bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INTEREST RATES IN POST‐KEYNESIAN MODELS OF GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Lavoie Marc 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe goal of this article is to make a heuristic and comparative presentation of how the major post‐Keynesian models of growth and distribution integrate money, more specifically interest rates, into their framework. Five variants will be considered, all constructed on the basis of the newer Kaleckian model. It will be shown that increases in real interest rates may have surprising effects on effective demand. It will also be shown that accumulation rates and leverage ratios need not move together. The latter finding reinforces a major hypothesis of the analysis, that is, real interest rates are an exogenous distributive variable.
NEGATIVE LABOUR VALUES AND THE PRODUCTION POSSIBILITY FRONTIER
Authors: Cottrell Allin 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTSteedman's theoretical finding of negative labour values associated with positive equilibrium prices has been criticised on the grounds that this situation obtains only in inefficient economies. A recent paper by Hosoda claims that this criticism is valid only in two‐dimensional joint‐product systems. It is argued here that the dimensionality of the system is of no relevance to the “inefficiency critique” of Steedman. Rather, the validity of the critique turns on matters relating to the growth rate and the rate of profit. The argument that processes inefficient in a static context may be viable in the context of von Neumann growth is considered, and the implications for the labour theory of value are assessed. Marx's critique of capitalist economic calculation is supported by reference to the divergence of Sraffian prices and Samuelsonian values when the rate of profit is in excess of the rate of growth.
MISUSE AND OPTIMUM INSPECTING STRATEGY IN AGENCY PROBLEMS
Authors: Barlev Benzion , Levy Haim 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTAssets misuse by an agent and the optimal audit inspecting strategy are analyzed in this paper. The agent and the principal are acting to maximize their expected utility and both are characterized by risk aversion. The agent's decision about a theft takes into account the probability of benefiting from the stolen assets but also the probability of being penalized if caught. The principal's decision about the optimal number of audit teams, hence, the probability of uncovering the theft, takes into account the cost involved, the probability of one team of auditors uncovering the theft and the agent's decision about the theft. We get two response curves which describe the optimal behavior of both the agent and the principal and show that there may be a Nash solution to the problem. Since in real life there are often many principals (shareholders) with different utility functions, a set of efficient strategies is offered using the First and Second degree Stochastic Dominance rules. A numerical illustration which clarifies the methodology and displays the applicability of the model is also provided.
REINVESTED EARNINGS ON DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Authors: O'Connell Joan 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTReinvested earnings on direct foreign investment are accounted for differently in A System of National Accounts 1968 and the System of National Accounts 1993. In this paper these treatments are compared in relation to the connection between national income accounting and macroeconomic theory. For this purpose, macroeconomic modelling is represented by an attempt to extend the closed‐economy Cambridge model of growth and distribution to a two‐country trading world.
LABOUR SUBSIDIES: A NEW LOOK
Authors: Artis M. J. , Sinclair P. J. N. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper reexamines the case for subsidizing employment. One superficially promising approach, based on the idea that government cofinancing of unemployment benefits could induce firms to lay off too many workers in bad times, turns out to be an unsatisfactory argument for employment subsidies when worker‐firm contracts are optimal. But efficiency wage explanations for unemployment offer considerable scope for a revenue‐neutral combination of a specific labour subsidy and ad valorem wage tax. When pitched low enough, unemployment must fall under a wide set of conditions.
Deep fungal infections of concern today
Authors: Jacobs P.H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA wide variety of mycoses afflict patients in the West. Skin lesions are a common manifestation and so the patient may present first to the dermatologist. Over 100,000 new cases of coccidioidomycosis occur in the USA each year. Dissemination occurs in about 0.5% of patients with clinical disease. Skin lesions can take many forms. Samples and cultures should be handled with care because of the risk of spreading the infection. Itraconazole is likely to replace ketoconazole as the treatment of choice. Histoplasmosis is a systemic disease. Skin lesions again take a variety of forms. Mycological diagnosis may be possible without special stains. Itraconazole is the drug of choice and due to its negligible adverse effects can be used prophylactically. North American blastomycotic lesions, and the organisms responsible, both have a characteristic appearance. However, although the organisms are fairly easy to identify in some tissues, special stains may be needed to demonstrate them in the skin. Itraconazole is now the treatment of choice for blastomycosis dermatitidis. Systemic sporotrichosis is extremely rare. Cutaneous sporotrichosis appears both as a localized, and as lymphangitic form. The organism is easy to culture, but histological demonstration may be extremely difficult. Itraconazole is virtually 100% effective and in future will make all other treatments redundant. Almost all cases of disseminated aspergillosis occur in immunocompromised patients, particularly those treated with high‐dose steroids. Itraconazole is the only effective drug and may also be used prophylactically. The dermatologist may be the first physician to see patients with these mycoses and thus needs to be aware of the possible diagnoses and their implications. Itraconazole is now the treatment of choice and at last enables the physician to reduce both morbidity and mortality.
Short oral therapy in difficult‐to‐treat tinea infections
Authors: Dhondt A. , Cauwenbergh G. , De Doncker P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDermatophyte infections of the skin are common, accounting for as many as 3% of all diagnoses in general practice. During the last 15 years, there has been an increase in the proportion of skin dermatophytoses failing to respond to routine topical therapy. Ketoconazole is more effective than griseofulvin in these difficult‐to‐treat infections but relapses are still a major problem. Early reports suggested that itraconazole, by contrast, has excellent efficacy in such infections and that relatively short courses of treatment are adequate for most patients. The purpose of our study was to review the efficacy and safety of itraconazole in these difficult‐to‐treat dermatophytoses and, in particular, to assess its use in tinea capitis. In a multicentre study, 71 patients with dermatophyte infections of the scalp, with Microsporum canis as the major pathogen, received 50 or 100 mg itraconazole daily for six weeks. Of patients receiving itraconazole 100 mg daily, 93% showed a clinical response at the end of treatment which was maintained at final follow‐up. The mycological cure rate in this group was 89%. Only one side effect was reported. Itraconazole is both effective and safe. Response continues even after the end of treatment. This allows shorter courses of therapy and helps prevent reinfection and relapse. Itraconazole thus offers a new approach to the treatment of difficult‐to‐treat tinea infections.
Serum calcium and phosphorus measurements in patients with psoriasis: a retrospective review
Authors: Cook Joel , Thiers Bruce 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe recent success of vitamin D and its analogues in the treatment of psoriasis has generated extensive research into the role of vitamin D and calcium in this hyperproliferative skin disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate calcium and phosphorus levels in patients admitted to our dermatology service for treatment of severe psoriasis. The charts of 15 patients from 21 to 80 years of age were reviewed and admission laboratory data values recorded. Retrospective analysis of laboratory data from patients admitted with psoriasis demonstrated no abnormalities of calcium metabolism when assessed by calcium and phosphorus levels. Although vitamin D and its analogues appear to have a role in the treatment of psoriasis, this study suggests that a systemic aberration of calcium metabolism probably does not occur.
Cell adhesion molecules in inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases
Authors: Cagnoni Matteo L. , Ghersetich Ilaria , Lotti Torello 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are cell surface glycoproteins expressed on several different cell lineages and involved in cell‐cell and cell‐matrix interactions in various physiological and pathological conditions.Numerous studies have shown that CAMs, a very substantial class of molecules subdivided into four families (integrins. the immunoglobulin‐gene family, cudherins and lectin‐like CAMs). are involved in the interaction of lymphocytes with keratinocytes, endothelial ceils and inter‐and perivascular connective cells.Researchers have found a marked increase in the expression of CAMs with respect to normal skin in a variety of dermatoses, such as cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis. capillarities from unknown origin (purpura pigmentosa chronica). alopecia areata, lichen planus, systemic selerosis, psoriasis, etc. In the inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases considered in this review, the adhesion molecules found to be chiefly expressed are ELAM‐1, ICAM‐I and LFA‐I. This suggests that, predominantly, these adhesion molecules participate in the complex pathogenetic mechanisms conditioning the onset and development of these diseases. Knowledge of interaction mechanisms has led to identification of the role played by CAMs in the pathogenesis of these diseases and may represent a useful aid in the diagnosis and perhaps treatment of numerous skin pathologies.
Cutaneous borreliosis in Northern Greece
Authors: Lefaki I. , Kalogeropoulou A. , Stefanidou M. , Kapetis E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOur study is the first international report on cutaneous Lyme disease in Greece. Our purpose was, firstly, to assess the advisability of carrying out specific serological testing in the case of skin conditions certainly or possibly related to Borrelia burgadorferi (Bb) and, secondly, to evaluate the necessity and efficacy of treatment. Our research was carried out between 1988 and 1991 on 68 patients suffering from cutaneous diseases generally related to Bb and 57 control subjects. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and titers > 1/256 were considered as positive. All 57 control subjects were negative. Eighteen out of the 68 patients (26.5%) were positive. Five out of the eight patients (62.5%) with cutaneous diseases certainly related to Bb, and 13 out of the 60 patients (21.6%) with skin diseases possibly related to Bb, were positive. The high percentage (26.5%) in skin diseases generally related to Bb suggests that patients with all these diseases should be tested by IFA. Negative results in control patients confirm the specificity of IFA and indicate that it is unnecessary to perform this investigation in the absence of specific clinical manifestations. Even though we regard scleroderma to be a late form of cutaneous borreliosis, it shows a favorable response to therapy, whereas granuloma annulare, even after liter elimination, remains clinically unchanged. Treatment should be administered not only to patients with high titers, but must he regarded as essential in all seropositive cases with dermatoses generally related to borreliosis, in view of the possibility of a late manifestation of the disease
Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with HIV infection
Authors: Coker Richard J , Mitchell David M 
Published: July 2006

Abstract Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is a frequent complication of immunosuppression secondary to infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The use of primary and secondary prophylaxis for many of the opportunist infections associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have reduced their incidence and prophylaxis for PCP is no exception. There are, however, still problems associated with the different regimens currently widely used. The efficacy, toxicity and cost of prophylaxis agents are considered.
Comparison between an oral hydrolytic enzyme combination and oral acyclovir in the treatment of acute zoster:a double‐blind, controlled multicentre trial
Authors: Kleine Michael‐W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground Today's standard treatment of zoster in immunocompetent patients is oral acyclovir. Other therapies are no longer customary because of their insufficient efficacy and frequent side effects. The positive results obtained with an orally administered enzyme combination led to the assumption that this might represent an alternative therapy. The purpose of our study was therefore to determine whether the enzyme combination differs from acyclovir with regard to efficacy and tolerance.Patients and Methods In a double‐blind, controlled multicenter trial immunocompetent patients with zoster were randomly assigned to receive one of the two test drugs for 7 days. Parameters of pain and skin lesions were measured over 14–21 days. Forty‐four patients were enrolled in the enzyme group (ET) and 46 in the acyclovir group (AT).Results There were no significant differences with respect to anamnestic and clinical data at entry into the study. Neither were there significant differences regarding the statistically evaluated parameters of efficacy: “segmental pain on day 7” (P= 0.496) and “vesicle duration” (P= 0.803). Paracetamol use and total pain over 14 days also failed to show any notable differences between the two groups. The beginning of crust formation and the duration of skin lesions showed a very similar frequency distribution. Side effects occurred in four patients in the ET group and in three in the AT group.Conclusions Our trial suggests that the therapy of zoster with an orally applied enzyme combination is a valid alternative to the therapy using acyclovir.
Anticytoskeletal antibodies in systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Czirják László , Schlammadinger József , Szegedi Gyula 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim To investiate the presence of antinuclear and anticytoskeletal autoantibodies in patients with systemic autoimmune and connective tissue diseases.Setting 646 sera of 322 patients with systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus eryhtematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis with or without secondary Sjögren's syndrome, and localized scleroderma, and 127 healthy controls were tested.Methods ‘Routine’ indirect immunofluorescence technique on HEp‐2 cells.Results Antinuclear antibodies were found in 45–91.1% of the sera. Anti‐intermediate filament antibodies were detected in 24 patients. Eight of the 24 cases had another (second) organ‐specific autoimmune disease, mainly chronic active hepatitis or autoimmune thyroid disease.
A high rate of cross‐sensitivity between Parthenium hysterophorus and Xanthium strumarium in Indian patients with contact dermatitis
Authors: Pasricha Jagjit S. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract Parthenium hysterophorus is well known to produce contact dermatitis in India. Xanthium strumarium is another weed also belonging to the Compositae family present in India since much earlier times, but not recognised among the plants causing contact dermatitis. We have found a very high rate of cross‐sensitivity between the two plants in patients presenting air‐borne contact dermatitis. Of the 28 patients with air‐borne contact dermatitis. 22 revealed positive patch tests with aqueous extracts of both plants, one patient showed a negative patch test with Parthenium hysterophorus and a positive test with Xanthium strumarium, while five patients were negative with both plants. In a control group of 15 patients with contact dermatitis due to other agents, only one patient showed a positive patch test with Xanthium strumarium, while the patch test with Parthenium hysterophorus was negative. Patch tests performed with serial 10‐fold dilutions of standard extracts of both plants to determine the degree (titre) of contact hypersensitivity (TCH) revealed variable litres in different patients. Some patients had a much higher titre with Parthenium hysterophorus while others had a higher titre with Xanthium strumarium. The antigen in Xanthium strumarium, like that of Parthenium hysterophorus, could be extracted with water, acetone, ethanol, chloroform, benzene, ether and carbon tetrachloride. Infra‐red spectrophotometry of extracts in ether revealed similar spectra in the two plants. The antigens in the two plants seem lo be very similar.
Serum β2‐microglobulin levels in psoriatic patients
Authors: Gülekon Ayla , Gökcora Nahide , Gürer M. Ali , Baysal Vahide , Sezgin Pervin , Keskin Nilsel 
Published: July 2006

Abstractβ2‐Microglobulin (β2‐M) is a low molecular weight protein forming the light chain of the class I major histocompatibility complex. It is found on the cell surface of all nucleated cells. Its serum concentration is found to be increased in kidney diseases, neoplasia, AIDS, chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, especially psoriatic arthritis and immunological upset is one of the most implicated factors in the etiology of the disease. In this study, the sera β2‐M levels were evaluated in cases diagnosed as psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis, and a statistically significant increase was found in cases of psoriatic arthritis compared to those of psoriasis vulgaris and the control group.
Eosinophil cationic protein in atopic dermatitis: changes of serum levels by the anti‐allergic agent ketotifen *
Authors: Ikai Kouichi , Ogino Atsuhiko , Furukawa Ikuko , Ozaki Motoaki , Fujita Mayumi , Toda Kenichi , Imamura Sadao 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a highly basic protein (pI over 11) with molecular weight ranging from 18.5 to 22 kDa, and is released upon eosinophil activation. ECP is stored in the eosinophil granules and has potent bactericidal, helminthotoxic, cytotoxic and neurotoxic effects. ECP levels in scrum and other body fluids are often elevated in allergic diseases and other inflammatory conditions and their measurement may give information regarding eosinophil involvement in a pathological process.Material and Methods We evaluated the scrum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), assayed using an ECP radioimmunoassay kit, and the effect of an anti‐allergic agent, ketotifen, which has a potent anti‐eosinophil activity, in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Serum ECP levels in AD patients correlated with the severity of AD as determined in clinical evaluations. Results In patients with severe and moderate AD, serum ECP levels were significantly higher (31.04 ± 3.35 μg/1, n= 32) than in non‐atopic controls (4.92 ± 1.06 μg/1, n= 16) (P < 0.001). However, no significant correlation was observed between serum ECP and IgE levels, or between serum ECP levels and peripheral eosinophil count. After a 4‐weck administration of ketotifen (1 mg; twice a day), in AD patients with serum ECP levels more than 20 μg/I (n= 14), serum ECP levels decreased significantly (from 44.17 ± 4.53 to 18.46 ± 3.35 μg/1, P < 0.05).Conclusion The results suggest that serum ECP levels are a useful indicator of AD activity and of the effect of anti‐allergic agents on eosinophil involvement in AD.
Clustering of fixed drug eruptions in a family
Authors: Mutgi A.B. , Mutgi V.B. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFixed drug eruptions (FDE) are common but their pathogenesis and site specificity is poorly understood. We report the occurrence of FDE related to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole in four siblings. A new hypothesis of familial occurrence of FDE and its pathogenesis is proposed.
New nucleic acid amplification techniques in diagnostic pathology
Authors: O'Leary J.J. , Browne G. , Landers R. , Crowley M. , Healy I. , Johnson M.I. , Doyle C.T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn 1985, Mullis discovered an exponentially increasing amplification system for nucleic acids, which became known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This method permits the selective in vitro amplification of a particular DNA region by mimicking phenomena of in vivo DNA replication. Since then, many advances in PCR practice have been achieved, In this review, we will discuss the new techniques of in situ PCR, ligase chain reaction (LCR), transcription‐based amplification system (TAS) and the isothermal replication system, self‐sustained sequence replication (3SR). Many of the techniques described still remain largely research tools, however with further modifications they may become of use in routine diagnostic procedures in the next century.
Cancer in patients treated with coal tar: a long‐term follow up study
Authors: Jemec Gregor B.E. , Øterlind Anne 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground Coal tar is often used in dermatological therapy, although it is a recognized tumour initiator. Previous studies with observation periods of up to 25 years have not shown any increased risk of cancer in these patients, but no longer term follow up is available although the induction period for cancer is not known.Objective To evaluate the relative risk of cancer in a group of patients who had been treated extensively with coal tar in the period 1917–1937.Method The medical records of 117 patients treated extensively with coal tar from 1917 to 1937 were examined. Of these, a cohort of 88 patients (75%) were eligible for study. Cancers were identified through the Danish Cancer Registry, and relative risk of cancer in this cohort was calculated.Results The overall relative risk of cancer for the treated patients was found to he 0.4 (0.2–0.8).Conclusion No overall increased risk of cancer was apparent in this group compared to that of the general population. These data provide further support of the safety of coal tar in the management of dermatological disease.
White piedra
Authors: Ghorpade Ashok , Ramanan Cherukot 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTwo female patients having white piedra of the scalp hairs are reported. Both the patients presented with hair loss and whitish nodules on the hairs. In both, the diagnosis was confirmed by KOH examination and culture. A remarkable improvement was observed after use of 2% miconazole nitrate lotion for 8 weeks.
Leg ulceration due to the antiphospholipid syndrome: successful treatment with intralesional corticosteroids and failure of prolonged stanozolol therapy
Authors: Falanga Vincent , Brown Harvey , Pardes Jeffrey , Kirsner Robert S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe clinical manifestations of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLA) include thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and recurrent fetal loss. Livedo reticularis and leg ulceration may occur as the result of vascular occlusion, and are difficult to treat. We report a patient with a painful leg ulceration and livedo reticularis secondary to APLA in whom intralesional triamcinolone injections induced rapid and complete healing of the ulceration. A year later, the ulcer has not recurred. Initial and prolonged treatment with stanozolol, an androgenic steroid with fibrinolytic properties that has been proposed as a treatment for this condition, seemed to help at first but failed to cause persistent healing. We suggest that intralesional injection of corticosteroids should be the initial treatment of choice in ulcers due to APLA.