bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of train formation length and service frequency on the determination of train schedules
Authors: Deng Lianbo , Zeng Qiang , Zhou Wenliang , Shi Feng
Published: February 2013

This paper addresses the effect of formation length and service frequency on the determination of train timetables. The case of inter-city rail transport is considered since the planning of through journals allows the problem to be significantly simplified. Based on the analysis of passengers’ generalized travel expense, the law of passenger boarding choice considering the schedule delay cost is studied and extended. Then the law of boarding choice under the condition of the generalized travel cost is found. The law states that the distribution of the expected boarding time of passengers on every train is sequential, continuous and symmetric and the attractiveness range of each train is uniform. A maximum profit model with elastic demand is solved using an analytic method. A numerical example is provided to show the effects of train formation and service frequency on passenger demand and objective functions as well as the train schedule with different balance factors. Two operator service strategies (i.e. a short train and high service frequency mode or a long train and low service frequency mode) are analysed in depth.
Is the Emotion-Health Connection a “First-World Problem”?
Authors: Pressman Sarah D. , Gallagher Matthew W. , Lopez Shane J.
Published: February 2013

Emotions have been shown to play a critical role in health outcomes, but research on this topic has been limited to studies in industrialized countries, which prevents broad generalizations. This study assessed whether emotion-health connections persist across various regions, including less-developed countries, where the degree to which people’s fundamental needs are met might be a better predictor of physical well-being. Individuals from 142 countries ( N = 150,048) were surveyed about their emotions, health, hunger, shelter, and threats to safety. Both positive and negative emotions exhibited unique, moderate effects on self-reported health, and together, they accounted for 46.1% of the variance. These associations were stronger than the relative impact of hunger, homelessness, and threats to safety and were not simply attributable to countries’ gross domestic products (GDPs). Furthermore, connections between positive emotion and health were stronger in low-GDP countries than in high-GDP countries. Our findings suggest that emotion matters for health around the globe and may in fact be more critical in less-developed areas.
Cytotoxicity and uptake of archaeosomes prepared from Aeropyrum pernix lipids
Authors: Napotnik T.B. , Valant J. , Gmajner D. , Passamonti S. , Miklavčič D. , Ulrih N. P.
Published: February 2013

Archaeon Aeropyrum pernix K1 is an obligate aerobic hyperthermophilic organism with C25,25-archeol membrane lipids with head groups containing inositol. Interactions of archaeosomes, liposomes prepared from lipids of A. pernix, with mammalian cells in vitro were studied. In vitro cytotoxicity was tested on five different cell lines: rodent mouse melanoma cells (B16-F1) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and three human cell lines—epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (CACO-2), liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Hep G2) and endothelial umbilical vein cell line (EA.hy926). Archaeosomes were nontoxic to human Hep G2, CACO-2 and mildly toxic to rodent CHO and B16-F1 cells but showed strong cytotoxic effect on EA.hy926 cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that archaeosomes are taken up by endocytosis. The uptake of archaeosomes and the release of loaded calcein are more prominent in EA.hy926 cells, which is in line with high toxicity toward these cells. The mechanisms of uptake, release and action in these cells as well as in vivo functioning have to be further studied for possible targeted drug delivery.
How to avoid and prevent coercion in nursing homes
Authors: Gjerberg Elisabeth , Hem Marit Helene , Førde Reidun , Pedersen Reidar
Published: February 2013

In many Western countries, studies have demonstrated extensive use of coercion in nursing homes, especially towards patients suffering from dementia. This article examines what kinds of strategies or alternative interventions nursing staff in Norway used when patients resist care and treatment and what conditions the staff considered as necessary to succeed in avoiding the use of coercion. The data are based on interdisciplinary focus group interviews with nursing home staff. The study revealed that the nursing home staff usually spent a lot of time trying a wide range of approaches to avoid the use of coercion. The most common strategies were deflecting and persuasive strategies, limiting choices by conscious use of language, different kinds of flexibility and one-to-one care. According to the staff, their opportunities to use alternative strategies effectively are greatly affected by the nursing home’s resources, by the organization of care and by the staff’s competence.
Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Marketing Orientation and Attitude Orientation of Indian Entrepreneurs
Authors: Jain Ravindra , Ali Saiyed Wajid
Published: February 2013

The present article assesses the level of entrepreneurial self-efficacy beliefs (ESE beliefs), entrepreneurial marketing orientation (EMO) and entrepreneurial attitude orientation (EAO) of Indian entrepreneurs as well as to examine inter-relationships between these variables. ESE beliefs and EAO were found to be moderately favourable whereas EMO was found to be highly favourable. All the three predictors, namely, ESE Beliefs, EMO and EAO were found to be positively correlated to one another. Almost all the components of the three predictors were also found to have moderate or low degree of positive correlation with one another. Regression analysis revealed that the three predictors had a significant impact on a venture’s performance. The results are quite consistent with the findings of earlier research. Correlation analysis and regression analysis clearly indicated that the hypothesised model that had been proposed for the study has been found fit and hence, can be used to make broader generalisations.
Human Values Compatible with Sustainable Development
Authors: Nováček Pavel
Published: February 2013

The values that people hold are the most important factor in deciding whether they endorse sustainable development. At the same time value orientations are likely to change over long time periods. International long-term research conducted by Ronald Inglehart in the second half of the twentieth century tried to capture the shift from material to post-material values. With respect to a sustainable lifestyle the research revealed a problem: there is a relationship between post-materialistic attitudes and the level of GDP. What can be done to preserve the quality of the environment and at the same time allow countries to develop economically? Czech environmentalist Josef Vavroušek defined a framework of key values that are typical for an industrial society. He assigned alternative values to them that should be compatible with sustainable living. The values of Euro-American culture and civilization stem from the heritage of Judaism and Christianity, which find fundamental ethical importance in the Ten Commandments. Modern times, however, bring new challenges and it is not easy to distinguish between what is good (or what is still acceptable) and what is not; for example, genetic engineering, experiments on humans, polluting the environment and lives in excessive wealth.
Gender Equality, Inclusivity and Corporate Governance in India
Authors: Balasubramanian N.
Published: February 2013

Equity, equality and inclusivity have been themes of abiding interest to philosophers, politicians, social reformers and activists alike. In the modern Indian context of political and social reformation spearheaded by Gandhi during the first half of the twentieth century, the imperatives of mainstreaming women in public and private spheres of activity was a theme that engaged many scholars and statesmen and attracted his serious concern. Not giving women their due share of responsibility and authority was to him as much a case calling for greater inclusivity as was the exclusion of vast proportions of the population from equal opportunities based on other legacy prejudices of caste, creed, and so on. Despite remarkable progress in many other spheres, countries in general are still way behind in rectifying the gender inequalities that still persist. This article discusses, within the broader framework of equality and inclusivity, the theme of women in corporate governance with particular reference to India. Corporate boards, key instruments in governing corporations, are still too thinly populated with women directors; there is comparatively little representation of women in positions of influence and importance within the bureaucracy associated with corporate legislation and market regulation; active involvement of women in policy-making legislative bodies like the parliament and its committees as well as in the ministerial ranks in post-independent India is minimal. This situation calls for speedy correction in developing countries like India, which can arguably benefit most from such inclusion.
Altruism and Dāna: Impact on Self and Well-being
Authors: Lakshmi K.
Published: February 2013

In this article, I will attempt to link altruism, a concern of Positive Psychology, a recent branch of psychology, and dāna, the deeply entrenched aspect of Indian thought. These aspects strive towards a connection with the self and well-being. In addition, an association between Indian psychological attributes, especially with reference to the Mahābhārata, and Positive Psychology will be shown. In the Indian context, dāna or the act of giving involves not merely the act of giving material or tangible goods or objects but also involves doing an act, doing something for others in which one has no stake or claim. In other words, the giving involves giving something from the depths of oneself, for the ‘good’ of another, without expecting anything in return. The cultivation of generosity facilitates a pliancy of mind that allows for the eradication of delusion of a limited self as well as disables greed and hate. In addition to anna-dāna, jala-dāna, bhūmi-dāna, vidyā-dāna and jnana-dāna, the Mahābhārata also talks about sharing with love and affection. A desire for good is a desire for self-satisfaction, bearing a positive therapeutic value for a better, truer, more real self.
A Global Spiritual Index, Its Predictors and Relationship to Crime
Authors: Bhattacharya Sonali
Published: February 2013

This article intends to define a Global Spirituality Index with a holistic perspective and attempts to look at some socio-economic indicators of Spirituality. It also attempts to find a relationship between crimes, such as perceived levels of corruption (as measured by Transparency International) and violence such as homicides, and various aspects of Spirituality.
Tracing the Pakistan–Terrorism Nexus in Indian Security Perspectives: From 1947 to 26/11
Authors: Ogden Chris
Published: February 2013

This article investigates how a Pakistan–terrorism nexus originated and then became solidified and embedded into Indian security perspectives. From the First Kashmir War in 1947–1948 to the 26 November 2008 Mumbai attacks, it has been the repeated behaviour of Pakistan towards India, and the nature of their major national and sub-national conflicts, which has led to this nexus. Central to its formation has been the repeated military strategy of initial infiltrations by irregular troops followed by the use of conventional troops—an approach employed by Pakistan in 1947, 1965 and 1999. Pakistan’s concurrent support of various insurgencies and terrorism against India has compounded this association, and entrenched the contemporary Pakistan–terrorism nexus within India’s (foreign and domestic) security perspectives. Given its persistent resonance within both Pakistani strategic behaviour and Indian elite mindsets, the article finds that the Pakistan–terrorism nexus will remain as a durable and critical lynchpin within South Asian security dynamics.
Book Review: Kondapalli, Shrikanth (Ed.), China’s Military and India
Authors: Singh Gunjan
Published: February 2013

Kondapalli, Shrikanth (Ed.), China’s Military and India (New Delhi: Pentagon Press, 2012). Pp. 230. Price `795.
Book Review: Mulligan, Martin and Nadarajah, Yaso, Rebuilding Communities in the Wake of Disaster: Social Recovery in Sri Lanka and India
Authors: Sah Ram Pravesh
Published: February 2013

Mulligan, Martin and Nadarajah, Yaso, Rebuilding Communities in the Wake of Disaster: Social Recovery in Sri Lanka and India (New Delhi: Routledge, 2012). Pp. 231.
WAIS-IV Profile of Cognition in Schizophrenia
Authors: Michel Natalie M. , Goldberg Joel O. , Heinrichs R. Walter , Miles Ashley A. , Ammari Narmeen , McDermid Vaz Stephanie
Published: February 2013

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) has been used extensively to study impairment across a range of cognitive domains in schizophrenia. However, cognitive performance among those with the illness has yet to be examined using the newest edition of this measure. Hence, the current study aims first, to provide WAIS-IV normative data for Canadian individuals with schizophrenia of low average intelligence; second, to examine schizophrenia performance on all WAIS-IV subtest, index and general intelligence scores relative to healthy comparison subjects; and third, to revalidate the pattern of impairment identified in this clinical group using the WAIS-III, where processing speed (PS) was most affected, followed by working memory (WM), perceptual reasoning (PR) and verbal comprehension (VC). The WAIS-IV was administered to outpatients with schizophrenia and their performance compared with age, gender, and education matched controls. WAIS-IV schizophrenia performance data are provided. Analyses revealed significant impairment on several tasks, including the new Cancellation subtest and the VC supplemental subtest, Comprehension. At the index score level, group differences in PS were significantly larger than those observed in all other cognitive domains. Impairments were also observed in WM amid relatively preserved performance in VC, thereby confirming the pattern of impairment identified using the WAIS-III.
Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from mediterranean aromatic plants against several foodborne and spoilage bacteria
Authors: Silva Nuno , Alves Sofia , Gonçalves Alexandre , Amaral Joana S. , Poeta Patrícia
Published: February 2013

The antimicrobial activity of essential oils extracted from a variety of aromatic plants, often used in the Portuguese gastronomy was studied in vitro by the agar diffusion method. The essential oils of thyme, oregano, rosemary, verbena, basil, peppermint, pennyroyal and mint were tested against Gram-positive ( Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative strains ( Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). For most essential oils examined, S. aureus, was the most susceptible bacteria, while P. aeruginosa showed, in general, least susceptibility. Among the eight essential oils evaluated, thyme, oregano and pennyroyal oils showed the greatest antimicrobial activity, followed by rosemary, peppermint and verbena, while basil and mint showed the weakest antimicrobial activity. Most of the essential oils considered in this study exhibited a significant inhibitory effect. Thyme oil showed a promising inhibitory activity even at low concentration, thus revealing its potential as a natural preservative in food products against several causal agents of foodborne diseases and food spoilage. In general, the results demonstrate that, besides flavoring the food, the use of aromatic herbs in gastronomy can also contribute to a bacteriostatic effect against pathogens.
Health Literacy Assessment of the STOFHLA
Authors: Chesser Amy K. , Keene Woods Nikki , Wipperman Jennifer , Wilson Rachel , Dong Frank
Published: February 2013

Low health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes. Research is needed to understand the mechanisms and pathways of its effects. Computer-based assessment tools may improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness of health literacy research. The objective of this preliminary study was to assess if administration of the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA) through a computer-based medium was comparable to the paper-based test in terms of accuracy and time to completion. A randomized, crossover design was used to compare computer versus paper format of the STOFHLA at a Midwestern family medicine residency program. Eighty participants were initially randomized to either computer ( n = 42) or paper ( n = 38) format of the STOFHLA. After a 30-day washout period, participants returned to complete the other version of the STOFHLA. Data analysis revealed no significant difference between paper- and computer-based surveys ( p = .9401; N = 57). The majority of participants showed “adequate” health literacy via paper- and computer-based surveys (100% and 97% of participants, respectively). Electronic administration of STOFHLA results were equivalent to the paper administration results for evaluation of adult health literacy. Future investigations should focus on expanded populations in multiple health care settings and validation of other health literacy screening tools in a clinical setting.
Finding a voice through ‘The Tree of Life’: A strength-based approach to mental health for refugee children and families in schools
Authors: Hughes Gillian
Published: February 2013

The Child and Family Refugee Service at the Tavistock Centre in London has run a series of ‘Tree of Life’ groups for both parents and children in schools. The groups were developed in response to a concern about the majority of psychological treatments, which focus predominantly on vulnerability factors in refugee populations, and the effect that this can have on those they are attempting to help. In addition, these are modelled on western assumptions, which do not adequately take account of culture. The Tree of Life groups have provided an alternative to traditional mental health services, which many refugee families find hard to access because of perceived stigma and lack of knowledge about what is on offer. The groups employed a strength-based narrative methodology, using the tree as a creative metaphor, which enabled parents and children to develop empowering stories about their lives, which were rooted in their cultural and social histories. From this secure base, participants were able to develop shared, culturally congruent solutions to their problems. The groups have been found to benefit parents and children alike, as well as the school communities in which they have taken place.
Efficacy and Safety of Cerivastatin 0.8 mg in Patients with Hypercholesterolaemia: The Pivotal Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Insull W , Isaacsohn J , Kwiterovich P , Ma P , Brazg R , Dujovne C , Shan M , Shugrue-Crowley E , Ripa S , Tota R ,   For the Cerivastatin Study Group
Published: February 2013

This pivotal, multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group study evaluated the efficacy and safety of cerivastatin 0.8 mg. Patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia were randomized, after 10 weeks' dietary stabilization on an American Heart Association (AHA) Step I diet, to treatment with cerivastatin 0.8 mg ( n = 776), cerivastatin 0.4 mg ( n = 195) or placebo ( n = 199) once daily for 8 weeks. Cerivastatin 0.8 mg reduced mean low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) by 41.8% compared with cerivastatin 0.4 mg (–35.6%, P < 0.0001) or placebo. In 90% of patients receiving cerivastatin 0.8 mg LDL-C was reduced by 23.9–58.4% (6th–95th percentile). Overall attainment of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) goal was achieved by 84% of patients receiving cerivastatin 0.8 mg and by 59% of those with coronary heart disease (CHD). In the sub-population meeting the NCEP criteria for pharmacological therapy for LDL-C reduction, 74.6% of patients, including the 59% with CHD, reached the goal with cerivastatin 0.8 mg. Cerivastatin 0.8 mg also reduced mean total cholesterol by 29.9%, apolipoprotein B by 33.2% and median triglycerides by 22.9% (all P < 0.0001). Mean high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1 were elevated 8.7% ( P < 0.0001) and 4.5% ( P < 0.0001), respectively, by cerivastatin 0.8 mg. Reductions of triglyceride and elevation in HDL-C were dependent upon triglyceride baseline levels; in patients having baseline triglyceride levels 250–400 mg/dl, cerivastatin 0.8 mg reduced median triglycerides by 29.5% and elevated HDL-C by 13.2%. Cerivastatin 0.8 mg was well tolerated. The most commonly reported adverse events included headache, pharyngitis and rhinitis (4–6%). Symptomatic creatine kinase elevations > 10 times upper limit of normal occurred in 0%, 1% and 0.9% of patients receiving placebo, cerivastatin 0.4 mg or cerivastatin 0.8 mg, respectively. Cerivastatin 0.8 mg is an effective and safe treatment for patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia who need aggressive LDL-C lowering in order to achieve NCEP-recommended levels.
Expression of CD44 Variants in Lung Cancer and Its Relationship to Hyaluronan Binding
Authors: Matsubara Y , Katoh S , Taniguchi H , Oka M , Kadota J , Kohno S
Published: February 2013

We examined the expression of CD44 variant forms and their binding to hyaluronan (HA) in lung cancer cell lines. There was no relationship between the level of expression of CD44 variants and HA binding in different lung cancer cell lines. The expression of CD44v6 and CD44E in some cell lines was not always associated with HA binding. There was no relationship between the tissue pathological type and CD44 expression or HA binding. Deglycosylation by neuraminidase induced CD44-HA binding in human lung cancer cell lines. Our findings suggest that the HA binding ability of CD44, which is negatively regulated by glycosylation, might be a more important factor in tumorigenesis or metastasis than the expression of CD44 variant forms.
Azithromycin versus Pivampicillin in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis: A Single-Blind, Double-Dummy, Multicentre Study
Authors: Schouenborg P , Gerdes N , Rasmussen HH , Wickers-Nielsen N , Mathiassen E
Published: February 2013

This single-blind, double-dummy, multicentre study compared oral azithromycin, administered as tablets, 500 mg once daily for 3 days, versus oral pivampicillin, 700 mg twice daily for 10 days, in adults with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (not needing parenteral antibiotic therapy, hospitalization or oxygen support). Clinical success (cure + improvement) rates were similar for both groups at the end of treatment (day 10; azithromycin, 124 of 133 [93%]; pivampicillin, 79 of 92 [86%]) and at follow-up (day 52; 98 of 126 [78%] versus 66 of 81 [81%]). The treatments produced similar levels of pathogen eradication at the end of treatment (49 of 54 [91%] versus 32 of 37 [86%]). Azithromycin-treated patients had significantly reduced chest discomfort at the end of treatment, and a trend towards improved lung function. The two groups were similar with respect to improvements in other clinical symptoms and patient well-being, and to the incidences of adverse events and treatment discontinuations. This oral azithromycin regime is an effective treatment for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, similar in efficacy to the longer pivampicillin regime and may offer superior patient compliance.
Bacterial Dissemination and the Value of Blood Cultures in Patients Who Die of Septic Shock
Authors: Tamme K , Liigant A , Tapfer H , Talvik R
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether blood cultures reflect real bacterial dissemination into the tissues of patients who die of septic shock. A total of 20 patients were divided into two groups with surgical (nine) and non-surgical (11) sepsis. Blood cultures were taken and the adequacy of antibacterial therapy was assessed. Postmortem tissue samples of different organs were studied using light microscopy for the presence of bacteria. A semi-quantitative measure, the contamination index, was applied. Despite negative blood cultures from 14 patients, bacteria were found in almost all of the organs examined from all of the patients. There was no difference in contamination index between patients who received adequate antibacterial therapy and those who did not. We conclude that septic shock is the manifestation of bacterial dissemination into the organs, and that blood cultures are of limited value in the diagnosis of sepsis, especially when they are taken during adequate antibacterial therapy.
Aminopeptidase Inhibitor Ubenimex Inhibits the Growth of Leukaemic Cell Lines and Myeloma Cells through Its Cytotoxicity
Authors: Sakuraya M , Tamura J , Itoh K , Kubota K , Naruse T
Published: February 2013

We investigated the effect of ubenimex, which has been demonstrated to have immunomodulating activities, on the proliferation of human leukaemic cell lines (HL 60 and K 562, myelogenic lines, Jurkat, a T-cell line and RPMI 8226, a multiple myeloma cell line) and on human bone marrow mononuclear cells from haematopoietic malignancy patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or multiple myeloma. The growth of the myeloid cell lines and of a multiple myeloma cell line, but not the T-cell line, was significantly inhibited by cocultivation with ubenimex in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the experiment with haematopoietic malignancy cells showed inhibitory effects on tumour cells from patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia and multiple myeloma, but not on those from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. These findings suggest the usefulness of ubenimex for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Gliadin-Specific IgA Antibodies in Breast Milk
Authors: Özkan T , Özeke T , Meral A
Published: February 2013

Breast-feeding helps to protect against coeliac disease because of the presence of antigliadin-IgA antibodies (AGA-IgA) in breast milk. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of AGA-IgA in breast milk during lactation, and whether these concentrations vary with the socioeconomic status of the women. Samples of serum for determination of IgA albumin and AGA-IgA, and samples of breast-milk for AGA-IgA were collected from 105 healthy mothers (aged 17–36 years). Women were divided into two groups: group 1 were of low and group 2 were of high socioeconomic status. No differences were observed between the study parameters in the two groups. Serum AGA-IgA in both groups was, however, significantly lower than that in colostrum. AGA-IgA concentrations in both groups gradually decreased during 45 days of lactation; the difference between colostrum and the samples taken at days 10 and 30–45 of lactation was significant. The encouragement of sufficient and long-term (e.g. 4–6 months) breast-feeding seems likely to be beneficial in preventing coeliac disease.
Endoscopic Resection of Small Rectal Carcinoid Tumours Using an Aspiration Method with a Transparent Overcap
Authors: Oshitani N , Hamasaki N , Sawa Y , Hara J , Nakamura S , Matsumoto T , Kitano A , Arakawa T
Published: February 2013

Rectal carcinoid tumours are often small and rarely metastatic. Endoscopic resection may, therefore, be the best treatment for small tumours. We diagnosed rectal carcinoid tumours in four women and three men (mean age 53 years; range, 43–63) between 1994 and 1999. Tumour depth was evaluated using a high-frequency ultrasonographic probe in five of the seven patients. All tumours were resected by endoscopic mucosal resection using an aspiration method with a transparent overcap. Histologically, all tumours were located within the submucosal layer. Tumour cells were found at the resected margin of the lateral side in one patient, and at the bottom of the margin in another. Both patients were followed up with frequent endoscopy, and no local recurrences have been detected at 1-year or 4-year follow-ups. Ultrasonographic examination before resection is useful to estimate tumour depth. Endoscopic resection by an aspiration method with a transparent overcap is safe and effective for the treatment of small rectal carcinoid tumours.
Effects of Cancer Chemotherapy on the Blood Fibrinogen Concentrations of Cancer Patients
Authors: Lu D-Y , Chen X-L , Cao J-Y , Li Z , Xue H-W , Luo L-J , Xu B
Published: February 2013

Blood fibrinogen concentrations and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activities of 66 adult cancer inpatients (aged 22–70 years) were determined both before and after one or two chemotherapy regimens. The percentage of hepatoma patients with abnormal blood fibrinogen levels (< 1.5 or > 6.0 g/l) was higher (64.3% of 14 patients) than that in other cancer categories (19.2% of 52 patients). The mean blood fibrinogen concentrations of male (3.5 g/l) and female (4.5 g/l) cancer patients were higher than those previously reported for healthy humans (2.8 and 2.9 g/l, respectively). After chemotherapy, blood fibrinogen concentrations decreased in patients whose primary tumours were surgically removed (from 4.8 to 3.2 g/l) but increased (from 3.0 to 4.8 g/l) in those who did not undergo surgery. Glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activities did not appear to be related to blood fibrinogen levels. We conclude that the increase in mean blood fibrinogen levels of cancer patients is probably related to tumour growth. Different mechanisms may operate in patients with hepatoma.
C-Reactive Protein Values and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rates after Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Bilgen ÖF , Atici T , Durak K , Karaeminoğullari O , Bilgen MS
Published: February 2013

We studied the changes in serum C-reactive protein levels (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) in patients with primary osteoarthritis, who underwent uncomplicated arthroplasty. Of the 28 patients studied, 12 had cementless total hip replacement (THR), and 16 underwent cemented total knee replacement (TKR) with a tourniquet. In both groups serum CRP levels increased rapidly after surgery, peaking on day 2 (THR 23.17 mg/dl, TKR 26.02 mg/dl), and dropping gradually to pre-operative values on day 21 in THR patients and at the end of the second month in TKR patients. ESR peaked on day 5 after operation (THR 100.5 mm/h, TKR 101.3 mm/h), dropping close to pre-operative values at the end of the third month in THR patients and at the end of the ninth month in TKR patients, although, even after a year, ESRs were slightly above their pre-operative values. Serum CRP levels changed more rapidly than ESRs and returned to normal more rapidly. CRP and ESR values tended to be higher in TKR than in THR patients.
Cardiac Beriberi among Illegal Mainland Chinese Immigrants
Authors: Chen K-T , Chiou S-T , Chang Y-C , Pan W-H , Twu S-J
Published: February 2013

The most common symptoms of chronic beriberi due to thiamine deficiency include dyspnoea, fatigue, leg oedema, lower extremity weakness and numbness. When collapsed peripheral circulation, metabolic acidosis, or shock are present, the disease has advanced from chronic beriberi to pernicious or fulminating beriberi heart failure (Shoshin beriberi). We report two patients with fulminating beriberi; Accepted both of whom had been incarcerated at a detention centre for 5 months before hospitalization. A prolonged monotonous diet, low in thiamine, was a major risk factor in both patients. Thiamine deficiency should be considered for any patient with symptoms and signs compatible with beriberi.
Moxifloxacin in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis: Clinical Evaluation and Assessment by Patients
Authors: Lorenz J , Busch W , Thate-Waschke I-M ,   For the BRONCHIMOX Study Group
Published: February 2013

The clinical success of a 5-day course of oral moxifloxacin (administered once daily at a dose of 400 mg) was evaluated in 328 patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (Anthonisen type 1) in a non-comparative study conducted by chest physicians in private practice. Results were assessed on the basis of clinical parameters and, for the first time in a trial involving oral moxifloxacin, by the surrogate marker of patient satisfaction. Improvement in (and severity of) cough, dyspnoea, chest pain and sputum were scored daily by patients. Cough, chest pain and purulent sputum production improved rapidly within the first 5 days of treatment. At least 90% of patients were satisfied with the antibiotic. The clinical success rate (cure and improvement) for all patients involved (intent-to-treat analysis) was 90.5%. The most commonly experienced adverse events were gastrointestinal related, with diarrhoea the most frequent of these (2.7% of all patients)
A 24-Week Dose-Titration Study of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Imidapril in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Essential Hypertension in the Elderly
Authors: Dews I , VandenBurg M
Published: February 2013

This multicentre, randomized, double-blind study compared the anti-hypertensive efficacy and safety of oral once-daily imidapril 5–20 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5–50 mg in elderly patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. After 24 weeks of treatment, there was a significant reduction in mean sitting diastolic blood pressure from 102.5 mmHg to 87.2 mmHg in the imidapril group ( n = 226) and from 102.7 mmHg to 87.4 mmHg in the hydrochlorothiazide group ( n = 123) (intent-to-treat population). There were corresponding reductions in sitting systolic blood pressure and standing blood pressure. At least one adverse event was reported by 46% of patients in the imidapril group and 53% of patients in the hydrochlorothiazide group. Imidapril 5–20 mg is as effective and well tolerated as hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension in elderly patients.
Effect of Inhibitors of Protein Phosphatase 1 and 2A on Erythroid Colony Formation: An Investigation of the Specificities of Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang W , Tamura J , Sakuraya M , Naruse T , Kubota K
Published: February 2013

To investigate the possible involvement of protein phosphatase (PP)1 and PP2A in the process of erythropoiesis, we assessed the effect of PP1 and PP2A inhibitors on erythroid colony formation using an in vitro colony formation assay. Okadaic acid (OKA), calyculin A (Cal-A) and tautomycin suppressed colony formation but 1-nor-okadaone did not. These results suggest that PP1 and PP2A both play an important role in erythropoiesis. Furthermore, higher concentrations of tautomycin were needed to suppress colony formation compared to concentrations of OKA and Cal-A. The target enzyme of inhibitors in erythropoiesis may be PP2A.
Treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia in a Patient with Bombay Blood Type: A Case Report
Authors: Okamoto Y , Tsuda T , Matsunami M , Hirose T , Sakaguchi R , Katayama N , Ota K
Published: February 2013

A 62-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with suspected acute leukaemia and after investigation we diagnosed acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML-M1). The patient's blood type was found to be the very rare Bombay type and surveillance of her relatives showed the same blood type in her male cousin on her mother's side. Alongside chemotherapy the patient received 4000 ml of frozen Bombay-type red cells, 1400 ml of concentrated red cells in manitol adenine phosphate solutions and 360 units of type O concentrated platelets without marked effects. The anti-H antibody was initially at 128 dilution but for unknown reasons increased to 2048 dilution after remission of AML-M1. About 3 months after hospitalization the patient died of Cryptococcus neoformans pneumonia despite strict precautions against infection. Although AML-M1 is a common adult leukaemia and is chemosensitive to anti-leukaemic drugs, neither AML-M1 in a patient with Bombay-type red cells nor its treatment with chemotherapy and transfusion with type Oh frozen red cells have previously been reported.
A Double-Blind Comparative Study of Zolpidem versus Zopiclone in the Treatment of Chronic Primary Insomnia
Authors: Tsutsui S ,   Zolpidem Study Group
Published: February 2013

Zolpidem (10 mg/day) and zopiclone (7.5 mg/day), administered at night, were compared in a 14-day, double-blind, equivalence trial on 479 chronic primary insomniacs (zolpidem, 231; zopiclone, 248) throughout Japan, with a 1-week follow-up to assess rebound. The primary endpoint was the investigators' rating of global improvement of sleep disorders. A total of 32 patients in the zolpidem group (13.9%) and 45 patients in the zopiclone group (18.1%) withdrew from the study before the end of the treatment. In the zolpidem group, 67.9% (142/209) of patients were rated at least ‘moderately improved’ versus 61.6% (135/219) with zopiclone, zolpidem being at least as effective as zopiclone (90% confidence interval: −1.7, 14.3). With zolpidem, sleep onset latency improved in significantly more patients (85.8% versus 77.5%) and significantly fewer patients showed aggravated sleep onset latency relative to baseline at follow-up (4.5% versus 15.4%). Significantly fewer patients receiving zolpidem experienced drug-related adverse events (31.3% versus 45.3%), with bitter taste representing 5.8% (six of 104) of such complaints with zolpidem compared with 39.9% (69/173) with zopiclone. In conclusion, zolpidem was at least as effective as zopiclone, showed significantly less rebound on discontinuation and was better tolerated
Varicella Zoster Virus Antigens in the Epidermis of Patients with Herpes Zoster before and after Treatment with Acyclovir: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Kurokawa I , Yamamoto M , Kurata T
Published: February 2013

Using a monoclonal antibody to varicella zoster virus (VZV), an immunohistochemical study was performed before and after treatment with acyclovir (750 mg/day intravenously for 5–7 days) to investigate the distribution of VZV antigens in the epidermis of four in-patients with herpes zoster, and to correlate their presence with clinical manifestations of the disease. Biopsy specimens were obtained from epidermal lesions on admission to hospital prior to acyclovir administration, and again following treatment. In all cases, VZV antigens were found extensively in the erythematous and vesicular lesions before treatment, but they were not detected 5–7 days later in the ulcerative, crusted or pigmented lesions after acyclovir therapy. Further controlled studies will be necessary to compare the distribution of epidermal VZV antigens in acyclovir-treated patients with that in a placebo group to determine whether the loss of VZV antigens was due to acyclovir or to a natural decrease over time
DNA Demethylase Expression Correlates with Lung Resistance Protein Expression in Common Epithelial Ovarian Cancers
Authors: Hattori M , Sakamoto H , Yamamoto T
Published: February 2013

We examined DNA demethylase (dMTase) expression, a common feature of ovarian cancer, to establish if there is any relationship between gene expression and disease stage, histopathology and survival. We also sought evidence of concurrent dMTase and lung resistance protein (LRP) expression. In 43 epithelial ovarian cancers studied we found that the relative strength of gene expression correlated with disease stage, histology and survival. dMTase expression was positive in 38/43 cases studied (88.4%). We also identified a significant correlation between dMTase and LRP expression. In 80% of cases where dMTase was not expressed, LRP was not found. Conversely, 70% of cases where dMTase expression was positive were also LRP-positive. We also identified a weak trend indicating that dMTase expression may occur more frequently in cases of endometrioid and serous adenocarcinoma. The expression of dMTase is a common feature of ovarian cancer and there is a correlation between dMTase and LRP expression, suggesting that there may be an epigenetic upregulation of the gene
Transplantation of New Autologous Biomaterials into Jaw Cleft
Authors: Kawata T , Kohno S , Fujita T , Sugiyama H , Tokimasa C , Kaku M , Tsutsui K , Tanne K
Published: February 2013

This study compared bone-marrow grafting using chondroid or fibula bone grafts transplanted into simulated alveolar bone defects in mice. The osteogenic procedure was also investigated. As an experimental model of the maxillary alveolar bone cleft, suitable for testing bone-inductive materials, a surgical trephine with a low-speed dental engine was used to form critical-sized defects in the pre-maxillary bones of male mice. Distraction osteogenesis was performed using an external fixation device. The osteotomy site was surrounded by an external callus, consisting of hyaline cartilage, that contained a large quantity of chondroid bone. Transplanted bone within chondroid bone was characterized by bone formation and remodelling 30 days post-transplantation, and bone adhesion following chondroid bone grafting was better than adhesion following fibula grafting. The present findings are the first to demonstrate the potential of chondroid bone transplantation as a new therapeutic system of bone grafting, suitable for bone substitution in craniofacial bone defects.
Type IV Collagen Serum and Vitreous Fluid Levels in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Kotajima N , Kanda T , Yuuki N , Kimura T , Kishi S , Fukumura Y , Tamura J , Kobayashi I
Published: February 2013

We compared the levels of type IV collagen (IV-C) in vitreous fluid and serum and the levels of glycosylated haemoglobin in 47 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 21 patients with non-inflammatory retinopathies. Levels of IV-C were found to be higher in the vitreous fluid in patients with DR than in patients with non-inflammatory retinopathy (53.2 ± 14.9 μg/l versus 14.7 ± 4.5 μg/l). Serum levels were likewise higher in patients with DR (349.7 ± 106.2 μg/l versus 97.7 ± 13.1 μg/l) as were glycosylated haemoglobin levels (8.3 ± 0.3% versus 5.2 ± 0.4%). In addition, levels of type IV collagen in the vitreous fluid were found to be higher in the patients who had been diabetic for ≥ 10 years than in patients who had been diabetic for < 10 years (54.8 ± 15.5 μg/l versus 16.8 ± 4.6 μg/l). We conclude that accumulation of vitreous fluid IV-C may relate to high levels of glycosylated haemoglobin and long duration of diabetes. This suggests that the concentration of IV-C in vitreous fluid, and possibly also the serum levels of IV-C, reflects the progression of DR. Further investigation is needed to verify this and to investigate whether or not measuring IV-C levels is a useful means to assess therapeutic effects and/or prognosis of diabetic microangiopathy.
Cerivastatin Induces Carotid Artery Plaque Stabilization Independently of Cholesterol Lowering in Patients with Hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Kurata T , Kurata M , Okada T
Published: February 2013

To prevent cardiovascular events in hyperlipidaemic patients, plaque stabilization by inhibition of localized inflammatory reactions in the blood vessels is important in addition to cholesterol lowering. Cerivastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin), has more potent enzyme-inhibitory effects than other statins and has also been reported in vitro to inhibit, at low concentrations, various inflammatory reactions due to plaque instability. Cerivastatin was therefore administered over 12 months to five patients with hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerotic plaque diagnosed by ultrasonography of the carotid artery, and changes in the plaque composition were determined. The mean cholesterol level decreased over the study period, although not significantly. However, the mean percentage of fibrous matrix of the plaque increased significantly from a mean of 11.2 ± 7.7% at study entry to 18.3 ± 5.9% at the end of the study. Additionally, the mean maximum plaque height was significantly reduced from 3.7 ± 0.9 mm to 3.0 ± 0.7 mm. These results indicate that cerivastatin induces plaque stability independently of cholesterol lowering.
Midazolam for Continuous Sedation in Japanese Patients in the Critical Care Setting: Phase II Study
Authors: Tsutsumi K , Aoyama N , Kitahara T , Endo M , Takahashi I , Kashiwa M , Imai Y , Soma K , Ohwada T
Published: February 2013

This prospective, phase II study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of midazolam as a sedative agent in nine critically ill Japanese patients without coma who had been admitted to an intensive care unit. An adequate level of sedation (sedative score [SS] 4–6) was induced by midazolam 0.14–0.39 mg/kg and maintained with a dose range of 0.08–0.24 mg/kg per h. One patient was excluded from the efficacy analysis since optimum sedation was not maintained by continuous infusion. The percentage of time during which SS 5 was achieved varied among the patients. The most frequent adverse events were hypotension, partial pressure of carbon dioxide elevation and premature ventricular contraction. Population pharmacokinetic analysis suggested that lower drug clearance rates were correlated with the presence of complications. The 50% of effective concentration values of SS 5, estimated by logistic regression analysis, varied greatly (mean, 251 ng/ml). In conclusion, midazolam infusion achieved successful sedation in this critical care setting. The optimum dose differed among the patients, however, and was influenced by the presence of complications.
Clinical Effect of Etidronate on Alveolar Pyorrhoea Associated with Chronic Marginal Periodontitis: Report of Four Cases
Authors: Takaishi Y , Miki T , Nishizawa Y , Morii H
Published: February 2013

Etidronate 200 mg daily was administered to four female patients with periodontitis and resultant alveolar pyorrhoea for periods of 2 weeks, followed by off-periods of 10 weeks or more, for 2–3 years. The macroscopic appearance of gingival mobility of the teeth, depth of periodontal pockets, and X-ray findings of alveolar bones improved markedly during this time. The effects were first observed after 6–12 months of treatment. These findings indicate that bisphosphonates may be effective in the treatment of periodontitis and resultant alveolar pyorrhoea. The effect may be mediated by the inhibitory action on bone resorption and the anti-inflammatory action of etidronate. Concomitant conventional dental management is also required.
Comparison of the Efficacy of 2 mg versus 5 mg Tropisetron in the Management of Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Yılmazlar A , Tokat O , Kutlay O , Yılmazlar T , Türker G
Published: February 2013

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of 2 mg versus 5 mg tropisetron in the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting. Patients between 22 and 64 years old who were undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia and who had been classified according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists criteria with physical status I or II were included in this trial. Sixty female patients were recruited and divided into three groups ( n = 20 in each group). Patients in group 1 received saline solution as control, whereas in groups 2 and 3, 2 mg or 5 mg tropisetron, respectively, was administered intravenously as a single dose during the induction of anaesthesia. The number of patients vomiting within the first 2 h following the operation was significantly less in groups 2 and 3 compared with that in group 1 (one of 20 for each of the groups 2 and 3 versus 12 of 20 in group 1). Three patients required rescue anti-emetic medication in each of the groups 2 and 3. In conclusion, 2 mg tropisetron appears to be equally as efficacious as 5 mg in preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting.