bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMPG1 gene variation in rhesus macular drusen
Authors: Singh Krishna K. , Dawson William W. , Krawczak Michael , Schmidtke Jörg 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDrusen is a hallmark of human age‐related maculopathy. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) represent a natural model of age‐related maculopathy with drusen. We have already mapped the macular drusen susceptibility locus in rhesus macaques to the homolog of human chromosome 6q14–15 and shown that a particular IMPG1 gene SNP haplotype was apparently associated with drusen formation in the rhesus macaques maintained by the Caribbean Primate Research Center (CPRC), Puerto Rico, USA. The aim of the present study was to verify this finding in the macaques kept at the German Primate Research Center (DPZ), Germany. The study group comprised 64 animals (34 affected, 30 unaffected). These monkeys were genotyped for all known variations in the IMPG1 gene and haplotype analysis was performed. A total absence of the previously identified risk haplotype of the IMPG1 gene, and a much lower drusen prevalence in comparison to the CPRC group, was observed in the DPZ samples. This prompted a re‐analysis of the original disease association in the CPRC, which revealed that the implied risk haplotype was in fact a sequencing artifact. Taken together, the data highlight that additional factors, other than IMPG1 variation, must play a role in drusen pathogenesis in rhesus macaques.
Severe, unilateral, unresponsive keratoconjunctivitis sicca in 16 juvenile Yorkshire Terriers
Authors: Herrera Héctor Daniel , Weichsler Nathalie , Gómez José Rodríguez , De Jalón José Antonio García 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective To present ophthalmic findings, clinical data, and treatment outcomes of 16 juvenile Yorkshire Terriers with severe unilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca.Results Each of the 16 dogs exhibited extreme unilateral dryness associated with blepharospasm, mucoid discharge, and corneal vascularization. Ages of affected dogs at presentation ranged from 5 months to 4 years. Mean Schirmer tear test (STT) result for affected eyes was 1 mm/min. Topical application of 0.2% cyclosporine to the affected eye was not associated with improvement in STT values in any dog. Clinical signs subjectively improved with topical application of 20% chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solution in some dogs, and transposition of the parotid duct was performed in three dogs. Histopathologic examination in one dog failed to show evidence of orbital lacrimal gland tissue. Clinical signs, age of presentation, disease severity, and lack of response to treatment are consistent with breed‐related unilateral aplasia or hypoplasia of the lacrimal gland.Conclusion Lacrimal gland aplasia or hypoplasia should be considered in young dogs with severe unilateral ocular dryness, especially female Yorkshire Terriers.
Keratoacanthoma of the spectacle in a Boa constrictor
Authors: Hardon Tommy , Fledelius Beth , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAnimal studied  A Royal Boa constrictor presented with retained spectacle of the right eye and a tumor‐like appearance of the left eye.Procedure  The snake was euthanized, the head fixed in buffered formaldehyde, and histologic examination of both spectacles and both eyes performed.Results  The left orbital rim encircled a solid, scaly mass projecting 5–6 mm from the spectacular area. A cup‐shaped tumor with a central keratin plug was observed microscopically. There was a thickening of the proliferating squamous epithelium, with squamous eddies and single cell keratinization. A few mitotic figures were seen in the basal layers but the tumor showed no infiltrative growth. The same morphology was observed in the right eye but to a lesser extent. The remaining parts of the eye were normal.Conclusions  The diagnosis was keratoacanthoma and this is the first reported keratoacanthoma of the spectacle in a reptile. Keratoacanthoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis when trying to remove retained spectacles from a reptile eye.
Effect of long‐term treatment with rosiglitazone on arterial elasticity and metabolic parameters in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Shargorodsky M. , Michaelova K. , Boaz M. , Gavish D. , Zimlichman R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAims  Thiazolidinediones may influence the atherogenic process by improving cardiovascular risk factors. The present study was designed to determine the long‐term effect of rosiglitazone on arterial compliance and metabolic parameters in patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  In an open‐label, prospective study, 65 diabetic patients received rosiglitazone orally (4–8 mg/day) for 6 months. After 6 months, the patients continued an open follow‐up study and were divided into two groups: group 1 included patients continuing rosiglitazone for 2 years, group 2 included patients discontinuing rosiglitazone and receiving other oral glucose‐lowering agents. Lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, C‐peptide, fibrinogen, high‐sensitivity‐CRP and homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance were measured. Arterial elasticity was assessed using pulse wave contour analysis.Results  In patients treated with rosiglitazone for 2 years: the large artery elasticity index (LAEI) increased from 10.0 ± 4.6 to 13.9 ± 4.7 ml/mmHg × 100 after 2 years (P = 0.003). The small artery elasticity (SAEI) index increased significantly from 3.2 ± 1.2 to 5.1 ± 1.9 (P < 0.0001). In patients who discontinued rosiglitazone: LAEI did not change after 6 months, but decreased from 12.1 ± 5.4 to 8.9 ± 3.9 ml/mmHg × 10 (P < 0.0001) at the end of 2 years. SAEI increased during the first 6 months of treatment, from 3.9 ± 1.8 to 5.1 ± 1.5 ml/mmHg × 100 (P < 0.0001) and decreased after discontinuation of rosiglitazone (P = 0.042).Conclusions  Prolonged treatment with rosiglitazone improved arterial elasticity. However, significant deterioration in LAEI and SAEI was observed in patients who discontinued rosiglitazone. The beneficial vascular effect of rosiglitazone on arterial elasticity was independent of glycaemic control.
Exchange Rate Uncertainty, Sociopolitical Instability and Private Investment: Empirical Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Escaleras Monica , Thomakos Dimitrios D. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractUsing exchange rate uncertainty (ERU) and sociopolitical instability (SPI) as measures of macroeconomic imbalances and political disorder, respectively, we investigate the link between these two factors and private investment in Latin America. The analysis shows that while ERU and SPI negatively impact private investment jointly, the individual impact of ERU is much greater than that of SPI. Our results should prove useful both to policymakers and others interested in understanding the impact of uncertainty on private investment. Most importantly, macroeconomic policies that limit excess volatility in relative prices should lessen an economy’s general level of investment risk leading to enhanced private investment. Further, though lesser in degree, institutional reforms that reduce social tensions and strengthen property rights should also stimulate private investment. Finally, structural reforms that combine these two are likely to foster a robust market for private investment thus contributing to an economy’s growth potential.
Foreign Market Entry Strategies under Asymmetric Information*
Authors: Nastasi Alberto , Reverberi Pierfrancesco 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA home firm signals her private cost information by expanding in a foreign firm’s country. Credible signaling to deter counter‐entry may occur through a direct investment (but not through exports), and may even entail entering an unprofitable market. While this produces social benefits, uninformative signaling may be welfare‐reducing. Hence, we argue that moderate to high location costs may be socially desirable. We also show that there are not simple monotonic relationships between technology/demand conditions and firms’ entry modes. Thus, the signaling interpretation of international expansion makes it possible to explain some controversial empirical findings on a theoretical ground.
Balance Sheet Effects, Growth, and Crises
Authors: Shankar Rashmi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis paper addresses two questions: are currency crises predicted by increases in a central bank’s external and contingent liabilities relative to assets, and do these “balance sheet effects” generate persistent output losses following a crisis? I find empirical evidence that the answer to both questions is yes. I use data on stocks of gross external assets and liabilities for 167 countries over 1973–2003, in an unbalanced panel probit regression to obtain robust estimates of the probability and determinants of a post‐crisis recession. Several single and simultaneous equation specifications support the idea that the output cost of a currency crisis depends on its transmission mechanism. Specifically, a recession is likely to be severe if it is preceded by a crisis that works its way through the financial sector. In addition, the results show that measures of contingent liabilities, capital flight, and lack of financial depth are significant predictors of costly crises.
Switching between Expectation Processes in the Foreign Exchange Market: a Probabilistic Approach using Survey Data*
Authors: Prat Georges , Uctum Remzi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis paper relaxes a fundamental hypothesis commonly accepted in the expectation formation literature: expectations are, unchangingly, either rational or generated by one of the three simple extrapolative, regressive, or adaptive processes. Using expectations survey data provided by Consensus Forecasts on six European exchange rates against the US dollar, we find that the rational expectations hypothesis is rejected at the aggregate level. By implementing a switching‐regression methodology with stochastic choice of regime, we show that the expectation generating process is given at any time by some combination of the three simple processes. An interpretation of this framework in terms of economically rational expectations is suggested.
The Pattern of Exchange Rate Effects on Chinese Prices, 1980–2002
Authors: Yu Xuxin 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis study sheds light on the current debate on the effect of the urged appreciation of the Chinese yuan by examining the linkage between currency‐value changes and domestic producer prices, using annual data from 14 broad industry sectors in China for the years 1980–2002. A structural break analysis implies that only in the past decade, when price liberalization was essentially achieved and the deepening of state‐owned enterprise reform was in place, has an economic system in which prices respond to exchange rate fluctuations via the expected market mechanism been set up in China. Incomplete exchange rate passthrough to domestic prices is estimated and is found to vary across industries and over time. The variations are suggested to be explained by a set of variables that characterize market competitiveness, infrastructure development, and the increasing proportion of nonstate‐owned enterprises in the economy.
The Zero‐root Property: Permanent vs Temporary Terms‐of‐trade Shocks
Authors: Cardi Olivier 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn this contribution, we show that the persistence and the time of occurrence of a terms‐of‐trade shock matter in determining steady‐state changes: (i) a strong persistent (temporary) terms‐of‐trade worsening induces a long‐run decline in the real expenditure greater than after a permanent disturbance; (ii) an adverse permanent shift in the terms of trade raises the real expenditure in the long run if the shock is expected to occur in the distant future. Finally, according to whether a temporary terms‐of‐trade worsening is anticipated or not, the current account displays a monotonic or a nonmonotonic adjustment.
The Optimal Degree of Exchange Rate Flexibility: a Target Zone Approach*
Authors: López Jesús Rodríguez , Mendizábal Hugo Rodríguez 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a benchmark model that rationalizes the choice of the degree of exchange rate flexibility. We show that the monetary authority may gain efficiency by reducing volatility of both the exchange rate and the interest rate at the same time. Furthermore, the model is consistent with some known stylized facts in the empirical literature on target zones that previous models were not able to generate jointly—namely, the positive relation between the exchange rate and the interest rate differential, the degree of nonlinearity of the function linking the exchange rate to fundamentals, and the shape of the exchange rate stochastic distribution.
Conceptualizing Politics: Strategic or Communicative Action?
Authors: Eriksen Erik Oddvar , Weigård Jarle 
Published: August 2007

Following the “behavioral revolution” in the social sciences, analyzing political behavior as strategic action has become a dominant paradigm in political science. However, many political processes become incomprehensible from a purely strategic angle. Only a concept of politics ascommunicativeaction can explain how people reach mutual agreements on factual and normative matters. Some analysts seem to assume that whenever actors take a position in a debate that coincides with their own interest, the employed arguments must be understood as a strategic device to promote this self‐interest But this explanation in most cases seems too simplistic and, from a communicative perspective, beside the point. In an open debate it will still be the rational weight of the arguments that matters, not the eventual strategic interests of the participants. Rational communication is a precondition for civilized conflict resolution as well as for the stability and durability of the political order.Max Weber provided us with a typology of goal‐oriented behavior which included, along with the rational self‐interest variety, which he calledZweckrationalität, or instrumental behavior,Wertrationalität, or absolute value‐oriented behavior, traditional or habitual behavior, and impulsive behavior. From this perspective we can see what a small part of the reality we, as social scientists, want to explain is captured by the rational choice model (Almond 1991, 49).
A standardized, comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging protocol for rapid and precise quantification of HIV‐1‐associated lipodystrophy
Authors: Bickel M , Eisen J , Stephan C , Crespi CM , Lutz T , Klauke S , Vogl TJ , Jacobi V , Yang OO , Staszewski S , Zangos S 
Published: August 2007

ObjectivesAlthough multiple methods have been proposed, there is no current gold standard for assessing HIV‐1‐associated lipodystrophy.MethodsHIV‐1‐infected participants were randomly enrolled and surveyed about changes in the abdomen, thigh, cheek and neck areas. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences of these sites were obtained. Participants were grouped according to survey results, and the MRI measurements were compared between groups.ResultsOne hundred participants were included in the study, of whom 79% reported any body fat changes. Persons reporting increased abdominal girth had higher visceral ([mean±standard deviation] 142±75 vs. 59±48 cm2; P<0.0001) and total abdominal adipose tissue than those reporting no change (344±119 vs. 201±95 cm2; P<0.0001). The amount of localized fat was less for persons reporting sunken cheeks and reduced diameter of the legs compared with those who noted no changes (5.9±3.6 vs. 9.3±3.8 cm2; P<0.0001, and 35±28 vs. 112±56 cm2; P<0.0001). Participants reporting increased neck girth had a thicker fat layer in the dorsocervical region compared with those reporting no change (4.0±1.8 vs. 2.3±1.4 cm; P<0.0002).ConclusionsMRI is a precise method for rapidly surveying body regions affected by HIV‐1‐associated lipodystrophy. Our proposed protocol provides a rapid, comprehensive survey of these areas, without the need to combine multiple modalities or to expose subjects to radiation.
Serum leptin concentrations and fat redistribution in HIV‐1‐infected children on highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Dzwonek AB , Novelli V , Schwenk A 
Published: August 2007

ObjectivesHIV‐related lipodystrophy is a syndrome of adipose tissue redistribution, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. Combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) is a key risk factor. We hypothesized that fat redistribution in HIV‐infected children is related to altered endocrine function of adipose tissue, namely leptin secretion.MethodsSerum leptin and fat redistribution were measured in 104 HIV‐infected children in a prospective observational study from 2003 to 2004. Fat redistribution was defined by clinical observation. Body fatness was estimated using body mass index and four skinfold measurements. Serum leptin was determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Quantikine; R&D Systems, Abingdon, UK). Linear analogue models were used to adjust the leptin concentration for body fatness.ResultsThere was no significant difference in serum leptin among children treated with protease inhibitors (PIs), children on non‐PI CART and children not treated with CART (P>0.05). When leptin concentrations were adjusted for body fatness, there was again no difference among PI‐treated, non‐PI‐treated and untreated children. Categorization of CART exposure as never, current or past did not change these results.ConclusionsThere is no evidence that leptin plays any role in lipodystrophy other than reflecting body fatness.
The long‐term benefits of genotypic resistance testing in patients with extensive prior antiretroviral therapy: a model‐based approach
Authors: Yazdanpanah Y , Vray M , Meynard J , Losina E , Weinstein MC , Morand‐Joubert L , Goldie SJ , Hsu HE , Walensky RP , Dalban C , Sax PE , Girard PM , Freedberg KA 
Published: August 2007

ObjectivesResistance testing in HIV disease may provide long‐term benefits that are not evident from short‐term data. Our objectives were to estimate the long‐term effectiveness, cost and cost‐effectiveness of genotype testing in patients with extensive antiretroviral exposure.MethodsWe used an HIV simulation model to estimate the long‐term effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of genotype testing. Clinical data incorporated into the model were from NARVAL, a randomized trial of resistance testing in patients with extensive antiretroviral exposure, and other randomized trials. Each simulated patient was eligible for up to three sequential regimens of antiretroviral therapy (i.e. two additional regimens beyond the trial‐based regimen) using drugs not available at the time of the study, such as lopinavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir and enfuvirtide.ResultsIn the long term, projected undiscounted life expectancy increased from 132.2 months with clinical judgement alone to 147.9 months with genotype testing. Median survival was estimated at 11.9 years in the resistance testing arm vs 10.4 years in the clinical judgement alone arm. Because of increased survival, the projected lifetime discounted cost of genotype testing was greater than for clinical judgement alone (€313 900 vs €263 100; US$399 000 vs US$334 400). Genotype testing cost €69 600 (US$88 500) per quality‐adjusted life year gained compared with clinical judgement alone.ConclusionsIn patients with extensive prior antiretroviral exposure, genotype testing is likely to increase life expectancy in the long term as a result of the increased likelihood of receiving two active new drugs. Genotype testing is associated with cost‐effectiveness comparable to that of strategies accepted in patients with advanced HIV disease, such as enfuvirtide use.
Steady‐state pharmacokinetics of once‐daily fosamprenavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir alone and in combination with 20 mg omeprazole in healthy volunteers*
Authors: Luber AD , Brower R , Kim D , Silverman R , Peloquin CA , Frank I 
Published: August 2007

ObjectivesUse of proton pump inhibitors in HIV‐infected patients is common. The purpose of this study was to determine the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of once‐daily (qd) fosamprenavir/ritonavir (FPV/r) and atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) alone and in combination with 20 mg qd omeprazole (OMP) in healthy volunteers.Design and methodsA prospective, open‐label, single‐site, two‐period, crossover pharmacokinetic study was carried out in healthy volunteers. Subjects received either qd FPV/r 1400 mg/200 mg or ATV/r 300 mg/100 mg in the morning for 14 days and then 20 mg OMP in the evening for an additional 7 days. The pharmacokinetics were assessed over 24 h on days 14 and 21. Following a 2‐week washout, subjects repeated the process with the other regimen. Trough protease inhibitor (PI) concentrations were taken on day 16 of each period to assess the impact of a single dose of OMP on ATV and amprenavir (APV) concentrations. Plasma ATV and APV pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed by noncompartmental analysis; geometric mean ratios (GMRs; PI+OMP/PI; 90% confidence interval) were calculated between days 14 and 21.ResultsNineteen healthy, non‐HIV‐infected volunteers were evaluated. OMP reduced ATV exposure [area under the concentration curve at 0–24 h (AUC0–24 h)] and the minimum drug concentration (Cmin) by 27% each. In contrast, APV exposure and Cmin were decreased by 4 and 2%, respectively. Four subjects (21%) experienced greater than 50% declines in both ATV AUC0–24 h and Cmin after the addition of OMP; this was not observed in any subject following receipt of FPV/r. No alterations in APV or ATV trough concentrations were observed following a single dose of OMP.ConclusionsThe addition of 20 mg OMP administered in the evening has minimal effect on APV pharmacokinetics. In contrast, ATV pharmacokinetics were altered; a number of ATV‐treated subjects experienced pronounced declines in exposures upon the addition of 20 mg OMP administered in the evening, whereas others experienced little to no change.
Prior antiretroviral therapy experience protects against zidovudine‐related anaemia
Authors: Huffam SE , Srasuebkul P , Zhou J , Calmy A , Saphonn V , Kaldor JM , Ditangco R ,   on behalf of The TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD)
Published: August 2007

ObjectiveWe investigated the use of antiretroviral therapy regimens containing zidovudine or stavudine, using data from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD), a multicentre, prospective, observational study of an HIV‐infected cohort in the Asia‐Pacific Region.MethodsA proportional hazards regression analysis of factors associated with the time to discontinuation of initial regimens containing zidovudine or stavudine and a logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with a diagnosis of anaemia within 6 months of commencement of zidovudine in initial or subsequent regimens were performed.ResultsPatients who started zidovudine were more likely to stop within the first 9 months of treatment than those who started on stavudine; the reverse was true after 9 months. Anaemia (haemoglobin≤10 g/dL) occurred in the first 6 months in 57 of 433 patients (13%) on zidovudine. Baseline anaemia was the strongest predictive factor for subsequent anaemia, and prior antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience was protective for development of anaemia.ConclusionsThese data support baseline haemoglobin testing and avoidance of zidovudine if the patient is anaemic. The protective effect of prior ART for development of anaemia on zidovudine supports the short‐term safety of a stavudine to zidovudine switch with routine haemoglobin monitoring in this cohort. Further studies in resource‐poor settings of longer term efficacy and toxicities of ART switch strategies are needed.