bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilisation of paediatric surgical theatres at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg
Authors:   Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Ford S , Brink N , Martin N , Soares S , Manicom B , Mahadea T , Reynolds M , Grieve A , Loveland J , Gabler T
Published: February 2022

Background. Optimal theatre utilisation is essential to reduce long waiting lists for elective surgeries and to increase cost-effective theatre operation. Utilisation rates well below the global benchmark of 80% have been reported for government hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). Objective. To investigate utilisation of three paediatric theatres at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in Johannesburg. Methods. Surgery lists of the three theatres were reviewed for three one-week periods over a four-month study period. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected to create a timeline for each theatre and each surgical case, including reasons for cancellations, delays or expedited times. Results. A total of 152 surgeries were scheduled during the reviewed study period, of which 44 cases were cancelled. The utilisation rate was 59.8% across the three theatres combined, with individual rates calculated as 62.7%, 58.2% and 57.0% in the burns, general and neonatal theatres, respectively. The primary factor contributing to under-utilisation was early completion of the scheduled list. Surgery delays were mainly due to delays in transferring the patient to the theatre and between anaesthetic induction and the start of surgery. Conclusion. Utilisation of the paediatric theatres at CHBAH is below the ideal benchmark of 80%; however, utilisation was better than expected when compared with findings from other public-sector hospitals in SA. However, theatre efficiency was found to be very low and perhaps better explains the reasons for backlogs in paediatric surgeries at CHBAH.
A scoping review to identify the type and effect of hand hygiene interventions on the reduction of infectious diseases (including COVID-19) in preschool children
Authors:   Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, Lange S , Bernard T G , Naicker N
Published: February 2022

Background. Proper handwashing can reduce the burden of diseases related to hand hygiene (HH) and so contribute reducing under-5 mortality. Preschoolers can benefit from HH interventions by the burden of disease and absenteeism being reduced. Objective. To perform a scoping review of literature to assess the types and effectiveness of HH interventions at preschools, with a view to providing a guideline for appropriate interventions for South African facilities. Methods. A literature search was conducted through the PubMed database to identify relevant studies. An iterative screening process to focus the review allowed for information on the type and effectiveness of interventions to be collated. An updated PubMed search was conducted to determine whether any interventions related to COVID-19 at preschools could be included. Results. No additional studies relating to COVID-19 were found. Of the 305 studies identified during the initial search, only 12 fitted the specific search criteria. Of these, 10 studies showed improvements in HH-related indicators following the interventions. Only two studies used health education as an intervention, whereas the others included the supply of HH products (to varying extents) as part of the intervention. Conclusion. HH interventions appear successful in reducing diseases spread by poor HH, improving general HH practices and reducing absenteeism among preschoolers. Studies using innovative, entertaining methods of educating children have shown to be successful in improving handwashing techniques and decreasing microbial growth on children’s hands. HH interventions are suggested as an effective measure to improve HH during the COVID-19 pandemic
Choreoathetosis and dystonia in a child with COVID‑19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics and Child Heath, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Mteshana M K , Naidoo K D , Rowjee V , Hauptfleisch M P K , Dangor Z
Published: February 2022

Neurological complications of COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are well described. We report an unusual presentation in a 9-year-old girl presenting with status epilepticus, who thereafter developed choreoathetosis and dystonia. She was initially managed with intravenous immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone for presumed autoimmune encephalitis. However, she tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and met the clinical and laboratory criteria for MIS-C. She remained encephalopathic with abnormal movements and dystonia for 8 days from presentation but was discharged home with complete clinical recovery after 2 weeks.
Baseline characteristics of 32 patients with Gaucher disease who were treated with imiglucerase: South African data from the International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Gaucher Registry
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, Sevitz H ,   Medi-Clinic Morningside, Johannesburg, South Africa, Laher F , Varughese S T , Nel M , McMaster A , Jacobson B F
Published: February 2022

Background. Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare inherited autosomal recessive metabolic disorder with a prevalence in the general population of ~1 per 100 000. To optimise the recognition, diagnosis and management of patients with GD in South Africa (SA), it is important to have an understanding of local patterns of presentation of the disease. Objectives. To describe the baseline pretreatment characteristics of the SA cohort of patients enrolled into the International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Gaucher Registry whowere treated with imiglucerase (Cerezyme; Sanofi Genzyme). Methods. The ICGG Gaucher Registry is an observational, longitudinal, international database that tracks the clinical, demographic, genetic, biochemical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with GD globally, irrespective of disease severity, treatment status or treatment choice. The study population included all SA patients reported in the ICGG Gaucher Registry as of 1 May 2020. Results. The registry included 49 SA GD patients, of whom 32 received imiglucerase as first primary GD therapy. All the patients had GD type 1, 59.4% were female, and mean and median ages at diagnosis were 14.7 and 9.8 years, respectively. The most common genotype was N370S/N370S (37.5%). At treatment initiation, 30.0% of patients had been splenectomised. Among patients for whom data were available, anaemia was present in one-third of non-splenectomised patients and 12.5% of those with splenectomy, and moderate or severe thrombocytopenia was reported in two-thirds of non-splenectomised patients. Bone pain was present in 30.8% and 57.1% of non- splenectomised and splenectomised patients, respectively. No bone crises were reported, and data relating to other bone complications were available for only ≤3 patients. Conclusions. Haematological findings and bone pain in this group are similar to those in the global ICGG Gaucher Registry cohort. Lack of baseline data for other bone complications limits interpretation in that regard. Clinicians who treat patients with GD are encouraged to submit accurate, complete and up-to-date information so that comprehensive data for the subset of SA GD patients can be maintained to improve recognition and diagnosis, and guide appropriate and effective use of treatment for SA patients.
Sharp increase in influenza A infections in Limpopo: A call for increased influenza vaccinations
Authors:   Ndlovu Research Centre, Ndlovu Laboratories, Elandsdoorn, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Umunnakwe C N , Makatini Z N , Maphoto R , Tempelman H A
Published: February 2022

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Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in a young man recovering from traumatic pneumothorax
Authors:   Ndlovu Laboratories, Elandsdoorn, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Umunnakw C N ,   Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Makatini Z N , Mdunyelwa A , Mphanga M , Nijhuis M , Wensing A , Tempelman H A
Published: February 2022

We describe a case of prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in an HIV-negative 21-year-old man recovering from abdominal and thoracic trauma. Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs collected at 12 time points over a 95-day span all tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Genotyping revealed canonical beta-variant E484K and N501Y mutations at earlier time points. Human rhinovirus, coronavirus NL63 and respiratory syncytial virus B were detected at different time points by RT-PCR. Full blood analysis at time point 9 (day 82) showed leukopenia with lymphocytosis. The patient’s NP swab tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR 101 days after the first positive test. The prolonged duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in the context of trauma presented here is unique and has important implications for COVID-19 diagnosis, management and policy guidelines
La genèse de la catégorie de « réfugié LGBT » au sein du Haut-Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les réfugiés
Authors: Hamila Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Le système de protection international est régi par la Convention de Genève de 1951, complétée par le Protocole de New York de 1967. Ces conventions internationales énumèrent cinq motifs d’octroi du statut de réfugié : les persécutions du fait de la race, de la religion, de la nationalité, de l’appartenance à un certain groupe social et des opinions politiques. Ces instruments internationaux ne reconnaissent pas explicitement les persécutions du fait de l’orientation sexuelle et de l’identité de genre en tant que motifs d’octroi du statut de réfugié. Cependant, au cours des trois dernières décennies, le Haut-Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les réfugiés (HCR) a été amené à reconnaître ces persécutions en tant que motifs d’octroi de la protection internationale. Dans cet article, je m’intéresse à la genèse de la catégorie de « réfugié LGBT » au sein du HCR au début des années 2000. Je soutiens que l’émergence de cette nouvelle catégorie de réfugiés s’inscrit dans deux dynamiques parallèles, qui ont toutes les deux débouché sur l’élaboration des Principes directeurs du HCR, qui reconnaissent explicitement les persécutions du fait de l’orientation sexuelle en tant que motif d’octroi du statut de réfugié. D’une part, c’est dans le contexte d’une plus grande attention portée aux femmes réfugiées, et notamment aux persécutions liées au genre, qu’il est pour la première fois question des persécutions liées à l’orientation sexuelle. D’autre part, la catégorie de « réfugié LGBT » apparaît aussi dans le contexte de l’interprétation de la notion d’« appartenance à un certain groupe social ».
El emblema musical de la vanitas en el tratado instrumental de Luis Venegas de Henestrosa (1557) / The Musical Emblem of Vanitas in Luis Venegas de Henestrosa's Instrumental Treatise (1557)
Authors: Seguí Balaguer Montiel
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT: In 1557 the Libro de cifra nueva para tecla, arpa y vihuela, written by the priest Luis Venegas de Henestrosa, was published in Alcalá de Henares by the press of Juan de Brocar. Dedicated to the bishop of Jaén, Diego Tavera, and paying homage to the late Cardinal Juan Pardo de Tavera, the treatise included in its initial pages an emblem with a message about the transience of life or vanitas. The rhetorical-musical iconographic program becomes a mysterious image, implicitly carrying the three faculties of time: the past, the present and the future. The emblematic corpus is configured by merging the different arts with a musical enigma that sings Coplas por la muerte de su padre, Recuerde el alma dormida, by Don Jorge Manrique, with images ready to be interpreted and with messages veiled in psalms and biblical references. Underlying it all is a moralizing intent. This is the first musical emblem of Spain with notation spellings that have been conserved, remarkable if we consider Andrea Alciato’s publication (1531) as the starting point of the so-called emblematic genre.
KEYWORDSMusical Emblem; Luis Venegas de Henestrosa; Vanitas; Prudence.
RESUMEN: En 1557 se publicaba en Alcalá de Henares, en la imprenta de Juan de Brocar, el Libro de cifra nueva para tecla, arpa y vihuela escrito por el profeso Luis Venegas de Henestrosa. Dedicado al obispo de Jaén Diego Tavera y rindiendo pleitesía al fallecido cardenal Juan Pardo de Tavera, el tratado incluía en sus iniciales páginas un emblema con un mensaje sobre la fugacidad de la vida o vanitas. El programa iconográfico retórico- musical se torna en estampa misteriosa llevando implícito las tres facultades del tiempo: el pasado, el presente y el porvenir. El corpus emblemático se configura fusionando las distintas artes con un enigma musical que entona las Coplas por la muerte de su padre, Recuerde el alma dormida, de don Jorge Manrique, con imágenes dispuestas a ser interpretadas y con mensajes velados en salmos y referencias bíblicas. Bajo todo un sentido moralizante nos encontramos ante el primer emblema musical de España con grafías de notación que conservamos, considerando la publicación de Andrea Alciato (1531) como punto de partida del denominado género emblemático.
PALABRAS CLAVESEmblemática musical; Luis Venegas de Henestrosa; Vanitas; Prudencia.
Motivating Students to Become Critical Thinkers: A Look at Instructional Strategies in Three High School Classrooms
Authors: Tanase Madalina
Published: February 2022

This study analyzed some student-centered strategies used in three secondary classrooms in a large, urban high school in US. The researcher, who was teaching a graduate methods course at the local university, conducted classroom observations and follow-up interviews with three teachers
enrolled in the class. The teachers learned about different instructional strategies in the course, and they had implemented some of these strategies into their classrooms. While conducting classroom observations, the researcher witnessed a high level of student engagement and critical thinking
as students took part in the classroom activities.
A Review of the Grey Literature on Education-Centred Wraparound Services to Support Students with Complex Support Needs in Australia
Authors: Strnadová Iva , Cumming Therese M. , Lee Hee Min
Published: February 2022

The aim of this research project was to examine how wraparound supports are represented in the Australian national and NSW state polices and schools and to identify best practices and models of wraparound support. The grey literature from seven sectors, i.e., youth justice, out of home
care, disability, mental health, drug and alcohol, homelessness and education was searched and analysed. There is no consensus on a definition or understanding of wraparound across the sectors, the effectiveness of wraparound models is rarely assessed, and schools are not typically included
in the wraparound teams of the other sectors.
The effect of internet addiction and smartphone addiction on sleep quality among Turkish adolescents
Authors: Acikgoz Ayla , Acikgoz Burcu , Acikgoz Osman
Published: February 2022

Background: Sleep quality plays a principal role in the protection of health. There is an increasing number of studies in the literature demonstrating that internet addiction and smartphone addiction impair sleep quality. However, the number of studies on Turkish adolescents is very limited. Therefore, this study examined the effects of internet addiction and smartphone addiction on sleep quality among Turkish adolescents.

Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 910 adolescents aged 13–18 years. Data were collected with the Short Internet Addiction Test, Smartphone Addiction Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. In addition, a questionnaire was used to gather information about the demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics. Pearson’s Chi-square test, Chi-square test for trend, Mann–Whitney U test, logistic regression analysis, and Spearman’s correlation analysis were used in the analysis.

Results: The sleep quality of 58.7% of the adolescents was poor. Additionally, girls and adolescents ≥16 years old had poor sleep quality. Sleep quality deteriorated as perceived health status and perceived economic status of family deteriorated. Compared to participants with normal internet addiction scores, poor sleep quality was 1.83 (95% CI [1.22–2.74]) times higher in those with problematic internet addiction and 1.99 (95% CI [1.23–3.87]) times higher in those with pathological internet addiction. One point increase in Smartphone Addiction Scale total score increased poor sleep quality 1.01 (95% CI [1.00–1.02]) times. Sleep quality scale were positively correlated with the smartphone addiction and internet addiction. However, there was no positive correlation between habitual sleep efficiency subcomponent of sleep quality and smartphone addiction and internet addiction.

Conclusions: Internet addiction and smartphone addiction were associated with poor sleep quality in adolescents. Older adolescents (≥16 years), gender (female), poor health perception, and perception of moderate economic status of the family were other factors associated with poor sleep quality.
CuB promotes both binding and reduction of dioxygen at the heme‐copper binuclear center in the Escherichia coli bo‐type ubiquinol oxidase
Authors: Tatsushi Mogi  , Tomoyasu Hirano  , Hiro Nakamura  , Yasuhiro Anraku  , Yutaka Orii
Published: July 2002

A CuB‐deficient mutant of the Escherichia coli bo‐type ubiquinol oxidase exhibits a very low oxidase activity that is consistent with a decreased dioxygen binding rate. During the turnover, a photolabile reaction intermediate persists for a few hundred milliseconds, due to much slower heme o‐to‐ligand electron transfer. Thus, the lack of CuB seems to have endowed the mutant enzyme with myoglobin‐like properties, thereby stabilizing the CO‐bound form, too. Accordingly we conclude that CuB plays a pivotal role in preferential trapping and efficient reduction of dioxygen at the heme‐copper binuclear center.
Decrease in perinatal mortality and increase in cesarean section rates
Authors: Shehata A.I. , Hashim T.J.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To investigate the cesarean section (CS) rate in the Riyadh area, its trend and relationship to perinatal mortality (PNM). Methods: Based on delivery data obtained from the Ministry of Health hospitals, Saudi Arabia, for a total of 12 years, yearly rates of CS, PNM and the ratios of obstetricians and beds per 10 000 population were computed for the Riyadh area and compared with the overall rates for Saudi Arabia. Correlation coefficients were used to investigate the relationship between the CS rate and each of the stated variables. Results: Riyadh had significantly lower rates of CS and PNM than Saudi Arabia as a whole. The CS rate in Riyadh showed a positive trend (increasing from 4.4 to 6.7%) while the PNM rate revealed a significant decreasing trend (decreasing from 21.6/1000 to 16/1000 live births). A negative association existed between the Riyadh rates of PNM and CS (r = −0.2375) and PNM and the availability of obstetricians (r = −0.8693). Conclusions: From our data it was not possible to establish a cause and effect relationship between the CS and PNM rates.
The SixA phospho‐histidine phosphatase modulates the ArcB phosphorelay signal transduction in Escherichia coli
Authors: Matsubara Masahiro , Mizuno Takeshi
Published: July 2002

The Escherichia coli SixA protein is the first discovered prokaryotic phospho‐histidine phosphatase, which was implicated in a His‐to‐Asp phosphorelay. The sixA gene was originally identified as the one that interferes with, at its multi‐copy state, the cross‐phosphorelay between the histidine‐containing phosphotransmitter (HPt) domain of the ArcB anaerobic sensor and its non‐cognate OmpR response regulator. Nevertheless, no evidence has been provided that the SixA phosphatase is indeed involved in a signaling circuitry of the authentic ArcB‐to‐ArcA phosphorelay in a physiologically meaningful manner. In this study, a SixA‐deficient mutant was characterized with special reference to the ArcB signaling, which allows E. coli cells to respond to not only external oxygen, but also certain anaerobic respiratory conditions. Here evidence is provided for the first time that the SixA phosphatase is a crucial regulatory factor that is involved in the ArcB signaling, particularly, under certain anaerobic respiratory growth conditions. We propose a novel mechanism, involving an HPt domain and a phospho‐histidine phosphatase, by which a given multi‐step His‐to‐Asp signaling can be modulated.
Molecular cloning and functional expression of β1,2‐xylosyltransferase cDNA from Arabidopsis thaliana1
Authors: Strasser R. , Mucha J. , Mach L. , Altmann F. , Wilson I.B.H. , Glössl J. , Steinkellner H.
Published: July 2002

The transfer of xylose from UDP‐xylose to the core β‐linked mannose of N‐linked oligosaccharides by β1,2‐xylosyltransferase (XylT) is a widespread feature of plant glycoproteins which renders them immunogenic and allergenic in man. Here, we report the isolation of the Arabidopsis thaliana XylT gene, which contains two introns and encodes a 60.2 kDa protein with a predicted type II transmembrane protein topology typical for Golgi glycosyltransferases. Upon expression of A. thaliana XylT cDNA in the baculovirus/insect cell system, a recombinant protein was produced that exhibited XylT activity in vitro. Furthermore, the recombinant enzyme displayed XylT activity in vivo in the insect cells, as judged by the acquired cross‐reaction of cellular glycoproteins with antibodies against the β1,2‐xylose epitope. The cloned XylT cDNA as well as the recombinant enzyme are essential tools to study the role of β1,2‐xylose in the immunogenicity and allergenicity of plant glycoproteins at the molecular level.
The Totalitarian Model Revisited
Authors: Guo Sujian
Published: July 2002

A theoretical problem in defining “regime identity” of a political regime in conceptual and comparative terms is that there are no generally accepted theoretical criteria that could be used to demarcate the beginning and ending of a political regime and to assess the nature of a regime change in communist and post-communist countries. This article attempts to address the significance of this problem, revisit the utility of the totalitarian model, and develop a refined macro-model that can serve as the means to solve the problem and as reference points to define regime identity, assess and measure the regime change in theoretical and comparative terms. The refined model can serve both to observe, explain, and predict the regime change in general and to enrich our understanding of specific cases in particular. Based on the insights yielded by the new model, other researchers could modify this model by using techniques of formal modeling or by dropping some features while retaining others of the model.
Cooperative Effect of Artificial Chaperones and Guanidinium Chloride on Lysozyme Renaturation at High Concentrations
Authors: Dong Xiao‐Yan , Shi Jin‐Hui , Sun Yan
Published: July 2002

It has been recognized that the artificial chaperone system, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and β‐cyclodextrin, is effective for enhancing protein renaturation. In this work, we studied the effect of the artificial chaperone system and guanidinium chloride (GdmCl) on the oxidative renaturation of lysozyme at 0.21–1.05 mg/mL, and a kinetic model based on the competition between protein folding and aggregation was employed to express the renaturation process. The refolding rate constant increased, while the aggregation rate constant decreased, with increasing concentration of the artificial chaperones. With increasing GdmCl concentration (0.28–2 M), both rate constants decreased, but there existed a specific GdmCl concentration that maximized the ratio of the two rate constants and thus the renaturation yield. The results obviously indicated the cooperative effect of GdmCl and the artificial chaperones on enhancing protein renaturation.
Effect of Nitrogen Source on Cell Growth and Production of Ginseng Saponin and Polysaccharide in Suspension Cultures of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Zhang Yi‐Heng , Zhong Jian‐Jiang , Yu Jun‐Tang
Published: July 2002

The effects of the nitrate to ammonium ratio on the cell growth, the production of ginseng saponin (secondary metabolite) and polysaccharide (primary metabolite), as well as consumption of major nutrients by suspension cultures of Panax notoginseng cells were investigated at a total nitrogen (N) of 60 mM in a 250‐mL Erlenmeyer flask. The results indicate that the ratio of nitrate to ammonium had a great influence on the cell growth and consumption of carbon and N sources. It was found that biosynthesis of saponin was more susceptible to the ratio of NO3−/NH4+ than that of polysaccharide. Ammonium was unfavorable to saponin formation. The maximum production of ginseng saponin and polysaccharide was attained when nitrate was the sole N source. The effect of total N amount (using nitrate as the sole N source) on the cell cultures was also studied, and the result shows that the dry cell weight was increased from 4.9 to 10.9 g/L with increase of initial nitrate concentration from 0 to 60 mM. The relationship between initial nitrate concentration (including both intracellular and medium nitrate) and specific cell growth rate based on active biomass could be described by Monod equation, in which the kinetic parameters μmax and Ks were determined to be 0.066 d−1 and 4.84 mM, respectively. The maximum production of ginseng saponin and polysaccharide was 0.85 and 1.59 g/L, respectively, with initial nitrate concentration of 60 mM.
Clinical and biological features of acute myeloid leukaemia occurring as second malignancy: GIMEMA archive of adult acute leukaemia
Authors: Pagano Livio , Pulsoni Alessandro , Tosti Maria Elena , Avvisati Giuseppe , Mele Luca , Mele Alfonso , Martino Bruno , Visani Giuseppe , Cerri Raffaella , Di Bona Eros , Invernizzi Rosangela , Nosari Annamaria , Clavio Marino , Allione Bernardino , Coser Paolo , Candoni Anna , Levis Alessandro , Camera Andrea , Melillo Lorella , Leone Giuseppe , Mandelli for the Gimema (gruppo Italiano Malattie Ematologic Franco
Published: July 2002

Between July 1992 and June 1996, 3934 new cases of acute leukaemia were registered in the Gruppo Italiano Malattie Ematologiche Maligne dell'Adulto (GIMEMA) Archive of Adult Acute Leukaemia. Two hundred cases (5·1%) presented with a history of primary malignancy (PM), 179 of which were acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The median age of these cases was significantly higher than that of other primitive AML (63 years vs. 57 years; P < 0·001). The number of men was significantly lower than the number of women [74/1544 (4·8%) vs. 105/1420 (7·4%); odds ratio (OR) 0·63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·46–0·87; P < 0·002], as was the number of patients aged < 65 years [104/1963 (5·3%) vs. 75/1001 (7·5%); OR 0·69, 95% CI 0·50–0·95; P < 0·01]. An increased incidence of cancer was observed among first‐degree relatives of patients with AML occurring after a PM (secondary AML; sAML) [66/179 (36·9%) sAML vs. 757/2785 (27·2%) de novo AML, age adjusted; OR 2·62, 95% CI 1·07–6·42; P < 0·005]. Prevalent types of PM were breast cancer, lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease. sAML occurred after a median latency of 52 months (range 2–379). Of the 122 patients who received chemotherapy for sAML, 67 patients (55%) achieved a complete remission (CR), three a partial remission, 15 (12%) died in induction and 37 (30%) were unresponsive. The median duration of CR was 30 weeks (range 4–250). The median overall survival was 7 months (range 1–196). Comparing acute promyelocytic leukaemia with all other French–American–British (FAB) groups, a significant increase in CR achievement was observed [14/18 (77·7%) vs. 53/101 (52·4%), P < 0·046] as well as in median CR duration (55 vs. 24 months, P < 0·02). The analysis of our data suggests that not only previous chemotherapy but also genetic predisposition could play a role in the pathogenesis of sAML.
Potency estimation of recombinant factor VIII: effect of assay method and standard
Authors: Hubbard Anthony R. , Bevan Sally A. , Weller Lynne J.
Published: July 2002

Large potency discrepancies between the chromogenic and one‐stage clotting methods have been reported for patients' plasma samples following the infusion of recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) concentrates. We have investigated the potency estimation of two different full‐length rFVIII concentrates using both assay methods relative to both plasma and concentrate standards. Potencies by the chromogenic method were significantly higher (53% and 45%) than potencies by the one‐stage clotting method when a plasma standard was used. In contrast, there was no significant potency difference between methods when a concentrate standard was used. Time‐course studies into thrombin and activated factor X (FXa) generation, in modified clotting and chromogenic methods, respectively, revealed that the two rFVIII concentrates behaved very similarly to the concentrate standard, whereas the plasma standard showed slightly more rapid thrombin generation and markedly slower FXa generation. The different behaviour of rFVIII and plasma FVIII in the chromogenic method is proposed as the main cause of the methods‐based potency discrepancy. The results support the use of a concentrate standard to measure rFVIII in post‐infusion plasma.
A mathematical model predicting anti-hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBs) decay after vaccination against hepatitis B
Authors: HONORATI M C , PALARETI A , DOLZANI P , BUSACHI C A , RIZZOLI R , FACCHINI A
Published: July 2002

The determination of serum levels of antibodies against hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs) after hepatitis B vaccination is currently the only simple test available to predict the decay of protection and to plan the administration of booster doses. A total of 3085 vaccine recipients of plasma-derived and recombinant vaccine have been followed for 10 years to determine the kinetics of anti-HBs production and to construct a mathematical model which could efficiently predict the anti-HBs level decline. The anti-HBs peak level was reached 68 days after the last dose of recombinant vaccine and 138 days after the last dose of plasma-derived vaccines. The age of vaccinees negatively influenced the anti-HBs levels and also the time necessary to reach the anti-HBs peak. A bilogarithmic mathematical model (log10 level, log10 time) of anti-HBs decay has been constructed on a sample of recombinant vaccine recipients and subsequently validated on different samples of recombinant or plasma-derived vaccine recipients. Age, gender, type of vaccine (recombinant or plasma-derived), number of vaccine doses (three or four) did not influence the mathematical model of antibody decay. The program can be downloaded at the site: http://www2.stat.unibo.it/palareti/vaccine.htm. Introducing an anti-HBs determination obtained after the peak, the program calculates a prediction of individual anti-HBs decline and allows planning of an efficient booster policy.
Expression of CD10, CD75 and CD43 in MALT lymphoma and their usefulness in discriminating MALT lymphoma from follicular lymphoma and chronic gastritis
Authors: Arends J E , Bot F J , Gisbertz I A M , Schouten H C
Published: July 2002

Aims

While it may be difficult to discriminate between chronic gastritis, MALT lymphoma and a gastric location of a nodal lymphoma using histology of small endoscopic biopsies alone, additional markers like CD10, CD75 and CD43 and proliferative activity may be of value. We assessed the expression of these antigens in MALT lymphoma and their usefulness in discriminating MALT lymphoma from follicular lymphoma and from gastritis.

Methods and results

Tissue samples of 38 patients with gastric MALT lymphoma were immunohistochemically stained for expression of CD10, CD75 and/or CD43. Proliferation index was scored using MIB‐1 staining. Ten cases of nodal follicle centre B‐cell lymphomas (n = 11) and 18 cases of high‐grade MALT lymphoma (n = 22) showed moderate to high CD75 expression (25‐100% positive cells). All tested low‐grade MALT lymphomas (n = 9) and chronic gastritis (n = 6) were negative (0‐25%) for CD75. All MALT lymphomas (n = 25) were negative for CD10. High‐grade lymphomas show significantly higher proliferation indices (67% vs. 16%) than low‐grade lymphomas. Only four of 26 MALT lymphomas were slightly positive for CD43. All gastritis biopsies (n = 4) were negative for CD43.

Conclusions

These data suggest that combining both CD10 and CD75 may be useful in discriminating between low‐grade MALT, high‐grade MALT lymphoma and extranodal location of follicular lymphoma. However, CD43 expression cannot in the majority of cases be used to distinguish between low‐grade MALT lymphoma and gastritis.
Factors affecting lynx predation on sheep in the French Jura
Authors: Stahl P. , Vandel J.M. , Ruette S. , Coat L. , Coat Y. , Balestra L.
Published: July 2002

In regions where sheep are kept in fenced pastures and do not graze unattended in carnivore habitats, sheep losses vary greatly between sites and livestock farms. To assess the factors that may predispose farms to lynx predation in the French Jura, we compared sheep availability and environmental characteristics between pastures with and without attacks in a 1800‐km2study area. Nine lynx were radio‐tracked in the same area for a total of 21 lynx years to estimate individual killing rates on sheep and to identify possible habitual livestock killers.

Depending on individual and year, lynx predation rate on sheep within lynx home ranges varied between 0 and 12·4 attacks 100 days−1. Predation rate on sheep was not related to sheep abundance nor sheep dispersion in lynx home ranges. Two individuals became habitual sheep killers during, respectively, their third and fourth year of monitoring. Other lynx that had access to the same flocks were only occasional sheep killers. No obvious causal factor (e.g. sex, reproductive status, physical debilitation) explained the differential individual propensity for lynx to kill livestock.

We found no difference in sheep availability between pastures with and without attacks, but strong differences in their environmental characteristics. In only 5·1% of 98 pastures > 250 m from a forest were sheep attacked by lynx. In 228 pastures adjacent or connected to forests by cover, 39·1% sustained attacks on sheep by lynx (P < 0·01). For these latter pastures, logistic regression showed a positive effect of their proximity to major forested areas (P < 0·01), absence of human dwellings (P < 0·01), local abundance of roe deer (P = 0·01) and the presence of attacked pastures in their vicinity (P = 0·03).

These results suggests that lynx damage locally can be explained by a predictable set of habitat features that expose sheep on some pastures to risk, and by an unpredictable event, i.e. an individual developing regular predation on sheep.

In grazing systems like the Jura, where unattended sheep are distributed patchily and individual problem lynx may appear, removing lynx or lowering density without differentiating individuals will be insufficient to limit conflicts. Selective removals could temporarily reduce predation but the site effect implies that durable management can arise only through improved shepherding. This might include guard dogs in the few local sites at risk and providing shelter for sheep at night when attacks are on the increase.
HOVIS – The Hertfordshire/Oxfordshire Violent Incident Study
Authors: Spokes K. , Bond K. , Lowe T. , Jones J. , Illingworth P. , Brimblecombe msc bsc(hons) dip nebsms rmn & N. , Wellman N.
Published: July 2002

Violence in psychiatric inpatient units is a major and growing problem. Research interest has primarily focussed on patient characteristics. The role of staff factors and the antecedents of violent incidents has been neglected, despite the fact that staff factors and behaviour may be more readily amenable to change than patient characteristics. The HOVIS study sought to obtain the views of a sample of mental health nurses in current clinical practice about staff‐related factors, which they perceive to contribute to, or protect against, the occurrence of violent incidents. A total of 108 nurses working in psychiatric acute admission, intensive care and low secure units, in two NHS Trusts were interviewed using a specially designed semistructured interview schedule. These nurses identified a variety of behaviours, clinical skills, personal characteristics and interpersonal skills that they believe impact on the occurrence of violent incidents. These findings are discussed in relation to their possible training and managerial implications.
Near‐normal urinary albumin concentrations predict progression to diabetic nephropathy in Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Diabetes Group Regi
Published: July 2002

SUMMARY

Aims  To determine urinary albumin concentrations that predict progression to diabetic nephropathy and sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy and identify baseline parameters associated with progression.

Methods  One thousand two hundred and one Type 1 diabetic patients aged 35 years or younger at diagnosis attending six hospital diabetes clinics in Scotland and included on the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Diabetes Register were followed for a median (interquartile range) of 4.0 (2.5–5.5) years. Diabetic nephropathy was defined as the geometric mean of two consecutive urinary albumin values > 200 mg/l or a single value > 1000 mg/l. Retinopathy was defined as clinician‐determined maculopathy or proliferative retinopathy.

Results  Forty‐six patients developed nephropathy (4%) and 98 retinopathy (8%). Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that a baseline urinary albumin concentration above 7.4 mg/l, longer duration of diabetes and higher HbA1c levels predicted the development of nephropathy. Higher baseline urinary albumin concentrations were the most powerful predictor for the development of nephropathy. Longer duration of diabetes, baseline blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg and higher HbA1c levels all predicted the development of sight‐threatening retinopathy whereas baseline urinary albumin concentration did not.

Conclusions  Elevation of urinary albumin concentration just above the normal range is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. Identifying patients with any abnormalities of urinary albumin excretion will provide a clear rationale for early therapeutic interventions.
Doppler ultralsound of the uterine arteries: the importance of bilateral notching in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia, placental abruption or delivery of a small‐for‐gestational‐age baby
Authors: Harrington K. , Cooper D. , Lees C. , Hecher K. , Campbell S.
Published: July 2002

The use of Doppler studies of the uterine arteries in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation has had mixed success. The introduction of color Doppler imaging and the use of the ‘notch’ to define an abnormal waveform have helped to improve the predictive value of uterine artery Doppler screening.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of uterine artery Doppler in a group of women of mixed race and parity. This study was a prospective, cross‐sectional analysis of 1326 unselected women who were screened with continuous wave uterine Doppler at 19–21 weeks, as part of a fetal anomaly/dating scan. A total of 214 women with abnormal uterine artery waveforms (notching) were referred for assessment at 24 weeks; 191 attended and had color Doppler imaging/pulsed Doppler studies of both uterine arteries. Data from 185 pregnancies were suitable for analysis.

There were abnormal uterine Doppler findings (uni‐ or bilateral notching) in 110 patients at 24 weeks; 48 had bilateral notching. The sensitivity of notching for the prediction of proteinuric pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PPIH) was similar in primiparas (76.9%), multiparas (77.7%), African‐Caribbean women (82.6%) and Caucasian women (71.4%). The sensitivity of bilateral notching for the prediction of PPIH requiring delivery before 34 weeks was 81.2%, and 57.6% (for babies small for gestational age (SGA), with positive predictive values of 27% (PPIH), 31.2% (SGA) and 37.5% (any complication).

Patients with persistent bilateral notching are particularly at risk of developing PPIH or delivering an SGA baby before 34 weeks' gestation; they warrant increased surveillance, and may be a group that could benefit from prophylactic therapies. Copyright © 1996 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Protein Kinase C Activation Potentiates the Rapid Secretion of the Amyloid Precursor Protein from Rat Cortical Synaptosomes
Authors: McLaughlin Mark , Breen Kieran C.
Published: July 2002

Abstract : In this study we have used the presynaptic‐rich rat
cerebrocortical synaptosomal preparation to investigate the proteolytic
cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (AβPP) by the α‐secretase
pathway within the βA4 domain to generate a soluble secreted N‐terminal
fragment (AβPPs). AβPP was detected in crude cortical
synaptosomal membranes, although at a lower density than that observed in
whole‐tissue homogenates. Protein kinase C (PKC) activation induced a
translocation of the conventional PKC isoform β1 and novel PKCε from
cytosol to membrane fractions, but there was no alteration in the proportion
of AβPP associated with the Tritonsoluble and ‐insoluble fractions.
AβPPs was constitutively secreted from cortical synaptosomes,
with this secretion being enhanced significantly by the direct activation of
PKC with phorbol ester. The PKC‐induced secretion of AβPPs was
only partially blocked by the PKC inhibitor GF109203X (2.5 μM),
whereas the phosphorylation of the myristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase
substrate (MARCKS) protein was significantly inhibited by GF109203X. The
differential sensitivities of the MARCKS phosphorylation and
AβPPs secretion to GF109203X may imply that different PKC
isoforms are involved in these two events in the synaptosomal system. These
findings strongly suggest that the α‐secretase activity leading to the
secretion of AβPPs can occur at the level of the presynaptic terminal.
No effect of preoperative paracetamol and codeine suppositories for pain after termination of pregnancies in general anaesthesia
Authors: Dahl Vegard , Fjellanger Frode , Raeder Johan C.
Published: July 2002

Outpatient surgery demands rapid recovery and satisfied patients. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether rectal premedication with paracetamol and codeine would reduce the need of rescue analgesics, reduce the postoperative pain experience and result in faster eligibility for discharge.

Ninety pregnant patients scheduled for day‐case surgery with evacuation of the uterine cavity were randomly assigned into two groups. The paracetamol and codeine group was given a suppository with 60 mg of codeine and 800 mg of paracetamol together with standard premedication of intramuscular midazolam 0.08 mg/kg. The placebo group was given a placebo suppository and midazolam. All patients underwent the surgical procedure under general anaesthesia with alfentanil 15 μg/kg and propofol 1.5–2 mg/kg.

There were no statisticaly significant differences between the groups in the postoperative pain experience as judged by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS‐scale), verbal scale or the need for rescue analgesic medication with ketobemidone. Most of the patients experienced little postoperative pain with more than 70% scoring less than 20 mm on a VAS‐scale from 0–100 mm at any time during the postoperative period. The paracetamol and codeine patients were significantly more sleepy at 30 min postoperatively. There were no differences between the groups in postoperative nausea or vomiting and no difference in discharge eligibility.

The use of pre‐operative suppository with paracetamol 800 mg and codeine 60 mg is unnecessary in this group of patients.
Laser-induced photothermal reflectance investigation of silicon damaged by arsenic ion implantation: A temperature study
Authors: Vitkin I. Alex , Christofides Constantinos , Mandelis Andreas
Published: July 2002

Laser-induced photothermal reflectance (PTR) measurements of arsenic-implanted silicon are reported. The photothermal signals as a function of temperature are presented for both annealed and as-implanted silicon films. The ability to monitor the dependence of signal on doping and on the temperature suggests a novel nondestructive means for characterization of implanted layers. The latter dependence has been qualitatively explained in terms of the temperature variation of the thermal wave effect.
Modeling of a rf glow discharge plasma
Authors: Okazaki Katsuji , Makabe Toshiaki , Yamaguchi Yukio
Published: July 2002

A dynamic model for a rf glow discharge plasma in a parallel-plate geometry has been developed by considering the charged particle transport including the collisional relaxation kinetics. The model has been applied to low pressure and low gas temperature Ar discharge plasmas. A second-stage investigation, i.e., the study of the excited species, has been carried out in comparison with experiments. The effect of the frequency of the driving source has been investigated from the viewpoint of the ionization rate required to maintain the discharge in a rf plasma.
Quick and simple method to measure third-order nonlinear optical properties of dye-doped polymer films
Authors: Kuzyk M. G. , Dirk C. W.
Published: July 2002

Quadratic phase modulation is used to measure the electronic third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility of thin polymer film solid solutions of organic dyes. This simple technique is shown to provide quick measurements of the χ(3)1133 component of the third-order optical susceptibility. The measured quadratic electro-optic coefficient of 7.5 wt. % (2.5 mol %) of a dicyanovinyl azo dye in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is 4.4×10−21 m2/V2, which corresponds to a direct current Kerr coefficient of 1.4×10−11 esu. The electronic and orientational mechanisms, whose response times are faster than 30 ps, are discussed.
Optically steerable photoconducting antennas
Authors: Hu B. B. , Darrow J. T. , Zhang X.-C. , Auston D. H. , Smith P. R.
Published: July 2002

When illuminated by ultrashort optical pulses, large aperture planar photoconductors are shown to radiate a directional electromagnetic pulse which can be steered by varying the angle of incidence of the optical beam.
Periodic surface structures in the excimer laser ablative etching of polymers
Authors: Dyer P. E. , Farley R. J.
Published: July 2002

Periodic surface structures have been observed on organic polymers when photoablated using low coherence excimer lasers. Both unpolarized and linearly polarized radiation at 248 and 308 nm produce well ordered, micron-scale structures over dimensions greatly exceeding the coherence area of the laser at the surface. Surface scattered wave effects appear to explain these structures.
Formation of titanium nitride layers by the nitridation of titanium in high-pressure ammonium ambient
Authors: Hara Tohru , Tani Kouichi , Inoue Ken , Nakamura Shigeaki , Murai Takeshi
Published: July 2002

Nitridation of titanium layer is performed in a high-pressure (5.9 kg/cm2) ammonium (NH3) ambient. Although the nitridation of titanium surface does not occur at 700 °C in an atmospheric pressure, it does occur at 650 °C in an ammonium pressure of 5.9 kg/cm2. Nitridation temperature can be lowered by 100–150 °C with an increase in ammonium pressure from 2.0 to 5.9 kg/cm2. Thickness of titanium nitride layer increased markedly with increasing ammonium pressure. This is due to the enhancement of the chemical reaction of titanium with ammonium gas by the increase of pressure. The thickness increases with an increase of nitridation temperature. The thickness of the titanium silicide layer formed by the silicidation reaction between titanium and the silicon wafer is reduced with the increase in ammonium pressure.