bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve Growth Factor Expression after Plantar Incision in the Rat
Authors: Wu Chaoran , Boustany Leila , Liang Hong , Brennan Timothy J. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background:
Postoperative pain control remains a significant problem. Advances will proceed if we can further reveal the underlying mechanisms of incisional pain and its mediators. Previous studies have demonstrated that nerve growth factor (NGF) is released in incised tissue and contributes to hyperalgesia in incisional pain. The purpose of this study is to examine the expression of NGF in skin after planter incision.

Methods:
Adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent incision at the plantar aspect of hind paw. The NGF messenger RNA (mRNA) was measured at various times after incision by polymerase chain reaction. NGF protein expression was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in incisions.

Results:
NGF mRNA increased from 2 to 4 h after incision and was the same as control by postoperative day 1. A large-molecular-weight form of NGF, approximately 75 kd, was found in normal skin. The large-molecular-weight NGF protein increased 4 h after incision and returned to baseline on postoperative day 7. The skin immediately adjacent to the incision had the greatest NGF expression. Immunohistochemical staining for NGF was present adjacent to the incision and localized in Schwann cells and axons.

Conclusion:
NGF mRNA is increased and a large-molecular-weight form of NGF protein is expressed in the region adjacent to the incision. NGF immunoreactivity is present in nerve bundles; both Schwann cells and axons are labeled. Immunoreactive NGF in axons is likely taken up into cut axons. This study suggests some common mechanisms for neuropathic and incisional pain.
Advances in and Limitations of Up-and-down Methodology
Authors: Pace Nathan L. , Stylianou Mario P. , Warltier David C. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Sequential design methods for binary response variables exist for determination of the concentration or dose associated with the 50% point along the dose–response curve; the up-and-down method of Dixon and Mood is now commonly used in anesthesia research. There have been important developments in statistical methods that (1) allow the design of experiments for the measurement of the response at any point (quantile) along the dose–response curve, (2) demonstrate the risk of certain statistical methods commonly used in literature reports, (3) allow the estimation of the concentration or dose—the target dose—associated with the chosen quantile without the assumption of the symmetry of the tolerance distribution, and (4) set bounds on the probability of response at this target dose. This article details these developments, briefly surveys current use of the up-and-down method in anesthesia research, reanalyzes published reports using the up-and-down method for the study of the epidural relief of pain during labor, and discusses appropriate inferences from up-and-down method studies.
Adrenergic Receptor Genotype but Not Perioperative Bisoprolol Therapy May Determine Cardiovascular Outcome in At-risk Patients Undergoing Surgery with Spinal Block
Authors: Zaugg Michael , Bestmann Lukas , Wacker Johannes , Lucchinetti Eliana , Boltres Anita , Schulz Christian , Hersberger Martin , Kälin Gabriela , Furrer Lukas , Hofer Christoph , Blumenthal Stephan , Müller Annabelle , Zollinger Andreas , Spahn Donat R. , Borgeat Alain 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background:
Neuraxial blockade is used as primary anesthetic technique in one third of surgical procedures. The authors tested whether bisoprolol would protect patients at risk for cardiovascular complications undergoing surgery with spinal block.

Methods:
The authors performed a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial to compare the effect of bisoprolol with that of placebo on 1-yr composite outcome including cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, and cerebrovascular insult. Bisoprolol was given orally before and after surgery for a maximum of 10 days. Adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and safety outcome measures of bisoprolol therapy were also determined.

Results:
A total of 224 patients were enrolled. Spinal block could not be established in 5 patients. One hundred ten patients were assigned to the bisoprolol group, and 109 patients were assigned to the placebo group. The mean duration of treatment was 4.9 days in the bisoprolol group and 5.1 days in the placebo group. Bisoprolol therapy reduced mean heart rate by 10 beats/min. The primary outcome was identical between treatment groups and occurred in 25 patients (22.7%) in the bisoprolol group and 24 patients (22.0%) in the placebo group during the 1-yr follow-up (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–1.69; P = 0.90). However, carriers of at least one Gly allele of the β1-adrenergic receptor polymorphism Arg389Gly showed a higher number of adverse events than Arg homozygous (32.4% vs. 18.7%; hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–3.35; P = 0.04).

Conclusions:
Perioperative bisoprolol therapy did not affect cardiovascular outcome in these elderly at-risk patients undergoing surgery with spinal block.
Association of Ethnicity with the Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Sevoflurane
Authors: Ezri Tiberiu , Sessler Daniel , Weisenberg Marian , Muzikant Gleb , Protianov Michael , Mascha Edward , Evron Shmuel 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background:
Selective breeding produces animal strains with varying anesthetic sensitivity. It thus seems unlikely that various human ethnicities have identical anesthetic requirements. Therefore, the authors tested the hypothesis that the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane differs significantly as a function of ethnicity.

Methods:
The authors recruited 90 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II adult patients belonging to three Jewish ethnic groups: European, Oriental, and Caucasian (from the Caucasus Mountain region). All were scheduled to undergo surgery requiring a skin incision exceeding 3 cm. Without premedication, anesthesia was induced with 6–8% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen, and tracheal intubation was facilitated with succinylcholine. The skin incision was made after a predetermined end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane of 2.0% was maintained for at least 10 min in the first patient in each group. Blinded investigators observed the patient for movement during the subsequent minute. The concentration in the next patient was increased by 0.2% when patients moved, or decreased by the same amount when they did not. Results are presented as means [95% confidence intervals].

Results:
Morphometric and demographic characteristics were similar among the groups; however, mean arterial pressure was slightly greater in European Jews. Minimum alveolar concentration for sevoflurane was greatest in Caucasian Jews (2.32% [2.27–2.41%]), less in Oriental Jews (2.14% [2.06–2.22%]), and still less in European Jews (1.9% [1.82–1.99%]) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
The results suggest that minimum alveolar concentration varies as a function of ethnicity. However, the extent to which confounding characteristics contribute, including lifestyle choices and environmental factors, remains unknown.
Free Mucosa Graft From the Lateral Tongue for Reconstruction of Intraoral Buccal/Lip Mucosal Defects After Tumor Resection
Authors: Lai Chi‐Chih , Su Chih‐Ying 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: To develop a functional and morphologic reconstruction for intraoral buccal/lip mucosal defects after tumor resection.Study Design: A prospective clinical series.Methods: From November 2003 to July 2006, 32 patients underwent free tongue mucosa graft reconstruction after resection of buccal or lip tumors. Graft validity and acceptability, donor site morbidity, and postoperative articulation and swallowing functions were evaluated.Results: Regular postoperative follow‐up for at least 6 (mean, 18.5; range, 6–38) months revealed good functional outcomes and satisfactory cosmetic results of grafts at recipient sites in 29 of 32 (90.6%) patients. There were minimal to mild postoperative pain and minor complications at the donor sites. Mouth opening width was preserved, and all patients could tolerate either soft or regular diets. None of the patients had postoperative functional deficiencies involving articulation, swallowing, mastication, or sense of taste.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that free mucosa grafts from the lateral tongue are an excellent alternative for reconstruction of buccal/lip mucosal defects after tumor resection.
Depletion of High‐density Lipoprotein and Appearance of Triglyceride‐rich Low‐density Lipoprotein in a Japanese Patient With FIC1 Deficiency Manifesting Benign Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholestasis
Authors: Nagasaka Hironori , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu‐Ping , Takikawa Hajime , Miida Takashi , Takayanagi Masaki , Yorifuji Tohru , Hasegawa Makoto , Ota Akemi , Hirano Ken‐ichi , Kikuchi Hideaki , Tsukahara Hirokazu , Kobayashi Kunihiko 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTObjective:Lipoprotein metabolism in FIC1 deficiency due to ATP8B1 mutations has never been studied sufficiently. This study was performed to investigate the detailed lipoprotein metabolism in benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) caused by FIC1 deficiency.Patients and Methods:Lipoprotein profile and major lipoprotein regulators such as lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL), lipoprotein lipase, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein in a Japanese patient with BRIC were serially examined during a bout of cholestasis. Liver expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which suppresses high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) generation, was also examined.Results:Hypercholesterolemia and lipoprotein X accumulation were never observed throughout this study. When the cholestasis was severe, triglyceride‐rich low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) accounted for most of the plasma lipoproteins whereas HDL was hardly detectable. Concurrently, activities of all regulators were decreased, together with decreases of the serum parameter for liver protein synthesis. In particular, suppressions of LCAT and HTGL activities were severe and greatly contributed to the appearance of triglyceride‐rich LDL. As the cholestasis improved, this LDL gradually transformed into normal LDL with the recoveries of LCAT and HTGL activities. The activities of all regulators for the last 1 to 2 months were normal but HDL remained depleted. His liver showed low FXR expression compared with control livers.Conclusions:The present study showed an appearance of triglyceride‐rich LDL due to suppressions of LCAT and HTGL activities and a depletion of HDL that is not able to be explained by lipoprotein regulators or FXR in our patient.
Gastropathy and Gastritis in Children With Portal Hypertension
Authors: El‐Rifai Nahida , Mention Karine , Guimber Dominique , Michaud Laurent , Boman Francoise , Turck Dominique , Gottrand Frédéric 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine the frequency of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and gastritis in children with portal hypertension and related factors. The study included 24 children with portal hypertension secondary to liver disease or extrahepatic venous obstruction. PHG was seen in 14 of 24 patients. PHG was significantly associated with the presence of esophageal varices and a history of hematemesis. Histologically, gastritis was identified in 14 of 24 patients and was significantly associated with cirrhosis. PHG is frequently found in children with portal hypertension, and it develops regardless of the cause of the portal hypertension.
Virus‐Specific T Cell Immune Response in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Fischler Björn , Nyström Jessica , Björnsdottir Thora , Lindh Gudrun , Hultgren Catharina 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:To study the hepatitis B–specific T cell–mediated immune response in chronically infected children and adolescents.Patients and Methods:In all, 36 HBsAg‐positive patients, 2 to 19 years old, were included. There were 9 HBeAg‐positive patients with normal levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (group 1), 18 HBeAg‐positive patients with elevated ALT (group 2), and 9 HBeAg‐negative, anti‐HBe–positive patients (group 3). Four patients in group 2 were treated with interferon during the study. In all patients, HBcAg‐specific T cell proliferation and ALT levels were prospectively studied in repeated samples for a mean follow‐up time of 1.6 years. The baseline HBV‐DNA and plasma cytokine levels were determined, and genotypes were analyzed.Results:The percent of patients with at least 1 sample indicating T cell proliferation was 55% in group 1 and 89% in groups 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.07 group 1 vs group 2, P = 0.013 group 1 vs the combined groups 2 and 3). Tendencies for positive correlations between the degree of T cell proliferation and ALT levels were noted in groups 1 and 3 and for negative correlations in HBeAg seroconverting patients of group 2. In patients with successful interferon treatment, a pattern of more vigorous T cell proliferation than in patients with spontaneous seroconversion was noted.Conclusions:A majority of patients showed signs of ongoing T cell proliferation. The continuation of the T cell–mediated immune response seems to be of importance in maintaining the HBeAg seroconversion over time.
Investigation of Genomic Instability in Paediatric Barrett's Oesophagus Using Laser Microdissection on Paraffin‐embedded Endoscopic Biopsies
Authors: Cohen Marta C , Vergani Patricia , Vigovich Felix , Thomson Mike , Taylor Chris J , Hammond David 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:To investigate the occurrence of microsatellite instability (MSI) in paediatric Barrett's oesophagus (BE) with the aim of identifying a potential marker for patients at risk for developing dysplasia or adenocarcinoma at a later stage.Patients and Methods:Endoscopic oesophageal biopsies from 6 pediatric patients harbouring BE and 6 age‐matched controls were retrospectively investigated. After all of the samples were made anonymous, a 5‐μm section was cut and stained with toluidine blue. A precise cell was selected and captured using a laser microdissection microscope. Microsatellite analysis was performed on the DNA extracted from the captured cells. Genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using primers for 5 mononucleotide repeats and analysed by GeneMapper software on an ABI 3730. DNA extracted from a formalin‐fixed colonic adenocarcinoma known to have MSI was used as a positive control.Results:The median age of the patients with BE was 9 years. The relevant complaint was long‐standing vomiting in 4 cases and history of dysphagia in 3 cases (1 case had both symptoms). All of the cases had a history of reflux oesophagitis with histological confirmation of oesophagitis. Reflux was associated with a hiatus hernia, obesity, and cerebral palsy in each of 3 cases, and with asthma in 2 patients. Histologically, all of the cases showed the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia containing goblet cells replacing the squamous oesophageal epithelium. None of the cases tested showed any evidence of MSI.Conclusions:A single molecular marker that would allow recognition of those patients at risk for Barrett's adenocarcinoma has not yet been identified. The absence of MSI in our cases could be due to the need for a longer period of BE before genomic instability develops, or MSI may only arise in a proportion of patients. This does not exclude other genetic alterations, however rare they may be.
“Making schools practical”
Authors: Deissinger Thomas 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo provide information and insight into the potential of reforms in full‐time vocational education and training (VET) (practice firms in vocational colleges) in contrast with apprenticeships against the background of training market frictions in Germany.Design/methodology/approachStructural information on the German VET system; empirical study (2006) within a research project to illustrate the didactical and social benefits of practice firms.FindingsUnderlines that vocational colleges and practice firms within them are part of a “preparatory” system which predominantly serves further education needs and the follow‐up intention to undertake an apprenticeship; confirms preceding research which put them in line with the “typical” full‐time VET system.Research implications/limitationsLimitations are due to the focus on one type of full‐time VET and the specific conditions in the federal state of Baden‐Württemberg.Practical implicationsProvides useful information to understand the nature of VET in a given country; insight into the limitations of full‐time VET can help teachers to rethink co‐operation with companies in general.Originality/valueUseful contribution to rethinking VET policy and to understanding limitations in the wake of an implementation of new forms of vocational learning against the background of culturally‐rooted tradtions.
The progress of accounting harmonization in China
Authors: Chi Kuan Ip , Noronha Carlos 
Published: June 2007

PurposePrevious studies have demonstrated significant discrepancies in financial results prepared separately under Chinese and international accounting standards. After years of reforms of Chinese accounting practices, there is still doubt as to whether previous discrepancies persist. This study therefore purports to evaluate the current dimensions of differences between the H‐share and the A‐share financial results.Design/methodology/approachCorresponding figures from H‐share and A‐share reports were obtained in pairs and analyzed through paired sample t‐tests.FindingsExcept for the result on operating income, all other t‐tests suggest that there is no significant difference between the paired figures of sales revenue, income before tax, net income, assets, debts and equity.Practical implicationsIt can be concluded that the harmonization progress of Chinese accounting standards has advanced remarkably. Although full convergence has not been reached, the existing Chinese accounting standards have incorporated both the traits of international standards and the features of Chinese accounting practices.Originality/valueContrary to previous findings, this study did not identify statistically significant differences between H‐share and A‐share financial reports.
Software engineering: a quality management perspective
Authors: McManus John , Wood‐Harper Trevor 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of quality related to the context of software development using the ISO, TickIT and CMM frameworks. The paper also seeks to stress the fact that the different perspectives of those involved in software development will influence how quality is seen and measured. In the context of software engineering projects, quality takes on a broad meaning that refers not only to the way in which companies manage software engineering projects, but also to the software development process itself.Design/methodology/approachThe approach and methodology adopted for this paper were a review of the literature and best practice in software engineering. It is argued that users of software systems are more interested in how easy the software is to use than in the underlying application code that is used to generate the system. Using the body of knowledge that is software quality the basic characteristics of software quality are described and compared in terms of quality standards such as ISO, TickIT and CMM. Each of these standards is decomposed further in order to clarify its usefulness.FindingsThe findings in the paper suggest that, whilst there are many differences in the quality standards used, there are a number of similar characteristics. In essence the underlying philosophies of ISO and CMM have at the core the same goals. Some academics see CMM as being technically over‐engineered; a CMM‐compliant quality system is in many respects far in advance of ISO.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper helps define the strengths and weaknesses within ISO, TickIT and CMM from a software engineering practitioner perspective.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that software engineers need to pay more attention to the performance and conformance issues in software projects and to be proactive rather than reactive to quality issues.Originality/valueIt may be argued that the importance of this paper lies in the assertion that those engaged in the software engineering are in need of a multi‐perspective view on quality and, with that in mind, this paper should appeal to practitioners and members of the academic community with an interest in software quality.
The remarkable performance of international marketing in the second half of the twentieth century
Authors: Czinkota Michael R. , Coskun Samli A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeInternational marketing has performed extremely well during the second‐half of the twentieth century. This paper examines the outstanding performance from different perspectives and evaluates the future of international marketing in the age of globalization.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a chronological review of international marketing in four distinct periods: 1945‐1964, 1965‐1984, 1985‐2005, and 2005‐forward. These periods are labeled as ages of coincidence, confluence, commingling, and creative conflict. The state of the world, the state of international marketing and the status of the marketing context are analyzed as they have emerged and changed.FindingsThe paper posits that for international marketing to continue to perform in its spectacular manner, the field needs to cross fertilize with globalization, which enables international marketing to reach out to all corners of the globe successfully and smoothly.Originality/valueThe paper carefully identifies the relationship between globalization and international marketing and posits that the future success of international marketing is vitally dependent on the far reaching success of globalization.
The influence of personality traits and persuasive messages on entrepreneurial intention
Authors: de Pillis Emmeline , Reardon Kathleen K. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine persuasion and personality variables as predictors of entrepreneurial intention in a cross‐cultural sample.Design/methodology/approachUndergraduates in the USA and the Republic of Ireland completed measures of personal efficacy, achievement motivation, ambiguity tolerance, attitudes toward entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial intention.FindingsThe results suggest that the decision to become an entrepreneur comes about differently in different cultures. US participants appear to perceive entrepreneurship as a societally sanctioned and appropriate outlet for their achievement motivation. While achievement motivation correlated with entrepreneurial intention for the US participants, this result did not obtain for the Irish subjects. In both cultures, those who have come to believe that being an entrepreneur is consistent with their self‐image showed strong entrepreneurial intention independent of their other beliefs about entrepreneurship. This study suggests that recollections of positive interpersonal and mass media messages about entrepreneurship encourage entrepreneurial intention – but only for US participants. Other factors discussed in this report appear to mitigate the effect of such recollections for the Irish.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is part of a larger research program that includes following up on these participants at a later date. With longitudinal data, we will be able to track the relationship between stated entrepreneurial intention and later business startup.Originality/valueThis investigation compares factors influencing entrepreneurial intention in the USA and Ireland.