bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large scale evaluation of WHO's ultrasonographic staging system of schistosomal periportal fibrosis in Ethiopia
Authors: Berhe Nega , Geitung Jonn T. , Medhin Girmay , Gundersen Svein G.
Published: July 2006

Objectives  To evaluate the recent WHO's ultrasonographic diagnostic staging system of schistosomal periportal thickening/fibrosis and to assess intra/inter‐observer variation associated with its use.

Methods  Local standard of portal branch wall thickness (PBWT) for height was established using 150 healthy subjects. Intra and inter‐observer variation in image pattern identification and PBWT measurements were assessed in 94 and 35 subjects, respectively, with differing stages of periportal thickening fibrosis. WHO's diagnostic criteria were evaluated in 2451 community members (1277 males, 1174 females; mean age 18.8 years) with an overall Schistosoma mansoni prevalence estimate of 65.9%.

Results  There were no significant inter/intra‐observer variations in image pattern identification and PBWT measurements. Based on Ethiopian PBWT‐for‐height standard, 128/2451 (5.2%) had insipient, 46/2451 (1.9%) had possible/probable and 112/2451 (4.6%) had definite/advanced periportal thickening/fibrosis. Comparable figures were obtained using the Senegalese PBWT‐for‐height standard and there was good agreement between Ethiopian and Senegalese healthy control‐based diagnostic criteria in classifying the 286 subjects into stages of periportal thickening/fibrosis (κ = 0.87, P < 0.001).

Conclusions  With further improvement, the WHO's ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria can be used in health institutions and community surveys. Image pattern based assessment is simple and more reproducible than PBWT based assessment of periportal thickening/fibrosis. The latter is, however, more useful in clarifying the status of an individual with doubtful image pattern, and in monitoring post‐treatment outcome of periportal thickening/fibrosis. Considering the comparability of PBWT‐for‐height standards, setting one international standard of PBWT‐for‐height is more practical than developing local standards for each endemic area.
Who needs ‘pukka1anthropologists'? A study of the perceptions of the use of anthropology in tropical public health research
Authors: Napolitano Dora A. , Jones Caroline O. H.
Published: July 2006

Over the past 50 years, there have been considerable changes both in how medical anthropologists view their relationship to topical public health and in how tropical public health professionals view the role of anthropologists. In particular, in recent decades critical currents have emerged from an anthropology of medicine, calling for an examination of biomedicine and its conceptualisation of public health. There are parallel debates in public health about a narrow disease‐focused or broader socio‐cultural approach to improving population health. Based on a review of the literature and a qualitative study of the views of public health professionals and anthropologists working in tropical public health, the data presented in this paper suggest that public health professionals remain unaware of many of the contributions anthropology could make to tropical public health theory and practice. However, the objectives of a critical social science are not dissimilar to those of the broader concept of public health. We suggest that there are grounds for optimism. For those of us concerned not just with disease but also with inequities in health, the challenge is to work towards a critical tropical public health which draws as much from social science as from biomedicine, in theory and practice.
Epidemiological trends for human plague in Madagascar during the second half of the 20th century: a survey of 20 900 notified cases
Authors: Migliani René , Chanteau Suzanne , Rahalison Lila , Ratsitorahina Maherisoa , Boutin Jean Paul , Ratsifasoamanana Lala , Roux Jean
Published: July 2006

Objectives  To describe the principal characteristics and epidemiological trends for human plague in modern times based on the largest reported series of cases from the highly active Malagasy focus.

Methods  We used a file of 20 900 notified cases of suspected plague, 4473 of which were confirmed or probable, to carry out a statistical analysis of incidence and mortality rates and associated factors for 5‐year periods from 1957 to 2001.

Results  Our analysis of trends showed (1) an increase in the incidence rate and the number of districts affected, (2) an increase in the proportion of bubonic forms (64.8–96.8%) at the expense of the pneumonic forms (35.2–3.2%) more frequent in elderly subjects and (3) a decrease in case fatality rate (CFR, 55.7–20.9%) associated with five factors: clinical form, season, province, urban/rural and period considered. The median age of patients was 14 years and more men than women were affected.

Conclusions  Since the end of the 1980s, the incidence of plague in Madagascar has increased in both rural and urban areas, because of multiple socioeconomic and environmental factors. However, the plague mortality rate has tended to decrease, together with the frequency of pneumonic forms, because of the strengthening of control measures. Making dipstick tests for the rapid diagnosis of human cases and epizootics in rats available for health structures should make it possible to raise the alarm and to react rapidly, thereby further decreasing morbidity and CFR.
Applications and limitations of empiric data in provision of recurrence risks for schizophrenia: a practical review for healthcare professionals providing clinical psychiatric genetics consultations
Authors: Austin JC , Peay HL
Published: July 2006

Schizophrenia is a common disorder that may frequently be encountered when taking family histories in the genetics clinic, whether or not the referral is for a psychiatric indication. Like in other common disorders, the provision of recurrence risks for schizophrenia is a complex clinical issue because empiric recurrence risks (while reasonably well established) can rarely be used without individual tailoring. This review seeks to identify and detail some pertinent issues surrounding the clinical utility of empiric recurrence risks for schizophrenia, and to provide an overview of important factors to consider when tailoring empiric risks for individual patients.
Does peak systolic velocity correlate with renal artery stenosis in a pediatric renal transplant population?
Authors: Cook Anthony , Khoury Antoine , Kader Karim , Hebert Diane , Navarro Oscar , Pippi‐Salle Joao , Farhat Walid
Published: July 2006

Abstract: PSV of renal transplant vessels, calculated during allograft ultrasonography, has previously been shown to correlate with TRAS. Controversy exists regarding the threshold PSV value (adult range: 1.5–3.0 ms), which should prompt further, more invasive investigations to confirm the diagnosis of TRAS. Furthermore, there is a paucity of literature regarding PSV values in the pediatric renal transplant population. In a group of pediatric renal transplant patients, we correlated post‐operative renal transplant PSV values with BP, renal function (serum creatinine) and TRAS. All patients who underwent cadaveric or living‐related renal transplantation at the HSC between 2001 and 2004 with at least 6 months of follow‐up were reviewed through the HSC multi‐organ transplant database. Post‐operative allograft Doppler ultrasonography was performed during routine follow‐up. PSV values obtained were correlated with BP and serum creatinine performed concomitantly. Finally, we correlated PSV in those patients who underwent more intensive investigations, including magnetic resonance and conventional angiography. Fifty‐three patients underwent transplantation during the study period. Complete data available for 50/53 demonstrated a mean PSV of 2.13 m/s (range: 0.9–6.1 m/s) for all patients. Of six patients who underwent MRA for suspicion of TRAS, two (with mean PSV values of 1.93 m/s) were found to have clinically significant stenoses. Four of six without angiographic evidence of TRAS had mean PSV values of 2.22 m/s. Patients suspected of having TRAS demonstrated elevated median serum creatinine values compared with those without clinical suspicion of TRAS. However, both mean PSV and BP were not found to be statistically different in both patient subgroups. Furthermore, there was no correlation identified between PSV and serum creatinine and BP in these patient populations. Despite the utility of PSV for monitoring adult renal transplant patients, we did not find that PSV correlated with BP, nadir creatinine or identify those patients who, through subsequent investigations, were found to have TRAS in this pediatric population. Maintaining cognizance in conjunction with close clinical follow‐up may identify patients at risk for this rare but potentially morbid complication of transplantation.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Wilson's disease: A rare association in childhood
Authors: Savas Nurten , Canan Oguz , Ozcay Figen , Bilezikci Banu , Karakayali Hamdi , Yilmaz Ugur , Haberal Mehmet
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Wilson's disease is a hereditary disorder of copper metabolism that results in the accumulation of copper in the body, primarily in the liver, brain, and cornea. Hepatocellular carcinoma, in contrast to other causes of cirrhosis, is seldom associated with Wilson's disease. We present a 12‐yr‐old boy with Wilson's disease in whom hepatocellular carcinoma was incidentally diagnosed in the pathologic specimen examined after liver transplantation.
The contribution of platelets in the production of cryoprecipitates for use in a fibrin glue
Authors: Rock G. , Neurath D. , Lu M. , Alharbi A. , Freedman M.
Published: July 2006

Background and Objectives  Cryoprecipitate has a wide application for use as a fibrin glue. In some situations, platelets are added to the preparation in order to enhance the fibrin glue.

Materials and Methods  Fresh plasma was collected by apheresis from the same donor to produce 250 ml of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) or platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) (n = 12 each). Cryoprecipitate was then produced following the standards of the American Association of Blood Banks and resuspended to a total volume of 8 ml, from which aliquots were removed and assayed. Clot formation was measured using the thromboelastogram.

Results  The protein content of the two preparations was identical for PRP and PPP. Results for fibrinogen (PPP 475 ± 220 mg; PRP 399 ± 215 mg), Factor VIII (PPP 186 ± 67 IU; PRP 175 ± 70 IU) and von Willebrand Factor (PPP 260 ± 104 IU; PRP 221 ± 88 IU) were not significantly different. The concentration of platelet‐derived growth factor was markedly higher (a 100‐fold increase at 3778 ± 1036 ng) when platelets were added to the plasma. There was a small, but not statistically significant, difference in the rate of clot formation (R = 2·3 for PPP and 3·8 for PRP) and clot strength (MA = 63·4 for PPP and 56·6 for PRP) between PPP and PRP cryoprecipitates when measured using the thromboelastogram.

Conclusions  Platelets do not significantly increase the concentration of the usual constituents of cryoprecipitate; however, the levels of platelet‐derived growth factor are markedly enhanced. Therefore, there are advantages for using PRP to enhance the growth of new tissue.
Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma mimicking giant cell carcinoma of the pancreas
Authors: Shen Shih‐Che , Wu Chun‐Chieh , Ng Kwai‐Fong , Wu Ren‐Chin , Chen Han‐Ming , Chen Tse‐Ching
Published: July 2006

Extranodal follicular dendritic cell (FDC) tumors are rare. Recognition of the morphological spectrum of FDC tumors is important to clinical diagnosis. Herein is presented a case of pancreatic FDC sarcoma with unusual clinicopathological features. A 64‐year‐old male patient presented with weight loss, poor appetite, abdominal fullness, mild anemia and mild peripheral eosinophilia. Histologically, the tumor was composed of both epithelioid and spindle cells with abundant intracytoplasmic hyaline globules. These tumor cells were positive for CD21, CD23, CD35, S‐100 protein, fascin and clusterin. Both epithelioid and spindle tumor cells independently colonized the liver and formed two tumor nodules 18 months after the initial resection. Notably, the two hepatic metastases additionally acquired patchy expression of human leukocyte antigen‐DR. The epithelioid FDC in one of the hepatic lesions transformed into numerous bizarre giant cells, which could easily be confused with a metastatic giant cell carcinoma from the pancreas. FDC tumor should therefore be included in the differential diagnoses when dealing with a giant cell tumor.
Travoprost compared with other prostaglandin analogues or timolol in patients with open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Ni , Chen Xiao‐ming , Zhou Yong , Wei Mao‐ling , Yao Xun
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background:  It is still uncertain whether travoprost has comparable or better efficacy compared with other prostaglandin analogues or timolol in patients with open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The authors performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the incidence of reported side‐effects and intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering effect of travoprost versus other prostaglandin analogues (latanaprost, bimatoprost, unoprostone) or timolol.

Methods:  Systematic literature retrieval was conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, Chinese Bio‐medicine Database and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register to identify the potentially relevant randomized controlled trials. The statistical analysis was performed by RevMan 4.1 software that was provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. The outcome measures were the incidence of reported side‐effects (hyperaemia, iris pigmentation, eyelash changes) and mean IOP pooled over treatment visits.

Results:  In total, 12 articles involving 3048 patients with open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were included in this meta‐analysis. The combined results showed that travoprost 0.004% was more effective than timolol or travoprost 0.0015% in lowering IOP, but not more effective than bimatoprost or latanoprost. Travoprost 0.004% caused a higher percentage of hyperaemia than timolol, latanoprost, or travoprost 0.0015%. There was an increased incidence of pigmentation with travoprost than timolol. Travoprost 0.004% caused a higher percentage of eyelash changes than timolol, latanoprost, or travoprost 0.0015%.

Conclusion:  According to data available, travoprost is more effective than timolol in lowering IOP in patients with open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Compared with other prostaglandin analogues, travoprost appears to be equivalent to bimatoprost and latanoprost. Although a limited number of local side‐effects were reported, no serious treatment‐related side‐effects were reported.
Prevalence and causes of visual impairment in craniosynostotic syndromes
Authors: Tay Tien , Martin Frank , Rowe Neil , Johnson Kim , Poole Michael , Tan Kimberley , Kennedy Ian , Gianoutsos Mark
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background:  To assess the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in patients with craniosynostotic syndromes of Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer, Saethre–Chotzen and craniofrontonasal dysplasia.

Methods:  The medical records of patients who attended the Craniofacial Clinic at two large paediatric hospitals in Sydney, Australia between 1983 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Presenting visual acuity (VA) was assessed using tests appropriate to age and cognition: ‘fix and follow’ in infants (<18 months old), Teller card acuity in preverbal children (18 months to less than 3 years old), Kay picture test or Sheridan–Gardiner test in children aged between 3 and less than 6 years and Snellen chart in those aged 6 years or older. Visual impairment was defined as the inability to fix and follow or presenting VA < 6/12 in the better eye. Amblyopia was defined as a two‐line difference in VA between both eyes in the absence of an organic eye disease.

Results:  Sixty‐three patients with craniosynostotic syndromes were identified, of whom 55 had VA assessed at the first visit. Of these 55, 19 (35.5%) had bilateral visual impairment and 5 (9.1%) had unilateral visual impairment. Causes of visual impairment include amblyopia (16.7%), ametropia (25%), optic atrophy (16.7%) and exposure keratopathy (4.2%). Risk factors for amblyopia include strabismus (43.3%), astigmatism (≥1.5 dioptres) (39.5%), hypermetropia (18.4%) and anisometropia (≥1.5 dioptre difference between both eyes) (15.8%). Six of the 63 patients (9.5%) had papilloedema; those who were followed up showed gradual resolution of papilloedema following timely decompressive surgery.

Conclusions:  A high prevalence of visual impairment in patients with craniosynostotic syndromes was found, almost half of them due to potentially correctable causes, including amblyopia and ametropia. Optic atrophy remains an important cause of visual impairment. Further studies are needed to assess the timing and efficacy of intervention for modifiable causes of visual loss in craniosynostotic syndromes.
Recovery of postoperative visual loss following treatment of severe anaemia
Authors: Kawasaki Aki , Purvin Valerie
Published: July 2006

Abstract

A 29‐year‐old pregnant woman noted acute visual loss following emergent Caesarean section complicated by excessive uterine bleeding. Postoperative visual acuity was count fingers in both eyes. Funduscopic changes were consistent with a diagnosis of anaemia‐associated ischaemic optic neuropathy and retinopathy. One month later, because of persistent anaemia and poor visual recovery, blood transfusion was given. Following transfusion, the patient's vision improved over the next 6 months. In an otherwise healthy patient, visual loss associated with postoperative blood loss may still be partially reversible with correction of the anaemia, even after a delayed period of time.
Chemo‐paralysis for the removal of a live intraocular worm in ocular angiostrongyliasis
Authors: Mehta Dinesh Kumar , Arora Ritu , Chauhan Deepender , Shroff Daraius , Narula Ritesh
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is also called the rodent lung worm. It was first discovered in 1935 by Chen in Rattus rattus, in Canton, China. The rodent is the definitive host while infected mollusks, snails and crabs act as the intermediate hosts. Humans are infected by the 3rd stage larvae, either by eating undercooked intermediate hosts or by consuming vegetables.1 It is a delicate nematode reported in Asia Pacific region most commonly in South‐east Asia and has been reported from Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.2 Anterior chamber angiostrogyliasis is extremely rare, and no previous case of ocular angiostrogyliasis from India could be found on Medline search. We report a new technique in the removal of the actively motile thread‐like worm by paralysing it with intracameral preservative free lidocaine, which aids in the easy removal of the intact worm.
Australian Angiogram Review Panel – monitoring the use of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin
Authors: Bylsma Guy W , Harper C Alex , Dutton Francine , Johnson Nick C , Beaumont Paul , Guymer Robyn H
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background:  Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to macular disease received an Australian government grant in 2002 to fund treatment for 3 years. Funding was restricted to subfoveal predominantly classic CNV where visual acuity was at least 6/60. Access to this funding was via review of angiograms by an expert panel, the Angiogram Review Panel (ARP), managed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Methods:  De‐identified data from the ARP were obtained for the period June 2002 to April 2005 inclusive and the panel’s outcomes were analysed. Health Insurance Commission and Department of Veteran Affairs data for photodynamic therapy for the same interval were also retrieved.

Results:  A total of 7198 submissions to the ARP were received for 5867 individuals in this period. Overall 86.6% eyes submitted were accepted for initial funding (treatments 2–4). There was no change over time in the percentage rejected during this period. The first reviewer accepted 77.2%. And the second reviewer accepted a further 7.7%. An additional 1.6% were accepted on appeal. It was estimated that 29.2% of this initial cohort received five or more treatments.

Conclusions:  The ARP data indicate an incidence of subfoveal predominantly classic CNV secondary to macular disease in Australia of about 2000 eyes per annum. Only one quarter of patients received five or more treatments. The panel provided a unique opportunity to estimate the ‘whole of nation’ incidence of predominantly classic subfoveal CNV secondary to macular disease and thus provides a firm foundation upon which to plan public health spending as new treatments become available.
Intrahippocampal injection of endothelin‐1 in immature rats results in neuronal death, development of epilepsy and behavioral abnormalities later in life
Authors: Mátéffyová Adéla , Otáhal Jakub , Tsenov Grygoriy , Mareš Pavel , Kubová Hana
Published: July 2006

The direct injection of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) into brain parenchyma was recently suggested as a suitable model of stroke. The present study was designed to assess whether intrahippocampal injection of ET‐1 in immature rats causes neurodegeneration and immediate seizures, and results in impairment of motor development, cognitive decline, epilepsy and chronic hippocampal lesion. ET‐1 was injected unilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus in doses of 20 or 40 pmol at the age of 12 (P12) or 25 (P25) days. Video‐electroencephalographic monitoring performed during 100 min after the injection of ET‐1 demonstrated the development of convulsive epileptic seizures in 75–100% of animals of individual age‐and‐dose groups. Long‐term behavioral follow‐up did not reveal impairment of motor development in any dose‐and‐age group. At 2 months after ET‐1 injection, impairment of spatial memory occurred only in rats with 40 pmol of ET‐1 at P12. At 3 months after ET‐1 injection spontaneous electrographic seizures occurred in 62.5–100% animals of both ages with no relation to the dose used. Seizures were always non‐convulsive. The total seizure duration per 24 h was higher in the P12 than the P25 group, suggesting more severe epilepsy. The extent of the hippocampal lesion increased with the dose of ET‐1 and was significantly higher in the P12 than the P25 group. The severity of the ET‐1‐induced lesion correlated positively with total seizure duration per 24 h at both ages. Our results document that early intrahippocampal injection of ET‐1 results in lesion development and both immediate seizures and chronic epilepsy in either age group. Cognitive impairment occurred only in rats with ET‐1 injection at P12.
Pravastatin reduces microvascular basal lamina damage following focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Trinkl Andreas , Vosko Milan R. , Wunderlich Nathalie , Dichgans Martin , Hamann Gerhard F.
Published: July 2006

Transient ischemia has been shown to damage the basal lamina of the cerebral microvasculature. Other studies proved statins to be beneficial to non‐cerebral microvessels. The aim of this study was to determine whether pravastatin pretreatment ameliorates microvascular basal lamina damage following transient ischemia. Using the suture model, we subjected 15 rats to focal ischemia (3 h) and reperfusion (24 h). Rats received pravastatin (20 mg/kg/day) or saline for 4 weeks prior to the experiment. The outcome was determined by a behavior test and the infarct size. Collagen type IV, a marker for an intact basal lamina, and hemoglobin extravasation were measured by Western blot analysis. A ratio (in percentage) between ischemic and contralateral hemispheres was calculated. Pravastatin pretreatment resulted in a significantly better neurological outcome and reduced infarct size (15 ± 0.5 and 59 ± 10 mm3, respectively) compared with controls (12.25 ± 0.4 and 167 ± 13 mm3, respectively, P < 0.01 for both). In controls, loss of collagen type IV was seen in the basal ganglia and in the cortex (43 ± 4 and 64 ± 5%, respectively). Pravastatin prevented significant collagen loss (basal ganglia: 106 ± 17%; cortex: 112 ± 14%, P < 0.01 for both) and significantly reduced the hemoglobin extravasation compared with controls in the basal ganglia (198 ± 49 vs. 553 ± 47%, P < 0.01). Pravastatin pretreatment resulted in a reduction of microvascular basal lamina damage and hemoglobin extravasation following transient ischemia. Pravastatin seems to protect the cerebral microvascular system.
Object representation in the human auditory system
Authors: Winkler István , Van Zuijen Titia L. , Sussman Elyse , Horváth János , Näätänen Risto
Published: July 2006

One important principle of object processing is exclusive allocation. Any part of the sensory input, including the border between two objects, can only belong to one object at a time. We tested whether tones forming a spectro‐temporal border between two sound patterns can belong to both patterns at the same time. Sequences were composed of low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐pitched tones. Tones were delivered with short onset‐to‐onset intervals causing the high and low tones to automatically form separate low and high sound streams. The intermediate‐pitch tones could be perceived as part of either one or the other stream, but not both streams at the same time. Thus these tones formed a pitch ’border’ between the two streams. The tones were presented in a fixed, cyclically repeating order. Linking the intermediate‐pitch tones with the high or the low tones resulted in the perception of two different repeating tonal patterns. Participants were instructed to maintain perception of one of the two tone patterns throughout the stimulus sequences. Occasional changes violated either the selected or the alternative tone pattern, but not both at the same time. We found that only violations of the selected pattern elicited the mismatch negativity event‐related potential, indicating that only this pattern was represented in the auditory system. This result suggests that individual sounds are processed as part of only one auditory pattern at a time. Thus tones forming a spectro‐temporal border are exclusively assigned to one sound object at any given time, as are spatio‐temporal borders in vision.
Exposure of lentiviral vectors to subneutral pH shifts the tropism from Purkinje cell to Bergmann glia
Authors: Torashima Takashi , Yamada Nobuaki , Itoh Masae , Yamamoto Akitsugu , Hirai Hirokazu
Published: July 2006

Cerebellar Purkinje cells play an important role in cerebellar function; lesions of Purkinje cells result in the disruption of motor coordination and motor learning. Although selective gene delivery to Purkinje cells would be a powerful technique for the study of pathophysiology in the cerebellum, a method for such a delivery has not yet been established. Here we employed human immunodeficiency virus‐derived lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein to transduce Purkinje cells and examined factors that critically affect the viral tropism for Purkinje cells. Viral vectors encoding GFP were generated using different protocols, and were then injected into the mouse cerebellum. At 7 days and 2 months post‐transduction, the relative proportions of transduced Purkinje cells were determined. Lentiviral vectors harvested from a medium of pH 7.2 preferentially transduced Purkinje cells (about half of the transduced cells). In contrast, when the viral vector was harvested from medium of ≤ pH 7.0, only 12–26% of transduced cells were identified as Purkinje cells and 68–77% as Bergmann glia. A similar decrease in the efficiency of transduction for Purkinje cells, depending on the pH of the medium at the viral harvest, was observed in dissociated cell cultures. These results indicate that lentivector tropism for Purkinje cells is extremely sensitive to pH: a subtle decrease in the pH of the medium at the harvest shifts viral tropism strikingly towards Bergmann glia.
Evidence for a direct, short latency projection from the dorsal cochlear nucleus to the auditory thalamus in the guinea pig
Authors: Anderson L. A. , Malmierca M. S. , Wallace M. N. , Palmer A. R.
Published: July 2006

The auditory thalamus (medial geniculate body, MGB) receives its main ascending input from the inferior colliculus (IC), which was considered to be an obligatory relay for all auditory inputs to the MGB. However, recent anatomical evidence in the rat [ (Malmierca et al. 2002) J. Neurosci., 22, 10891–10897] has confirmed the presence of a direct pathway from the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) to the medial MGB, bypassing the IC, as previously suggested in the chimpanzee [ (Strominger et al. 1977) J. Comp. Neurol., 172, 349–366]. We show that this direct pathway is also present in the guinea pig and apparently results in short latency responses in the thalamus. Injection of anterograde tracer into the DCN of five adult guinea pigs revealed terminal boutons and axonal swellings distributed throughout the medial MGB, but absent from all other MGB subdivisions. Electrophysiological recordings made from 39 adult guinea pigs (24 male & 15 female) showed neurons in the medial MGB responded with significantly shorter latencies to acoustic clicks (7.8 ms) than those from the ventral (11.0 ms), dorsal (14.4 ms), or shell (16.5 ms) MGB, consistent with the direct pathway from the DCN. The function of the direct pathway is not known but may be related to the fast responses and the role of the medial MGB in integrating combined somatosensory and auditory inputs. Short latency responses may be important in priming the auditory cortex to prepare it for rapid analysis and in recruiting the amygdala for rapid emotional responses such as fear.
The Manufacturing Wage Inequality in Latin America and East Asia: Openness, Technology Transfer, and Labor Supply
Authors: Avalos Antonio , Savvides Andreas
Published: July 2006

This paper examines wage inequality in the manufacturing sector for a panel of Latin American and East Asian economies during the last three decades. A labor supply and demand model is presented where three main determinants of wage inequality are investigated: trade openness, technology transfer, and labor supply. Findings indicate that wage inequality in the two regions has responded differently to the various determinants enumerated above. Some lessons from the comparative experience of the two regions are drawn.
Policy Design and Rent Seeking: Targeted versus Broad Based Intervention
Authors: Bjorvatn Kjetil , Coniglio Nicola D.
Published: July 2006

The present paper analyzes how policy intervention should be designed so as to create industrialization. We focus on whether intervention should be targeted, promoting investment in specific firms or industries, or broad based, increasing the profitability of investment in general. Our main argument is that in areas with weak institutions, broad based policies should be chosen, while in areas with strong institutions, targeted policies may be less costly in moving the economy out of a poverty trap. The targeted policy is attractive because it internalized a demand externality, but is also more exposed to rent seeking, since “picking a winner” involves a greater measure of discretion in policy formulation and implementation. The broad based policy does not discriminate between industries and is, hence, less likely to be captured by rent seekers, but also does not take advantage of the demand externality.
Eastern and Southern Africa Monetary Integration: A Structural Vector Autoregression Analysis
Authors: Buigut Steven K. , Valev Neven T.
Published: July 2006

This paper uses VAR techniques to investigate the potential for forming monetary unions in Eastern and Southern Africa. All countries in the sample are members of various regional economic organizations. Some of the organizations have a monetary union as an immediate objective whereas others consider it as a possibility in the more distant future. Our objective is to sort out which countries are suitable candidates for a monetary union based on the synchronicity of demand and supply disturbances. Although economic shocks are not highly correlated across the entire region, we tentatively identify three sub‐regional clusters of countries that may benefit from a currency union. We find some tentative evidence that some, though not all, sub‐regions may benefit from a link to the Euro.
Mixed Ownership, Unemployment, and Welfare for a Developing Economy
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Chao Chi‐Chur
Published: July 2006

This paper considers the employment and welfare effects of mixed ownership via partial privatization of state‐owned enterprises for a developing economy. An increase in the private ownership lowers the production and, hence, worsens urban unemployment in the short run. However, in the long run, capital moves to the rural region, alleviating the problem of urban unemployment. The employment effect can have a positive contribution to social welfare in the long run.
Learning to Live with Loans? International Policy Transfer and the Funding of Higher Education
Authors: Chapman Bruce , Greenaway David
Published: July 2006

Over the last decade or so a number of OECD economies have migrated from providing higher education free at the point of consumption to levying user charges. However, rather than charges for tuition being paid up‐front, contributions have taken the form of income‐contingent loans. Graduates therefore contribute to the costs of their education, after they have graduated and when they are earning. The earliest example of this instrument was in Australia, with the introduction of the Higher Education Contributions Scheme (HECS). This paper argues that following their successful introduction in Australia, income‐contingent loans offer a good example of successful international policy transfer, with elements of that scheme being adopted and modified for use in New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The paper reviews the conditions for successful policy transfer and discusses the reasons why the arrangements have not proliferated in non‐OECD countries.
Fairness in International Trade Negotiations: Developing Countries in the GATT and WTO
Authors: Narlikar Amrita
Published: July 2006

Does fairness matter in the hard bargaining and horse‐trading that is associated with trade negotiations? This paper presents a positivist analysis of the particular concepts of fairness that developing countries have appealed to in their trade negotiations within the auspices of the GATT and WTO, how these notions have evolved, and the impact that they have had on negotiated outcomes. Treating the concept of fairness as my central dependent variable, I argue that the notion of fairness can only be understood in terms of the institutional context it is embedded in, which includes institutional structure as well as the participatory processes that underlie it. I advance three hypotheses on the relationship between institutional context: the fairness discourse, and the influence and manoeuvre that member countries can have in shaping that discourse. Focusing on the role of fairness in the negotiation positions of developing countries, I explain its substance and evolution through learning and adaptation by these countries within the very particular institutions of the GATT and the WTO, and the coalitions they form a part of and interact within.
Book Reviews
Authors: BLEANEY MICHAEL , GOTTSCHALK RICARDO , DESIERTO DESIREE , MONCARZ PEDRO
Published: July 2006

Official Reserves and Currency Management in Asia: Myth, Reality and the Future: Geneva Reports on the World Economy 7 by HANS GENBERG, ROBERT McCAULEY, YUNG CHUL PARK and AVINASH PERSAUD (London: Centre for Economic Policy Research, 2005), pp. 128, £25.00 paperback, ISBN 1 898128 90 1.

Growth, Inequality and Poverty: Prospects for Pro‐Poor Economic Development by ANTHONY SHORROCKS and ROLPH VAN DER HOEVEN (eds.) (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005), pp. 283, paperback, ISBN 0 19 928824 2.

Competition and Growth: Reconciling Theory and Evidence by PHILIPPE AGHION and RACHEL GRIFFITH (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2005), pp. 104, £18.50 hardback, ISBN 0 262 01218 9.

The World Trade Organization. A Very Short Introduction by AMRITA NARLIKAR (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005), pp. 175, £6.99, paperback, ISBN 0 19 280608 4.
Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide Evokes Only a Minimal Headache in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Hansen JM , Sitarz J , Birk S , Rahmann AM , Oturai PS , Fahrenkrug J , Olesen J , Ashina M
Published: July 2006

The role of the parasympathetic nervous system in the pathogenesis of migraine is disputed. The headache-eliciting effect of the parasympathetic neurotransmitter, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and its effect on cerebral arteries and brain haemodynamics has not been systematically studied in man. We hypothesized that infusion of VIP might induce headache in healthy subjects and cause changes in cerebral haemodynamics. VIP (8 pmol/kg per min) or placebo (0.9± saline) was infused for 25 min into 12 healthy young volunteers in a crossover, double-blind design. Headache was scored on a verbal rating scale from 0 to 10, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured with single-photon emission computed tomography and133Xe inhalation and mean flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (VmeanMCA) was measured with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. The headache was very mild with a maximum score of 2 and described as a pressing or throbbing sensation. Five participants developed headache during VIP and one during placebo. During the infusion, a significant drop in VmeanMCAwas seen for VIP compared with placebo ( P < 0.001), but the effect quickly waned and no difference was found when comparing the time between 30 and 120 min. In addition, no significant difference in the diameter of the MCA could be found during the infusion. No significant differences in rCBF ( P = 0.10) were found between VIP and placebo. A marked dilation of the superficial temporal artery was seen ( P = 0.04) after VIP in the first 30 min but no difference was found when comparing the time between 30 and 120 min. We found no difference in mean arterial blood pressure between VIP and placebo days but the heart rate increased significantly on a VIP day compared with a placebo day (AUC0–30min, P < 0.001). Plasma VIP was significantly higher on a VIP day compared with placebo (AUC0–80min, P < 0.001). These results show that VIP causes a decrease in VmeanMCAwithout affecting rCBF. In spite of a marked vasodilator effect in the extracranial vessels and increased plasma VIP, healthy subjects developed only a very mild headache.
Prevalence and Correlates of Migraine Among Women Attending a Prenatal Care Clinic in Lima, Peru
Authors: Adeney KL , Flores JL , Perez JC , Sanchez SE , Williams MA
Published: July 2006

Migraine headaches are among the leading causes of disability in the world. The burden of migraines is highest in women of reproductive age. This cross-sectional study characterized the prevalence, symptoms and correlates of migrainous headaches in 154 pregnant women attending a prenatal care clinic in Lima, Peru. Lifetime prevalence of migraine defined by modified IHS criteria was 9.1± (95± CI 4.6–13.6). When probable migraines were included, the lifetime prevalence of migraine in this population was 29.2± (95± CI 22.0–36.4). Migraine headaches were associated with a maternal history of headache, childhood carsickness, a diagnosis of allergies, and a high frequency of fatigue. Although headache-related disability was low in terms of missed work and recreation, high rates of headache pain and medicinal use reflect the true impact on this population.
Guidelines for tuberculosis prophylaxis during anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α treatment: Indian Rheumatology Association
Authors: HANDA R. , MISRA R. , CHATURVEDI V. P. , PISPATI P. K. , RAO U. R. K. , JOSHI V. R. ,   for the Indian Rheumatology Association
Published: July 2006

India is home to a large patient population of both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and tuberculosis (TB). As the usage of biologic agents in RA increases in India, the issue of TB reactivation and prophylaxis becomes very pertinent. The consensus view of an expert group from the Indian Rheumatology Association is presented. Tuberculin testing has limited utility in India and isoniazid prophylaxis seems to be a reasonable option. It is hoped that this report shall pave the way for formal guidelines.
Clinical experience with tumor necrosis factor blockers in Korean rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: HUR Jin‐Wuk , CHOI Chan‐Bum , BAE Sang‐Cheol
Published: July 2006

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have become an important treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with its proven effectiveness. But it is not universally effective in all patients and it comes with a relatively high economic burden. We should use them effectively. Advances in pharmacoeconomics and pharmacogenetics may be able to help us reach this goal. This article will review our clinical experience of biological agents to treat RA at Hanyang University in Korea, with emphasis on the current therapies targeting TNF and the rational use of theses agents in RA.
Risk of tuberculosis in a Chinese registry of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis for tumour necrosis factor‐α antagonists
Authors: HUANG Feng , WANG Lisha , ZHANG Jianglin , DENG Xiaohu , GUO Junhua , ZHANG Yamei
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To understand the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who required tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) antagonist treatment.

Methods:  Patients with RA and AS who were screened for infliximab and etanercept treatment for up to 6 months were entered in a registry between 2003 and 2005. The purified protein derivative (PPD) test and chest anteroposterior and lateral view X‐ray were performed at screening. The risk of TB infection in theses patients was observed during follow up.

Results:  Among 67 RA patients screened, a positive PPD reaction was found in one patient. Of the 169 AS patients screened, 23 were positive for the PPD reaction, two had pulmonary TB calcinosis and two were diagnosed as having pulmonary TB. The incidence of PPD positive reaction and pulmonary TB calcinosis or active TB in our screened RA and AS patients was significantly lower than that reported in the recent fourth national TB infection rates and prevalence (P < 0.01). Only one patient with RA developed neck lymph node TB 6 months after completion of infliximab infusion.

Conclusion:  Patients with AS and RA are not at an increased risk of TB infection if screened properly before short course treatment with anti‐TNF‐α agents.
Biological therapies for rheumatoid arthritis: beyond TNF‐α blockade
Authors: MOK Chi Chiu
Published: July 2006

Biological therapies represent one of the major advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the past decade. The tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) inhibitors have started marketing in most Asian countries. Despite having a higher efficacy than conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), the anti‐TNF‐α agents are not successful in all patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, short‐term and long‐term complications such as tuberculous infection and lymphoma are still a major concern. Recent studies have demonstrated that several non‐TNF‐α biologics such as rituximab, abatacept and tocilizumab are effective in patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis, including those who are not responsive to the TNF‐α inhibitors. This article updates the clinical data on the recently developed non‐TNF‐α biological agents in rheumatoid arthritis.
Post‐emplacement serpentinization and related hydrothermal metamorphism in a kimberlite from Venetia, South Africa
Authors: STRIPP G. R. , FIELD M. , SCHUMACHER J. C. , SPARKS R. S. J. , CRESSEY G.
Published: July 2006

The common serpentine–diopside matrix assemblage in volcaniclastic kimberlite (VK) at the Venetia Mine, South Africa is ascribed to a secondary origin, because of post‐emplacement serpentinization and associated hydrothermal metamorphism. Volcaniclastic deposits with 20–30% porosity infill kimberlite pipes in the waning stages of kimberlite eruptions. Olivine macrocrysts are typically rimmed by talc and are pseudomorphed by lizardite, with minor magnetite. The fine matrix consists of mixtures of lizardite, chlorite, smectite, brucite, calcite, titanite and andradite, an assemblage which either pseudomorphed microcrysts or in‐filled voids. Locally we recognize microcryst pseudomorphs rich in sub‐microscopic mixtures of lizardite with smectite, and other microcryst pseudomorphs and void‐filling matrix rich in chlorite and lizardite. Interstitial lizardite and associated phyllosilicates (brucite, smectite and chlorite) crystallized progressively from meteoric or hydrothermally derived pore waters, and Si4+ and Mg2+ released into the fluid phase during serpentinization of olivine macrocrysts. Radial‐fibrous fringes of diopside microlites around crystals display void‐filling textures because of unrestricted growth into pore spaces. Secondary diopside is attributed to Si4+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ cations released into the fluid phase by interaction with olivine, calcite and plagioclase in siliceous xenoliths. The paucity of primary, fine‐grained groundmass phases resistant to alteration, for example, perovskite and spinel, precludes an origin for the intergrain matrix as altered interstitial ash, glass or a late‐stage kimberlite melt. Isovolumetric replacement of olivine results in a volume increase of 60% so that pore spaces in the original deposit can be easily filled up with serpentine. The source of Al3+ to form chlorite and smectite is attributed to alteration of plagioclase in xenoliths which comprise 20–30 vol.% of the deposit. Titanite, hydro‐andradite and second‐generation diopside precipitate as hydrothermal minerals from calcium‐bearing serpentinizing fluids in replacement reactions and as void‐filling minerals. Consideration of mineral equilibria in the CaO‐MgO‐SiO2‐H2O‐CO2 system constrains the common matrix assemblage of lizardite and diopside in XCO2)–T space. At 300 bar, the assemblage is stable only at temperatures below 370 °C and XCO2 < 0.01. This upper limit on temperature is well below the plausible solidus of ultrabasic magmas. Furthermore, the requirement of trace CO2 in the fluid phase implies a post‐emplacement external source rather than ‘autometamorphism’ from kimberlite‐derived fluids, because of high PCO2 commonly inferred for kimberlite magmas.