bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causes of azoospermia and their management
Authors: Schlegel P. N.
Published: July 2004

Azoospermia may occur because of reproductive tract obstruction (obstructive azoospermia) or inadequate production of spermatozoa, such that spermatozoa do not appear in the ejaculate (non-obstructive azoospermia). Azoospermia is diagnosed based on the absence of spermatozoa after centrifugation of complete semen specimens using microscopic analysis. History and physical examination and hormonal analysis (FSH, testosterone) are undertaken to define the cause of azoospermia. Together, these factors provide a >90% prediction of the type of azoospermia (obstructive v. non-obstructive). Full definition of the type of azoospermia is provided based on diagnostic testicular biopsy. Obstructive azoospermia may be congenital (congenital absence of the vas deferens, idiopathic epididymal obstruction) or acquired (from infections, vasectomy, or other iatrogenic injuries to the male reproductive tract). Couples in whom the man has congenital reproductive tract obstruction should have cystic fibrosis (CF) gene mutation analysis for the female partner because of the high risk of the male being a CF carrier. Patients with acquired obstruction of the male reproductive tract may be treated using microsurgical reconstruction or transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts, depending on the level of obstruction. Alternatively, sperm retrieval with assisted reproduction may be used to effect pregnancies, with success rates of 25–65% reported by different centres. Non-obstructive azoospermia may be treated by defining the cause of low sperm production and initiating treatment. Genetic evaluation with Y-chromosome microdeletion analysis and karyotype testing provides prognostic information in these men. For men who have had any factors potentially affecting sperm production treated and remain azoospermic, sperm retrieval from the testis may be effective in 30–70% of cases. Once sperm are found, pregnancy rates of 20–50% may be obtained at different centres with in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Genetic screening of infertile men
Authors: Cram David , Lynch Michael , O’Bryan Moira K. , Salvado Chelsea , McLachlan Robert I. , de Kretser David M.
Published: July 2004

Male infertility is an extraordinarily common medical condition, affecting 1 in 20 men. According to the World Health Organization, this condition is now considered to be a complex disease involving physical, genetic and environmental factors. With continuing advances in our understanding of male reproductive physiology and endocrinology, together with the availability of the complete sequence of the human genome and powerful functional genomic techniques, the stage is now set to identify the genes that are essential for spermatogenesis. Given that the process of spermatogenesis, from the germ cell to mature sperm, is complex, the challenge for research is to develop the strategies for identifying new genetic causes of idiopathic male infertility and defining genotypes associated with specific defects in semen parameters and testicular pathologies. Such information will form the basis of new genetic tests that will allow the clinician to make an accurate diagnosis of the male partner and a more informed decision about treatment options for the couple.
β-Adrenergic modulation of emotional memory-evoked human amygdala and hippocampal responses
Authors: Strange B. A. , Dolan R. J.
Published: July 2004

Human emotional experience is typically associated with enhanced episodic memory. We have used functional magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate that successful encoding of emotional, compared to neutral, verbal stimuli evokes increased human amygdala responses. Items that evoke amygdala activation at encoding evoke greater hippocampal responses at retrieval compared to neutral items. Administration of the β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol at encoding abolishes the enhanced amygdala encoding and hippocampal retrieval effects, despite propranolol being no longer present at retrieval. Thus, memory-related amygdala responses at encoding and hippocampal responses at recognition for emotional items depend on β-adrenergic engagement at encoding. Our results suggest that human emotional memory is associated with a β-adrenergic-dependent modulation of amygdala-hippocampal interactions.
Outcome after Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis of Occluded Prosthetic Femoropopliteal Bypasses: A prospective study
Authors: Sandbæk G. , Staxrud L.E. , Rosén L. , Slagsvold C.-E. , Stavis P. , Bay D. , Gjølberg T. , Kolmannskog F.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome after catheter-directed thrombolysis of occluded femoropopliteal prosthetic bypasses with the distal anastomosis above the knee.

Material and Methods: Twenty-one patients were included in this prospective study. End-hole catheters, a bolus dose and continuous infusion of recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) were used, with a median total dose of 10 mg (range 7–20 mg).

Results: With an intra-thrombotic position of the catheter, total or subtotal lysis was obtained in 19 of 21 patients (90%). No serious complications occurred. In 9 patients, the stenoses were successfully treated with balloon angioplasty (PTA, n = 5), local thrombectomy/extension of bypass (n = 3), or with a new bypass (n = 1). After a median observation time of 18 months (6–24), 5 patients had open bypass. Re-occlusion occurred in all (6/6) bypasses in which no flow-limiting lesion was discovered, in all (4/4) bypasses treated twice with thrombolysis, as well as in all bypasses in which stenoses had not been adequately treated (3/3). One bypass re-occluded immediately due to poor runoff.

Conclusion: In the present study, 19/21 infra-inguinal prosthetic bypasses were successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. However, re-occlusion often took place, especially in bypasses without flow-limiting lesions. If re-occlusion occurs in a bypass in which no stenoses were revealed during the primary thrombolysis procedure, a second catheter-directed thrombolytic treatment does not seem to be warranted. Our results confirm that treatment of flow-limiting lesions is a prerequisite for maintaining patency.
Intracardiac tumour and brain lesions in tuberous sclerosis: A case report of antenatal diagnosis by ultrasonography
Authors: Czechowski J. , Langille E.-L. , Varady E.
Published: July 2004

A case of antenatal tuberous sclerosis was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Intracardiac tumour (highly suspected rhabdomyoma) with transitory heart failure and multiple brain lesions were observed. After delivery, echocardiography, spiral CT and MR imaging diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis was confirmed by typical skin lesions (depigmented macules) and development of seizures.
Diagnostic accuracy of helical CT arterial portography and CT hepatic arteriography for hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic liver damage: An ROC analysis
Authors: Makita O. , Yamashita Y. , Arakawa A. , Nakayama Y. , Mitsuzaki K. , Ando M. , Namimoto T. , Takahashi M.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the detectability of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in chronic liver damage with helical CT arterial portography (CTAP) and CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA).

Material and Methods: Thirty-nine HCC patients who underwent CTAP and CTHA were studied. Diagnostic abilities of CTAP alone, CTHA alone, or combined CTAP and CTHA were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Fifty-three images with 53 HCC nodules were evaluated. Tumor size ranged from 5 to 90 mm (mean 22.8 mm). Sensitivities and specificities for all techniques were calculated.

Results: ROC analysis showed the diagnostic ability significantly better with combined CTAP and CTHA (mean area under the ROC curve (Az) = 0.95), or CTHA alone (Az = 0.93) than CTAP alone (Az = 0.87) ( p < 0.01). Combined CTAP and CTHA showed the best sensitivity (95.0%), followed by CTHA alone (88.1%) and CTAP alone (85.5%). The specificities of all three imaging techniques were relatively low (54.1% for combined CTAP and CTHA, 71.1% for CTHA alone, and 54.1% for CTAP alone) because of perfusion abnormalities of the liver parenchyma.

Conclusion: The combination of CTAP and CTHA is superior to CTAP alone for detection of hypervascular HCCs. However, its specificity was relatively low in chronic liver damage.
Pancreaticobiliary diseases: Comparison of 2D single-shot turbo spin-echo MR cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Arslan A. , Geitung J.T. , Viktil E. , Abdelnoor M. , Osnes M.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic value of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to that of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnosis of various obstructive and nonobstructive pancreaticobiliary diseases.

Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 153 patients who had undergone both MRCP and ERCP. Breath-hold, heavily T2-weighted images using 2D single-shot turbo spin-echo technique were obtained. MRCP and ERCP results were correlated with the final clinical diagnoses. Accuracy of MRCP and ERCP in the diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary diseases, detecting the cause and site of biliary obstruction, if present, and distinguishing malignant from benign cause of obstruction were compared.

Results: Success rates of MRCP and ERCP were 98.7% and 89.5%, respectively. The accuracy of MRCP and ERCP in detecting the site of biliary obstruction was 89.7% and 96.2%, and in detecting the cause of biliary obstruction 69.2% and 71.8%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios for positive and negative tests for MRCP and ERCP in distinguishing malignant biliary obstruction from benign causes were 86.4%, 82.4%, 4.9, 0.2 and 88.6%, 94.1%, 15.1, 0.1, respectively. Concordance between the two tests was 91% (kappa coefficient 0.82, standard error of kappa 0.113, p<0.001). In the group of nonobstructive biliary diseases, accuracy of MRCP and ERCP in detecting cholecystolithiasis were 100% and 73.7%, and in detecting pancreatitis 57% and 14%, respectively.

Conclusion: 2D single-shot turbo spin-echo MRCP can be performed as a complement to ERCP and can replace ERCP in high-risk patients and in case of unsuccessful cannulation.
Investigation of binding of 125I-Iodixanol to high molecular weight substances after incubation with rat liver homogenates
Authors: Jacobsen P. Balke , Oulie I. , Christiansen C. , Skotland T.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: It has recently been shown that incubation of iodixanol in rat liver homogenates resulted in formation of iodixanol metabolites. The present study was performed to see if this incubation resulted in any binding of iodixanol to high molecular weight substances, as such a high molecular weight conjugate of iodixanol theoretically might cause initiation of an immune response against this contrast agent.

Material and Methods:125I-iodixanol was incubated with rat liver homogenates for 1 h at 37°C and 17 h at 25°C followed by analysis of the supernatant fractions using gel-permeation chromatography with on-line radiochemical detection.

Results: No traces of radioactivity could be detected in the chromatograms, except at the retention time of free iodixanol.

Conclusion: No binding of iodixanol to high molecular weight substances could be demonstrated after incubation of iodixanol with rat liver homogenates.
Early response of breast cancer bone metastases to chemotherapy evaluated with MR imaging
Authors: Çiray I. , Lindman H. , Åström K.G.O. , Bergh J. , Ahlström K.H.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare T1-weighted spin-echo and fat-suppressed long echo time inversion recovery turbo spin-echo (long TE IR-TSE) MR images in the evaluation of early response of breast cancer bone metastases to chemotherapy.

Material and Methods: Eighteen breast cancer patients with known bone metastases were investigated prospectively by MR, using T1-weighted and long TE IR-TSE sequences on the sternum, spine, pelvis and proximal femora, before and after a median of 6 courses of chemotherapy. Therapeutic response evaluation with MR was based on change in tumor size assessed quantitatively by measuring all focal metastases, and change in pattern and signal intensity (SI) of the metastases, assessed visually. Combined response evaluation based on clinical findings, conventional radiography, and scintigraphy was used as reference.

Results: Progressive disease (2 patients) and no change (4 patients) were assessed equally well on both MR sequences. Long TE IR-TSE demonstrated partial response with higher accuracy than T1-weighted images, 58% (7/12 patients) vs. 17% (2/12 patients). In patients without progression there was an SI increase in or around the metastases in 6 patients on T1-weighted images and in 7 patients on long TE IR-TSE images.

Conclusion: The long TE IR-TSE sequence demonstrated early partial response of breast cancer bone metastases to chemotherapy more accurately than the T1-weighted sequence.
Visualization of tumor vessels in renal tumors: Comparison between power Doppler ultrasonography and angiography
Authors: Tamura Y. , Jinzaki M. , Ohkuma K. , Narimatsu Y. , Hashimoto S. , Tanimoto A. , Hiramatsu K.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare the ability of power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) with that of renal angiography for assessment of renal tumor vessels.

Material and Methods: We performed PDUS and angiography in 52 histologically proven renal parenchymal tumors (50 renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and 2 oncocytomas), and compared vascularity on PDUS and angiography. The vascularity of PDUS was graded as follows: grade 0 - no recognizable tumor vessel; grade 1 - hypovascular to surrounding renal interlobar arteries; grade 2 - hyper- or isovascular to surrounding renal interlobar arteries.

Results: With PDUS, 41 tumors were grade 2 and 11 were grade 1. With angiography, 44 lesions had iso/hypervascular pattern, 6 hypovascular pattern, and 2 were judged to be avascular. Among 44 iso/hypervascular tumors, 41 were grade 2, and 3 were grade 1. These latter 3 were located deeper than 7 cm. Six hypovascular tumors and 2 avascular tumors were grade 1. The 2 avascular tumors were small and hypovascular. The κ-level of agreement was 0.81.

Conclusion: There was very good agreement betweeen PDUS and angiography in visualizing renal tumor vessels. PDUS appears appropriate for assessing renal tumor vascularity as compared to angiography in small and hypovascular lesions, but deep location reduced the detectability of tumor vessels with PDUS.
Brain MR perfusion imaging in humans: Advantages of high-molarity gadolinium chelates
Authors: Griffiths P.D. , Wilkinson I.D. , Wels T. , Hoggard N.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate any possible advantages of high-concentration gadolinium chelates in the human brain thin-slice MR.

Material and Methods: Thirty-six patients were allocated into six groups. Three groups had perfusion imaging performed using 7-mm-thick slices and the other three groups had 4-mm-thick slices. One group who had 7-mm slices and one group of 4-mm slices had 0.5 M gadolinium (20 ml) whilst other groups received the high-concentration gadolinium (1.0 M: 10 ml and 20 ml). The time-intensity curves were analysed for maximum signal reduction and signal-to-noise measurements.

Results: Twenty ml of the 1.0-M agent produced significantly increased maximum signal change and improvement in signal-to-noise when compared to 20 ml of 0.5 M. There was no significant difference between the maximum signal change when 20 ml of 0.5 M and 10 ml of 1.0 M agents were compared. There was no significant difference between the maximum signal changes when 7-mm and 4-mm slice thickness using the same dosing regimens.

Conclusion: Four-mm slice thickness perfusion imaging can be performed with high-concentration gadolinium in the human brain and we discuss the advantages of this.
Assessment of the arteriovenous cerebrovascular system by multi-slice CT: A single-bolus, monophasic protocol
Authors: Klingebiel R. , Zimmer C. , Rogalla P. , Kivelitz D. , Bohner G. , Götze R. , Lehmann R.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: We present a protocol for the non-invasive angiographic assessment of the arterial and venous cerebrovascular (CV) system by multi-slice CT.

Material and Methods: Data acquisition was performed in a multi-slice CT scanner with a scan range from the carotid bifurcation to the vertex and manual scan start following i.v. administration of 120 ml iodinated contrast medium with a flow rate of 4 ml/s. This protocol was applied in 12 patients with symptoms of acute CV insuffiency.

Results: In all patients, comprehensive imaging of the arteriovenous CV system was achieved including the common carotid bifurcation, the third segment of the major cerebral arteries, the dural sinus and the internal cerebral veins. Various CV pathologies, such as a territorial artery occlusion, a thrombotic obstruction of the internal carotid artery, an intracranial arteriovenous malformation and a sinus vein thrombosis, were successfully evaluated.

Conclusion: Comprehensive assessment of the arteriovenous CV system is possible by the use of a single-bolus, monophasic multi-slice scan technique.
A rig for acquisition of standardized trabecular bone radiographs
Authors: Podsiadlo P. , Stachowiak G.W.
Published: July 2004

To assess osteoarthritic changes in knee joints a radiography rig for acquisition of standardized radiographs of trabecular bone has been developed. The rig contains a steel frame on castors, a turntable, a cassette holder frame, calibration Plexiglas sheets, body supports and points. It is used to lock the patient in a standardized position. A film cassette holder frame was also developed to reduce scattering of X-rays, and consequently the amount of noise in the radiographs. Calibration Plexiglas sheets were mounted on ball bearing slides to obtain radiographs without a calibration pattern (suitable for the analysis of trabecular bone texture) and radiographs containing a calibration pattern (suitable for the measurement of leg alignment).
A Novel Mechanism for Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Localization
Authors: Bind Eric , Kleyner Yelena , Skowronska-Krawczyk Dorota , Bien Emily , Dynlacht Brian David , Sánchez Irma
Published: July 2004

Mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal regulated kinases (MAPKs/ERKs) are typically thought to be soluble cytoplasmic enzymes that translocate to the nucleus subsequent to their phosphorylation by their activating kinases or mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal regulated kinase kinase. We report here the first example of nuclear translocation of a MAPK that occurs via temporally regulated exit from a membranous organelle. Confocal microscopy examining the subcellular localization of ERK3 in several cell lines indicated that this enzyme was targeted to the Golgi/endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment. Deletion analysis of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-ERK3 uncovered a nuclear form that was carboxy-terminally truncated and established a Golgi targeting motif at the carboxy terminus. Immunoblot analysis of cells treated with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 further revealed two cleavage products, suggesting that in vivo, carboxy-terminal cleavage of the full-length protein controls its subcellular localization. In support of this hypothesis, we found that deletion of a small region rich in acidic residues within the carboxy terminus eliminated both the cleavage and nuclear translocation of GFP-ERK3. Finally, cell cycle synchronization studies revealed that the subcellular localization of ERK3 is temporally regulated. These data suggest a novel mechanism for the localization of an MAPK family member, ERK3, in which cell cycle-regulated, site-specific proteolysis generates the nuclear form of the protein.
Silver behenate powder as a possible low-angle calibration standard for small-angle neutron scattering
Authors: Gilles R. , Keiderling U. , Wiedenmann A.
Published: July 2004

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a transmission method working in the angular range 0.4–6° (2θ). In this paper, silver behenate powder [CH3(CH2)20COOAg] (referred to as `AgBE'), one of the very few materials featuring Bragg reflections in the angular range accessible to SANS instruments, is suggested as a possible new SANS wavelength calibration standard. In the past, this powder has been successfully tested as a calibration standard in low-angle X-ray diffraction. Results of new SANS wavelength calibration measurements performed with AgBE and with the traditional method of time-of-flight measurements are presented and compared with low-angle X-ray diffraction measurements.
Axial Divergence in a Conventional X-ray Powder Diffractometer. I. Theoretical Foundations
Authors: Cheary R. W. , Coelho A. A.
Published: July 2004

A general model for the axial divergence aberration function has been developed for a conventional X-ray powder diffractometer equipped with either incident-beam and/or diffracted-beam Soller slits. In this model, the axial divergence function is generated from the geometrical dimensions of the diffractometer system, which include the axial lengths of the X-ray source, sample and receiving slit as well as the angular apertures of the incident-beam and diffracted-beam Soller slits. The paper describes how the diffractometer design and the extent of the axial divergence influence the shape of the axial divergence aberration function. The model is developed in three stages starting with analytical profile shapes for a single-ray incident X-ray beam. The single-ray results are then generalized to represent a line X-ray source and a specimen with axial length. In the third stage, the effects of the Soller slits in the beam path are incorporated by considering them as angular selective filters in the incident and diffracted beams. A general discussion is presented on the axial divergence aberration function with 2θ for a range of standard instrument configurations. This work forms the basis of an accurate fundamental parameters approach to profile analysis and Rietveld refinement.
A versatile loading device for Guinier–Hägg sample holders and capillary tubes
Authors: Blaton Norbert , Vochten Renaud , Huysmans Raymond
Published: July 2004

This paper describes a device for quick preparation of Guinier–Hägg-camera samples and easy filling of capillary tubes.
On the Estimation of the Termination Effect in Fourier Synthesis in X-ray Structure Analysis
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhiko , Ohshima Ken-ichi , Yamamoto Kazuki , Yukino Ken , Okamura Fujio P.
Published: July 2004

An accurate structure analysis of a spherical LaB6single crystal has been performed with the use of short-wavelength X-rays (WKα1) in order to estimate the termination effect in Fourier synthesis on the electron-density distribution (EDD). It is concluded that the effect on the EDD is negligible if data are taken up to \sin \theta /\lambda =2.0 Å−1, because the negative values disappear completely from the map. The values of displacement parameters of the constituent atoms in LaB6are also discussed.
The Health Education Trust and the health of young people today and tomorrow
Authors: Higgs Jennette
Published: July 2004

The Health Education Trust (HET) was created to promote the development of health education for young people in the UK through work with young adults and children to encourage the growth of healthy lifestyles. This paper reviews the work of the HET Web site, www.healthedtrust.com The Trust has recently developed its Web site with the aim of facilitating easy access to practical information, policy updates, research news and examples of good practice for all who are interested and concerned about young people's health issues. Through utilising the Web site it is hoped that beneficial information and ideas will be spread more quickly and put into practice elsewhere, thus enabling swifter progress towards healthier lifestyles for our children. This paper describes current Web site activities, which in themselves, provide a keyhole through to exploring the rapidly evolving field of activities, both central and national, all geared towards addressing the health and wellbeing of young people today and for tomorrow. The paper will be useful to any professionals who have a role to play, or an interest, perhaps as a parent, in the area of nutrition and lifestyle education for young people. The more information available and general “noise” relating to good nutrition, healthy lifestyles and the practical means to achieving these, the more likely we are to achieve better health for future generations.
Compulsory work experience programs: hindrance or help?
Authors: Nevile Ann
Published: July 2004

A recent survey of studies on the school to work transition was particularly critical of English and Swedish compulsory work experience programs. This article reports on an Australian case study that reaches the opposite conclusion. The majority of participants in the Work for the Dole program are young people (under 25) who are struggling to find secure employment. Even though they are forced to undertake the program, over three‐quarters of participants rate the experience as “very satisfactory” or “satisfactory”. Participants value the work experience they receive if they feel they are learning and value the connection to the labour market from being included in their supervisor's informal network of contacts. The program appears successful in delivering “soft outcomes”, such as increased self‐esteem, improved communication and interpersonal skills, which ameliorate some of the negative impacts of unemployment on personal well‐being.
Innovative practice in the use of ICT in education and training: learning from the winners
Authors: Duggleby Julia , Jennings David , Pickering Fred , Schmoller Seb , Bola Femi , Stone Richard , Willis Penny
Published: July 2004

Addresses three separate initiatives: South Yorkshire Further Education Consortium (SYFEC); e‐skills4industry – a partnership between Lewisham College and Deloitte; and Cascade and information and communication technology (ICT) training for schools. The initiatives, however, share two important characteristics. First, they are all initiatives which have been recognised within the National Training Awards (NTA) programme organised by UK Skills and supported by the UK Government's Department for Education and Skills (DfES). Second, each of the initiatives, albeit in different ways, looks at the utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) in different aspects of education and training. The three winning accounts featured here offer useful insight into how the further and higher education sectors, in partnership with industry, are responding to some of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as the use of information technology (IT) becomes common place in people's working (and learning) lives.
The perceived cultural compatibility index: an extension
Authors: Runge Janet B. , Hames David S. , Shearer Corrinne S.
Published: July 2004

The goal of the current study was to replicate and extend the perceived cultural compatibility index developed by Veiga et al. and Very et al. In extending their work, the sample studied was large enough to allow use of confirmatory factor analysis for examining the index beyond the exploratory factor analysis used in its development. Further, the paper treated organizational culture as a socially constructed phenomenon and included all employee classifications in the study. The results show evidence of a second‐order factor model for perceived cultural compatibility rather than the single factor view of culture offered by Veiga et al. and Very et al.
Consumption patterns of Chinese urban and rural consumers
Authors: Sun Tao , Wu Guohua
Published: July 2004

As an exploratory study on rural and urban consumers in an emerging market like China, this paper presents empirical evidence about the impacts of economic development on consumer lifestyles. Chinese rural and urban consumers were found to be statistically different in terms of their attitudes toward the whole marketing mix: product price, brand names, promotions and distribution. Possibly as a result of these disparate attitudes, rural and urban consumers were found to use different products to reflect the improvement of their living standards. All of these previous differences might be due to the fact that rural and urban Chinese consumers have different needs, as indicated by the words they chose to describe their ideal image. These lifestyle differences reveal huge marketing potentials for MNCs and other foreign investors, who will ultimately move into China's relatively untapped rural regions for marketing opportunities.
Physicians' perceptions of possibilities and obstacles prior to implementing a computerised drug prescribing support system
Authors: Bastholm Rahmner P. , Andersén‐Karlsson E. , Arnhjort T. , Eliasson M. , Gustafsson L.‐L. , Jacobsson L. , Ovesjö M.‐L. , Rosenqvist U. , Sjöviker S. , Tomson G. , Holmström I.
Published: July 2004

Seeks to identify physicians' perceptions of possibilities and obstacles prior to implementing a computerised drug prescribing support system. Details a descriptive, qualitative study, with semi‐structured individual interviews of 21 physicians in the Accident and Emergency Department of South Stockholm General Hospital. Identifies four descriptive categories for possibilities and obstacles. Concludes that gaining access to patient drug history enables physicians to carry out work in a professional way – a need the computerised prescription support system was not developed for and thus cannot fulfil. Alerts and producer‐independent drug information are valuable in reducing workload. However, technical prerequisites form the base for a successful implementation. Time must be given to adapt to new ways of working.
A framework for the application of knowledge technology to the management of diseases
Authors: Uzoka F.M.E. , Famuyiwa J.O.
Published: July 2004

Medical diagnosis and treatment constitute a network of inter‐related processes. The conventional method of medical diagnosis and treatment of diseases involves a state space search of the medical knowledge of diseases and patient history, which could be combinatorially explosive. This paper presents a report on the experimental study of an intelligent, interactive, user‐friendly, knowledge‐based system which performs a stepwise analysis of a patient's complaints, filtering cognitive and emotional elements to be able to make inferences. It applies both forward and backward chaining in making inferences concerning the management of disease. A case study of the system is carried out using some tropical diseases. It is believed that the system will serve as a useful contribution towards tropical medical informatics.
Empathy: towards a conceptual framework for health professionals
Authors: Irving Pauline , Dickson David
Published: July 2004

Effective provider‐patient communication and the relationships that it supports are located at the centre of quality health‐care delivery. The patient‐centred approach is increasingly seen as an effective way to provide effective patient care, being more sensitive and responsive to the needs of the individual. Empathy has been identified as a core component of “patient‐centredness” but definitions often lack conceptual clarity. This paper proposes to clarify the definition of empathy keeping the discussion true to Rogers' original definitions of the concept whilst integrating the work of other writers. A major thrust is the development of an innovative conceptual model of empathy which has the potential to both integrate previous research findings and provide a framework for future research and training. The model is based in social psychological conceptions of attitude.
Measuring national culture: does gender matter?
Authors: Stedham Yvonne E. , Yamamura Jeanne H.
Published: July 2004

Understanding cultural differences is critical to international business success. Hofstede's (1980) model of national culture is widely used to identify such differences. The cultural dimensions identified in Hofstede's model, however, are not gender‐specific, with one exception, masculinity/femininity. Hofstede's data were gathered in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Considerable change has taken place since that time, particularly in the areas of education, legislation, and workforce composition. It is proposed that these changes, among others, may have resulted in gender differences in dimensions of national culture. This study provides an exploratory examination of gender differences in cultural characteristics in two industrialised countries with distinctly different cultures, Japan and the USA. Results indicate that gender differences exist in the power distance dimension for Japan and in the individualism/collectivism dimension for Japan and the USA. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
“The wo‐men and the boys”: patterns of identification and differentiation in senior women executives' representations of career identity
Authors: Olsson Su , Walker Robyn
Published: July 2004

Research into “corporate masculinity” suggests that executive men position their difference, status and power through discourses which involve the strategies of “identification with some men and differentiation from others, including women”. While these processes apparently place women in an antithetical relationship to power, women are increasingly achieving executive leadership. This paper examines the career representations of 30 senior women executives. Drawing on a social constructionist approach to gender and identity, examines women's positioning of self within the discourse and discusses how they deal with the apparent paradoxes or contradictions of female identity within a world dominated by corporate masculinity. Our findings suggest that women engage in processes of identification and differentiation comparable to those of men. Perhaps unexpectedly, these processes often involve an assertion and celebration of female difference that includes distinctions between “the wo‐men and the boys”. They also involve a more tentative process of differentiation from corporate masculinity through the construction of an emerging new culture, the culture of women in business.
It takes two to tango: an empirical study of perceived spousal/partner support for working women
Authors: Gordon Judith R. , Whelan‐Berry Karen S.
Published: July 2004

Women on average still have more responsibility for home, family life, and child care than men. Extensive research has focused on the needs of, and support required by, these working women, most often exploring related organizational programs and benefits. This paper attempts to remedy this deficiency by examining the roles women perceive their spouses or partners play in these families in sharing home and family responsibilities and supporting the careers of these women. It explores the differences in the roles that women in early, middle, and late life perceive their spouses or partners play. Differences exist in women's perceptions of how spouses or partners manage family finances, support the women's careers, contribute to household management, and provide interpersonal support. Specific roles and the resulting support are related to the life satisfaction, job satisfaction, and work‐life balance of some but not all cohorts of the women surveyed.
Researching learning at work
Authors: Phelan Anne M. , Harrington Aleisha D. , Mercer Eileen
Published: July 2004

This article examines how a research partnership between a university‐based research centre and a regional health authority operated as a context for promoting and examining continuous learning in the workplace. The article identifies and explores the issues and questions that emerged in the effort to establish a stable and supportive research environment that made use of others' talents and insights while attempting to flatten knowledge bases and to sustain critical dialogue. The article concludes that while the research partnership between university and workplace can operate effectively, those embarking on such partnerships might well consider the following questions. How does one cultivate shared ownership? How does one create and sustain communities of inquiry? How does one work difference? How does one maintain a sense of partnership beyond individual projects?
An Evaluation of Hispanic Population Estimates*
Authors: Smith Stanley K. , Nogle June M.
Published: July 2004

Objective. Estimates of the Hispanic population have traditionally been based on historical trends, ratios, or some variant of the cohort‐component method. In this article, we describe and test a methodology in which estimates of the Hispanic population are based on symptomatic indicators of population change such as births, deaths, and school enrollments.

Methods. Using a variety of techniques, we develop Hispanic population estimates for counties in Florida. We evaluate the accuracy of those estimates by comparing them with 2000 Census counts.

Results. Hispanic population estimates have larger errors than estimates of total population; errors vary considerably by population size and growth rate; some techniques perform better than others in places with particular population characteristics; and averages often perform better than individual techniques.

Conclusions. In many circumstances, symptomatic data series can provide more accurate estimates of the Hispanic population than more commonly used techniques.
Hidradenoma papilliferum with mixed histopathologic features of syringocystadenoma papilliferum and anogenital mammary‐like glands
Authors: Nishie Wataru , Sawamura Daisuke , Mayuzumi Mariko , Takahashi Syuji , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  A case of hidradenoma papilliferum with mixed features of syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) and anogenital mammary‐like glands is reported. A single, fresh red‐colored nodule developed in the sulcus between the labia majora and minora of a 49‐year‐old Japanese woman. Histopathologically, the tumor showed epithelial lining with apocrine secretion and slight connective tissues characteristics. Our case was unique because, like SCAP, the tumor was connected to the epidermis and cystic invaginations extended downward into the deep dermis. In addition, beneath the tumor, tubular structures that resembled normal mammary tissue were present in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. In this study, it has been suggested that this tumor might have been developed from these mammary‐like glands.
Pityriasis lichenoides: a cytotoxic T‐cell‐mediated skin disorder. Evidence of human parvovirus B19 DNA in nine cases
Authors: Tomasini Dario , Tomasini Carlo F. , Cerri Amilcare , Sangalli Gabriele , Palmedo Gabriele , Hantschke Markus , Kutzner Heinz
Published: July 2004

Background:  Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) and pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) probably represent the polar ends of the same pathologic process, i.e. pityriasis lichenoides (PL), with intermediate forms in between. Previous studies have demonstrated that the inflammatory infiltrate in PLEVA is composed of cytotoxic suppressor T cells, whereas in PLC the helper/inducer T‐cell population drives the immunological answer. Furthermore, monoclonal rearrangement of the T‐cell receptor‐γ (TCR‐γ) genes was repeatedly found both in PLEVA and PLC.

Methods:  Forty‐one formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens of 40 cases of PL were retrieved from the files of the authors. Immunophenotyping for cytotoxic granular proteins (Tia‐1/GMP‐17 and Granzyme B) and T‐cell‐related antigens (n = 41), TCR‐γ chain gene analysis (n = 30) and molecular investigations for parvovirus B19 (PVB19) DNA (n = 30) were performed.

Results:  Overlapping immunophenotypes were observed in PLEVA and PLC. The dermal and epidermal T cells predominantly expressed CD2, CD3, CD8, and Tia‐1 with a variable positivity for CD45RA, CD45RO, and Granzyme B. A monoclonal rearrangement pattern of the TCR‐γ genes was detected in three cases (10%). PVB19 DNA was found in nine cases (30%). T‐cell monoclonality in conjunction with genomic PVB19 DNA was present in one case.

Conclusions:  Our results demonstrate that PL is a skin disorder mediated by the effector cytotoxic T‐cell population. The identification of PVB19 DNA in nine cases may be interpreted ambiguously: PVB19 as a true pathogen or as an innocent bystander.
Pseudotumoral encapsulated fat necrosis with diffuse pseudomembranous degeneration
Authors: Felipo F. , Vaquero M. , Del Agua C.
Published: July 2004

An extraordinary case of encapsulated fat necrosis characterized by its large size, diffuse formation of pseudomembranes, and tendency to recur after excision is reported. A 67‐year‐old Caucasian woman suffering from morbid obesity was admitted for diagnosis and surgical treatment of a soft tissue mass showing a longest diameter of 14 cm and lying adjacently to the scar from previous appendicectomy. Histopathologic features were consistent with a nodular‐cystic encapsulated fat necrosis with diffuse pseudomembranous transformation. Eight months after surgery, a new larger mass (longest diameter of 18 cm) sharing identical histopathologic features appeared in the same location. Encapsulated fat necrosis is a well‐defined entity even though several names have been proposed for this condition, including mobile encapsulated lipoma, encapsulated necrosis, or nodular‐cystic fat necrosis. Its pathogenesis seems to be related to ischemic changes secondary to previous trauma. It may occasionally show degenerative changes, including dystrophic calcifications and presence of pseudomembranes. To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of encapsulated fat necrosis presenting as lesions of such size and showing diffuse formation of pseudomembranes; these particular features made diagnosis difficult and led to consideration of a wide range of potential diagnostic possibilities. This case expands the clinico‐pathologic spectrum of membranocystic fat necrosis, including the potential ability of this subcutaneous fatty tissue abnormality to recur after surgical excision.
Cellular neurothekeoma with histiocytic differentiation
Authors: Misago Noriyuki , Satoh Toshimi , Narisawa Yutaka
Published: July 2004

Background:  It is generally accepted that the two types of neurothekeoma (myxoid type and cellular type) represent the two poles of a spectrum. This concept, however, has recently been challenged, and cellular neurothekeomas have been suggested as a separate classification and are included in the ‘fibrohistiocytic’ category by some authors. Cellular neurothekeomas have been reported to show negative immunohistochemical staining for histiocytic markers, and PG‐M1 is now considered to be the most reliable histiocytic marker.

Case report:  We report a case of cellular neurothekeoma. The histopathological features in this case were typical for cellular neurothekeoma. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were diffusely positive for S‐100A6 protein, PGP9.5, CD10, CD68 (KP1), PG‐M1, and Vimentin, and negative for other antibodies including S‐100 protein and factor XIIIa.

Conclusions:  Cellular neurothekeoma expressing both KP‐1 and PG‐M1 is considered to show histiocytic differentiation, and may be interpreted as a neoplasm with immature nerve sheath differentiation, incidentally expressing histiocytic markers, or as an undifferentiated neoplasm derived from the neural crest cells of nerve sheath/fibrohistiocyte lineage. These results, such as the concomitant expressions of PGP9.5/S‐100A6 and PG‐M1/CD68 (KP‐1), support the theory of multiple differentiation in cellular neurothekeomas. The significance of the expression of CD10 in this cellular neurothekeoma is unclear.
Cutaneous horns of the eyelid: a clinicopathological study of 48 cases
Authors: Mencía‐Gutiérrez Enrique , Gutiérrez‐Díaz Esperanza , Redondo‐Marcos Irene , Ricoy José R. , García‐Torre Juan P.
Published: July 2004

Background:  Cutaneous horn (cornu cutaneum) is a morphological designation for a protuberant mass of keratin that resembles the horn of an animal. It results from unusual cohesiveness of keratinized material from the superficial layers of the skin or implanted deeply in the cutis. This lesion may be associated with a benign, premalignant, or malignant lesion at the base, masking numerous conditions.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 48 cases of cutaneous horns of the eyelid treated between 1992 and 2002 has been performed.

Results:  Twenty‐four men and 19 women, with a mean age of 62 years (range 16–90), were treated by surgery. Histologically, 77.1% were associated with benign specimens at the base pathology, 14.6% were premalignant, and finally, 8.3% were caused by malignant skin tumors. The most common lesion was seborrheic keratosis among the benign lesions, actinic keratosis among the premalignant ones, and basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma among the malignant ones.

Conclusion:  Cutaneous horns usually appear on exposed skin areas in elderly men. The important issue in this condition is not the horn itself, which is just dead keratin, but rather the nature of the underlying disease, although the horns are usually benign.
Expression profiles of p63, p53, survivin, and hTERT in skin tumors
Authors: Park Hye‐Rim , Min Soo Kee , Cho Hyun Deuk , Kim Kwang Ho , Shin Hyung Sik , Park Young Euy
Published: July 2004

Background:  p63 is a p53 homolog and a marker expressed in replicating keratinocytes. Survivin is a recently characterized inhibitor of apoptosis protein that is abundantly expressed in most solid and hematologic malignancies. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is the major determinant of human telomerase activity, and its expression is indicative of unlimited replication. We herein evaluated the expression profiles of p63, p53, survivin, and hTERT in usual skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and putative preneoplastic epidermal lesions, including actinic keratosis (AK), Bowen's diasease, and porokeratosis.

Methods:  Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against p63, p53, survivin, and hTERT was performed. Semi‐quantitative evaluation (–, +, 2+, 3+) was carried out.

Results:  BCCs showed diffuse p63 expression and SCCs heterogeneous p63 expression with negativity in terminally differentiated squamous cells. All preneoplastic epidermal lesions showed p63 expression in all cell layers. p53 was found in seven of 10 cases of BCCs, all 10 cases of SCCs, and nine of 10 cases of Bowen's disease. AK and porokeratosis revealed focal to moderate p53 expression. Survivin was found in eight of 10 cases of SCCs and eight of 10 cases of Bowen's disease. Six of 10 cases of BCCs revealed weak survivin positivity. AK and porokeratosis showed survivin expression confined to the basal layer. hTERT expression was found in most cases of skin cancers and preneoplastic lesions.

Conclusions:  p63 expression may be a marker of basal/progenitor cells and a diagnostic marker in skin tumors. p63 expression is not related to p53 expression in these tumors. This study points to a putative role of survivin and hTERT in the development of certain skin cancers. In addition, our data support the concept of porokeratosis being a premalignant condition.