bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of autoconjunctival grafting for primary pterygia when performed by consultant compared with trainee ophthalmologists
Authors: Farrah Jonathon J , Lee Graham A , Greenrod Edward , Vieira Janice
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Purpose:  To define rates of recurrence and surgical complications of primary pterygia excision with autoconjunctival grafting when the surgery is performed by consultant ophthalmologists compared with trainee ophthalmologists.

Methods:  A total of 174 patients with primary pterygia treated by excision and autoconjunctival grafting were included for analysis. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether their surgery was performed by a consultant ophthalmologist (group A) or a trainee ophthalmologist (group B). Data were collected with respect to demographics, surgical complications and recurrence. Recurrence rates were analysed utilizing Fisher’s exact test. Additionally, Kaplan–Meier survival curves for interval censored data were constructed. Surgical complications were analysed utilizing Fisher’s exact test.

Results:  The recurrence rate in group A was 6.8% and in group B was 19.4%. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.05). The rate of surgical complication occurring in group A was 6.6% and in group B was 23.3% and this was also statistically significant (P = 0.005). No relationship was found between either patient age or the size of pterygium and recurrence or complications in either group A or group B.

Conclusion:  Autoconjunctival grafting is regarded as the gold standard for preventing pterygium recurrence following excision. This study suggests that the experience of the surgeon can influence success rates and complications. There is a significant learning curve indicating the need to supervise trainee surgeons.
Cataract and its surgery in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Garap Jambi N , Sheeladevi Sethu , Brian Garry , Shamanna BR , Nirmalan Praveen K , Williams Carmel
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the prevalence of visually significant cataract, unoperated blinding cataract, and cataract surgery for those aged 50 years and over in Papua New Guinea. Also, to determine the characteristics, rate, coverage and outcome of cataract surgery, and barriers to its uptake.

Methods:  Using the World Health Organization Rapid Assessment of Cataract Surgical Services protocol, a population‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2005. By two‐stage cluster random sampling, 39 clusters of 30 people were selected. Each eye with a presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 and/or a history of cataract surgery was examined.

Results:  Of the 1191 people enumerated, 98.6% were examined. The 50 years and older age‐gender‐adjusted prevalence of cataract‐induced vision impairment (presenting acuity less than 6/18 in the better eye) was 7.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.4, 10.2, design effect [deff] = 1.3). That for cataract‐caused functional blindness (presenting acuity less than 6/60 in the better eye) was 6.4% (95% CI: 5.1, 7.3, deff = 1.1). The latter was not associated with gender (P = 0.6). For the sample, Cataract Surgical Coverage at 6/60 was 34.5% for Eyes and 45.3% for Persons. The Cataract Surgical Rate for Papua New Guinea was less than 500 per million population per year. The age‐gender‐adjusted prevalence of those having had cataract surgery was 8.3% (95% CI: 6.6, 9.8, deff = 1.3). Vision outcomes of surgery did not meet World Health Organization guidelines. Lack of awareness was the most common reason for not seeking and undergoing surgery.

Conclusion:  Increasing the quantity and quality of cataract surgery need to be priorities for Papua New Guinea eye care services.
The pattern of intravenous drug administration during the transfer of critically ill children by a specialist transport team
Authors: SAHA AGNI S. , LANGRIDGE PAUL , PLAYFOR STEPHEN D.
Published: September 2006

Background:  There are few published data on the patterns of intravenous drug administration by specialist pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) transport teams during the transfer of critically ill children between hospitals.

Methods:  A retrospective review of retrieval documentation was undertaken for all patients transported by the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital PICU transport team over a period of 1 year.

Results:  A total of 257 patients were transported during the study period, 82 patients (32%) were excluded owing to incomplete or absent documentation, leaving a sample of 175 available for analysis. Intravenous drugs were administered to 168 of these patients (96%). In total, 38 different drugs were administered. The four most commonly administered drugs were midazolam (130 patients), morphine (129 patients), atracurium (108 patients), and heparin (53 patients). Ten drugs accounted for 90% of all prescription episodes (total number of infusions and bolus doses administered), whilst 16 drugs were prescribed only once. The mean number of drugs administered per patient was 3.25 with a mean of 1.96 drug infusions and 1.29 bolus drugs administered per patient.

Conclusions:  A relatively small number of drugs are used frequently during the retrieval of critically ill children, but the total range of drugs that are used is large. This has implications for the rational carriage of drugs by PICU transport teams, the potential for drug errors and also for the development of advanced nurse practitioners whose prescribing‐like activities may depend on the development of Patient Group Directions.
Risk factors for adverse events in children with colds emerging from anesthesia: a logistic regression
Authors: RACHEL HOMER J. , ELWOOD TOM , PETERSON DO , RAMPERSAD SALLY
Published: September 2006

Background:  Recent upper respiratory infection (URI) in children increases respiratory adverse events following anesthesia for elective surgery. The increased risk continues weeks after resolution of acute URI symptoms. Few systematic analyses have explored specific risk factors. This logistic regression explores the relationship between preoperative URI symptoms and adverse events during emergence from anesthesia.

Methods:  Data were combined from control groups of several prospective observational and interventional studies in elective pediatric anesthesia in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. In each study, a blinded observer, distinct from the anesthesia care team, prospectively recorded the presence of stridor, oxygen desaturations (and their duration), coughing and laryngospasm. Parents were subsequently asked about the presence of 10 cold symptoms during the 6 weeks prior to operation.

Results:  Our model, based on a dataset of 335 patients, did not demonstrate an association between any particular symptoms and the rate of respiratory adverse events during emergence from anesthesia, with the exception of low‐grade fever which appeared to be mildly protective. Respiratory adverse events were affected by the airway management technique (device used and timing of extubation), and adverse events were increased if peak URI symptoms had occurred within the preceding 4 weeks.

Conclusions:  Specific preoperative symptoms were not useful in predicting respiratory adverse events during emergence from anesthesia.
Ropivacaine spinal anesthesia in neonates: a dose range finding study
Authors: FRAWLEY GEOFF , SKINNER ADAM , THOMAS JASON , SMITH SARAH
Published: September 2006

Background:  Our primary aim was to determine the minimum local anaesthetic dose (MLAD) defined as the median effective local anesthetic dose for spinal anesthesia in neonates. Secondary aims were to determine the dose–response curve for spinal anesthesia including the clinically relevant ED95 dose and to describe the duration of motor block following ropivacaine spinal anesthesia.

Methods:  Fifty neonates less than 55 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) having inguinal hernia repair were enrolled. The study was performed in two stages. The MLAD dose of ropivacaine was determined by up–down sequential allocation. An expanded dose ranging study was then performed with dose escalation to doses predicted to fall in the ED50–95 range dose. Probit and logit analysis on all patients was used to compare ED50 with the value described by the Dixon–Massey method and to determine doses up to the ED95.

Results:  Fifty neonates with a mean PMA of 43 weeks and mean weight of 3.7 kg were enrolled. The motor block MLAD (95% confidence interval) determined by the Dixon–Massey method was 0.51 (0.38–0.64) mg·kg−1. A logistic regression analysis of the results of all 50 patients confirmed the Dixon–Massey result. The ED50 (95% CI) was 0.50 (0.39–0.63) mg·kg−1 with an estimated ED95 was 1.08 (0.70–1.67) mg·kg−1. These values were confirmed by probit analysis. Overall the mean duration (95% confidence interval) of lower limb motor blockade was 60.0 min (51.5–68.5 min). The duration of anesthesia far exceeded surgical duration in all successful cases.

Conclusions:  Ropivacaine is an effective agent for spinal anesthesia in neonates at a recommended dose of 1.08 mg·kg−1. The motor block duration, however, is significantly shorter than equivalent agents and highly variable in duration.
Analysis of nitrite reductase (nirK and nirS) genes and cultivation reveal depauperate community of denitrifying bacteria in the Black Sea suboxic zone
Authors: Oakley Brian B. , Francis Christopher A. , Roberts Kathryn J. , Fuchsman Clara A. , Srinivasan S. , Staley James T.
Published: September 2006

Chemical profiles of the Black Sea suboxic zone show a distribution of nitrogen species which is traditionally associated with denitrification, i.e. a secondary nitrite maximum associated with nitrate depletion and a N2 gas peak. To better understand the distribution and diversity of the denitrifier community in the Black Sea suboxic zone, we combined a cultivation approach with cloning and sequencing of PCR‐amplified nitrite reductase (nirS and nirK) genes. The Black Sea suboxic zone appears to harbour a homogeneous community of denitrifiers. For nirK, over 94% of the sequences fell into only three distinct phylogenetic clusters, and for nirS, a single closely related sequence type accounted for 91% of the sequences retrieved. Both nirS and nirK genes showed a dramatic shift in community composition at the bottom of the suboxic zone, but overall, nirK‐based community composition showed much greater variation across depths compared with the highly uniform distribution of nirS sequences throughout the suboxic zone. The dominant nirK and nirS sequences differed at the amino acid level by at least 17% and 8%, respectively, from their nearest database matches. Denitrifying isolates recovered from the suboxic zone shared 97% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Marinobacter maritimus. Analysis of the recently discovered nirS gene from the anammox bacterium Candidatus‘Kuenenia stuttgartiensis’ revealed that mismatches with commonly used primers may have prevented the previous detection of this divergent sequence.
High viral infection rates in Antarctic and Arctic bacterioplankton
Authors: Säwström Christin , Granéli Wilhelm , Laybourn‐Parry Johanna , Anesio Alexandre M.
Published: September 2006

The frequency of visibly phage‐infected bacterial cells (FVIB) and the average number of phages per cell [i.e. burst size (BS)] were determined in Antarctic and Arctic ultra‐oligotrophic freshwater environments. Water samples were collected from two Antarctic freshwater lakes and cryoconite holes from a glacier in the Arctic. Data from this bipolar study show the highest FVIB (average 26.1%, range 5.1% to 66.7%) and the lowest BS (average 4, range 2–15) ever reported in the literature. The bacterial density is low in these ultra‐oligotrophic freshwater environments but a large proportion of the bacteria are visibly infected. Our results suggest that a constant virioplankton population can be maintained in these extreme environments even though host density is low and often slow growing.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED  Tn5530 from Burkholderia cepacia strain 2a encodes a chloride channel protein essential for the catabolism of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
Authors: Sebastianelli Antonio , Bruce Ian J.
Published: September 2006

Chloride channel proteins (ClC) are found in living systems where they transport chloride ions across cell membranes. Recently, the structure/function of two prokaryotic ClC has been determined but little is known about the role of these proteins in the microbial metabolism of chlorinated compounds. Here we show that transposon Tn5530 from Burkholderia cepacia strain 2a encodes a ClC protein (BcClC) which is responsible for expelling Cl– ions generated during the catabolism of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (a chlorinated herbicide). We found that BcClC has the ability to transport Cl– ions across reconstituted proteoliposome membranes. We created two mutants in which the intrachannel glutamate residue of the protein, known to be responsible for opening and closing the channel (i.e. gating), was changed in order to create constitutively open and closed forms. We observed that cells carrying the closed‐channel protein accumulated Cl– ions intracellularly leading to a decrease in intracellular pH, cell stasis and death. Further, we established that BcClC has the same gating mechanism as that reported for the ClC protein from Salmonella typhimurium. Our results show that the physiological role of ClC is to maintain cellular homeostasis which can be impaired by the catabolism of chlorinated compounds.
Atherosclerosis as a risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Berger Andreas P. , Bartsch Georg , Deibl Martina , Alber Hannes , Pachinger Otmar , Fritsche Gernot , Rantner Barbara , Fraedrich Gustav , Pallwein Leo , Aigner Fritz , Horninger Wolfgang , Frauscher Ferdinand
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and atherosclerosis, using colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and symptom scores.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

CDUS was used to evaluate prostatic vascularity in four groups of men, comprising young healthy subjects, patients presenting with coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus, or peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Resistive index (RI) measurements and computer‐assisted quantification of colour pixel density (CPD) were used to objectively evaluate perfusion. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function were used to quantify symptoms.

RESULTS

In diabetic patients and men with PAOD, perfusion of the transition zone (TZ) of the prostate was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and the RI of the TZ was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in healthy controls and men with CAD. In diabetics and men with PAOD, the mean prostate volume was greater than in healthy controls and men with CAD. The IPSS in patients with vascular damage (diabetes, PAOD) was significantly worse than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The significantly lower CPD and higher RI values of the TZ in patients with vascular disease than in healthy subjects support the hypothesis that an age‐related impairment of blood supply to the prostate has a key role in the development of BPH.
Small interference RNA targeting heat‐shock protein 27 inhibits the growth of prostatic cell lines and induces apoptosis via caspase‐3 activation in vitro
Authors: Rocchi Palma , Jugpal Paul , So Alan , Sinneman Shannon , Ettinger Susan , Fazli Ladan , Nelson Colleen , Gleave Martin
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate synthetic small interference RNA (siRNA) compounds targeting heat‐shock protein 27 (Hsp27) as an alternative approach to Hsp27 ‘knockdown’ in prostate cancer cells, as Hsp27 expression is highly up‐regulated in prostate cancer cells after androgen withdrawal or chemotherapy, to become uniformly highly expressed in androgen‐independent (AI) prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recently showed that targeting Hsp27 by a 2′‐methoxyethyl modified phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotide, OGX‐427, inhibits Hsp27 expression and enhances hormone‐ and chemotherapy in prostate cancer xenograft models. In the present study, a ‘gene walk’ screening different siRNAs was initially used in PC‐3 and LNCaP cells to determine the most potent sequence to down‐regulate Hsp27 mRNA and protein levels. The effects of Hsp27 silencing on in vitro growth rates were studied by tetrazolium‐blue and crystal violet assays. Apoptosis was determined by single‐stranded DNA nuclear and cleaved caspase‐3 immunostaining, as well as flow cytometry. Spotted microarrays with 14000 human oligonucleotides were used to examine changes in gene expression.

RESULTS

Low concentrations of 1 nm siRNA decreased Hsp27 mRNA levels by 19‐fold and suppressed protein expression to undetectable levels. Silencing of Hsp27 in prostate cancer cells by siRNA♯2 increased apoptotic rates 2.4–4 fold and caused 40–76% inhibition of cell growth in LNCaP and PC‐3 cells. Characteristic cleavage of caspase‐3 occurred after treatment with Hsp27 siRNA (1 nm). cDNA microarray analysis from LNCaP and PC‐3 cell lines revealed differential gene expression profiles after Hsp27 down‐regulation that could be used to identify various survival pathways involved in androgen‐dependent and AI growth.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings illustrate the potential utility of Hsp27‐silencing therapy and highlight Hsp27 siRNA strategies as a novel and highly effective tool, with the potential for future targeted therapy in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy in advanced prostate cancer.
Long‐term treatment with darifenacin for overactive bladder: results of a 2‐year, open‐label extension study
Authors: Haab François , Corcos Jacques , Siami Paul , Glavind Karin , Dwyer Peter , Steel Michael , Kawakami Fernando , Lheritier Karine , Steers William D.
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVE

To examine, in a 2‐year, non‐comparative, open‐label extension study, the safety, tolerability and efficacy of darifenacin controlled‐release (CR) 7.5/15 mg once daily in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who completed two 12‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled ‘feeder’ studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients entering the extension received darifenacin 7.5 mg once daily for 2 weeks, after which a voluntary increase in dose to 15 mg was permitted. Thereafter, patients could adjust the dose (either 7.5 or 15 mg). Safety and tolerability were assessed from adverse events (AEs) and discontinuations. Efficacy was determined using various endpoints.

RESULTS

In all, 716 patients entered the extension (mean age 57.3 years; 85.1% women) and 475 (66.3%) completed it (1089.9 patient‐years of exposure). Darifenacin was well tolerated with no significant safety concerns. The most commonly reported AEs were dry mouth and constipation (all‐causality rates 23.3% and 20.9%, respectively), leading to discontinuation in 1.3% and 2.4% of patients, respectively. Constipation infrequently required intervention, and analysis of bowel‐habit questionnaires revealed that the reporting of constipation was related to minor changes in bowel habit rather than true constipation. The efficacy of darifenacin was maintained, including significant improvements in the number of incontinence episodes/week (median change −84.4% at 2 years, P < 0.001 vs feeder‐study baseline). After 2 years, >40% of patients achieved a ≥90% reduction in incontinence episodes/week.

CONCLUSION

In the first published 2‐year, open‐label study of a CR antimuscarinic agent, darifenacin 7.5/15 mg once daily had a favourable safety, tolerability and efficacy profile during the long‐term treatment of OAB. As such, darifenacin represents a valuable therapeutic option for OAB.
Characterization and comparison of health‐related utility in people with diabetes with various single and multiple vascular complications
Authors: Morgan C. Ll. , McEwan P. , Morrissey M. , Peters J. R. , Poole C. , Currie C. J.
Published: September 2006

Aims  To characterize and compare health‐related utility in a large cohort of patients treated in hospital with diabetes and with single and multiple comorbidities.

Methods  The study was conducted in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, UK. Health‐related utility was measured using the EQ5Dindex, a standardized instrument for measuring health outcome. Patients from the Health Outcomes Data Repository (HODaR) were surveyed by postal questionnaire 6 weeks post discharge for in‐patients and during clinics for patients attending as out‐patients between January 2002 and July 2005. Patients with diabetes were identified by a previous history of in‐patient admission with diabetes or as an out‐patient with diabetes recorded as a coexisting diagnosis.

Results   We identified 4502 patients with diabetes. Mean ages were 65.4 and 64.2 years for males and females, respectively. Of these, 2003 (45%) had no recorded vascular complication. Overall, the EQ5Dindex was 0.584 (sd 0.325) for males and 0.533 (sd 0.351) for females. For those without any vascular complications the mean EQ5Dindex was 0.735 (sd 0.288). In a general linear model, the presence of single and multiple complications had a detrimental impact on the EQ5Dindex.

Conclusion  The results of this study provide an indication of the true impact of diabetes in terms of health‐related utility. There was a decrease in the mean EQ5Dindex for those with vascular complications. Economic models of diabetes that have used additive or multiplicative methods to assess utility in individuals with several complications may be unreliable, and direct measurements, such as this, are recommended.
Performance of the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) during development of ketosis in patients on insulin pump therapy
Authors: Pfützner J. , Forst T. , Butzer R. , Forst S. , Weber M. M. , Pfützner A. H. , Pfützner A.
Published: September 2006

Aims  Ketoacidosis is one of the most severe complications of Type 1 diabetes. Development of ketosis leads to substantial shifts in electrolyte and ion concentrations in the different fluid compartments of the body. This study was performed to investigate the performance of the continuous glucose monitoring device (CGMS) during ketoacidosis.

Methods  Twelve patients with Type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) participated in this trial [10 women, two men; age (mean ± sd) 34 ± 9 years; disease duration 17 ± 10 years; HbA1c 7.1 ± 1.0%]. In the morning, patients ate breakfast and the insulin pump was stopped at 11.00 h and restarted after 8 h. Observation parameters during this experiment were: blood glucose (laboratory reference and CGMS), 3‐hydroxy‐butyrate (3‐OHB), pH, Na, pCO2, pO2, free fatty acids, osmolarity, standard bicarbonate, and lactate.

Results  Blood glucose increased and reached a plateau within 2 h after pump stop (from 6.2 ± 2.56 to 16.7 ± 4.44 mmol/l, P < 0.001). A constant increase in 3‐OHB (from 0.0 to 0.8 ± 0.5 mmol/l, P < 0.001) and decrease in pH (from 7.43 ± 0.02 to 7.40 ± 0.03, P < 0.05) indicated ketosis development. Na decreased from 141 ± 1.4 to 138 ± 2.8 mmol/l, P < 0.001). Free fatty acids increased from 0.577 ± 0.330 to 1.330 ± 0.462 mmol/l (P < 0.001). The CGMS values showed excellent agreement with the capillary blood laboratory method during the entire experiment, and a modified error grid analysis revealed that 99.5% of the values were in the clinically acceptable zones A and B.

Conclusion  The CGMS device was confirmed to be reliable and accurate during the development of hyperglycaemia and ketotic conditions.
The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes defined by fasting and 2‐h plasma glucose criteria in urban Nepal
Authors: Shrestha U. K. , Singh D. L. , Bhattarai M. D.
Published: September 2006

Aims  To determine the prevalence of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in people aged ≥ 40 years in urban communities of Nepal, comparing the fasting and 2‐h plasma glucose (PG) criteria for diagnosis of diabetes and to relate the prevalence to age, gender and hypertension.

Methods  Field surveys of fasting and 2‐h PG and blood pressure (BP) were done by cluster sampling in seven urban populations of Nepal. Of 1180 eligible individuals invited, 1012 (85.7%) aged ≥ 40 years participated.

Result  The age and sex standardized prevalence of diabetes (known and newly diagnosed), IGT and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) were 19.0%, 10.6% and 9.9%, respectively. Of the total population, 30.5% (37.8% of men and 25.3% of women) had some abnormality of glucose tolerance. Of all diabetic individuals, 54.4% (53.8% of men and 55.1% of women) were undiagnosed. The prevalence of diabetes increased with age until the age of 75 years. The prevalence of diabetes was higher in men than in women (P < 0.001). The sensitivity of the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) criterion compared with either FPG or 2‐h PG or both criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes was 70.5%[95% confidence interval (CI) 60.7, 78.8] and the corresponding sensitivity of 2‐h PG criterion was 79% (95% CI 69.8, 86.1). The age‐ and sex‐standardized prevalence of hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) was 22.7%. Hypertension was less common in subjects with normal plasma glucose than in those with diabetes (18.8% vs. 36.7%). Similarly, of all subjects with hypertension, 29.1% had diabetes (known or newly diagnosed) and 43.0% had glucose intolerance of some form.

Conclusions  Our study shows that diabetes and hypertension are common and related problems in people aged ≥ 40 years in urban Nepal. The overall sensitivity of the 2‐h PG criteria was greater than that of the FPG criteria for diagnosing diabetes, except in subjects aged ≥ 60 years.
Clinical utility of estimated glomerular filtration rates in predicting renal risk in a district diabetes population
Authors: Baskar V. , Venugopal H. , Holland M. R. , Singh B. M.
Published: September 2006

Aims  To determine the utility of estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in predicting renal risk over and above currently available strategies that incorporate serum creatinine and microalbuminuria in a diabetes population.

Methods  Cross‐sectional study of 4548 diabetic individuals attending a single centre over an 18‐month period. Glomerular filtration rates were estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Microalbuminuria was measured using spot morning urine for albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR). SPSS was utilized for statistical analysis.

Results  Of the 4303 subjects with complete data, 373 (9%), 2634 (61%), 1197 (28%) and 99 (2%) individuals, respectively, had eGFR > 90, 90–60, 60–30 and < 30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. Of those with clinically meaningful renal disease (eGFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2), only 42% and 45%, respectively, were identified as at risk by clinical strategies utilizing serum creatinine and urine ACR individually. Even using the two together, 38% of the patients at risk would still not have been identified, since they had normal values of both.

Conclusion  Current strategies utilizing serum creatinine and urine ACR are insufficient for the detection of renal disease in diabetes. Clinicians should consider monitoring GFR estimates in addition to assessing blood pressure, serum creatinine and urine albumin excretion in order to assess renal status and risk in adults with diabetes.
Analysts' Forecasts in Asian‐Pacific Markets: The Relationship among Macroeconomic Factors, Accounting Systems, Bias and Accuracy
Authors: Black Ervin L. , Carnes Thomas A.
Published: September 2006

In this study, we describe determinants of accuracy/bias of analysts' forecasts in 13 economies of the Asian‐Pacific region. Examination of the accuracy of analysts' earnings forecasts allows us to judge how accounting systems and macroeconomic distinctions in this region affect earnings predictability. As many investors rely on analysts' earnings forecasts instead of producing their own, the growth of international investment means forecasts in non‐US markets will become increasingly important to investors worldwide. Using a sample of firms with data available on Global Vantage and I/B/E/S International, we find that the analysts on average have a pessimistic bias in Asian‐Pacific markets. We examine whether macroeconomic factors explain part of the difference in the size of analyst forecast errors, using the global competitiveness rankings of the World Economic Forum (WEF). We expect that those nations which are more open to foreign trade and investment and are ranked more highly by the WEF in its Global Competitiveness Index will also have more accurate analyst forecasts, as increased global competitiveness demands greater integration into the world economy, and such integration should lead to more transparent financial statements and more accurate earnings forecasts. Our findings are consistent with this prediction. We also find that countries with low book‐tax conformity have more accurate earnings forecasts.
Managing ethics in higher education: implementing a code or embedding virtue?
Authors: Moore Geoff
Published: September 2006

This paper reviews a publication entitled ‘Ethics Matters. Managing Ethical Issues in Higher Education’, which was distributed to all UK universities and equivalent (HEIs) in October 2005. The publication proposed that HEIs should put in place an institution‐wide ethical policy framework, well beyond the customary focus on research ethics, together with the mechanisms necessary to ensure its implementation. Having summarised the processes that led to the publication and the publication itself, the paper then considers whether following the now commonplace corporate practice of implementing a code of ethics is appropriate for such institutions. Drawing on both the empirical evidence in relation to codes in the business ethics literature and a consideration of the nature of the university as an institution, the paper offers an alternative suggestion for how ethical issues in higher education might be managed.
Herding Behaviour Inside the Board: an experimental approach
Authors: González Maximiliano , Modernell Renato , París Elisa
Published: September 2006

An experimental study was conducted to measure the impact of “herding behaviour” inside a board of directors based on the González (2002 PhD dissertation) theoretical model, which maintains that in a board meeting composed of a CEO and two external directors (A and B), where voting is sequential (CEO → A → B) and the directors’ reputations are valuable, director B tends to copy director A’s decision. Based on the observations made through the experiment, we confirm the presence of herding behaviour.
Board Roles in Small and Medium‐Sized Family Businesses: performance and importance
Authors: Van Den Heuvel Jeroen , Van Gils Anita , Voordeckers Wim
Published: September 2006

The board of directors is regarded as one of the most imperative governance mechanisms in small and medium‐sized family firms. Empirical studies examining both the roles these boards fulfil in a family business context, as well as evaluating the CEO’s perceived importance of these roles, are scarce. Founded by a range of conceptual and multi‐theoretical board role definitions, this paper contributes to the literature by empirically determining board roles. Furthermore, the importance of these board roles and differences between the board’s performance and perceived importance are assessed. The results show it is indispensable to differentiate between two aggregated roles that boards in small and medium‐sized family firms perform: control and service. The control role is predominantly based on agency theory, whereas the service role includes multiple theoretical perspectives. The CEOs of the family firms perceive the service role of the board as most important. However, in order to direct succession and to compensate for the owner/manager’s altruistic behaviour, the board’s control role should not be neglected. The acknowledgement of these two aggregated board roles and their importance may enhance future research on board roles within specific contexts.
Corporate Governance Codes and the Supply of Corporate Information in the UK
Authors: Sheridan Lynsey , Jones Edward , Marston Claire
Published: September 2006

There have been a number of changes in United Kingdom corporate governance regulation since the financial scandals of the late 1980s and early 1990s. These developments, commencing with the publication of the Cadbury Report in 1992, address “the frequency, clarity and form in which information should be provided” (Cadbury Report, 1992, p. 60). This paper examines the increased flow of corporate news announcements by UK listed companies following the introduction of corporate governance codes. Our results indicate that the introduction of the Cadbury, Greenbury and Hampel reports was accompanied by a significant increase in the number of news announcements.
Corporate Governance in South Africa: a bellwether for the continent?
Authors: Vaughn Melinda , Ryan Lori Verstegen
Published: September 2006

The recent onslaught of corporate scandals has compelled the world to acknowledge the profound impact of corporate governance practices on the global economy. Corporate governance is of particular concern in developing economies, where the infusion of international investor capital and foreign aid is essential to economic stability and growth. This paper focuses attention on corporate governance initiatives in South Africa, given its significance as an emerging market, its potential leadership role on the African continent and the country’s notable corporate governance reform since the collapse of apartheid in 1994. The evolution of the country’s corporate structure and the forces driving corporate governance reform over the past decade will be examined, followed by a review of the most notable reform initiatives in place today. Finally, an assessment of those initiatives will be presented, along with recommendations concerning how South Africa’s initiatives can serve as models of enhanced corporate governance standards for the African continent.
New evidence on the asymmetry in gasoline price: volatility versus margin?
Authors: Abosedra Salah , Radchenko Stanislav
Published: September 2006

This paper examines recent evidence on the role that gasoline margins and volatility play in the asymmetric response of gasoline prices to changes in oil prices at different stages of distribution process. In a regression model with margins, we find that margins are statistically significant in explaining asymmetry between crude oil and spot gasoline prices, spot gasoline prices and wholesale gasoline prices, and wholesale gasoline prices and retail prices. In a regression model with input volatility, we find evidence that volatility is responsible for asymmetry between wholesale gasoline prices and retail gasoline prices. When both, gasoline margins and gasoline volatility are included in the regression, we find evidence supporting margins, the search theory, volatility, the oligopolistic coordination theory and an explanation of asymmetry.
Forecasting volatility for options valuation
Authors: Belaifa Mahdjouba , Morimune Kimio
Published: September 2006

The petroleum sector plays a neuralgic role in the basement of world economies, and market actors (producers, intermediates, as well as consumers) are continuously subjected to the dynamics of unstable oil market. Huge amounts are being invested along the production chain to make one barrel of crude oil available to the end user. Adding to that are the effect of geopolitical dynamics as well as geological risks as expressed in terms of low chances of successful discoveries. In addition, fiscal regimes and regulations, technology and environmental concerns are also among some of the major factors that contribute to the substantial risk in the oil industry and render the market structure vulnerable to crises. The management of these vulnerabilities require modern tools to reduce risk to a certain level, which unfortunately is a non‐zero value.

The aim of this paper is, therefore, to provide a modern technique to capture the oil price stochastic volatility that can be implemented to value the exposure of an investor, a company, a corporate or a Government. The paper first analyses the regional dependence on oil prices, through a historical perspective and then looks at the evolution of pricing environment since the large price jumps of the 1970s. The main causes of oil prices volatility are treated in the third part of the paper. The rest of the article deals with volatility models and forecasts used in risk management, with an implication for pricing derivatives.
The United States and the Middle East: interdependence not independence
Authors: Bahgat Gawdat
Published: September 2006

For a long time, the US policymakers have called for restrain over the country's high rate of oil consumption, as well as reducing its dependence on imported oil from the Middle East. It is against this backdrop that this study examines America's efforts to articulate a comprehensive long‐term energy policy to address, among other things, these concerns. In doing so, the study began by analysing the US Energy Policy Act of 2005, (Public law 109–58) given particular attention to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf of Mexico. The paper also discusses energy cooperation between the US and two Middle Eastern OPEC producers ‐ Saudi Arabia and Libya. The paper attempts to put up a three‐fold argument: that US heavy dependence on oil is likely to continue; that production from OPEC Members, particularly from Middle East, will meet the growing US and global oil demand, and that unilateral approach to energy issues will not succeed, but an inclusive approach to promote cooperation between producers and consumers to best serve the interests of all players and enhance global economic prosperity.
OCA1 in Different Ethnic Groups of India is Primarily Due to Founder Mutations in the Tyrosinase Gene
Authors: Chaki M. , Sengupta M. , Mukhopadhyay A. , Subba Rao I. , Majumder P. P. , Das M. , Samanta S. , Ray K.
Published: September 2006

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by an abnormally low amount of melanin in the eyes, skin and hair, and associated with common developmental abnormalities of the eye. Defects in the tyrosinase gene (TYR) cause a common type of OCA, known as oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1). The molecular basis of OCA has been studied extensively in different population groups, but very little information is available on Indian patients. Our investigation covering thirteen ethnic groups of India, some representing >20 million people, revealed that among 25 OCA families 12 were affected with OCA1, and that these cases were primarily due to founder mutations in TYR. We detected nine mutations and eight SNPs in TYR, of which six mutations (five point mutations & one gross deletion) were novel. In contrast to most reports describing compound heterozygotes, the presence of homozygotes in 10 out of the 12 pedigrees underscores the lack of intermixing between these ethnic groups in India. Haplotype analysis suggested a few founder chromosomes causing the disease in the majority of the patients. Direct detection of the mutations prevalent in specific ethnic groups could be used for carrier detection and genetic counselling.
Role of striatal l‐DOPA in the production of dyskinesia in 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioned rats
Authors: Carta Manolo , Lindgren Hanna S. , Lundblad Martin , Stancampiano Roberto , Fadda Fabio , Cenci M. A.
Published: September 2006

We explored possible differences in the peripheral and central pharmacokinetics of l‐DOPA as a basis for individual variation in the liability to dyskinesia. Unilaterally, 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesioned rats were treated chronically with l‐DOPA for an induction and monitoring of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs). Comparisons between dyskinetic and non‐dyskinetic cases were then carried out with regard to plasma and striatal l‐DOPA concentrations, tissue levels of dopamine (DA), DA metabolites, and serotonin. After a single intraperitoneal injection of l‐DOPA, plasma l‐DOPA concentrations did not differ between dyskinetic and non‐dyskinetic animals, whereas peak levels of l‐DOPA in the striatal extracellular fluid were about fivefold larger in the former compared with the latter group. Interestingly, the time course of the AIMs paralleled the surge in striatal l‐DOPA levels. Intrastriatal infusion of l‐DOPA by reverse dialysis concentration dependently induced AIMs in all 6‐OHDA lesioned rats, regardless of a previous priming for dyskinesia. Steady‐state levels of DA and its metabolites in striatal and cortical tissue did not differ between dyskinetic and non‐dyskinetic animals, indicating that the observed difference in motor response to l‐DOPA did not depend on the extent of lesion‐induced DA depletion. These results show that an elevation of l‐DOPA levels in the striatal extracellular fluid is necessary and sufficient for the occurrence of dyskinesia. Individual differences in the central bioavailability of l‐DOPA may provide a clue to the varying susceptibility to dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease.
Nitric oxide transcriptionally down‐regulates specific isoforms of divalent metal transporter (DMT1) via NF‐κB
Authors: Paradkar Prasad N. , Roth Jerome A.
Published: September 2006

Studies were performed to examine the affect of nitric oxide (NO) on expression of the divalent metal transporter (DMT1) in undifferentiated P19 embryonic carcinoma cells. DMT1 has four known isoforms which differ in both the N‐ and C‐terminals. Results demonstrate that exposure of P19 cells to the NO precursor, sodium nitro‐prusside (SNP), resulted in a decrease in expression of both positive (+) and negative (–) IRE isoforms of DMT1 with no change in the 1A species. Regulation was not as a result of decreased stability of message but was caused by reduction in transcription of the DMT1 1B isoforms. Similar results were observed in other cell lines, including PC12 and SH‐SY5Y cells and rat primary sympathetic neurons. Nuclear NF‐κB was decreased after SNP treatment, suggesting that NF‐κB may mediate this response. Luciferase reporter assays with normal and NF‐κB mutated constructs of the 1B promoter confirm that the NF‐κB site between −23 to −19 upstream from the transcription start site was responsible for regulating expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays further demonstrate that the p65 subunit of NF‐κB and not p50 binding is specifically decreased by NO treatment. Results of these studies provide a general mechanism responsible for regulating DMT1 expression induced by stress‐related signaling processes in vivo.
Human retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor α1 overexpression protects neurones against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Boukhtouche Fatiha , Vodjdani Guilan , Jarvis Christopher I. , Bakouche Joelle , Staels Bart , Mallet Jacques , Mariani Jean , Lemaigre‐Dubreuil Yolande , Brugg Bernard
Published: September 2006

Retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor α (RORα) is a transcription factor belonging to the superfamily of nuclear receptors. Disruption of the Rora gene in the mouse results in a defect in the development of Purkinje cells leading to a cerebellar atrophy, which suggests a neuroprotective role for RORα. To test this hypothesis, the survival rate of lentiviral‐mediated human RORα1‐overexpressing neurones has been evaluated in response to different stressors disturbing the redox homeostasis, such as β‐amyloid peptide, c2‐ceramide and H2O2. We show that overexpression of human RORα1 provides neuroprotection by increasing the expression of the antioxidant proteins glutathione peroxidase 1 and peroxiredoxin 6, leading to a reduction in the accumulation of stress‐induced reactive oxygen species. We further demonstrate that the neuroprotective effect of RORα is predominantly mediated by glutathione peroxidase 1 and peroxiredoxin 6. These results suggest a new role for RORα in the control of the neuronal oxidative stress and thus represents a new transcription factor of interest in the regulation of reactive oxygen species‐induced neurodegenerative processes during ageing.
Lcg is a light‐inducible and clock‐controlled gene expressed in the chicken pineal gland
Authors: Hatori Megumi , Okano Toshiyuki , Nakajima Yoshito , Doi Masao , Fukada Yoshitaka
Published: September 2006

The circadian clock is an autonomous biological clock that is entrainable to environmental 24‐h cycles by receiving time cues such as light. Generally, light given at early and late subjective night, respectively, delays and advances the phase of the circadian oscillator. We previously searched for the chicken pineal genes that are induced by light in a phase‐dependent manner. The present study undertook cDNA cloning and characterization of a gene whose expression was remarkably up‐regulated by light at late subjective night. The mRNA level of this gene exhibited robust diurnal change in the pineal gland, with a peak in the early (subjective) day under light–dark cycles and constant dark condition, and hence it was designated Lcg (Light‐inducible and Clock‐controlled Gene). Chicken Lcg encodes a coiled‐coil protein composed of 560 amino acid residues. Among chicken tissues, the pineal gland and the retina exhibited relatively high expression levels of LCG. LCG was colocalized with γ‐tubulin, a centrosomal protein, when expressed in COS7 cells, and LCG is the first example of a clock‐related molecule being accumulated at the centrosome. Coimmunoprecipitation of LCG with γ‐tubulin in the chicken pineal lysate suggests a link between the circadian oscillator and the centrosomal function.
Failure to support a genetic contribution of AKT1 polymorphisms and altered AKT signaling in schizophrenia
Authors: Ide Masayuki , Ohnishi Tetsuo , Murayama Miyuki , Matsumoto Izuru , Yamada Kazuo , Iwayama Yoshimi , Dedova Irina , Toyota Tomoko , Asada Takashi , Takashima Akihiko , Yoshikawa Takeo
Published: September 2006

The protein kinase v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) gene family comprises three human homologs that phosphorylate and inactivate glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Studies have reported the genetic association of AKT1 with schizophrenia. Additionally, decreased AKT1 protein expression and the reduced phosphorylation of GSK3β were reported in this disease, leading to a new theory of attenuated AKT1‐GSK3β signaling in schizophrenia pathogenesis. We have evaluated this theory by performing both genetic and protein expression analyses. A family based association test of AKT1 did not show association with schizophrenia in Japanese subjects. The expression levels of total AKT, AKT1 and phosphorylated GSK3β detected in the schizophrenic brains from two different brain banks also failed to support the theory. In addition, no attenuated AKT‐GSK3β signaling was observed in the lymphocytes from Japanese schizophrenics, contrasting with previous findings. Importantly, we found that the level of phosphorylated GSK3β at Ser9 tended to be inversely correlated with postmortem intervals, and that the phosphorylation levels of AKT were inversely correlated with brain pH, issues not assessed in the previous study. These data introduce a note of caution when estimating the phosphorylation levels of GSK3β and AKT in postmortem brains. Collectively, this study failed to support reduced signaling of the AKT‐GSK3β molecular cascade in schizophrenia.