bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of crystal methamphetamine among gay men in London
Authors: Bolding Graham , Hart Graham , Sherr Lorraine , Elford Jonathan
Published: July 2006

Aim  To examine the use of crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) and its association with high‐risk sexual behaviour among gay men in London. 

 Design  Cross‐sectional surveys using self‐administered questionnaires.

Settings  National Health Service (NHS) out‐patient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment clinic in London; NHS HIV testing/sexual health clinics in London; central London gyms.

 Participants  HIV‐positive gay men attending the HIV treatment clinic in 2002–03 (n = 388); HIV‐negative gay men attending the HIV testing/sexual health clinics in 2002–03 (n = 266); gay men using the gyms between January and March 2003 (n = 445), 2004 (n = 653) and 2005 (n = 494).

Measurements  Percentage of gay men who reported: (i) using crystal meth in the previous 12 months; (ii) using other recreational drugs (e.g. cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine); (iii) high‐risk sexual behaviour in the previous 3 months.

Findings  The percentage of gay men who had used crystal meth in the previous year varied by sample (HIV treatment clinic, 12.6%; HIV testing/sexual health clinics, 8.3%; gyms, 19.5%; P < 0.001) but did not change over time in the gyms (19.8%, 20.7%, 17.8%; P = 0.5). In all samples, the majority of men used crystal meth only once or twice a year. Most crystal meth users (> 80%) had taken other recreational drugs. Crystal meth and other drug users were more likely to report high‐risk sexual behaviour than other men, e.g. HIV treatment clinic sample: crystal meth users, 34.7%; other drug users, 18.9%, non‐users, 10.6%, P < 0.001. Cause and effect could not be established.

Conclusion  Among gay men in London surveyed in clinics, approximately one in 10 reported using crystal meth in the previous 12 months (HIV‐positive men 12.6%; HIV‐negative men 8.3%). Most men used it infrequently—only once or twice a year. There was no evidence of increasing use of crystal meth between 2003 and 2005.
Congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia: a retrospective clinical analysis of 20 patients
Authors: King Stephanie , Germeshausen Manuela , Strauss Gabriele , Welte Karl , Ballmaier Matthias
Published: July 2006

Congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome characterised by isolated thrombocytopenia because of ineffective megakaryocytopoiesis at birth. In the last 10 years, we collected data from 20 patients diagnosed with CAMT based on a severe thrombocytopenia since birth and absent or markedly decreased numbers of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Fanconi's anaemia and thrombocytopenia absent radii syndrome were ruled out for all patients. We retrospectively compared the clinical courses, laboratory findings and treatment outcome. Development of pancytopenia was observed in 14 of the patients, only one patient presented with an isolated thrombocytopenia over a period of over 14 years. One boy died from bleeding complications. We defined two groups of patients according to the course of platelet counts during the first year of life, which also differed in the course of development of pancytopenia. Physical anomalies in addition to haematopoiesis were found in a number of patients: two children presented with cardiac defects, six with growth abnormalities, and four with retardation of psychomotor development. Fifteen patients were treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, four of whom died of transplantation‐related events.
Outcome of autologous stem cell transplantation for AL amyloidosis in the UK
Authors: Goodman Hugh J. B. , Gillmore Julian D. , Lachmann Helen J. , Wechalekar Ashutosh D. , Bradwell Arthur R. , Hawkins Philip N.
Published: July 2006

High‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) is widely used as a treatment for systemic AL amyloidosis, but its efficacy has not been proved and it has substantial toxicity in this setting. We report here the outcome of 92 patients evaluated at the UK National Amyloidosis Centre who underwent SCT for AL amyloidosis between 1994 and 2004 in various British centres. Median age was 53 years and median of two organs were affected by amyloidosis. All‐cause day 100 mortality [treatment‐related mortality (TRM)] was 23% for the entire cohort, although this was substantially greater for patients treated from 1994 to 1998 (15/47, 32%) than subsequently (6/45, 13%). Independent factors significantly associated with TRM on multivariate analysis were: number of affected organs, performance status, serum albumin and age. Response of the underlying clonal disease, defined by ≥50% reduction in the aberrant serum‐free light chain concentration, occurred in 83% of evaluable patients. Overall median survival was 5·3 years, and was 8·5 years among patients who survived beyond day 100. Despite recent refinements in patient selection, TRM remains substantial during SCT for systemic AL amyloidosis, and its place in the therapeutic armamentarium for this disease needs to be defined in randomised controlled clinical studies.
Calcium salicylate‐mediated apoptosis in human HT‐1080 fibrosarcoma cells
Authors: Mahdi J. G. , Alkarrawi M. A. , Mahdi A. J. , Bowen I. D. , Humam D.
Published: July 2006

Abstract.  Salicylates are novel biologically active compounds that exhibit multiple therapeutic activities. The anti‐cancer effectiveness of calcium salicylate has been investigated on human HT‐1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines at relatively low concentrations (predominantly 0.4 mm) compared to those previously reported. Although low calcium salicylate concentrations did not retard tumour growth progression significantly, as measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and time‐lapse assays, its cytotoxic characteristics were proven to be prominent by various morphological and immunocytological techniques. The results here demonstrate evidence for approximately 25% apoptosis after treatment with calcium salicylate, which up‐regulatd the expression of p53, p21 and Bax, and down‐regulated Bcl‐2 in HT‐1080 cells.
Identification of jack‐jumper ant (Myrmecia pilosula) venom allergens
Authors: FORD S. A. , BALDO B. A. , WEINER J. , SUTHERLAND S.
Published: July 2006

Jack‐jumper ant venom proteins were etectrophoretically separated on SDS‐polyacry‐lamide gels, transferred to nitrocellulose and probed with sera from subjects who had experienced an allergic reaction after being bitten by a jack‐jumper ant. Ant venom components that bound IgE antibodies were detected by addition of 125I‐anti‐human IgE followed by autoradiography. Of the 17 polypeptides resolved by electrophoresis only three, of molecular weights approximately 14 kD, 12 kD and 10 kD, bound IgE antibodies from the panel of 50 sera examined. There was a marked similarity in the binding patterns by individual sera with almost all of the sera recognizing the 14 kD and 12 kD components. IgE‐binding profiles of separated ant venoms from ants collected in different regions of Australia appeared to be very similar if not identical. Identification of the ant allergens is a necessary prelude to the preparation of standardized venom sac extracts suitable for safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic use.
Selenium status in relation to reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in aspirin‐sensitive asthma
Authors: PEARSON D. J. , SUAREZ‐MENDEZ V. J. , DAY J. P. , MILLER P. F.
Published: July 2006

Selenium status and its relationship to lowered platelet glutathione peroxidase activity was investigated in 18 subjects with aspirin (ASA)‐induced asthma and in asthmatic and non‐asthmatic ASA‐tolerant subjects. Mean serum selenium concentration in ASA‐toleranl asthmatics (1.25 μm; 98.5 μg/1) was significantly higher than that in ASA‐induced asthma subjects (1.14μm/l; 89.7μg/1) and than that in healthy controls (1.15 μm/1.91 μg/1). Although there was a correlation between serum selenium concentration and platelet glutathione peroxidase activity, enzyme activity was significantly lower in the ASA‐induced asthma group compared to other groups even after correcting for selenium status. These results indicate that lowered platelet glutathione peroxidase activity in ASA‐induced asthma is a product of both selenium availability and an unidentified syndrome‐specific (possibly genetic) factor.
Relationship of total serum IgE levels in cord and 9‐month sera of infants
Authors: HALONEN M. , STERN D. , LYLE S. , WRIGHT A. , TAUSSIG L. , MARTINEZ F. D.
Published: July 2006

To characterize IgE levels at birth and changes in those levels during the first year of life and to identify Factors that might influence IgE levels in infancy, we measured IgE levels in 1074 umbilical cord sera and in 697 sera obtained at 9 months of age in a healthy population of infants enrolled at birth into the Children's Respiratory Study in Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A. Serum IgE levels at birth and 9 months were log normally distributed with geometric means of 0.09 and 3.87 IU/ml, respectively. Cord serum IgE levels were unaffected by maternal smoking. Levels varied according to month of birth with a nadir in September. Cord and 9‐month serum IgE levels were higher in boys than in girls, Hispanics compared with Anglos, and infants who developed eczema compared with those who did not, but the mean increases in log IgE from birth to 9 months were not significantly affected by these factors. A significant correlation between IgE levels at cord and 9 months was observed (r= 0.44; P < 0.0001). Also, mean log IgE levels at 9 months in infants grouped according to cord serum IgE levels maintained the same rank order of mean values as the cord groups. These data indicate that 9‐month IgE levels are influenced by cord serum IgE levels and that the main influence of gender, ethnicity and susceptibility to eczema on IgE levels occurs before birth.
The effect of zardaverine, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase isoenzymes III and IV, on endotoxin‐induced airway changes in rats
Authors: KIPS J. C. , JOOS G. F. , PELEMAN R. A. , PAUWELS R. A.
Published: July 2006

Zardaverine is a novel phosphodiesterase III/IV inhibitor, developed as a potential therapeutic agent for asthma. In this study we evaluated the effect of zardaverine in an in vivo animal model of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Endotoxin exposure in rats causes a transient increase in airway responsiveness and a neutrophilic inflammation of the bronchi, which are both at least partly mediated through the secondary release of tumour necrosis factor a (TNFα), Groups of 10 animals each were pretreated with placebo or zardaverine (1, 10, 30μmol/kg) i.p., 30 min prior to exposure to aerosolized endotoxin (LPS) or saline. Ninety minutes later, airway responsiveness to 5‐HT was assessed and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) performed. Zardaverine did not influence basehne lung resistance (RL), but inhibited dose dependently the 5‐HT induced increase in RL in control animals. In placebo pretreated animals LPS exposure caused a signiflcant decrease in PC50RL5‐HT (provocative concentration of 5‐HT causing a 50% increase in RL), compared to the saline exposed control group (1.1 ± 0.1 vs 2.7± 0.4μg/kg) (P<0.01). This decrease in PC50RL‐HT was significantly inhibited by zardaverine 30μmol/kg (5.4 ± 1.8 vs 1.1 ± 0.1μg/kg) (P<0.05). Compared to placebo pre‐treated, LPS exposed animals, zardaverine 30 μmol/kg also significantly inhibited to LPS induced neutrophil increase (193.0 ± 50.0 vs 915.6± 181.3 × 103) (P < 0.05), increase in elastase activity (23 ± 11 vs 54 ± 9 nmol substrate/h/ml) (P<0.05) and TNFα release in BAL fluid (93.1 ± 19.5 vs 229.5 ± 24.8 U/ml BAL fluid) (P<0.01).

These results indicate that zardaverine suppresses the endotoxin indueed airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in rats. Protection against the increase in responsiveness can be attributed both to inhibition of TNFα release and to functional antagonism towards 5‐HT induced bronehoconstriction.
Effect of cetirizine, a potent H1 antagonist, on platelet activating factor induced bronchoconstriction in asthma
Authors: Ghosh S. K. , Rafferty P. , VOS C. De , Patel K. R.
Published: July 2006

Effect of eetirizine. a potent and specific H1 receptor antagonist, was examined on platelet activating factor‐induced bronchoconstrietion in 10 patients (5 male, mean [s.e.m.] aged 37 4 [3–6] years) with mild asthma in a placebo controlled, double‐blind cross‐over study. Airway responses were assessed by measuring specific airway conductance (SGaw). Patients were challenged with a single dose (12–96 μG) of PAF that had previously produced a 35% fall in SGaw. PAF challenges were performed after single dose (15 mg) and I week's treatment (15mg twice daily) of cetirizine. There was no significant difference in pre‐and post‐treatment baseline values of SGaw on different study days and the percentage changes after cetirizine were 38 7 (701) and 45–6 (5–52) eompared to 50 2 (2–89) and 43–9 (7–26) with placebo respectively. Similarly mean (s.e.m.) area under eurve (AUC‐SGaw/time course response) was 391 (143) and 514 (85) with cetirizine compared to 565 (37) and 461 (94) with placebo respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. There was no difference in facial flushing and feeling of warmth between cetirizine and placebo. We conclude that PAF induced bronehoconstriction in humans is not mediated by histamine release and that H1 receptor antagonists do not modify PAF indueed bronehoeonstriction.
Local nasal immunotherapy for birch allergic rhinitis with extract in powder form
Authors: ANDRI L. , SENNA G. , ANDRI G. , DAMA A. , GIVANNI S. , BETTELI C. , DIMITRI G. , FALAGIANI P. , MEZZEKANI P.
Published: July 2006

Background
Traditional subeutaneous immunotherepy has been proved effective in birch pollenosis. It has, however, some drawbacks as systeic reactions, which are rare but important. Local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT)represents a potential safer route of allergen administration.

Objective
To study the clinical efficacy and safety of local nasal immunotherapy by means of an extract in powder form as treatment of birch allergic rhinitis.

Methods
Thirty birch allergic patients have been selected on the basis of a positive history, skin test, radioalllergosorbent test assay (RAST)and specific nasal challange. Two 15 patient groups were randomly assigned to the active treatment or to the placebo one. Treatment lasted 22 weeks (14 for the build‐up phase and eight for the maintenance period)and symptoms were recorded during the treatment and the birch pollen season.

Results
The clinical efficacy of LNIT is suggested by a significant reduction of medication score only in the treated group during the pollen season, although the symptom score was significant increase of specific nasal thereshold dose was obserbved after treatment only in the active treated group. Mild adverse reaction to LNIT, limited to the upper respiratory tract, were reported during the treatment in the active group, but they did not interface with LNIT schedule. No asthmatic or systemic reaction were observed.

Conclusions
This Study Indicates that LNIT with allergen in powder form has proven clinically effective in the treatment of birch allergic rhinitis. Further studies are needed to establish weather this treatment can be considered a real alternative to the traditional subeutaneous immunotherapy in birch allergic rhinitis.
Iodine intake and incidence of thyroid cancer in Denmark
Authors: Sehestedt Thomas , Knudsen Nils , Perrild Hans , Johansen Christoffer
Published: July 2006

Objective  Iodine intake is suspected to be a risk factor for thyroid cancer. Eastern Denmark is characterized by mild and western Denmark by moderate iodine deficiency, and this difference is associated with a 50% difference in the occurrence of goitre and thyrotoxicosis. The objective of the study was to determine whether the incidence of thyroid cancer differs between these two regions, as any difference would have important safety implications for the national iodine supplementation programme.

Design and Methods  We studied all thyroid cancers notified to the Danish Cancer Registry in the period 1973–1997, focusing on the four most frequent subtypes: papillary, follicular, anaplastic and medullary thyroid cancer. A Poisson regression model was used with models of goodness‐of‐fit for age, period, sex.

Results  No regional difference was found in the overall incidence of follicular (0·3% 100 000 person‐years) or papillary (0·7% 100 000 person‐years) thyroid cancer. A slight but nonsignificant increase in total incidence, resulting mainly from a significant increase in the incidence for the papillary subtype, was observed in both regions.

Conclusion  The results suggest that modest differences in iodine intake do not affect thyroid cancer incidence or the distribution of subtypes.
Pleomorphic adenoma of salivary gland: to what extent does fine needle aspiration cytology reflect histopathological features?
Authors: Das D. K. , Anim J. T.
Published: July 2006

Objective:  The histological diversity encountered in pleomorphic adenoma may cause diagnostic difficulty in fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology due to limited and selective sampling. The present study based on 25 histologically confirmed pleomorphic adenoma cases attempts to find out to what extent FNA cytology reflects the histopathological features.

Methods:  May‐Grünwald‐Giemsa and Papanicolaou stained smears, and haematoxylin and eosin stained paraffin sections of 25 pleomorphic adenomas of parotid and submandibular glands were reviewed. The cellularity, which was assessed in a sliding scale of 1+ to 4+, and proportions of epithelial to mesenchymal components in FNA smears and histology was determined and compared. The frequency of morphological features such as squamous metaplastic cells, cells with oncocytic change, acinus formation, mucus globules, papilla formation, giant cells, myxoid and chondroid matrix as well as specific nuclear features was compared between the two diagnostic methods, and the statistical significance was determined using Fisher's exact test of probability.

Results:  There was complete concordance between cytology and histology with respect to overall cellularity in 14 (56.0%) cases and in the proportions of epithelial to mesenchymal components in 13 (52.0%). Epithelial cells and myxoid matrix were present in all cases. There was no significant difference between smear and tissue section with respect to frequency of squamous metaplasia, oncocytic change, acinus formation, papilla formation, mucus globules, giant cells, nuclear pleomorphism, nuclear chromatin pattern, and mitotic figures. Morphological parameters that were significantly higher in FNAC compared with histology included intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions (36.0% versus 8.0%, p = 0.0374), nuclear grooves (84.0% versus 48.0%, p = 0.0090), and reniform nuclei (20.0% versus 0.0%, p = 0.0502). Chondroid matrix was the only parameter which was significantly more common in histology than in cytology (44.0% versus 4.0%, p = 0.019).

Conclusion:  FNA cytology demonstrates well most of the histological features of pleomorphic adenoma of salivary gland and may be considered a useful tool in initial assessment of the tumour.
P‐cadherin expression in glandular lesions of the uterine cervix detected by liquid‐based cytology
Authors: Longatto Filho A. , Albergaria A. , Paredes J. , Moreira M. A. R. , Milanezi F. , Schmitt F. C.
Published: July 2006

Objective:  To study P‐cadherin aberrant expression as a possible marker for cervical adenocarcinomas in cytological samples.

Methods:  We studied P‐cadherin immunoexpression in liquid‐based cervical cytology samples of biopsy‐proven cervical lesions.

Results:  We found a statistically significant correlation between P‐cadherin expression and a cytological diagnosis of malignancy, either glandular or squamous (P < 0.0001). Twenty‐two of 33 malignant cases showed P‐cadherin membrane staining. None of the 30 benign cases tested showed membrane staining, but three of them displayed an aberrant nuclear P‐cadherin expression.

Conclusions:  We concluded that P‐cadherin can be used to discriminate between malignant and benign cervical cytological specimens, but not to discriminate glandular from squamous lesions.
Laboratory performance measures: evidence against low‐risk women explaining low detection rates of high‐grade abnormalities
Authors: Mitchell H. S.
Published: July 2006

Objective:  When a laboratory has a low reporting rate of high‐grade abnormality for its cervical cytology specimens, the question arises whether this is due to the laboratory screening a low‐risk group of women. This study was undertaken to explore the hypothesis that a low‐risk group of women were screened by Victorian laboratories not meeting the recommended minimum standard for the detection of high‐grade abnormalities.

Methods:  A cohort of 28 094 women was established comprising women whose cervical cytology was reported in 2000 by laboratories not meeting the recommended standard of 0.5% high‐grade abnormalities in their reporting of community smears. Outcome measures included the prevalence of high‐grade abnormality on the next cytology test for the women, the positive predictive value of the cytology reports of high‐grade abnormality, and the standardized incidence ratio for a later diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Results:  The prevalence of high‐grade abnormality was 0.36% on the index cytology compared with 0.68% on the first subsequent cytology report. Sixty‐nine per cent (60/87) of the index cytology reports of high‐grade abnormality were confirmed as high‐grade abnormalities on histology, compared with 70.8% (121/171) for the first subsequent reports of high‐grade abnormality. During 70 015 person‐years at risk, nine cases of cervical cancer were observed compared with 5.21 expected cases, giving a standardized incidence ratio of 1.73 (95% CI 0.79–3.28).

Conclusions:  These results do not support a hypothesis that the low detection rate for high‐grade abnormalities is due to the women comprising a low‐risk group for cervical neoplasia.
Resistance vs recovery: morphological strategies of coral reef sponges
Authors: WULFF J. L.
Published: July 2006

An inverse association between ability to regenerate and structural complexity (i.e. internal differentiation and integration), illustrated by comparisons among animal phyla, suggests a dichotomy between suites of morphological traits that promote recovery from damage vs traits that promote resistance to damage.

The phylum Porifera is particularly suited for exploration of relationships among regeneration, resistance to damage and complexity. Sponges are noted for their structural simplicity and great facility at regeneration, relative to members of all other animal phyla; but sponge species vary widely in ability to recover from damage, and in overall morphology and skeletal properties.

Morphological strategies related to resistance to damage and recovery from damage were explored using data on the amount and type of damage incurred by 576 sponge individuals representing 67 species in a major hurricane. Five weeks of monitoring each individual for continued deterioration or recovery demonstrated an inverse relationship between the extent of injuries dealt by the storm and recovery success.

A trade‐off between morphological strategies that promote resistance to damage vs those that promote efficient recovery could result in the disproportionate and permanent loss of resistant species, as these poor recoverers are increasingly overwhelmed by multiple simultaneous challenges.
Optimal toxicity in animals: predicting the optimal level of chemical defences
Authors: LONGSON C. G. , JOSS J. M. P.
Published: July 2006

Prey species that defend themselves with toxins operate under constraints that affect both the benefits and costs associated with this trait. To date, there has been only limited work on understanding these benefits and costs.

We present a mathematical model that accounts for costs incurred by toxic animals throughout their life cycle, using known parameters from the ecological literature. These costs are traded against the benefit of a reduced predation risk. Factors involved in modifying this risk are discussed, particularly the relationship to population density.

Explicit, quantitative predictions of the model include: an increase in the optimal level of toxicity as predation pressure increases; a decrease in the optimal level of toxicity as cost increases; and an increase in optimal toxicity as the length of juvenile life stages increases.

We show that toxicity will not be favourable under a combination of high cost and high predation, and cite examples to support this case.
Predicting the functional response of a farmland bird
Authors: STILLMAN R. A. , SIMMONS V. L.
Published: July 2006

Mechanistic models may be able to predict how changes in agricultural practice influence farmland bird populations. A key component of these models is the link between food and competitor densities and the rate at which birds consume food, i.e. the functional response.

This paper tests whether the functional response of a farmland bird, the rook Corvus frugilegus, can be predicted from three parameters: searching speed, food detection distance and handling time. It is often difficult to measure the functional response of farmland birds directly, but it may be possible to measure behavioural parameters more quickly.

We performed experiments in which rooks fed on a range of artificial food densities in two grass sward heights. Food detection distance was greater in the shorter sward, but sward height did not influence searching speed or handling time. The functional response could be accurately predicted in both sward heights.

We show that the functional response of a farmland bird can be predicted from parameters that can be measured more quickly than the alternative of measuring the functional response directly. This implies that the functional responses of other farmland birds may be predicted using a minimum of information.
The fundamental operating principles of electronic root canal length measurement devices
Authors: Nekoofar M. H. , Ghandi M. M. , Hayes S. J. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: July 2006

It is generally accepted that root canal treatment procedures should be confined within the root canal system. To achieve this objective the canal terminus must be detected accurately during canal preparation and precise control of working length during the process must be maintained. Several techniques have been used for determining the apical canal terminus including electronic methods. However, the fundamental electronic operating principles and classification of the electronic devices used in this method are often unknown and a matter of controversy. The basic assumption with all electronic length measuring devices is that human tissues have certain characteristics that can be modelled by a combination of electrical components. Therefore, by measuring the electrical properties of the model, such as resistance and impedance, it should be possible to detect the canal terminus. The root canal system is surrounded by dentine and cementum that are insulators to electrical current. At the minor apical foramen, however, there is a small hole in which conductive materials within the canal space (tissue, fluid) are electrically connected to the periodontal ligament that is itself a conductor of electric current. Thus, dentine, along with tissue and fluid inside the canal, forms a resistor, the value of which depends on their dimensions, and their inherent resistivity. When an endodontic file penetrates inside the canal and approaches the minor apical foramen, the resistance between the endodontic file and the foramen decreases, because the effective length of the resistive material (dentine, tissue, fluid) decreases. As well as resistive properties, the structure of the tooth root has capacitive characteristics. Therefore, various electronic methods have been developed that use a variety of other principles to detect the canal terminus. Whilst the simplest devices measure resistance, other devices measure impedance using either high frequency, two frequencies, or multiple frequencies. In addition, some systems use low frequency oscillation and/or a voltage gradient method to detect the canal terminus. The aim of this review was to clarify the fundamental operating principles of the different types of electronic systems that claim to measure canal length.
Modern distance education project for the rural schools of China: recent development and problems
Authors: Yu S. Q. , Wang Minjuan J.
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The Modern Distance Education Project for the Rural Schools (MDEPRS) of China has a wider scope and serves a larger population than any other informational project in the world. It likely will result in a far‐reaching informational revolution for basic education in China. Here, we introduce three main innovative models of material delivery, the recent developments of MDEPRS, and the problems associated with this project. We then fully discuss strategies for optimizing this project, such as establishing reasonable goals and directions, restructuring its major components, improving the delivery models and digital contents, sustaining its development, conducting better financial audit and project evaluation, and increasing community participation and financial investment.
Psychiatric inpatient units for children and adolescents with intellectual disability
Authors: Smith P. , Berney T. P.
Published: July 2006

Background  Inpatient beds for the psychiatric assessment and treatment of young people (under the age of 18 years) with intellectual disability have become scarce although there is pressure to redevelop them. In the UK, 63% of the NHS beds are at Prudhoe Hospital. This study examines their rôle and utility in relation to community services, both local and national.

Method  A case note study of the 96 young people admitted over three years was supplemented by a standardised interview canvassing the opinion of the staff involved, both within the units and in the community.

Results  Two groups emerged: those with more severe disability who were admitted for neuropsychiatric management (63%) and those, predominantly adolescent, whose problems were closer to mainstream psychiatry but whose intellectual disability prevented their needs being met adequately by mainstream services (37%). Admissions were equally divided between those from the immediate vicinity and nationally. For 43% the primary aim was to disentangle the extent of the environmental effect on the individual: the remainder were admitted for various reasons including, for example, the need to protect the individual from harming themselves or others, unusually complex or hazardous treatment or the carers inability to cope with the treatment plan. All admissions were thought appropriate but, had the community resources been better, 18% were avoidable.

Conclusions  Admission is necessary for a small number of young people who are not readily managed within mainstream units. While the number may be reduced by better community provision, this is likely to partially offset by better case finding. Inpatient facilities should be closely linked with community services; a point reinforced by the prolongation of admissions because a shortfall in community resources.
A general variance predictor for Cavalieri slices
Authors: CRUZ‐ORIVE L. M.
Published: July 2006

A general variance predictor is presented for a Cavalieri design with slices of an arbitrary thickness t ≥ 0. So far, prediction formulae have been available either for measurement functions with smoothness constant q = 0, 1, … , and t ≥ 0, or for fractional q ∈ [0, 1] with t = 0. Because the possibility of using a fractional q adds flexibility to the variance prediction, we have extended the latter for any q ∈ [0, 1] and t ≥ 0. Empirical checks with previously published human brain data suggest an improved performance of the new prediction formula with respect to the hitherto available ones.
Direct and efficient stereological estimation of total cell quantities using electron microscopy
Authors: NYENGAARD J. R. , GUNDERSEN H. J. G.
Published: July 2006

Stereological estimation of total subcellular quantities in bioscience is presented in this report. Special emphasis is placed on the use of electron microscopy, which under certain circumstances may be combined with light microscopy. Three strategies based on the Cavalieri principle, the disector and local stereological probes through arbitrarily fixed points for estimation of total quantities inside cells are presented. The quantities comprise (total) number, length, surface area, volume or 3D spatial distribution for organelles as well as total amount of gold particles, various compounds or certain cytochemical markers.
A brief update on lung stereology
Authors: OCHS MATTHIAS
Published: July 2006

Lung stereology has a long and successful tradition. From mice to men, the application of new stereological methods at several levels (alveoli, parenchymal cells, organelles, proteins) has led to new insights into normal lung architecture, parenchymal remodelling in emphysema‐like pathology, alveolar type II cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy and intracellular surfactant alterations as well as distribution of surfactant proteins. The Euler number of the network of alveolar openings, estimated using physical disectors at the light microscopic level, is an unbiased and direct estimate of alveolar number. Surfactant‐producing alveolar type II cells can be counted and sampled for local size estimation with physical disectors at a high magnification light microscopic level. The number of their surfactant storage organelles, lamellar bodies, can be estimated using physical disectors at the EM level. By immunoelectron microscopy, surfactant protein distribution can be analysed with the relative labelling index. Together with the well‐established classical stereological methods, these design‐based methods now allow for a complete quantitative phenotype analysis in lung development and disease, including the structural characterization of gene‐manipulated mice, at the light and electron microscopic level.
Clear imaging of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) signals of Ras activation by a time‐lapse three‐dimensional deconvolution system
Authors: YOKONO TAKESHI , KOTANIGUCHI HIROTO , FUKUI YASUHISA
Published: July 2006

A procedure for a time series of three‐dimensional Förster resonance energy transfer observation of a cell has been established. It employs quantitative deconvolution and three‐dimensional views of intensity‐modulated displays. The development was done with Raichu, a synthetic Ras protein capable of producing Förster resonance energy transfer upon its activation, for which two‐dimensional imaging has been established. This method gave much clearer images of Förster resonance energy transfer than does the usual method without deconvolution, even though the signals were relatively weak. The results suggest that this procedure is compatible with weak fluorescent light, which is prone to photobleaching.
Analysis of recrystallized volume fractions in uranium using electron backscatter diffraction
Authors: MCCABE RODNEY J. , TETER DAVID F.
Published: July 2006

Electron backscatter diffraction was used to examine the recrystallization behaviour of warm, clock‐rolled uranium. A new uranium preparation method was developed, resulting in acceptable specimen surface finishes nearly every time, even for as‐rolled specimens. Recrystallized fractions were differentiated from unrecrystallized fractions using differences in the grain average misorientation, a measure of the internal level of misorientation within a grain. This new approach better estimates the recrystallized fraction than hardness measurements, and has the advantage over standard metallographic techniques of providing texture information.
Atomic force microscopy imaging of actin cortical cytoskeleton of Xenopus laevis oocyte
Authors: SANTACROCE M. , ORSINI F. , PEREGO C. , LENARDI C. , CASTAGNA M. , MARI S. A. , SACCHI V. F. , POLETTI G.
Published: July 2006

In this study we report an atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigation of the actin cortical cytoskeleton of Xenopus laevis oocytes. Samples consisted of inside‐out orientated plasma membrane patches of X. laevis oocytes with overhanging cytoplasmic material. They were spread on a freshly cleaved mica surface, subsequently treated with Triton X‐100 detergent and chemically fixed. The presence of actin fibres in oocyte patches was proved by fluorescence microscopy imaging. Contact mode AFM imaging was performed in air in constant force conditions. Reproducible high‐resolution AFM images of a filamentous structure were obtained. The filamentous structure was identified as an actin cortical cytoskeleton, investigating its disaggregation induced by cytochalasin D treatment. The thinnest fibres showed a height of 7 nm in accordance with the diameter of a single actin microfilament. The results suggest that AFM imaging can be used for the high‐resolution study of the actin cortical cytoskeleton of the X. laevis oocyte and its modifications mediated by the action of drugs and toxins.
Calibration and standardization of the emission light path of confocal microscopes
Authors: CHO E. H. , LOCKETT S. J.
Published: July 2006

Recently, there has been a large expansion in the usage of optical microscopes for obtaining quantitative information from biological samples in order to determine fundamental biological information such as molecular kinetics and interaction, and heterogeneity within cell populations. Consequently, we built a highly stable, uniform, isotropically emitting and convenient‐to‐use light source, and designed image analysis procedures for calibrating the emission light path of optical microscopes. We used the source and procedures to analyse the quantitative imaging properties of a widely used model of laser scanning confocal microscope. Results showed that the overall performance was as high as could be expected given the inherent limitations of the optical components and photomultiplier tubes. We observed that the photon detection efficiency did not vary with photomultiplier tube gain and that the highest dynamic range was achieved with relatively low gain and 12‐bit digitization. Practical applications of the light source for checking the transmission of optical components in the emission light path are presented.
Preparation of TEM samples of metal–oxide interface by the focused ion beam technique
Authors: ABOLHASSANI S. , GASSER PHILIPPE
Published: July 2006

This paper describes a procedure to prepare metal–oxide interfaces for transmission electron microscopy by the focused ion beam technique. The advantage of this procedure is to allow the observation of metal–oxide interfaces of irradiated samples with a homogeneous thickness without the need to have an instrument inside laboratories that are specialized for the manipulation of irradiated materials. A transmission electron microscopy sample is prepared by this method and analysed.
An automatic method for identifying appropriate gradient magnitude for 3D boundary detection of confocal image stacks
Authors: GUAN Y. Q. , CAI Y. Y. , LEE Y. T. , OPAS M.
Published: July 2006

Gradients play an important role in 2D image processing. Many edge detection algorithms are gradient‐based. We are interested in 3D boundary detection which can be considered as an extension of 2D edge detection in 3D space. In this paper, an algorithm to automatically and quantitatively measure the suitability of gradient magnitudes in detection of 3D boundary points of confocal image stacks is presented. A Measurement Function is defined to evaluate the suitability of each gradient magnitude chosen to be the threshold for 3D boundary detection. The application of Gauss's Divergence Theorem provides a solution to calculate the Measurement Function numerically. The gradient magnitude at which the maximum of the Measurement Function is achieved can be utilized as the most appropriate threshold for gradient‐based boundary detection and other operations like volume visualization.
The slow death of psychiatric nursing: what next?
Authors: HOLMES C. A.
Published: July 2006

Nursing has always struggled for recognition and status, and there has always been exploitation and shortages, and no more so than in psychiatric settings. Today, however, nursing is in truly dire straits and, as a consequence, psychiatric nursing is more precariously positioned than ever. In order to think constructively about psychiatric nursing’s future, it is crucial that this wider context in which it operates is fully appreciated, and this paper begins by summarizing the key features of this context from an international perspective. It is argued that dramatic changes occurring in ‘Western’ societies call for radical changes in public and professional thinking, and in their vision for health care in the future. Beginning with the general nursing context, this paper depicts the perilous state of psychiatric nursing and mental health care in Australia and elsewhere, and suggests some of the causal factors. It concludes by arguing that the future mental health workforce should be a graduate specialist who stands outside existing disciplinary identities.
Medical co‐morbidity risk factors and barriers to care for people with schizophrenia
Authors: MUIR‐COCHRANE E.
Published: July 2006

The management of risk is a fundamental component of the work of mental health nurses and is most commonly associated with aggressive, violent and suicidal behaviours exhibited by those suffering from mental illness. However, people with severe mental illness are increasingly at risk of experiencing a number of related and complex health problems that include obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This group also has much higher rates of morbidity and mortality than that of the general population resulting in high social, economic and individual costs. Some of the barriers to receiving prompt and appropriate physical health care include lack of recognition by health professionals and the difficulties faced by consumers of mental health services in negotiating the health care system. Establishment of comprehensive (addressing both physical and mental health issues) programmes of care can address this need and offer additional opportunities for closer and more collaborative nurse–patient relationships. This paper explores risk factors for medical co‐morbidity for people living with schizophrenia and suggests strategies that can facilitate better health outcomes.
Novel Mutation in the Interferon‐γ‐Receptor Gene and Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Infections
Authors: Storgaard M. , Varming K. , Herlin T. , Obel N.
Published: July 2006

In 1981 we presented a patient with Mycobacterium intracellulare osteomyelitis and depressed monocyte cytotoxicity. It is now demonstrated that the molecular defect was a never‐before‐described nucleotide deletion at position 794 (794delT) in the interferon‐γ‐receptor alpha‐1 gene. The genetic defect was passed on to his daughter who was diagnosed with non‐tuberculous mycobacterial osteomyelitis at the age of 7 years.
Intrathecal vs. intramuscular administration of human antitetanus immunoglobulin or equine tetanus antitoxin in the treatment of tetanus: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kabura L. , Ilibagiza D. , Menten J. , Van den Ende J.
Published: July 2006

Background  Mortality caused by tetanus is still a serious health problem in developing countries. Apart from immunization, early treatment with equine antitetanus serum (ATS) or human tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) is the real treatment that can avoid death. On pathophysiological grounds intrathecal administration would be preferred because of high concentrations of the antiserum in cerebrospinal fluid and thus around the nerve roots. Many studies concluded on its effectiveness whereas others did not find any superiority of this method. However, most of those studies were not random and/or had no sufficient weight.

Objective  To assess the efficacy of intrathecal therapy with ATS in neonates and adults.

Methods  Meta‐analysis: Clinical trials were identified by searching Medline, the Cochrane library and Current Contents. Published randomized studies in English or French comparing intrathecal therapy and intramuscular therapy (IMS) were analysed with Revman, R, and Stata software. Treatment effects were evaluated by relative risk (RR) between intrathecal vs. intramuscular administration.

Results  A total of 942 patients were included in 12 trials, 484 in the intrathecal group and 458 in the intramuscular one. The combined RR of mortality for intrathecal vs. IMS was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.62–0.81). The superiority of intrathecal therapy also emerged when the analysis was performed in subcategories of both adults and neonates and for high and low dose of intrathecal serotherapy.

Conclusion  Intrathecal administration of ATS or TIG is more beneficial than intramuscular administration in the treatment of tetanus.
Demodicosis in nine prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)
Authors: Jekl Vladimir , Hauptman Karel , Jeklova Edita , Knotek Zdenek
Published: July 2006

This case report describes the clinical signs and treatment of demodicosis in nine pet prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Clinical records including history, clinical examination, microscopic evaluation and fungal culture of the skin lesions were available for all nine animals. In seven animals, blood was obtained for haematological and biochemical analyses. Clinical signs comprised bilaterally symmetrical alopecia extending from the middle part of the back down to the skin of the thighs and the dorsal and ventral parts of the tail. Demodex mites were found in skin scrapings from all cases. Treatment with amitraz at 250 p.p.m. resulted in resolution of lesions and hair regrowth. This is the first report of demodicosis in this species.
Competitive interactions between chick‐pea genotypes and weeds
Authors: PAOLINI R , FAUSTINI F , SACCARDO F , CRINÒ P
Published: July 2006

Growing chick‐pea in sustainable systems requires the use and development of more competitive genotypes which can complement the effects of reduced input weed control. A 2‐year study assessed the competitive ability of 13 genotypes grown in either the presence or absence of weeds, in a split‐plot design including the weeds in pure stands. Crop and weed density, phenology, relative biomass of crop (RBc) and weeds (RBw), crop yield characters, crop biometric traits in the absence of weeds, relative biomass total of mixtures (RBT) and crop competitive ability (Cb = ln RBc/RBw) were recorded. Lines C136, C120, C101 and C106, and cultivars Pascià, Visir and Sultano gave the best seed yield in the absence of weeds (1.8–2.0 t ha−1 DM). Weeds reduced yield by 75% and 83% in C136 and C133 and by 87–97% in the other genotypes. Weed biomass in mixture (mainly Chenopodium album) averaged 4.42 t ha−1 DM. Chick‐pea genotypes C136 and C133 were the most competitive, but weeds were more competitive than any of the chick‐peas. Cb was correlated directly to the height of first fertile pod (r2 = 0.84) and inversely to the insertion angle of primary branches to the vertical (r2 = 0.77). Intergenotypic variation for competitive ability could be exploited in integrated weed control using more competitive genotypes, or used in breeding programmes aimed to develop highly competitive cultivars on the basis of easily screenable characters.