bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intramuscular midazolam
Authors: McATEER E. J. , DIXON J. , WHITWAM J. G.
Published: March 2007

Midazolam, administered intramuscularly was compared with papaveretum and hyoscine for premedication in patients undergoing gynaecological surgery. Midazolam proved to be a satisfactory agent for premedication compared with papaveretum and hyoscine, producing a similar degree of sedation and anxiolysis, but causing significantly more anterograde amnesia.
Acid‐base control during hypothermia Acid‐base contrnl in children during hypothermia without temperature correction of pH and P CO2
Authors: MATTHEWS A. J. , STEAD A. L. , ABBOTT T. R.
Published: March 2007

In 28 children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermia for open heart surgery, an attempt was made to maintain pH at 7.4 not corrected for temperature by varying the CO2 concentration supplied to the oxygenator so that the PaCO2 was 5.33 kPa, not corrected for temperature. One to two percent CO2 gave satisfactory results. Five percent CO2 had previously been given. No adverse clinical side effects were noted, and the acid‐base status remainpd stable for 24 hours in 16 patients. There are strong theoretical reasons for maintaining a pH of 7.4, uncorrected for temperature, during hypothermia and a clinical impression was gained of better myocardial function and improved systemic and cerebral perfusion.
The relative prognostic value of lactate and haemodynamic measurements in early shock
Authors: COWAN B. N. , BURNS H. J. G. , BOYLE P. , LEDINGHAM I. McA.
Published: March 2007

A prospective study was completed of 30 shocked patients admitted consecutively to an intensive therapy unit; the majority of the patients had shock of septic origin. Measurements were made of whole blood lactate together with mean arterial pressure, hourly urine volume and core: peripheral temperature difference at the start of treatment and 3 and 24 hours later. Serial lactate measurements were better at predicting outcome than single measurements. However, lactate measurements were much less valuable than serial measurements of the simple haemodynamic variables.
Reversal of neuromuscular block
Authors: HARPER K. W. , BALI I. M. , GIBSON F. M. , CARLISLE R. , BLACK I. H. C. , GRAINGER D. J. , DUNDEE J. W.
Published: March 2007

The effect on heart rate of different rates of injection (10 seconds, 1, 3 und 5 minutes) of a fixed dose (neostigmine 2.5 mg and atropine 1.2 mg) and a weight‐related dose (neostigmine 50 μg/kg and atropine 25 μg/kg) of neostigmine‐atropine mixture given for the reversal of residual competitive neuromuscular block was studied in 196 healthy adult patients. In both series slow injection lessened and delayed the initial rise in heart rate. The subsequent fall in heart rate was less when the drugs were injected over 3 min compared with the 10 seconds and 1 minute injection groups but when given over 5 minutes there was a steady fall in heart rate, more so with the weight‐related dose. It is recommended that a neostigmine and atropine mixture should be administered over 3 min.
John Snow MD—his early days
Authors: LEAMAN A.
Published: March 2007

The early background of John Snow is examined on the basis of some contemporary evidence. His birthplace, baptism and early schooling are recorded.
Mortality amongst multiple trauma patients admitted to an intensive therapy unit
Authors: Watt I. , Ledingham I. McA.
Published: March 2007

A retrospective review of 428 severely injured patients admitted to an intensive therapy unit between 1969 and 1982 was performed. The patients' primary injuries were assessed using the injury severity score (ISS), and subsequent complications using the complications impact index and sepsis score. Between 1969 and 1980 mortality fluctuated between 19% and 29% but rose to 47% (p < 0.05) during 1981–82 in spite of an unchanged ISS. The increased mortality was confined to ventilated patients surviving more than 5 days from injury and was associated with multiple organ failure and severe infection. The rapid and sustained increase in mortality could not be explained by any obvious change in severity of injury or referral pattern. The only deliberate change in management related to the combination of analgesic sedative drugs used in ventilated patients. During 1979 to 1982 mortality was 28% in patients given morphine with or without benzodiazepines and 77% in those given morphine and etomidate (p < 0.0005). After discontinuation of the latter regimen (May 1983) and resumption of the former analgesic/sedative combination, mortality fell to 25% (p < 0.005). Possible mechanisms leading to increased mortality include adrenocortical insufficiency or depth of anaesthesia.
Massive swelling of the face and tongue
Authors: TATTERSALL M. P.
Published: March 2007

A case of massive swelling of the tongue and face following posterior cranial fossa surgery in the sitting position is described. Prolonged tracheal intubation was required postoperatively. This serious complication appeared to relate to prolonged flexion of the neck.
Intrathecal ketamine for war surgery. A preliminary study under field conditions
Authors: Bion J. F.
Published: March 2007

Intrathecal ketamine, which has not previously been described in man, has been administered to 16 patients with war injuries of the lower limbs. The first five received varying doses from 5 to 50 mg in a volume of 3 ml of 5% dextrose, to determine a dose‐response curve (Group 1). The optimal dose was then administered to a further 11 patients who received ketamine 50 mg in a volume of 3 ml in 5% dextrose with the addition of adrenaline 0.1 mg (Group 2). A distinct sensory level was obtained in all patients. In Group 2, nine of the eleven patients obtained satisfactory surgical analgesia and two required supplementation with local anaesthetic. Central effects (drowsiness, dizziness, and nystagmus) also occurred in nine patients, but they remained conscious throughout; one patient experienced no central effects, and one patient developed dissociative anaesthesia. Central effects were more intense the higher the level of block. There were no significant changes in mean systolic arterial blood pressure, pulse, or respiratory rates. Surgical analgesia for the blocked dermatomes lasted for a mean of 58 minutes (range 45–90), and recovery was complete and uncomplicated; mild generalised analgesia persisted for a further one to three hours following return of sensation. Ketamine alone did not produce motor block, but addition of adrenaline resulted in complete motor block, and may have intensified sensory blockade. Motor loss persisted for the same duration as surgical analgesia. Adrenaline neither delayed the onset of central effects, nor reduced their intensity. The absence of hypotension or respiratory depression is of obvious benefit in anaesthesia for trauma, but central effects and short duration of surgical analgesia would appear to limit this application of ketamine.
Genesis of the ‘true’ negative pressure in the lumbar epidural space
Authors: ZARZUR E.
Published: March 2007

A hypothesis is suggested that the initial or ‘true’ negative pressure encountered when a needle first enters the epidural space is due to initial bulging of the ligamentum flavum in front of the advancing needle followed by its rapid return to the resting position once the needle has perforated the ligament. The bulging has been confirmed to occur in fresh cadavers, and pressure studies carried out during performance of epidural blocks in patients lend weight to this hypothesis.
Cervical surgical emphysema following extradural analgesia
Authors: CARTER M. I.
Published: March 2007

Three patients requesting extradural analgesia for labour developed cervical emphysema. The extradural space was located by loss of resistance to injection of air. This complication has been reported before and means of prevention are considered.
Perception of risk of adverse drug reactions by medical students: influence of a 1 year pharmacological course
Authors: Durrieu G. , Hurault C. , Bongard V. , Damase‐Michel C. , Montastruc J. L.
Published: March 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Previous studies have pointed out the question of effective training and information for health professionals on adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

• This lack of training is known to induce inadequate use of drugs and noncompliance of patients.

What this study adds

• Our study was the first to evaluate the perceived risk of ADRs among young medical students and to investigate the impact of university pharmacology courses on their perception of this risk.

• The aim of our study was not to assess a definite level of perception of risk for the different drug classes but to determine whether the perceived risk of ADRs differs after attending pharmacology courses.

• Our results show that the pharmacological training allows young medical students to be aware of potentially serious ADRs, especially related to drugs considered as relatively safe, such as NSAIDs and aspirin.

Aims

To investigate how adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to several classes of drugs are perceived by young medical students before and after a 1 year pharmacology course.

Methods

The whole cohort of 92 medical students (63 females and 29 males) was questioned during their third year. A visual analogue scale was used to define a score (ranging from 0 to 10) of perceived risk of ADRs associated with each drug class before and at the end of the pharmacological training period.

Results

Before the pharmacology course, hypnotics were ranked as the most dangerous drugs by the medical students, followed by antidepressants and anticoagulants. Contraceptive pills were listed in the last position. After pharmacological training, antidepressants moved into the first position, followed by anticoagulants and hypnotics. When all different drug classes were taken as a whole, the mean (±SD) of median scores of the perceived risk were 4.8 (±1.3) before and 5.8 (±1.5) at the end of the pharmacology course (P < 0.0001). Except for antidiabetics, antihypertensive drugs, tranquillizers, corticosteroids and hypnotics, the perceived risk significantly increased after the pharmacology course for the other drugs. The highest increases were observed for contraceptive pills (+104%, P < 0.01), NSAIDs (+86%, P < 0.01) and aspirin (+56%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Pharmacological training allows young medical students to be aware of potentially serious ADRs associated with drugs, in particular with drugs considered relatively safe (such as NSAIDs and aspirin) by nonhealth professionals.
BSACI guidelines for the management of chronic urticaria and angio‐oedema
Authors: Powell R. J. , Du Toit G. L. , Siddique N. , Leech S. C. , Dixon T. A. , Clark A. T. , Mirakian R. , Walker S. M. , Huber P. A. J. , Nasser S. M.
Published: March 2007

This guidance for the management of patients with chronic urticaria and angio‐oedema has been prepared by the Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI). The guideline is based on evidence as well as on expert opinion and is aimed at both adult physicians and paediatricians practising in allergy. The recommendations are evidence graded. During the development of these guidelines, all BSACI members were included in the consultation process using a web‐based system. Their comments and suggestions were carefully considered by the SOCC. Where evidence was lacking a consensus was reached by the experts on the committee. Included in this guideline are clinical classification, aetiology, diagnosis, investigations, treatment guidance with special sections on children with urticaria, and the use of antihistamines in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Finally, we have made recommendations for potential areas of future research.
The HAL3‐PPZ1 dependent regulation of nonsense suppression efficiency in yeast and its influence on manifestation of the yeast prion‐like determinant [ISP+]
Authors: Aksenova Anna , Muñoz Iván , Volkov Kirill , Ariño Joaquín , Mironova Ludmila
Published: March 2007

The efficiency of stop codons read‐through in yeast is controlled by multiple interactions of genetic and epigenetic factors. In this study, we demonstrate the participation of the Hal3‐Ppz1 protein complex in regulation of read‐through efficiency and manifestation of non‐Mendelian anti‐suppressor determinant [ISP+]. Over‐expression of HAL3 in [ISP+] strain causes nonsense suppression, whereas its inactivation displays as anti‐suppression of sup35 mutation in [isp−] strain. [ISP+] strains carrying hal3Δ deletion cannot be cured from [ISP+] in the presence of GuHCl. Since Hal3p is a negative regulatory subunit of Ppz1 protein phosphatase, consequences of PPZ1 over‐expression and deletion are opposite to those of HAL3. The observed effects are mediated by the catalytic function of Ppz1 and are probably related to the participation of Ppz1 in regulation of eEF1Bα elongation factor activity. Importantly, [ISP+] status of yeast strains is determined by fluctuation in Hal3p level, since [ISP+] strains have less Hal3p than their [isp−] derivatives obtained by GuHCl treatment. A model considering epigenetic (possibly prion) regulation of Hal3p amount as a mechanism underlying [ISP+] status of yeast cell is suggested.
Synaptotagmin VII modulates the kinetics of dense‐core vesicle exocytosis in PC12 cells
Authors: Tsuboi Takashi , Fukuda Mitsunori
Published: March 2007

In our previous study, we showed that PC12 cell lines stably expressing synaptotagmin (Syt) VII have greater ability to release hormones Ca2+‐dependently than the original PC12 cells. However, the precise molecular mechanism of the enhancement of hormone secretion by Syt VII has never been elucidated. In this study, we established a PC12 cell line that stably expresses Syt VII‐green fluorescent protein (Syt VII‐GFP) or its Ca2+‐binding‐site‐deficient mutant (D172N/D303N substitutions; Syt VII‐DN‐GFP), and examined the effect of Syt VII‐GFP expression on the kinetics of dense‐core vesicle exocytosis by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. Both Syt VII‐GFP and Syt VII‐DN‐GFP co‐localized well with dense‐core vesicle markers, monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)‐tagged neuropeptide Y (NPY‐mRFP) and cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)‐tagged tissue plasminogen activator (tPA‐CFP). Expression of Syt VII‐GFP enhanced the number of dense‐core vesicle exocytotic events, whereas expression of Syt VII‐DN‐GFP or knockdown of Syt VII‐GFP with specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated the number of exocytotic events. Monitoring individual tPA‐CFP release events revealed that “full release” events are increased in Syt VII‐GFP‐expressing cells, but not in Syt VII‐DN‐GFP‐expressing or Syt VII‐silenced cells. Our data indicate that Syt VII modulates the kinetics of Ca2+‐dependent dense‐core vesicle exocytosis in neuroendocrine PC12 cells, possibly by modulating fusion pore opening.
Distinct signalling pathways promote phagocytosis of bacteria, latex beads and lipopolysaccharide in medfly haemocytes
Authors: Lamprou Irene , Mamali Irene , Dallas Kostas , Fertakis Vassilis , Lampropoulou Maria , Marmaras Vassilis J.
Published: March 2007

In insects, phagocytosis is an important innate immune response against pathogens and parasites, and several signal transduction pathways regulate this process. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are of central importance because their activation upon pathogen challenge regulates phagocytosis via haemocyte secretion and activation of the prophenoloxidase (proPO) cascade. The goal of this study was to explore further the mechanisms underlying the process of phagocytosis. In particular, in this report, we used flow cytometry, RNA interference, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and immunoprecipitation analysis to demonstrate that (1) phagocytosis of bacteria (both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive) is dependent on RGD‐binding receptors, FAK/Src and MAPKs, (2) latex bead phagocytosis is RGD‐binding‐receptor‐independent and dependent on FAK/Src and MAPKs, (3) lipopolysaccharide internalization is RGD‐binding‐receptor‐independent and FAK/Src‐independent but MAPK‐dependent and (4) in unchallenged haemocytes in suspension, FAK, Src and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signalling molecules participating in phagocytosis show both a functional and a physical association. Overall, this study has furthered knowledge of FAK/Src and MAPK signalling pathways in insect haemocyte immunity and has demonstrated that distinct signalling pathways regulate the phagocytic activity of biotic and abiotic components in insect haemocytes. Evidently, the basic phagocytic signalling pathways among insects and mammals appear to have remained unchanged during evolution.
Altered editing in RNA editing adenosine deaminase ADAR2 gene transcripts of systemic lupus erythematosus T lymphocytes
Authors: Laxminarayana Dama , O'Rourke Kenneth S. , Maas Stefan , Olorenshaw Irene
Published: March 2007

Adenosine Deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs) edit gene transcripts through site‐specific conversion of adenosine to inosine by hydrolytic deamination at C6 of the adenosine. ADAR2 gene transcripts are substrates for the ADAR1 and ADAR2 enzymes and their expression is regulated by editing at the − 1 and − 2 sites. Our previous experiments demonstrated up‐regulation of type I interferon (IFN) inducible 150 kDa ADAR1 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T cells. In this study we investigate the role of ADAR1 and ADAR2 in editing of ADAR2 gene transcripts of healthy controls and SLE patients. The ADAR2 gene transcripts were cloned into pCR2.1‐TOPO vectors. A total of 150 clones from SLE and 150 clones from controls were sequenced. Sequence analysis demonstrated A to I editing at − 1, + 10, + 23 and + 24 in normal T cells. In SLE clones site‐selective editing of the − 2 site was observed as a result of type I IFN‐inducible 150 kDa ADAR1 expression. These results are confirmed by analysing ADAR2 transcripts of normal T cells activated with type I IFN‐α. Editing of the + 23 and + 24 sites was decreased in SLE T cells compared to normal controls. In addition to A to G changes, U to C discrepancies were observed in normal and SLE T cells. In SLE cells, positions − 6 and + 30 were frequently edited from U to C compared to normal controls. Taken together, these results demonstrate altered and site‐selective editing in ADAR2 transcripts of SLE patients. Based on these results, it is proposed that altered transcript editing contributes to the modulation of gene expression and immune functions in SLE patients.
T‐cell epitope mapping of ORF2 and ORF3 proteins of human hepatitis E virus
Authors: Aggarwal R. , Shukla R. , Jameel S. , Agrawal S. , Puri P. , Gupta V. K. , Patil A. P. , Naik S.
Published: March 2007

Summary.  Little data are available on cellular immune responses during infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV). We therefore mapped CD4 T‐cell epitopes in open reading frame (ORF)2 and ORF3 proteins of HEV using lymphocyte proliferation assays and overlapping peptide libraries. Proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 40 patients with acute hepatitis E and 21 healthy controls with recombinant HEV ORF2 protein or pools of overlapping HEV ORF2/ORF3 peptides was measured. HLA‐DQB1 and HLA‐DRB1 alleles were also determined. Mononuclear cells from patients with hepatitis E more often showed significant proliferation on stimulation with recombinant ORF2 protein than controls (32/40 vs 7/21), and had higher median (range) stimulation indices [2.6 (0.9–15.2) vs 1.3 (0.6–12.9)]. Peptide pools corresponding to amino acids 73–156, 289–372, 361–444 and 505–588 of HEV ORF2 protein were associated with significant proliferation. Individual peptides in these pools did not show a clear pattern of stimulation. HEV ORF3 peptide pools did not induce proliferative responses. Lymphocyte proliferation in response to the peptide pool corresponding to amino acids 289–372 of HEV ORF2 protein was associated with presence of HLA‐DRB1 allele 010X. These data on mapping of T‐cell epitopes in HEV proteins may prove useful for designing HEV vaccines and for studying the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis E.
Simulation study of the competitive ability of erect, semi‐erect and prostrate cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes
Authors: WANG G , MCGIFFEN ME , LINDQUIST JL , EHLERS JD , SARTORATO I
Published: March 2007

Ecophysiological simulation models provide a quantitative method to predict the effects of management practices, plant characteristics and environmental factors on crop and weed growth and competition. The INTERCOM interplant competition model was parameterised, calibrated by monoculture data for three cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes that differed in growth habit, common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and used to simulate competition of cowpea cover crops with sunflower or purslane. The simulation results were compared with observations from field competition experiments in 2003 and 2004. INTERCOM more accurately simulated actual field data for the competition of cowpea genotypes and sunflower than companion field experiments for the competition of cowpea and purslane. The validated simulation model of cowpea and sunflower at two densities was used to study the effects of cowpea growth habit on final biomass production of cowpea and sunflower. The model suggested that erect growth habit was more competitive than semi‐erect and prostrate growth habit, when cowpea genotypes were grown with sunflower. Cowpea leaf area distribution was important to higher cowpea biomass production, while cowpea height growth was important to reduce sunflower biomass. Our simulation approach is suggested as a method for crop breeders to gauge the likely success of selection for competitive crops before undertaking expensive long‐term breeding experiments.
Mapping Ridolfia segetum patches in sunflower crop using remote sensing
Authors: PEÑA‐BARRAGÁN J M , LÓPEZ‐GRANADOS F , JURADO‐EXPÓSITO M , GARCÍA‐TORRES L
Published: March 2007

Ridolfia segetum is a frequent umbelliferous weed in sunflower crops in the Mediterranean basin. Field and remote sensing research was conducted in 2003 and 2004 over two naturally infested fields to determine the potential of multispectral imagery for discrimination and mapping of R. segetum patches in sunflower crops. The efficiency of the four wavebands blue (B), green (G), red (R) and near‐infrared (NIR), selected vegetation indices and the spectral angle mapper (SAM) classification method were studied using aerial photographs taken in the late vegetative (mid‐May), flowering (mid‐June) and senescence (mid‐July) crop growth stages. Discrimination efficiency of R. segetum patches in sunflower crops is consistently affected by their phenological stages, in this order: flowering > senescence > vegetative. In both fields, R. segetum patches were efficiently discriminated in mid‐June, corresponding to the flowering phase, by using the waveband G, the ratio R/B or SAM with overall accuracies ranging from 85% to 98%. The application of the median‐filtering algorithm to any of the classified images improved the accuracy. Our results suggest that mapping R. segetum weed patches in sunflower to implement site‐specific weed management techniques is feasible with aerial photography when images are taken from 8 to 10 weeks before harvesting.
Rapid steroid discontinuation for pediatric renal transplantation: A single center experience
Authors: Lau Keith K. , Haddad Maha N. , Berg Gerre M. , Perez Richard V. , Butani Lavjay
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  To determine the outcomes of pediatric renal transplant recipients who received immunosuppression consisting of early withdrawal of corticosteroids at a single Northern California center. Protocols using minimal steroid exposure have been recently reported in adult transplant recipients with successful results. We examined the outcomes of pediatric renal transplant recipients who were managed at our center using a protocol with very early discontinuation of steroids after renal transplantation. We retrospectively studied the medical records of all renal transplant recipients followed at the Children’s Hospital at the University of California, Davis Medical Center from 01/2004 to 12/2005. All patients were less than 18 yr of age at the time of transplantation. The immunosuppressive protocol included three tapering daily doses of methylprednisolone, together with five doses of thymoglobulin followed by maintenance therapy with tacrolimus and MMF. Eight patients with equal numbers of males and females were transplanted during this time period. There were equal numbers of Caucasians, African‐Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. A total of 37.5% (3/8) of the subjects received preemptive transplantation, 25% (2/8) received peritoneal, and 37.5% (3/8) received hemodialysis before transplantation. The median (range) age at transplantation was 12.3 (3.1–16.0) year with a follow‐up of 1.7 (0.9–2.8) year. At one yr post‐transplantation, 57% (4/7) of patients still required anti‐hypertensives. Three children required erythropoietin supplementation after transplantation. The mean delta height standard deviation score at 12 months was 0.20 ± 0.56. There were no episodes of clinical acute rejection. One patient switched from tacrolimus to sirolimus due to biopsy‐proven CAN. No patient became diabetic or required hypoglycemic agents. Surveillance biopsies showed no subclinical acute rejection in any patient. Steroid‐free immunosuppression is safe in children after renal transplantation. Larger number of patients and longer follow‐up are required to further confirm the effectiveness and safety of immunosuppression with rapid steroid discontinuation.
Multivariate Cluster Analysis Regression Procedures as Tools to Identify Motile Sperm Subpopulations in Rabbit Semen and to Predict Semen Fertility and Litter Size
Authors: Quintero‐Moreno A , Rigau T , Rodríguez‐Gil JE
Published: March 2007

Contents

Computerized motility analysis (CASA) shows that four separate subpopulations of spermatozoa with different motility characteristics co‐exist in rabbit ejaculates. There were significant (p < 0.01) differences in the distribution of these subpopulations among separate genetic lines, total sperm abnormalities and the percentage of altered acrosomes. Furthermore, logistic and linear multivariate regressions among several parameters of rabbit semen quality analysis were tested for use as predictive tools for the fertilizing ability of a specific artificial insemination semen sample. Logistic regression analysis rendered two mathematical, significant (p < 0.01) models: one between sperm viability and conception rate and the other between total sperm abnormalities and conception rate. Multiple linear regression analyses also yielded some significant relationships between both fertility (p < 0.001) and litter size (p < 0.05), with respect to some semen characteristics. Our results support the hypothesis that the predictive in vivo fertility use of the standard rabbit semen quality analysis coupled with a CASA determination could be reasonably achieved by applying linear and logistic regression analyses among several parameters of rabbit semen quality analysis.
Complexed prostate‐specific antigen for the diagnosis of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Parsons J. Kellogg , Partin Alan W. , Trock Bruce , Bruzek Debra J. , Cheli Carol , Sokoll Lori J.
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVES

To determine the validity of using complexed prostate‐specific antigen (cPSA) levels for diagnosing biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

With linear regression modelling, we determined threshold cPSA levels for biochemical recurrence in patients after RP for clinically localized prostate cancer. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratio tests of each threshold for diagnosing biochemical recurrence using total PSA (tPSA) as the reference standard.

RESULTS

In the regression models, tPSA and cPSA were highly correlated (r = 0.99). For the diagnosis of biochemical recurrence, tPSA thresholds of 0.20 and 0.40 ng/mL corresponded to cPSA thresholds of 0.12 ng/mL (95% confidence interval 0.08–0.17) and 0.29 (0.22–0.28)  ng/mL, respectively. For the detection of biochemical recurrence, a cPSA threshold of 0.12 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 88%, positive predictive value of 89%, negative predictive value of 88%, positive likelihood ratio of 8, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.05; the respective values for a cPSA threshold of 0.29 ng/mL were 96%, 96%, 96%, 96%, 24 and 0.04.

CONCLUSIONS

cPSA has high validity for the diagnosis of biochemical recurrence after RP. Pending external validation, cPSA might be useful for biochemical surveillance after RP.
Plasma glucagon decreases during night‐time sleep in Type 1 diabetic patients and healthy control subjects
Authors: Jauch‐Chara K. , Hallschmid M. , Schmid S. M. , Oltmanns K. M. , Peters A. , Born J. , Schultes B.
Published: March 2007

Aims  In Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the glucagon response to hypoglycaemia is known to disappear within a few months after the onset of the disease, whereas the response to other stimuli remains intact. The dynamics of spontaneous glucagon release have rarely been assessed. We monitored spontaneous glucagon release in T1DM patients and healthy subjects during a 7‐h period of night‐time sleep.

Methods  Measurements were made in 14 T1DM patients and 14 control subjects matched for age, gender and body mass index after one night's adaptation in our laboratory. Circulating glucose, insulin and glucagon concentrations were measured at 30‐min intervals. In diabetic patients, hypoglycaemia (< 3.9 mmol/l) was avoided by infusion of glucose whenever necessary.

Results  During the entire night, plasma glucose and serum insulin levels were higher in T1DM patients than in healthy subjects (P < 0.03 and P < 0.001, respectively). Plasma glucagon concentrations decreased throughout the night in both groups (P < 0.001). Glucagon levels were similar in T1DM patients and healthy subjects (P > 0.87). The duration of diabetes (less and more than 5 years) did not affect glucagon secretion (P > 0.87).

Conclusions  Plasma glucagon levels decrease significantly during night‐time sleep in healthy control subjects. This nocturnal decrease is preserved in T1DM patients regardless of the duration of diabetes. These observations point to distinct nocturnal regulation of spontaneous glucagon release that does not depend on circulating glucose and insulin levels and is unaltered in T1DM patients.
Dose–response of the cultured bovine lens to butyl, methyl and propyl parabens
Authors: Sivasegaran K. , Ho L. , Moran K. L. , Bantseev V. , Sivak J. G.
Published: March 2007

Synopsis

Pre‐screening of cosmetic ingredients is vital for consumer safety. Previous in vivo techniques, such as the Draize test, have proved to be unreliable in predicting ocular irritancy and therefore there is a need for alternate testing methodologies. One such test is the scanning laser in vitro assay system which quantifies irritancy based on the focusing ability of the cultured bovine lens. In combination with confocal microscopy, a more thorough documentation of ocular irritancy can be achieved. This study investigates the response of cultured bovine lenses over time to butyl, methyl and propyl parabens, which are common antimicrobial agents found in cosmetic and ophthalmic products. The focusing ability of the lens was measured with an automated laser scanner over a period of 96 h. At 120 h post‐treatment, the lenses were analysed by using a confocal laser scanning microscope to determine the characteristics of nuclei, and the morphology and distribution of mitochondria within the lenses. Irritancy to the three parabens was investigated at both an optical and cellular level. Each of the parabens was tested at 0.002% and 0.2%, where the 0.2% butyl paraben was found to be the most irritating.
Growth, survival and inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains of various origin in the presence of ethanol
Authors: Pinon A. , Alexandre V. , Cupferman S. , Crozier A. , Vialette M.
Published: March 2007

Synopsis

The influence of ethanol on the behaviour of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains was evaluated throughout this study. Strains of different origin were used: collection, clinical and industrial strains were selected. Concentrations of ethanol from 0 to 20% (v/v) were evaluated by automated optical density measurements and by enumeration. When growth conditions were observed, predictive microbiology models were used to assess quantitatively for the ethanol effect. Primary modelling of kinetics was performed to determine growth rate values; secondary modelling was performed on these growth rates as influenced by ethanol, and minimum inhibitory concentrations of ethanol were determined for each strain. Staphylococcus aureus strains were more resistant to ethanol than P. aeruginosa strains, in growth conditions as well as in inactivation conditions. Furthermore, clinical S. aureus strains were more resistant than the collection strain. The method was promising for management of microbiological safety in cosmetics.
Compatibility testing in vitro: a comparison with in vivo patch test data
Authors: Welss T. , Matthies W. , Schroeder K. R.
Published: March 2007

For safety reasons cosmetic formulations have to be assessed for putative side effects like skin irritation. The human patch test is an appropriate method for this type of assessment, but it cannot be used for the higher throughput needed for screening innovative formulations and a distinct assessment is often difficult. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the feasibility of using an in vitro approach for compatibility testing to determine the irritancy of surfactants. Test samples were provided by the German Society of Cosmetic Chemists (DGK), which conducted a human patch test study with the same set of samples in parallel. This gave us the unique opportunity to correlate in vitro with in vivo data. To assess irritant effects in vitro, reconstructed human epidermis was exposed to seven coded test samples consisting of individual anionic surfactants, blends of surfactants, and controls. A multiple endpoint analysis was established comprising the viability, cytotoxicity, histology, cytokine release and differential gene expression. Using this test strategy, a very good correlation was determined for our in vitro assessment of compatibility with a theoretical ranking and the human patch test data.
DOMESTICATING GLOBALISATION, NEW ECONOMIC SPACES AND REGIONAL POLARISATION IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE, CHINA
Authors: LU LACHANG , WEI YEHUA DENNIS
Published: March 2007

Concerns over the effects of globalisation and liberalisation have intensified the debates over the trajectories and underlying sources of regional inequality. This paper attempts to link macro studies of regional inequality to micro studies of local development and to expand the research on intraprovincial inequality in China to Guangdong Province. First, substantial evidence has been provided to illustrate the extent of polarisation between the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and the periphery, especially since the early 1990s. Second, it has been found that new economic spaces centred on exoproduction centres, high‐tech zones, university clusters, and entrepreneurial spaces driven by the domestication of globalisation and the growth of the knowledge economy have emerged as new engines of regional growth. The orthodox notion of the PRD development as externally driven has become obsolete, and a new conceptualisation centred on the knowledge economy and integrated development better explains regional development and polarisation in Guangdong. Finally, the theoretical and policy implications of the research are discussed. The emerging form of regional development in the PRD represents an effort to make the knowledge economy the new engine of regional development and indicates that developing countries such as China are attempting to move beyond being a manufacturing assembler. The emergence of the knowledge economy in the PRD also has important implications for the recent efforts to develop the Greater Pearl River Delta, which needs to pay more attention to global networks for innovation and creativity. Moreover, the emergence of the knowledge economy makes the development of the periphery even more challenging due to the effects of self‐reinforcing agglomeration and the constraints of geographical barriers.
An open‐label efficacy pilot study with pimecrolimus cream 1% in adults with facial seborrhoeic dermatitis infected with HIV
Authors: De Moraes AP , De Arruda ÉÂG , Vitoriano MAV , De Moraes Filho MO , Bezerra FÂF , De Magalhães Holanda E , De Moraes MEA
Published: March 2007

Background  Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is a common dermatosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients, many of whom do not respond satisfactorily to conventional topical treatments such as corticosteroids and antifungals.

Objective  A pilot study to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of pimecrolimus cream 1% in HIV‐positive patients with facial SD.

Methods  In a single‐centre study, 21 HIV‐infected patients with mild to severe SD were treated twice daily with pimecrolimus cream 1% for 14 days. Thereafter, treatment was discontinued and patients followed up for 5 weeks. Skin involvement at baseline and on days 7, 14, 21, 35 and 49 was assessed using a four‐point clinical score and digital photography.

Main outcome measures  Efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% treatment and incidence of relapse in the follow‐up phase.

Results  Marked improvement was seen in clinical parameters at day 7, with ≥ 90% patients clear of symptoms at day 14. Relapse was observed at day 35 but signs were milder than at baseline. All patients responded to therapy, despite their immunological status. Pimecrolimus did not alter CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell counts or viral load during the treatment period.

Conclusion  Pimecrolimus cream represents a new, effective therapeutic option for facial SD in HIV patients.
Structuring the Religion‐Environment Connection: Identifying Religious Influences on Environmental Concern and Activism
Authors: SHERKAT DARREN E. , ELLISON CHRISTOPHER G.
Published: March 2007

Recent research on the connection between religion and environmental concern and activism has led to divergent conclusions, with some studies finding a negative effect of religious factors, and others finding no influence or a positive effect. Using a conceptual apparatus of structuration theory, we explain how these divergent findings might be reconciled. We examine data from the 1993 General Social Survey to elaborate how religious affiliation, participation, and beliefs influence environmental concern and private and political environmental activism. Estimates from structural equation models are presented to show the sometimes competing direct and indirect effects of religious affiliation, participation, and beliefs on environmental concern and private and political environmental action.
Effects of stimulus probability on pupillary dilation and reaction time in categorization
Authors: Reinhard Günter , Lachnit Harald , König Stephan
Published: March 2007

Stimuli presented with a low frequency elicit larger pupillary responses than those presented with a high frequency. Similar effects are known for motor responses observed in reaction time experiments. Utilizing this stimulus probability effect, we conducted a Go/NoGo reaction time experiment and measured pupillary dilation to evaluate categorization. We found no probability effect when participants used distinctive features to classify stimuli with different frequencies into the same category. If no distinctive features could be applied, however, the effect was observed in both pupillary and reaction time data. The stimulus probability effect can serve as a tool for the evaluation of categorization and is discussed in the context of orienting.
Microsatellite markers isolated from saltgrass (Distichlis spicata)
Authors: TSYUSKO OLGA V. , PETERS MAUREEN B. , TUBERVILLE TRACEY D. , HAGEN CRIS , EPPLEY SARAH M. , GLENN TRAVIS C.
Published: March 2007

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci were isolated from saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and optimized for future studies of its breeding system. The loci were screened for variability among 24 individuals from two populations. The primers amplified loci with numbers of alleles ranging from four to 14 per locus and polymorphic information content from 0.481 to 0.951. Observed heterozygosity varied from 0.227 to 0.958.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism markers for Cercospora beticola (Mycosphaerellaceae)
Authors: GROENEWALD MARIZETH , GROENEWALD JOHANNES Z. , LINDE CELESTE C. , CROUS PEDRO W.
Published: March 2007

The plant pathogenic fungus, Cercospora beticola, causes the most important foliage disease of sugar beet. A previous study has shown that isolates of opposite mating types are present in equal proportions in natural populations; therefore, the aim of this study was to develop highly reproducible polymorphic markers for analysing populations of C. beticola. Five microsatellite and four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed that allow rapid screening of genetic diversity in C. beticola. Six populations were screened with these markers and all were found to be in gametic equilibrium, indicating random mating in C. beticola.
A Change of Power in Romania: The Results and Significance of the November 1996 Elections
Authors: Popescu Liliana
Published: March 2007

THE ELECTIONS IN ROMANIA IN NOVEMBER 1996 WERE A TURNINGpoint in the political life of the country. They resulted in the victory of the Democratic Convention (DCR) and its presidential candidate, Emil Constantinescu, over the party dominated by reformedcommunists (the Party of Social Democracy of Romania, PSDR) and its candidate, the former president, Ion Iliescu.

Professor Ghiţa Ionescu would have rejoiced in this long-awaited victory for the DCR. During his visit to Romania in 1993 he met many leading figures of the Democratic Convention, including Mr Constantinescu himself who, as Rector of the University of Bucharest, conferred upon him the doctorate honoris causa. He was also pleased to discover that one of his major books, Communism in Romania, had already been translated into Romanian (in 1992). Professor Ionescu was warmly welcomed and was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the young people, some of them academics, who were very actively engaged in the political struggle against the Iliescu regime.
Populism into the Twenty‐first Century
Authors: Di Tella Torcuato S.
Published: March 2007

GHIŢA IONESCU'S HOMELAND IS ONE OF THE MOST TROUBLED NATIONS in Europe. Its wounded national feeling has produced the strangest ideological combinations, mixing freely a fascist past with nostalgia for Ceausescu, as is the case with the Vatra Romaneasca (Romanian Homeland) movement, or the editors of the influential journalRomania Mare, adept at denouncing the ‘international Judaeo- Zionist-capitalist’ plot. One of the main theoreticians of corporatism, as is well known, was Mihail Manoilescu, while another Romanian intellectual, Ilie Badescu, created the ‘protocronist’ school of sociology, bent on documenting cultural and scientific findings in Romania which had anticipated later Western European developments. This approach was adopted officially during the Ceausescu regime, and now inspires some extreme right-wing groups which espouse a radical nationalist ideology. One of them, the Party of the National Right, admits to not being democratic, but compensates for this by proclaiming its ‘demophilia’, that is, its love for the people, a concept created by Petre Tutea, an admirer of the Iron Guard interwar fascist movement.
Some Doubts about Feminism
Authors: Mansfield Harvey
Published: March 2007

HAVING BEEN THE OBJECT OF GHIŢA IONESCU'S GENEROSITY TOO many times to count — it was every time I saw him or spoke to him or even thought of him — I find it hopeless to try to even the score. But I will do my best to honour his memory with the following thoughts, as I believe they might have piqued his interest or provoked his disagreement. He was always interested in something new, but he himself belonged to neither of human nature's two great political parties, radical and conservative. He neither welcomed nor rejected the new merely because it was new. So here is a salute to a man strongly political, widely attentive, and wonderfully well-bred in taste and learning.
Opposition in Tropical Africa
Authors: Clapham Christopher
Published: March 2007

AT THE START OF THE 1990S, THE CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS OF opposition movements in tropical Africa was dramatically transformed. Prior to 1990, in only a minimal number of states had legally tolerated opposition parties even been permitted, while in no case had any opposition party been able to assume power after defeating the incumbent government at the polls. Within a few years, multi-party systems were introduced within almost all African states, while several opposition parties achieved the ultimate test of gaining state power by electoral means. At first sight, at least, opposition in Africa had undergone a radical shift, bringing the continent into line with a movement towards multi-party electoral political systems that was taking place throughout the world.
Opposition in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Leca Jean
Published: March 2007

ONE OF THE VERY RARE OVERVIEWS OF OPPOSITION IN THE ARAB states was published by Professor Lisa Anderson in 1987. The very title set the tone: ‘LawlessGovernment andIllegalOpposition’ (emphases mine), as well as the opening quotation, ‘A government which is not beholden to any law ceases to be legitimate’, by the famous Sayyid Qutb, one of the prophets of radical Islam (as it came to be named) who was executed by Nasser's government. Opposition was meant to combat a tyrant (a lawless government meaning an unjust government, unjust because disregarding the laws and the religious Law) and to restore Justice, Law and Order. Admittedly, Professor Anderson's purpose was much broader: she would stress the close relationship between the exercise of political power, and particularly the modern state as the organizational framework of political life (the independent variable, so to speak) and, on the other hand, opposition as a response or reaction to the state and the government.
The Blair Style of Government: An Historical Perspective and an Interim Audit
Authors: Hennessy Peter
Published: March 2007

MAY I BEGIN WITH A DASH OF HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE? I DO SO AS A health warning, to myself as much as to anyone else. Just as the great Lord Salisbury once said that too much poring over maps tended to drive nineteenth-century ministers and military chiefs mad, an excessive concentration on prime-ministerial styles can propel scholars and commentators smack bang into the Tommy Cooper school of analysis – here you have collective cabinet government then, just like that, when the premiership changes hands, you switch to overbearing prime-ministerial government. There has been a good deal of this since Tony Blair entered No. 10 exactly 214 days ago.
Scotland and Northern Ireland: Constitutional Questions, Connections and Possibilities
Authors: Walker Graham
Published: March 2007

IN HER SUBMISSION TO THE OPSAHL HEARINGS ON THE NORTHERN Ireland problem in 1993, the literary and cultural critic Edna Longley made a simple point about the ‘Anglo-Irish Agreement’. This term for what was a pact between the UK and Republic of Ireland governments is, she argued, a misnomer: ‘[It] obscures the contested area, and panders to the belief – in both London and Dublin – that the UK is coterminous with England.’ Longley later urged that the Northern Ireland problem should be viewed more widely, in its proper context as part of the ‘melting pot’ of cultures of the two islands, Britain and Ireland.