bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating EAI adoption in the local government authorities
Authors: Mustafa Kamal Muhammad , Themistocleous Marinos
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and validate the adoption lifecycle phases and perform the mapping of factors influencing the decision making process for enterprise application integration (EAI) adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases in two local government authorities (LGAs).

Design/methodology/approach

A case study based research approach using interviews with the decision makers is utilised to investigate the less acknowledged phenomena like EAI adoption. This approach assists in examining the phenomenon in its natural setting, examining the in‐depth complexities and processes, and providing considerable flexibility during interviews and observations.

Findings

According to the empirical findings, the factors influencing EAI adoption and the adoption lifecycle phases are appropriate for studying the research context. The analysis and study of the factors and adoption lifecycle phases is made carefully and specifically to fit and be compatible within the context of LGAs. As a result, it is apparent from the empirical findings that most of the factors influence the decision making process for EAI adoption on each phase of the adoption lifecycle in the case organisations with exception to few factors.

Research limitations/implications

The combination of theoretical discussions, analysis of the literature and empirical research presented in this paper illustrates the start of research on EAI adoption in LGAs. However, the theoretical and empirical data collected are confined to the limited context of two LGAs within the region of England. The structure of LGAs varies in different parts of the UK. In the light of the reflections and the research limitations of this paper it is recommended that further work could usefully be pursed to validate the adoption lifecycle phases and perform the mapping of the factors at each phase of the adoption lifecycle in the context of other types of LGAs, different cities and countries.

Originality/value

From a conceptual and empirical point of view, none of the existing EAI adoption studies investigated the mapping of the factors influencing EAI adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases. In doing so, the authors consider this as a literature void and report that it is important to understand and manage the EAI adoption process in LGAs. The mapping of factors process is substantial as it may enhance the analysis of EAI adoption process in LGAs and further facilitate the decision makers in realising the importance of EAI adoption factors.
Social enterprise and public sector voices on procurement
Authors: Muñoz Sarah‐Anne
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Research on social enterprise and social entrepreneurship has sought to examine the role that can be played by selling to the public sector in the generation of social enterprises' traded income. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the perceived barriers to engaging in a procurement relationship from the point of view of social enterprise practitioners and public sector procurement professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper stems from focus group work carried out during 2007 with social enterprise practitioners and public sector procurement professionals.

Findings

The analysis of these “voices” demonstrates the progress that has been made in various parts of the UK towards a procurement relationship between the public sector and the social enterprise sector that is more mutually beneficial. However, it also permits reflection on the barriers and challenges that still remain for social enterprises that wish to sell to the public sector.

Originality/value

This paper, therefore, highlights the key areas of support that are needed by both sides in order to create a more productive two‐way relationship. In turn, this allows the paper to reflect on how future research into this topic can support action “on the ground”.
Mapping social enterprises: past approaches, challenges and future directions
Authors: Lyon Fergus , Sepulveda Leandro
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how mapping of social enterprises has been carried out in the past, and the challenges being faced by current studies. It pays particular attention to the definitions used and how these definitions are operationalized. The challenges and future opportunities are examined, and recommendations are made for policy makers commissioning studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a range of different approaches, namely literature reviews, interviews with key informants, focus group type discussions with social enterprise support providers and researchers in different UK regions (in 2004), and focus group type discussions with policy makers in 2008.

Findings

There has been a variety of approaches with different definitions and politically‐driven interpretations of definitions, which limits the ability to compare results. A particular challenge has been in interpreting what is meant by “trading income” or “social” aims. This presents interesting political dilemmas with many studies avoiding clarity in order to be inclusive thereby reducing the rigour of their data collection and analysis.

Practical implications

Research at a national and regional scale is being carried out to identify the scale of the sector so public sector support resources can be justified, support can be targeted, and public sector spending can be evaluated. These approaches will need to be explicit about how they are carrying out the research, recognise the political nature of definitions and to address the challenges identified.

Originality/value

This paper will be used by researchers examining the impact and extent of social enterprises and policy makers commissioning such studies.
Evaluating the effects of blacklisting on residential property prices in Hong Kong
Authors: Yau Yung
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine whether public knowledge of poor conditions of multi‐storey residential buildings affected the sale prices of these properties based on an analysis of panel data in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous studies suggested that physical conditions of residential properties, particularly those concerning communal areas and services, might not be fully priced by the market because of the problem of information asymmetry. Therefore, it was envisaged that additional information pumped into the housing market could alter the price gradient between high‐quality and low‐quality properties. In November 2000, the Hong Kong Government publicly announced a list of poorly‐performing buildings, and this study aims to examine whether the blacklisting exercise brought about negative impacts on the sale prices of the affected properties. Hedonic price analysis was conducted on a set of panel data which consists of property transactions in both blacklisted and non‐blacklisted buildings.

Findings

The analysis results showed that properties in blacklisted buildings were not transacted at a discount, compared with those in non‐blacklisted buildings before the blacklisting exercise. Also, the release of public information on the blacklist did not create a relative diminution of the property prices of the blacklisted buildings.

Research limitations/implications

Thin property transactions in derelict buildings limited the number of observations for running the regression analysis.

Practical implications

The piecemeal blacklisting exercise could not create price differential in the housing market, and thus it was not possible for the Hong Kong Government to lure homeowners to invest in their properties by market forces. The government should consider the implementation of a territory‐wide building classification scheme or other alternatives to solve the problems of building disrepair.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to empirically investigate the value diminution effects of the government's blacklisting against dilapidation buildings.
Green legitimation: the construction of an environmental ethos
Authors: Wæraas Arild , Ihlen Øyvind
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of manipulation as a legitimation strategy. Focusing on the role of verbal communication, are integrated insights from rhetorical theory with strategic and institutional approaches to legitimacy in a study of three documents published by the “most admired” companies in the USA in 2007; General Electric (GE), Toyota, and Starbucks.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a qualitative analysis of three documents that describe the environmental focus and policies of GE, Toyota, and Starbucks. The approach involves analyzing and synthesizing a large number of environmental claims made by these companies.

Findings

The analysis of the texts reveals a constructed organizationalethosthat is combined with strong environmental focus to appear trustworthy in environmental matters in the eyes of consumers and stakeholders. Relying on four categories of environmental statements, the companies practice a form of “green” legitimation.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the small number of publications used as data sources, which makes generalizations problematic. It does not investigate the effects of the verbal claims.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the literature on organizational legitimation, providing valuable insights into manipulative legitimation. It demonstrates the need to combine insights from strategic and institutional approaches to legitimacy.
Answering the call! Adapting a traditional hunting practice to monitor duiker populations
Authors: Van Vliet Nathalie , Kaniowska Ewa , Bourgarel Mathieu , Fargeot Christian , Nasi Robert
Published: May 2009

In several regions of the Congo Basin the call of an endangered duiker is traditionally used by hunters to attract animals. We explore the possibility to standardize this call method to improve day time transect counts. Our study shows that the call is particularly efficient for the most common duiker species [Philantomba monticola (previously Cephalophus monticola), Cephalophus callipygus and Cephalophus dorsalis]. The call increases the number of direct sightings in secondary forests and counterbalances the bias caused by vegetation density in classic day time counts. The method is more effective during the first 4 min of the call and from 9.00 to 11.00 hours, particularly during the dry season. Hunting using the call does not significantly increase the sex bias (more males killed) obtained without the call. Compared with day time visual counts, the call method ensures a more reliable species identification because animals are better seen and for a longer time. Derived from a traditional practice, the call can be easily appropriated by local communities in participatory duiker surveys. However, the method is not recommended when multi‐species surveys are to be carried out or when densities are to be estimated because the area surveyed per unit call is unknown.
Differential expression and affinities of Arabidopsis gibberellin receptors can explain variation in phenotypes of multiple knock‐out mutants
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Park Seung‐Hyun , Okubo Kyoko , Kitamura Jun , Ueguchi‐Tanaka Miyako , Iuchi Satoshi , Katoh Etsuko , Kobayashi Masatomo , Yamaguchi Isomaro , Matsuoka Makoto , Asami Tadao , Nakajima Masatoshi
Published: May 2009

In Arabidopsis, three receptors exist for the phytohormone gibberellin. Of the three, only a double loss‐of‐function mutant (atgid1a atgid1c) shows a dwarf phenotype, while other double and all single mutants show no abnormality in height. In this study we show that the expression of AtGID1b–GUS mRNA, driven by the AtGID1b promoter, is low in inflorescence stems, but may be 10% of AtGID1a–GUS mRNA, driven by the AtGID1a promoter. However, AtGID1b–GUS enzymatic activity does not exist in them. This factor strongly suggests that atgid1a atgid1c lacks sufficient AtGID1b protein for normal stem growth. In the stamens of pAtGID1c::AtGID1c–GUS transformants, we detected clear AtGID1c–GUS activity, while another atgid1a atgid1b, which has short stamens in its flowers, causes the adhesion of little pollen to stigmas thus leading to its low fertility. We then evaluated the affinity of the AtGID1–DELLA interaction by a competitive yeast three‐hybrid system and also by QCM apparatus. AtGID1c showed a quite lower affinity to RGL2, the major DELLA protein in floral buds, than AtGID1a or AtGID1b. The low affinity of the AtGID1c–RGL2 interaction is likely to be responsible for the failure of AtGID1c to hold RGL2, which is required for normal stamen development. Taken together with expressional information of DELLA genes, we propose that in a double loss‐of‐function mutant of gibberellin receptors, the emergence of any phenotype(s) depends on the abundance of the remaining receptor and its preference to DELLA proteins existing at a target site.
Intermittent preventive treatment using artemisinin‐based combination therapy reduces malaria morbidity among school‐aged children in Mali
Authors: Barger Breanna , Maiga Hamma , Traore Oumar Bila , Tekete Mamadou , Tembine Intimbeye , Dara Antoine , Traore Zoumana Isaac , Gantt Soren , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Djimde Abdoulaye A.
Published: May 2009

Objective  To assess the efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) against malaria in school‐aged children.

Methods  This was an open randomized controlled trial of seasonal IPT among school children (IPTsc) aged 6–13 years in Kollé, Mali. The study began in September 2007 and completed follow‐up in May 2008. Students were randomized to one of three study arms: Sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine plus artesunate (SP/AS), amodiaquine plus artesunate (AQ/AS) or vitamin C. All students received two full treatment doses, given 2 months apart during the season of high transmission from September to December. Groups were compared with respect to incidence of clinical malaria, asymptomatic parasitemia and haemoglobin concentration.

Results  A total of 296 students were randomized, and retention in the study was 99.3%. Clinical malaria incidence in the SP/AS and AQ/AS arms was reduced by 66.6% and 46.5%, respectively, vs. vitamin C (P < 0.001). There were fewer clinic visits for any cause among the children receiving SP/AS or AQ/AS (P = 0.024). The prevalence of asymptomatic parasitemia was fivefold higher in the vitamin C arm than either SP/AS or AQ/AS at each post‐treatment evaluation (P < 0.001). At the end of the transmission period, children treated with IPT had lower rates of anaemia (SP/AS, 17.7%; AQ/AS, 16.0%; vitamin C, 29.6%; P = 0.039).

Conclusion  IPT among school children reduced the rates of clinical malaria, all‐cause acute clinic visits, asymptomatic parasitemia and anaemia among school‐aged children.
Sequence analysis of the novel HLA‐Cw*08 variant allele, Cw*0820, in a Chinese Han individual
Authors: Deng Z.‐H. , Xu Y.‐P. , Wang D.‐M.
Published: May 2009

A novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele, HLA‐Cw*0820, was identified in a Chinese Han individual. It differs from the closest allele Cw*080101 by single nucleotide change at genomic nucleotide (nt) 1615 G>A (coding sequence nt 652 G>A, codon 194 GTC>ATC) in exon 4, which results in an amino acid change Val194Ile.
High rate of infection and immune disorders in patients with hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation
Authors: Micheloud D. , Salcedo M. , Bañares R. , Rincón D. , Jensen J. , Rodríguez J.J. , Fernández‐Cruz E. , Carbone Campoverde J. , Resino S.
Published: May 2009

Abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the incidence of serious infections and changes in immunological markers after liver transplantation (LT) in a cohort of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study included 34 patients who had LT, 20 patients with HCV etiology (HCV group), and 14 patients with alcoholic etiology (non‐HCV group). Patients with HCV were more likely to have severe infections (80%) in comparison with patients in the non‐HCV group (42%) (P=0.05). The HCV group had a 3‐fold greater likelihood of early severe bacterial infections than the non‐HCV group. At 1 week post LT, the HCV group showed higher values of CD19+ B cells/μL than the non‐HCV group (P<0.05). At weeks 4 and 12 post LT, the HCV group had lower values of CD19+ B cells/μL (P<0.05). Our data suggest that HCV recurrence after LT was associated with a high incidence of early severe infections and immunological alterations, which may be related to this increased risk.
Changes of serum cytokines and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA by Kupffer cells after relief from obstructive jaundice in rats
Authors: Meng Ying , Gong Yi‐Chun , Dou Yan , Li Wen
Published: May 2009

Aims:  To investigate the changes of serum endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression by Kupffer cells after relief of obstructive jaundice (OJ) by internal biliary drainage (ID) and external biliary drainage (ED) in rats.

Materials and Methods:  Forty eight adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: OJ, ID, ED and sham operation (SH). Inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA by the Kupffer cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The serum TNF‐α and IL‐6 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and endotoxin by kinetic turbidimetric limulus tests.

Results:  Serum endotoxin, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were significantly elevated in OJ rats compared to that of SH rats (P < 0.01). After relief from OJ, the elevated endotoxin, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels could be significantly depressed by ID (P < 0.01). However, the serum IL‐6 level was increased in ED rats (P < 0.05) and the TNF‐α level was not depressed by ED. Expression of iNOS mRNA by Kupffer cells was markedly stronger in the OJ group than in the SH group (P = 0.005). After relief from OJ, the iNOS mRNA expression was suppressed by ID (P = 0.139, ID vs OJ). However, the iNOS mRNA expression was promoted by ED (P = 0.321 ED vs OJ; P = 0.016 ED vs SH).

Conclusions:  The levels of serum endotoxin, TNF‐α and IL‐6 and the expression of iNOS mRNA by Kupffer cells were increased in rats with obstructive jaundice. Internal biliary drainage could entirely reverse the changes, but external drainage only partially did.
Toll‐like receptors and their role in gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Testro Adam G , Visvanathan Kumar
Published: May 2009

The innate immune response to invading pathogens is centred upon a family of non‐clonal, germline‐encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), the Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). These provide specificity for a vast range of microbial pathogens, and offer an immediate anti‐microbial response system. Thirteen mammalian TLRs have been described; 10 are expressed in humans, each responsible for the recognition of distinct, invariant microbial structures originating from bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. The two most thoroughly studied are TLR4 and TLR2, the PRRs for Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial products, respectively. TLR4 is also the major receptor recognising endogenous ligands released from damaged or dying cells. Activation of a TLR by its relevant ligand rapidly ignites a complex intracellular signaling cascade that ultimately results in upregulation of inflammatory genes and production of proinflammatory cytokines, interferons and recruitment of myeloid cells. It also stimulates expression, upon antigen presenting cells, of co‐stimulatory molecules required to induce an adaptive immune response. Whilst a robust TLR response is critical for survival and defence against invading pathogens, inappropriate signaling in response to alterations in the local microflora environment can be detrimental. Such ‘unhelpful TLR responses’ could form the basis for a large number of gastrointestinal and liver disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver diseases and hepatic fibrosis. As our understanding of TLRs expands, the pathogenesis of a number of gastrointestinal disorders will be further elucidated, and this offers potential for specific therapies aimed directly at TLR signaling.
Pharmacogenetics of fluoropyrimidine and cisplatin. A future application to gastric cancer treatment
Authors: Shimoyama Shouji
Published: May 2009

Chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of gastric cancer both in adjuvant or advanced settings. Recent randomized trials in Japan have proved that S‐1, a novel fluoropyrimidine derivative, and cisplatin are the most promising agents. However, both the efficacy and toxicity of a given regimen vary widely among patients due to the inherited variability of genes that involve drug anabolism and catabolism. A narrow therapeutic index of antitumor agents, i.e. a given regimen being too toxic and/or less effective to some segment of patients, prevents the overall improvement of treatment outcomes. Pharmacogenetics, a research field elucidating genetic polymorphism in drug metabolizing enzymes, may contribute to identifying patients who benefit from chemotherapy or who will experience life‐threatening toxicity. There are several crucial enzymes identified involving anabolism and the catabolism of fluoropyrimidine and cisplatin, including dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, thymidylate synthase, orotate phosphoribosyl transferase, glutathione S transferase, and excision repair cross complementary group. Various polymorphisms and ethnic variabilities of these genes have been elucidated. This review highlights variations within biological functions, detection systems, and possible clinical applications of these enzymatic polymorphisms. This knowledge provides a tool to determine an optimum regimen according to the patient's drug metabolizing characteristics. This stance will contribute to establishing individualized therapies for gastric cancer, which offers superior efficacy with a minimal chance of severe toxicity.
Preoperative management for tricuspid regurgitation in hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Baba Kenji , Ohtsuki Shin‐ichi , Kamada Masahiro , Kataoka Kouichi , Ohno Naoki , Okamoto Yoshio , Takeuchi Mamoru , Iwasaki Tatsuo , Sano Shunji , Morishima Tsuneo
Published: May 2009

Background:  Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an important finding in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in the degree of TR after the preoperative management of HLHS with mechanical ventilation, and whether the improvement of TR under preoperative management would affect the short‐term prognosis of Norwood operation.

Methods:  Clinical and echocardiographic data of 55 patients with HLHS who underwent preoperative echocardiography and management at Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative management with mechanical ventilation was performed in 31 of these patients. Based on echocardiography the 55 patients were divided into a trivial–mild TR group (group A) and a moderate–severe TR group (group B).

Results:  After preoperative management, TR improved in six of the 31 patients and was unchanged in 25; in five of the nine group B patients, TR before management improved to the level of group A after management. In‐hospital deaths after surgery included 17 of the 48 patients in group A and five of the six in group B, but there was only one death in the five patients for whom TR improved from group B to group A level.

Conclusion:  Preoperative management of HLHS resulted in an improvement in the degree of TR. The short‐term prognosis was better for the patients in group A than those in group B, and so preoperative management is useful for HLHS patients, especially those with moderate or severe TR at admission, with the exception of severe dysplasia of tricuspid valve.
Distribution of anuran amphibians in massively altered landscapes in south‐eastern Australia: effects of climate change in an aridifying region
Authors: Mac Nally Ralph , Horrocks Gregory , Lada Hania , Lake P. Sam , Thomson James R. , Taylor Andrea C.
Published: May 2009

Aim  We explored whether the anuran amphibian faunas differed among landscapes that are relatively intact (largely covered in forests and woodlands) and others that are completely converted to agriculture. We also used historical data sets to assess the current condition of the anuran fauna in a region predicted to experience, and experiencing, severe drying and warming.

Location  Five pairs of landscapes (each of c. 20 km2) – one in each pair being almost completely wooded and the other cleared for agriculture – across a 30,000 km2 region of northern Victoria, Australia.

Methods  Sites were repeatedly surveyed in the austral winter–spring breeding seasons of 2006 and 2007, with records collected of numbers of calling males and the presence of egg masses and tadpoles. We characterized the sites using static (e.g. dimensions, surrounding physiognomic characteristics such as tree cover) and labile (e.g. pH, dissolved oxygen) variables. Data were analysed using hierarchical Bayesian models.

Results  For calling males, landscape type did not affect densities or species richness measures. The availability of a grassy verge around water bodies was an important predictor for most species, but other labile and static variables seemed not to be important. Fewer than half of the species historically known from the region were recorded. There were no important predictors of occurrence of egg masses or tadpoles. Reproduction effectively may have failed over the period, with fewer than one in four sites showing evidence of egg masses or tadpoles.

Main conclusions  The proportion of sites at which some well‐studied species (e.g. Crinia signifera, Limnodynastes dumerilii) were recorded has dropped substantially since the 1970s, as have average densities of calling males of Crinia spp. The remnant anuran fauna appears to be dominated by resilient and hardy species with low current diversity. The on‐going (12+ years) drought in these landscapes suggests a bleak long‐term prognosis for the few remaining species of anuran amphibians.
Can Multinational Corporations Afford to Ignore the Global Common Good?1
Authors: DE BETTIGNIES HENRI‐CLAUDE , LÉPINEUX FRANÇOIS
Published: May 2009

Contemporary advances in the fields of globalization and technologies raise the question of the relationship between international business and the global common good. Half of the hundred biggest economies in the world are now corporations. Nation‐states were traditionally viewed as the guarantors of the common good; however, the current historical stage is marked by the waning of the role of government, and reveals an emerging situation characterized by a co‐responsibility of multiple agents in this respect. Three major evolutions are likely to induce multinational corporations (MNCs) to take the global common good into account: the imperative of the preservation of our biosphere, the rise of an anti‐globalization sentiment with all its potential consequences, and the necessity to design a global social contract. Besides, these three phenomena are interconnected, which adds to the pressure on MNCs to change their policies.
Rights‐Bearing Street Kids: Icons of Hope and Despair in Brazil's Burgeoning Neoliberal State
Authors: DRYBREAD KRISTEN
Published: May 2009

This article seeks to understand the broader meanings behind the recent loss of hope for the futures of kids1 who live on the streets of Brazil. Through a historical examination of twentieth century Brazilian childhood legislation, the article contextualizes growing despair about the prospects of street children within the political, social, historical, and economic transformations occurring during Brazil's transition from military dictatorship to formal democracy. Accordingly, the article questions the extent to which the ideologies and institutions generated by and within Brazil's emerging neoliberal state are based upon—or perhaps lead to—the increased social exclusion (and in many cases the physical death) of kids who live on the streets.
Coatings of Low‐Density Lipoprotein and Synthetic Glycoconjugates as Substrata for Hepatocytes
Authors: Yura Hirofumi , Ishihara Masayuki , Nakamura Shingo , Kishimoto Satoko , Kanatani Yasuhiro , Horio Takuya , Ishizuka Takamitsu , Kawakami Mitsuyuki , Matsui Takemi
Published: May 2009

Asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptors expressed on rat hepatocytes interact with glycoproteins containing galactose or N‐acetylgalactosamine residues at the nonreducing termini of oligosaccharide chains to mediate endocytosis, and cholesterol transport protein with apolipoprotein B (LDL, low‐density lipoprotein) in plasma interacts with LDL receptors and heparinoids in the extracellular matrix. We developed novel techniques to prepare galactose‐ and LDL‐immobilized culture plates, using galactose‐tagged polystyrene (galactose‐carrying polystyrene [GalCPS]: N‐p‐vinylbenzyl‐O‐β‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐[1→4]‐D‐gluconamide) and poly(2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonate) (PAPS), respectively. Hepatocytes adhered well to plates coated with either GalCPS or LDL, and therefore the GalCPS‐ and LDL‐coated plates were examined as specific substrata for culturing hepatocytes. These cultures promoted the formation of three‐dimensional, multicellular aggregates with regulation of excess proliferation of non‐parenchymal cells. Furthermore, the LDL coating resulted in higher albumin synthesis and an identical level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) compared with cells cultured on collagen‐ and GalCPS‐coated plates. Thus, the two culture systems described here, and especially the LDL‐coated plates, have potential for the development of a hybrid artificial liver.
Red blood cell antibodies in pregnancy and their clinical consequences: synergistic effects of multiple specificities
Authors: Nordvall Maria , Dziegiel Morten , Hegaard Hanne Kristine , Bidstrup Mogens , Jonsbo Finn , Christensen Birgit , Hedegaard Morten
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: The objective was to determine clinical consequences of various specificities for the infant/fetus. The population was patients referred between 1998 and 2005 to the tertiary center because of detected red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization. Altogether 455 infants were delivered by 390 alloimmunized women.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Data were obtained from the blood bank register and the obstetric and neonatal database. As indicators of hemolytic activity of the antibodies, the frequency of the therapeutic interventions intrauterine transfusion, exchange transfusion, and simple transfusion was used.

RESULTS: Anti‐D was the most common antibody (46.6%), followed by anti‐K (15.4%). A combination of antibodies was detected in 27%. All three types of therapeutic intervention were significantly more frequent in women with anti‐D plus an additional antibody than in women with anti‐D as the sole antibody. The anti‐D titer closely paralleled the clinical importance of the antibody. One case of anti‐s with a titer of 512 required all three types of transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS: Anti‐D was the single most frequent and harmful specificity closely followed by anti‐K. Combinations of antibody specificities were more harmful than single specificities, and a potentially synergistic effect should be considered.
Simple evaluation of aortic arch calcification by chest radiography in hemodialysis patients
Authors: OGAWA Tetsuya , ISHIDA Hideki , MATSUDA Nami , FUJIU Ayuko , MATSUDA Akiko , ITO Kyoko , ANDO Yoshitaka , NITTA Kosaku
Published: May 2009

Vascular calcification is associated with a poor prognosis in dialysis patients. It can be assessed with computed tomography but simple inoffice techniques may provide useful information. We compared the results obtained with a simple noninvasive technique with those obtained using multidetector computed tomography for aortic arch calcification volume (AoACV) in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. The enrolled study subjects were 63 (32 men and 31 women) maintenance HD patients. Calcification of the aortic arch was semiquantitatively estimated with a AoAC score (AoACS) on plain chest radiology. The AoACV was increased, with a mean value of 6.6 ranging from 0% to 36.5%. The coefficient of intraobserver variation was less than 2.5%. Aortic arch calcification score was highly correlated with AoACV (r=0.635, P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed age (F value=12.62, P<0.001) and pulse pressure (F value=4.54, P=0.037) to be significant independent determinants of AoACS. In conclusion, a simple measurement of AoACS may be useful for inoffice imaging to choose a therapeutic regimen in HD patients.
Effect of excimer laser keratectomy on the mechanical performance of the human cornea
Authors: Hjortdal Jesper Ø. , Ehlers Niels
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Enucleated human eye globes were set‐up for measurements of pressure (2–100 mmHg) induced tangential epithelial and endothelial side corneal strain, and for measurements of central corneal thickness and central radius of curvature. In one experimental group (N = 6), a shallow ablation (15–20 μm deep) removing Bowman's layer was performed in the central 7 mm diameter zone of the cornea. The fellow eye served as control (N = 6). In another experimental group (N = 6) a 70% deep keratectomy was performed in the central 7 mm diameter zone. The pressure induced central corneal strain was 5–10% higher in corneas without Bowman's layer compared with intact corneas. The epithelial side tangential corneal strain in eyes with a 70% deep keratectomy increased to twice as much as that of intact corneas, but the endothelial side strain was similar. In all groups of eyes Young's modulus of elasticity increased rapidly with the corneal stress level up to testing loads of 25 mmHg. At higher loads the degree of stress‐stiffening was smaller. The differences in average corneal strain between the 3 groups could be explained by the induced changes in central corneal thickness, as there were no statistically significant differences in stress‐normalized Young's modula of elasticity between the 3 groups. The central radius of curvature did not change significantly with increasing pressure in intact eyes or in eyes without Bowman's layer. In deep keratectomized corneas the corneal radius of curvature decreased approximately 1% when the intraocular pressure was increased from 2 to 100 mmHg. The study indicates that Bowman's layer plays no particular role for the immediate elastic response induced by pressure loading of the cornea. Due to stress‐stiffening of the corneal stroma even a 70% deep keratectomy induces only minimal elastic changes in the central corneal radius of curvature. The different strain behaviour of the epithelial and endothelial side in deep keratectomized eyes suggests that corneal shear force resistance influence the regional tangential strain in pressure loading of surgically altered human corneas.
Recurrence and rejection rates following corneal transplantation for herpes simplex keratitis
Authors: Lomholt Jeanet Andersen , Baggesen Kirsten , Ehlers Niels
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Seventy‐two penetrating primary keratoplasties for herpes simplex keratitis performed from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed. Postoperative follow‐up periods ranged from 6 months to 16 years with 2 years median. Epithelial herpetic recurrence occurred in 25% of the transplants the first year and in 44% during the first 2 years. Primary allograft rejection was observed in 29% of the grafts the first year and in 46% during the first 2 years. Preoperative inflammation was a risk factor for preservation of a clear cornea (p < 0.10). The degree of corneal vascularization prior to operation did not influence the survival of the grafts. The overall one‐year survival rate of a clear graft was 84% and the 2‐year survival rate was 67%. Prophylactic antiviral treatment is discussed.
A National Cataract Register
Authors: Stenevi U. , Lundström M. , Thorburn W.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT In 1992 a Swedish National Cataract Register was instituted. More than 90% of all cataract surgeries are performed at community run eye clinics. All community run eye clinics in the country participated and 89% of all cataracts performed are included in this register. In total 31679 eyes were entered. All the pertinent preoperative information on these patients can be found in the register. As indicated in other studies two‐thirds of the surgeries were performed on women and one‐third of the surgeries was performed on second eyes. The number of surgeries equals 4.5 per 1000 inhabitants and this figure has steadily increased since 1980.
Progression of lens opacities in cataract patients after one year
Authors: Magno Benjamin V. , Datiles Manuel B. , Lasa Maria Susan M.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We used the Lens Opacities Classification System II to clinically grade the lenses of 57 patients with age‐related cataracts in at least one eye. Progression or regression in each lens region was defined as a one or more step change in the Lens Opacities Classification System II grading noted at 1 year and maintained at the 1 1/2 to 2 year visit (the validation visit). A validated change in a lens region in one eye of a patient was considered a change in that region for that patient. Person‐specific rates of cataract progression at 1 year were 42% for nuclear, 32% for cortical and 10% for posterior subcapsular opacities. Corresponding regression rates were 5%, 4%, and 2% for nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities, respectively. Progression rates were significantly greater than the regression rates only for nuclear and cortical opacities (p < 0.0005). These findings show the applicability of the clinical Lens Opacities Classification System II method in documenting and monitoring lens changes over time. The usefulness of person‐specific analysis was also shown.
Ocular hemodynamic changes in patients with high‐grade carotid occlusive disease and development of chronic ocular ischaemia
Authors: Kerty Emilia , Eide Nils , Hørven Ivar
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Ocular changes due to chronic ischaemia are described in 45 patients with hemodynamically significant carotid occlusive disease. Regarding the ophthalmic artery flow before and after vasodilatory stimulus, the patients were divided into four different groups. Eyes with permanent anterograde ophthalmic artery flow had evidence of embolic features, but no signs of chronic hypoperfusion. In the group where anterograde ophthalmic artery flow changed to retrograde after 1 g intravenous acetazolamide, the patients had symptoms of critical ocular perfusion, but only subtle structural changes could be demonstrated. Chronic ocular ischaemic syndromes were found in the cases with retrograde ophthalmic artery flow, especially where bilateral severe carotid obstruction was present.
Movement hyperacuity threshold deficit in juvenile onset diabetes mellitus
Authors: Buckingham T. J. , Kelly S. L. , Beh Y. K.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Oscillatory movement displacement thresholds from a group of 18 normal children (mean age of 9.2 ± 3.6 years) were compared with those obtained from a group of 26 age‐matched children (mean age of 9.9 ± 2.9 years) having insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. Disease durations ranged from 6 months to 12 years, although no ophthalmoscopic evidence of retinopathy was found in any subject. Up to about 8 years of age there is no significant difference in the performance of diabetics and controls (t = 1.00, p = n.s.), oscillatory movement displacement thresholds correlating with age in both groups (r = ‐0.59, p< 0.02). Over about 8 years of age oscillatory movement displacement thresholds no longer improve and the two groups perform significantly differently, thresholds being degraded in the insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus group compared to normals (t = 5.25, p<< 0.0001). It is suggested that the measurement of oscillatory movement displacement thresholds in children with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus can reveal its effects in the absence of retinopathy.
The influence of age on the flash visual evoked potentials
Authors: Contestabile Maria Teresa , Suppressa Francesco , Tonelli Giuseppe , Giorgi Dario , Antonnicola Guglielmo , D'Alba Eleonora
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The effect of age on flash visual evoked potentials was investigate in 148 normal subjects aged 6 to 84 years. The occurrence of the P1 wave progressively increased with age, while the P2 wave was recordable in all the subjects. There were significant effects of age on the P2 latency (p≤0.01) and the P2 amplitude (p≤0.01). The latency of the N1 and N2 waves significantly changed with age. In particular, the N2 wave that occurred in the absence of the P1 wave had a latency similar to that of the N1 wave had a latency similar to that of the N1 wave in cases where the P1 wave was present. We suggest that the cases apparently without the P1 wave could be explained with a merging of this wave with the P2 wave in a major single deflection.
Receptor and neural visual readaptation after exposure to colored flash
Authors: Persson Hans E. , Wang Ling , Söderberg Per G. , Tengroth Björn
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The time needed to recover optokinetic nystagmus or electroretinography complexes after a glare inducing flash was measured to study the receptor and neural visual readaptation. Electroretinographs and optokinetic nystagmus were evoked with low intensity stimuli. The light from a flash tube was filtered with an interference filter (Tmax = 536 or 622 nm) and evenly distributed into a Goldmann hemisphere observed by the subject. The recovery of the amplitude of the a‐wave of the electroretinography is quicker than the recovery of optokinetic nystagmus after a low intensity glare inducing flash. The recovery time was shorter for a red than for a green flash of equivalent dose for both recovery modalities. The time difference between electroretinography a‐wave and optokinetic nystagmus recovery was the same and independent of glare inducing flash wavelength. The recovery of the amplitude of the a‐wave of the electroretinography was quicker than the recovery of optokinetic nystagmus after a low intensity glare inducing flash. This time difference between the recovery modalities may in part be due to the difference between the physiological stimuli used, but it is believed that most of the time difference is because the recovery of optokinetic nystagmus monitors more of the afferent visual pathway with complex post receptor neural mechanisms than the recovery of the a‐wave.
Combined use of argon laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Laatikainen Leila , Mattila Jouko , Kärnä Jussi
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is to describe results of combined use of argon laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy in the treatment of stage 3 + retinopathy of prematurity in a non‐controlled clinical series of 6 premature children with a birth weight of 545–1610 g (mean 914 g) and a gestational age of 24–31 weeks. Both treatment modalities were performed in the same session, and in 5 cases both eyes were treated. Inactivation of the proliferative process was obtained with one treatment session in 3 cases, with two treatment sessions in 3 cases. No serious late sequelae of retinopathy of prematurity developed in any of the eyes, one eye has an ectopic macula and esotropia, and one child has high myopia (– 8.0 D) and exotropia. Laser treatment is less irritating and the scars are less pronounced compared with cryocoagulation, but in some cases treatment of the most anterior retina with laser is difficult. Combination of the two treatment modalities may in these cases give the best result.
A simple and effective video keratometric system
Authors: Igarashi Hiromasa , Cheng Hong‐Ming , Kojima Mitsuru , Igarashi Sachiko , Yoshida Akitoshi
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We tested a personal computer‐based video keratometric system used to analyze projected placido disk rings. The system consists of a Maloney surgical keratometer that projects the rings and a video camera attached to an operating microscope. Images of the rings were transmitted to a video image processing board and analyzed on a personal computer using an anlaysis program we developed. System precision was evaluated in 18 eyes. The values were compared with those obtained using a commercial photokeratometer (control). In all eyes, the principal meridian values differed from the controls by <0.04 mm. In 15 eyes (83%), the measurements were within 0.03 mm of the controls. The corneal astigmatism values and cylindrical axes were within 0.12 diopters in 17 eyes (94%) and within 5° in all cases, respectively. Our system, which can analyze placido disc rings projected from other systems, is sufficiently precise to measure the corneal radius of curvature and astigmatism.
Two outbreaks of adenovirus type 8 keratoconjunctivitis with different outcome
Authors: Tabery Helena M.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT In 1993, a case of adenovirus type 8 keratoconjunctivitis acquired in Central Europe was the starting point of an outbreak in Malmö, Sweden. Of the 33 diagnosed cases, 23 were infected nosocomially. In 29 the diagnosis was verified by virus culture. The outbreak was recognised 15 days after the appearance of the first secondary case. Nosocomial transmission was stopped by protective measures which didn't include separation of the infected patients from others. Epidemiologic investigation disclosed unrecognised infections as the main source of virus transmission; contaminated hands and a dropper bottle appeared to be major vectors. A new case of adenovirus type 8 infection, again introduced from Central Europe, turned up in September 1994. There was only one secondary case.
The short‐time effect of latanoprost on the intraocular pressure in normal pressure glaucoma
Authors: Kjellgren Daniel , Douglas Gordon , Mikelberg Frederick S. , Drance Stephen M. , Alm Albert
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Latanoprost, a prostaglandin analogue, was given topically to 20 patients with normal pressure glaucoma in a double masked randomized study. Either latanoprost 0.006% or placebo (vehicle) was administered twice a day for 14 days. Latanoprost caused a statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction in intraocular pressure from a diurnal baseline level of 16.8 to 14.3 mmHg, as measured on day 14. Latanoprost was well tolerated.
Effects of antiglaucoma drugs on ocular surface
Authors: Yalvaç I. Saǧdiç , Gedikoǧlu G. , Karagöz Y. , Akgün U. , Nurözler A. , Koç F. , Kasim R. , Duman S.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Topical medications have a very important role in chronic glaucoma treatment. Long‐term use of these medications can cause significant changes on ocular surfaces. In this study, the ocular surfaces of 20 control subjects (group I), 20 primary open‐angle glaucoma patients (group II) treated (mean 21.20 ± 1.32 months) with 0.50% timolol maleate, and 20 primary open‐angle glaucoma patients (group III) treated (mean 21.70 ± 1.34 months) with 0.50% timolol maleate +1% dipivefrin hydrochloride were evaluated. Studied parameters included Schirmer's test, tear break‐up time, conjunctiva impression cytology and goblet cell density. These results suggest that long‐term applications of topical anti glaucoma medications damage the ocular surface.