bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an Enzyme Immunoassay for Detection of Chlamydia Trachomatis in Urogenital Specimens
Authors: Kluytmans J A J W , van der Willigen A H , van Heyst B Y M , van der Meyden W I , Stolz E , Wagenvoort J H T
Published: January 2017

Chlamydiazyme® (Abbott), an enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA), was evaluated using cell culture on Hela 229 cells as the method of reference. Samples were acquired from 611 female and 280 male patients attending the outpatient clinic for sexually transmitted disease at the University Hospital in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The prevalences of chlamydia culture-positive female and male patients were 7.8% and 14.4% respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity values of the EIA were respectively 68.1% and 95.8% in the female and 92.1% and 92.0% in the male population. Samples which were culture-negative but EIA-positive were re-examined by a second direct test (IDEA; Boots Celltech). If the samples from 12 females and 11 males which were negative on culture but positive with both direct tests are considered as failures of cell culture, the sensitivity of the EIA in females almost equalled cell culture (74.6% versus 79.9%) and in males was even higher (93.9% versus 77.6%). Serotyping of the cultured strains revealed that all serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis occurring in this study could be detected by the EIA. The EIA offers a relatively simple and rapid test for diagnosis of C. trachomatis infections in high-risk populations.
Risk Factors of Female HIV-Seropositive Patients Attending the Clinic for Sexually Transmitted Diseases at St Mary's Hospital, London
Authors: Smith J R , Murphy S , Mellers J , James M , Osborne L E M , Byrne M , Munday P , Harris J R W , Forster S M
Published: January 2017

Of 3450 women tested for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 and HIV-2 between September 1985 and July 1989, 61 were positive (1.8%). Twenty-seven of these (44%) were presumed to have acquired their HIV infection by heterosexual contact and 23 (38%) were intravenous drug addicts. In geographical origin, 23 (38%) of the patients were from the UK and 19 (31%) from Africa. Amongst these 61 women, 2 (3%) have since died, one committed suicide and one was suspected of committing suicide.
HIV-1 Infection in HIV-1 Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay Seronegative Patients in Kinshasa, Zaire
Authors: Colebunders Robert , Francis Henry , Duma Mavunza-Mpaka , van der Groen Guido , Lebughe Izaley , Kapita Bila , Quinn Thomas C , Heyward William L , Piot Peter
Published: January 2017

Serum samples of 62 African patients who had clinical manifestations of HIV-1 infection but were seronegative for HIV-1 by ELISA (Organon) were subsequently further tested by another HIV-1 ELISA test (Wellcozyme), HIV-1 IgG Western blot, HIV-1 antigen detection and HIV-2 ELISA. Patients' lymphocytes were cultured for HIV-1 and 2. Because of limited quantities of serum available all tests were not performed on all samples. Seven (26%) of 27 sera of patients meeting the WHO clinical case definition of AIDS were Western-blot-positive. In contrast, of 35 patients' sera with possible HIV related disease, only one (3%) was Western blot positive ( P=0.02) and none of 75 sera from HIV-1 ELISA (Organon) seronegative blood donors ( P<0.01) were Western blot positive. Of 30 HIV-1 ELISA (Organon) seronegative patients tested with the HIV-1 ELISA Wellcozyme assay only one was seropositive (this patient's serum was also Western blot positive). Of 17 HIV-1 ELISA (Organon) seronegative patients tested, HIV-1 antigen was found in 1 case (6%) (this patient's serum was Western blot negative). None of the 34 patients tested by HIV-2 serology was HIV-2 seropositive. HIV-1 was isolated by culture in 3 (21%) of 14 HIV-1 ELISA seronegative patients (sera of the 3 patients were Western blot negative). In total, 12 (19%) of 62 HIV-1 ELISA (Organon) seronegative patients were found to be positive for HIV, either by Western blot HIV antigen testing or viral culture. This study suggests that, in Africa, in populations of high HIV-1 seroprevalence, additional tests to demonstrate HIV infection should be performed on patients who have clinical manifestations strongly suggestive of HIV infection, but who are HIV-1 ELISA seronegative.
Performance of Chlamydiazyme Enzyme Immunoassay for Detecting Chlamydia Trachomatis in Cervical Specimens
Authors: Schiøtz Hjalmar A , Schøyen Rolf
Published: January 2017

Two aspects of the performance of Abbott's improved Chlamydiazyme enzyme immunoassay (EIA) were studied.

Firstly, the test was compared with cell culture in cervical specimens from 100 abortion applicants. The results showed good correlation between the two methods, with 12 women positive with both methods and one woman EIA-positive but culture-negative. Compared with cell culture the EIA had sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98.9%.

Secondly, the reproducibility of positive EIA tests was evaluated by re-analysing 100 consecutive positive specimens. Ninety-nine of these remained positive and one weakly positive specimen became negative. There was close correlation between absorbance values on first and second analyses.

The performance of the Chlamydiazyme EIA in terms of sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility is acceptable in this patient population.
Antibiotic Chemotherapy of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Adults: A Review
Authors: Corcoran Gerard D , Ridgway Geoffrey L
Published: January 2017

Treatment regimens for sexually transmitted infections continue to evolve. The natural history of syphilis in HIV-infected patients is leading to more aggressive policies in terms of both investigation and treatment. In particular, treatment protocols for late syphilis, especially neurosyphilis, are under scrutiny. Epidemiological change typified by the spread of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) has led to a search for new agents to treat gonorrhoea, with a more extensive use of cephalosporin and quinolone antibiotics emerging. The problem of compliance with the antibiotic courses presently required for chlamydial infection may be close to being solved with the development of newer macrolide agents. Single dose azithromycin, although expensive, seems to be as effective as longer courses with other agents. Furthermore, its efficacy in gonococcal infection is also encouraging. Increased understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) has led to rationalization of treatment policies for these conditions.
Changing Patterns of HIV-1 Transmission in Southern Brazil 1985–1991
Authors: Santos Breno R , Beck Eduard J , Peixoto Mario F , Kitchen Valerie , Weber Jonathan
Published: January 2017

In order to describe the changing patterns of risk factors for HIV-1 transmission of patients using hospital services at an AIDS referral centre in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, data on demographic characteristics, referral patterns and risk factors at time of first presentation were collected prospectively on 405 patients between October 1985 and September 1991. Overall HIV-related patient workload increased during the study period, as did the proportion of infected female patients seen ( P < 0.05). Of all patients, 147 (36%) presented with symptomatic HIV disease and 77 (19%) presented with an AIDS defining condition; men were more likely to present with symptomatic disease than women. Approximately 156 (44%) of men were self-referred compared with 4 (8%) of the women ( P < 0.0001). Of the 357 infected men, 82 (23%) were bisexuals; of the 26 heterosexually infected women, 7 (24%) had bisexual male partners. These data suggest the increasing importance of heterosexual HIV transmission in this hitherto ‘low’ prevalence area, with male bisexuals constituting an important route through which heterosexual females are being infected in this area. The data also suggest that heterosexual women in Southern Brazil do not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV-1 infection.
The Cost Effectiveness of Treatment of Genital Warts with Podophyllotoxin
Authors: Mohanty K C
Published: January 2017

The cost effectiveness of 25% podophyllin resin and 0.5% podophyllotoxin solution in the treatment of genital warts in Genitourinary Medicine Clinic attenders was studied. Although the average treatment cost for a course of podophyllotoxin was more than that for podophyllin resin (£20.75 v. £14.95 respectively) the overall cure rate with podophyllotoxin was 66% as opposed to 34.6% with podophyllin. When the costing of secondary treatment options was considered the cost per patient cured of warts with podophyllin resin was £27.15 compared with £25.73 for podophyllotoxin solution (not significant).
Environmentalism and Nuclear Power: Anglo-German Comparison
Authors: Boehmer-Christiansen Sonja
Published: January 2017

The paper deals with the impacts of emission reduction targets on fuel policy for electricity, and vice versa. It does so by comparing policy responses in two different institutional contexts. Supportive links were created, in Germany, between the reduction of acid emissions from power stations and the protection of nuclear power. This higher cost option was justified to an ‘aware’ public on environmental grounds. Politically this required a tacit alliance between coal-based and nuclear industries realising that the well-being of both depended on public support, the common challenge being fossil fuel suppliers in world markets. Cooperation with the State was therefore desirable and, in Germany, available. The British story is very different and not without irony. Similarities between the energy politics of acid rain and the global warming/climate change debate are explored. It is concluded that institutions and linkages between them matter very much.
Strategies for Reducing Lead Pollution from Vehicles in India
Authors: Wheldon Anne E. , Bagchi Niranjan
Published: January 2017

There is international pressure to phase out the use of tetraethyl lead (TEL) as an octane booster in petrol, based on concern about the environmental and health damage caused by lead. This paper analyses the options for reducing the use of lead in petrol in India. The recommendations are (a) to supply low-octane petrol which does not require TEL in the fuel for the highly popular two-stroke engines and (b) to produce methanol from natural gas which is currently flared and use this as an octane booster in petrol for four-stroke engines. These recommendations reflect the particular vehicle mix and resources available in India.
Strategic Issues for the Oil Majors — 1992
Authors: Oppenheimer Peter M.
Published: January 2017

Strategic issues facing oil majors in the 1990s are very diffuse — in contrast with both the 1970s (when strategy meant the response to high oil prices) and the 1980s (when it meant anticipating and exploiting a drop in prices). Mainly upstream issues include the future of price management by OPEC or a successor, the speed of development of new markets for natural gas in power generation and the role of Russia in world energy markets. Other issues include the impact of environmental regulations and taxes on the product mix and on marketing. Human-resource management will continue to face the task of reconciling career opportunities with static or declining manpower requirements; and corporate cash mountains may periodically recur.
Environmental Assessment of Photovoltaic Technologies
Authors: Tillman Anne-Marie
Published: January 2017

Production of electricity in solar cells enables a flowing energy resource, sunlight, to be brought into the technological system. Although only small adverse environmental effects result from the operation of solar cells, production and sometimes disposal have more environmental impact. The impact is described for a number of types of solar cells, in various applications, and the technology is evaluated from an environmental point of view, as compared with power production fom fossil fuels and nuclear power. A life-cycle perspective is adopted, although the study is not a quantitative life-cycle assessment. Crystalline silicon (c-Si) and amorphous silicon (a-Si) cells, copper-indium-diselenide (CIS) and cadmium-telluride (CdTe) cells, are considered. c-Si cells require considerable amounts of energy during production. Both CIS and CdTe cells contain cadmium, but CIS to a smaller extent. Indium is a very scarce resource. All the technologies except CdTe involve use of toxic and/or explosive gases during production.

Solar cells are used in consumer products such as pocket calculators. The energy production in this application is marginal. They may consitute an environmental problem if they contain cadmium or are used in connection with cadmium containing batteries. Stand-alone systems often require batteries, which contain heavy metals. They may contribute to electricity generation to some extent. They may have a positive influence on aesthetic natural values through reducing the need for power transfer to single, remote power consumers. Large scale electricity production in grid-connected systems are possible in a longer time perspective, and thus the assessment has a larger degree of uncertainty. The systems could make a large contribution to electricity production. However, over a certain production capacity, this requires energy storage, e.g. in water reservoirs or as hydrogen. Large scale electricity production in solar cells is assessed, from an environmental point of view, to be a better alternative than nuclear or fossil fuel based power generation.
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Scientific “Consensus” on Global Warming
Authors: Michaels Patrick J. , Knappenberger Paul C.
Published: January 2017

Climate data support the “moderate” prediction of climate change (l-1.5°C) rather than the more extreme scenario (4°C or more). The moderate point of view was originally marginalized in the IPCC “consensus” process in both the 1990 First Assessment on Climate Change and in the 1992 Update prepared specifically for the Earth Summit and to provide backing for the Rio Framework Convention on Climate Change.

It is now accepted, based on ground-based data, that the errors in those models are currently between 160% and 360%. If one compares them to the satellite data combined with the land record, the error rises to a maximum of 720%.

In some recognition of this massive error, the 1995 IPCC “consensus” is that warming has been mitigated by sulfate aerosols. However, when that hypothesis is specifically tested, it fails. Further, data required to test the validity of the sulfate enhanced greenhouse models was withheld by the IPCC. despite repeated requests.
Biovolatilization of antimony and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Authors: Jenkins R O , Craig P J , Goessler W , Irgolic K J
Published: January 2017

1 The aerobic filamentous fungus S. brevicaulis IMI 17297 methylated antimony from Sb2O3 substrate, with the formation of gaseous trimethylantimony (TMA). No evidence was found for the generation of other gaseous antimony compounds by this organism.

2 Biovolatilization of inorganic antimony was greatest during cultivation of the fungus on solid media at 258C, and occurred more readily from antimony (III) substrates than from antimony (V) substrates.

3 Under simulated cot environment conditions (CO2 enriched atmosphere, 338C) the fungus exhibited an altered morphology and a reduced capability to volatilize inorganic antimony from the pure compound.

4 No evidence of antimony biovolatilization from cot mattress PVC was found, unless antimony was released from PVC by heat treatment (at 80 or 1008C).

5 These data suggest that normal cot environment conditions are non-optimal for volatilization of antimony by S. brevicaulis, and that Sb2O3 in cot mattress PVC is not bioavailable.

6 Cot mattress isolates of S. brevicaulis also volatilized antimony (not encapsulated by PVC), whereas those of other filamentous fungi (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria sp.) and of bacteria (Bacillus spp.) did not.

7 The oxidation products of TMA may be the true determinants of toxicity for biogenic antimony gases produced in an aerobic environment.
Assessment of aggression, sexual behavior and fertility in adult male rat following long-term ingestion of four industrial metals salts
Authors: Bataineh H , Al-Hamood M H , Elbetieha A M
Published: January 2017

1 The effect of long-term ingestion of the industrial metals salts, manganese sulfate, aluminum chloride, lead acetate and copper chloride was investigated on aggression, sexual behavior and fertility in male rat. Adult male rats ingested solutions of these salts along with drinking water at a concentration of 1000 p.p.m. for 12 weeks.

2 Male rat sexual behavior was suppressed after the ingestion of manganese sulfate, aluminum chloride, lead acetate and copper chloride. The ingestion of solutions of these salts markedly prolonged the intromission and ejaculation latencies. Aluminum chloride and copper chloride reduced the copulatory efficiency.

3 Male rat aggression was also abolished after the ingestion of manganese sulfate, aluminum chloride, lead acetate and copper chloride. The ingestion of solutions of these salts markedly suppressed lateralizations, boxing bouts, fight with stud male and ventral presenting postures.

4 Fertility was reduced in male rats ingested with lead acetate. The total number of resorptions was increased in female rats impregnated by males ingested with manganese sulfate and lead acetate.

5 Body, absolute or relative testes, seminal vesicles weights were dropped in adult male rats ingested with manganese sulfate, aluminum chloride, lead acetate and copper chloride. However, the absolute or relative preputial gland weights were not affected. Collectively, these results suggest that the long-term ingestion of manganese sulfate, aluminum chloride, lead acetate and copper chloride would have adverse effects on sexual behavior, territorial aggression, fertility and the reproductive system of the adult male rat.
The use of radiopharmaceuticals as an effective toxicologic technique for studying nephrotoxicity of drugs: cyclosporine-A
Authors: Owunwanne A , Shihab-Eldeen A , Yacoub T , Ziada G
Published: January 2017

The concept of altered biologic behavior of administered radiopharmaceuticals is used routinely in clinical nuclear medicine to increase the sensitivity of diagnosis, monitor the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation treatment, and determine injury caused by a drug whose effect has exceeded its therapeutic value. In this study, cyclosporine-A (CsA) an immunosuppressant drug known to cause nephrotoxicity due to tubular impairment and Tc- 99m MAG-3, a renal imaging radiopharmaceutical secreted by the tubules have been used in animal models to establish a method for investigating the nephrotoxicity of drugs. New Zealand rabbits and Wistar rats were used. The rabbits and rats were treated with 30 mg/kg of CsA for 4 and 28 consecutive days respectively. Plasma creatinine and urea were measured and renogram studies were performed in the rabbits prior to and on 1, 4, 8, 11 and 15 days after treatment with CsA. For the renogram, the rabbits were given an intravenous bolus injection of 44.4 MBq (1.5 mCi) of Tc-99m MAG-3. The Tmax, T1/2, TTHM and uptake slope of the Tc-99m MAG-3 were calculated.

Each rat was injected intravenously with 185 MBq (5 mCi) of Tc-99m MAG-3, killed 3 min later, the kidneys removed and 20 mm frozen sections made. Autoradio-grams were generated from the frozen sections. Creatinine and urea levels were also measured in the rats. There was no consistent difference in creatinine and urea levels between control and CsA treated rabbits and rats. However, for the rabbit, on day 1 or 4 after treatment, there was significant increase in the values of Tmax, T1/2, TTHM and uptake slope between the control and CsA treated animals, indicating intrarenal vasoconstriction and delayed transit of Tc-99m MAG-3 from the parenchyma to the collecting system. This delay is dramatically shown in the tissue autoradiograms of the rats. The results are consistent with reported nephrotoxicity of CsA using other techniques. The results of this study, therefore, indicate that the concept of altered biologic behavior of Tc-99m MAG-3 can be used effectively as a toxicologic method for studying nephrotoxicity of drugs as exempli-fied by CsA.
Gadolinium chloride toxicity in the mouse
Authors: Spencer Andrew , Wilson Susan , Harpur Ernest
Published: January 2017

1 Groups of five male and five female CD-1 mice received a single intravenous injection of gadolinium chloride at dosages of 0 (saline control), 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/ kg. All mice were necropsied 48 h post dose.

2 Plasma analysis showed increases in concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (both sexes), aspartate amino-transferase and alanine aminotransferase (females only) in the 0.2 mmol/kg group. Cholesterol was elevated at all dosages in both sexes whilst globulin was raised in both sexes at 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/kg.

3 Histological lesions were present at all dosages and increased in severity in a dose-related fashion. The most common lesions were: mineral emboli in capillaries, accumulation of mineral in the mono-nuclear phagocytic system, hepatocellular necrosis, and lymphoid depletion, necrosis and mineralisation in the spleen.

4 Such observations are similar to those in rats given gadolinium chloride and should be assessed when evaluating the toxicological profile of gadolinium containing compounds being developed for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
Statistical advances in AIDS therapy trials
Authors: Albert Jeffrey M , Yun Hyun
Published: January 2017

This paper reviews recent statistical advances in HIV/AIDS therapy trials. Our emphasis is on three emerging areas that address key challenges in AIDS research: the determination of optimal treatment sequences, estimating efficacy of intended treatment, and inference for repeated measures with dependent censoring. A common theme of these topics is the use of observational data within clinical trials to answer questions not addressed by the conventional intent-to-treat analysis. We also give a brief overview of some recent contributions to other topics relevant to AIDS clinical trials, including modelling of treatment compliance data, modelling of repeated measures, and group sequential testing.
Analysis of clustered data in receiver operating characteristic studies
Authors: Beam Craig A
Published: January 2017

Clustered data is not simply correlated data, but has its own unique aspects. In this paper, various methods for correlated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve data that have been extended specifically to clustered data are reviewed. For those methods that have not yet been extended, suggestions for their application to clustered ROC studies are provided. Various methods with respect to their ability to meet either of two objectives of the analysis of clustered ROC data are compared to consider a variety of ROC indices and their accessibility to researchers.

The available statistical methods for clustered data vary in the range of indices that can be considered and in their accessibility to researchers. Parametric models permit all indices to be considered but, owing to computational complexity, are the least accessible of available methods. Nonparametric methods are much more accessible, but only permit estimation and inference about ROC curve area. The jackknife method is the most accessible and permits any index to be considered.

Future development of methods for clustered ROC studies should consider the continuation ratio model, which will permit the application of widely available software for the analysis of mixed generalized linear models. Another area of development should be in the adoption of bootstrapping methods to clustered ROC data.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)
Authors: Dally Peter
Published: January 2017

Elizabeth Barrett was regarded by her father as “a prodigy of intellectual powers and acquirements”, and a chronic invalid. Then in 1846, at the age of 40, Elizabeth secretly married and eloped with Robert Browning, and thereafter she ceased to exist for her father. Marriage transformed her at first; she became well and active, produced a healthy son, and wrote her best poems. But increasingly she missed her father and waited impatiently for his forgiveness. He never forgave her, and slowly she relapsed into invalidism. His death ended her hopes; she wasted away and died three years later in 1861.
Noise Transmission Through Profiled Metal Cladding Part II: Single Skin SRI Prediction
Authors: Lam Y.W. , Windle R.M.
Published: January 2017

This paper follows from an earlier experiment investigation1 on the sound reduction of single skin, trapezoidal profiled cladding systems, paying particular attention to the pronounced “dips” in the SRI at mid frequencies. Theoretical predictions were made to confirm the previous experimental findings. Finite element analysis was used to examine the vibration modes of the profiled cladding. The boundary element method was used to investigate the radiation efficiency of the vibration modes and their excitation by acoustic plane waves. Good agreement with measured vibration data was found. An analytical method for predicting the sound reduction index of single skin profiled cladding systems is proposed and is shown to compare well with measurements on all 15 cladding systems used in the experiment work. An empirical prediction model is also compared.
Management of relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis with copolymer I (Copaxone)
Authors: Johnson Kenneth P
Published: January 2017

Copolymer I (Copaxone) was evaluated in a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial at 11 US universities. Two hundred and fifty-one relapsing-remitting ambulatory MS patients were randomized to receive 20 mg of copolymer 1 or placebo by daily subcutaneous injection for approximately 30 months. At conclusion, the copolymer 1 group had 32% fewer relapses (P=0.002) and significantly more were relapse-free (P=0.035). Significantly, more patients were receiving copolymer 1 had improved during the study, while more patients on placebo showed neurological decline (P=0.001). There were few side effects and no drug related laboratory abnormalities. Copolymer 1 is being considered by North American and European regulatory agencies for approval as a commercially available agent for the control of multiple sclerosis.
T cell vaccination in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Jingwu , Raus Jef
Published: January 2017

T cell responses to myelin bask protein (MBP) are implicated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). These MBP autoreactive T cells are found to undergo in vivo activation and clonal expansion in patients with MS. They accumulate in the brain compartment and may reside in the brain lesions of patients with MS. As MBP-reactive T cells potentially hold a central position in initiation and perpetuation of the brain inflammation, specific immune therapies designed to deplete them may improve the clinical course of the disease. In this paper, the therapeutic potential of T cell vaccination in the treatment of MS is discussed in context of its immunological and clinical effect The results of our phase one clinical vial indicate that T cell vaccination with inactivated MBP autoreactive T cells induces specific regulatory T cell network of the host immune system to deplete circulating MBP-reactive T cells in a clonotype-specific fashion. The immunity induced by T cell vaccination is clonotype-specific and long-lasting. Our longitudinal clinical evaluation further suggests a moderate reduction of rate of clinical exacerbation, disability score and the brain lesions (measured by magnetic resonance imaging) in vaccinated patients, as compared to matched controls. Our study should encourage further investigation on the treatment efficacy of T cell vaccination and further improvement for its clinical application.
Emerging treatments in multiple sclerosis: Azathioprine and Mof etil
Authors: Confavreux C , Moreau T
Published: January 2017

Global immunosuppression instead offocused selective or specific immunomodulating strategies may still be relevant in diseases with chronic and broad immune dysregulation such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Among classical or new immunosuppressive drugs, two of them, both inhibiting purine synthesis, show an attractive prof ile for MS treatment Azathioprine (AZA) is the most anciently and widely used global immunosuppressive drug in MS. Despite founded initial fears, it can be stated today that AZA is usually well tolerated and compatible with normal daily activities, that it requires minimal monitoring and does not significantly increase the risk of cancer induction after 5 years of continuous usage at the conventional 2.5 mg/kg daily dose. The only two presently available well conducted trials of AZA in ambulatory patients with relapsing-remitting MS show marginally significant beneficial results of AZA treatment on relapse frequency and disability. Some preliminary data on brain MRI are also promising. Mycophenolate mof etil (MMF) affects mainly the desired cell types, with a good safety prof ile, a rapidly reversible activity, and an absence of mutagenic effect and chromosome breakage. However, it remains to be shown that promising experimental results can be converted into significant clinical results in MS. It is presently demonstrated for AZA and it is presumable for MMF that neither drug is able to cure MS. However, it can be anticipated that either drug in combination with other strategies such as recombinant beta interferon could represent a significant adjunct for the therapeutic control of MS, at least in early ambulatory relapsing-remitting MS. Presently, the choice between the old, no longer ‘sexy', but well-known drug as AZA and a young, appealing, but still to be better evaluated drug (notably for the long run) as MMF is a matter of personal, community, industrial and scientific inclination.
The human Clara cell protein: biochemical and biological characterisation of a natural immunosuppressor
Authors: Dierynck I , Bernard A , Roels H , DeLey M
Published: January 2017

The Clara cell protein, the human counterpart of rabbit uteroglobin, exerts an anti-inflammatory action by interfering in different ways with the cytokine-network. Firstly, CC16 behaves like an anti-cytokine by downregulating the production of IFN-γ, IL-1 and TNF-α by stimulated leukocytes. The extent of inhibition depends on the inducing agent (being maximal when IL-2 is used as inducer) and varies with the applied concentration of CC16. Secondly, the protein reduces the antiviral activity and the augmentation of phagocytosis induced by IFN-γ. In both cases (inhibition of production and biologic activity) there is a 50% reduction in the presence of 10 ng/ml CC16. The natural and IFN-γ-enduced cytotoxicity of NK-cells however, are enhanced by the presence of CC16, indicating a more complex interaction of CC16 with the immune-system. The immunosuppressive properties make CC16 a promising agent for the treatment of inflammatory reactions and auto-immune diseases.
Remyelination of the central nervous system
Authors: Compston Alastair
Published: January 2017

The three typical stages in the clinical course of multiple sclerosis (relapse, persistent disability and progression) can be explained on the basis of inflammation, demyelination and failure of repair leading to axon degeneration and astrocytosis. Strategies ore being evaluated for limiting the inflammatory process using immunological treatments and these may have unexpected dividends in promoting endogenous remyelination. Increasing knowledge on glial lineages and axon-glial interactions needed for stable myelination also offer the prospect for enhancing remyelination through growth factor therapy and cell implantation.
Teleradiology for Rural Hospitals: Analysis of a Field Study
Authors: Franken E A , Berbaum K S , Smith W L , Chang P J , Owen D A , Bergus G R
Published: January 2017

We compared the accuracy of a low-cost teleradiology system with plain film at a small rural hospital. The comparison was a case-control, paired-comparison study. In total 377 consecutive cases were read prospectively by teleradiology and later by independent interpretation of the plain films. ‘Truth’ was determined in discrepant cases by further investigation of available records and images. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each modality, and agreement using the kappa statistic. There was 90% agreement between teleradiology and plain film, with no significant differences. Sensitivities (0.88, 0.89) and specificities (0.98, 0.98) of the two methods were almost identical. McNemar's test indicated no significant differences in the accuracy of the two modalities. We conclude that inexpensive teleradiology for small rural hospitals is equivalent to plain film for radiologists' interpretation.
A Survey of a Canadian On-Line Substance Abuse Prevention Initiative for Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Jackson Joseph E F
Published: January 2017

Electronic Zoot is a Canadian youth-oriented, computer bulletin board system based in Edmonton. The system is designed to teach its users about the risks associated with substance use and abuse. More than 600 of Electronic Zoot's users were surveyed to obtain demographic data and information about attitudes. The majority of the users of the system were male. Most users were between 11 and 25 years of age and a disproportionately high number were from rural communities. It was found that peer support was a primary component of this telehealth service. Statistically significant age differences revealed that the system's younger users were more likely than its older users to be influenced by the drug education message of the bulletin board system. In addition, it was noted that on-line surveys are easy to conduct and greatly facilitate the collection of longitudinal telehealth data.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
Authors: Sydenham Angela
Published: January 2017

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 received the Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. It is ‘An Act to make new provision for public access to the countryside; to amend the law relating to public rights of way; to enable traffic regulation orders to be made for the purpose of conserving an area's natural beauty; to make provision with respect to the driving of mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads; to amend the law relating to nature conservation and the protection of wildlife; to make further provision with respect to areas of outstanding natural beauty; and for connected purposes.’1 This article gives an outline of the main provisions of the Act with particular emphasis on how environmental considerations have been taken into account in the legislation relating to public access.
Angioplasty of an Idiopathic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis
Authors: Layton K.F. , Kallmes D.F. , Cloft H.J.
Published: January 2017

Treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis usually involves maximizing medical therapy. In patients with medically refractory symptoms despite maximum pharmacologic therapy, intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting has become an accepted treatment option. The use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for idiopathic intracranial stenoses has not been reported to date. We describe a case of idiopathic intracranial stenosis which was refractory to medical therapy and was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The presenting symptoms included multiple episodes of aphasia and right-sided weakness as well as a left basal ganglia infarct. The patient underwent treatment with two intracranial angioplasty procedures. There was a recurrence of the stenosis and symptoms following the first procedure. However, after a second treatment with a slightly larger balloon, flow in the MCA normalized. Furthermore, the symptoms attributed to her MCA stenosis had essentially resolved. This case suggests that patients with medically refractory idiopathic intracranial stenosis can be successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.
Why are Neutrophils Polymorphonuclear?
Authors: Veda P.
Published: January 2017

Most cells in the human body have a spherical or ovoid nucleus. The mature human neutrophil, unlike most other cells exhibits a distinctly non-spherical nucleus, which is segmented into three to five lobes. The possible mechanisms underlying this segmented nuclear shape have been explored. The structure of the nuclear envelope, composition of lamins and lamin-B receptor seems to have an important role in shaping the nucleus. Being the first line of defense, neutrophils migrate rapidly to the site of infection and destroy the invading pathogen. This requires negotiation through narrow capillaries, transmigration across the vessel wall and passage through tight tissue spaces. Segmented shape confers increased nuclear flexibility, thereby easing the migration of neutrophils through narrow channels. The segmented shape of the nucleus may also play a role in intranuclear chromatin organization and gene expression. The unique shape of the neutrophil nucleus seems to be an adaptation to facilitate its function.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for MDS and CMML: recommendations from an international expert panel
Authors: de Witte Theo , Bowen David , Robin Marie , Malcovati Luca , Niederwieser Dietger , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Mufti Ghulam J. , Fenaux Pierre , Sanz Guillermo , Martino Rodrigo , Alessandrino Emilio Paolo , Onida Francesco , Symeonidis Argiris , Passweg Jakob , Kobbe Guido , Ganser Arnold , Platzbecker Uwe , Finke Jürgen , van Gelder Michel , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A. , Ljungman Per , Stauder Reinhard , Volin Liisa , Deeg H. Joachim , Cutler Corey , Saber Wael , Champlin Richard , Giralt Sergio , Anasetti Claudio , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: January 2017

An international expert panel, active within the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, European LeukemiaNet, Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trial Group, and the International Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation developed recommendations for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Disease risks scored according to the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) and presence of comorbidity graded according to the HCT Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) were recognized as relevant clinical variables for HSCT eligibility. Fit patients with higher-risk IPSS-R and those with lower-risk IPSS-R with poor-risk genetic features, profound cytopenias, and high transfusion burden are candidates for HSCT. Patients with a very high MDS transplantation risk score, based on combination of advanced age, high HCT-CI, very poor-risk cytogenetic and molecular features, and high IPSS-R score have a low chance of cure with standard HSCT and consideration should be given to treating these patients in investigational studies. Cytoreductive therapy prior to HSCT is advised for patients with ≥10% bone marrow myeloblasts. Evidence from prospective randomized clinical trials does not provide support for specific recommendations on the optimal high intensity conditioning regimen. For patients with contraindications to high-intensity preparative regimens, reduced intensity conditioning should be considered. Optimal timing of HSCT requires careful evaluation of the available effective nontransplant strategies. Prophylactic donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) strategies are recommended in patients at high risk of relapse after HSCT. Immune modulation by DLI strategies or second HSCT is advised if relapse occurs beyond 6 months after HSCT.
COMPORTAMENTO DO CONSUMIDOR EM MERCADOS FORMAIS E INFORMAIS: VALORES DE COMPRA HEDÔNICO E UTILITÁRIO
Authors: Gerhard Felipe , Souza Lucas Lopes Ferreira de , Sousa Thiago Matheus de Paula , Peñaloza Verónica
Published: January 2017

Embora haja grande quantidade de trabalhos voltados ao estudo dos mercados formais, poucas pesquisas versam diligência à análise dos mercados informais. Ainda mais insípido é o corpo teórico constituído pelos estudos referentes à comparação desses ambientes. Destarte, esta pesquisa objetivou analisar e comparar o comportamento de consumidores de mercados formais e informais, representados por um pequeno varejo e uma feira livre, respectivamente, à luz dos valores de compra hedônico e utilitário. Para tal, serão examinados e comparados os valores de compra dos consumidores de ambos os ambientes. Mediante a aplicação de uma survey, foram examinados os valores de compra dos consumidores desses ambientes e, utilizando-se as técnicas estatísticas AFE e ANOVA, compararam-se tais valores. Os resultados obtidos corroboram as hipóteses de pesquisa levantadas, porquanto revelam que os consumidores de mercados formais possuem valor de compra utilitário significantemente maior do que o apresentado pelos frequentadores de mercados informais. Por outro lado, os consumidores de mercados informais demonstraram valor de compra hedônico significantemente maior do que os clientes de mercados formais.
AS INCUBADORAS DE EMPRESAS E A VELOCIDADE DOS NOVOS NEGÓCIOS: A NECESSÁRIA QUEBRA DE PARADIGMAS ESTABELECIDOS
Authors: Ferreira Laércio De Matos
Published: January 2017

O processo de incubação, no Brasil, como em diversos países, tem pontificado a geração de empreendimentos inovadores com altos índices de agregação tecnológica, desde o surgimento das primeiras incubadoras, na década de 1980. No entanto, a replicação dos sistemas de incubação, se por um lado tem propugnado tal avanço, por outro manteve paradigmas que hoje merecem reflexão e reformulação, à luz da interatividade das atuais dinâmicas de mercado e dos novos modelos de negócios. Em contrapartida, um fenômeno recente, as aceleradoras de negócios, têm preenchido as lacunas deixadas no processo de incubação em relação à velocidade na gestão e geração de novos empreendimentos. As reflexões e sugestões apresentadas neste ensaio, frutos de conversas mantidas durante eventos ligados às duas modalidades de indução à geração de empreendimentos inovadores, comprovam que as funcionalidades relativas à aceleração de negócios podem ser implementadas em incubadoras. Sugerem, por isso, a reformulação das práticas e regimentos relacionados ao processo de incubação. A expectativa é de que as modificações sirvam para elevar a velocidade de atendimento de projetos inovadores, contribuindo de forma ainda mais abrangente para o fomento ao desenvolvimento econômico do País.
GERENCIAMENTO DE AQUISIÇÕES DE SOLUÇÕES DE TECNOLOGIA DA INFORMAÇÃO EM UMA UNIVERSIDADE PÚBLICA DO CEARÁ
Authors: Araújo Beatriz Duarte Lima de , Pinheiro Júnior Francisco Marto Leal , Abreu Fabio Pinheiro
Published: January 2017

O planejamento das aquisições é fundamental na Administração Pública, pois diminui os desperdícios e os projetos malsucedidos, especificamente na área de Tecnologia da Informação. O presente artigo apresenta um relato de experiência mostrando os resultados e os benefícios alcançados com a implantação de um processo formal de planejamento das aquisições de soluções de TI na Secretaria de Tecnologia da Informação (STI) da Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC). Essas aquisições são regidas pelas diretrizes da Instrução Normativa n° 4, que regulamenta as contratações de TI no setor público. O modelo de gerenciamento de aquisições de TI atualmente aplicado na UFC considera cada planejamento de aquisição como um projeto que deve estar alinhado com as diretrizes e os artefatos da fase de planejamento da contratação da IN 04. A implantação desse processo de planejamento foi viabilizada por meio da constituição de uma equipe responsável pelo planejamento das aquisições de TI na Universidade. A visão de cada solução contratada como um projeto deu maior celeridade e eficiência ao processo de contratações e gerenciamento de aquisições de TI na UFC, evitando o desperdício de recursos humanos, materiais e financeiros.
ARE THE FINANCIAL SERVICES’ CUSTOMERS TRULY LOYAL? AN INVESTIGATION IN THE PORTUGUESE PRIVATE BANKING SECTOR
Authors: Martins José De Sousa , Coelho Arnaldo Fernandes Matos
Published: January 2017

This study aims at understanding how loyalty is formed and which variables contribute the most to build strong and stable relationships with customers. This research is based on a sample of 403 customers of private banks in Northern Portugal. Data collection was made using structured questionnaire, applied directly to these customers. A Multiple Linear Regression modelling approach was adopted to assess the proposed hypothesis. The results of this investigation show that the relationships between customers and their main banks seem to be based on a more transactional logic. It is based on the perceived value and the switching costs, and satisfaction remains as the main driver. Nevertheless, there seems to be room for further exploitation of the psychological variables such as emotions, once they have shown an important role on satisfaction.
DESAFIOS DOS MICROEMPREENDEDORES NA OBTENÇÃO DE FINANCIAMENTO: UM ESTUDO DE TRÊS SEGMENTOS DO MERCADO
Authors: Lopes Lúcio Eugênio Cerqueira , Castelo Lise Alcântara
Published: January 2017

Atualmente as microempresas são responsáveis por 98% dos estabelecimentos comerciais não agrícolas, correspondendo a 50% de todos os empregos formais do País. Dessa forma, este estudo procurou destacar o seguinte questionamento: quais os desafios encontrados por microempreendedores dos segmentos de indústria, comércio e serviço na obtenção de financiamento? O objetivo geral tratou de analisar os desafios enfrentados pelos microempreendedores na obtenção de financiamento por meio de um estudo de caso que abrange os segmentos: indústria, comércio e serviço. Com este intuito, o trabalho procurou entender quais os fatores que interferem nesta busca, além da aplicação e importância que esses recursos representam para a continuidade dos micronegócios. A metodologia foi de natureza quantitativa e qualitativa para permitir uma melhor análise dos dados coletados. Quanto à tipologia, caracterizou-se como descritiva e exploratória quanto aos fins, bibliográfica e múltiplos casos quanto aos meios. O instrumento utilizado para coletar os dados foi o questionário misto, mesclando perguntas do tipo objetivas e subjetivas. Com base nos resultados da pesquisa, constatou-se que, em todas as etapas da obtenção de financiamentos por parte dos microempreendedores, envolvem-se desafios a serem superados, desde a escolha dos agentes financiadores, adequação das operações quanto às taxas e prazos, documentação exigida pelas instituições, e, até mesmo, falta de conhecimento a respeito das linhas disponíveis.
THE IMPACT OF CSR PERCEPTIONS ON MUTUALISTIC VALUES AND THEIR IMPACTS ON BRAND LOYALTY AND RESISTANCE TO NEGATIVE INFORMATION
Authors: Coelho Arnaldo Fernandes Matos , Martins José De Sousa , Weersma Laodicéia Amorim , Weersma Menno Rutger
Published: January 2017

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices are critical to strengthen the relationships between mutualistic banks and their customers. This study aims to identify the impacts of customer perceptions of CSR (the ethical and commercial dimensions) on the perceptions of mutualistic values and their impacts on brand loyalty and resistance to negative information. Mutualistic values (MV) are analysed because mutualistic institutions base their activities not only on the intention to maximise profit but also on adding social value. The research uses data collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 391 customers of mutualistic banks in Portugal. In order to operationalize the variables, scales used in existing studies were adapted. Besides that, a new scale to measure MV has been developed. Structural Equations Modelling (SEM) was used to test the investigation model and to provide answers to the proposed hypotheses. The results show that CSR perceptions impact on mutualistic values and that both impact on brand attitudes like loyalty and resistance to negative information. The commercial dimension of CSR seems to have a more relevant impact.