bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uterus size and ovarian morphology in women with isolated growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and hypopituitarism
Authors: Tsilchorozidou Tasoula , Conway Gerard S.
Published: November 2004

objective and subjects  Current data suggest a permissive role for the somatotrophic axis in the reproductive process, mainly by affecting the onset of puberty and the maintenance of regular menstrual cyclicity. To assess a possible interface between GH and reproductive axes in determining the uterus size, we retrospectively evaluated 58 pelvic ultrasound scans in adult women with either isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD; n = 12), hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH; n = 24) or hypopituitarism (HP; n = 22) of prepubertal onset. Pelvic ultrasound was performed before oestrogen replacement in patients with HH or HP, and after completion of GH treatment in the majority of patients with HP. Eight women with HH and seven with HP had a second pelvic ultrasound examination after being established on oestrogen replacement therapy. A group of 19 young healthy women with no previous history of pregnancy or miscarriage were included for comparison of ultrasound data.

results  Uterine measurements, length and uterine cross‐sectional area (UXA) were significantly less in the three study groups compared to healthy controls [median UXA: GHD 18·0 cm2 (range 9·9–28·6 cm2), HH 7·0 cm2 (range 1·3–18·5 cm2), HP 11·8 cm2 (range 1·6–21·8 cm2) and controls 23·0 cm2 (range 16·1–31·7 cm2); P < 0·001]. The median age of oestrogen replacement was significantly later in HH [19 years (range 16–26 years)] compared to HP [16·5 years (range 13–20 years)]P = 0·03, while the median age of menarche of GHD patients was 14·5 years (range 11–16 years), which was not statistically different from controls [13·0 years (range 12·5–14·5 years)]. Repeat uterine measurements on oestrogen in the subgroup of 15 patients did not reach the normal values [pretreatment UXA: 4·2 cm2 (range 1·6–16·1 cm2), post‐treatment UXA: 12·6 cm2 (range 4–23 cm2)]. Ovarian volume was smaller in the two groups of women with gonadotrophin deficiency (HH and HP), while a polycystic ovarian morphology was notably more prevalent in the two groups who had received GH treatment being found in 75 and 58% of women with GHD and HP, respectively, compared with 12·5% in women with HH (P < 0·004).

conclusions  Our findings suggest that GHD might have an independent effect in determining uterus size and therefore the consequences of GHD plus oestrogen deficiency on uterus growth might be additive. The fact that uterine measurements between HH and HP patients did not differed significantly in this study may be explained by the fact that oestrogen replacement has been substituted earlier in the latter group. Furthermore, it appears that standard oestrogen replacement therapy did not result in normal uterine growth. A polycystic ovarian morphology may be a consequence of GH treatment.
Responses to the 35% CO2 challenge in postpartum women
Authors: Kaye Joey , Soothill Peter , Hunt Moira , Lightman Stafford
Published: November 2004

Lactation has been associated with suppression of some components of the neuroendocrine stress response. In humans, suppression of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis has been demonstrated in response to both a psychological and an exercise challenge, but appears to be limited to a short period of time following suckling. Information regarding other components of the stress response and to other challenges in humans is limited. We have evaluated the endocrine, autonomic and psychological response to a single breath of 35% CO2 during lactation. The 35% CO2 challenge is a safe and simple test that has been shown to stimulate the HPA axis, produce autonomic activation and emotional arousal. Eight breastfeeding and six bottle‐feeding mothers, 6 weeks’ postpartum, and eight control women were studied. Twenty minutes following the cessation of feeding, plasma cortisol levels were significantly reduced in the breastfeeding women (P = 0·002 compared with control and P = 0·003 compared with bottle‐feeders). Despite this, cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate and psychological responses to the challenge were no different in the breastfeeding group compared to either the control or bottle feeding groups. These results confirm that suckling is associated with short‐term suppression of cortisol, but this has no effect on the ability of the mother to mount a normal hormonal, autonomic and psychological response to the 35% CO2 challenge.
A practical approach to PP seismic angle tomography
Authors: Foss S.K. , Ursin B. , Sollid A.
Published: November 2004

The use of the differential semblance misfit function on common‐image‐point gathers in the angle domain lends itself to an automated tomographic approach through a gradient‐based search in the model space. The velocity model is described by a layer‐based model with linear velocity trends and a superimposed bicubic B‐spline. The interfaces of the layer‐based model are computed by map migration of the PP zero‐offset traveltimes of key reflectors. The common‐image‐point gathers are produced by a restricted inverse generalized Radon transform or amplitude‐versus‐angle‐compensated migration. We present a complete description of all 2.5D formulae for isotropic velocity analysis of PP reflections and the results for ocean‐bottom seismic data.
Infilling of sparse 3D data for 3D focusing operator estimation
Authors: Van De Rijzen M.J. , Gisolf A. , Verschuur D.J.
Published: November 2004

Seismic migration can be formulated in terms of two consecutive downward extrapolation steps: refocusing the receivers and refocusing the sources. Applying only the first focusing step with an estimate of the focusing operators results in a common focal point (CFP) gather for each depth point at a reflecting boundary. The CFP gathers, in combination with the estimates of the focusing operators, can be used in an iterative procedure to obtain the correct operators. However, current 3D seismic data acquisition geometries do not contain the dense spatial sampling required for calculation of full 3D CFP gathers. We report on the construction of full 3D CFP gathers using a non‐full 3D acquisition geometry. The proposed method uses a reflector‐orientated data infill procedure based on the azimuthal redundancy of the reflection data. The results on 3D numerical data in this paper show that full 3D CFP gathers, which are kinematically and dynamically correct for the target event, can be obtained. These gathers can be used for iterative updating of the 3D focusing operators.
3D angle‐domain common‐image gathers for migration velocity analysis
Authors: Biondi B. , Tisserant T.
Published: November 2004

Angle‐domain common‐image gathers (ADCIGs) are an essential tool for migration velocity analysis (MVA). We present a method for computing ADCIGs in 3D from the results of wavefield‐continuation migration. The proposed methodology can be applied before or after the imaging step in a migration procedure. When computed before imaging, 3D ADCIGs are functions of the offset ray parameters (p, p); we derive the geometric relationship that links the offset ray parameters to the aperture angle γ and the reflection azimuth φ. When computed after imaging, 3D ADCIGs are directly produced as functions of γ and φ.

The mapping of the offset ray parameters (p, p) into the angles (γ, φ) depends on both the local dips and the local interval velocity; therefore, the transformation of ADCIGs computed before imaging into ADCIGs that are functions of the actual angles is difficult in complex structure. By contrast, the computation of ADCIGs after imaging is efficient and accurate even in the presence of complex structure and a heterogeneous velocity function. On the other hand, the estimation of the offset ray parameters (p, p) is less sensitive to velocity errors than the estimation of the angles (γ, φ). When ADCIGs that are functions of the offset ray parameters (p, p) are adequate for the application of interest (e.g. ray‐based tomography), the computation of ADCIGs before imaging might be preferable.

Errors in the migration velocity cause the image point in the angle domain to shift along the normal to the apparent geological dip. By assuming stationary rays (i.e. small velocity errors), we derive a quantitative relationship between this normal shift and the traveltime perturbation caused by velocity errors. This relationship can be directly used in an MVA procedure to invert depth errors measured from ADCIGs into migration velocity updates. In this paper, we use it to derive an approximate 3D residual moveout (RMO) function for measuring inconsistencies between the migrated images at different γ and φ. We tested the accuracy of our kinematic analysis on a 3D synthetic data set with steeply dipping reflectors and a vertically varying propagation velocity. The tests confirm the accuracy of our analysis and illustrate the limitations of the straight‐ray approximation underlying our derivation of the 3D RMO function.
Estimating the elastic parameters of anisotropic media using a joint inversion of P‐wave and SV‐wave traveltime error
Authors: Ferguson R.J. , Sen M.K.
Published: November 2004

A method is presented to estimate the elastic parameters and thickness of media that are locally laterally homogeneous using P‐wave and vertically polarized shear‐wave (SV‐wave) data. This method is a ‘layer‐stripping’ technique, and it uses many aspects of common focal point (CFP) technology. For each layer, a focusing operator is computed using a model of the elastic parameters with which a CFP gather can be constructed using the seismic data. Assuming local homogeneity, the resulting differential time shifts (DTSs) represent error in the model due to anisotropy and error in thickness. In the (τ−p) domain, DTSs are traveltimes Δτ that connect error in layer thickness z, vertical slowness q, and ray parameter p. Series expansion is used to linearize Δτ with respect to error in the elastic parameters and thickness, and least‐squares inversion is used to update the model.

For stability, joint inversion of P and SV data is employed and, as pure SV data are relatively rare, the use of mode‐converted (PSV) data to represent SV in the joint inversion is proposed. Analytic and synthetic examples are used to demonstrate the utility and practicality of this inversion.
Quantitative imaging of complex structures from dense wide‐aperture seismic data by multiscale traveltime and waveform inversions: a case study
Authors: Operto S. , Ravaut C. , Improta L. , Virieux J. , Herrero A. , Dell'Aversana P.
Published: November 2004

An integrated multiscale seismic imaging flow is applied to dense onshore wide‐aperture seismic data recorded in a complex geological setting (thrust belt).

An initial P‐wave velocity macromodel is first developed by first‐arrival traveltime tomography. This model is used as an initial guess for subsequent full‐waveform tomography, which leads to greatly improved spatial resolution of the P‐wave velocity model. However, the application of full‐waveform tomography to the high‐frequency part of the source bandwidth is difficult, due to the non‐linearity of this kind of method. Moreover, it is computationally expensive at high frequencies since a finite‐difference method is used to model the wave propagation. Hence, full‐waveform tomography was complemented by asymptotic prestack depth migration to process the full‐source bandwidth and develop a sharp image of the short wavelengths. The final traveltime tomography model and two smoothed versions of the final full‐waveform tomography model were used as a macromodel for the prestack depth migration.

In this study, wide‐aperture multifold seismic data are used. After specific preprocessing of the data, 16 frequency components ranging from 5.4 Hz to 20 Hz were inverted in cascade by the full‐waveform tomography algorithm. The full‐waveform tomography successfully imaged SW‐dipping structures previously identified as high‐resistivity bodies. The relevance of the full‐waveform tomography models is demonstrated locally by comparison with a coincident vertical seismic profiling (VSP) log available on the profile. The prestack depth‐migrated images, inferred from the traveltime, and the smoothed full‐waveform tomography macromodels are shown to be, on the whole, consistent with the final full‐waveform tomography model. A more detailed analysis, based on common‐image gather computations, and local comparison with the VSP log revealed that the most accurate migrated sections are those obtained from the full‐waveform tomography macromodels. A resolution analysis suggests that the asymptotic prestack depth migration successfully migrated the wide‐aperture components of the data, allowing medium wavelengths in addition to the short wavelengths of the structure to be imaged.

The processing flow that we applied to dense wide‐aperture seismic data is shown to provide a promising approach, complementary to more classical seismic reflection data processing, to quantitative imaging of complex geological structures.
The data‐driven seismic value chain, providing a business context for the velocity issue
Authors: Berkhout A.J.
Published: November 2004

Effective communication between seismic specialists should be facilitated by a shared process model that can be used at different levels of abstraction. In this shared model the seismic work‐flow is presented as a value chain, showing the complex interrelationships between the broad range of specialized activities that are needed in today's practice. One of these activities is velocity estimation, providing the relationship between seismic time and geological depth. Excellence in the seismic value chain will depend on the quality of the specialized tools and skills (abilities) involved, as well as on the capability of the organization to combine these abilities in an integrated work‐flow to realize maximum value at the end of the chain.
Effect of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate pre‐treatment on micro‐tensile bond strength of resin composite to demineralized dentin
Authors: Doi J. , Itota T. , Torii Y. , Nakabo S. , Yoshiyama M.
Published: November 2004

summary  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) application on the micro‐tensile bond strength of resin composite to demineralized dentin. Artificially demineralized lesions were formed on bovine dentin surfaces and treated with 10, 30, 50, 70 and 100 wt% HEMA aqueous solution. The surfaces were then applied and covered with SE Bond and AP‐X according to the manufacturer's instruction. After immersion in 37 °C water for 24 h, bond strength were measured using a universal testing machine. Bond strengths to both demineralized dentin and normal dentin, without HEMA application, were also measured. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis at the resin–dentin interface were also performed. The bond strength data were statistically compared with anova and Scheffe's test (P < 0·05). Bond strength to demineralized dentin treated with over 30 wt% HEMA aqueous solution were significantly higher than that to demineralized dentin without HEMA application, but significantly lower than that to normal dentin. SEM observation revealed that the hybrid layer and resin‐tags thickened and lengthened with HEMA application. In CLSM, the diffusion of adhesive primer into demineralized dentin increased with HEMA application. These results indicated that HEMA application might increase the bond strength to demineralized dentin by the enhancement of resin monomer penetration of HEMA.
Surface roughness of acrylic resins submitted to mechanical and chemical polishing
Authors: Rahal J. S. , Mesquita M. F. , Henriques G. E. P. , Nóbilo M. A. A.
Published: November 2004

summary  Surface roughness is extremely important as it influences micro‐organism accumulation and consequently oral health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of mechanical polishing (MP) and chemical polishing (CP) on surface roughness of four heat‐cured denture base acrylic resins. Twenty sample discs were prepared for each of the following acrylic resins: Clássico (CL), QC 20 (QC), Acron MC (AC) and Onda Cryl (ON). The first two are boiling cured resins and the latter two are microwave cured. After curing and deflasking, samples were ground and subdivided into two groups: MP, which received pumice slurry, chalk powder, soft brush and felt cone, at a bench vice; and CP, which received fluid specifically for chemical polisher. Surface roughness was measured using a Surf Corder SE 1700 rugosimeter. Data collected were statistically analysed by analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test. Surface roughness means in μm were: CL‐MP: 0·0350; CL‐CP: 0·2298; QC‐MP: 0·0307; QC‐CP: 0·1792; AC‐MP: 0·0312; AC‐CP: 0·2700; ON‐MP: 0·0321; ON‐CP: 0·2949. It can be concluded that MP produced significantly smoother surfaces than CP and that surface roughness because of MP was not influenced by acrylic resin type, whereas this was not true of CP.
The effect of retainer thickness on posterior resin‐banded prostheses: a finite element study
Authors: Lin T.‐S. , Lin C.‐L. , Wang C.‐H. , Chang C.‐H. , Chang Y.‐H.
Published: November 2004

summary  According to its design concept, a resin‐bonded prosthesis, compared with the conventional fixed partial denture, is a weak and unstable structure. Therefore, a resin‐bonded prosthesis induces a higher failure rate, especially in the posterior region. Recently, adhesion agents have been profoundly improved. However, the design guidelines of posterior resin‐bonded prostheses (RBP) have seldom been evaluated from a biomechanical perspective. The objective of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects of the retainer thickness on posterior RBP using the finite element method. A solid model of a posterior mandibular resin‐bonded prosthesis, which employed the second molar and second premolar as the abutment teeth, was constructed and meshed with various retainer thickness (ranging from 0·2 to 1·0 mm). Horizontal and vertical loadings of 200 N were applied respectively at the central fossa of the pontic to examine the stress level at the interface between the retainer and abutment teeth. All exterior nodes in the root, below the cementoenamel junction were fixed as the boundary condition. The results showed that horizontal loading would induce higher interfacial stresses than the vertical loading which indicated that the horizontal component of the occlusal force plays a more important role in evaluating the debonding phenomenon. Further, the peak interfacial stresses increased as the retainer thickness decreased and, based on the fitted relation between retainer thickness and interfacial stresses, a 0·4 mm retainer thickness was suggested as the minimum required to prevent severe interfacial stresses increasing.
Shear modulus and thermal properties of gutta percha for root canal filling
Authors: Tsukada G. , Tanaka T. , Torii M. , Inoue K.
Published: November 2004

summary  The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the rheological properties of four commercially available gutta perchas for root canal filling. The relaxation modulus [Gr(0): instantaneous shear modulus] and specific volume of their materials were examined. In addition, the quantity of heat was also studied by differential scanning calorimeter. In a lower temperature range than the first‐order transition temperature (melting point), the Gr(0) values of each material were almost identical. A marked decrease of Gr(0) was observed at the melting point, and the range of the first‐order transition temperature at heating was from 42·0 to 60·0 °C. At higher temperatures than the first‐order transition temperature of each material, a considerable difference in Gr(0) values was observed. The transition temperatures obtained by the results of the Gr(0), specific volume and quantity of heat agreed with one another. A marked specific volume change was observed at the first‐order transition temperature. The technique using melted gutta percha may not be favourable compared with the conventional lateral condensation technique because melted gutta percha undergoes a large amount of shrinkage during setting.
Initial biofilm formation of Streptococcus sobrinus on various orthodontics appliances
Authors: Steinberg D. , Eyal S.
Published: November 2004

summary  Biofilms accumulate on hard and soft surface in the oral cavity. Accumulation of biofilms on orthodontic appliance bear scientific and clinical interest. The objection of this study was to examine the formation of dental biofilm by Streptococcus sobrinus on different types of orthodontics appliances, using a model consisting of host and bacterial constituents. The adsorption pattern of saliva to the orthodontics appliances was determined by means of gel electrophoresis coupled with computerized densitometry techniques. The amount of salivary proteins adsorbed onto the surfaces was measured using the Bradford method. Sucrose‐dependent bacterial adhesion to the saliva‐coated orthodontics appliances was tested by radioactive‐labelled S. sobrinus. Our results show different adsorption patterns of salivary proteins to the various orthodontic appliances as modules, brackets, springs and intra oral elastics. Modules and brackets demonstrated the most affinity to salivary proteins. A surface dependent adhesion profile was recorded, showing a high affinity of albumin and amylase to modules. Bacterial accumulation was the highest on modules compared with springs which demonstrated the least bacterial adhesion. Our study demonstrates the specificity of biofilm formation on the different orthodontic appliances. Formation of a variety of dental biofilms has a significant impact on the progression of dental diseases associated with orthodontic treatment.
Calculation of colour resulting from composite/compomer layering techniques
Authors: Lee Y.‐K. , Powers J. M.
Published: November 2004

summary  This study determined the influence of optical properties of constituent layers on the colour of double‐layer aesthetic filling materials. Multiple regression equations for the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) L*, a* and b* of layered materials were calculated from the optical values of the covering and underlying layers. Specimens (10 mm diameter, 1 mm thickness) of two light‐cured resin composites and one compomer of seven to 11 shades were used. CIE L*, a* and b* values of each specimen were measured with a colour spectrophotometer backed by a standard white background. The scattering coefficient (S), absorption coefficient (K), contrast ratio (C) and translucency parameter (T) were calculated. Double‐layered specimens were formed in optical contact by joining two different shades from the same material, or resin composite as covering with a compomer underlying layer. Each of the L*, a* and b* of layered material was used as a dependent variable, and 14 optical values of underlying and covering layers were used as independent variables in forward regression analysis (P = 0·01). CIE L* after layering had a positive correlation with S of covering layer (correlation coefficient; β = 0·79–0·91, P < 0·01) and a correlation with L* of underlying layer (β = 0·14–0·16). CIE a* after layering had a correlation with a* of covering layer (β = 0·83–0·94) and a correlation with a* of underlying layer (β = 0·30–0·56). CIE b* after layering had a correlation with b* of covering layer (β = 0·77–0·90) and a correlation with T of covering layer (β = 0·40–0·59). The layered colour of these materials can be predicted by the derived regression equations within the limitations of this study. CIE L*, a* and b* values of double‐layer material are mainly influenced by S, CIE a* and b* of covering layer, respectively.
Effect of the gutta‐percha solvents on the microhardness and the roughness of human root dentine
Authors: Erdemir A. , Eldeniz A. U. , Belli S.
Published: November 2004

summary  The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of gutta‐percha solvents on the microhardness and the roughness of human root dentine. Forty‐five recently extracted human mandibular anterior teeth were used. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally, embedded in acrylic resin and polished. Ninety specimens were divided into three groups containing 30 teeth each. In group 1, the specimens were treated with chloroform for 15 min. In group 2, the specimens were treated with halothane for 15 min. In group 3, distilled water was used and this group was served as control. All groups were then divided into two subgroups of 15 specimens each. The specimens, in groups 1a, 2a and 3a, were submitted to Vicker's microhardness indentations. Groups 1b, 2b and 3b were used for determination of the roughness of root dentine. The data were recorded as Vicker's numbers and Ra, μm for roughness test. The results were then analysed by one‐way anova and post hoc Tukey tests. The results indicated that chloroform and halothane did not affect the microhardness and the roughness of root dentine (P > 0·05).
Prospective, noncomparative open study from Kuwait of the role of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Al‐Mutairi N , Arun Joshi , Osama Nour‐Eldin , Amr Zaki , Mazen Al‐Sheltawy , Ibtesam El‐Adawy , Nazeha El‐Baghly
Published: November 2004

Background  High‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is emerging as a promising new therapy for treating the rare but potentially fatal drug reaction toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Experimental in vitro studies support that IVIG can block the Fas‐FasL‐mediated apoptosis in TEN.

Methods  Twelve consecutive patients (7M, 5F) with TEN admitted over a 5‐year period from January 1998 to December 2002 were treated with a dose of 0.5–1.0 g/kg/d of IVIG for 4–5 days along with standard care protocol. Clinical outcome in terms of average duration to arrest the progression, complete healing, hospital stay, side‐effects and complications were determined to find the efficacy of IVIG treatment.

Results  Average age was 27.16 years (7–50 years). There were four children (2M, 2F) aged 7–12 years. One patient had an underlying malignancy. No patient had HIV infection. The average total body surface area involvement was 57.5% (30–90%). An IVIG infusion was started, on average, 1.58 days (1–3 days) after admission. All patients responded well to the treatment. There was no mortality. The disease progression was arrested in a mean of 2.83 days (1–5 days). Time taken for complete healing (re‐epithelialization) was 7.33 days (5–13 days). The average duration of hospital stay was 12.5 days (7–21 days). No side‐effects of the IVIG treatment were observed in these patients.

The drugs triggering TEN in these patients were phenytoin (four patients), followed by penicillin (three), cotrimoxazole (two), phenobarbital and furosemide (one patient each), respectively. In one patient, the offending drug could not be ascertained.

Conclusion  Our experience of treating 12 patients with TEN using IVIG, in Kuwait, confirms that it is a safe and effective treatment for these patients.
What patients with vitiligo believe about their condition
Authors: Firooz Alireza , Bouzari Navid , Fallah Nader , Ghazisaidi Behnaz , Firoozabadi Mehdi Rashighi , Dowlati Yahya
Published: November 2004

Background  Vitiligo is a common disease with an unknown etiology. It is a chronic disease which causes severe disfigurement, and so may significantly affect a patient's quality of life. This study was designed to evaluate the illness perception and quality of life in patients with vitiligo.

Patients and methods  A questionnaire consisting of 25 questions on the causes, timeline, consequences, and control of disease was given to 80 patients with vitiligo attending a private skin clinic in Tehran, Iran, in 1999. The roles of age, sex, duration of disease, education, extent of disease, and family history of vitiligo were assessed.

Results  Eighty patients (22 males and 57 females, one not mentioned), with a mean age of 30 years (SD = 11 years) and a disease duration of 7.1 years (SD = 7.8 years), completed the questionnaire; 62.5% of the patients believed that stress played a role in their disease; 31.3% believed that their genetic background played a role in their disease, more so in patients with a positive family history of vitiligo. Almost one‐half of patients believed that their illness had major consequences on their lives. One‐half of patients believed that their illness was likely to be permanent rather than temporary, more so in patients with a longer duration of disease and a higher level of education. Only 60% of patients considered that their treatments were effective.

Conclusion  Vitiligo may considerably affect various aspects of patients’ lives. The knowledge of patients about the causes and course of their disease is limited.
Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Thomas Jean E. , Moossavi Meena , Mehregan Darius R. , McFalda Wendy L. , Mahon Michael J.
Published: November 2004

Background  Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare, inherited condition characterized by tumor‐like growth of hyalinized fibrous tissue on the head and neck, joint contractures, and gingival hypertrophy. There may be marked clinical heterogeneity.

Methods  We present a case of a 3‐year‐old Haitian boy with multiple firm nodules on the scalp and chin without joint contractures or gingival hypertrophy. Family history was not available.

Results  Biopsy specimens from three scalp nodules were processed with routine and immunohistochemical stains. The matrix was periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue positive. The cellular stromal component was positive for vimentin and scattered factor XIIIa positive cells were found. Osteoclast‐like giant cells were also noted, and stained for CD68.

Conclusions  Our patient had the nodular growths on the scalp and face that are characteristically found in JHF. Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis and showed scattered intracytoplasmic and extracellular eosinophilic globules in three separate biopsy specimens. These were positive with PAS.
Cavitary Legionella pneumonia in a liver transplant recipient
Authors: Fraser T.G. , Zembower T.R. , Lynch P. , Fryer J. , Salvalaggio P.R.O. , Yeldandi A.V. , Stosor V.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: This report describes the clinical course of a liver transplant recipient in whom cavitary pneumonia developed due to Legionella pneumophila. We review the experience with cavitary pulmonary processes caused by Legionella species in liver allograft recipients and describe the diagnostic microbiology of this organism. The clinical course of this patient demonstrates the importance of considering legionellosis in the differential diagnosis of lung abscesses after liver transplantation and the diagnostic difficulties encountered with this bacterium.
T‐helper cell responses in liver transplant recipients: correlation with cytomegalovirus and other major infections
Authors: Singh N. , Gayowski T. , Wagener M.M. , Zeevi A.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Mitogen concanavalin A (ConA) response and cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐specific memory response were assessed in 24 liver transplant recipients and compared with healthy subjects. Transplant recipients as compared to healthy subjects had a lower CMV memory response at 2 weeks (P=0.023), and at 1 month (P=0.06), but a comparable response at 3 months. CMV recipient+/donor+(R+/D+) patients had the greatest increase in CMV‐specific memory response at 2–3 months as compared to all other groups. Within this R+/D+ group, CMV‐specific memory response was significantly more robust in patients who never had CMV infection as compared to those who developed CMV infection (P=0.035). ConA response at 2 weeks was significantly lower in patients with major infections as compared to those without them (SI 5.4 vs. 38.1, P=0.039). Thus, reconstitution of CMV‐specific T‐helper cell response was distinct for subsets of liver transplant recipients based on the recipient and donor CMV serostatus. Impairment in proliferative response to ConA identified a subgroup of patients with major infections after liver transplantation.
Primary Gastric Histiocytic Sarcoma in a Dog – A Case Report
Authors: Fant P. , Caldin M. , Furlanello T. , De Lorenzi D. , Bertolini G. , Bettini G. , Morini M. , Masserdotti C.
Published: November 2004

A 12‐year‐old intact female mixed breed dog was presented for chronic, intermittent vomiting and diarrhoea. On endoscopic examination a protruding mass arising from the mucosal surface of the pyloric region was detected. Cytological and histological examination revealed an accumulation of pleomorphic round/oval phagocytic cells suggesting histiocytic origin. This was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. No extra‐gastric involvement was detected on clinical examination or at necropsy. This is the first report of primary gastric histiocytic sarcoma in a dog.
Oxidative Stress Parameters in Bitches with Mammary Gland Tumours
Authors: SzczubiaŁ M. , Kankofer M. , Łopuszyński W. , Dąbrowski R. , Lipko J.
Published: November 2004

The aim of the present study was to describe some of the oxidative stress parameters in bitches suffering from spontaneusly occurring mammary gland tumours. The experiment involved 28 bitches which had mammary gland tumours removed surgically (15 bitches with malignant tumour and 13 with benign tumour) as well as 10 clinically healthy bitches. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in haemolysates of erythrocytes derived from the animals. The concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as well as ‐SH groups, were determined in blood plasma. GSH‐Px activity was significantly higher in the malignant tumour group than in healthy animals. SOD activity was significantly higher in animals with tumours compared with the control group. Activities of both enzymes were higher in animals with malignant tumours than in benign groups, but the differences were not statistically significant. The concentrations of TBARS and ‐SH groups were similar in all examined groups. The increase of antioxidative enzyme activities in these animals may suggest the activation of antioxidative defence mechanisms in mammary gland carcinogenesis. Moreover, it might indicate the participation of oxidative stress in malignancies. Further experiments involving more animals, with more frequent sample collection and the use of other oxidative stress markers are necessary.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy in a Horse
Authors: Sebastian M. M. , Giles R. C.
Published: November 2004

Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy was diagnosed in a 11‐year‐old, male, Tennessee Walking Horse by histopathological examination of the spinal cord after the horse was killed because of severe neurological dysfunction. Both ventral funiculi of C6 and C7 cervical spinal cord had extensive necrosis with blood vessels containing fibrocartilaginous emboli. A similar fibrocartilaginous embolus was observed in a single large spinal artery adjoining the vertebral leptomeninges.
Actinomycosis in a One‐humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Kiliç N. , Kirkan Ş.
Published: November 2004

An actinomycotic granuloma caused byActinomyces viscosusis reported in a dromedary camel. Two hard, cutaneous, large granulamatous nodules were present on both sides of the postero‐ventral side of the mandible exhibiting exudation and necrosis. After radical excision of the lesion, the daily treatment with penicillin–streptomycin combination was continued for 4 weeks. About 8 and 24 weeks from the initial treatment, no new nodules were noticed.
Development of Canine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Model
Authors: Choi E. , Shin I. , Youn H. , Lee C.
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this study was to develop a model for canine systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune syndrome defined by clinical and serological features, including arthritis, glomerulonephritis, dermatitis and autoantibodies. SLE was induced in eight normal dogs by immunization with heparan sulphate, the major glycosaminoglycan of the glomerular basement membrane. All the heparan sulphate‐immunized dogs showed mild‐to‐moderate levels of proteinuria and skin disease. Cutaneous signs associated with SLE including alopecia, erythema, crusting, scaling and seborrhoea were observed. Immunohistological examination of the skin lesions revealed deposition of immunoglobulin M and complement in the dermal–epidermal junction. Three of eight dogs showed lameness. The antinuclear antibody tests were positive with the antibody titres higher than 1:128. Therefore, this experimental SLE model could be useful for studying immune‐mediated skin disease and autoimmunity.
Technical and Economic Evaluation of Different Methods of Newcastle Disease Vaccine Administration
Authors: Degefa T. , Dadi L. , Yami A. , G/mariam K. , Nassir M.
Published: November 2004

Two types of locally produced live vaccines (HB1 and La Sota – lentogenic strains) and inactivated oil adjuvant (IOAV) vaccine were used to compare the efficiency of three vaccination techniques, namely drinking water, ocular and spray on broiler chicks. The ocular route of vaccination on 1‐day‐old chicks followed by a booster dose on the third week through the same route induced a significantly higher level of haemagglutination inhibition antibody titre (P < 0.0001). The highest mean antibody titre was log2 6.6 and 93.3% of the chicks were protected from the challenge. The spray technique induced a lower antibody titre (peak of log2 5.9) and only 53% of the chicks in this treatment survived against the challenge. The results of this study show that the ocular route is superior to the drinking water route, which is superior to the spray technique. The economic analysis result showed that the ocular HB1 and La Sota vaccine administration method to 1‐ and 21‐day‐old chicks gave the highest revenue followed by the drinking water method. In terms of total cost, the injection method required the highest cost (0.21 birr/chick) followed by the ocular method (0.18 birr/chick). The marginal cost of vaccine administration is too small compared with marginal revenues from relative effectiveness of the methods. The internal rate of return for the ocular method was very high. The results of sensitive analysis on revenues from different vaccination methods indicate that a 25% reduction in broiler price reduces the marginal revenue from the ocular method by 12 487 birr but this still does not prove that the ocular method is economically viable for small‐ and medium‐scale poultry farms.
Towards the Rational Use of Antibiotics: Results of the First International Symposium on the Risk Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Helmuth R. , Hensel A.
Published: November 2004

The results of four expert working groups on the risk analysis process on anti‐microbial resistance are described. They focus on the procedure recommended by the FAO/WHO CODEX Alimentarius Commission in 1999 including hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment and risk characterization. In all four areas, the current scientific knowledge was evaluated and recommendations for risk management options were given. They will form the basis for mitigating the health risk caused by resistant micro‐organisms.
Risk Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance, Berlin, BfR, 10–12 November 2003: Activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Related to Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Doyran S. H.
Published: November 2004

The FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission develops recommendations concerning risk management related to regulatory issues, on the basis of scientific advice provided by FAO and WHO. The complex question of anti‐microbial resistance that requires a multidisciplinary approach, has been considered from different point of views in the framework of Codex, especially food hygiene and veterinary drugs and to a lesser extent, plant protection. Antibiotic resistance was considered from the perspective of the food chain and a risk profile was developed. Risk management options were also considered and may be grouped in two main categories: prevention of contamination through the food chain; and prudent use of anti‐microbials. It is recognized that further scientific advice is necessary before developing specific risk management options in the framework of Codex. It is expected that the results of the FAO/OIE/WHO Expert Consultations on anti‐microbial resistance will provide the necessary guidance for further action.
Veterinary Use of Antimicrobials and Emergence of Resistance in Zoonotic and Sentinel Bacteria in the EU
Authors: Bywater R. J.
Published: November 2004

Antimicrobials are essential for treatment of sick animals, but even if used correctly, may eventually lead to antimicrobial resistance. While this represents a potential hazard to humans, the great majority of resistant human pathogens, especially the more important ones, are unrelated to animal sources. A survey of informed medical opinion suggested that of the human antimicrobial resistance problem, <4% was seen as potentially linked to animal sources. This proportion related largely to zoonotic bacteria which by definition have the capacity to carry resistance between species, although the evidence for resulting harm remains limited. A recent study compared resistance among chicken, pig and cattle isolates of Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Escherichia coli from a series of EU countries. When tested against antimicrobial agents, this survey showed variation of resistance between countries, between hosts and between organisms. Such variation may give insight into preferred methods of antimicrobial administration or disease control, but it is clear that the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance induction and dissemination in animals remains complex and is yet to be fully understood.
Resistance of Salmonella Isolates in Germany
Authors: Schroeter A. , Hoog B. , Helmuth R.
Published: November 2004

During 2000–2002 the National Veterinary Reference Laboratory for Salmonella (NRL‐Salm) in Germany typed 11 911 isolates from animals, food, feed and the environment. All of them were tested for their susceptibility to 17 anti‐microbial agents. Sixty‐three per cent of all isolates were resistant and 40% were multiresistant (resistant against more than one anti‐microbial). This general resistance level was strongly influenced by those specific serotypes which dominate the Salmonella epidemiology in Germany. Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 isolates from pig and cattle, and their resulting food products, were multiresistant in 98 and 94% of the cases respectively.

During the period 2000–2003 an increasing quinolone resistance especially in Salmonella isolates from poultry and poultry meat (to 26%) and in S. Paratyphi B d‐tartrate positive isolates (to 64%) could be observed. This increase was accompanied by a shift towards higher minimal inhibitory concentrations for ciprofloxacin.
Managing Development for Results: A Role for Results‐oriented Public Expenditure Management
Authors: Roberts John
Published: November 2004

Can results‐oriented approaches to public expenditure management function in low‐income countries? Do they have a role in securing the implementation of poverty reduction strategies? And can they assist donors in ‘managing aid for results’? Findings from seven countries suggest that they can work in environments with mediocre discipline in budget and public finance management and a degree of uncertainty caused by macroeconomic instability, but not when there is excessive ‘informality’ and instability. With political will and a strong finance ministry, they have proved valuable tools in ensuring the coherent expansion of pro‐poor programmes and their delivery through autonomous local governments. However, they have yet to become effective in improving public administrations' accountability to parliament and to non‐governmental stakeholders.
Estimating arable output using Durham Priory tithe receipts, 1341–1450
Authors: DODDS BEN
Published: November 2004

Research on English late medieval economic history has neglected the evidence of tithes as indicators of agrarian output. In this article, methods used by historians of continental Europe have been developed and applied to the Durham Priory accounting material in order to create the first series of tithe‐based production indicators for medieval England. The data are manipulated, and presented, to provide insight into long‐ and short‐term trends in aggregate levels of arable production. The series of indicators are then used to examine the evidence for falling output in the late middle ages in the light of our understanding of demographic, economic, and climatic factors.
Risk and risk management in English agriculture, c. 1750–1850
Authors: STEAD DAVID
Published: November 2004

This article scrutinizes the claim that the residual claimant in English agriculture was the fixed rent tenant farmer rather than the landlord. Examination of methods of agricultural insurance and risk management indicates that the income risks of farming were sizable, not straightforward to manage, and largely borne by the tenant. Thus the farmer's profit appears to have fluctuated by more over time and space than did the rent paid to the landlord. Attempts are made to assess changes over time in the nature and size of the production and price risks to which farmers were exposed.
The internal labour dynamics of the Great Eastern Railway Company, 1870–1913
Authors: HOWLETT PETER
Published: November 2004

An important labour market development towards the end of the nineteenth century was the rise of the internal labour market. Railway companies were pioneers in this area, and this article presents an analysis of the career histories of 848 traffic staff workers of the Great Eastern Railway Company. This large longitudinal sample provides the first detailed account of the internal labour dynamics of a pre‐1914 railway company, providing a unique insight into an early internal labour market. It shows that there was a clearly structured market for unskilled entrants, that promotion and demotion were an important managerial tool, and that there was a significant wage premium for promotion.
Comparison of ultrasonography, CT angiography, and digital subtraction angiography in severe carotid stenoses
Authors: Herzig R. , Buřval S. , Křupka B. , Vlachová I. , Urbánek K. , Mareš J.
Published: November 2004

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ for confirmation of severe (70–99%) stenoses of internal carotid arteries (ICAs). However, it is associated with a risk of complications. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of ultrasonography (US), computed tomographic angiography (CTA), and their combined use for the detection and quantification of severe carotid stenoses, when compared with DSA. Severe ICA stenoses were diagnosed by US in a set of 29 patients. All patients also underwent CTA and DSA. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used in the evaluation of the percentage of stenosis results. Homogeneity χ2 test was applied when assessing statistical significance. Severe stenosis was diagnosed in 34 ICAs. Two ICAs with uninterpretable CTA finding were excluded. The number of ICAs with stenoses 70–99%/<70%– US 32/0; CTA 29/3; US + CTA 29/3; DSA 24/8. Pearson's correlation coefficient – US 0.601; CTA 0.725; US + CTA 0.773. Sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV – US 1.0/0.75/0.75/xxx; CTA 1.0/0.844/0.828/1.0; US + CTA 1.0/0.844/0.828/1.0. Homogeneity χ2 test results – US, P = 0.002; CTA, P = 0.098; US + CTAG, P = 0.098. US in combination with CTA can be used for relatively secure diagnostics of severe ICA stenoses. Thus, invasive DSA can be avoided in a substantial number of patients.