airway hyperresponsiveness in AIA patients.
Epsilon germ‐line and IL‐4 transcripts are expressed in human intestinal mucosa and enhanced in patients with food allergy
Authors: Coëffier M. , Lorentz A. , Manns M. P. , Bischoff S. C.
Published: May 2005

Background:  The mechanisms of gastrointestinal (GI) food allergy (FA) are poorly understood. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is increased in stools from patients with FA, as well as the number of cells carrying IgE in intestinal mucosa, but the origin of IgE production remains unknown. To investigate a local production of IgE in intestine, we analysed the levels of transcripts for epsilon germ‐line (εGT), and potential regulators of IgE production, IL‐4, IL‐13, IFN‐γ, IL‐4Rα, STAT6 and FcεRIα in intestinal mucosa of adult patients with FA.

Methods:  Endoscopic biopsies were obtained from the caecum of 25 patients with FA and 14 control patients. The levels of εGT, IL‐4, IL‐13, IFN‐γ, IL‐4Rα, STAT6 and FcεRIα mRNA were analysed by real‐time RT‐PCR and compared with unpaired nonparametric Mann–Whitney test.

Results:  The mean εGT transcript level in caecum was increased in FA patients compared with control patients (P < 0.05). IL‐4 mRNA expression was also increased in FA patients (P < 0.05), whereas mRNA expression for IL‐13, IFN‐γ, IL‐4Rα, STAT6 and FcεRIα mRNA expression was not altered. However, the ratio of IL‐4 mRNA/IFN‐γ mRNA was significantly increased in FA patients (P < 0.05). No correlation was observed between εGT transcripts expression in intestinal mucosa and total IgE levels in serum.

Conclusions:  This study shows that (i) εGT transcripts are expressed in human intestinal mucosa; (ii) εGT and IL‐4 transcripts are increased in caecal mucosa from patients with FA. These results suggest local production of IgE in intestine that might be of importance for inflammatory reactions in the GI tract.
How can we improve compliance in pediatric pneumology and allergology?
Authors: Niggemann B.
Published: May 2005

Not too long ago, physicians took ‘compliance’ or ‘adherence’ to mean the strict obedience of patients and parents – doing what the physician said, suggesting that the success or failure of the treatment lay entirely in the hands of the patient. But it is preferable to improve compliance rather than enforce it. As there is no single solution that will ensure compliance, several steps should be taken: (i) ‘exploration’ includes open questions, and allows admission of non‐compliance, e.g. in terms of failure to take drugs, or smoking; (ii) ‘education’ means explaining pathomechanisms, and reducing corticophobia; (iii) ‘tailoring’ is reached by focussing therapeutic options on individual requirements, and simplifying treatment regimens; (iv) ‘contracting’ involves negotiating a realistic therapeutic regimen on an individual basis; (v) ‘reminders’ are practical tips, which may help to overcome reluctance, e.g. by placing drugs in the toothbrush glass, and on the breakfast table, or in the sports bag; (vi) ‘follow‐up’ ensures long‐term compliance, with regular visits to the physician, and self‐management programmes. In conclusion, non‐compliance of patients and parents is a challenging problem in daily practice. Including the aspects of the abovementioned factors can help build up a relation of trust and partnership, which is the prerequisite of any therapeutic success. However, this is an ongoing process, which has to be continuously reviewed.
Efficacy and safety of preseasonal‐specific immunotherapy with an aluminium‐adsorbed six‐grass pollen allergoid
Authors: Corrigan C. J. ,   the Study Group, Kettner J. , Doemer C. , Cromwell O. , Narkus A.
Published: May 2005

Background:  The clinical efficacy and safety of a six‐grass pollen allergoid has been studied. The advent of more exacting clinical guidelines and a better appreciation of the possible mechanisms of treatment prompted this reappraisal.

Methods:  A 2‐year double‐blind multicentre placebo‐controlled phase 3 clinical trial was undertaken in 154 patients suffering symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma (GINA I or II). Therapy comprised two consecutive preseasonal short‐courses of subcutaneous injections using a grass pollen allergoid adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide.

Results:  A combined symptom and medication score (SMS) was used as the primary end‐point for clinical efficacy. SMS from the first year showed a significant difference of 26.6% between the two study groups (P = 0.026) and this was improved after the second year when there was a 48.4% difference in SMS between active and placebo treatment in favour of the allergoid (P = 0.018). Highly significant increases in grass pollen allergen‐specific IgG1 and IgG4 antibody concentrations were measured in association with active treatment. Allergen tolerance was increased as judged by a conjunctival provocation test and significant improvements in quality of life were documented using a standardized questionnaire. The allergoid was well tolerated.

Conclusions:  The grass pollen allergoid was shown to be safe and clinically efficacious in the management of hay fever with or without asthma (GINA I or II).
Costs associated with persistent allergic rhinitis are reduced by levocetirizine
Authors: Bousquet J. , Demarteau N. , Mullol J. , van den Akker‐van Marle M. E. , Van Ganse E. , Bachert C. ,   for the XPERT study group
Published: May 2005

Background: Allergic rhinitis was recently classified by the ARIA guidelines as persistent or intermittent. Levocetirizine was shown to improve symptoms and health‐related quality of life of patients with persistent allergic rhinitis in the XPERTTMstudy, a 6‐month randomized double blind placebo‐controlled trial.

Objective: To assess the total costs of persistent allergic rhinitis, and the effect of long‐term treatment with levocetirizine on these costs from several perspectives (societal, social security system, and employers).

Methods: Direct medical cost parameters (medications, physician visits and hospitalizations) and time lost parameters (workdays and Usual Daily Activities (UDA) lost) related to persistent allergic rhinitis and its comorbidities (asthma, sinusitis, otitis and upper respiratory infection) were measured. A cost analysis was performed using 2002 French costing data.

Results: From a societal perspective, the total cost of persistent allergic rhinitis without long‐term treatment was estimated at €355.06/patient/month. From a social security perspective, levocetirizine treatment yielded an additional cost of €2.78/patient/month, compared to no‐treatment. However, levocetirizine reduced the total cost of persistent allergic rhinitis and its comorbidities by €152.93/patient/month from a societal perspective and by €64.70/patient/month from an employer perspective. Most gains resulted from a decrease in the lost workdays and UDA in the levocetirizine group.

Conclusion: The cost of persistent allergic rhinitis is substantial. Treatment with levocetirizine reduces the cost of persistent allergic rhinitis and its comorbidities to the society by €152.93/patient/month while improving symptoms and health‐related quality of life.
Outcome of microemulsion cyclosporine C2 concentration monitoring in kidney transplantation
Authors: Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Nivatvong Supanit , Kansanabuch Talerngsak , Eiam‐Ong Somchai , Tiranathanagul Kajon , Chusil Sauwaluck , Tungsanga Kriang
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Profiling of absorption of cyclosporine (CsA) microemulsion is a concept in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) designed to optimize the clinical benefits of the drug in transplant recipients. A single blood concentration at 2 h (C2) after CsA microemulsion administration in kidney transplant recipients accurately predicts graft outcome. An international guidelines has recommended the target C2 over time‐course post‐transplantation. We determined whether this recommendation is appropriate for our patients who are Asian ethnic. The clinical data of these C2 monitoring kidney transplant recipients were compared with the historical cohort of microemulsion CsA trough (C0) level monitoring during the first 24‐month post‐transplantation. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied for both C2 and C0 cohorts. The mean target C2 concentrations at 1, 3, 6, and 12‐month post‐transplantation were achieved in the C2 cohort as the international guildlines. At 3‐month post‐transplantation, patients who had C2 concentrations over 1500 ng/mL had higher serum creatinine as compared with those who had C2 levels <1300 ng/mL (2.23 ± 0.8 vs. 1.44 ± 0.38 mg/dL: p = 0.01). Also, at 6‐month post‐transplantation, patients who had C2 concentrations over 1300 ng/mL had higher serum creatinine (1.96 ± 0.29 vs. 1.37 ± 0.34 mg/dL: p < 0.01) as compared with those who had C2 levels <1100 ng/mL. There was no statistical difference of acute rejection episodes between the two cohorts. The international consensus for C2 concentraion may be too high for Asian ethnic kidney transplant recipients. The data from this study indicated lower than recommended C2 concentraion as an appropriate C2 target concentraion.
Daclizumab is associated with decreased rejection and improved patient survival in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Morris JA , Hanson JE , Steffen BJ , Chu AH , Chi‐Burris KS , Gotz VP , Gordon RD
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  The present study investigated the safety of induction therapy with daclizumab (compared with no induction treatment), in adult renal transplant patients reported to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database between January 1, 1998 and July 27, 2003. Patients who were discharged from the hospital on mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, or sirolimus were divided into two groups: induction treatment with daclizumab (n = 8203) and no induction treatment (n = 25,368). Patient survival, death due to infection and death due to malignancy were evaluated at 1 and 3 yr post‐transplantation. Rejection and graft survival were also examined. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression models were used to evaluate outcomes. No significant differences were found between patients treated with daclizumab compared with patients who received no induction therapy for death due to infection or malignancy at 1 and 3 yr post‐transplantation. Patients treated with daclizumab (compared with no induction treatment) had statistically significantly better survival rates at 1 (96.9% vs. 96.2%, p = 0.003) and 3 yr (92.4% vs. 91.4%, p = 0.004) although absolute differences were minimal. This was confirmed in the multivariable Cox regression analysis for patient death at 1 (HR = 0.77, p < 0.001) and 3 yr (HR = 0.83, p = 0.001) post‐transplantation. Patients treated with daclizumab compared to no induction had lower rejection rates at 1 (13.1% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001) and 3 yr post‐transplantation (16.7% vs. 21.3%, p < 0.001). Cox regression confirmed a decreased risk for rejection at 1 (HR = 0.74, p < 0.001) and 3 yr (HR = 0.75, p < 0.001). Treatment with daclizumab was associated with reduced risk for graft loss at 1 (HR = 0.82, p < 0.001) and 3 years (HR = 0.86, p < 0.001). In conclusion, daclizumab was associated with a significantly reduced risk for rejection and graft loss compared with no induction treatment, and improved patient survival. In addition, daclizumab was not associated with an increase in risk of death due to infection or malignancy, when compared with no induction therapy. These findings demonstrate the short and long‐term safety and efficacy of daclizumab in patients transplanted between January 1998 and July 2003.
Is Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia after stem cell transplantations a contagious disease?
Authors: Resnick Igor B , Averbuch Diana , Aker Memet , Engelhard Dan
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  We report of twins who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for neonatal acute leukemia. Hospitalized in the same room from the time the first one demonstrated respiratory symptoms, they both developed Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly carinii) pneumonia (PCP) 2 wk apart. This observation suggests that PCP may be a contagious disease in HSCT recipients. This may be especially true for infants and young children who are at risk of primary P. jiroveci infection, and should be avoided.
Negative impact of ‘old‐to‐old’ donations on success of cadaveric renal transplants
Authors: Weiss‐Salz Inbal , Mandel Micha , Galai Noya , Boner Geoffrey , Mor Eytan , Nakache Richard , Simchen Elisheva ,   the Israeli Transplantation Consortium
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  The effect of ‘old‐to‐old’ cadaveric renal transplants on operative complications and graft survival was assessed in all 325 patients undergoing solitary cadaveric renal transplantations in Israel during a 3‐yr period. Preoperative information and hospital course data were abstracted from the charts. Results were analyzed using Kaplan–Meyer survival curves, univariate and multivariate Cox models. Overall, 62 (19.1%) grafts failed within a year. Failure rate was 46.2% for ‘old‐to‐old’ transplants compared with 15.5% for all other donor/recipient age combinations (p < 0.0001). ‘Old‐to‐old’ transplants remained independently associated with graft failure in a multivariate Cox model after controlling the effect of other risk factors. ‘Old‐to‐old’ transplants were also associated with increased operative complications relative to other age combinations. The decision to use ‘old‐to‐old’ transplants, even when donors are scarce, is problematic and should be reconsidered.
Risk factors for delayed kidney function and impact of delayed function on patient and graft survival in adult graft recipients
Authors: Pieringer Herwig , Biesenbach Georg
Published: May 2005

Abstract: The influence of delayed kidney graft function on allograft outcome is described controversially in the literature. The aim of the study was to evaluate possible risk factors for delayed graft function (DGF) and investigate the impact of DGF on short‐ and long‐term renal allograft function. Two groups were formed: the first one consisted of patients who gained immediate graft function (IGF) (n = 64) after transplantation and the second group included patients with DGF (n = 31; with at least one dialysis needed in first week after transplantation). The DGF group had a statistically significant longer duration on dialyses prior to transplantation (DGF 54 vs. IGF 33 months; p < 0.05), on average more frequently a re‐transplantation (DGF 1.7 vs. IGF 1.3; p < 0.01), a longer re‐anastomosis time (DGF 52.9 vs. 44.2 min; p < 0.01), a lower systolic (DGF 136 ±24 mmHg vs. IGF 158 ± 25; p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DGF 78 ± 14 vs. IGF 89 ± 16 mmHg; p < 0.01) at admission to the hospital and a higher serum (S)‐creatinine at discharge (DGF 2.5 ± 1.6 vs. IGF 1.6 ± 0.4 mg/dL; p < 0.01). Prior to transplantation the DGF group had more often advanced vascular diseases (DGF 29.0 vs. IGF 12.5%; p < 0.01) and these patients incurred more frequently new ones during the next 3 yr after transplantation (DGF 22.6 vs. IGF 6.3%; p < 0.001). After 3 yr the graft survival tended to be lower in the DGF group (DGF 74.2 vs. IGF 84.4%; NS), but this difference was not statistically significant.
The Effect on Pregnancy Rate of Progesterone Administration after Manual Reduction of Twin Embryos in Dairy Cattle
Authors: López‐Gatius F.
Published: May 2005

Twin pregnancies are undesirable in dairy cattle as they increase the risk of abortion and have many negative effects on the profitability of the herd. The purpose of this study was to evaluate manual reduction of a twin embryo in dairy cows bearing unilateral twins. On day 34 of gestation, 33 cows were assigned to one of three treatment groups (n = 11 for each group): untreated cows (group control), amnion rupture (group AR), and amnion rupture plus treatment (intravaginal progesterone for 28 days) (group ART). A significantly higher (P = 0.0001) pregnancy loss rate was recorded in the AR group (100%, 11/11), than in the ART (54.5%, 6/11) and control (27.3%, 3/11) groups. In the ART group, one embryo survived amnion rupture and the cow bearing it had twins at parturition, while the remaining four cows delivered singletons. Our results suggest that the procedure of rupturing the amnion with progesterone supplementation may provide a satisfactory way for twin reduction in dairy cattle.
Effects of Low‐dose Dexamethasone on Thymus Morphology and Immunological Parameters in Veal Calves
Authors: Biolatti B. , Bollo E. , Cannizzo F. T. , Zancanaro G. , Tarantola M. , Dacasto M. , Cantiello M. , Carletti M. , Biolatti P. G. , Barbarino G.
Published: May 2005

Glucocorticoids are often illegally used in association with anabolic steroids as growth promoters in veal calves and beef production. An experimental administration of dexamethasone was carried out in veal calves in order to assess the role of low doses of exogenous glucocorticoids on induction of thymus atrophy and on the immune response. Three groups of five veal calves each were included in this study: group D was administered 0.4 mg/day of dexamethasone‐21‐phosphateper osfor 25 days; group V was administered 2 mg of dexamethasone‐21‐isonicotinate i.m. at days 14 and 21, and group K served as control. At slaughter, the weight of the thymus was severely reduced in group D and in group V, compared with control animals. Lesions included severe lymphoid depletion and hyperplasia of adipose tissue.In situevaluation of apoptosis in thymus, showed a reduction of the percentage of positive nuclear areas of animals belonging to group V in comparison with control animals. An overall decrease of lymphocyte proliferative response was detected after treatment with short acting dexamethasone, while antibody response was not affected by treatments.
Caring for a person with dementia: Exploring relationships between perceived burden, depression, coping and well‐being
Authors: McConaghy Ronelle , Caltabiano Marie Louise
Published: May 2005

Abstract This study was concerned with identifying the impact of variables such as gender, length of time caring, coping style, depression and perception of caregiving burden on the physical and psychological well‐being of carers of persons with dementia. Forty‐two carers aged between 21 and 88 years from Blue Care's Homecare Dementia Service and Cairns Aged Care Health Service participated in the study. A cross‐sectional survey research design was used, with participants providing information on the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the COPE, Short Form (SF)‐12 and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. Perceived burden accounted for 41.7% of the variance in satisfaction with life as a subjective measure of well‐being. There were no significant differences between male and female carers. Satisfaction with life was not found to decrease with length of time caring for the dementia sufferer. There were no significant findings in regard to coping style or physical health of carers. The well‐being of carers can be enhanced through strategies which lead to a reduced perception of burden, with respite services providing tangible relief from burden.
The readiness of Canadian nurses and physicians to provide genetic services for adult onset hereditary disease
Authors: Bottorff Joan L.
Published: May 2005

A random sample of Canadian nurses (n = 975, response rate 79%) and physicians (n = 543, response rate 50%) were surveyed to describe the knowledge, professional involvement and confidence in providing genetic services for adult onset hereditary disease (AOHD). A significant proportion of respondents reported no formal or continuing education in genetics. Those in active practice reported that during the previous year they had seen patients with whom the issue of AOHD had been discussed. Although neither physicians nor nurses reported a high level of confidence with providing genetic services, they believed they had a role to play in this area. There is an urgent need to expand educational opportunities addressing AOHD and to develop genetics tools that facilitate clinicians’ work related to genetics.
Apolipoprotein E genotype in the subarachnoid hemorrhage population
Authors: Alexander S , Kerr M , Conley YP , Kong Y , Yonas H
Published: May 2005

INTRODUCTION

The APOE4 allele has been associated with poor outcomes after acute neurologic injury. The purposes of this study are to describe (1) the APOE4 allele distribution in this population and (2) the relationship between APOE4 allele presence and outcomes.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria were: individuals age 18–75 with severe aneurysmal SAH and a CSF drainage system. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of the 87 subjects in this study, 21 (24.1%) had an APOE4 allele. Trends indicated that subjects with an APOE4 allele had less severe hemorrhage and better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between APOE å4 allele and outcome after SAH in this population appears to be opposite of that represented in the literature.
Womens’ decision making experiences after BRCA genetic testing
Authors: Perry Cynthia E
Published: May 2005

The objectives of this qualitative study are: to explore ways in which women with positive and inconclusive breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA) genetic test results assign meaning, make interpretations, and respond to test results and recommendations for risk reduction and disease detection interventions; and to develop a grounded theory based on the perceptions, beliefs, and actions of these women. A grounded theory method has been used to study a theoretical sample of 30 women in North America with positive or inconclusive BRCA genetic test results, not diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. The findings will assist in the future design of nursing interventions to provide required information and ensure support for women making risk reduction and disease detection decisions after BRCA testing.
Gleason grading of prostate cancer in needle biopsies or radical prostatectomy specimens: contemporary approach, current clinical significance and sources of pathology discrepancies
Authors: Montironi Rodolfo , Mazzuccheli Roberta , Scarpelli Marina , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Fellegara Giovanni , Algaba Ferran
Published: May 2005

The Gleason grading system is a powerful tool to prognosticate and aid in the treatment of men with prostate cancer. The needle biopsy Gleason score correlates with virtually all other pathological variables, including tumour volume and margin status in radical prostatectomy specimens, serum prostate‐specific antigen levels and many molecular markers. The Gleason score assigned to the tumour at radical prostatectomy is the most powerful predictor of progression after radical prostatectomy. However, there are significant deficiencies in the practice of this grading system. Not only are there problems among practising pathologists but also a relative lack of interobserver reproducibility among experts.
A systematic review of controlled trials evaluating interventions in adult literacy and numeracy
Authors: Torgerson Carole , Porthouse Jill , Brooks Greg
Published: May 2005

This paper reports a systematic review of the quasi‐experimental literature in the field of adult literacy and numeracy, published between 1980 and 2002. We included 27 controlled trials (CTs) that evaluated strategies and pedagogies designed to increase adult literacy and numeracy: 18 CTs with no effect sizes (incomplete data) and 9 CTs with full data. These nine trials are examined in detail for this paper. Of these nine trials, six evaluated interventions in literacy and three evaluated interventions in literacy and numeracy. Three of the nine trials showed a positive effect for the interventions, five trials showed no difference and one trial showed a positive effect for the control treatment. The quality of the trials was variable, but many of them had some methodological problems. There was no evidence of publication bias in the review. There have been few attempts to expose common adult literacy or numeracy programmes to rigorous evaluation and therefore in terms of policy and practice it is difficult to make any recommendations as to the type of adult education that should be supported. In contrast, however, the review does provide a strong steer for the direction to be taken by educational researchers: because of the present inadequate evidence base rigorously designed randomised controlled trials and quasi‐experiments are required as a matter of urgency.