bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia and thrombocytopenia associated with maternal anti HNA‐1a, HPA‐3b and HLA antibodies
Authors: Marín Luis , Torío Alberto , Muro Manuel , Fernandez‐Parra Rafael , Minguela Alfredo , Bosch Vicente , Alvarez‐López Maria Rocio , García‐Alonso Ana Maria
Published: April 2005

The incidence of alloimmune neonatal neutropenia combined with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is very low. We report a case of a neonate who suffered severe neutropenia and thombocytopenia with widespread petechial spots. The presence of alloantibodies in mother's and patient's sera was analyzed by lymphocytotoxicity test, agglutination test, granulocyte indirect immunofluorescence test, platelet immunofluorescence test (PIFT) and solid phase enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Human neutrophil antigens (HNA) and human platelet antigen (HPA) genotypes were tested by polymerase chain reaction analyses. The mother's and patient's sera reacted with neutrophils and lymphocytes of the father. PIFT revealed the presence of IgG anti‐platelet antibodies in the patient's serum but the test was negative in the maternal serum. Analyses of HNA‐1 and HPA genotypes of the family revealed maternal‐neonatal HNA‐1a and HPA‐3b mismatch. The study of the mother's and patient's sera showed the presence of anti HNA1a, HPA‐3b and HLA antibodies specific for HLA‐A3 and HLA‐B38 antigens. These results suggest that the transplacental passage of maternal HNA‐1a, HPA‐3b and HLA alloantibodies caused neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in this patient.
Does childhood immunization against infectious diseases protect from the development of atopic disease?
Authors: Martignon Gilles , Oryszczyn Marie‐Pierre , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella
Published: April 2005

The argument of whether early immunization against infections promotes allergy or protects from it is presently under debate. The relationship between childhood immunization and the development of atopic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema) was examined in a population‐based sample of 718 adolescents by taking individual data drawn from personal paediatric records on the schedule and the type of vaccination into account. Atopic diseases were determined using a standardized questionnaire. After adjustment for sex, age, father's socioeconomic status and active smoking, adolescents having been vaccinated (n = 694) had a significant lower risk to suffer from asthma or atopic diseases than non‐vaccinated adolescents did (n = 24) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.92]. The relationship did not depend on the disease against which the vaccine was used as prophylaxis, the observance of the vaccination schedule or the number of inoculations. A higher protection was observed in the case of live attenuated vaccines (oral poliomyelitis and bacilli Camille‐Guerin; OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.83). These results, in agreement with previous ecological data, support the hypothesis that early vaccines could promote Th1 proliferation in response to the infectious agent contained in it, which inhibits the enhancement of atopic manifestations. Further studies are needed to confirm the phenomenon.
Mannose‐binding lectin levels in children with asthma
Authors: Uguz Aysen , Berber Zafer , Coskun Mesut , Halide Akbas S. , Yegin Olcay
Published: April 2005

Mannose‐binding lectin (mbl), one of the important components of innate immunity, can activate the lectin pathway of the complement system. After binding mannose containing carbohydrate structures of foreign antigen, mbl initiates and regulates the inflammatory responses. Asthma is a complex inflammatory disease of the lung involving many components of the immune system. Our objective was to investigate the serum mbl levels of asthmatic children in comparison with healthy controls. Serum mbl levels were determined by nephelometric assay in 72 asthmatic children (5–15 yr old) and 30 healthy age‐matched controls. Mbl levels of asthmatic children were measured both during acute attack and after complete remission. There was no significant difference between the mbl levels during acute attack (median 4.1 mg/l) or quiescence of symptoms (median 3.6 mg/l). Serum mbl levels both during acute attack or quiescence of symptoms was significantly higher in asthmatic children than in the healthy controls (median 2.8 mg/l, p < 0.0001 for each). Furthermore, mbl levels of asthmatic children positively correlated with peripheral blood eosinophils (r = 0.377, p < 0.001), which is a systemic component of airway inflammation in asthma. Our findings indicate that mbl may be implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma by contributing to airway inflammation or by increasing the risk of developing asthma.
Time course of antibody response to recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus antigens in cystic fibrosis with and without ABPA
Authors: Casaulta Carmen , Flückiger Sabine , Crameri Reto , Blaser Kurt , Schoeni Martin H.
Published: April 2005

We determined follow‐up levels of specific serum IgE to the recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) allergens rAsp f 1, 3, 4 and 6 in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) with and without allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Over a 32‐month period follow‐up data of 74 patients were collected. According to serology, 11 CF patients were not sensitized (CF controls), 40 were sensitized to A. fumigatus (Asp. f‐sens.) and 23 patients fulfilled the serologic criteria for ABPA. Of these 23 ABPA patients 11 expressed the full clinical ABPA picture (classicABPA) and 12 failed to show sufficient relevant clinical signs (seroABPA), despite positive serology. The 23 ABPA patients had 16–18 times higher serum levels of specific IgE to rAsp f 4 and/or rAsp f 6 than those of Asp. f‐sens. patients (rAsp f 4: 31.3 ± 45 EU/ml vs. 1.9 ± 2.2 EU/ml and rAsp f 6: 39.0 ± 44.3 EU/ml vs 2.1 ± 1.7 EU/ml). The combination of increased total serum IgE (>1000 IU/l) and increased specific IgE to rAsp f 4 and/or rAsp f 6 allowed to diagnose classicABPA with 100% specificity and 64% sensitivity and with a high predicted positive (100%) and a high predicted negative (94%) value. During a combined treatment (seven patients) with oral corticosteroid and itraconazole, itraconazole alone (two patients) or neither oral corticosteroid nor itraconazole therapy (two patients) total serum IgE and specific IgE to rAsp f 4 and/or rAsp f 6 did decrease but did not normalize. Over the observation period, lung function remained unchanged, independent of whether oral steroids and/or concomitant itraconazole were either given or not given. In the follow‐up of CF patients with ABPA under therapy the determination of total or specific IgE serum levels were of limited value to guide therapy.
Which cereal is a suitable substitute for wheat in children with wheat allergy?
Authors: Pourpak Zahra , Mesdaghi Mehrnaz , Mansouri Mahboubeh , Kazemnejad Anoushiravan , Toosi Shahram Beiraghi , Farhoudi Abolhasan
Published: April 2005

Wheat is one of the main food allergens. It is among widely used cereals and there is an extensive cross‐reaction between cereals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent to which cereals cross‐react and to find the best substitute for wheat. Eighteen patients with definite diagnosis of type I hypersensitivity reactions to wheat enrolled in this study. Measurement of serum‐specific IgE and skin prick test (SPT) for cereals flour (wheat, barley, oat, rye, rice and corn) and wheat bran was carried out. Also, open food challenge tests with available and conventional cereals in Iranian food culture (wheat, corn, rice and barley) were carried out. The SPTs were positive in 44.4% of patients for barley, 94.5% for wheat and 44–77% for other cereals. Positive serum‐specific IgE was remarkable for wheat and barley and there was correlation between wheat and barley‐specific IgE concentrations (r = 0.773 and p < 0.01). Corn serum‐specific IgE was measured in 10 patients, which were positive in six of them. Of the patients, 55.5% had positive barley challenge tests, but all corn and rice challenge tests were negative. The best substitutes for wheat in wheat allergic patients are rice and corn. Regarding the correlation of wheat and barley serum‐specific IgEs, there might be a high antigenic cross‐reaction, therefore barley is not a good substitute for wheat and consuming barley needs a careful challenge test. Considering concordance of positive SPT to wheat flour and wheat bran, avoiding both of them is necessary in patients with wheat allergy.
Bet v 1‐specific IgA increases during the pollen season but not after a single allergen challenge in children with birch pollen‐induced intermittent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Keen Christina , Johansson Sofi , Reinholdt Jesper , Benson Mikael , Wennergren Göran
Published: April 2005

Allergen‐specific immunoglobulins of the Immunoglobulin A (IgA) type have been found in the nasal fluid of patients with allergic rhinitis. IgA may play a protective role, but there are also data which show that allergen‐specific IgA can induce eosinophil degranulation. The aim of this study was to quantitate Bet v 1‐specific IgA in relation to total IgA in the nasal fluid of children with birch pollen‐induced intermittent allergic rhinitis and healthy controls, after allergen challenge and during the natural pollen season. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), Bet v 1‐specific IgA and total IgA were analyzed in nasal fluids from 30 children with birch pollen‐induced intermittent allergic rhinitis and 30 healthy controls. Samples were taken before the pollen season, after challenge with birch pollen and during the pollen season, before and after treatment with nasal steroids. During the pollen season, but not after nasal allergen challenge, Bet v 1‐specific IgA increased in relation to total IgA in children with allergic rhinitis. No change was found in the healthy controls. The ratio of Bet v 1‐specific IgA to total IgA increased from 0.1 × 10−3 (median) to 0.5 × 10−3 in the allergic children, p < 0.001. No change was seen after treatment with nasal steroids, although symptoms, ECP and eosinophils were reduced. In conclusion, allergen‐specific IgA in relation to total IgA increases in nasal fluids during the pollen season in allergic children but not in healthy controls. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that allergen‐specific IgA plays a role in the allergic inflammation and further studies are needed to clarify the functional role of these allergen‐specific antibodies.
Exhaled nitric oxide, total serum IgE and allergic sensitization in childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Cardinale Fabio , De Benedictis Fernando M. , Muggeo Vito , Giordano Paola , Loffredo Maria S. , Iacoviello Gaia , Armenio Lucio
Published: April 2005

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels are correlated with several markers of atopy and inflammatory activity in the airways, but the relationship between eNO and total serum IgE has not been fully elucidated in the context of allergic sensitization. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between eNO, total serum IgE and allergic sensitization in childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis. eNO levels, lung function, skin prick tests and total serum IgE were determined in 109 children (mean age, 10.4 yr) with mild intermittent asthma and in 41 children (mean age, 10.1 yr) with allergic rhinitis; 25 healthy non‐atopic children were recruited as controls. eNO levels (median) were significantly higher in patients with asthma (22.7 p.p.b.) and in those with allergic rhinitis (15.3 p.p.b.) than in healthy controls (5.9 p.p.b.). Children with allergic asthma had higher eNO levels than children with allergic rhinitis. A significant positive correlation was found between eNO and total serum IgE (asthma, r = 0.42, p < 0.0001; allergic rhinitis, r = 0.31, p < 0.01), and between eNO and the number of positive skin prick tests (asthma, r = 0.31, p < 0.0001; allergic rhinitis, r = 0.39, p < 0.01). eNO levels were better correlated with total IgE than with the number of positive skin prick tests. This correlation was independent of allergic sensitization. High total serum IgE represents a specific and predictive marker of eNO increase in children with asthma or allergic rhinitis. This finding adds further support to the hypothesis that increased serum IgE could be a marker itself of airway inflammation in patients with allergic disease.
Familial contribution to adolescent subjective well‐being
Authors: Joronen Katja , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this study was to obtain a more complete understanding of which familial factors contribute to adolescent satisfaction and ill‐being, the latter term originally developed by Alexander Grob. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 non‐clinical adolescents from the 7th and 9th grades. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Six themes concerning satisfaction arose from the analysis. Teenagers described familial contribution to their satisfaction in terms of experiences of a comfortable home, emotionally warm atmosphere, open communication, familial involvement, possibilities for external relations and a sense of personal significance in the family. Three themes related to ill‐being emerged: familial hostility, ill‐being or death of a family member, as well as excessive dependency. The findings expand our understanding of the diversity of familial contribution to adolescent life and subjective well‐being. They challenge nurses to focus on the adolescent's self‐perception of familial effects on well‐being and on promotion of familial factors in adolescent health issues.
Physical and chemical restraints in acute care: Their potential impact on the rehabilitation of older people
Authors: Mott Sarah , Poole Julia , Kenrick Marita
Published: April 2005

Agitation is a major problem for older people and is present in over half of the hospitalizations for people > 65 years of age. In a previous study by the authors, results indicated that nursing actions often did not meet best‐practice standards in the care of older, agitated patients. This paper builds on these results by reviewing the literature pertaining to the use of restraints and contributes to the body of knowledge surrounding the impact of the acute‐care experience on rehabilitation outcomes. Successful rehabilitation relies on the improvement of functional health outcomes and, for this to happen, physical and emotional well‐being are important. The sequelae of restraint use in acute care have the potential to alter peoples’ ability to participate fully in a rehabilitation programme, thereby placing their future placement at risk. This paper explores the outcomes of restraint use in the acute‐care setting and presents the argument that their effects are likely to be detrimental to rehabilitation outcomes.
Finding the balance: Living with memory loss
Authors: Gilmour Jean A , Huntington Annette D
Published: April 2005

Since the late 1980s, it has been increasingly recognized that the experiences of people with dementia have been omitted from research in the area of dementia and memory loss. More recently, it has been accepted that people with dementia have insight into their condition and, therefore, the ability to contribute to research. A qualitative research project was undertaken with nine participants to explore the experiences and coping strategies of people with dementia. Interviews were undertaken and the data analysed using thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged: coming to terms with memory loss, maintaining control and independence, and the impact of illness on relationships. Understanding the reality for people is essential given that representations of the catastrophic impact of dementia generate high levels of anxiety and depression. Implications for nurses’ practice include the need for skilled, well‐paced, sensitive and ongoing information about the condition, along with the need to recognize and support the active coping strategies of people with memory loss.
Relationships in nurse prescribing in district nursing practice in England: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Fisher Rick
Published: April 2005

Nurse prescribing is a significant change in the working lives of district nurses in the United Kingdom. It has been achieved as the result of a 13‐year sociopolitical struggle, eventually culminating in an Act of Parliament, which enabled selected nurses to prescribe from a limited formulary. This research attempts to discover the nature of its impact on the relationships between prescribers, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, patients and carers. Using a qualitative approach, guided interviews were carried out with nurses, doctors, pharmacists, patients and carers. Initial findings indicate that far from producing an independent prescribing workforce, some prescribers are reverting to their preprescribing behaviour. For these prescribers, there is a suggestion that old hierarchies are being reinforced, which might be detrimental to nurse prescribing.
The Cultural Myths and Realities of Classroom Teaching and Learning: A Personal Journey
Authors: Nuthall Graham
Published: April 2005

In this article, I argue that classroom teaching is structured by ritualized routines supported by widely held myths about learning and ability that are acquired through our common experiences as students. These ritualized routines and supporting myths are sustained not only by everyone's common experience of schooling, but by teacher education practices, the ways we evaluate teachers’ classroom performance, and many common types of educational research. My own research on teaching over the last 45 years has produced a number of apparently contradictory and puzzling findings that have progressively led me to understand the nature and power of these routines and myths. While ritualized routines are necessary to allow a teacher to manage the experiences of 20–30 students simultaneously, they also explain why individual student experience and learning remain largely invisible to teachers. The problem is to find ways to stand outside the ritualized routines and myths to identify how they control what we perceive, believe, and do about reforming teaching and learning.
Getting it the Second Time Around: Student Classroom Experience in Chicago's Summer Bridge Program
Authors: Stone Susan I. , Engel Mimi , Roderick Jenny Nagaoka Melissa
Published: April 2005

Increased use of high-stakes testing has been accompanied by an expansion of summer school programming. Few investigations focus on student experience within these programs. Using multiple methods, we examined how low-performing students attending the Chicago Public Schools’ Summer Bridge program perceived their summer learning environments. Students reported substantial increases in academic press and personalism between the school year and summer. Qualitative analysis revealed that over half of the students characterized their experience as substantively better in the summer than in the school year. They particularly focused on exposure to new content, increased attention from teachers, and an improved classroom climate that helped in the mastery of material.
Expertise, Credibility, and Influence: How Teachers Can Influence Policy, Advance Research, and Improve Performance
Authors: Hatch Thomas , White Melissa Eiler , Faigenbaum Deborah
Published: April 2005

While many efforts to foster teacher leadership focus on the power, authority, and control that can come with teachers’ formal positions in organizational hierarchies, case studies of 4 teachers document how expertise, credibility, and influence can come together in teachers’ activities regardless of the formal positions they hold. These teachers’ expertise emerged from investigations of issues that were of concern to them in their own classrooms and schools. Through these investigations, they developed representations that both helped them to articulate their own ideas and facilitated the sharing of their work in a variety of different contexts. The connections these teachers made provided them with new perspectives, helped them to build their credibility, and enabled them to gain access to individuals who served as translators, advocates, and amplifiers for their work. Despite conditions that provided little support for—and often significant discouragement from—sharing their work and ideas, their experiences suggest some of the ways that schools, school systems, and reform networks can build on the ideas, energy, and influence of teachers both in the classroom and out.
Building a Framework for Classroom-Based Multicultural Democratic Education: Learning from Three Skilled Teachers
Authors: Marri Anand R.
Published: April 2005

Recognizing the increasingly racially and ethnically diverse politically disengaged population along with the central role of schools in preparing democratic citizens, this study investigated how 3 skilled secondary social studies teachers taught about and for multicultural democracy to prepare students for active and effective citizenship through a collective case study. The article discusses their pedagogy, the ways in which they provided their students with “codes of power” and skills for effective citizenship, and how they extended the curriculum beyond “official knowledge.” In addition, it presents a framework for classroom-based multicultural democratic education, which incorporates critical pedagogy, building of community, and thorough disciplinary content and skills, based on a combination of the theoretical frame and the practice of these 3 skilled teachers.
A Different Approach to Teaching Multiculturalism: Pragmatism as a Pedagogy and Problem-Solving Tool
Authors: Henry Sue Ellen
Published: April 2005

This article explores the moral imperative for teaching multiculturalism from a classically pragmatic point of view. Through an examination of the principles of classical pragmatism, embodied in the work of John Dewey, this analysis suggests that approaching multiculturalism from a pragmatic perspective lends a necessary moral foundation for the work of the multicultural educational reform movement. Critique of the conventional race-based approach reveals several durable dichotomies that can serve to distinguish Students of Color from White students in unproductive ways. I suggest that conceiving of the multiculturalism classroom's primary purpose as a developmental tool for individual students diminishes its potential as a location to sponsor a moral community that fosters a sense of the collective and of mutual multicultural problem solving.
Fix it and They Might Stay: School Facility Quality and Teacher Retention in Washington, D.C.
Authors: Buckley Jack , Schneider Mark , Shang Yi
Published: April 2005

The attrition of both new and experienced teachers is a challenge for schools and school administrators throughout the United States, particularly in large urban districts. Because of the importance of this issue, there is a large empirical literature that investigates why teachers quit and how they might be induced to stay. Here we build upon this literature by suggesting another important factor in the teacher decision to stay or leave: the quality of school facilities. We investigate the importance of facility quality using data from a survey of K–12 public school teachers in Washington, D.C. We find in our sample that facility quality is an important predictor of the decision of teachers to leave their current position, even after controlling for other contributing factors.
ANOMALOUS BIDDING IN SHORT‐TERM TREASURY BILL AUCTIONS*
Authors: Fleming Michael J. , Garbade Kenneth D. , Keane Frank
Published: April 2005

We show that Treasury bill auction procedures create classes of price‐equivalent discount rates for bills with less than 72 days to maturity. We argue that it is inefficient for market participants to bid at a discount rate that is not the minimum rate in its class. The inefficiency of bidding at other than the minimum rate is related to a quantity shortfall rather than an unexploited profit opportunity. Auction results for weekly offerings of four‐week bills and occasional offerings of cash management bills show that market participants frequently bid at inefficient rates. However, they are more likely to bid at efficient rates than chance would suggest.
LIQUIDITY AND QUOTE CLUSTERING IN A MARKET WITH MULTIPLE TICK SIZES
Authors: Chung Kee H. , Kim Kenneth A. , Kitsabunnarat Pattanaporn
Published: April 2005

We analyze market liquidity (i.e., spreads and depths) and quote clustering using data from the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE), where the tick size increases with share price in a stepwise fashion. We find that stocks that are subject to larger mandatory tick sizes have wider spreads and less quote clustering. We also find that liquidity providers on the KLSE do not always quote larger depths for stocks with larger tick sizes. Overall, our results suggest that larger tick sizes for higher priced stocks are detrimental to market liquidity, although the adverse effect of larger tick sizes is mitigated by lower negotiation costs (i.e., less quote clustering).
UNDERPRICING AND LONG‐RUN PERFORMANCE OF SHARE ISSUE PRIVATIZATIONS IN THE EGYPTIAN STOCK MARKET
Authors: Omran Mohammed
Published: April 2005

The underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) is documented for 53 share issue privatizations in Egypt between 1994 and 1998. Over several intervals (up to five years), I find mixed results: share issue privatizations sustain their positive performance and provide investors with positive abnormal returns over a one‐year period; however, my results document negative abnormal returns over three‐ and five‐year horizons. The initial excess returns are determined by ex ante uncertainty and oversubscription, whereas the aftermarket abnormal returns over a one‐year period are driven by ex ante uncertainty and the price‐earnings ratio. However, over three‐ and five‐year periods, abnormal returns are significantly affected by initial excess returns, the price‐earnings ratio, and, to a lesser extent, oversubscription. The empirical findings are consistent with IPO markets in which investors are overoptimistic about the performance of these issues but grow more pessimistic over time.
MACROECONOMIC NEWS, STOCK TURNOVER, AND VOLATILITY CLUSTERING IN DAILY STOCK RETURNS
Authors: Connolly Robert , Stivers Chris
Published: April 2005

We study volatility clustering in daily stock returns at both the index and firm levels from 1985 to 2000. We find that the relation between today's index return shock and the next period's volatility decreases when important macroeconomic news is released today and increases with the shock in today's stock market turnover. Collectively, our results suggest that volatility clustering tends to be stronger when there is more uncertainty and disperse beliefs about the market's information signal. Our findings also contribute to a better understanding of the joint dynamics of stock returns and trading volume.
WHAT DRIVES TIME VARIATION IN EMERGING MARKET SEGMENTATION?
Authors: Hunter Delroy M.
Published: April 2005

I use American Depositary Receipts and underlying stocks to test the level of integration of the stock markets of Argentina, Chile, and Mexico into the world capital market in the post‐liberalization period. I find that these markets experience time‐varying integration and are, on average, still not highly internationally integrated. Furthermore, there is no distinct trend toward higher levels of integration. In fact, the markets of Argentina and Mexico have become increasingly segmented over the post‐liberalization period. I find that financial and economic openness, stock market liquidity and volatility, and the state of the currency market significantly affect the level of segmentation.
WHO ARE THE NOISE TRADERS?
Authors: Hughen J. Christopher , McDonald Cynthia G.
Published: April 2005

Closed‐end funds often trade at a discount to net asset value. Previous research suggests that the positive correlation in discounts is associated with investor sentiment that causes systematic mispricing by noise traders. We use a newly available sample of daily fund valuations to examine the relation between intraday trading activity and discount changes. Contrary to the assumption that retail investors are noise traders, we find no relation between discount changes and the order‐flow imbalances of individual investors. Large daily discount changes are associated with institutional trading, and this may reflect the price inelasticity of closed‐end fund shares.
Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation:  The Need for an Implantable Right Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Furukawa Kojiro , Motomura Tadashi , Nosé Yukihiko
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  Right ventricular failure after implantation of a left ventricular assist device is an unremitting problem. Consideration of portal circulation is important for reversing liver dysfunction and preventing multiple organ failure after left ventricular assist device implantation. To achieve these objectives, it is imperative to maintain the central venous pressure as low as possible. A more positive application of right ventricular assistance is recommended. Implantable pulsatile left ventricular assist devices cannot be used as a right ventricular assist device because of their structure and device size. To improve future prospects, it is necessary to develop an implantable right ventricular assist device based on a rotary blood pump.
Off‐design Considerations of the 50cc Penn State Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Oley Leslie A. , Manning Keefe B. , Fontaine Arnold A. , Deutsch Steven
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  Particle image velocimetry is used to study the flow field associated with off‐design conditions of the 50cc Penn State Ventricular Assist Device. Phase average data, for 300 consecutive beats, was acquired for 60, 75, and 90 beats per minute (bpm) at 35/65 systolic duration and at 75 bpm for 50/50 systolic duration. Diastolic flow is dominated by the inflow jet and shows more penetration and better wall washing at higher beat rates and shorter diastolic time. A flow separation near the minor orifice of the aortic valve, however, is larger under these conditions. Turbulent energy, which peaks during diastole, is found to be strongest at the edges of the jet and near the valves and scales well with the maximum inlet jet velocity. A region of potential separation on the right lateral wall is identified and will be relieved by geometric modifications of the evolving design.
Potential Predictive Markers for Proliferative Capacity of Cultured Human Articular Chondrocytes: PCNA and p21
Authors: Kim Hyeon Joo , Park So Ra , Park Heon Joo , Choi Byung Hyune , Min Byoung‐Hyun
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  The  purpose  of  this  study  was  to  investigate  age‐related changes in the proliferative ability of human articular chondrocytes in culture. In addition, the possible markers for the proliferative capacity of chondrocytes were examined. Chondrocytes obtained from human articular cartilages of young (under 40 years) or old (over 60 years) individuals were expanded until their growth was arrested. The number of cells and the type II collagen phenotype were determined together with the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p21WAF1/CIP along with the passages of cultured chondrocytes. The results showed that young chondrocytes had higher proliferative capacity and viability than old chondrocytes. The growth arrest and the cessation in the expression of type II collagen were accompanied by down‐regulation of PCNA and up‐regulation of p21WAF1/CIP levels in both young and old chondrocytes. Notably, the expression levels of PCNA and p21WAF1/CIP along with the passages were correlated inversely to each other and showed distinct patterns between young and old chondrocytes. These results suggest that senescence of human articular chondrocytes leads to the decrease in the proliferative capacity and phenotypic stability. In addition, PCNA and p21 could be molecular markers that represent the status of these age‐related properties of human articular chondrocytes in vitro.
Survival and Complications of Indwelling Venous Catheters for Permanent Use in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Develter Willem , De Cubber Antoine , Van Biesen Wim , Vanholder Raymond , Lameire Norbert
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  Background: The risk factors influencing the survival of indwelling central vein catheters and their potential complications have not been assessed in depth and on a large scale. Methods: We investigated the general characteristics of 245 single lumen cuffed tunneled catheters and analyzed their survival by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis. Risk factors for bacteremia and thrombosis were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: The incidence of exit‐site infection, tunnel infection, bacteremia and thrombotic events was 0.35, 0.25, 1.71, and 1.94/1000 catheter days, respectively. The mean survival time per catheter was 276 days. After censoring for non catheter‐related events leading to the removal of the catheter (n = 245 with 120 catheters censored and 125 events), the mean survival time of the catheter appeared to be 615 ± 67 days (95% CI of 483–747) and the median survival time 310 ± 50 days (95% CI of 212–408). The localization of the catheter into the right internal jugular vein results in significantly better survival as compared with other insertion sites both in Kaplan–Meier (mean survival of 650 days compared to a mean survival of 519 days, P value < 0.009) and in Cox regression analysis (relative risk of 0.537, P value < 0.001). Localization of the catheter into the right internal jugular vein seemed to increase the risk for bacteremia (relative risk of 1.798, P value of 0.063). The use of anticoagulant agents was not protective for thrombosis, although this might be due to lack of power (relative risk of 0.626, P value of 0.141). Conclusion: We provide evidence of a mean survival in long‐term hemodialysis catheter close to 2 years with an acceptable complication rate. If a long‐term hemodialysis catheter is required, it is best placed in the right internal jugular vein.
Changes in Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Palmitoleic Acid Are Correlated to Retinol Levels in Chronic Renal Failure in Both Hemodialysis and Conservative Treatment Patients
Authors: Lucchi Leonardo , Banni Sebastiano , Iannone Anna , Melis Maria Paola , Carta Gianfranca , Murru Elisabetta , Cordeddu Lina , Stipo Lucia , Uggeri Simona , Gatti Valentina , Malaguti Vittoria , Albertazzi Alberto
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  An increase in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a natural fatty acid present in our diet, which possesses anticarcinogenic and antiatherogenic activities in experimental models, has been found in both the plasma and adipose tissue of end‐stage chronic renal failure (ESCRF) patients. Increased levels of retinol have also been found in those patients, due to a reduced excretion of the retinol‐binding protein. Since retinol is known to influence lipid metabolism, we evaluated whether changes in retinol, CLA, and other fatty acids are correlated in the plasma of CRF patients. We measured CLA, retinol, and unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma of the following groups: (A) 35 ESCRF patients; (B) 20 hemodialysis (HD) patients; (C) 20 healthy controls. Subjects with total cholesterol and/or triglycerides higher than 250 mg/dL were excluded. We found a significant increase in CLA, retinol, palmitoleic (16:1), and oleic (18:1) acids in ESCRF patients. In HD patients we found a similar pattern, however, CLA increase was not significant. No changes were observed in the other fatty acids measured. In the groups of ESCRF and HD patients, a positive correlation between the levels of plasma retinol and CLA, and between retinol and 16:1 was found. These correlations were not detected in controls. The abnormal levels of plasma retinol in CRF patients might partly explain the changes in CLA and 16:1. The influence of retinol levels on these fatty acids might be due to an induction of delta 9 desaturase. In fact, 16:1 is known to be produced, partly, by delta 9 desaturation of palmitic acid. Moreover, the formation of CLA from delta 9 desaturation of vaccenic acid—a trans‐monounsaturated fatty acid present in our diet—has recently been demonstrated in humans. Nevertheless, our data do not represent direct evidence supporting an increased delta 9 desaturase activity in CRF patients. Another possible explanation might be a variation in the exogenous intake.
Characterization of a Hollow Fiber Bioartificial Liver Device
Authors: Abu‐Absi Susan Fugett , Seth Gargi , Narayanan Ramanathan A. , Groehler Kristine , Lai Pamela , Anderson Mary L. , Sielaff Timothy , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  A three‐compartment bioartificial liver (BAL) has been developed for potential treatment of fulminant hepatic failure. It has been shown previously that viability and liver‐specific functions were maintained in laboratory‐scale bioreactors of such design. In this study, the performance of hepatocytes in a clinical‐scale bioartificial liver was verified by sustained specific production rates of albumin and urea, along with oxygen consumption rates for up to 56 h and liver‐specific gene expression for up to 72 h. In addition, transmission of porcine endogenous retrovirus and other type C retroviral particles across the hollow fibers was not detected under both normal and extreme operating fluxes. These results demonstrate that the clinical‐scale BAL performs at a level similar to the laboratory scale  and  that  it  offers  a  viral  barrier  against  porcine   retroviruses.
Development and Characterization of a New Stationary Phase for an Immunoadsorption Wall
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Hua
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  This study introduces a newly developed method for the formation of a stationary phase superficially embedded with immunoadsorbent, that is partially incomplete two‐stage polymerization of acrylamide. Preliminary experimental studies show that binding activity of the immunoadsorbent was satisfactorily maintained after immobilization. With an appropriate configuration of selected immunoadsorption matrices and immunoisolation barriers, it is hoped that this stationary phase could be used to resolve some difficult problems arising from the accumulation of certain middle molecular weight toxins not removed by other blood purification procedures.
Settlement structures and cemetery at Wadi Shab‐GAS1, Sultanate of Oman: Report on the 2002 and 2003 field seasons
Authors: Gaultier M. , Guy H. , Munoz O. , Tosi M. , Usai D.
Published: April 2005

Many chronological and cultural facets of Early and Middle Holocene Prehistoric Oman are still unclear. Archaeological excavations of settlements and cemeteries are adding new data to the reconstruction of a chronological and cultural framework. Wadi Shab‐GAS1 is a Middle Holocene site found at the beginning of the 1980s and later destroyed by urbanisation. It is located in a rich environmental niche, on a cliff facing the sea and near a permanent freshwater source. Three years of fieldwork at this site brought to light structural remains, a cemetery and interesting material culture.
A comparative geochemical study of bituminous boat remains from H3, As‐Sabiyah (Kuwait), and RJ‐2, Ra's al‐Jinz (Oman)
Authors: Connan Jacques , Carter Robert , Crawford Harriet , Tobey Mark , Charrié‐Duhaut Armelle , Jarvie Dan , Albrecht Pierre , Norman Kirsty
Published: April 2005

This paper presents a geochemical analysis of fragments of bituminous amalgam from H3, As‐Sabiyah (Kuwait), and RJ‐2, Ra's al‐Jinz (Oman). The fragments bear barnacles on one side and reed impressions on the other, and are thought to have been part of the coating of reed‐bundle boats. The material from H3 dates to between 5300–4900 BC, while that of RJ‐2 dates to 2500–2100 BC. Samples from both sites were geochemically compared to archaeological and ethnographic material from Kosak Shamali (northern Syria, c.5000–4400 BC), RH‐5 (Oman, 4400–3500 BC) and Baghdad (central Iraq, 1900 AD). The composition of the bituminous amalgams was studied in detail. Rock‐Eval Pyrolysis gave a measure of Total Organic Carbon in the samples, and allowed an initial comparison of the data sets using various parameters. Examination of the proportions of soluble and insoluble organic matter allowed an assessment of the quantity of vegetal matter added to the bitumen to make the bituminous amalgam. The composition of the Ra's al‐Jinz material was studied using X‐Ray Diffraction analysis and thin‐section petrography, in order to assess the proportions of various minerals in the bituminous amalgams. It was concluded that the recipe for the bituminous mixture used to coat reed‐bundle and wooden boats did not differ significantly from that commonly used to make ‘mortar’ for architectural purposes in Mesopotamia. Traces of animal fats or fish oils were not found in the analysed Ra's al‐Jinz material, in contrast to previous hypotheses regarding the composition of the mixture. Comparison of the gross composition of extractable organic matter (the constituents of pure bitumen, soluble in chloroform or dichloromethane) showed the progressive effects of weathering on the samples. The isotopic composition of the bituminous material from H3 and the other sites was then compared to that of bitumen seeps and crude oils from Mesopotamia, Iran and Oman. The most significant result is that the material from As‐Sabiyah originated in Kuwait, at a surface seep at Burgan, while the material from Ra's al‐Jinz had a source in northern Mesopotamia.
In the beginning: Marhashi and the origins of Magan's ceramic industry in the third millennium BC
Authors: Potts D.T.
Published: April 2005

Ceramics from the Jiroft plain in southeastern Iran are compared with material of Umm an‐Nar‐type dating to the mid‐ and late third millennium BC in the Oman Peninsula. Technological and stylistic comparisons suggest the strong possibility that potters from the Iranian side of the Straits of Hormuz may have been the instigators of Magan's earliest ceramic industry.
Investigating cross‐Gulf trade in the Iron Age III period: chronological and compositional data on Burnished Maroon Slipped Ware (BMSW) in southeastern Arabia and Iran
Authors: Magee Peter
Published: April 2005

Recently obtained ceramic compositional data from the late Iron Age sites of Tepe Yahya in Iran and Sharm in the United Arab Emirates is presented in this paper. Analysis of this data suggests that a distinctive ceramic, Burnished Maroon Slipped Ware (BMSW), was produced somewhere in southern Iran and exported across the Gulf to eastern Arabia. That this trade was not limited to any defined historical period, such as that represented by the Achaemenid Empire, is suggested by a series of new AMS C14 dates from Tepe Yahya. The paper concludes with speculative comments on the possible elite nature of BMSW in societies on either side of the Straits of Hormuz.
The association between tooth loss and the self‐reported intake of selected CVD‐related nutrients and foods among US women
Authors: Hung Hsin‐Chia , Colditz Graham , Joshipura Kaumudi J.
Published: April 2005

Abstract –  Objectives:  Many studies have reported associations between oral health and cardiovascular diseases; poor nutritional status due to impaired dentition status has been suggested as a mediator. Our objective is to evaluate the associations between tooth loss and the self‐reported consumption of fruits and vegetables and selected CVD‐related nutrients.

Methods:  A total of 83,104 US women who completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in 1990 and 1994 and reported number of natural teeth in 1992, were included in a cross‐sectional analysis relating dietary intake to number of natural teeth. A longitudinal analysis was also conducted to evaluate whether tooth loss in 1990–1992 was associated with change in diet between 1990 and 1994.

Results:  After adjusting for age, total calorie intake, smoking and physical activity, edentulous women appeared to have dietary intake associated with increased risk for CVD, including significantly higher intake of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and vitamin B12, and lower intake of polyunsaturated fat, fiber, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, vegetables, fruits, and fruits excluding juices compared with women with 25–32 teeth. In the longitudinal analyses, women who lost more teeth were more likely to change their diet in ways that would potentially increase risk for development of CVD. They also tended to avoid hard foods, such as raw carrot, fresh apple or pear.

Conclusions:  Women with fewer teeth have unhealthier diets such as decreased intake of fruits and vegetables, which could increase CVD risk. Diet may partially explain associations between oral health and cardiovascular disease.
Routine oral examination: differences in characteristics of Dutch general dental practitioners related to type of recall interval
Authors: Mettes Theodorus G. , Bruers Josef J. M. , van der Sanden Wil J. M. , Verdonschot Emiel H. , Mulder Jan , Grol Richard P. T. M. , Plasschaert Alphons J. M.
Published: April 2005

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to explore differences in behaviour (characteristics and opinions) among general dental practitioners (GDPs), using either a fixed (Fx) or an individualized recall interval (Iv) between successive routine oral examinations (ROEs).

Methods:  In the year 2000, data were collected by means of a written questionnaire sent to a random stratified sample of 610 dentists of whom 521 responded, of which 508 (83%) were used for analysis.

Results:  Two groups of GDPs were distinguished based on their answer to the question: ‘Do you apply for all patients a fixed recall interval between two successive ROEs?’ Fifty‐one per cent of the GDPs (n = 257) applied Fxs for all patients, generally for a period of 6 months. Ivs were applied by 49% (n = 251) of GDPs, depending on the determination of specific patient characteristics. Logistic regression analysis showed that GDPs applying Fxs also used fixed periods between successive bitewing radiographs for all patients. Furthermore, dentists applying Ivs required more time to conduct an ROE, partly because of a more extensive periodontal screening. GDPs applying Fxs, adhered more to the opinion that a fixed recall regime (every 6 months, as existed before 1995) should be re‐introduced, whereas the GDPs in support of Ivs were more in favour to support the opinion that the ROE is ‘an excellent instrument for effective, individualized oral care’.

Conclusions:  Dutch GDPs differ in the way they deal with the determination of recall interval frequency. These are also specific differences in performance and opinions regarding ROE. With the changing prevalence of oral diseases and the skewed distribution within populations, further research is advocated on consistent decision making to determine the most appropriate recall policy in preventing oral disease.