bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus RNA kinetics during the initial 12 weeks treatment with pegylated interferon‐alpha 2a and ribavirin according to virological response
Authors: Carlsson T. , Reichard O. , Norkrans G. , Bläckberg J. , Sangfelt P. , Wallmark E. , Weiland O.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  To optimize treatment of chronic hepatitis C early identification of patients who will not achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) is desirable. We investigated hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA kinetics at day 1 (in 15 patients; genotypes 1 and non‐1, 9 and 6 respectively) at weeks 1, 4 and 12 (in 53 patients; genotypes 1 and non‐1, 19 and 34, respectively) during treatment with pegylated interferon α‐2a and ribavirin. Patients with SVR had a significantly more pronounced mean log10 decline from baseline in HCV RNA levels at weeks 1 and 4 compared with patients who failed to achieve SVR (1.99 vs 0.85 at week 1, P = 0.0003 and 2.89 vs 1.72 at week 4, P = 0.0159), whereas no difference was noted after day 1. For patients with a 2‐log10 decrease in HCV RNA levels at day 7, the positive predictive value (PPV) for a SVR was 92%, whereas week 12 was the best time point for predicting a later nonresponse [negative predictive value (NPV) 92%] in patients failing to achieve a 2‐log10 drop. For patients with genotype non‐1 and a 2‐log10 decrease in HCV RNA levels the PPV for a SVR was 89% week 1, and 79% weeks 4 and 12. The corresponding NPV for patients with genotype non‐1 were 43, 40 and 100% respectively. During treatment with pegylated interferon α‐2a plus ribavirin the HCV RNA decline at week 1 was an accurate predictor of SVR in patients who had achieved a 2‐log10 drop in HCV RNA levels, whereas the lack of such decline week 12 was an accurate marker of a nonresponse.
Relationship of genotypes of hepatitis B virus to mutations, disease progression and response to antiviral therapy
Authors: Kramvis A. , Kew M. C.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  Phylogenetic analysis has led to the classification of hepatitis B virus into eight genotypes, designated A to H. The genotypes have differences in biological properties and show heterogeneity in their global distribution. These attributes of the genotypes may account not only for differences in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus mutants in various geographic regions, but also be responsible for differences in the clinical outcome and response to antiviral treatment in different population groups.
Flow cytometry of fine‐needle‐aspiration biopsies: a new method to monitor the intrahepatic immunological environment in chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Sprengers D. , van der Molen R. G. , Kusters J. G. , Kwekkeboom J. , van der Laan L. J. W. , Niesters H. G. M. , Kuipers E. J. , De Man R. A. , Schalm S. W. , Janssen H. L. A.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  Information about the character and grade of the intrahepatic immune response in viral hepatitis is important for the evaluation of disease stage and effect of therapy. Complications like haemorrhage limit the frequent performance of tissue‐needle biopsies (TB), and the cells of peripheral blood have to be used as surrogate markers instead. Fine‐needle‐aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the liver represents a safe and atraumatic method that allows frequent cytological sampling. Our aim was to investigate whether flow cytometry of FNAB specimens allows co‐analysis of phenotype, function and specificity of key populations of liver‐infiltrating lymphocytes (LIL). In 20 consecutive patients with chronic viral hepatitis [10 hepatitis B virus (HBV), 10 hepatitis C virus (HCV)], flow cytometry was performed on FNAB cytology, and simultaneously on lymphocytes isolated from a TB and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The ratio of CD8+/CD4+ lymphocytes in FNAB correlated well with LIL from TB (r =0.78, P < 0.05) but differed from PBMC (mean ratio: 2.6, 2.1 and 0.7, respectively). Similarly, a correlation was observed for percentage CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells (mean %: 29.9, 32.3 and 14.5, respectively; r = 0.69, P < 0.05). The percentage of interferon (IFN)‐γ‐producing CD3+ lymphocytes in both FNAB and TB was higher than in PBMC (mean %: 41, 44 and 22, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, tetrameric complexes allowed analysis of HBV‐specific T cells in FNAB specimens. In conclusion, flow cytometry of FNAB allows easy, atraumatic and reliable analysis of lymphocytes obtained from the intrahepatic compartment. Therefore, the FNAB is a valuable tool in the study of the immunopathology of viral hepatitis, and it may contribute to the improved clinical evaluation of chronic viral liver disease.
Clinical usefulness of total hepatitis C virus core antigen quantification to monitor the response to treatment with peginterferon alpha‐2a plus ribavirin*
Authors: González V. , Padilla E. , Diago M. , Giménez M. D. , Solà R. , Matas L. , Montoliu S. , Morillas R. M. , Pérez C. , Planas R.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  Early virological response may predict outcome following treatment with peginterferon alpha‐2a and ribavirin in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). As total HCV core antigen may constitute an alternative direct marker to HCV RNA for assessing the levels of viraemia in such patients, we evaluated the correlation between HCV core antigen and HCV RNA, and whether HCV core antigen at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment could predict sustained virological response (SVR) to combined therapy, in comparison with HCV RNA.

A total of 290 serum samples from 58 previously treatment naïve chronic HCV patients were examined for HCV core antigen and HCV‐RNA by means of quantitative HCV RNA when receiving combination therapy for the first time.

SVR was significantly associated with basal HCV core antigen but not with HCV RNA. There was a good correlation between HCV core antigen and HCV RNA (r2 = 0.781). The negative predictive value of HCV core antigen testing in predicting nonresponse at weeks 4 and 12 were 75 and 100%, and for undetectable or a 2‐log drop in HCV RNA were 69.6 and 75% respectively.

HCV core antigen detection is quick, and easy to perform alternative to HCV RNA, and could be used as a marker of HCV viraemia for monitoring the progress of therapy.
Hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis in patients with genotypes Ba and C, core‐promoter and precore mutations
Authors: Yuen M.‐F. , Tanaka Y. , Ng I. O.‐L. , Mizokami M. , Yuen J. C.‐H. , Wong D. K.‐H. , Yuan H.‐J. , Sum S.‐M. , Chan A. O.‐O. , Lai C.‐L.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  The role of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes on liver histology is largely unknown. The aim of study was to investigate the relationships between HBV genotypes (B, C), core‐promoter (CP) and precore mutants and liver histology in 66 patients. Liver biopsies were scored by histologic activity index (HAI). HBV genotypes were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eighteen (27.3%) and 48 patients (72.7%) had genotype B (all were subtype Ba) and C, respectively. Forty‐seven (71.2%) and 27 (40.9%) had CP and precore mutations, respectively. Patients with genotype C compared with subtype Ba had higher median scores of HAI‐necroinflammation (HAI‐NI) (7 vs 3), HAI‐fibrosis (HAI‐F) (1 vs 0) and total HAI (8.5 vs 3) (all P <  0.03). Patients with CP mutations compared with wild‐type had higher median scores of HAI‐NI (7 vs 3), HAI‐F (3 vs 0) and total HAI (9 vs 3) (all P <  0.03). Forty patients (83.5%) with genotype C had CP mutations. Age and alanine aminotransferase levels were positively correlated with HAI scores while albumin levels were negatively correlated (P < 0.01 for all, except albumin levels and HAI‐F, P = 0.08). There was no association between precore mutations and HAI scores. Multivariate analysis indicated that higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were associated with higher HAI scores (P < 0.04) and CP mutations were associated with higher HAI‐NI (P = 0.034), but not with HAI‐F score (P = 0.3). CP mutations were associated with more severe necroinflammation. The association between genotype C and poor histology was probably because of the association between genotype C and CP mutations.
Polymorphisms of the renin–angiotensin system and the severity of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Forrest E. H. , Thorburn D. , Spence E. , Oien K. A. , Inglis G. , Smith C.‐A. , McCruden E. A. B. , Fox R. , Mills P. R.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection vary in their rates of fibrosis progression. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) regulates fibrosis. Polymorphisms in the genes of the RAS may contribute to the outcome of renal and cardiovascular disease.

We studied four RAS gene polymorphisms in 195 patients with chronic HCV infection. Patients were grouped by Ishak stage of fibrosis on liver biopsy: group 1 (fibrosis score 0 or 1; n = 97), group 2 (fibrosis score 2 or 3; n = 73) and group 3 (fibrosis score 4–6; n = 25). Polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene (M235T and AT‐6), the angiotensin I converting enzyme gene and the type 1 angiotensin II receptor gene were assayed.

There was no difference in the distribution of these polymorphisms of the RAS between the fibrosis groups. There did not appear to be any increased prevalence of fibrosis if two or even three of the polymorphisms associated with increased RAS effect were present. On multivariate analysis factors significantly associated with fibrosis were necroinflammatory activity (P < 0.001) and age (P < 0.001).

No association was identified between these four RAS polymorphisms and fibrosis in chronic HCV infection.
Cytokine profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with different outcomes of hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Gramenzi A. , Andreone P. , Loggi E. , Foschi F. G. , Cursaro C. , Margotti M. , Biselli M. , Bernardi M.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  The relationship between the balance of helper T‐cell type 1 (Th1) or type 2 (Th2) cytokines and the clinical course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is unclear. We evaluated Th1 [interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ)] and Th2 cytokine (IL‐4, IL‐10) and 2,5‐oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS, an IFN‐induced antiviral protein) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 healthy anti‐HCV‐positive individuals (group A), 10 HCV‐RNA‐positive with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (group B), 10 HCV‐RNA‐positive with abnormal ALT (group C) and 10 uninfected healthy controls. IL‐2 production was significantly increased in group B when compared with all the other groups. No difference was found for IFN‐γ. IL‐4 was significantly higher in group C than in both group B (P = 0.0006) and controls (P = 0.004). Compared with controls, IL‐10 was significantly decreased in group A (P = 0.013) and B (P = 0.004). The production of 2,5‐OAS was significantly higher in group B than in A (P = 0.04) and in C (P = 0.004). Finally, in all HCV‐RNA‐positive patients, a significant correlation was found between ALT and both IL‐2 (r = −0.78; P = 0.0008) and IL‐4 (r = 0.75; P = 0.0008). In conclusion: (i) subjects who cleared HCV showed a cytokine profile similar to controls; (ii) a preferential shift towards a Th1 profile seems associated with a more favourable clinical outcome in chronic hepatitis C; and (iii) a prevalent Th2 profile seems implicated in HCV pathogenesis and severity of liver disease.
The meaning of professional excellence for private practitioners in occupational therapy
Authors: Courtney Michelle
Published: August 2005

OT AUSTRALIA's Accredited Occupational Therapist Program is promoted using the message ‘Assuring professional excellence’. It is widely assumed that professional excellence is understood. Yet, this concept encompasses complex themes, including competence and clinical reasoning. In this paper, the meaning of professional excellence is examined by investigating the perspectives of private practitioners. Private practitioners were chosen as they represent the diversity of the occupational therapy field, and may pre‐empt trends within broader practice. Sixteen key informants were interviewed to obtain their perspectives on professional excellence. Common themes that arose from the findings include the significance of experience in practice, and the importance of understanding one's limitations in knowledge and expertise. Findings are discussed in relation to OT AUSTRALIA's aim to assure standards of practice.
Occupational therapy managers’ perceptions of challenges faced in early intervention service delivery in South Australia
Authors: Boshoff Kobie , Alant Erna , May Esther
Published: August 2005

This article reports on the results of the first phase of a doctoral study aimed at investigating the change processes occurring in occupational therapy service delivery in the field of early intervention in South Australia. The change management process was utilised as the framework for development of the study. The first phase focused on exploring the current status of service delivery in South Australia, as the first step in the change management process. Data was collected from 14 occupational therapy managers by means of an initial questionnaire, an online focus group, followed by a short questionnaire. Results illustrate a number of challenges faced in service delivery related to the nature of services (such as the intensity of specialist intervention), and service delivery aspects (such as inadequate staffing levels and long waiting lists). Recommendations are made for lobby groups, practice and further research.
Perceptions of social stigma and its effect on interpersonal relationships of young males who experience a psychotic disorder
Authors: Lloyd Chris , Sullivan Dan , Williams Philip Lee
Published: August 2005

Background:  People with psychotic disorders experience high levels of disability and impairment as a result of their illness. Difficulty in the area of social relationships poses a substantial problem with the majority of people with psychosis being socially isolated. Many of them experience an unmet need for services.

Methods:  A focus group was conducted with the aim of investigating the perceived experience of six young men who had a psychotic disorder to gain an understanding of the impact this had on interpersonal relationships.

Results:  The major themes identified were: (i) a significant decrease in the internal and external control of one's life at the onset of illness; (ii) the effects of labelling and stigma on interpersonal relationships; and (iii) the change in self perception that these effects bring.

Conclusion:  The implications of the findings for rehabilitation interventions are presented, specifically psychosocial group interventions addressing interpersonal relationships.
Exploration of Australian and New Zealand indigenous people's spirituality and mental health
Authors: Tse Samson , Lloyd Chris , Petchkovsky Leon , Manaia Wiremu
Published: August 2005

Background: Spirituality has been defined as an overarching construct that involves personal beliefs or values that provide a sense of meaning and unity with self, people, nature and universe. Spirituality may be experienced within or outside formal religion. At least in English‐speaking countries, therapists reported discussing spiritual issues with service users more frequently than before. In the literature, there continues to be debate regarding definitions of spirituality and how spirituality fits with occupational therapy practice models.

Methods and Results: To advance the discussion, we explore the concept of spirituality among indigenous people of Australia and New Zealand, and use mental health as a practice setting to suggest how occupational therapists can address the spiritual needs of individuals recovering from mental health problems.

Conclusion: The implications for assessment and interventions to improve coping skills, social support, self‐esteem and instil hope of recovery from mental illness are considered.
Impact of obesity on renal transplant outcomes
Authors: ARMSTRONG KIRSTEN A , CAMPBELL SCOTT B , HAWLEY CARMEL M , JOHNSON DAVID W , ISBEL NICOLE M
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY: Obesity is a frequent and important consideration to be taken into account when assessing patient suitability for renal transplantation. In addition, posttransplant obesity continues to represent a significant challenge to health care professionals caring for renal transplant recipients. Despite the vast amount of evidence that exists on the effect of pretransplant obesity on renal transplant outcomes, there are still conflicting views regarding whether obese renal transplant recipients have a worse outcome, in terms of short‐ and long‐term graft survival and patient survival, compared with their non‐obese counterparts. It is well established that any association of obesity with reduced patient survival in renal transplant recipients is mediated in part by its clustering with traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and posttransplant diabetes mellitus, but what is not understood is what mediates the association of obesity with graft failure. Whether it is the higher incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities jeopardising the graft or factors specific to obesity, such as hyperfiltration and glomerulopathy, that might be implicated, currently remains unknown. It can be concluded, however, that pre‐ and posttransplant obesity should be targeted as aggressively as the more well‐established cardiovascular risk factors in order to optimize long‐term renal transplant outcomes.
Role of impaired peritubular capillary and hypoxia in progressive interstitial fibrosis after 56 subtotal nephrectomy of rats
Authors: ZHANG BIN , LIANG XINLING , SHI WEI , YE ZHIMING , HE CHAOSHENG , HU XIANGMING , LIU SHUANGXIN
Published: August 2005

Aim:  To investigate the potential role of peritubular capillary (PTC) loss and subsequent hypoxia as a pathogenic factor in interstitial fibrosis after renal ablation in rats.

Methods:  PTC loss and tubulointerstitial hypoxia in remnant kidney rats (SNTx group), sham‐operated rats (sham group) and normal animals (normal group) were assessed by peritubular CD141‐positive staining lumina and tubulointerstitial hypoxia‐inducible factor α subunit 1 (HIF‐1α) expression, respectively, at the time points of week 3, week 6 and week 12. The related cardinal factors contributing to interstitial fibrosis, such as transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were also evaluated and analysed in the context of progressive PTC loss. Expression of TGF‐β1 mRNA in cultured renal tubular epithelial cells (MDCK cells) exposed to hypoxia was also investigated.

Results:  PTC loss and tubulointerstitial hypoxia were noted even in the early stage (week 3) when the interstitial fibrosis was mild, and were persistent in the process of developing interstitial fibrosis. An in vitro study showed that hypoxia enhanced TGF‐β1 mRNA expression in the MDCK cells.

Conclusion:  PTC loss or hypoxic milieu in the tubulointerstitium is a pathological event, which may contribute to the developing interstitial fibrosis mediated by direct hypoxic effects and via hypoxia‐induced TGF‐β1 expression.
Noscapine suppresses angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors‐induced cough
Authors: MOORAKI AHMAD , JENABI ARIA , JABBARI MOSADEGH , ZOLFAGHARI MOHAMMAD I , JAVANMARDI SAHAR Z , MAHMOUDIAN MASOUD , BASTANI BAHAR
Published: August 2005

Background:  Dry cough is a common side‐effect of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and is a major limiting factor of their use. It has been suggested that ACEI cause this side‐effect by potentiation of the bradykinin effect. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that noscapine, an antitussive drug, inhibits the effect of bradykinin.

Methods:  To investigate the effect of noscapine on ACEI‐induced cough, 611 hypertensive patients who were being treated with ACEI were evaluated for the incidence of persistent dry cough.

Results:  A cough had developed in 65 (10.6%) patients, two (3.1%) of whom also had severe respiratory distress that required hospitalisation and immediate discontinuation of the ACEI. Forty‐two (64.6%) patients had developed a mild cough and 21 (32.3%) patients had developed a moderate to severe cough. The patients with moderate to severe cough received 15 mg of noscapine, orally three times daily, while they continued ACEI. Noscapine effectively resolved the cough in 19 (90%) patients within 4–9 days of starting treatment.

Conclusion:  Noscapine, possibly by inhibition of bradykinin synthesis, eliminates ACEI‐induced cough in the majority of patients and allows them to continue with ACEI therapy.
Lifestyle modification and progressive renal failure
Authors: RITZ EBERHARD , SCHWENGER VEDAT
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY:  There is increasing evidence that lifestyle factors impact on the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the risk of progression of CKD. Equally important is the consideration that patients with CKD are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than to reach the stage of end‐stage renal failure. It is advantageous that manoeuvres that interfere with progression at the same time also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Lifestyle factors that aggravate progression include, among others, smoking, obesity and dietary salt intake. Alcohol consumption, according to some preliminary information, has a bimodal relationship to cardiovascular risk and progression, with moderate consumption being protective.
Wing shape versus asymmetry as an indicator of changing environmental conditions in insects
Authors: Hoffmann Ary A , Woods Richard E , Collins Eveline , Wallin Kathleen , White Andrea , McKenzie John A
Published: August 2005

AbstractIn insects, the fluctuating asymmetry of bilaterally symmetrical traits has been suggested as an indicator of environmental stress because asymmetry is expected to increase when stressful conditions disturb the normal development of organisms. However, the extensive literature on asymmetry–stress associations is indeterminate. Here we contrast changes in asymmetry with changes in an alternate stress indicator, the shape of insect wings. The development of wing shape involves numerous genes that act throughout egg‐to‐adult development, so stresses that act at a specific time could alter shape in specific ways. Shape changes, as measured by the Procrustes technique, were considered in five data sets: exposure ofDrosophila melanogaster(Meigen) to multiple stresses involving ethanol, low nutrition and cold shocks; exposure of a chironomid (Chironomus tepperi(Skuse)), a blowfly (Lucilia cuprina(Wiedemann)), and lightbrown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana(Walker)) to pesticides; and development ofC. tepperiunder saline conditions. All these conditions influenced viability and development time. In none of these cases was a change in symmetry of wing size or wing shape detected. In contrast, in four of the five data sets there was a change in wing shape. These results suggest that wing shape may be altered more commonly by stress than trait asymmetry. Wing‐shape monitoring may be useful in detecting stressful environmental conditions during development, at least under controlled conditions.
Development time and survival of Verrallina funerea (Theobald) (Diptera: Culicidae) immatures and other brackish water mosquito species in southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: Jeffery Jason A L , Kay Brian H , Ryan Peter A
Published: August 2005

Abstract  Verrallina funerea (Theobald) is a brackish water mosquito that is recognised as an important pest and vector in southeast Queensland, Australia. Immature development time and survival of Ve. funerea was defined in the laboratory in response to a range of temperatures (17–34°C) and salinities (0–35 parts per thousand (p.p.t)). The expression of autogeny in this species was also assessed. Salinity only had a slight effect on mean development time from hatching to adult emergence (7.0–7.4 d at salinities of 0, 17.5 and 31.5 p.p.t) and survival was uniformly high (97.5–99.0%). Mean development times were shorter at 26, 29 and 32°C (7.0, 6.8 and 6.8 d, respectively) and longest at 17°C (12.2 d). The threshold temperature (t) was 5.8°C and the thermal constant (K) was 142.9 degree‐days above t. Survival to adulthood decreased from >95% (at 17–29°C) to 78% (at 32°C) and 0% (at 34°C). No expression of autogeny was observed. Immature development times of Ve. funerea, Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse) and Oc. procax (Skuse) were then determined under field conditions at Maroochy Shire. Following tide and rain inundation, cohorts of newly hatched larvae were monitored daily by dipping, and time until pupation was noted. Tidal inundation triggered hatching of Ve. funerea and Oc. vigilax larvae whereas Oc. procax larvae were found only after rain inundation. Estimates of Ve. funerea and Oc. vigilax field development times were similar (8–9 d) while Oc. procax development time was slightly longer (9–10 d). Based on these survey results, control activities targeting Ve. funerea must be initiated 4 d (if using Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis de Barjac) or 5 d (if using s‐methoprene) after inundation. However, Casuarina glauca Sieber canopy and branchlets covering breeding habitats may present a problem for the penetration of such treatments.
Numbers of pink sugarcane mealy bug, Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), differ within seasons and among regions and stages of the sugarcane crop cycle
Authors: Bonnett Graham D , Hewitt Michael L
Published: August 2005

Abstract  The pink sugarcane mealy bug (PSMB; Saccharicoccus sacchari) is widespread on sugarcane globally. PSMB infest above‐ground storage tissue as it develops, feeding on phloem and producing exudate. It is not known, however, whether the level of infestations is the same in different sugar growing regions, or how population size varies year to year within a region. Field surveys of the number of nodes infested were conducted over five seasons in three mill‐regions in northern Australia (Macknade, Kalamia and Marian) on plant and ratoon crops. The pattern of infestation was very similar across seasons (only in 1 year of very low rainfall was the increase in population delayed). In all three regions the proportion of nodes infested was similar but reached the maximum 1 month later in the Marian region compared with the Kalamia and Macknade regions. The Kalamia region was distinguished by the rapid decline in the number of nodes infested down to a very low level by March. In the Macknade region mealy bugs persisted at higher levels than the other two regions. The PSMB infestation started earlier and was much greater in ratoon crops than plant crops throughout the sampling period. The differences were more pronounced in the Macknade and Marian districts. These observations provide a firm basis from which future strategies to control PSMB can be developed.
Knowledge Communities and Knowledge Collectivities: A Typology of Knowledge Work in Groups*
Authors: Lindkvist Lars
Published: August 2005

abstract The notion of a ‘community‐of‐practice’ (CmP) has become a highly influential way of conceptualizing how decentralized sub‐units or groups within firms or organizations operate. CmPs refer to ‘tightly knit’ groups that have been practising together long enough to develop into a cohesive community with relationships of mutuality and shared understandings. The CmP notion, however, does not fit squarely with how temporary organizations or project organizations operate. Typically these kinds of groups consist of diversely skilled individuals, most of whom have not met before, who have to solve a problem or carry out a pre‐specified task within tightly set limits as to time and costs. As a result they tend to become less well‐developed groups, operating on a minimal basis of shared knowledge and understandings. Such a group, I suggest, constitutes a ‘collectivity‐of‐practice’ (ClP). Mirroring the above distinctions, two ideal‐type notions of epistemology are developed. The one inspired from the CmP literature is discussed in a ‘knowledge community’ terminology, whereas the one associated with ClPs is conceived of as a ‘knowledge collectivity’. Finally, I outline some new options for organizational analysis made possible by recognizing these as two different and complementary notions.
Reverse Diffusion in US Multinationals: Barriers from the American Business System
Authors: Edwards Tony , Almond Phil , Clark Ian , Colling Trevor , Ferner Anthony
Published: August 2005

abstract This paper addresses the issue of ‘reverse diffusion’ of employment practices in multinational companies, which is defined as the transfer of practices from foreign subsidiaries to operations in the country of origin. It adds to the literature by examining the influence of the parent business system in multinationals. Specifically, it addresses how the dominant institutions and established organizational structures and practices in the home country affect the extent and impact of reverse diffusion of employment practices. Drawing on fresh evidence from American‐owned multinationals in the UK we argue that there is considerable potential for reverse diffusion to occur among this group of firms. However, we highlight a number of barriers to reverse diffusion that the American business system presents, demonstrating that these constrain both the prevalence and the impact of it in practice.
Online tutorial support in open and distance learning: students’ perceptions
Authors: Zhang Wei‐yuan , Perris Kirk , Yeung Lesley
Published: August 2005

The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) offers 199 courses with online features to enhance the distance learning environment. The university has arranged these courses to provide students with greater flexibility in interacting with tutors, classmates, and the content itself. Integral to learner flexibility online is access, valuing computers and online learning, endorsement, and language proficiency. The current investigation attempts to explore these issues by examining the perceptions of OUHK students enrolled in courses with online tutorial supports. The methods of questionnaire survey and semi‐structured interview were employed. Surveyed using multistage stratified sampling technique were 449 OUHK students enrolled in 18 upper level courses (9 English, 9 Chinese) at the OUHK. Forty‐two students were randomly selected for a follow‐up interview. Five major topics were explored including: (1) accessing the Internet; (2) perceptions of technology; (3) rationale for using the Internet in course work; (4) learning strategies used by the tutor online; and (5) perceptions of the online tutorial support.
Investigating the medium effect in computer‐aided assessment of school Chemistry and college Computing national examinations
Authors: Ashton Helen S. , Beevers Cliff E. , Korabinski Athol A. , Youngson Martin A.
Published: August 2005

This article presents results of a comparison between paper and computer tests of ability in Chemistry and Computing. A statistical model is employed to analyse the experimental data from almost 200 candidates. It is shown that there is no medium effect when specific traditional paper examinations in Chemistry and Computing are transferred into electronic format. The effect of rewording for computer‐delivered test questions is also investigated and again the conclusion is that no evidence of a difference could be found. These results were obtained as part of the Project for Assessments in Scotland using Information Technology (PASS‐IT).
A blended approach to learning: added value and lessons learnt from students’ use of computer‐based materials for neurological analysis
Authors: Davies Alison , Ramsay Jill , Lindfield Helen , Couperthwaite John
Published: August 2005

This paper examines BSc Physiotherapy students’ experiences of developing their neurological observational and analytical skills using a blend of traditional classroom activities and computer‐based materials at the University of Birmingham. New teaching and learning resources were developed and supported in the School of Health Sciences using Web Course Tools combined with a wide range of video clips of patients with neurological disorders on CD‐ROM. These resources provided students with the opportunity to observe “real patients” prior to clinical placements, thus bridging the gap between their theoretical understanding of these disorders and their practical experience of evaluating abnormal movement in the clinical setting. This paper considers how this blended approach to learning enhanced students’ experiences of developing their neurological skills and of preparing for their clinical placements. This paper also discusses the lessons that have been gained from students’ experiences to provide future or similar projects with the opportunity to learn from these experiences.
Genesis: the Brynmor Jones report
Authors: MacKenzie Norman
Published: August 2005

An account of the impetus given by the Brynmor Jones report (Audio visual aids in Higher Education, 1965) to the development of educational technology in Britain. The author, who was closely involved in the developments, discusses the influence of the audio‐visual movement in the United States and the emergence of a national organisation (NCET) and the Open University.
Book reviewing in the BJET: a survey of BJET's referees’ and writers’ views
Authors: Hartley James
Published: August 2005

Reading and writing book reviews play an important part in academic life, but little is known about how academics carry out these tasks. The aim of this research was to explore these issues with members of the editorial panels  of theBritish Journal of Educational Technology. A questionnaire was used to determine: (1) how often these people read and wrote book reviews in general; (2) how useful they found them; and (3) what features they thought were important in book reviews. Thirty sets of responses were obtained (15 from each sex). Most respondents reported reading between one and five book reviews a month and writing between three and four a year. Overall, there was high agreement in what they thought were the important features of book reviews, but there were also wide individual differences. Men reported that book reviews were more useful than did women. The agreement obtained among the respondents supports the notion that book reviews can be viewed as an academic genre with measurable contents. This has implications for how they are written and how people might be taught to write them better.
Is Inflation Always and Everywhere a Monetary Phenomenon?*
Authors: Grauwe Paul De , Polan Magdalena
Published: August 2005

Using a sample of about 160 countries over the last 30 years, we test for the quantity theory relationship between money and inflation. When analysing the full sample of countries, we find a strong positive relation between long‐run inflation and the money growth rate. The relation is not proportional, however. The strong link between inflation and money growth is almost wholly due to the presence of high‐(or hyper‐) inflation countries in the sample. The relationship between inflation and money growth for low‐inflation countries (on average less than 10% per annum over the last 30 years) is weak.
Explaining the Transition between Exchange Rate Regimes*
Authors: Masson Paul , Ruge‐Murcia Francisco J.
Published: August 2005

This paper studies the transition between exchange rate regimes using a Markov chain model with time‐varying transition probabilities. The probabilities are parameterized as nonlinear functions of variables suggested by the currency crisis and optimal currency area literature. Results using annual data indicate that inflation and, to a lesser extent, output growth and trade openness help explain the exchange rate regime transition dynamics.
Unemployment and Crime: Is There a Connection?
Authors: Edmark Karin
Published: August 2005

A panel of Swedish counties over the years 1988–1999 is used to study the effects of unemployment on property crime rates. The period under study is characterized by turbulence in the labor market—the variation in unemployment rates was unprecedented in the latter part of the century. Hence, the data provide a unique opportunity to examine unemployment effects. According to the theory of economics of crime, increased unemployment rates lead to higher property crime rates. A fixed‐effects model is estimated to investigate this hypothesis. The model includes time‐ and county‐specific effects and a number of economic and socio‐demographic variables to control for unobservables and covariates. The results show that unemployment had a positive and significant effect on some property crimes (burglary, car theft and bike theft).
Virtual Servants: Stereotyping Female Front‐Office Employees on the Internet
Authors: Gustavsson Eva
Published: August 2005

This article focuses on the service providers of the future: virtual assistants on the Internet. Recent technological developments, supported by intensive research on artificial intelligence, have enabled corporations to construct ‘virtual employees’ who can interact with their online customers. The number of virtual assistants on the Internet continues to grow and most of these new service providers are human‐like and female. In this article I profile virtual employees on the Internet — who they are, what they do and how they present themselves. I demonstrate that the Internet suffers from the same gender stereotyping characteristic of customer services in general and that the unreflective choice of female images is, at the minimum, a symbolic reinforcement of the real circumstances of gender divisions in customer service.
Once More With Feeling: Ethnographic Reflections on the Mediation of Tension in a Small Team of Call Centre Workers
Authors: Brannan Matthew J.
Published: August 2005

This article explores the labour process of a team of call‐centre workers based in a multi‐client call centre in the West Midlands. Founded on the basis of a 13‐month ethnographic study into workplace resistance in call‐centre environments, this article provides insights into control in call centres, focusing on sexuality, internal team dynamics and discipline. It is argued that control is exerted through management and information technology but it is crucially exerted laterally in the team and sexuality is an important medium of such control. This article focuses specifically on how worker sexuality is deployed to regulate the tension between contradictory imperatives faced by workers. The article then considers the emotional content of the call‐centre labour process, arguing that the apparent resolution of potentially contradictory logic, in fact, depends upon the development by call‐centre workers, encouraged by more senior employees, of informal, pseudo‐sexualized client relations at the point of production. Crucially however the fieldwork reveals that the demands placed upon customer service representatives are subtly gendered.
Gendered Work Meets Gendered Goods: Selling and Service in Clothing Retail
Authors: Pettinger Lynne
Published: August 2005

This article explores the way retail work entails a complex form of gendering. Three distinct, but related, forms of gendering interweave in this sector of the service economy. These are the gendering of the work tasks, the gendered structure of the occupation and the gender of the retail environment. Using insights from the sociology of consumption and expanding the notion of aesthetic labour to incorporate insights from Bourdieu's sociology, the article explores how retail workers manifest particular forms of gendered embodiment, enacting a different sort of feminine performance according to the brand strategies of the organization they are employed in. The gendered objects of consumption are thus shown to be critical to understanding the nature of retail service work.
Mitral stenosis in pregnancy: a four‐year experience at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa
Authors: Desai D. K. , Adanlawo M. , Naidoo D. P. , Moodley J. , Kleinschmidt I.
Published: August 2005

Objective
To evaluate prospectively mitral stenosis in pregnancy with emphasis on women with persistent symptoms.

Setting
King Edward VIII Hospital, a tertiary referral obstetric unit.

Participants
One hundred and twenty‐eight consecutive women with mitral stenosis.

Demographics
The mean age was 27 years and 38 women (30%) were primigravidae. Seventy‐eight (61%) women had their first cardiac evaluation in the third trimester. Fifty‐four women (42%) of these women had mitral stenosis diagnosed for the first time in the index pregnancy. Twenty‐nine (23%) had a previous mitral valvulotomy. Nineteen women (15%) developed hypertension during pregnancy, 10 of whom had pre‐eclampsia. Sixty‐three women (49%) had a mitral valve area of ≤ 1.2 cm2 with 11 having critical mitral stenosis (mitral valve area ≤ 0.8 cm2). Atrial fibrillation was present in 12 women. Most women (87%) required medical therapy to control the heart rate.

Outcome in persistent symptomatic women
Intervention was considered in 37 women (29%) who remained symptomatic, 11 (9%) of whom had a calcified mitral valve. The remaining 26 women were scheduled for balloon mitral valvulotomy during pregnancy, 20 of whom had balloon mitral valvulotomy with good effect (16 antepartum; 4 postpartum). In seven women, scheduled balloon mitral valvulotomy was not performed because of advanced preterm labour (n= 5), fetal distress (n= 1) and preterm labour with fetal distress (n= 1). These seven, together with the 11 with calcific mitral stenosis, were managed conservatively with good outcome.

Maternal complications
Fifty‐one percent had maternal complications, the majority occurring at their initial admission to hospital. Pulmonary oedema was the most frequent. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of stenosis assessed by measurement of the mitral valve area by echo‐Doppler was the most powerful predictor of maternal pulmonary oedema. The other factors were late antenatal presentation, presence of symptoms prior to the index pregnancy and diagnosis of cardiac disease for the first time in the index pregnancy.

Conclusion
Despite serious disease, women with persistent symptoms treated either by balloon mitral valvulotomy where feasible, or conservatively with close noninvasive monitoring, had a satisfactory fetal and maternal outcome.
Determinants of umbilical cord arterial 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α concentrations
Authors: Qin Yun , Wang Chi Chiu , Kuhn Hartmut , Rathmann Jorg , Pang Chi Pui , Rogers Michael Scott
Published: August 2005

Objective
To determine the concentration of 8‐isoPGF2α in cord blood as a measure of oxidative stress during labour, and to compare them with other established parameters of in vivo lipid peroxidation and with the acid‐base status of the newborn.

Method
Umbilical cord arterial and venous blood samples were collected from 81 singleton term deliveries for determination of 8‐isoPGF2α, malondialdehyde and organic hydroperoxides. In addition, metabolites derived from the oxidative metabolism of purines during hypoxia‐reoxygenation and routine cord blood of oxygen saturation, pH, pO2, pCO2, HCO3 and base excess were measured.

Results
Arterial concentrations of 8‐isoPGF2α were significantly higher in cases with fetal distress, tight nuchal cord (P < 0.001), the umbilical coiling index, and male sex (P < 0.05) (R2= 0.48). No correlation was found with any parameter of acid‐base status. In arterial and venous blood the concentrations of organic hydroperoxides and hypoxanthine significantly correlated with the fetal nuchal cord (P < 0.001) (R2= 0.26 and 0.16, respectively).

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that 8‐isoPGF2α in cord arterial blood is a suitable parameter to quantify a possible oxidative stress in the fetus during labour. Measurements of the F2‐isoprostane concentrations in cord blood at labour provide a clinically useful method to assess the perinatal outcome.
Factors affecting fetal weight distribution in women with type I diabetes
Authors: Johnstone Frank D. , Mao J.‐H. , Steel Judith M. , Prescott Robin J. , Hume Robert
Published: August 2005

Objective
To identify factors independently affecting fetal weight in women with type I diabetes.

Design
Prospectively recorded data in consecutive women with type I diabetes, between 1975–1992.

Setting
Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital, Edinburgh.

Population
Three hundred and two pregnancies with type I diabetes identified before pregnancy, with antenatal care and delivery in the Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital, a singleton pregnancy, and the same diabetic physician.

Methods
Normal ranges for birthweight were established for the total hospital population. All cases and the total population had pregnancy dating by ultrasound. The relation between standardised birth‐weight and explanatory variables was investigated using correlation analysis, t tests and χ2 tests as appropriate, and subsequently using multiple linear regression.

Results
Standardised birthweight in cases, compared with the reference population, showed a unimodal, approximately normal distribution, markedly shifted to the right (mean + 1.26 SD). The most predictive variable was glycated haemoglobin concentration at 27–33 weeks, which explained 6.3% of the birthweight variance, while smoking explained 2.7% and maternal weight 2.0%. There was a trend towards a negative relationship with glycated haemoglobin concentration at 6–12 weeks. Smoking and glycated haemoglobin concentration were strongly intercorrelated.

Conclusions
Most of the variance in standardised birthweight remains unexplained, but glycated haemoglobin concentration at 27–33 weeks is the most powerful explanatory variable. Possible reasons why there is not a stronger relationship between markers of maternal glycaemia and birthweight are discussed.
Comparative assessment of pelvic floor strength using a perineometer and digital examination
Authors: Isherwood P. J. , Rane A.
Published: August 2005

Objective
To determine whether digital assessment of pelvic floor contraction strength is as reliable as vaginal perineometry and to assess the practice of pelvic floor exercises by women.

Design
A blinded, two‐assessor protocol, prospectively testing a volunteer sample of women.

Population
Two hundred and sixty‐three women (from a total of 278), aged 16–75 years, attending a general gynaecological clinic with nonurinary symptoms.

Methods
Participants answered a questionnaire regarding urinary symptoms and practice of pelvic floor exercises. History and examination was carried out by the clinician, and pelvic floor strength scored digitally using the Oxford Scale. Pelvic floor strength was then assessed by the physiotherapist, using a PFX perineometer. The physiotherapist was blinded to the woman's history, examination findings and digital assessment score. Both the clinician and physiotherapist were blinded to the questionnaire responses.

Main outcome measures
Digital pelvic floor contraction assessment, according to the Oxford Scale, was compared with perineometric assessment as the gold standard – examined against the background of the questionnaire findings.

Results
Of 263 patients, 53 were nulliparous (20%), and 210 parous (80%). Only 49 women carried out regular pelvic floor exercises (19%), and all were parous and admitted to troublesome urinary symptoms. Stress urinary incontinence was reported by 28% of all women (38.1% of parous women and 10.5% of nulliparous women). For both methods, there was no difference in the range of results when parity was taken into account. Concordance studies showed good agreement between digital and perineometric assessment of pelvic floor strength. The kappa value of 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.67–0.79) indicated substantial agreement between the two methods.

Conclusion
There is good agreement between digital assessment of pelvic floor contraction strength and vaginal perineometry. Assessment during gynaecological examination may help to identify women with fascial defects of the pelvic floor, as well as those at risk of genital prolapse or urinary symptoms.