bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Changing Minds campaign factsheets in reducing stigmatised attitudes towards mental illness
Authors: Luty Jason , Umoh Okon , Sessay Mohammed , Sarkhel Arghya
Published: September 2007

Aims and Method

To assess the effect of factsheets from the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Changing Minds campaign on stigmatised attitudes of members of the general public towards those with mental illness. Participants were recruited at random from a panel of over 1200 members of the general population and presented with questionnaires containing single-page factsheets adapted from the Changing Minds campaign describing schizophrenia or substance use disorders. The Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) was used to measure the effect on stigmatised attitudes.

Results

In total 200 questionnaires were distributed; 158 completed questionnaires were received (response rate 79%). The AMIQ scores for the alcoholism and schizophrenia vignettes did not differ between experimental and control groups. Fidelity questions included in the questionnaire indicated that participants had read and understood the factsheets.

Clinical Implications

Didactic factsheets produced for the Changing Minds campaign were largely ineffective at changing stigmatised attitudes towards schizophrenia and alcoholism.
Psychotherapy requirements as recommended by the College: awareness and achievement by senior house officers
Authors: Agarwal Shruti , Singh Yolisha , Palanisamy Vikram , Basker Rajasekar , Van Der Speck Rohan
Published: September 2007

Aims and Method

We questioned 141 senior house officers (SHOs) across three training schemes in order to ascertain the awareness and achievement of psychotherapy requirements as recommended by the College. A structured questionnaire was used and administered either in person or over the telephone to all SHOs. Of all the trainees surveyed, 32 were eligible for MRCPsych part II.

Results

Only 9% of the SHOs eligible for MRCPsych part II were able to meet the requirements. Less than a third of all trainees were aware of the College guidelines.

Clinical Implications

Trainees face a number of practical problems in meeting the College guidelines. Psychotherapy training for basic specialist trainees is in need of urgent review and steps need to be taken to ensure that SHOs are gaining basic psychotherapeutic skills.
Health professionals and the monitoring of Taser use
Authors: O'Brien Anthony John , McKenna Brian G. , Simpson Alexander I. F.
Published: September 2007

Although electromuscular incapacitation devices (Tasers or ‘stun guns') have been in use for over a decade, concern about potential health effects has not been resolved. Moreover, public policy decisions have expanded the availability of Tasers and require wide consultation with the health sector as well as other stakeholders. In the past 5 years sales of Tasers have grown considerably, with numbers of US law enforcement agencies using the devices growing from 1700 in 2001 to 8700 in 2005 (US Department of Justice, personal communication). Jenkinson et al (2006) recently argued, as have the UK Police Federation, that Tasers should be issued to all front line British police, a move that would see a considerable proliferation of Tasers in the UK. A current trial in four districts may pave the way for Tasers to be used nationwide in New Zealand (New Zealand Police, 2006). These developments make it imperative that health professionals monitor the physical and mental health implications of Tasers, and ensure health considerations are part of the public policy debate on their deployment. In this paper we review the existing literature on the use of Tasers, and note that the psychological effects of Taser use have not been investigated.
Prognostic Significance of Overexpression and Phosphorylation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and the Presence of Truncated EGFRvIII in Locoregionally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Nieto Yago , Nawaz Fatima , Jones Roy B. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Nawaz Samia
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The prognostic value of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in breast cancer and more specifically, in patients with locoregionally advanced disease, is still undefined. We hypothesized that EGFR status plays a major prognostic role in this setting, through expression, activation, or the presence of its mutated variant EGFRvIII.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed tumor samples of 225 patients treated uniformly in prospective trials of high-dose chemotherapy for four to nine positive axillary nodes, ≥ 10 positive nodes, or inflammatory carcinoma, and observed for a median of 9 years (range, 3 to 13 years). We analyzed the effect on outcome of expression of EGFR, phosphorylated EGFR (phospho-EGFR), and EGFRvIII, as studied by immunohistochemistry.

Results

EGFR expression, phospho-EGFR, and mutated EGFRvIII were detected in 43%, 54%, and 4% of the patients, respectively. EGFR expression correlated with negative hormone receptor status, and was associated with significantly worse relapse-free survival (59% v 79%; P < .001) and overall survival (61% v 81%; P = .001) than no expression. There was no association of phospho-EGFR or EGFRvIII with outcome. Multivariate models confirmed the prognostic effect of EGFR independent of other known prognostic variables in this population. The prognostic value of EGFR was most prominent in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) –positive and the estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor–negative subgroups.

Conclusion

EGFR expression, but not phospho-EGFR or EGFRvIII expression, is an independent adverse prognostic factor in patients with high-risk primary breast cancer, particularly when it is coexpressed with HER-2. Our results suggest the potential benefit of dual EGFR/HER-2 receptor targeting in this setting.
Place and Provision of Palliative Care for Children With Progressive Cancer: A Study by the Paediatric Oncology Nurses’ Forum/United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group Palliative Care Working Group
Authors: Vickers Jan , Thompson Anne , Collins Gary S. , Childs Margaret , Hain Richard
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe and show effectiveness of the outreach team model of palliative care (PC) in allowing home death for children with incurable cancer.

Patients and Methods

Over 7 months, 185 children from 22 United Kingdom oncology centers were recruited to a prospective questionnaire survey.

Results

One hundred sixty-four children from 22 centers died (median age, 8.7 years; 88 boys, 76 girls). One hundred twenty-six families completed two or more questionnaires. One hundred twenty (77%) of 155 with complete data died at home. Preference for home death was recorded in 90 (68%) of 164 and 132 (80%) 164 at study entry and last month of life, respectively. Death occurred in preferred place for 84 (80%) of 105 with recorded preference at entry. Forty-one (25%) of 164 and 68 (41.5%) of 164 needed no outpatient or inpatient hospital visits, respectively. A named individual provided on-call PC advice by phone or home visit in 22 (100%) and 18 (82%) of 22 oncology centers, respectively. As PC progressed, involvement of oncologist and social worker appeared less, whereas pediatric oncology outreach nurse specialists (POONSs) remained prominent.

Conclusion

Preference for home death expressed by families in our study is similar to others, but the proportion of children actually able to die there is higher. Home death is facilitated by this model. Key components are POONSs, pediatric palliative and/or oncology specialist, and general practitioner. Professional roles change during PC and after death. An ongoing role for the oncology team in bereavement support is highlighted.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1) Tyrosine Phosphorylation Regulates Binding of FGFR Substrate 2α (FRS2α) But Not FRS2β to the Receptor
Authors: Zhang Yongyou , McKeehan Kerstin , Lin Yongshun , Zhang Jue , Wang Fen
Published: September 2007

Binding of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to the FGF receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase leads to receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation as well as phosphorylation of multiple downstream signaling molecules that are recruited to the receptor either by direct binding or through adaptor proteins. The FGFR substrate 2 (FRS2) family consists of two members, FRS2α and FRS2β, and has been shown to recruit multiple signaling molecules, including Grb2 and Shp2, to FGFR1. To better understand how FRS2 interacted with FGFR1, in vivo binding assays with coexpressed FGFR1 and FRS2 recombinant proteins in mammalian cells were carried out. The results showed that the interaction of full-length FRS2α, but not FRS2β, with FGFR1 was enhanced by activation of the receptor kinase. The truncated FRS2α mutant that was comprised only of the phosphotyrosine-binding domain (PTB) bound FGFR1 constitutively, suggesting that the C-terminal sequence downstream the PTB domain inhibited the PTB-FGFR1 binding. Inactivation of the FGFR1 kinase and substitutions of tyrosine phosphorylation sites of FGFR1, but not FRS2α, reduced binding of FGFR1 with FRS2α. The results suggest that although the tyrosine autophosphorylation sites of FGFR1 did not constitute the binding sites for FRS2α, phosphorylation of these residues was essential for optimal interaction with FRS2α. In addition, it was demonstrated that the Grb2-binding sites of FRS2α are essential for mediating signals of FGFR1 to activate the FiRE enhancer of the mouse syndecan 1 gene. The results, for the first time, demonstrate the specific signals mediated by the Grb2-binding sites and further our understanding of FGF signal transmission at the adaptor level.
Prediction of human pharmacokinetics — improving microsome-based predictions of hepatic metabolic clearance
Authors: Fagerholm Urban
Published: September 2007

Physiologically based methods generally perform poorly in predicting in-vivo hepatic CL (CLH) from intrinsic clearance (CLint) in microsomes in-vitro and unbound fraction in blood (fu,bl). Various strategies to improve the predictability have been developed, and inclusion of an empirical scaling factor (SF) seems to give the best results. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate this methodology and to find ways to improve it further. The work was based on a diverse data set taken from Ito and Houston (2005). Another objective was to evaluate whether rationalization of CLH predictions can be made by replacing blood/plasma-concentration ratio (Cbl/Cpl) measurements with SFs. There were apparently no or weak correlations between prediction errors and lipophilicity, permeability (compounds with low permeability missing in the data set) and main metabolizing CYP450s. The use of CLint class (high/low) and drug class (acid/base/neutral) SFs (the CD-SF method) gives improved and reasonable predictions: 1.3-fold median error (an accurate prediction has a 1-fold error), 76% within 2-fold-error, and a median absolute rank ordering error of 2 for CLH (n = 29). This approach is better than the method with a single SF. Mean (P < 0.05) and median errors, fraction within certain error ranges, higher percentage with most accurate predictions, and ranking were all better, and 76% of predictions were more accurate with this new method. Results are particularly good for bases, which generally have higher CLH and the potential to be incorrectly selected/rejected as candidate drugs. Reasonable predictions of fu,bl can be made from plasma fu (fu,pl) and empirical blood cell binding SFs (B-SFs; 1 for low fu,pl acids; 0.62 for other substances). Mean and median fu,bl prediction errors are negligible. The use of the CD-SF method with predicted fu,bl (the BCD-SF method) also gives improved and reasonable results (1.4-fold median error; 66% within 2-fold-error; median absolute rank ordering error = 1). This new empirical approach seems sufficiently good for use during the early screening; it gives reasonable estimates of CLH and good ranking, which allows replacement of Cbl/Cpl measurements by a simple equation.
A review of research in numerical simulation for the glass-pressing process
Authors: Brown M
Published: September 2007

Pressing is one of the most versatile and important manufacturing processes capable of mass-producing complicated glass parts in net shape with excellent dimensional tolerance. Numerical simulation of glass pressing has been an active research area for many years, as part quality and yield requirements become more stringent. This paper reviews the research and development in numerical simulation of glass pressing. It organizes prior studies into three categories, namely, glass flow, heat transfer, and residual stresses. Based on the research progress to date, this paper suggests that the coupled and integrated simulation considering material, mould, and process, the use of empirical models and soft computing techniques to complement the numerical simulation, and small-scale experiments are the three most important areas for further advancement.
Development of endovascular stent-grafts
Authors: Hinchliffe R J , Hopkinson B R
Published: September 2007

The very first experiences in the early 1990s with endovascular aortic stent-grafts were associated with significant numbers of complications including an inability to deploy the stent-graft, conversion to open surgery, and aneurysm rupture. By the mid-1990s, improved home-made and commercially available stent-grafts started to appear. These devices could be successfully deployed in the aorta, achieving aneurysm exclusion with low morbidity and mortality. However, follow-up results raised concerns about the longer-term durability. Gradually, too, these problems have been addressed such that, in the recent UK multi-centre randomized controlled trial of endovascular versus open aneurysm repair, aneurysm-related mortality was 3 per cent less in the endovascular group four years following surgery. Currently the indications for aortic stent-grafts are being expanded. It is now possible to maintain perfusion successfully in aortic side branches and to treat aneurysms that would have once been thought untreatable. This review paper reviews the main developments in endovascular stent-grafting and the major role played by medical engineering and technology.
Gaseous emboli detection based on a dual-wavelet transform analysis
Authors: Ng H S , Nygaard H , Hasenkam J M , Johansen P
Published: September 2007

Emboli monitoring is nowadays based on the assessment of microembolic signals by Doppler ultrasound. However, the present systems have problems in detecting multiple emboli. A more dedicated algorithm for post-processing of the recorded Doppler signals was proposed. Based on the hypothesis that single and multiple gaseous emboli can be quantified by combining discrete and continuous wavelet transformation, the aim of this study was to detect gaseous emboli and to validate our method visually. A flow rig was used where gaseous emboli were generated. Doppler signals and visual validation data of gaseous emboli were acquired simultaneously. Microembolic signals were extracted and analysed using wavelet transformation. Results were validated against a visual reference. At various degrees of bubble generation, the system had 100 per cent detection during a low frequency of bubble generation but an estimation error of 7.4 per cent during a high frequency of bubble generation. The estimation error varied between - 7.4 and +3 per cent. The system had a higher rate of success in detecting large gaseous emboli in small numbers than small gaseous emboli in large numbers. Single and double emboli were successfully detected and separated, whereas gaseous emboli clouds could be detected but not quantified. Being able to separate simultaneous gaseous emboli may offer new means of increasing detectability for embolism monitoring.
Hydrocarbon Development in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Petroleum Sector
Authors: Dargin Justin
Published: September 2007

This paper examines the challenges that Post-Saddam Iraqi Kurdistan faces in developing a sustainable petroleum sector. The newly established national constitution was a significant step that left as many petroleum questions unanswered, as answered. The constitution, not only separated branches of government, but established Federalism as its lodestar. Still, due to unresolved issues over regional and national control over petroleum resources, oil companies function in a hazy legal environment.

The first part of the paper discusses the past and current state of the Kurdish region's oil development, and notes future prospects for development. The second part draws on constitutional and legal sources to analyze the division of responsibilities among the regions and the national government. This paper shows that firm guidelines are essential to encourage investment and expeditiously rebuild Iraq's shattered Petroleum sector.
Global Bio-Fuel Processing and Production Trends
Authors: Balat Mustafa
Published: September 2007

Bio-fuels are important because they replace petroleum fuels. The production of biofuel feedstocks from agricultural and forestry sources has been considered for many years, particularly just after the 1970's “energy crisis”. A number of environmental and economic benefits are claimed for biofuels. Worldwide interest reflect convergence of developed and developing country perspectives on the role bio-fuels can play in energy for sustainable development. The increase in bio-fuels utilization has also been accompanied over the past 3–4 years with policy decisions that encourage future growth of these fuels. The United States and several European Union member states already pursue successful bio-fuel policy. This work presents a review of the thermochemical and biochemical methods that could be used to produce bio-fuels and the production trends of the products in the world.
Impact of Infrasound on Methylation Status of Genome in Testes of Rats
Authors: Rui-Man Li , Zhi-Qiang Zhuang , Hai-Tao Yao , Zhao-Hui Pei , Jing-Zao Chen
Published: September 2007

To probe into the changes induced by infrasonic exposure on the methylation status of the genome in testes and underlying mechanisms, we inspected the percentage of unmethylated CpG sites (an index for DNA methylation level) and DNA methyltransferase activity in testes of SD rats exposed to infrasound of 8Hz at 90dB or 130dB for 1, 7, 14 and 21 days (2h/d). Compared to control groups at the same time points, significantly decreased DNA methylation level and methyltransferase activity were observed in all but experimental groups of ld and 21d at 90dB ( p<0.05). Compared to 90dB groups at the same time points, DNA methylation level and DNA methyltransferase activity at 130dB decreased more significantly ( p<0.05). The patterns of dynamic changes on the percentage of unmethylated CpG sites and methyltransferase activity at 130dB were different from those at 90dB. The results indicated that infrasonic exposure induced epigenetic changes in testes of rats, which depended on parameters of infrasonic exposure.
Influence of Boundary Conditions on Sound Radiation Characteristic from Rectangular Plates
Authors: Qiao Yufeng , Huang Qibai , Li Linling
Published: September 2007

The influence of boundary conditions on the sound radiation characteristic from rectangular plates is studied in this paper. Using an analytical method, the transverse displacement response of vibrating rectangular plates is presented. Some numerical experiments are also done. Five different types of boundary conditions are analyzed and calculated as examples for comparing the influence of different boundary conditions. Rectangular plates under different force points and different thicknesses are also studied for further verifying the influence of boundary conditions.
Statistical Methods for Quantifying the Effect of the El Niño—Southern Oscillation on Wind Power in the Northern Great Plains of the United States
Authors: Harper Bret R. , Katz Richard W. , Harriss Robert C.
Published: September 2007

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is a well-known source of inter-annual climate variability for both precipitation and temperature in the northern Great Plains of the United States. In order to determine if ENSO has similar impacts on wind speed and wind power, we applied statistical methods, including the sign test and resampling, to hourly airport wind speed measurements for the past half century at two airports in North Dakota and at another two in South Dakota. There is strong statistical evidence that ENSO has a small effect on wind speeds in some months, which affects the amount of wind power a typical utility scale wind turbine can produce. During the El Niño phase, we found monthly mean wind power production to decrease generally, consistent with the mean wind speed decreasing and the probability of a low-speed wind event increasing, at two locations in South Dakota. The ENSO connection was weaker and harder to detect in North Dakota, but we found evidence that the sign of the change appeared generally to be consistent with that in South Dakota. These effects were smaller than the general variability of wind speeds, but nevertheless were detectable as ‘signals within the noise’.
Technical Note: Airborne Sound Insulation of Hollow Brickwork
Authors: Alba Jesús , Ramis Jaime , Escuder Eva , Berto Laura
Published: September 2007

This paper reports on the uncertainty of in situ measurements of the airborne sound insulation of hollow-brick walls in different housing plans, with emphasis on the influence of expansion joints. The mean and standard deviation of multiple measurements are obtained, which show significant differences in insulation values despite the fact that the same construction was used in each case.
Dissecting RNA chaperone activity
Authors: Rajkowitsch Lukas , Schroeder Renée
Published: September 2007

Many RNA-binding proteins help RNAs to fold via their RNA chaperone activity. This term has been used widely without accounting for the diversity of the observed reactions, which include complex events like restructuring of misfolded catalytic RNAs, promoting the assembly of RNA-protein complexes, and mediating RNA–RNA interactions. Proteins display very diverse activities depending on the assays used to measure RNA chaperone activity. To classify proteins with this activity, we compared three exemplary proteins from E. coli, host factor Hfq, ribosomal protein S1, and the histone-like protein StpA for their abilities to promote two simple reactions, RNA annealing and strand displacement. The results of a FRET-based assay show that S1 promotes only RNA strand displacement while Hfq solely enhances RNA annealing. StpA, in contrast, is active in both reactions. To test whether the two activities can be assigned to different domains of the bipartite-structured StpA, we assayed the purified N- and C- terminal domains separately. While both domains are unable to promote RNA annealing, we can attribute the RNA strand displacement activity of StpA to the C-terminal domain. Correlating with their RNA annealing activities, only Hfq and full-length StpA display simultaneous binding of two RNAs, suggesting a matchmaker-like model for this activity. For StpA, this “RNA crowding” requires protein–protein interactions, since a dimerization-deficient StpA mutant lost the ability to bind and anneal two RNAs. These results underline the difference between the two reaction types, making it necessary to distinguish and classify proteins according to their specific RNA chaperone activities.
Roles of the negatively charged N-terminal extension of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein S5 revealed by characterization of a yeast strain containing human ribosomal protein S5
Authors: Galkin Oleksandr , Bentley Amber A. , Gupta Sujatha , Compton Beth-Ann , Mazumder Barsanjit , Kinzy Terri Goss , Merrick William C. , Hatzoglou Maria , Pestova Tatyana V. , Hellen Christopher U.T. , Komar Anton A.
Published: September 2007

Ribosomal protein (rp) S5 belongs to a family of ribosomal proteins that includes bacterial rpS7. rpS5 forms part of the exit (E) site on the 40S ribosomal subunit and is essential for yeast viability. Human rpS5 is 67% identical and 79% similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae rpS5 but lacks a negatively charged (pI ∼3.27) 21 amino acid long N-terminal extension that is present in fungi. Here we report that replacement of yeast rpS5 with its human homolog yielded a viable yeast strain with a 20%–25% decrease in growth rate. This replacement also resulted in a moderate increase in the heavy polyribosomal components in the mutant strain, suggesting either translation elongation or termination defects, and in a reduction in the polyribosomal association of the elongation factors eEF3 and eEF1A. In addition, the mutant strain was characterized by moderate increases in +1 and −1 programmed frameshifting and hyperaccurate recognition of the UAA stop codon. The activities of the cricket paralysis virus (CrPV) IRES and two mammalian cellular IRESs (CAT-1 and SNAT-2) were also increased in the mutant strain. Consistently, the rpS5 replacement led to enhanced direct interaction between the CrPV IRES and the mutant yeast ribosomes. Taken together, these data indicate that rpS5 plays an important role in maintaining the accuracy of translation in eukaryotes and suggest that the negatively charged N-terminal extension of yeast rpS5 might affect the ribosomal recruitment of specific mRNAs.
Structural RNAs of known and unknown function identified in malaria parasites by comparative genomics and RNA analysis
Authors: Chakrabarti Kausik , Pearson Michael , Grate Leslie , Sterne-Weiler Timothy , Deans Jonathan , Donohue John Paul , Ares Manuel
Published: September 2007

As the genomes of more eukaryotic pathogens are sequenced, understanding how molecular differences between parasite and host might be exploited to provide new therapies has become a major focus. Central to cell function are RNA-containing complexes involved in gene expression, such as the ribosome, the spliceosome, snoRNAs, RNase P, and telomerase, among others. In this article we identify by comparative genomics and validate by RNA analysis numerous previously unknown structural RNAs encoded by the Plasmodium falciparum genome, including the telomerase RNA, U3, 31 snoRNAs, as well as previously predicted spliceosomal snRNAs, SRP RNA, MRP RNA, and RNAse P RNA. Furthermore, we identify six new RNA coding genes of unknown function. To investigate the relationships of the RNA coding genes to other genomic features in related parasites, we developed a genome browser for P. falciparum (http://areslab.ucsc.edu/cgi-bin/hgGateway). Additional experiments provide evidence supporting the prediction that snoRNAs guide methylation of a specific position on U4 snRNA, as well as predicting an snRNA promoter element particular to Plasmodium sp. These findings should allow detailed structural comparisons between the RNA components of the gene expression machinery of the parasite and its vertebrate hosts.
Early results for treatment of three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus using the PHILOS plate system
Authors: Moonot P. , Ashwood N. , Hamlet M.
Published: September 2007

Secure fixation of displaced proximal fractures of the humerus is a challenging problem. A total of 32 patients with acutely displaced three- or four-part proximal fractures of the humerus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate. There were 23 women and nine men with a mean age of 59.9 years (18 to 87). Data were collected prospectively and the outcomes were assessed using the Constant score. The mean follow-up was for 11 months (3 to 24). In 31 patients (97%) the fracture united clinically and radiologically at a mean of 10 weeks (8 to 24). The mean Constant score at final review was 66.5 (30 to 92). There was no significant difference in outcome when comparing patients aged more than 60 years (18 patients) with those aged less than 60 years (14 patients) (t-test, p = 0.8443). There was one case each of nonunion, malunion and a broken screw in the elderly population.

This plate provides an alternative method of fixation for fractures of the proximal humerus. It provides a stable fixation in young patients with good-quality bone sufficient to permit early mobilisation. Failure of the screws to maintain fixation in the elderly remains a problem.
A prospective, randomised study comparing the percutaneous compression plate and the compression hip screw for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the hip
Authors: Peyser A. , Weil Y. A. , Brocke L. , Sela Y. , Mosheiff R. , Mattan Y. , Manor O. , Liebergall M.
Published: September 2007

Limited access surgery is thought to reduce post-operative morbidity and provide faster recovery of function. The percutaneous compression plate (PCCP) is a recently introduced device for the fixation of intertrochanteric fractures with minimal exposure. It has several potential mechanical advantages over the conventional compression hip screw (CHS). Our aim in this prospective, randomised, controlled study was to compare the outcome of patients operated on using these two devices.

We randomised 104 patients with intertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31.A1–A2) to surgical treatment with either the PCCP or CHS and followed them for one year postoperatively.

The mean operating blood loss was 161.0 ml (8 to 450) in the PCCP group and 374.0 ml (11 to 980) in the CHS group (Student’s t-test, p < 0.0001). The pain score and ability to bear weight were significantly better in the PCCP group at six weeks post-operatively. Analysis of the radiographs in a proportion of the patients revealed a reduced amount of medial displacement in the PCCP group (two patients, 4%) compared with the CHS group (10 patients, 18.9%); Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.02.

The PCCP device was associated with reduced intra-operative blood loss, less postoperative pain and a reduced incidence of collapse of the fracture.
Circumferential osteotomy of the medial acetabular wall in total hip replacement for the late sequelae of childhood septic arthritis of the hip
Authors: Lian Y.-Y. , Yoo M.-C. , Pei F.-X. , Cho Y.-J. , Cheng J.-Q. , Chun S.-W.
Published: September 2007

We performed 52 total hip replacements in 52 patients using a cementless acetabular component combined with a circumferential osteotomy of the medial acetabular wall for the late sequelae of childhood septic arthritis of the hip. The mean age of the patients at operation was 44.5 years (22 to 66) and the mean follow-up was 7.8 years (5 to 11.8). The mean improvement in the Harris Hip Score was 29.6 points (19 to 51) at final follow-up. The mean cover of the acetabular component was 98.5% (87.8% to 100%). The medial acetabular wall was preserved with a mean thickness of 8.3 mm (1.7 to 17.4) and the mean length of abductor lever arm increased from 43.4 mm (19.1 to 62) to 54.2 mm (36.5 to 68.6). One acetabular component was revised for loosening and osteolysis 4.5 years postoperatively, and one had radiolucent lines in all acetabular zones at final review. Kaplan-Meier survival was 94.2% (95% confidence interval 85.8% to 100%) at 7.3 years, with revision or radiological loosening as an end-point when two hips were at risk.

A cementless acetabular component combined with circumferential medial acetabular wall osteotomy provides favourable results for acetabular reconstruction in patients who present with late sequelae of childhood septic hip arthritis.
The effects of the short-term administration of low therapeutic doses of anti-COX-2 agents on the healing of fractures
Authors: Karachalios T. , Boursinos L. , Poultsides L. , Khaldi L. , Malizos K. N.
Published: September 2007

We have evaluated the effect of the short-term administration of low therapeutic doses of modern COX-2 inhibitors on the healing of fractures.

A total of 40 adult male New Zealand rabbits were divided into five groups. A mid-diaphyseal osteotomy of the right ulna was performed and either normal saline, prednisolone, indometacin, meloxicam or rofecoxib was administered for five days. Radiological, biomechanical and histomorphometric evaluation was performed at six weeks.

In the group in which the highly selective anti-COX-2 agent, rofecoxib, was used the incidence of radiologically-incomplete union was similar to that in the control group. All the biomechanical parameters were statistically significantly lower in both the prednisolone and indometacin (p = 0.01) and in the meloxicam (p = 0.04) groups compared with the control group. Only the fracture load values were found to be statistically significantly lower (p = 0.05) in the rofecoxib group. Histomorphometric parameters were adversely affected in all groups with the specimens of the rofecoxib group showing the least negative effect.

Our findings indicated that the short-term administration of low therapeutic doses of a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor had a minor negative effect on bone healing.
One- or two-stage bilateral metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty
Authors: McBryde C. W. , Dehne K. , Pearson A. M. , Treacy R. B. C. , Pynsent P. B.
Published: September 2007

Patients considered suitable for total hip resurfacing arthroplasty often have bilateral disease. The peri-operative complications, transfusion requirements, hospital stay, outcome and costs in patients undergoing one-stage bilateral total hip resurfacing were compared with a group of patients undergoing a two-stage procedure. A total of 92 patients were included in the study, of which 37 (40%) had a one-stage and 55 (60%) had a two-stage resurfacing. There were no significant differences in age, gender, or American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade between the groups (p = 0.31, p = 0.23, p = 0.13, respectively). There were three systemic complications in the one-stage group (8.1%) and one in the two-stage group (1.8% of patients; 0.9% of procedures). There was no significant difference in the complication rate (p = 0.72) or the transfusion requirements (p = 0.32) between the two groups. The one-stage group had a reduced total hospital stay of five days (95% confidence interval 4.0 to 6.9; p < 0.001), reduced length of time to completion of all surgery of five months (95% confidence interval 2.6 to 8.3; p < 0.001), and the reduced cost was 35% less than that of a two-stage procedure. However, the total anaesthetic time was significantly longer for the one-stage group (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval 31 to 52).

This study demonstrates that consideration should be given to one-stage surgery for patients with bilateral symptomatic disease suitable for metal-on-metal hip resurfacing. A one-stage procedure appears to have benefits for both the patient and the hospital without additional complications.
The Move from Government to Governance: Irish development policy’s paradigm shift
Authors: Adshead Maura , Quinn Brid
Published: September 2007

English

This article examines the evolution of Irish development policy, suggesting that it illustrates significant changes in government at both national and sub-national level. It is argued that pressures for change have arisen both beyond and below the national level of administration, as a result of reforms to Structural Funding at the European Union level and the growth of community initiatives at sub-national level. The chief consequence has been a redefinition of development policy which has impacted upon the structure of government, as well as the substance and style of policy delivery. Irish development policy now embraces social as well as economic policy objectives, and its implementation relies on the cooption into the policy arena of new actors and agencies, representing different interests in the development process. As a consequence, the design and direction of development policy now places greater emphasis on increased negotiation, partnership and subsidiarity. The extent of the change is characterised as a move towards governance in Ireland, and by doing so, the work seeks to develop the use of this term in a comparative context.
Employment Equity Policies in Canada and the Netherlands: enhancing minority employment between public controversy and market initiative
Authors: Glastra Folke , Schedler Petra , Kats Erik
Published: September 2007

English

Time and again employment statistics document the marginal position of (ethnic) minority groups within the labour force in Western multicultural nation states. There seems to be a broad, if differently motivated, consensus among politicians, employers and pressure groups that this situation cannot be prolonged with impunity. However, where it comes down to indicating the underlying causes and defining adequate solutions and policies, shared concern quickly dissolves into controversy. Legal measures to stimulate or ensure proportional representation of minority groups in the labour process are, more often than not, the focal points of such social disputes. A reconstruction of the historical development of equity policies in Canada, and more specifically in Ontario, and The Netherlands may clarify the nature of resistance against this controversial approach. It also sheds some light on the possibilities and limitations of alternative strategies impinging on the history of employment equity, such as voluntary efforts by employers’ organisations and labour unions, or the more decentralised and business-based practices of ‘managing diversity’.
The Evolution of Italian Mental Health Care: advancement or inequality?
Authors: Samele Chiara
Published: September 2007

Major advancement in Italian mental health care came with Franco Basaglia’s movement to eliminate the marginalisation of the mentally ill from the rest of society. Basaglia’s movement sought alternative structures to the mental asylum by reintegrating the mentally ill into the community. Legislation in 1978 (Law 180) formalised this endeavour by closing mental hospitals within a short time period. The unequal spread of Law 180 resulted in a number of formidable problems, both in political and economic terms. These issues, together with the important implications for families, and the introduction of workers’ co-operatives for the mentally ill are discussed.
Development of a Homogeneous Assay to Measure Remnant Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Authors: Miyauchi Kazuhito , Kayahara Norihiko , Ishigami Masato , Kuwata Hideyuki , Mori Hideharu , Sugiuchi Hiroyuki , Irie Tetsumi , Tanaka Akira , Yamashita Shizuya , Yamamura Taku
Published: September 2007

Background: Quantification of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) remnants is useful for risk assessment of coronary artery disease and the diagnosis of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Although an immunoseparation procedure for remnant-like particle cholesterol has been evaluated extensively in recent years, available methods for measuring TRL remnants have not achieved wide use in routine laboratory practice, suggesting a need for a homogeneous assay that can measure TRL remnant cholesterol in serum or plasma without pretreatment.

Methods: We screened for suitable surfactants that exhibited favorable selectivity toward the VLDL remnant (VLDLR) fraction, including intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDLs). We investigated the principal characteristics of this assay by gel filtration of lipoproteins and their particle size distribution. We developed a simple assay and evaluated its performance with the Hitachi-7170 analyzer.

Results: Polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene block copolymer (POE-POB) exhibited favorable selectivity toward VLDLR and IDL fractions. POE-POB removed apolipoprotein (apo) E and apo C-III from IDL particles in the presence of cholesterol esterase (CHER), and the particle size distribution of IDLs became smaller after the reaction. These results revealed that IDL particles are specifically modified in the presence of CHER and POE-POB, making their component cholesterol available for enzymatic assay. Addition of phospholipase D improved the reactivity toward chylomicron remnants (CMRs). We found a high correlation [y = 1.018x− 0.01 mmol/L, r = 0.962 (n = 160)] between the proposed assay and the immunoseparation assay in serum from healthy individuals.

Conclusion: The homogeneous assay described in this report can measure TRL remnant cholesterol, including CMRs, VLDLRs, and IDLs, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Specifications for Roofing and Industrial Asphalts Using Dynamic Shear Rheometry (DSR)
Authors: Baumgardner Gaylon L. , Rowe Geoffrey M.
Published: September 2007

Asphalt specifications in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere in the world are increasingly dependent upon basic principles of rheology, in particular dynamic shear rheology (DSR). The roofing industry would be benefited by a revised ASTM specification featuring DSR measurements as opposed to the current ASTM Standard Specification D 312 in which softening point is the primary distinguishing characteristic of roofing asphalts. Rheological performance is the critical determinant of satisfactory roofing asphalt quality in that it must possess sufficient stiffness at higher temperatures to resist slippage on slopes and also be flexible enough at lower temperatures to resist cracking and debonding. This paper demonstrates the use of rheological parameters to replace the current softening point parameters, as well as introduces high and low temperature rheological parameters for climatic consideration. The proposed change incorporates climatic performance grades with high and low temperature limits which are based on DSR testing for the basic types of roofing asphalt.
Relação lipase/amilase nas pancreatites agudas de causa biliar e nas pancreatites agudas/crônicas agudizadas de causa alcoólica
Authors: Pacheco Ricardo Custódio , Oliveira Luiz Carlos Marques de
Published: September 2007

RACIONAL: Pancreatites agudas de causas alcoólica ou biliar podem necessitar de abordagens terapêuticas diferentes. OBJETIVO: Verificar a validade da relação lipase/amilase em diferenciar as causas alcoólica ou biliar na pancreatite aguda/pancreatite crônica agudizada. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados nove pacientes com pancreatite aguda/pancreatite crônica agudizada alcoólica, todos homens, com idade média (desvio padrão) de 39,8 ± 7,0 anos (grupo I) e 29 com pancreatite aguda biliar, sendo 8 homens e 21 mulheres, com idade média de 43,6 ± 19,9 anos (grupo II). As amilasemias e lipasemias foram determinadas em pacientes com sintomatologia há, no máximo, 48 horas. A relação lipase/amilase foi calculada utilizando-se valores de amilasemia e lipasemia expressas como múltiplos de seus respectivos valores superiores de referência. RESULTADOS: As médias das lipasemias (4.814 ± 3.670 U/L) e amilasemias (1.282 ± 777 U/L) no grupo I foram semelhantes às do grupo II (2.697 ± 2.391 e 1.878 ± 1.319 U/L, respectivamente), mas a média das relações lipase/amilase foi significantemente maior no grupo I (4,4 ± 3,6) do que no grupo II (2,2 ± 2,2). Relação lipase/amilase >3 foi significantemente mais freqüente no grupo I (66,7%) do que no grupo II (24,1%) e diferenciou os dois grupos com sensibilidade de 67% e especificidade de 76%. CONCLUSÕES: 1) as amilasemias e lipasemias não diferenciaram os dois grupos avaliados; 2) relação lipase/amilase >3 é mais freqüente na pancreatite aguda/pancreatite crônica agudizada alcoólica do que na pancreatite aguda biliar, e pode ser útil na diferenciação destas duas causas de pancreatite.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection in patients with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C virus and hepatocellular carcinoma in Brazil
Authors: Branco Fernanda , Mattos Angelo Alves de , Coral Gabriela Perdomo , Vanderborght Bart , Santos Diogo Edele , França Paulo , Alexander Cláudio
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and consequences of occult HBV infection in patients with chronic liver disease by HCV remain unknown. AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of occult HBV infection in a population of HCV-infected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: The serum samples were tested for HBV DNA by nested PCR and liver tissue analysis was carried out using the immunohistochemical technique of 66 HBsAg-negative patients: 26 patients with chronic hepatitis by HCV (group 1), 20 with hepatocellular carcinoma related to chronic infection by HCV (group 2) and 20 with negative viral markers for hepatitis B and C (control group). RESULTS: Occult HBV infection was diagnosed in the liver tissue of 9/46 (19.5%) HCV-infected patients. Prevalence of occult B infection was evaluated in the HCV-infected patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma, and there were seven (77.7%) of whom from group 2, conferring a 35% prevalence of this group. No serum sample was positive for HBV DNA in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Occult infection B is frequently detected in liver tissue of HCV-infected patients, especially in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. However large studies are needed to confirm that co-infection could determine a worse progress of chronic liver disease in this population.
Seleção e uso de antibióticos em infecções intra-abdominais
Authors: Coelho Júlio Cezar Uili , Baretta Giorgio Alfredo Pedroso , Okawa Luciano
Published: September 2007

RACIONAL: Infecções intra-abdominais são comuns e apresentam elevada morbidade e mortalidade e os agentes infecciosos responsáveis por tais afecções são geralmente os da flora gastrointestinal, em especial a E. coli e Bacteroides fragilis. OBJETIVO: Apresentar uma revisão da seleção e uso de antibióticos em infecções intra-abdominais. CONCLUSÕES: O uso adequado de antibióticos é fundamental para o controle mais rápido da infecção e reduzir a possibilidade de falha no tratamento. A terapia antimicrobiana é iniciada na suspeita de infecção intra-abdominal e os agentes antibióticos selecionados são utilizados de acordo com os germes mais prováveis de serem encontrados no local da infecção. Além disso, eficácia, custo, segurança e comodidade posológica são considerados para uma seleção mais apropriada. Diferentes esquemas são utilizados em infecções intra-abdominais comunitárias e hospitalares devido à flora mais resistente destas últimas.
The effects of aging on biceps brachii muscle fibers: a morphometrical study from biopsies and autopsies
Authors: Mattiello-Sverzut Ana Cláudia , Chimelli Leila , Moura Maria Silvia de Assis , Teixeira Silvia , Oliveira José Alberto Mello de
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVES: In order to study the morphology and size of muscle fibers, cross sections of biceps brachii samples from autopsies, up to 9 hours after death, and biopsies of 72 subjects were compared. The subjects aged 13 to 84 years in both sexes. METHODS: The samples obtained from autopsies (n=47) were from subjects with sudden death, or who died after acute disease without evidence of neuromuscular involvement. The biopsies (n=25) were from patients with symptoms suggestive of inflammatory or metabolic myopathy, not confirmed morphologically. The lesser diameter of muscle fibers was measured using the ATPase reaction. RESULTS: Morphological analysis showed that aging changes were present from the sixth decade in autopsies, and consisted of atrophy and/or type-grouping. The statistical models adjusted for females in both autopsies and biopsies were linear straight with no variation in fiber size with increasing age. The models adjusted for males in both groups were quadratic, indicating that age influenced the size of different type fibers. In males type 2 were larger than type 1 fibers, and than fibers in females. CONCLUSIONS: These values might be useful as controls, helping interpretation of changes in fiber size in samples obtained from biopsies and autopsies.