bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocyte chemotactic factors released from type II pneumocyte-like cells in response to TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha
Authors: Koyama S , Sato E , Nomura H , Kubo K , Miura M , Yamashita T , Nagai S , Izumi T
Published: October 2002

It has been reported that tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1 induce the release of monocyte chemotactic factors (MCF), including chemokines, from A549 cells, an alveolar type II cell line. However, the relative contribution of these chemokines to MCF is still uncertain. In the present study, the relative contribution of various chemokines released from A549 cells acting as MCF upon stimulation by TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha, was evaluated. TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha induced the release of MCF in a dose- and time-dependent manner (p<0.001). The release of MCF was inhibited by cycloheximide and lipoxygenase inhibitors. Molecular sieve column chromatography revealed multiple peaks of MCF (near 60 kDa, 25-22 kDa, 15-13 kDa, 8 kDa, and 400 Da). Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor-antagonists inhibited MCF by 50% after 24 h and 30% after 72 h. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, "regulated on activation, normal T-cells, expressed and secreted" (RANTES), and granulocyte-macrophage colony- stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were released significantly in response to IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha, and antibodies to MCP-1, GM-CSF, and RANTES inhibited MCF activity by 40, 5 and 20% after 24 h, and by 50, 20, and 10% after 72 h, respectively. Each antibody or LTB4 receptor-antagonist inhibited the corresponding column chromatography-separated molecular weight peak of MCF. These data suggest that A549 cells release monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 as the predominant monocyte chemotactic factor rather than granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, RANTES, and transforming growth factor-beta, and that leukotriene B4 is constitutively released as a monocyte chemotactic factor.
Inhaled NO and almitrine bismesylate in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: effect of noradrenalin
Authors: Papazian L , Bregeon F , Gaillat F , Thirion X , Roch A , Cortes E , Fulachier V , Saux P , Jammes Y , Auffray JP
Published: October 2002

The combination of inhaled nitric oxide with almitrine bismesylate has been proposed for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome in order to divert pulmonary blood flow away from poorly ventilated toward well-ventilated areas. The aims of this prospective and comparative study were to: 1) confirm the beneficial effects on oxygenation of this association; 2) evaluate the haemodynamic effects of this association; and 3) evaluate the influence of noradrenaline (a nonspecific vasoconstrictor) on the modification of gas exchange related to inhaled NO and/or almitrine bismesylate. Forty-one sedated paralysed and ventilated patients were investigated. Haemodynamic and blood gas measurements were performed in a fixed order: baseline; inhalation of NO for 30 min.; intravenous infusion of almitrine bismesylate; and concomitant administration of inhaled NO and almitrine bismesylate. Inhaled NO and almitrine bismesylate increased arterial oxygen tension (Pa,O2)/inspiratory oxygen fraction (FI,O2) (p<0.001). The association of inhaled NO with almitrine bismesylate resulted in a dramatic improvement in Pa,O2/FI,O2 (p<0.0001 versus almitrine bismesylate, p<0.05 versus inhaled NO). In patients receiving noradrenalin (n = 19), almitrine bismesylate had no effect on oxygenation. The present study confirmed that the combination of inhaled NO with almitrine bismesylate improved oxygenation, and demonstrated that almitrine bismesylate has no effect on oxygenation in patients receiving noradrenalin.
Physical performance of patients with numerous psychosomatic complaints suggestive of hyperventilation
Authors: Troosters T , Verstraete A , Ramon K , Schepers R , Gosselink R , Decramer M , Van de Woestijne KP
Published: October 2002

In some patients exercise induces numerous complaints which cannot be attributed to an organic disorder, and which are suggestive of hyperventilation. The study was designed to investigate in this type of patient: 1) exercise capacity and muscle force; 2) breathing pattern and symptoms during maximal exercise and recovery; 3) relationships between symptoms and breathing pattern. Twenty-four patients were compared with 20 healthy subjects. They performed a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test and peripheral and respiratory muscle strength were measured. Patients tended to have a decreased exercise capacity and presented with moderately reduced muscle strength. At comparable minute ventilation, breathing frequency was higher (mean: 24 versus 21 per minute) and tidal volume smaller (mean: 1.42 versus 1.67 L). End-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PET,CO2) was not significantly different. A significant relation was observed between PET,CO2 and respiratory frequency during recovery in patients, suggesting a reduced flexibility of the ventilatory response to exercise. In patients respiratory complaints and paresthesias were weakly correlated to PET,CO2 at moderate exercise. It is suggested that the physical deconditioning observed in those patients is rather a consequence than a cause of the response to exercise. The link between symptoms and breathing pattern might be explained by a psychological conditioning process.
The single-breath transfer factor for carbon monoxide and respiratory symptoms in a Norwegian community sample
Authors: Welle I , Eide GE , Bakke PS , Gulsvik A
Published: October 2002

Reduced single-breath transfer factors of the lung for carbon monoxide are seen in a number of conditions. The hypothesis of the present study was that self-reported respiratory symptoms differ in their prediction of TL,CO level in a general population in Norway. A cross-sectional survey of a general population sample in Norway, made up of 1,275 subjects aged 18-73 yrs, was conducted in 1987-1988. The attendees (84% response rate) filled in a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and underwent standardized spirometric and TL,CO measurements and clinical examination. Associations between TL,CO and respiratory symptoms were assessed using multiple regression models. Tests for interaction were used to examine whether these associations varied with sex, age and smoking habits. Data from 1,221 subjects were analysed. Both males and females who reported respiratory symptoms had significantly lower TL,CO after adjusting for age and height. In a multiple linear regression analysis of TL,CO, adjusting for sex, age, height and smoking habits, the symptoms for which statistical significance was attained, were morning cough, chronic cough and breathlessness. However, only the breathlessness score was independently associated with the TL,CO (-0.42 mmol x min(-1) x kPa(-1) per breathlessness score unit) after adjusting for other respiratory symptoms, and the relationship was stronger in males than in females. In this study, the strongest predictor for a decreased single-breath transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide was the presence of self-reported breathlessness, regardless of age, smoking habits and height.
Flow limitation and dyspnoea in healthy supine subjects during methacholine challenge
Authors: Sulc J , Volta CA , Ploysongsang Y , Eltayara L , Olivenstein R , Milic-Emili J
Published: October 2002

The purpose of this study was to assess whether during standard methacholine (Mch) challenge (concentration up to 128 mg x mL(-1)) healthy supine subjects a) develop tidal expiratory flow limitation (FL) and hyperinflation, and b) whether the onset of tidal FL is associated with dyspnoea. Eight healthy subjects were studied. Dyspnoea was assessed using the Borg scale, FL by the negative expiratory pressure (NEP) method and hyperinflation in terms of decrease in inspiratory capacity (IC). Seven patients became flow limited at Mch doses ranging 4-64 mg x mL(-1), with FL encompassing 34-84% of the control tidal volume. In six of them the onset of tidal FL was associated with little or no dyspnoea and a modest degree of hyperinflation (deltaIC <-0.4 L). In one subject, however, onset of FL was associated with a substantial reduction in IC (0.58 L) and moderately severe dyspnoea. In all of these seven subjects FL was transiently reversed after an IC manoeuvre. In conclusion, the results show that a) most healthy subjects may develop flow limitation and hyperinflation during methacholine challenge in supine position, and b) at onset of flow limitation there is little or no dyspnoea, suggesting that onset of dynamic airway compression per se does not elicit significant dyspnoea. Significant dyspnoea probably only occurs with marked dynamic hyperinflation.
Determinants of chronic infection with Staphylococcus aureus in patients with bronchiectasis
Authors: Shah PL , Mawdsley S , Nash K , Cullinan P , Cole PJ , Wilson R
Published: October 2002

Staphylococcus aureus is an uncommon pathogen in bronchiectasis not caused by cystic fibrosis (CF). The object of this study was to identify characteristics that cause patients to be prone to infection with S. aureus. The study population consisted of patients with bronchiectasis attending the authors' unit, excluding those with a diagnosis of overt CF. All patients had a high resolution computer tomographic scan (HRCT) of the thorax which demonstrated bronchiectasis. Cases that were currently chronically infected with S. aureus (isolated consecutively on more than two occasions >3 months apart) were identified (n = 12) and compared with 74 control patients who had not been chronically infected with S. aureus. Patients were carefully evaluated to determine the aetiology of their disease. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as measures of the association between disease characteristics and chronic infection with S. aureus were calculated. The results for patients chronically infected by S. aureus demonstrated significant associations with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA; OR = 8.8, 95% CI 1.8-41.9), atypical variants of CF (OR = 12.0, 95% CI 1.8-81.7) or equivocal sweat sodium values (OR = 4.0, 95% CI 1.0-15.3). The associations persisted when the analysis was based on cases (n = 28) in whom S. aureus had ever been isolated from sputum. In the latter analysis there was also a significant association with predominant upper zone disease on HRCT. These results suggest that patients with bronchiectasis in whom S. aureus is isolated from sputum should be carefully evaluated to exclude allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or atypical cystic fibrosis.
Chemokine involvement in tetracycline-induced pleuritis
Authors: Miller EJ , Kajikawa O , Pueblitz S , Light RW , Koenig KK , Idell S
Published: October 2002

Sclerosants such as tetracycline (TCN) have often been used in the control of malignant pleural effusions. Although the resultant inflammatory response is probably important in the ensuing pleural fibrosis, the signals responsible for the cellular influx into the pleural space following TCN instillation are not well understood. This study, therefore, sought to determine whether the chemokines interleukin-8 (IL-8), growth-related protein (Gro), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were locally elaborated within the first 72 h following intrapleural TCN administration. TCN induced an exudative effusion with high lactate dehydrogenase activity. Although there was no significant change in the pleural fluid total leukocyte content, the median polymorphonuclear neutrophil concentration decreased from 1.067x10(6) to 2.03x10(5) cells x mL(-1) between 24 and 72 h, whereas the median macrophage concentration increased from 1.44x10(5) to 5.98x10(5) cells x mL(-1) over the same period. Furthermore, IL-8, Gro and MCP-1 concentrations decreased between 24 and 72 h. Immunocytochemistry indicated expression of IL-8 by pleural mesothelial cells 24 h, but not 72 h, following TCN administration. The data suggest that local elaboration of interleukin-8 and growth-related protein, in part of mesothelial origin, may influence neutrophil recruitment in tetracycline-induced pleuritis.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: lung transplantation as a therapeutic option
Authors: Reynaud-Gaubert M , Thomas P , Gaubert JY , Pietri P , Garbe L , Giudicelli R , Orehek J , Fuentes P
Published: October 2002

Multiple pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) constitute an uncommon cause of respiratory disability. They may lead to severe hypoxaemia via right-to-left shunts and are sources of substantial mortality and morbidity. Conservative surgical resection has been proposed as the treatment of choice. More recently, percutaneous balloon or coil embolization of the feeding vessels offered an efficacious and safe alternative therapy for patients whose fistulas are too numerous to excise. This study reports an unusual case of respiratory disability in a patient with multiple and microscopic pulmonary arteriovenous malformations who failed to respond to embolotherapy and who received a double lung transplantation with good initial outcome.
High‐resolution, deep‐towed, multichannel seismic survey of deep‐sea gas hydrates off western Canada
Authors: Chapman N. Ross , Gettrust Joe F. , Walia Rick , Hannay David , Spence George D. , Wood Warren T. , Hyndman Roy D.
Published: October 2002

A multichannel seismic survey was carried out using the high‐resolution deep‐towed acoustics/geophysics system (DTAGS) to image the structure of deep‐sea gas hydrates on the continental slope off Vancouver Island and to determine the velocity profile of the hydrated sediments. The high‐frequency DTAGS data provide the means to estimate the frequency response of the bottom simulating reflector (BSR) that defines the base of the hydrate stability field in these sediments, over a broad frequency band from 15 to 650 Hz. The DTAGS sections resolved fine‐scale layering as thin as a few meters within the hydrated zone and below the BSR, and they revealed small‐scale faults and vertically oriented zones of very low acoustic reflectivity that may represent channels for upward migration of fluids or gas. Interval velocities determined from the DTAGS data indicate uniformly low values of about 1500 m/s to depths of 100 m below sea floor (mbsf), increasing to about 1850 m/s at the BSR (250 mbsf). The reflection from the BSR that is normally well defined in conventional low‐frequency seismic surveys is at least twenty times weaker at the high DTAGS frequencies. The reflection coefficient‐versus‐frequency data support a new model for the velocity profile at the BSR that consists of a thin, 4–8‐m layer at the BSR in which the velocity decreases by 250 m/s. The thin transition layer at the BSR implies relatively high methane flux rates of at least 1.5 mm/year.
Characterization of fractured lowQzones at the Buena Vista Hills reservoir, California
Authors: Parra Jorge O. , Hackert Chris L. , Xu Pei‐Cheng
Published: October 2002

We show that attenuation of high‐resolution interwell seismic and acoustic waves based on velocity dispersion analysis relates to fluid‐flow effects in fractured and shale–sand sequence formations at the Buena Vista Hills reservoir, California. Fractured low quality factor (Q‐factor) zones in the Brown Shale and Antelope Shale reservoir intervals in the Monterrey Formation correlate with a system of fractures having permeabilities of 2.5 to 5 md. Vertical fractures oriented at azimuths from 0° to 30° are detected in the frequency range of 1 to 10 kHz. We establish that a poroelastic model based on the Biot/squirt‐flow (BISQ) mechanism can be used to relate the low Q‐factor zones in the Brown and Antelope Shales. Because the Brown Shale has no sands, we use it to evaluate a fracture system's response to attenuation. We adapt the BISQ mechanism to simulate fluid flow in fracture‐induced anisotropy, which provides flow properties parallel and perpendicular to fractures in the siliceous shale formations. The model assumes that the principal axes of the stiffness tensor are aligned with the axes of the permeability and squirt‐flow tensors. We simulate the fracture system by assuming that (1) a squirt‐flow length on the order of centimeters represents fluid flow in fractures and (2) a squirt‐flow length <1 mm represents flow in low‐permeability shales. Two types of fractures at the site are joint‐like tectonic fractures and sigmoidal vein fractures. Their fracture permeability (approximately 5 md) and squirt‐flow lengths (between 1 and 2 cm) predict a Q‐factor of about 20 that fits the observed Q‐factor in the Brown Shale. We find that fractures associated with squirt‐flow lengths ≥3 cm are sensitive to horizontal attenuation for a frequency range of 120 to 1000 Hz. In addition, the horizontal Q‐factor derived from sonic and crosswell data is about five times less than the vertical Q‐factor associated with waves originating from the earth's surface.
A frequency domain technique for the estimation of the parameters of a delayed process
Authors: O’Dwyer Aidan
Published: October 2002

This paper discusses the estimation of the parameters (including the time delay) of a generalized single-input, single-output (SISO) process model from an appropriate number of arbitrarily specified points on the process frequency response. The method involves combining an analytical approach with a least-squares approach using a gradient algorithm, to provide accurate estimates of the parameters.
Capability analysis of quartz crystal manufacturing processes
Authors: Velasco M. I. Dieste , Vicente J.
Published: October 2002

The quartz crystals manufacturing process is in‘uenced by several factors that have a great in‘uence in the frequency behaviour of the crystals. Since it is necessary to develop designs with very strict specifications related to frequency stability, it is important to have a good knowledge of the manufacturing process in‘uence and its capability. Therefore, this paper presents a study of the variability associated with the manufacturing process. Moreover, the frequency versus temperature characteristic is studied, depending on the process uncertainty. Also, the measurement technique employed and the manufacturing process are outlined.
Principal component analysis of spectra with application to acoustic emissions from mechanical equipment
Authors: Tan C. C. , Thornhill N. F. , Belchamber R. M.
Published: October 2002

This paper discusses principal component analysis (PCA) of integral transforms (spectra and autocovariance functions) of time-domain signals. It is illustrated using acoustic emissions from mechanical equipment. It was found that acoustic signals from different stages of operation appeared as distinct clusters in the PCA analysis. The clusters moved when machinery faults were present and the modelling errors also increased under fault conditions; thus, each type of fault had a distinctive signature and could be diagnosed. PCA using autocovariance functions that were derived from the full power spectrum had better performance than spectral PCA using averaged periodograms, and both gave a significant improvement over time-domain PCA.
Correlation for the routine estimation of performance of solar domestic hot water systems
Authors: Brinkworth B J
Published: October 2002

Chart-based procedures for determining the useful energy output from solar domestic hot water (DHW) systems are derived from the correlation of results of multiple detailed performance simulations. One such procedure is that available since 1989 in the relevant British Standard, which is limited to giving the total annual output from systems operated in the UK. On the basis of fundamental physical principles, it is now seen that chart co-ordinates can be chosen such that the correlation condenses to a single curve. This provides a convenient and transparent process for estimating the Solar Load Fraction for any system, location and period, suitable for use by system designers, manufacturers, specifiers and users of all kinds.
Percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac emergencies
Authors: Kurusz Mark , Zwischenberger Joseph B
Published: October 2002

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support systems (PCPS) are compact, battery-powered, portable heart-lung machines that can be implemented rapidly in any area of the hospital using thin-walled cannulae inserted via the femoral vessels. PCPS provides temporary circulatory support by actively aspirating blood from the patient’s venous system using a centrifugal pump and hollow fiber membrane oxygenator for gas exchange. A review of clinical reports has delineated several indications for emergent applications, with the most frequent being cardiac arrest (CA) or cardiogenic shock (CS). Survival is more likely in patients with CS (40%) compared to CA (21%). Implementation of PCPS after unwitnessed CA or cardiopulmonary resuscitation > 30 min yields a patient survival rate of < 10%. The likelihood of patient survival after emergent PCPS is most often related to the patient undergoing a definitive anatomic surgical repair such as coronary artery bypass or pulmonary embolectomy. If the need for circulatory support extends beyond 6 h, conversion to conventional long-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or a ventricular assist device is recommended.
Circulatory support for OPCAB procedures
Authors: Mueller Xavier M , von Segesser Ludwig K
Published: October 2002

During off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) which allows complete revascularization through a median sternotomy, revascularization of the lateral and posterior walls requires the verticalization of the heart, which may cause haemodynamic disturbance. This concern has stimulated the development of circulatory support with mini-pumps. Initially, these pumps were designed for the right side of the heart, which was found to be the main contributor to haemodynamic instability under experimental conditions. The three types of mini-pumps that have been developed so far—two for the right side of the heart and one for both sides—are reviewed as well as a new concept of integrated cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit with reduced surface and priming volume. However, with increasing experience and improved methods of exposition, OPCAB has become a procedure that can be performed without support in the majority of the cases. Nevertheless, the concept of miniaturization and the possibility to insert these devices through a peripheral access has opened the way to new indications, mainly short-term circulatory support for acute heart failure. This development is welcome in a field where available devices are invasive and plagued with a heavy morbidity.
Sensory stimulation of brain-injured individuals in coma or vegetative state: results of a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Lombardi Francesco , Taricco Mariangela , De Tanti Antonio , Telaro Elena , Liberati Alessandro
Published: October 2002

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of sensory stimulation programmes in patients in coma or vegetative state.

Design: Systematic review of randomized control trials (RCT) and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials (CCT) comparing any type of stimulation programmes with standard rehabilitation in patients in coma or vegetative state. The Injuries Group specialized register, the Cochrane Controlled trial register, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYCHLIT from 1966 to January 2002 were searched without language restriction. Reference lists of articles were scanned and experts in the area contacted to ”nd other relevant studies. Abstracts and papers found were initially screened by one reviewer. Three reviewers independently identi”ed relevant studies, extracted data and assessed study quality, resolving disagreement by consensus.

Outcome measures: Duration of unconsciousness (including coma and vegetative state) de”ned as the time between trauma and objective recovery of the ability to respond to verbal commands; level of consciousness, as measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); level of cognitive functioning (LCF); functional outcomes, as measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) or by Disability Rating Scale; negative effects (e.g. increased intracranial pressure).

Results: Three studies (one RCT and two CCTs) with 68 traumatic brain-injured patients in total, most of whom were road accident victims, met the inclusion criteria. The overall methodological quality was poor and studies differed widely in terms of study design and conduct. Moreover, due to the diversity in reporting of outcome measures, a quantitative metanalysis was not possible. None of the three studies provided useful and valid results on outcomes of clinical relevance for coma patients.
A randomized controlled trial of the effects of weights on amplitude and frequency of postural hand tremor in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Meshack Rubia P , Norman Kathleen E
Published: October 2002

Objective: To evaluate the effects of weights on postural hand tremor related to self-feeding in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Design: In a repeated-measures design, postural hand tremor was recorded three times in each of three weight conditions in a single session for each subject. The order of all recording conditions was randomized.

Setting: Intervention was applied and measurement was conducted in a university-based motor performance laboratory.

Subjects: Fourteen men and two women diagnosed with PD and having hand tremor participated (mean age 67.1 years, mean duration of PD 4.6 years). All were community-dwelling.

Intervention: The control condition consisted of holding a built-up spoon (108 g). There were two experimental conditions: holding a weighted spoon (248 g); and holding the built-up spoon while wearing a weighted wrist cuff (470 g).

Main outcome measures: Three measures of tremor amplitude and two measures of tremor frequency were calculated from recordings of displacement of the spoon obtained from laser displacement sensors.

Results: Repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed no signi”cant differences across conditions in any measure of tremor amplitude or in either measure of tremor frequency. Correlational and Mann–Whitney U-test analyses revealed that none of age, disease duration or medication intake had any signi”cant relationship with tremor amplitude in the control condition or with whether amplitude was altered by weights.

Conclusions: The ”ndings suggest that there is no support for the clinical recommendation of using weighted utensils or weighted wrist cuffs to alleviate postural hand tremor in PD.
A randomized, controlled comparison of home versus institutional rehabilitation of patients with hip fracture
Authors: Kuisma Raija
Published: October 2002

Objective: To compare ambulation outcomes between home and institutional rehabilitation of patients with hip fracture.

Design: Randomized controlled clinical equivalence trial.

Setting: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong.

Subjects: Eighty-one patients with hip fracture.

Intervention: Study group patients (40) were discharged directly home from the acute hospital and visited by a physiotherapist an average of 4.6 times. The control group subjects (41) were discharged to a rehabilitation centre for further treatment lasting on average 36.2 days (SD 14.6) and they received physiotherapy daily.

Main outcome measures: Ambulation ability measured on a categorical scale.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 75 years (SD 8.3 years). Females comprised 60% of all the subjects and majority were retired or home makers. Both groups of patients improved in their ambulation ability during their rehabilitation period but neither group achieved their pre-ambulatory status by the time of completion of the study. The study group achieved significantly higher ambulation scores ( p < 0.05) for community and household ambulation compared with the control group by the end of the study, a year after operation.

Conclusion: Five visits by a physiotherapist in the patient's home after discharge from an acute hospital after surgical treatment for hip fracture yielded better results in ambulation ability than one month of conventional institution-based rehabilitation.
Territoriality, enterprise and réglementation in industry governance
Authors: Lewis Nick , Moran Warren , Perrier-Cornet Philippe , Barker John
Published: October 2002

The term ‘governance’ is used differently in different literatures. This paper relates the uses of the term and the theoretical concepts to which it is attached in three bodies of literature – the new institutional economics, a geographic literature exploring spatial embeddedness, and the regulation approach. Each adopts a different theoretical point of entry and highlights a particular sphere of governance, centred on the enterprise, people in place and the state respectively. We argue that they can be related, along with the myriad mechanisms of governance that operate within them, to provide a meaningful understanding of the industry and its governance. Doing so generates an approach to sectoral analysis that highlights ‘the industry’ as an object of government and reveals industry governance and the constitution of the industry to be mutually constitutive processes. The work is inspired by our current research on the New Zealand and European wine filières.
An investigation of new toxicity test method performance in validation studies: 1. toxicity test methods that have predictive capacity no greater than chance
Authors: Bruner L H , Carr G J , Harbell J W , Curren R D
Published: October 2002

An approach commonly used to measure new toxicity test method (NTM) performance in validation studies is to divide toxicity results into positive and negative classifications, and then identify true positive (TP), true negative (TN), false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) results. After this step is completed, the contingent probability statistics (CPS), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) are calculated. Although these statistics are widely used and often the only statistics used to assess the performance of toxicity test methods, there is little specific guidance in the validation literature on what values for these statistics indicate adequate performance. The purpose of this study was to begin developing data-based answers to this question by characterizing the CPS obtained from an NTM whose data have a completely random association with a reference test method (RTM). Determining the CPS of this worst-case scenario is useful because it provides a lower baseline from which the performance of an NTM can be judged in future validation studies. It also provides an indication of relationships in the CPS that help identify random or near-random relationships in the data. The results from this study of randomly associated tests show that the values obtained for the statistics vary significantly depending on the cut-offs chosen, that high values can be obtained for individual statistics, and that the different measures cannot be considered independently when evaluating the performance of an NTM. When the association between results of an NTM and RTM is random the sum of the complementary pairs of statistics (sensitivity+ specificity, NPV+PPV) is approximately 1, and the prevalence (i.e., the proportion of toxic chemicals in the population of chemicals) and PPV are equal. Given that combinations of high sensitivity–low specificity or low specificity–high sensitivity (i.e., the sum of the sensitivity and specificity equal to approximately 1) indicate lack of predictive capacity, an NTM having these performance characteristics should be considered no better for predicting toxicity than by chance alone.
An investigation of new toxicity test method performance in validation studies: 3. sensitivity and specificity are not independent of prevalence or distribution of toxicity
Authors: Bruner L H , Carr G J , Harbell J W , Curren R D
Published: October 2002

Often, the only measures of toxicity test performance provided in validation studies are the contingent probability statistics (CPS) sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Sensitivity and specificity are generally used in preference to NPV and PPV since NPV and PPV are assumed to vary with changes in prevalence while sensitivity and specificity are assumed to be independent of changes in prevalence. The purpose of the studies reported here was to test whether or not sensitivity and specificity are actually independent of changes in prevalence. Results derived from these studies indicate that sensitivity and specificity vary significantly depending on the prevalence of toxic substances in the set of chemicals being tested. This means sensitivity and specificity should not always be considered constant indicators of toxicity test performance.
The acute effects of tetrahydrocannabinol on auditory threshold and frequency resolution in human subjects
Authors: Mulheran M , Middleton P , Henry J A
Published: October 2002

Aims: The study was designed to investigate the acute effects of ingested tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on auditory function. Methods: Eight male subjects (aged 22–30 years), who had previous experience of cannabis use, took part in this study. They performed air conduction pure tone audiometry in both ears over 0.5–8 kHz. A simple test of frequency selectivity by detecting a 4-kHz tone under two masking noise conditions was also carried out in one ear. Three test sessions at weekly intervals were carried out, at the start of which they ingested a capsule containing either placebo, or 7.5 or 15 mg of THC. These were administered in a randomized cross-over, double-blind manner. Auditory testing as described above was carried out 2 hours after ingestion. Blood samples were also obtained at this time point and assayed for ¢9-and 11-OH-THC levels. Results: No significant changes in threshold or frequency resolution were seen with the dosages employed in this study. Conclusions: This suggests that THC at the plasma levels attained in this study does not have a profound effect on the processing of elementary stimuli by the auditory pathway.
Increased T-lymphocyte apoptosis/necrosis and IL-10 producing cells in patients and their spouses in Icelandic systemic lupus erythematosus multicase families
Authors: Gröndal G , Traustadottir K H , Kristjansdottir H , Lundberg I , Klareskog L , Erlendsson K , Steinsson K
Published: October 2002

The objective of this study was to evaluate apoptosis and production of IL-10 in SLE patients, their spouses and first-degree relatives in Icelandic SLE multicase families. Previously, increased IL-10 production has been found in all three groups. As IL-10 has been found to induce apoptosis in SLE, the percentage of lymphocytes undergoing apoptosis was evaluated, as well as the possible correlation between apoptosis and IL-10 production. Apoptosis and IL-10 production were studied in SLE patients (n = 12) from SLE multicase families and their spouses (n = 12) and a matched control group of healthy individuals(n = 10). The proportion of T and B lymphocytes undergoing apoptosis at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h was detected by flow cytometry using Annexin V and PI staining and the rate of apoptosis was calculated. IL-10 production was studied simultaneously by ELISpot analysis of freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In addition, T lymphocyte apoptosis at t = 0 was investigated in a group of non-household first-degree relatives (n = 10) and controls (n = 10). Antinuclear and antilymphocyte antibodies were analysed in all the groups. The SLE patients as a group had a significantly increased percentage of T lymphocytes in apoptosis at 0 and 48 h and a significantly higher number of IL-10 producing cells as compared with the healthy controls (P = 0.03, 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). The spouses also had significantly increased percentage of T lymphocytes in apoptosis (t = 0) and a significantly higher number of IL-10-producing cells when compared with healthy controls (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). There were no significant differences between the patients and their spouses. For apoptosis of B lymphocytes no difference was found between the groups. The SLE patients as a group had the highest rate of apoptosis. No correlation between the degree and rate of apoptosis and the number of IL-10-producing cells was detected. The first-degree relatives did not have increased percentage of T lymphocytes undergoing apoptosis at t = 0 compared with healthy controls. The SLE patients had higher titres of ANA compared with the other groups. No correlation was detected between the ANA titre and the percentage of lymphocytes undergoing apoptosis. There was no correlation between disease activity as measured by SLEDAI and apoptosis. In conclusion, our results suggest that environmental factors common to both SLE patients and their spouses are associated both with the increased apoptosis and increased spontaneousproduction of IL-10, thus providing support for the notion that both environmental and genetic factors influencing apoptosis are of importance for the development of SLE.
Prediction of lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using artificial neural networks
Authors: Rajimehr R , Farsiu S , Kouhsari L Montaser , Bidari A , Lucas C , Yousefian S , Bahrami F
Published: October 2002

Arti” cial neural networks are intelligent systems that have been successfully used for prediction in different medical ” elds. In this study, ef” ciency of neural networks for prediction of lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was compared with a logistic regression model and clinicians’diagnosis. Overall accuracy, sensitivity and speci” city of the optimal neural network were 68.69, 73.77 and 62.96%, respectively. Overall accuracy of neural network was greater than the other two methods (P-value< 0.05). The neural network was more speci” c in predicting lupus nephritis (P-value < 0.01), but there was no signi” cant difference between sensitivities of the three methods. Sensitivities of all three methods were greater than their speci” cities. We concluded that neural networks are ef” cient in predicting lupus nephritis in SLE patients.
Rapidly progressive lupus glomerulonephritis and concomitant microangiopathy in an adolescent
Authors: Blake J S , Butani L
Published: October 2002

We describe our experience managing a 16-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented concomitantly with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and a thrombotic microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (TMAHA). Her renal biopsy showed evidence of diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis without glomerular microthrombi. The patient was treated with a combination of intravenous corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide,as well as plasmapheresis, with an excellent response resulting in complete disease remission. The purpose of our report is to make health professionals more aware of TMAHA as a complication of SLE, since the occurrence of TMAHA may confuse the clinical picture, and since its treatment with plasmapheresis is life saving, if performed early.
High-dose cyclophosphamide for severe systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gladstone D E , Prestrud A A , Pradhan A , Styler M J , Topolsky D L , Crilley P A , Hoch S , Huppert A , Brodsky I
Published: October 2002

Cytotoxic therapy is a cornerstone for patients with severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). High-dose cyclophosphamide, 200 mg/kg, can induce a complete remission without the need for stem cell rescue in patients with autoimmune illnesses. Here we report on our first four patients treated for severe SLE with this treatment approach. Patients received cyclophosphamide, 200 mg/kg, divided over 4 days. Starting day 10, patients received filgrastim, 5 mg/kg/day, until their absolute neutrophil count (ANC) rose to 10.0 £ 10 9=l for two consecutive days. Disease activity as evaluated by scores from the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure-2, the SLE Disease Activity Index and the Responder Index for Lupus Erythematosus were completed before and after high-dose therapy. Before high-dosecyclophosphamide,SLE disease duration ranged from 8 to 21 (mean 12.5) years. Their average disease activity measuredby SLAM-2 and SLEDAI was 15.5 (range 11–19) and 23.25 (range 20–26), respectively. At a median of 22 (range 12–39) months of follow-up, mean disease activity measured by SLAM-2 and SLEDAI decreased to 6.25 and 7.75, respectively. All patients experienced febrile neutropenia. No long-term morbidities or mortalities were observed. High dose cyclophosphamide is a therapy capable of decreasing disease severity in poor prognosis SLE patients. Future study is warranted for both refractory patients as well as primary therapy for patients with moderate to severe disease presentations.
Hair dye treatment use and clinical course in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and cutaneous lupus
Authors: Jiménez-Alonso J , Sabio J M , Pérez-Alvarez F , Reche I , Hidalgo C , Jáimez L ,   Grupo Lupus Virgen de las Nieves
Published: October 2002

The etiological role of hair dye treatment (HDT), some of them such as permanent hair dyes containing aromatic amines, in the development of SLE has been previously ruled out. However, the possible influence of HDT use on the course and prognosis of lupus patients has been assessed only in one short-term study. Since HDT is very extensive among the population, the knowledge of this possible negative effect may be very important. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the long-term influence of several HDTs on the course and clinical severity of patients with both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus (CL). In this longitudinal case series study, 91 SLE patients and 22 CL patients were prospectively studied from October 1988 to May 2000. They were divided into three groups: (a) non-HDT users— patients who have never used HDT (n = 65); (b) P-HDT users—HDT permanent type users, alone or in combination with other types of HDT (n = 28); (c) non P-HDT—users of other treatments different from permanent tinting (bleach, lowlights, etc; n = 20). In each patient we determined: (1) number of flares/year in SLE patients and worsening of cutaneous lesions for CL; (2) Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index; (3) predominant damaged organs/systems according to the HDT use and type of HDT; and (4) subjective impression about the disease evolution in relation to HDT use. No significant differences were found with respect to flares/year and SLICC/ACR damage index between the study groups. Non-HDT group presented more renal involvement and serositis than both HDT-user groups. No patient related the HDT use to the worsening of his disease. Therefore, in this study no evidence of an association between the long-term use of several types of HDT and the clinical activity and course of SLE and CL was found.
Characterization of CD3+CD4-CD8- (double negative) T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: activation markers
Authors: Anand A , Dean G S , Quereshi K , Isenberg D A , Lydyard P M
Published: October 2002

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by B cell hyperactivity and the production of autoantibodies, some of which (antibodies to dsDNA) are thought to be pathogenic. T helper cells drive the production of autoantibodies and the aim of this study is to characterize phenotypically a subpopulation of T cells (the CD3+CD4-CD8-, double negative (DN) T cells) previously identified as helping to enhance anti-DNA antibodies in patients with SLE. Data were obtained using FACS staining of DN T cells that had been purified from PBMCs by magnetic bead separation.

The percentage of TCR ab‡ DN T cells was found to be significantly higher in patients with SLE as compared with controls (P ^ 0.02), although there was no significant increase in total percentage of DN T cells, which includes TCR gd ‡ cells. Activation markers HLA-DR and CD69, the costimulatory molecule CD28 and CTLA-4 were all expressed on the surface of a higher percentage of DN T cells in patients with SLE than in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or healthy controls (HC). More DN T cells from patients with SLE were of CD45RA phenotype than was found in controls, while CD45RO-expressing cells were reduced. In addition, DN T cells from patients with SLE expressed significantly higher levels of HLA-DR (P ^ 0.006), CD28 (P ^ 0.05), CTLA4 (P ^ 0.03) and CD45RA (P ^ 0.05) on the cell surface than those from the CD4=8 population. Correlation of expression of the markers measured with various parameters of disease activity and severity showed that high levels of HLA-DR expression correlated with high circulating serum C3 (> 0.9 IU/ml), indicating that an activated phenotype is consistent with severe disease.
The effect of multiple-choice L1 glosses and input-output cycles on lexical acquisition and retention
Authors: Rott Susanne , Williams Jessica , Cameron Richard
Published: October 2002

The objective of the study was to determine the effect on lexical acquisition and retention of: (a) L1 multiple-choice glosses, (b) L2 text reconstruction with opportunities to recheck input and (c) combined treatments. These treatments were chosen for the following reasons: multiple-choice glosses are said to require ‘mental effort’, increasing the likelihood of retention. Reconstructing the text in the L2 may prompt learners to notice ‘holes’ in their lexicon and focus their attention on subsequent input. Seventy-six fourth-semester learners of German read a text in one of the four conditions (3 experimental; 1 control). Productive and receptive word gains were tested immediately after the treatment and again five weeks later. Findings suggest that the multiple-choice gloss treatment resulted in significantly deeper productive and receptive word gains immediately after the treatment. A significant receptive word gain was retained for five weeks only for the combined treatment condition.
Photogrammetry as an aid to lighting design for complex obstructed interiors
Authors: Hadwan MK , Knight MW , Carter DJ
Published: October 2002

Photogrammetry methods have been shown to be useful as a tool for investigation of illuminance distribution and light losses in interiors containing obstruction configurations that approximate to simple rectilinear objects. This work examines the use of photogrammetry to model obstructions having a greater degree of complexity and a case study demonstrates the applicability of the technique to lighting design for a factory. The results confirm that this technology would accelerate the process of incorporating the effect of obstructions in routine lighting analysis and design.