bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mutator pathway is a feature of immunodeficiency-related lymphomas
Authors: Duval Alex , Raphael Martine , Brennetot Caroline , Poirel Helene , Buhard Olivier , Aubry Alban , Martin Antoine , Krimi Amor , Leblond Veronique , Gabarre Jean , Davi Frederic , Charlotte Frederic , Berger Francoise , Gaidano Gianluca , Capello Daniela , Canioni Danielle , Bordessoule Dominique , Feuillard Jean , Gaulard Philippe , Delfau Marie Helene , Ferlicot Sophie , Eclache Virginie , Prevot Sophie , Guettier Catherine , Lefevre Pascale Cornillet , Adotti Francoise , Hamelin Richard
Published: March 2004

The mutator phenotype caused by defects in the mismatch repair system is observed in a subset of solid neoplasms characterized by widespread microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). It is known to be very rare in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), whereas mutator NHL is the most frequent tumor subtype in mismatch repair-deficient mice. By screening a series of 603 human NHL with specific markers of the mutator phenotype, we found here 12 MSI-H cases (12/603, 2%). Of interest, we demonstrated that this phenotype was specifically associated with immunodeficiency-related lymphomas (ID-RL), because it was observed in both posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (9/111, 8.1%) and HIV infection-related lymphomas (3/128, 2.3%) but not in a large series of NHL arising in the general population (0/364) (
P
< 0.0001). The MSI pathway is known to lead to the production of hundreds of abnormal protein neoantigens that are generated in MSI-H neoplasms by frameshift mutations of a number of genes containing coding microsatellite sequences. As expected, MSI-H ID-RL were found to harbor such genetic alterations in 12 target genes with a putative role in lymphomagenesis. The observation that the MSI-H phenotype was restricted to HIV infection-related lymphomas and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders suggests the existence of the highly immunogenic mutator pathway as a novel oncogenic process in lymphomagenesis whose role is favored when host immunosurveillance is reduced. Because MSI-H-positive cases were found to be either Epstein-Barr virus-positive or -negative, the mutator pathway should act synergistically or not with this other oncogenic factor, playing an important role in ID-RL.
Controlling transgene expression to study
Xenopus laevis
metamorphosis
Authors: Das Biswajit , Brown Donald D.
Published: March 2004

Sperm-mediated transgenesis of
Xenopus laevis
is the first application of genetic methodology to an amphibian. However, some transgenes are lethal when they are expressed constitutively. To study the influence of these genes on amphibian metamorphosis and to generate F
1
progeny from mature transgenic adults, these transgenes must be placed under the control of an inducible system so that they can be activated at specific times in development. We show that two well known binary inducible gene expression systems supplement transgenesis for the study of
X. laevis
metamorphosis, one system controlled by the progesterone analogue RU-486 and the other controlled by the tetracycline derivative doxycycline. By inducing a dominant negative form of the thyroid hormone receptor under the control of doxycycline specifically in the nervous system we have delimited the developmental periods within which thyroid hormone controls innervation of the developing limb from the spinal cord.
In vitro coronary artery imaging with sixteen‐slice helical computed tomography
Authors: Knollmann F. , Yankah C. A. , Kaisers U. , Felix R.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To determine the benefits of submillimeter coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography in vitro.

Material and Methods: The coronary arteries of three domestic pigs were filled with contrast agent and depicted with clinically applicable CT angiography protocols with a slice thickness of 0.63 to 2.5 mm.

Results: With 2.5 mm slices, only the third‐degree coronary artery branches could be discerned. With 1.25 mm slices, some fourth‐degree branches of the right coronary artery could be discerned upon maximum intensity projections. With 0.63 mm slices, fourth‐degree coronary artery branches could be discerned in all locations.

Conclusion: The introduction of 16‐row detector CT with submillimeter z‐axis resolution translates into an order‐of‐magnitude benefit for the depiction of coronary artery branches.
Comparable ultrasound measurements of ten anatomical specimens of infant hip joints by the methods of graf and terjesen
Authors: Falliner A. , Hahne H.‐J. , Hedderich J. , Brossmann J. , Hassenpflug J.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To define which sonographic section planes relative to the acetabular inlet plane will produce analyzable images with the methods of Graf and Terjesen.

Material and Methods: Anatomical specimens of infant hip joints were investigated in a water bath using the methods of Graf and Terjesen. Acetabular position was varied in defined increments with respect to the ultrasound beam. The alpha angles and the femoral head coverage (FHC) were measured.

Results: To obtain images analyzable by the two methods, the ultrasound beam had to intersect with the acetabular inlet plane at defined angles. The acetabular notch had to be anteriorly rotated from the ultrasound beam plane by at least 20°. Beam entry within a 50° sector posterior to the perpendicular on the inlet plane resulted in analyzable images. The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that alpha angles and FHC were much affected by the coronal‐plane transducer tilt.

Conclusions: The fact that caudal tilts of the transducer are associated with reduced alpha angles and FHC values should be kept in mind in clinical ultrasound investigations. It is recommended that the transducer should be put on the greater trochanter perpendicular to the transverse axis of the body.
Limitations of quantitative bone‐mass measurements using assessments of first‐order statistics of grey‐level histograms in plain radiographs
Authors: Kouloulias V. E. , Matsopoulos G. , Kouvaris J. R. , Antypas C. , Uzunoglu N. C. , Varela M. N. , Metafa A. , Sandilos P. , Vlahos L. J.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the quality assurance of image‐processing techniques in plain radiographs of skeletal structures.

Material and Methods: Twenty‐two patients were studied, each with one osteolytic metastasis. Accuracy and precision of tube voltage and timer were confirmed. The mean value of grey‐level histograms in plain radiographs (MVGLHs) was assessed. The deviation was monitored after five sets of sequential X‐rays retaining the same settings for each radiograph.

Results: Deviation was significantly higher in anatomical areas of thorax (21.2%) and abdomen (42.4%), while the consistency of MVGLH for weight‐bearing bones was satisfactory with a maximum deviation of 2.9% ( P<0.001, Kruskal‐Wallis test).

Conclusion: Assessment of MVGLH in plain radiographs is a reliable method for the extremities and generally for regions without superimposed movable tissues.
High‐resolution contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid arteries using fluoroscopic monitoring of contrast arrival: diagnostic accuracy and interobserver variability
Authors: Butz B. , Dorenbeck U. , Borisch I. , Zorger N. , Lenhart M. , Feuerbach S. , Link J.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high‐resolution contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE‐MRA) of the supra‐aortic arteries using the CareBolus technique. Digital subtraction angiography was the standard of reference.

Material and Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with suspected internal carotid artery stenosis underwent CE‐MRA and digital subtraction angiography. CE‐MRA was performed on a 1.5‐T superconducting scanner with the CareBolus technique. CareBolus combines a nearly real‐time 2D‐FLASH (fast low angle shot) sequence for fluoroscopic triggering and a high‐resolution 3D‐FLASH with elliptical centric view order for the angiographic pulse sequence (6.0/2.16 ms [TR/TE], 30° flip angle, 30.98 s acquisition time, 0.88 mm effective (interpolated) partition thickness and a 160×512 matrix). Intra‐arterial digital subtraction angiography and CE‐MRA studies were evaluated independently by four blinded readers. Internal carotid artery stenoses were graded according to the NASCET criteria.

Results: CE‐MRA had an accuracy of 92.53%, a sensitivity of 95.64%, and a specificity of 90.39% for the identification of carotid artery stenoses ≥70% (grade 3). Image quality for suppression of stationary tissue and venous contrast was good, but was reduced in five cases due to patient motion.

Conclusion: The CareBolus technique is a useful non‐invasive method for high‐resolution imaging of the supra‐aortic vessels because of its easy application and high sensitivity and specificity. Limitations can occur in non‐compliant patients due to motion artifacts during the measurement time.
Fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy with modified gastropexy and a large‐bore balloon‐retained catheter in patients with head and neck tumors
Authors: Chan S.‐C. , Ko S.‐F. , Ng S.‐H. , Cheung Y.‐C. , Chang J. T.‐C. , Liao C.‐T. , Wang H.‐M. , Lui K.‐W.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To report on fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy (FPG) using a modified gastropexy technique with the insertion of a large‐bore balloon‐retained gastrostomy catheter in patients with head and neck tumors.

Material and Methods: Thirty‐four patients with head and neck tumors underwent a modified gastropexy with two T‐fasteners followed by the insertion of a 14‐F balloon‐retained catheter through a peel‐away introducer. The success rate and the complications of the procedures were evaluated at 14 days, 30 days, and 60 days. The complications were classified as: major complications that necessitated intensive and/or surgical treatment; minor complications that could be treated conservatively; and tube‐related complications manageable by tube exchange.

Results: FPG was technically successful in all cases. There were no major complications, two minor complications where superficial stoma infection was controlled by antibiotics, three minor tube‐related complications, all three easily managed by catheter replacement via the original tract.

Conclusion: FPG with insertion of a large‐bore balloon‐retained catheter using a modified gastropexy technique is a safe and effective method that creates a feeding access for patients with head and neck tumors and esophageal obstruction. Minor complications can be managed conservatively. FPG may be a good alternative to surgical or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.
Evaluation of a wavelet‐based computer‐assisted detection system for identifying microcalcifications in digital full‐field mammography
Authors: Diekmann F. , Diekmann S. , Bollow M. , Hermann K. G. , Richter K. , Heinlein P. , Schneider W. , Hamm B.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To evaluate a new wavelet‐based computer‐assisted detection (CAD) system for detecting and enhancing microcalcifications.

Material and Methods: A total of 280 mammograms acquired by full‐field digital mammography (Senographe 2000D; G.E. Medical Systems Milwaukee, Wisc., USA) were analyzed with and without a new wavelet‐based CAD system for detecting and enhancing microcalcifications. The mammograms comprised roughly equal numbers of cases from each of the BIRADS (Breast Imaging, Reporting and Data System, according to the American College of Roentgenology) categories 1–5. Histologic confirmation was available for all of the 180 cases assigned BIRADS categories 3–5. Four readers interpreted all 280 images for suspicious microcalcifications using a scale of 1–5. The readers alternately assessed 5 images with and 5 without CAD. In a second reading immediately following the first, the readers had to reassess the 280 mammograms. The images that had already been interpreted without CAD were now presented with CAD and vice versa. The images were interpreted as soft copies on a diagnostic mammography workstation (Image Diagnost GmbH, Neufahrn/Munich, Germany). All images interpreted with CAD were presented with enhancement of microcalcifications by wavelet algorithms and prompting of microcalcifications. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analyses were performed, and image interpretation time with and without CAD was measured.

Results: The overall time for interpretation required by all 4 readers together was 483 min with CAD compared to 580 min without CAD. ROC analysis revealed no significant advantage of CAD for the individual readers. Readers 3 (0.811/0.817) and 4 (0.799/0.843) had a slightly improved AUC (area under the curve) with CAD. Readers 1 and 2 had a slightly lower AUC with CAD (0.832 versus 0.861 and 0.818 versus 0.849).

Conclusion: The CAD system significantly ( P<0.05, t test) speeded up image interpretation with respect to the identification of microcalcifications, while the diagnostic quality remained almost identical under the study conditions.
Role of the constructive interference in steady‐state sequence in the classification of sacral meningeal cysts
Authors: Kitis O. , Calli C. , Sener R. N. , YÜnten N. , Yurtseven T. , Ersahin Y.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To investigate the role of the CISS (constructive interference in steady state) sequence in sacral meningeal cysts.

Material and Methods: Fourteen patients with sacral meningeal cysts were included. Conventional T1W and T2W sequences and the CISS sequence (TR/TE=12.25/5.90) were obtained at 1.5‐T. The 1‐mm‐thick base images and multiplanar reformatted images of the CISS sequence were studied. The sacral meningeal cysts were classified by the CISS sequence in accordance with the previously described surgical and histopathological criteria.

Results: A total of 25 sacral meningeal cysts were identified in the 14 patients. The cysts and their contents were visualized by the CISS sequence, and the CISS sequence was superior to the T1W and T2W images. Fifteen of the cysts were consistent with type I lesions (extradural meningeal cysts without nerve fibers inside) and 10 cysts with type II lesions (extradural meningeal cysts with nerve fibers inside). There were no type III lesions (intradural meningeal cysts) in the sacral region.

Conclusion: Previous studies have indicated that conventional MRI as well as magnetic resonance myelography are inconsistent for a classification of sacral meningeal cysts. The CISS sequence with its capability to obtain T2W thin slice acquisitions is superior in showing the nerve root fibers contained in the cysts, which is essential in the differentiation of type I and II cysts. Application of the CISS sequence is recommended in the diagnosis of sacral meningeal cysts.
Traumatic cervical injuries in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Nakstad P. H. , Server A. , Josefsen R.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To demonstrate the importance of magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of cervical traumas in patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis.

Material and Methods: Eleven patients with advanced ankylosing spondylitis were admitted to neurosurgical treatment after trauma to the neck region. All had neurological symptoms and were evaluated with plain X‐ray, CT, and MR.

Results: CT with reformation sagittal and coronal plane was superior to plain X‐ray films in demonstrating fractures and dislocations. MR was considered mandatory when evaluating changes in medulla and epidural hematomas, which were detected in 4 patients. The clinical outcome was poor in 5 patients and good in 6. The poorest outcome was seen in patients with cord contusion and epidural hematoma.

Conclusion: We conclude that plain X‐ray is of no greater importance in the acute phase of highest value in follow‐up evaluation of the healing process and final position of the fractured vertebrae. Our protocol in the acute phase in traumatized ankylopoetic patients consists of lateral conventional X‐ray, CT with reformatted images, and MR, the last‐mentioned being important in detecting epidural hematoma that reduces the clinical outcome further if not removed. In our opinion, MR must be part of the radiological protocol following neck traumas in all patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Maternal smoking: an increasing unique risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome in Sweden
Authors: Chong DSY , Yip PSF , Karlberg J
Published: April 2004

Aim: To assess the change of risk factors that are specific to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) after the initialization of a campaign to reduce the risk (RTR) of SIDS compared to non‐SIDS postneonatal deaths. Methods: Data were extracted from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, 1982‐1991 and 1993‐1998. 1105 infants died from SIDS during the postneonatal period, 2115 postneonatal deaths were from other causes and 11050 live birth controls were selected. Risk factors previously identified to be related to SIDS were defined as high parity, prematurity, young maternal age, low Apgar score, birth during the night, single motherhood, multiple births, maternal smoking, male gender, short length standard deviation score (SDS) and small weight‐to‐length SDS. Results: Non‐SIDS deaths were more significantly related to a low 5‐min Apgar score, smaller weight‐to‐length SDS, and/or short length SDS values; while SIDS deaths were more closely related to mothers with higher parity or multiple births, mothers who smoked during pregnancy and single‐parent (mother) families. Maternal smoking was even more prominent among SIDS deaths in the post‐campaign period. The adjusted odds ratios, compared with non‐SIDS deaths, increased from 1.84 (95% CI: 1.48, 2.28) in the pre‐campaign period to 4.11 (95% CI: 2.72, 6.21) in the post‐campaign period.

Conclusions: Maternal smoking during pregnancy remains the most important modifiable risk factor for SIDS in the post‐campaign period in comparison with non‐SIDS postneonatal deaths. Other than putting babies in a supine sleeping position, maternal smoking should be the next most important issue to be considered, if there is to be a second campaign.
Neonatal management of symptomatic transplacental cryoglobulinaemia
Authors: Laugel V , Goetz J , Wolff S , Beladdale J , Sibilia J , Messer J
Published: April 2004

This study reports the first case of symptomatic placental transfer of cryoglobulins and discusses the potential pathogenic processes and the basic guidelines for neonatal management. A 32‐y‐old woman was affected by essential type I cryoglobulinaemia and displayed the cold‐triggered cutaneous symptoms of the disease due to a monoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) cryoglobulin. She gave birth to healthy dizygotic twins who were placed in incubators immediately after birth and did not show any cutaneous or visceral lesion in the first 2 d. Cyanotic macules appeared on the hand and foot of one of the newborns when they were removed from the incubators. The same monoclonal IgG‐λ cryoglobulin was identified in the two newborns’cord blood and in the mother's serum. The skin lesions disappeared within 1 wk as both twins were transiently replaced in incubators. No recurrence of skin lesions was observed even at room temperature and, 6 mo later, both twins were healthy and their clinical examination was normal.

Conclusion: To the authors’knowledge, this is the first report of placental transfer of cryoglobulins and the first description of any neonatal effect. Neonates born to mothers suffering from IgG cryoglobulinaemia should be protected against cold to avoid precipitation of the pathogenic cryoglobulins, until spontaneous resolution.
Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli in urine samples from children and adults: a 12 year analysis
Authors: Storby K Abelson , Österlund A , Kahlmeter G
Published: April 2004

Aim: To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract pathogens, primarily Escherichia coli, in two age groups, children 2 y and adults 18‐50 y, over a period of 12 y. Methods: From the database of the microbiological laboratory all urinary tract culture data were extracted and structured according to date, patient age, bacteriological findings, antimicrobial susceptibility results and sample type. Statistical longitudinal analysis of bacteriological findings and antimicrobial resistance trends in the two age groups were performed. Results: Statistical significance was obtained for the following results. Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen in both age groups and irrespective of sample type. In E. coli resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim was higher in children than in adults and increased over time in both age groups. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was higher in adults than in children and increased over time in both groups. Resistance to pivmecillinam, cefadroxil and nitrofurantoin was below 2% in 2001 in both age groups.

Conclusion: The steadily increasing and now high E. coli resistance levels in children to ampicillin and trimethoprim render empirical therapy with these drugs doubtful. The stable and low levels of resistance to pivmecillinam, cefadroxil and nitrofurantoin (>2% in 2001) make these drugs reasonable alternatives in uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections.
Preschool outcome in children born very prematurely and cared for according to the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP)
Authors: Westrup B , B+ACQ‐oUhm B , Lagercrantz H , Stjernqvist K
Published: April 2004

Aim: Care based on the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) has been reported to exert a positive impact on the development of prematurely born infants. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the effect of such care on the development at preschool age of children born with a gestational age of less than 32 wk.Methods: All surviving infants in a randomised controlled trial with infants born at a postmenstrual age less than 32 wk (11 in the NIDCAP group and 15 in the control group) were examined at 66.3 (6.0) mo corrected for prematurity [mean (SD)]. In the assessment we employed the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐Revised (WPPSI‐R) for cognition, Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Movement ABC) for motor function, subtests of the NEPSY test battery for attention and distractibility, and the WHO definitions of impairment, disability and handicap. Exact binary logistic regression was employed.Results: There were no significant differences between the intervention group in Full‐Scale IQ 93.4 (14.2) [mean (SD)] versus the control group 89.6 (27.2), Verbal IQ 93.6 (16.4) versus 93.7 (26.8) or Performance IQ 94.3 (14.7) versus 86.3 (24.8). In the NIDCAP group 8/13 (62%) survived without disability and for the children with conventional care this ratio was 7/19 (37%). The corresponding ratios for surviving without mental retardation were 10/13 (77%) and 11/19 (58%), and for surviving without attention deficits 10/13 (77%) and 10/19 (53%). Overall, the differences were not statistically significant, although the odds ratio for surviving with normal behaviour was statistical significant after correcting for group imbalances in gestational age, gender, growth retardation and educational level of the parents.

Conclusion: Our trial suggests a positive impact by NIDCAP on behaviour at preschool age in a sample of infants born very prematurely. However, due to problems of recruitment less than half of the anticipated subjects were included in the study, which implies a low power and calls for caution in interpreting our findings. Larger trials in different cultural contexts are warranted.
Necrosis of the epididymis in a premature infant with patent ductus arteriosus and diastolic aortic steal: ischemia or torsion?
Authors: Kapuller V , Grunspan M , Feldberg E , Shinwell ES
Published: April 2004

We describe a case of isolated ischemic necrosis of the epididymis in a premature newborn with aortic steal syndrome, secondary to a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Neither this finding nor the possible underlying pathogenesis has been previously described.
Introduction of food during the infant's first year: a study with emphasis on introduction of gluten and of egg, fish and peanut in allergy‐risk families
Authors: van Odijk J , Hulthén L , Ahlstedt S , Borres MP
Published: April 2004

Aim: The aim of the current study was to retrospectively examine introduction of food during the first year in a representative sample of Swedish children. A secondary aim was to study how parents with history of atopy introduced food to their infants. Methods: Data derive from 467 infants who visited child health centres in three different counties in Sweden for health check‐up at 12 mo of age. The parents were asked to fill in a questionnaire about breastfeeding and/or formula feeding, time of introduction of weaning food focusing on cow's milk, follow‐on formula, porridge, fish and egg. Questions regarding hypersensitivity in the family, peanut consumption of mother as well as in the child, and questions about number of siblings, ethnic background and parental education were included. Results: Compliance with suggested introduction of gluten‐containing food was low; as many as 45% had avoided gluten until 6 mo of age, instead of introducing gluten between 4 and 6 mo. Only 33% of parents with stated family hypersensitivity avoided giving their child fish and 23% avoided egg during the first year, even though this recommendation was present at the time of the study. Almost 50% of all mothers had avoided peanuts during pregnancy even though there was no such advice. The avoidance of peanut was not connected to hypersensitivity in the family.

Conclusion: These results suggest that time of introduction of gluten was not in accordance with the current recommendation. The results imply that there is a need to follow up if and how this feeding information is distributed to parents with infants and also to sharpen the information to the right target groups, otherwise implementation of preventive strategies will be less useful.
Cerebral blood‐flow velocities in predicting outcome of asphyxiated newborn infants
Authors: Ilves P , Lintrop M , Metsvaht T , Vaher U , Talvik T
Published: April 2004

Aim: To evaluate the role of early (up to 12h) changes in cerebral blood‐flow (CBF) velocity in predicting the severity of hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and long‐term outcome in asphyxiated term infants. Methods: CBF velocities were investigated by colour Doppler ultrasonography in 81 healthy and 60 asphyxiated term infants at least three times during the first 5 d of life. The psychomotor development of infants was followed up to 18 mo. Results: No differences in CBF velocities were found at the age of 2–6 h between infants with severe and mild‐moderate HIE, mean CBF velocity [mean (95% CI of mean CBF velocity)] in anterior cerebral artery [14.9 (1.4–28.4) cm/s] and [13.9 (11.1–16.7) cm/s], respectively, and between infants with poor outcome (death or severe disability) and with normal development/mild impairments. By the age of 12 h infants with mild‐moderate HIE and infants with normal development/mild impairments had decreased CBF velocity in the anterior cerebral artery, and infants with severe HIE or poor outcome had increased mean CBF velocity in anterior, medial cerebral and basilar artery compared to the control group.

Conclusion: The value of CBF velocity changes to predict poor outcome in asphyxiated infants is low 2‐6 h after asphyxia, but increases by the age of 12 ho.
Human neutrophil lipocalin: normal levels and use as a marker for invasive infection in the newborn
Authors: Björkqvist M , Källman J , Fjaertoft G , Xu S , Venge P , Schollin J
Published: April 2004

Aim: To evaluate human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) as a marker of neonatal invasive infection and determine the normal serum levels of HNL in newborns. Methods: HNL is released from neutrophil granulocytes and is regarded as a specific marker of neutrophil activity. In 81 newborns 28 d of age with signs of infection on a total of 87 occasions, HNL and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured at inclusion and on the three following days. As controls, term healthy newborns were recruited at birth (cord blood, n= 45) and at ages 3‐5 d (n= 46). Serum HNL was measured by a radioimmunoassay. Results: 25/87 episodes were classified as infection and 62 as non‐proven infection. HNLmax was significantly higher in the infected group (mean 587.6 μg/1) than in the non‐proven infected group (mean 217.7 μg/1, p > 0.001). HNL peaked at inclusion, 1 d earlier than CRP. In the healthy controls, HNL was the same at 3‐5 d of age as at birth (mean 82.4‐81.7 μg/1) and similar to normal adult levels.

Conclusions: The release of HNL is not increased in healthy newborns at birth, but neonatal neutrophils rapidly release HNL upon microbial stimulation in vivo. HNL might be useful as an early marker of neonatal infection.
Evaluation of quality of life in Indian children with bronchial asthma using a disease‐specific and locally appropriate questionnaire
Authors: Singh M , Mathew JL , Malhi P , Naidu AN , Kumar L
Published: April 2004

Aim: To evaluate quality of life (QOL) in Indian children with bronchial asthma. Methods: A disease‐specific, locally appropriate QOL questionnaire was administered in asthmatic children and compared with FEV1, FVC, PEFR and asthma symptom score, on three occasions. Results: QOL score had strong negative correlation with symptom score and weaker positive correlation with pulmonary function tests.

Conclusion: Disease‐specific QOL score correlates inversely with symptom score in children with bronchial asthma.
Feeding practices of infants through the first year of life in Italy
Authors: Giovannini M , Riva E , Banderali G , Scaglioni S , Veehof SHE , Sala M , Radaelli G , Agostoni C
Published: April 2004

Aim: To investigate infant feeding practices through the first year of life in Italy, and to identify factors associated with the duration of breastfeeding and early introduction of solid foods. Methods: Structured phone interviews on feeding practices were conducted with 2450 Italian‐speaking mothers randomly selected among women who delivered a healthy‐term singleton infant in November 1999 in Italy. Interviews were performed 30 d after delivery and when the infants were aged 3, 6, 9 and 12 mo. Type of breastfeeding was classified according to the WHO criteria. Results: Breastfeeding started in 91.1% of infants. At the age of 6 and 12mo, respectively, 46.8% and 11.8% of the infants was still breastfed, 68.4% and 27.7% received formula, and 18.3% and 65.2% were given cow's milk. Solids were introduced at the mean age of 4.3 mo (range 1.6–6.5 mo). Introduction of solids occurred before age 3 and 4 mo in 5.6% and 34.2% of infants, respectively. The first solids introduced were fruit (73.1%) and cereals (63.9%). The main factors (negatively) associated with the duration of breastfeeding were pacifier use (p > 0.0001), early introduction of formula (p > 0.0001), lower mother's age (p > 0.01) and early introduction of solids (p= 0.05). Factors (negatively) associated with the introduction of solids foods before the age of 3 mo were mother not having breastfed (p > 0.01), early introduction of formula (p > 0.01), lower infant bodyweight at the age of 1 mo (p= 0.05) and mother smoking (p= 0.05).

Conclusion: The duration of breastfeeding in Italy is still inadequate, as well as compliance with international recommendations for timing of introduction of complementary foods. National guidelines, public messages and educational campaigns should be promoted in Italy.
Preterm male infants need more initial respiratory support than female infants
Authors: Pollak A , Birnbacher R
Published: April 2004

Female infants have a significantly greater chance of surviving than male infants at similar birth‐weights and gestational ages, and have an advantage over males for a better outcome with less morbidity.

Conclusion: The exact mechanisms responsible for the gender differences, with a better chance of survival of female infants, remain to be determined. The paper by Elsmen et al. provides an important contribution to this most important area of clinical research.
The Integration of Innovation Policies: The Case of Canada1
Authors: CHAMBERLIN TYLER , MOTHE JOHN DE LA
Published: April 2004

Innovation is by definition a complex process, but policies geared towards stimulating innovation have tended to focus too narrowly on the production of new knowledge—on the funding and performance of research and development. Successful innovation is a matter of the identification, application and diffusion of knowledge—of creativity. It is therefore not simply a function of gross investments in science nor is it a function of the new production of knowledge. Innovation becomes more than a matter of ‘science policy’ and increasingly a matter to be integrated into trade, investment, monetary, industrial, labor, tax and competition policies. Yet this is extremely problematic for governments interested in creating a ‘knowledge‐based economy’. The integration of innovation into the core raison d'ˆtre of traditional policy is key.
The Cost of Control: Speculation on the Impact of Management Consultants on Creativity in the BBC
Authors: MACDONALD STUART
Published: April 2004

It is often claimed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is no longer as creative as it once was. Management consultants and the management methods they encourage are often held to blame. While managerialism has certainly been rampant in the BBC over the last decade, it is not clear that creativity has suffered in consequence. The paper compares current concerns about the BBC with very similar concerns voiced by Tom Burns some 40 years ago. The comparison allows the tentative conclusion that management consultants and their methods are a symptom rather than a cause. What threatens creativity, and has always threatened creativity, is managerial control. Heavy reliance on management consultants seems to indicate a determination to control that is likely to be inimical to creativity. With sufficient managerial control, trust becomes superfluous and professionalism is judged in terms of loyalty to the organisation—the difference, as Tom Burns noted long ago, between working for the BBC and working in the BBC.
Money, Markets and Microelectronics: Building the Infrastructure for the Global Finance Sector
Authors: MCMAHON PETER
Published: April 2004

The rise of a global finance sector is one of the most salient aspects of the whole process of globalisation, and a true phenomenon of our times. Whilst various politico‐economic changes were necessary to achieve this change, the simple fact is that it would have been impossible without the prior revolution in information and communications technologies (ICTs). These new technologies—such as semiconductors, computers, computer networks and communications satellites—when combined provided the necessary infrastructure for the emerging global finance system. This paper describes the way various finance markets, mostly American, grew and aggregated to form huge, global markets through the application of increasingly sophisticated and capable ICT systems. In doing so it foregrounds the essential role of sustained development in ICT capability in order to complement the analysis offered by literature written from neo‐classical economics or institutionalist perspectives. The developing finance system was the product of many forces, but it was only when the appropriate technological, and particularly systemic, arrangements were in place that the finance sector could become truly global in scale.
Analysis of leukocyte rolling and migration ‐ using inhibitors in the undisturbed microcirculation of the rat mesentery ‐ on inflammatory stimulation
Authors: Takano-Ishikawa Yuko , Goto Masao , Yamaki Kohji
Published: April 2004

Aim: Our aim was to develop a method of migration analysis using the undisturbed microcirculation of rat mesentery, and using the new method, analyze leukocyte migration in casein‐induced inflammation.

Method: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were injected with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL)‐1α, or casein intraperitoneally. Following this, the rats were sacrificed and the mesentery tissue removed was fixed and stained with Giemsa. The leukocytes were counted as a rolling index in the venules and as a migration index in the perivascular area.

Results: There was no relation between the diameter of venules and leukocyte migration. The time change curves of leukocyte activity in casein inflammation show about a 1 h difference between rolling and migration. From inhibitor experiments of casein‐induced migration at 2 h, it has been suggested that selectin‐related rolling is necessary. Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) also appears partially involved.

Conclusion: The improved undisturbed microcirculation method is helpful not only for rolling analysis but also in analysis of leukocyte migration. Casein inflammation analyzed using this method revealed that rolling is necessary and also suggested that partial involvement of PAF is necessary for pathogenesis of leukocyte extravasations.
The Purposes of Higher Education and the Changing Face of Academia
Authors: Barnett Ronald
Published: April 2004

While there is no recognised sub-discipline of 'the philosophy of higher education', there has been a steady flow of writings having just such an orientation, a flow that has increased in recent years. That flow has mainly taken two courses. On the one hand, those of a conservative
persuasion hold to an ideal of higher education largely separate from society and find themselves, thereby, trying to identify any possible intellectual spaces in which universities may enjoy a position of being their own end. On the other hand, those of a post-modern persuasion convince themselves
that no large purposes of their own can seriously be entertained by universities and that, therefore, only instrumental ends are available or that universities have simply to content themselves with their own form rather than their substance. Such a limited set of responses to the contemporary
situation of universities is unnecessary. The very complexity of that situation, intermeshed as it is with the wider society, opens up new spaces and new universal challenges. It is possible for there to be a philosophical enterprise in relation to the university that also embraces large concerns
and large future-oriented possibilities.
Comparative Analysis of Amino Acid Repeats in Rodents and Humans
Authors: Albà M. Mar , Guigó Roderic
Published: April 2004

Amino acid tandem repeats, also called homopolymeric tracts, are extremely abundant in eukaryotic proteins. To gain insight into the genome-wide evolution of these regions in mammals, we analyzed the repeat content in a large data set of rat–mouse–human orthologs. Our results show that human proteins contain more amino acid repeats than rodent proteins and that trinucleotide repeats are also more abundant in human coding sequences. Using the human species as an outgroup, we were able to address differences in repeat loss and repeat gain in the rat and mouse lineages. In this data set, mouse proteins contain substantially more repeats than rat proteins, which can be at least partly attributed to a higher repeat loss in the rat lineage. The data are consistent with a role for trinucleotide slippage in the generation of novel amino acid repeats. We confirm the previously observed functional bias of proteins with repeats, with overrepresentation of transcription factors and DNA-binding proteins. We show that genes encoding amino acid repeats tend to have an unusually high GC content, and that differences in coding GC content among orthologs are directly related to the presence/absence of repeats. We propose that the different GC content isochore structure in rodents and humans may result in an increased amino acid repeat prevalence in the human lineage.
High-Density Rat Radiation Hybrid Maps Containing Over 24,000 SSLPs, Genes, and ESTs Provide a Direct Link to the Rat Genome Sequence
Authors: Kwitek Anne E. , Gullings-Handley Jo , Yu Jiaming , Carlos Danilo C. , Orlebeke Kimberly , Nie Jeff , Eckert Jeffrey , Lemke Angela , Andrae Jaime Wendt , Bromberg Susan , Pasko Dean , Chen Dan , Scheetz Todd E. , Casavant Thomas L. , Soares M. Bento , Sheffield Val C. , Tonellato Peter J. , Jacob Howard J.
Published: April 2004

The laboratory rat is a major model organism for systems biology. To complement the cornucopia of physiological and pharmacological data generated in the rat, a large genomic toolset has been developed, culminating in the release of the rat draft genome sequence. The rat draft sequence used a variety of assembly packages, as well as data from the Radiation Hybrid (RH) map of the rat as part of their validation. As part of the Rat Genome Project, we have been building a high-density RH map to facilitate data integration from multiple maps and now to help validate the genome assembly. By incorporating vectors from our lab and several other labs, we have doubled the number of simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs), genes, expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and sequence-tagged sites (STSs) compared to any other genome-wide rat map, a total of 24,437 elements. During the process, we also identified a novel approach for integrating the RH placement results from multiple maps. This new integrated RH map contains approximately 10 RH-mapped elements per Mb on the genome assembly, enabling the RH maps to serve as a scaffold for a variety of data visualization tools.
Species Specificity in Rodent Pheromone Receptor Repertoires
Authors: Lane Robert P. , Young Janet , Newman Tera , Trask Barbara J.
Published: April 2004

The mouse V1R putative pheromone receptor gene family consists of at least 137 intact genes clustered at multiple chromosomal locations in the genome. Species-specific pheromone receptor repertoires may partly explain species-specific social behavior. We conducted a genomic analysis of an orthologous pair of mouse and rat V1R gene clusters to test for species specificity in rodent pheromone systems. Mouse and rat have lineage-specific V1R repertoires in each of three major subfamilies at these loci as a result of postspeciation duplications, gene loss, and gene conversions. The onset of this diversification roughly coincides with a wave of Line1 (L1) retrotranspositions into the two loci. We propose that L1 activity has facilitated postspeciation V1R duplications and gene conversions. In addition, we find extensive homology among putative V1R promoter regions in both species. We propose a regulatory model in which promoter homogenization could ensure that V1R genes are equally competitive for a limiting transcriptional structure to account for mutually exclusive V1R expression in vomeronasal neurons.
Applications of a Rat Multiple Tissue Gene Expression Data Set
Authors: Walker John R. , Su Andrew I. , Self David W. , Hogenesch John B. , Lapp Hilmar , Maier Rainer , Hoyer Daniel , Bilbe Graeme
Published: April 2004

With the sequencing and assembly of the rat genome comes the difficult task of assigning functions to genes. Tissue localization of gene expression gives some information about the potential role of a gene in physiology. Various examples of the utility of multiple tissue gene expression data sets are illustrated here. First, we highlight their use in finding genes that might play an important role in a particular tissue on the basis of exclusive expression in that tissue or coexpression with a gene or genes with known function. Second, we show how this data might be used to explain known phenotypic differences between strains. Third, we show how expression patterns of genes in a genomic interval might identify candidate genes in quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping studies. Lastly, we show how multiple tissue and species data can help researchers prioritize follow up studies to microarray experiments. All of these applications of multiple tissue gene expression data sets will play a role in functionally annotating the rat genome.
Arabidopsis Peptide Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase2 Prevents Cellular Oxidative Damage in Long Nights[W]
Authors: Bechtold Ulrike , Murphy Denis J. , Mullineaux Philip M.
Published: April 2004

Peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase (PMSR) is a ubiquitous enzyme that repairs oxidatively damaged proteins. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a null mutation in PMSR2 (pmsr2-1), encoding a cytosolic isoform of the enzyme, exhibited reduced growth in short-day conditions. In wild-type plants, a diurnally regulated peak of total PMSR activity occurred at the end of the 16-h dark period that was absent in pmsr2-1 plants. This PMSR activity peak in the wild-type plant coincided with increased oxidative stress late in the dark period in the mutant. In pmsr2-1, the inability to repair proteins resulted in higher levels of their turnover, which in turn placed an increased burden on cellular metabolism. This caused increased respiration rates, leading to the observed higher levels of oxidative stress. In wild-type plants, the repair of damaged proteins by PMSR2 at the end of the night in a short-day diurnal cycle alleviates this potential burden on metabolism. Although PMSR2 is not absolutely required for viability of plants, the observation of increased damage to proteins in these long nights suggests the timing of expression of PMSR2 is an important adaptation for conservation of their resources.
E‐profile: Open archives initiative service providers. Part III: general
Authors: McKiernan Gerry
Published: March 2004

The third and last in a series that describes Open Archives Initiative service providers. It profiles services that offer access to a variety of resources and recently initiated projects as well.
George Bain and a ‘Mechanistic Formula’: the Purposes and Politics of £3.60
Authors: Burkitt Nick , O’Donnell Catherine , Patel Bharti
Published: April 2004

This response to George Bain’s most recent defence of the Low Pay Commission’s first report and recommendations argues the case for a higher minimum wage tied to average earnings which seriously tackles the poverty and discrimination suffered by many employees
The Making of a Regulatory Crisis: Restructuring New York City's Water Supply
Authors: Gandy Matthew
Published: April 2004

Much practically orientated environmental research is marked by a polarity between functionalist abstraction and ahistorical normative discourse. This paper seeks to bridge the divide between theoretical and empirical research through a case study of New York City's water supply. Current processes of socio‐economic restructuring are leading to negative environmental consequences obscured by a failure to extend analysis beyond limited temporal, spatial or sectoral scales. Insights from regulationist theory show that a combination of fiscal, political and other developments are bringing about a wide‐ranging reformulation of existing patterns of environmental regulation and service provision in the city. The power of the state is being radically diminished in relation to the power of capital and a plethora of different interest groups. A relatively simple centralized model of environmental regulation is being transformed into a complex decentralized pattern involving the emergence of new approaches to urban governance. Further research is needed on the contradictions between capitalist accumulation and environmental regulation at different spatial scales in order to link New York's changing role within the global economy to the declining political legitimacy and fiscal capability of the state to play an extensive role in environmental management.