bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing disease burden of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Far East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Kao Jia‐Horng , Chen Ding‐Shinn
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world, and has a marked difference in geographic distribution. More than 80% of HCC cases occur in developing countries, especially the Far East and Southeast Asia. Although immunization has been successful against hepatitis B virus (HBV), a changing disease burden of HCC has been observed in many parts of the world because of the increasing prevalence and duration of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in these countries. In addition, the age‐specific incidence of HCC has progressively shifted toward younger people. Hepatitis B genotypes B and C are prevalent in the Far East and Southeast Asia, and the clinical relevance of HBV genotypes has become increasingly recognized. Compared with genotype C, genotype B is associated with earlier hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion, slower progression to cirrhosis and less frequent development of HCC. By using periodic examinations of serum alfa‐fetoprotein levels and abdominal ultrasonography, small HCC can be detected and treated earlier. However, prevention of HBV and HCV infections as well as effective treatment of the chronic viral infections with timely interventions are still needed for the global control of HCC, particularly in the Far East and Southeast Asia.
Autoimmune hepatitis type 1: safety and efficacy of prolonged medical therapy
Authors: Seela Srinivas , Sheela Harinath , Boyer James L.
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Studies on the long‐term outcome of immunosuppression in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) type 1 are limited.

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of prolonged medical therapy for up to four decades in a cohort of patients with AIH.

Methods: Forty‐two patients were followed long term in the Yale Liver Clinics who met the criteria of ‘definite autoimmune hepatitis’ as defined by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. Records were reviewed for the dosage of immunosuppression, rate of relapse, steroid side effects, current status of liver function tests and evidence for cirrhosis and its complications.

Results: Mean follow‐up was 16 years and ranged from 7 to 43 years. The median follow‐up was 13.5 years. Steroid withdrawal resulted in a mean of 1.78 relapses/patient (range, 0–8). All but six patients responded well to prednisone and azathioprine and alanine aminotransferases were completely normal in 29 (81%) at last exam. Five patients have discontinued medication. Steroid side effects have been minimal (weight gain in eight, osteoporosis in three) except for one patient who recovered successfully from cryptococcal meningitis and another with aseptic necrosis of the hip. Progression to cirrhosis occurred in 54% with evidence of esophageal varices in 37% but none developed hepatocellular carcinoma. Only one patient has received a liver transplant, while five others are currently listed because of symptoms of ascites, encephalopathy or bleeding from esophageal varices.

Conclusions: AIH can be managed effectively over three to four decades with low‐dose immunosuppression resulting in essentially normal lifestyles and minimal side effects. Liver transplantation with an increased risk of rejection and graft failure in this group can be avoided for long periods in most of these patients.
Fasudil hydrochloride hydrate, a Rho‐kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, suppresses collagen production and enhances collagenase activity in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Fukushima Marie , Nakamuta Makoto , Kohjima Motoyuki , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Enjoji Munechika , Kobayashi Naoya , Nawata Hajime
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: The Rho–ROCK signaling pathways play an important role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We investigated the effects of fasudil hydrochloride hydrate (fasudil), a Rho‐kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, on cell growth, collagen production, and collagenase activity in HSCs.

Methods: Rat HSCs and human HSC‐derived TWNT‐4 cells were cultured for studies on stress fiber formation and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression. Proliferation was measured by BrdU incorporation, and apoptosis by TUNEL assay. The phosphorylation states of the MAP kinases (MAPKs), extra cellular signal –regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c‐jun kinase (JNK), and p38 were evaluated by western blot analysis. Type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) production and gene expression were evaluated by ELISA and real‐time PCR, respectively. Collagenase activity (active MMP‐1) was also evaluated.

Results: Fasudil (100 μM) inhibited cell spreading, the formation of stress fibers, and expression of α‐SMA with concomitant suppression of cell growth, although it did not induce apoptosis. Fasudil inhibited phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38. Treatment with fasudil suppressed the production and transcription of collagen and TIMP, stimulated the production and transcription of MMP‐1, and enhanced collagenase activity.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that fasudil not only suppresses proliferation and collagen production but also increases collagenase activity.
Enhanced uptake of lactosaminated human albumin by rat hepatocarcinomas: implications for an improved chemotherapy of primary liver tumors
Authors: Di Stefano Giuseppina , Fiume Luigi , Bolondi Luigi , Lanza Marcella , Pariali Milena , Chieco Pasquale
Published: July 2005

Background/Aims: The hepatocyte receptor for asialoglycoproteins (ASGP‐R) internalizes macromolecules exposing galactosyl residues (MEGRs) which can be used as liver‐addressed drug carriers. This receptor was also found on the cells of the large majority of well differentiated hepatocarcinomas (HCCs). The aim of the present experiments was to ascertain whether ASGP‐R of HCCs is functionally active and these tumors can internalize higher quantities of MEGRs than extra‐hepatic tissues.

Methods: We injected radioactive lactosaminated human albumin (L‐HSA) in rats with HCCs produced by nitroso‐diethylamine and measured the radioactivity of tumors, surrounding liver, heart, intestine and kidney. L‐HSA is a MEGR successfully used in humans as a hepatotropic drug carrier.

Results: The levels of radioactivity of HCCs were two to three times lower than those of surrounding liver, but several times higher than those of extra‐hepatic tissues. L‐HSA accumulation in the tumors mainly occurred via the ASGP‐R, as indicated by the 20 times lower penetration of non‐lactosaminated HSA. L‐HSA uptake by the well‐differentiated tumors were four times higher compared with that by the poorly differentiated forms.

Conclusions: The present results suggest that in the chemotherapy of HCCs expressing the ASGP‐R the extra‐hepatic toxicity of anticancer agents can be reduced by conjugation to L‐HSA.
Mechanical signals regulating extracellular matrix gene expression in fibroblasts
Authors: Sarasa‐Renedo A. , Chiquet M.
Published: July 2005

Mechanical forces are essential for connective tissue homeostasis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in the transmission of forces generated by the organism (e.g. muscle contraction) and externally applied (e.g. gravity). The expression of specific ECM proteins such as collagens and tenascin‐C, as well as of matrix metalloproteinases, involved in their turnover, is influenced by mechanical stimuli. The precise mechanisms by which mechanical strains are translated into chemical signals and lead to differential gene expression are however not fully understood. Cell–matrix adhesion sites are good candidates for hosting a “mechanosensory switch,” as they transmit forces from the ECM to the cytoskeleton and vice versa by physically linking the cytoskeleton to the ECM. Integrins, transmembrane proteins located to these adhesion sites, have been shown to trigger a set of internal signaling cascades after mechanical stimulation. We have shown that the expression level of tenascin‐C directly correlates with externally applied mechanical stress, as well as with RhoA/RhoA‐dependent kinase‐mediated cytoskeletal tension. Presumably other genes are regulated in a similar manner. The changes in ECM composition and mechanical properties derived from mechanical stress are relevant in medical intervention after ligament and tendon injury.
CDMP‐2 injection improves early tendon healing in a rabbit model for surgical repair
Authors: Virchenko O. , Fahlgren A. , Skoglund B. , Aspenberg P.
Published: July 2005

This study examines the hypothesis that cartilage‐derived morphogenic protein‐2 (CDMP‐2) can improve tendon healing after surgical repair. We have previously found improved tendon healing by applying CDMP‐2 in models for conservative treatment with mechanically loaded Achilles tendon defects in rats and rabbits. In this study, the patellar tendon was unloaded by patello‐ tibial cerclage and cut transversely in 40 rabbits. Two hours post‐operative, the rabbits received a dose of 20 μg of CDMP‐2 or vehicle injected into the hematoma. Specimens were harvested after 14 and 28 days and evaluated by biomechanical testing, radiography and histology. At 14 days, CDMP‐2 caused a 65% increase in force at failure, a 50% increase in ultimate stress and a 57% increase in stiffness, as compared with controls. There was no effect on callus size. At 28 days, no differences between the treatment groups could be demonstrated. No bone or cartilage was found in any tendon or regenerated tissue at any time point. Thus, early tendon repair can be stimulated by CDMP‐2 in an unloaded model. These results suggest that CDMP‐2 might be of interest for clinical use as a complement to surgical treatment of tendon ruptures.
Enzymic and non‐enzymic cross‐linking mechanisms in relation to turnover of collagen: relevance to aging and exercise
Authors: Avery N. C. , Bailey A. J.
Published: July 2005

The molecular mechanisms involved in the aging of collagen and consequent increase in mechanical strength and stiffness occur in a series of enzymic and non‐enzymic intermolecular cross‐links. The enzymic mechanism involves divalent aldimine intermolecular cross‐links derived from the reaction of aldehydes which then mature to trivalent cross‐links and further stabilize the collagen fiber and is now well known. Recent studies have demonstrated that the rate of turnover and level of telopeptide lysyl hydroxylation modifies the nature of the cross‐link and hence the mechanical strength of the fiber.

The slow turnover of mature collagen subsequently allows accumulation of the products of the adventitious non‐enzymic reaction of glucose with the lysines in the triple helix to form glucosyl lysine and its Amadori product, that is, the Maillard reaction. These products are subsequently oxidized to a complex series of advanced glycation end‐products, some of which are intermolecular cross‐links between the triple helices rendering the fiber too stiff for optimal functioning of the collagen fibers, and consequently of the particular tissue involved. The glycation reactions following maturation are true aging processes, and attempts at their specific inhibition involve competitive inhibition of the Maillard reaction and chemical cleavage of the glycation cross‐links.

It is clear that the nature of the age‐related cross‐links and hence tissue strength depends on the rate of turnover of the collagen. An examination of the particular effect of strenuous exercise on the rate of turnover of collagen and hence cross‐linking in different tissues could lead to a better understanding of optimal sports training regimes.
The role of vasculature and angiogenesis for the pathogenesis of degenerative tendons disease
Authors: Pufe T. , Petersen W. J. , Mentlein R. , Tillmann B. N.
Published: July 2005

More than 100 years ago Wilhelm Roux (1895) introduced the term “functional adaptation to anatomy and physiology”. Compared with other organ systems the functional adaptation processes are best identifiable in the locomotor system, like for example in the two types of tendons: traction and gliding tendons. Traction tendons are tendons where the direction of pull is in line with the direction of the muscle (e.g. Achilles tendon). Gliding tendons (e.g. tibialis posterior tendon) change direction by turning around a bony or fibrous hypomochlion. In this region the tendon is subjected to intermittent compressive and shear forces and the extracellular matrix consists of avascular fibrocartilage. Avascularity is considered to be a key factor for the etiology of degenerative tendon disease. The repair capability after repetitive microtrauma is strongly compromised in avascular tissue of gliding tendons. Reduced vascularity is not a specific feature of gliding tendons; several studies have shown that the number and size of blood vessels are largely shortened in the waist of the Achilles tendon. However, histological biopsies from degenerated Achilles tendons and Doppler flow examinations revealed a high blood vessel density in patients with degenerative tendon disease.

Angiogenesis is mediated by angiogenic factors and recent studies have shown that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is highly expressed in degenerative Achilles tendons, whereas VEGF expression is nearly completely downregulated in healthy tendons. Several factors are able to upregulate VEGF expression in tenocytes: hypoxia, inflammatory cytokines and mechanical load. Since VEGF has the potential to stimulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and inhibit the expression of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in various cell types (e.g. endothelial cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes), this cytokine might play a significant role for the pathogenetic processes during degenerative tendon disease. An animal experiment in the rabbit has shown that local injection of VEGF reduced the material properties of the Achilles tendon. These experimental findings are in accordance with clinical results that a locally administered (in the area with neovascularization) sclerosing drug (Polidocanol) has a beneficial effect on chronic mid‐portion Achilles tendinosis.

In conclusion, decreased and increased vascularity might be involved in the pathogenesis of degenerative Achilles tendon disease.
The chronic painful Achilles and patellar tendon: research on basic biology and treatment
Authors: Alfredson Håkan
Published: July 2005

The etiology and pathogenesis of chronic tendon pain are unknown. Even though tendon biopsies having shown an absence of inflammatory cell infiltration, anti‐inflammatory agents (non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, corticosteroidal injections) are commonly used. We have demonstrated that it is possible to use intratendinous microdialysis to investigate human tendons, and found normal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in chronic painful tendinosis (Achilles and patellar) tendons. Furthermore, gene technological analyses of biopsies showed no upregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. These findings show that there is no PGE2‐mediated intratendinous inflammation in the chronic stage of these conditions. The neurotransmitter glutamate (a potent modulator of pain in the central nervous system) was, for the first time, found in human tendons. Microdialysis showed significantly higher glutamate levels in chronic painful tendinosis (Achilles and patellar) tendons, compared with pain‐free normal control tendons. The importance of this finding is under evaluation. Treatment is considered to be difficult, and not seldom, surgery is needed. However, recent researches on non‐surgical methods have shown promising clinical results. Painful eccentric calf‐muscle training has been demonstrated to give good clinical short‐ and mid‐term results on patients with chronic painful mid‐portion Achilles tendinosis. Good clinical results were associated with decreased tendon thickness and a structurally more normal tendon with no remaining neovessels. Using ultrasonography (US)+color Doppler (CD), and immunhistochemical analyses of biopsies, we have recently demonstrated a vasculo/neural (Substance‐P and Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide nerves) ingrowth in the chronic painful tendinosis tendon, but not in the pain‐free normal tendon. A specially designed treatment, using US‐ and CD‐guided injections of the sclerosing agent Polidocanol, targeting the neovessels outside the tendon, has been shown to cure tendon pain in pilot studies, in a majority of the patients. A recent, randomized, double‐blind study verified the importance of injecting the sclerosing substance Polidocanol.
The correlation of metallicity gradient with galaxy mass
Authors: Forbes Duncan A. , Sánchez-Blázquez Patricia , Proctor Robert
Published: July 2005

A number of previous studies have searched for a correlation between radial metallicity gradients and early-type galaxy mass – no convincing trends have been found. Here we re-examine this issue with several key enhancements: using total metallicity from studies that have broken the age–metallicity degeneracy, excluding galaxies with young stellar ages (i.e. those that have experienced a recent central starburst) and using the K band to derive galaxy luminosities. We find that Coma cluster galaxies have metallicity gradients that correlate with galaxy mass. Furthermore, gradients have values similar to those of monolithic collapse models. The combination of dissipative formation and energy injection from supernovae provides a mechanism for the trends with galaxy mass; however, other explanations are possible. Additional high-quality observational data are needed to constrain further the gas physics involved in galaxy formation.
Radial velocity moments of dark matter haloes
Authors: Wojtak Radosław , Łokas Ewa L. , Gottlöber Stefan , Mamon Gary A.
Published: July 2005

Using cosmological N-body simulations, we study the radial velocity distribution in dark matter haloes, focusing on the lowest-order even moments, dispersion and kurtosis. We determine the properties of 10 massive haloes in the simulation box, approximating their density distribution by the Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) formula characterized by the virial mass and concentration. We also calculate the velocity anisotropy parameter of the haloes, and find it mildly radial and increasing with distance from the halo centre. The radial velocity dispersion of the haloes shows a characteristic profile with a maximum, while the radial kurtosis profile decreases with distance starting from a value close to Gaussian near the centre. We therefore confirm that dark matter haloes possess intrinsically non-Gaussian, flat-topped velocity distributions. We find that the radial velocity moments of the simulated haloes are quite well reproduced by the solutions of the Jeans equations obtained for the halo parameters with the anisotropy measured in the simulations. We also study the radial velocity moments for a composite cluster made of 10 haloes out to 10 virial radii. In this region the velocity dispersion decreases systematically to reach the value of the background, while kurtosis increases from below to above the Gaussian value of 3, signifying a transition from a flat-topped to a strongly peaked velocity distribution with respect to the Gaussian, which can be interpreted as the dominance of ordered flow with a small dispersion. We illustrate the transition by showing explicitly the velocity distribution of the composite cluster in a few radial bins.
Gl 86B: a white dwarf orbits an exoplanet host star
Authors: Mugrauer M. , Neuhäuser R.
Published: July 2005

In this Letter we present our first high-contrast observations of the exoplanet host star Gl 86 using NAOS-CONICA (NACO) and its new Simultaneous Differential Imager (SDI) as well as results from NACO spectroscopy. Els et al. found a faint comoving companion located only ∼2 arcsec east of the exoplanet host star Gl 86A. Our high-contrast SDI observations rule out additional stellar companions from 1 au up to 23 au, and are sensitive for faint T-dwarf companions down to 35 MJup. We present evidence for orbital motion of Gl 86B around the exoplanet host star Gl 86A, which finally confirms that this is a bound binary system. With the given photometry from Els et al. and the NACO spectroscopy obtained, we prove that the companion Gl 86B is a cool white dwarf with an effective temperature of 5000 ± 500 K. This is the first confirmed white dwarf companion to an exoplanet host star and the first observational confirmation that planets survive the post-main-sequence evolution (giant phase and planetary nebula) of a star from which they are separated by only one to two dozen astronomical units, as expected from theory.
Evidence for dust reddening in damped Lyα absorbers identified through Ca ii (H&K) absorption
Authors: Wild Vivienne , Hewett Paul C.
Published: July 2005

We present a new sample of 31 Ca ii (H&K) λλ3935, 3970 absorption-line systems with 0.84 < zabs < 1.3 discovered in the spectra of Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 3 quasars, together with an analysis of their dust content. The presence of calcium absorption together with measurements of the Mg iiλ2796, Fe iiλ2600 and Mg iλ2853 lines leads to the conclusion that the majority of our systems are damped Lyα (DLA) absorbers. The composite spectrum in the rest frame of the absorber shows clear evidence for reddening. Large and Small Magellanic Cloud extinction curves provide satisfactory fits, with a best-fitting E(B – V) of 0.06, while the Galactic dust extinction curve provides a poor fit due to the lack of a strong 2175-Å feature. A trend of increasing dust content with equivalent width of Ca ii is present. Monte Carlo techniques demonstrate that the detection of reddening is significant at >99.99 per cent confidence. The discovery of significant amounts of dust in a subsample of DLAs has direct implications for studies of the metallicity evolution of the Universe and the nature of DLAs in relation to high-redshift galaxies. The gas:dust ratio is discussed. Our results suggest that at least ∼40 per cent of the Ca ii absorption systems are excluded from the magnitude-limited SDSS quasar sample as a result of the associated extinction, a fraction similar to the upper limit deduced at higher redshifts from radio-selected surveys.
The West Virginia Health Education Assessment Project
Authors: Tompkins Nancy O’Hara , Kamal Khalid M. , Chapman Don
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Well‐designed school health education should provide students with the knowledge and skills to prevent the health risk behaviors most responsible for the major causes of morbidity and mortality. This paper reports the methodology and findings of a West Virginia statewide health education assessment initiative and describes how the findings are used to design professional development training for school health educators. Selected response items from the State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards, Health Education Assessment Project were used to develop a 40‐item assessment instrument for 6 health education content areas. In West Virginia, 51 counties and 242 schools were recruited (county response rate = 93%; school response rate = 53%); 17,549 students were tested in grades 6, 8, and high school health education classes. Mean total scores by grade were 30.61 (grade 6), 26.55 (grade 8), and 26.53 (high school), indicating a slight decline in scores as grade level increased. Females in each grade level scored higher on total Health Education Assessment Project (HEAP) scores and subtest scores than males. The results suggest notable differences across grade levels. High school students failed to meet the standard on any health education content areas, indicating the need for enhanced knowledge and skill development. During professional development training, HEAP scores were examined in the context of results from the West Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Survey to underscore the importance of providing quality skills‐based health education in West Virginia schools. (J Sch Health. 2005;75(6):193‐198)
Nutrition and Student Performance at School
Authors: Taras Howard
Published: July 2005

Abstract: This article reviews research from published studies on the association between nutrition among school‐aged children and their performance in school and on tests of cognitive functioning. Each reviewed article is accompanied by a brief description of its research methodology and outcomes. Articles are separated into 4 categories: food insufficiency, iron deficiency and supplementation, deficiency and supplementation of micronutrients, and the importance of breakfast. Research shows that children with iron deficiencies sufficient to cause anemia are at a disadvantage academically. Their cognitive performance seems to improve with iron therapy. A similar association and improvement with therapy is not found with either zinc or iodine deficiency, according to the reviewed articles. There is no evidence that population‐wide vitamin and mineral supplementation will lead to improved academic performance. Food insufficiency is a serious problem affecting children's ability to learn, but its relevance to US populations needs to be better understood. Research indicates that school breakfast programs seem to improve attendance rates and decrease tardiness. Among severely undernourished populations, school breakfast programs seem to improve academic performance and cognitive functioning. (J Sch Health. 2005;75(6):199‐213)
Physical Activity and Student Performance at School
Authors: Taras Howard
Published: July 2005

Abstract: To review the state of research on the association between physical activity among school‐aged children and academic outcomes, the author reviewed published studies on this topic. A table includes brief descriptions of each study's research methodology and outcomes. A review of the research demonstrates that there may be some short‐term improvements of physical activity (such as on concentration) but that long‐term improvement of academic achievement as a result of more vigorous physical activity is not well substantiated. The relationship between physical activity in children and academic outcomes requires further elucidation. (J Sch Health. 2005;75(6):214‐218)
Genitourinary medicine and surgery in Nelson’s navy
Authors: Goddard J C
Published: July 2005

Surgeons of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic and revolutionary wars, between 1793 and 1815, were solely responsible for all health care of the officers, men, and boys of their ships. This paper examines the genitourinary medicine and surgery encountered by the naval surgeons at the time of Nelson. Primary sources are examined to explore the presentation, case mix, and management of genitourinary disease during this period. A general overview is given of the life and work of the Royal Naval surgeons at the end of the 18th century. The documents that were examined contained 39 surgeon’s journals, these were written by 26 surgeons on 13 different ships. The journals contained 446 presentations to the sick list of men with genitourinary symptoms. The presenting symptoms are grouped together under the following headings; venereal disease, penile pathology, scrotal pain and swelling, urinary symptoms and retention, stone disease and trauma. Examination of these journals permits a glimpse of medical life in the Royal Navy during the time of Nelson. The case load and management of genitourinary disease shows the diversity of presentation to these surgeons.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: guidance in making the correct diagnosis
Authors: Liebenberg W A , Worth R , Firth G B , Olney J , Norris J S
Published: July 2005

Background

The natural history of untreated aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage carries a dismal prognosis. Case fatalities range between 32% and 67%. Treatment with either surgical clipping or endovascular coiling is highly successful at preventing re-bleeding and yet the diagnosis is still missed.

Methods

Based on the national guidelines for analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for bilirubin in suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage and a review of other available literature this study has compiled guidance in making the diagnosis.

Conclusion

In patients presenting with a suspected non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage, computed tomography within 12 hours will reliably show 98% of subarachnoid haemorrhage. In patients who present after 12 hours with a negative computed tomogram, formal cerebrospinal fluid spectophotometry will detect subarachnoid haemorrhage for the next two weeks with a reliability of 96%. Between the early diagnosis with the aid of computed tomography and the later diagnosis with the added benefit of spectophotometry in the period where computed tomograms become less reliable, it should be possible to diagnose most cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage correctly.
Measuring the quality of referral letters about patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Jiwa M , Coleman M , McKinley R K
Published: July 2005

Background

General practitioners state the reason for referring patients in referral letters. The paucity of information in these letters has been the source of criticism from specialist colleagues.

Objective

To invite general practitioners to set standards for referral letters to gastroenterologists and to apply these standards to actual referral letters to one specialist gastroenterology unit.

Methods

A scoring schedule was designed based on the responses to a questionnaire survey of a large sample of all general practitioners in one locality. Altogether 350 consecutive letters to a district general hospital about patients referred for an upper gastrointestinal specialist opinion were subsequently scored using the schedule.

Results

102 practitioners responded to the survey. Their responses imply that colleagues assess and record findings on 18 potential features of upper bowel disease. In practice most referral letters address fewer than six features of upper bowel disease. The mean number of positive features of upper gastrointestinal disease reported in each letter was one.

Conclusions

This study reported a failure to meet “peer defined” standards for the content of referral letters set by colleagues in one locality. Referral letters serve many purposes, however, encouraging full documentation of specific clinical findings may serve to increase the pre-referral assessments performed in practice.
Sexually inappropriate behaviour in demented elderly people
Authors: Alagiakrishnan K , Lim D , Brahim A , Wong A , Wood A , Senthilselvan A , Chimich W T , Kagan L
Published: July 2005

Aim

To determine the prevalence, aetiology, and treatment profile of abnormal sexual behaviour in subjects with dementia in psychogeriatric practices.

Methods

A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted in a long term care psychiatry consultation service, community based geriatric psychiatry service, and an inpatient dementia behavioural unit in Edmonton, Canada.

Results

Forty one subjects (1.8%) had sexually inappropriate behaviour. Of those cognitively impaired subjects with sexually inappropriate behaviour, 20 (48.8%) were living in nursing homes and the rest, 21 (51.2%) in the community. Of these subjects, 53.7% had vascular dementia, 22% had Alzheimer’s, and 9.8% had mild cognitive impairment. History of alcohol misuse and psychosis were reported in 14.6% and 9.8% of subjects respectively. Twenty seven (65.7%) had verbally inappropriate behaviour and 36 (87.8%) had physically inappropriate behaviour. In this study, verbally inappropriate behaviour was more commonly seen in the community sample (81%) than in the nursing home sample (50%) (p = 0.04). Behavioural treatment was also more commonly seen in the community sample (81%) than in the nursing home sample (45%) (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

In this study sexually inappropriate behaviour was seen in all stages of dementia, more commonly associated with subjects of vascular aetiology, and is as commonly seen in community dwelling subjects with dementia as in nursing home subjects.
Psychosocial stress and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Vale S
Published: July 2005

Fifty five years after the first finding relating mood disturbances and cardiovascular diseases, there is still debate on the formation of a cogent conception embracing all the fragments of insight within the various aspects relating psychosocial stress to cardiovascular diseases. The clinical comorbidity is empirically evident, but there are ambiguous research results limiting the value of the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms. Psychosocial stress represents here any event that relates psychological phenomena to the social environment and to the associated pathophysiological changes. Stress denotes the external or environmental factors to which people are exposed, as well as the behavioural or biological reaction to it (response that some authors call “distress”). Cardiovascular diseases will be considered here only when being the consequence of chronic inflammatory disease of arteries (atherosclerosis).The question is: Are there pathophysiological reliable mechanisms relating psychosocial stress to the development of cardiovascular diseases?
Epidemiology of gastric cancer in Japan
Authors: Inoue M , Tsugane S
Published: July 2005

Despite its decreasing trend in Japan, gastric cancer remains an important public health problem. Although the age standardised rates of gastric cancer have been declining for decades, the absolute numbers are increasing because of the rapid aging of the population. A large proportion of Japanese gastric cancers are detected at an early stage, with a better overall survival rate. As with Western developed countries, a change in the social environment such as reduced salt use and increased fresh vegetable and fruit intake as well as improvement of food storage may play an important part in the decline. Differences in Helicobacter pylori infection rates between generations presumably have contributed to the generation related variation in the declining trends. It is expected that most gastric cancers in Japan may be preventable by lifestyle modification such as salt reduction and increased fruit and vegetable intake, together with avoidance of smoking and countermeasures against H pylori infection so that the level now evident in Western developed countries can be reached.
Handheld computers in medicine: the way forward
Authors: Horsley A , Forster L
Published: July 2005

Handheld computers are now a common sight in medicine, but there are scarce data on who actually uses them and what functions are found to be most useful. This is the first study of handheld computer use in a British hospital, and shows that there is already considerable use and acceptance of the technology, with 22 of 55 (40%) physicians possessing and using such a device. Doctors in training grades are more likely to make use of medical software, particularly textbooks, calculators, and formularies. The main barriers to greater use of this technology were cost of software and poor applicability to UK practice.
FORMAL MODELLING OF VIRAL GENE COMPRESSION
Authors: DALEY MARK , MCQUILLAN IAN
Published: July 2005

The study of viruses in molecular genetics, as biological entities with extremely small genomes, and in medicine, as pathogens, represents an important area of inquiry with significant potential for improving scientific knowledge in both domains. One of the most fascinating genetic adaptations of viruses is the ability to compress their own genomes. We exposit here a formal model of gene compression in viruses and study its properties from a formal-language-theoretic standpoint. In addition to enumerating abstract properties of gene compression for infinite languages, we pay particular attention to the case of finite languages and algorithms for identifying, classifying and quantifying gene compression in real viruses. Information of this sort has applications to automated classification of new viruses and the prediction of potential proto-oncogenes in the human genome.
FINDING FINITE AUTOMATA THAT CERTIFY TERMINATION OF STRING REWRITING SYSTEMS
Authors: GESER ALFONS , HOFBAUER DIETER , WALDMANN JOHANNES , ZANTEMA HANS
Published: July 2005

We present a technique based on the construction of finite automata to prove termination of string rewriting systems. Using this technique the tools Matchbox and TORPA are able to prove termination of particular string rewriting systems completely automatically for which termination was considered to be very hard until recently.
OPERATIONS ON TRAJECTORIES WITH APPLICATIONS TO CODING AND BIOINFORMATICS
Authors: KARI LILA , KONSTANTINIDIS STAVROS , SOSÍK PETR
Published: July 2005

We study binary word operations of the insertion, deletion and substitution type. Many of these operations can be generalized into a unified framework by introducing so-called trajectory condition. This generalization has been previously made for insertion and deletion operations. In this paper we naturally extend this approach also to substitution operations. We study closure properties and decision problems of substitutions on trajectories. The obtained results are then applied to model complex noisy channels and a cryptanalysis problem. Another application concerns the design of sets of DNA strands without undesired bonds.
CASCADING RANDOM WALKS
Authors: SUBRAMANI K.
Published: July 2005

In this paper, we discuss a simple, Monte Carlo algorithm for the problem of checking whether a Quantified Boolean Formula (QBF) in Conjunctive Normal Form (CNF), with at most two literals per clause has a model. The term k-CNF is used to describe boolean formulas in CNF, with at most k literals per clause and the problem of checking whether a given k-CNF formula is satisfiable is called the k-SAT problem. A QBF is a boolean formula, accompanied by a quantifier string which imposes a linear ordering on the variables of that formula. The problem of finding a model for a QBF formula in CNF, with at at most k literals per clause is called the QkSAT problem. The QkSAT problem is PSPACE-complete, for k≥3. However, the Q2SAT problem can be decided in polynomial time; the graph-based procedure, discussed in [1], is the first such algorithm for this problem. This procedure requires the construction of a global implication graph, corresponding to the input formula and searching for certain paths in this graph. Hence the complete set of clauses must be part of the input. We propose an incremental, randomized approach for the Q2SAT problem that is essentially local in nature, in that the complete clausal set need not be provided at any time, in the presence of a verifier. We show that the randomized algorithm can be analyzed as a one-dimensional random walk, with one reflecting barrier and one absorbing barrier. On a Q2SAT instance with m clauses on n variables, our coin-flipping algorithm runs in time O(n2· V(m, n)), where V(m, n) is the time required to verify that a given model satisfies the formula. Additionally, if the instance is satisfiable, the probability that our algorithm fails to find a model is less than one half. The design and analysis of a randomized algorithm for a problem, is important from both the theoretical and the practical perspectives. Randomized approaches tend to be simple and elegant, thereby making the process of checking correctness, effortless as well. The randomized approach discussed in this paper lays the groundwork for analyzing a number of problems related to 2CNF formulas and directed graphs. We remark that our work in this paper is the first randomized algorithm for a class of QBFs.
THE DOT-DEPTH AND THE POLYNOMIAL HIERARCHIES CORRESPOND ON THE DELTA LEVELS
Authors: BORCHERT BERND , LANGE KLAUS-JÖRN , STEPHAN FRANK , TESSON PASCAL , THÉRIEN DENIS
Published: July 2005

It is well-known that the Σk- and Πk-levels of the dot-depth hierarchy and the polynomial hierarchy correspond via leaf languages. We extend this correspondence to the Δk-levels of these hierarchies: [Formula: see text]. The same methods are used to give evidence against an earlier conjecture of Straubing and Thérien about a leaf-language upper bound for BPP.
P SYSTEMS WORKING IN THE SEQUENTIAL MODE ON ARRAYS AND STRINGS
Authors: FREUND RUDOLF
Published: July 2005

Based on a quite general definition of P systems where the rules are applied in a sequential way (and not in the maximally parallel way as it usually happens in most models of P systems considered so far in the literature), we investigate the generative power of various models of such P systems working in the sequential mode on arrays and strings, respectively. P systems working in the sequential mode on arrays/strings without priority relations for the rules reveal the same computational power as the corresponding matrix grammars without appearance checking working on arrays/strings. For obtaining the computational power of matrix grammars with appearance checking, priority relations for the rules (as one of many other possible additional features) are needed.
DECIDABILITY AND COMPLEXITY IN AUTOMATIC MONOIDS
Authors: LOHREY MARKUS
Published: July 2005

Several complexity and decidability results for automatic monoids are shown: (i) there exists an automatic monoid with a P-complete word problem, (ii) there exists an automatic monoid such that the first-order theory of the corresponding Cayley-graph is not elementary decidable, and (iii) there exists an automatic monoid such that reachability in the corresponding Cayley-graph is undecidable. Moreover, it is shown that for every hyperbolic group the word problem belongs to LOGCFL, which improves a result of Cai [8].
WORDS AVOIDING $\frac{7}{3}$-POWERS AND THE THUE–MORSE MORPHISM
Authors: RAMPERSAD NARAD
Published: July 2005

In 1982, Séébold showed that the only overlap-free binary words that are the fixed points of non-identity morphisms are the Thue–Morse word and its complement. We strengthen Séébold's result by showing that the same result holds if the term 'overlap-free' is replaced with '[Formula: see text]-power-free'. Furthermore, the number [Formula: see text] is best possible.
COMPLEMENTATION OF RATIONAL SETS ON COUNTABLE SCATTERED LINEAR ORDERINGS
Authors: RISPAL CHLOÉ , CARTON OLIVIER
Published: July 2005

In a preceding paper (Bruyère and Carton, automata on linear orderings, MFCS'01), automata have been introduced for words indexed by linear orderings. These automata are a generalization of automata for finite, infinite, bi-infinite and even transfinite words studied by Büchi. Kleene's theorem has been generalized to these words. We prove that rational sets of words on countable scattered linear orderings are closed under complementation using an algebraic approach.
PARTITIONING TREES OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Authors: ITO TAKEHIRO , ZHOU XIAO , NISHIZEKI TAKAO
Published: July 2005

Assume that a tree T has a number ns of "supply vertices" and all the other vertices are "demand vertices." Each supply vertex is assigned a positive number called a supply, while each demand vertex is assigned a positive number called a demand. One wishes to partition T into exactly ns subtrees by deleting edges from T so that each subtree contains exactly one supply vertex whose supply is no less than the sum of demands of all demand vertices in the subtree. The "partition problem" is a decision problem to ask whether T has such a partition. The "maximum partition problem" is an optimization version of the partition problem. In this paper, we give three algorithms for the problems. The first is a linear-time algorithm for the partition problem. The second is a pseudo-polynomial-time algorithm for the maximum partition problem. The third is a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme (FPTAS) for the maximum partition problem.
SUPERSYMMETRIC WKB TUNNELING THROUGH TRIPLE FINITE SQUARE BARRIER AND QUALITY OF SWKB QUANTIZATION CONDITION
Authors: MAHAPATRA SABYASACHI , DAS TAPAN KUMAR
Published: July 2005

Tunneling through a triple finite square barrier is examined in the light of WKB and supersymmetric WKB (SWKB) method. We have studied the quasi-bound states using lowest order WKB and SWKB quantization condition. The resonance energies have a doublet structure which represents a twofold quasi-degeneracy as expected from the symmetry of the three barriers enclosing two identical trapping regions. For very closely spaced low-lying resonance doublets, we find that the SWKB method gives much improved results than the conventional WKB method.
GENERALIZED HYPERVIRIAL AND RECURRENCE RELATIONS FOR RADIAL MATRIX ELEMENTS IN ARBITRARY DIMENSIONS
Authors: DONG SHI-HAI , LOZADA-CASSOU M.
Published: July 2005

In this letter, based on Hamiltonian identity we propose a generalized expression of the second hypervirial for an arbitrary central potential wave functions in higher dimensions D and then present a useful general recurrence relation among the off-diagonal multipolar matrix elements. We show that this new proposed recurrence formula is very powerful in deriving the recurrence relations among the hydrogenic matrix elements. Some important recurrence relations can be simply obtained. It is interesting to find that the selection rule is independent of the central potential V(r) for f = rk with k = 0, 2 and that the diagonal matrix elements of V′(r) are independent of the system eigenvalues for k = 1. The application of the general recurrence relation to the isotropic harmonic oscillator case is discussed briefly.
ON THE WEYL ORDERING INVARIANCE UNDER GENERAL n-MODE SIMILAR TRANSFORMATIONS
Authors: FAN HONG-YI , WANG JI-SUO
Published: July 2005

We reveal that Weyl ordering of operators is invariant under general n-mode similar transformations. The technique of integration within a Weyl ordered product of operators is employed to prove our statement. Application of this property in obtaining generalized squeezed state via similar transformation is discussed.
ESTIMATING THE STRUCTURE OF 6,7Li AT ~4.0A GeV/c BY MOMENTA MEASUREMENTS OF PROJECTILE FRAGMENTS IN EMULSION INTERACTIONS
Authors: EL-NAGDY M. S. , SHERIF M. M. , WAHBA O. , ABDEL-WAHED F. A.
Published: July 2005

This work presents results on charged state topology of relativistic fragmentation of 6 Li and 7 Li nuclei at 4.5A and 3.8A GeV/c, respectively, on photoemulsion nuclei. The results would make it possible to answer some topical questions concerning the cluster structure of lithium isotopes. The isotopic composition of fragments and the channels of 6,7 Li fragmentation as well as the mean momenta ρβc of projectile fragments have been measured. Yields of 1 H (3 He ) appear to have the highest probability due to the fragmentation of 7 Li , while 2 H (4 He ) and 1 H (4 He ) are dominant through 6 Li -fragmentation process. The presence of exotic 6 He among fragmentation process is observed in 7 Li with yield 3% while 0.65% were found in 6 Li .
COLOR SUPERCONDUCTIVITY FROM SUPERSYMMETRY
Authors: MARU NOBUHITO , TACHIBANA MOTOI
Published: July 2005

A supersymmetric composite model of color superconductivity is proposed. Quarks and diquarks are dynamically generated as composite fields by a newly introduced strong gauge dynamics. It is shown that the condensation of the scalar component of the diquark supermultiplet occurs when the chemical potential becomes larger than some critical value. We believe that the model captures well the aspects of the diquark condensate behavior and helps in understanding the diquark dynamics in real QCD. The results obtained here might be useful when we consider a theory composed of quarks and diquarks.
MODE LOCKING IN A PERIODICALLY FORCED "GHOSTBURSTING" NEURON MODEL
Authors: LAING CARLO R. , COOMBES STEPHEN
Published: July 2005

We study a minimal integrate-and-fire based model of a "ghostbursting" neuron under periodic stimulation. These neurons are involved in sensory processing in weakly electric fish. There exist regions in parameter space in which the model neuron is mode-locked to the stimulation. We analyze this locked behavior and examine the bifurcations that define the boundaries of these regions. Due to the discontinuous nature of the flow, some of these bifurcations are non-smooth. This exact analysis is in excellent agreement with numerical simulations, and can be used to understand the response of such a model neuron to biologically realistic input.