bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The procoagulant effects of factor V Leiden may be balanced against decreased levels of factor V and do not reflect in vivo thrombin formation in newborns
Authors: Hyytiäinen Satu , Wartiovaara-Kautto Ulla , Ulander Veli-Matti , Kaaja Risto , Heikinheimo Markku , Petäjä Jari 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThrombin regulation in newborns remains incompletely understood.We studied tissue factor-initiated thrombin formation in cord plasma in vitro, and the effects of Factor VLeiden (FVL) heterozygosity on thrombin regulation both in vitro and in vivo in newborns. Pregnant women with known thrombophilia (n=27) were enrolled in the study. Cord blood and venous blood at the age of 14 days were collected from 11 FVL heterozygous newborns (FVL-positive) and from 16 FVL-negative newborns. Prothrombin fragment F1+2 and coagulation factors were measured. Tissue factor-initiated thrombin formation was studied in cord platelet-poor plasma (PPP) of FVL-negative and -positive newborns, and in both PPP and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of healthy controls. The endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) in cord PPP or PRP was ∼60% of that in adult plasma, while thrombin formation started ∼55% and ∼40% earlier in cord PPP and PRP, respectively. Further, in FVL-positive newborns thrombin formation started significantly earlier than in FVL-negative newborns. Exogenous activated protein C (APC) decreased ETP significantly more in cord than in adult PRP. In FVL-negative cord plasma 5nM APC decreased ETP by 17.4±3.5% (mean±SEM) compared with only 3.5±3.8% in FVL-positive cord plasma (p=0.01). FVL-positive newborns showed similar levels of F1+2 but significantly decreased levels of factor V compared with FVL negative newborns both in cord plasma (FV 0.82±0.07 U/ml vs. 0.98±0.05 U/ml, p=0.03) and at the age of two weeks (FV 1.15±0.04 U/ml vs. 1.32±0.05 U/ml, p=0.03). In conclusion, newborn plasma showed more rapid thrombin formation and enhanced sensitivity to APC compared with adult plasma. FVL conveyed APC resistance and a procoagulant effect in newborn plasma. Lack of elevated F1+2 levels in FVL-positive infants, however, suggested the existence of balancing mechanisms; one could be the observed lower level of factor V in FVL heterozygous newborns.
Gender differences in the expression of erythrocyte aggregation in relation to Bβ-fibrinogen gene polymorphisms in apparently healthy individuals
Authors: Assayag Einor , Bova Irena , Berliner Shlomo , Peretz Hava , Usher Sali , Shapira Itzhak , Bornstein Natan 
Published: February 2006

SummaryAn increased erythrocyte aggregation (EA) is associated with capillary slow flow, tissue hypoxemia and endothelial dysfunction. Fibrinogen is a major determinant in the formation of aggregated red blood cells. It has been suggested that the Bβ-fibrinogen –455G/A polymorphism is associated with erythrocyte hyperaggregability in men with coronary artery disease.The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the β-fibrinogen –455G/A polymorphism on erythrocyte aggregation in apparently healthy individuals. Plasma fibrinogen, red blood cell count, serum lipids, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the genotype of the Bβ-fibrinogen –455G/A polymorphism were examined in a cohort of 545 apparently healthy individuals and those with atherothrombotic risk factors. A whole blood erythrocyte aggregation test was performed by using a simple slide test and image analysis. In men, EA levels and plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in subjects carrying the –455A allele compared to subjects with the –455 GG genotype.This association did not exist in women carrying the fibrinogen –455A allele.The –455GA/AA men presented significantly higher correlation between the plasma fibrinogen concentrations and EA. This observation raises the prospect of possible change in the functional properties of the –455GA/AA fibrinogen, enhancing its ability to induce EH. This study suggests that the Bβ-fibrinogen –455A allele is related to EH in men only. Putative mechanism could be hyperfibrinogenemia anda functional change in the fibrinogen molecule that alters its ability to interact with red blood cells and supports the aggregability of these cells.
Biological efficacy of low against medium dose aspirin regimen after coronary surgery: Analysis of platelet function
Authors: Lim Eric , Goddard Martin , Bellm Sarah , Sheridan Kate , Large Stephen , Vuylsteke Alain , Cornelissen Jacqueline , Kirtland Stephen 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe failure of aspirin to inhibit platelet function has been documented in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, but the causes of “aspirin-resistance” remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of aspirin in patients undergoing CABG surgery receiving either 100 mg or 325 mg of oral aspirin for 5-days.Platelet function was tested the day before surgery and on day+1 and day+5, and evaluated by changes in collagen-induced thromboxane-A2 (TxA2) release and platelet aggregation following stimulation with collagen, ADP and epinephrine. In all patients, baseline platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited by pre-incubation with in vitro aspirin (150 µmol/l), with a mean reduction in TxA2-release of ≥95.5% (82.3, 99.1). After 5-days of oral aspirin, platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited, and was not further inhibited by in vitro aspirin. Oral aspirin was also associated with a ≥99.5% (97.8, 99.7) reduction in TxA2-release, and with the reversal of the second-phase of ADP-induced aggregation which is TxA2-dependent. In addition a single-dose of 325mg aspirin on the first post-operative morning may have a greater inhibitory effect on collagen-induced aggregation than 100mg aspirin. Western blot analysis provided no evidence for the presence of COX-2 in platelets, while the up-regulation of p38-MAPK following platelet-stimulation and surgery was seen. The inhibition of COX-2 (NS398) or p38-MAPK (SB203580) activity did not affect platelet aggregation and TxA2-release on day+5. In summary, there was no evidence for inherent or acquired aspirin-resistance in this surgical population, or for the involvement of either COX-2 or p38-MAPK.
Trousseau’s syndrome – what is the evidence?
Authors: Bergqvist David , Wåhlander Karin , Eriksson Henry , Sternby Nils , Ögren Mats 
Published: February 2006

SummaryDespite numerous studies documenting the association between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE), the reason for the excessive risk in certain cancers remains obscure. No large-scale studies have yet investigated the independent effects of cancer type,site and growth pattern.Between 1970 and 1982, 23,796 standardised autopsies were performed, representing 84% of all in-hospital deaths in an urban Swedish population.The relationship between cancer and PE was evaluated with logistic regression.The overall PE prevalence was 23%, and 10% of the population had a fatal PE. Forty-two per cent of pancreatic cancer patients had PE (OR 2.55; 95% CI 2.10–3.09) (p<0.001); gall bladder, gastric, colorectal and pulmonary adenocarcinomas were similarly independently associated with PE. In comparison with squamous cell lung cancer, patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma had 1.65 times higher odds for PE (95% CI 1.20–2.29). Adenocarcinoma and metastatic cancer were independently associated with PE risk (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.16 – 1.40; p<0.001, and OR 1.10;95% CI 1.01 – 1.20; p=0.024, respectively) but when controlling for cancer type and spread, pancreatic cancer was still associated with an OR of 2.10 (95% CI 1.71–2.58) of PE (p<0.001).We conclude that the risk of PE in cancer patients depends not only on the cancer site and spread but also on the histological type.The excess independent risk in pancreatic cancer is intriguing and should warrant further research.
Haemostasis and pregnancy
Authors: Franchini Massimo 
Published: February 2006

SummaryNormal pregnancy is associated with profound alterations in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. While these physiological procoagulant changes are aimed to minimise intrapartum blood loss, they do increase the risk of thromboembolism during pregnancy and the post-partum period. In contrast and more rarely, haemorrhage due to an underlying inherited or acquired bleeding disorder may occur and complicatea pregnancy. Based on an analysis of the literature data, this review presents an overview of the main thrombotic and haemorrhagic disorders complicating pregnancy.
Epistatic and pleiotropic effects of polymorphisms in the fibrinogen and coagulation factor XIII genes on plasma fibrinogen concentration, fibrin gel structure and risk of myocardial infarction
Authors: Eriksson Per , Ericsson Carl-Göran , Hamsten Anders , Silveira Angela , Mannila Maria 
Published: February 2006

SummaryAn intricate interplay between the genes encoding fibrinogen gamma (FGG), alpha (FGA) and beta (FGB), coagulation factor XIII (F13A1) and interleukin6 (IL6) and environmental factors is likely to influence plasma fibrinogen concentration, fibrin clot structure and risk of myocardial infarction (MI). In the present study, the potential contribution of SNPs harboured in the fibrinogen, IL6 and F13A1 genes to these biochemical and clinical phenotypes was examined. A database and biobank based on 387 survivors ofa first MI and population-based controls were used. Sixty controls were selected according to FGG 9340T>C [rs1049636] genotype for studies on fibrin clot structure using the liquid permeation method. The multifactor dimensionality reduction method was used for interaction analyses. We here report that the FGA 2224G>A [rs2070011] SNP (9.2%), plasma fibrinogen concentration (13.1%) and age (8.1%) appeared as independent determinants of fibrin gel porosity. The FGA 2224G>A SNP modulated the relation between plasma fibrinogen concentration and fibrin clot porosity. The FGG-FGA*4 haplotype, composed of the minor FGG 9340C and FGA 2224A alleles, had similar effects, supporting its reported protective role in relation to MI. Significant epistasis on plasma fibrinogen concentration was detected between the FGA 2224G>A and F13A1 Val34Leu [rs5985] SNPs (p<0.001).The FGG 9340T>C and FGB 1038G>A [rs1800791] SNPs appeared to interact on MI risk, explaining the association of FGG-FGB haplotypes with MI in the absence of effects of individual SNPs. Thus, epistatic and pleiotropic effects of polymorphisms contribute to the variation in plasma fibrinogen concentration, fibrin clot structure and risk of MI.
Accountability and decision-making in feudal England: Domesday Book revisited
Authors: Godfrey Andy , Hooper Keith 
Published: February 2006

This paper makes a case for the role of Domesday Book in accounting history to be reassessed. The Domesday Book's historical context, construction, content and purpose are reviewed from an accounting history perspective. The Domesday Survey of 1086 was more than a fiscal land register because it enabled King William to establish the wealth of his tenants-in-chief raise taxes and distribute resources within the feudal structure which he had established. Although the Domesday Book is not commonly read as an accounting document, it is argued that aspects of Domesday illustrate the concepts of accountability, decision-making and control.
A theoretical primer for evaluating and conducting historical research in accounting
Authors: Fleischman Richard K. , Mills Patti A. , Tyson Thomas N. 
Published: February 2006

Historical research in accounting is flourishing as prestigious journals worldwide encourage authors to incorporate history into their submissions. Although a number of accounting academics are aware of these opportunities, others may be reluctant to participate because they lack an understanding of the rudiments of historical scholarship. This paper is geared to those scholars who seek to write about accounting's past but are unacquainted with historical methods, unsure how to begin, and generally unfamiliar with the debates that are now taking place in the field. In this paper we discuss the formal theoretical structures of history as a discipline; differentiate history as event, story, and way of knowing; consider the problem of historical facticity and the subjectivity of the historian; examine the role historical evidence plays in the reconstruction of the past, and identify the forms of historical construction and alternate historical methods. We also distinguish between history and social science and summarise the current debate between conventional and critical accounting historians. Publication possibilities are also addressed.
Allergic rhinitis: an update
Authors: Savage Julian , Roy Dev 
Published: February 2006

Allergic rhinitis is extremely common and a global health problem. One study has quoted a prevalence of 16% and, as with asthma, it seems to be increasing. This increase and association with asthma have raised concerns about appropriate treatment. Fortunately, with new knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms, newer and better treatment strategies have been developed. This short review of allergic rhinitis highlights its prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigation and management. A new classification and recommendations by the World Health Organizationís guidelines ëAllergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthmaí are also discussed.
Prevention of postnatal depression
Authors: Mallikarjun Pavan Kumar , Oyebode Femi 
Published: February 2006

Postnatal depression is the most frequent psychiatric disorder seen after childbirth, with a prevalence rate of 10% to 15%. The women at risk need to be identified by a valid and reliable method, either using a screening instrument or an interview schedule. The preventive strategies need to have enough power to detect a clinically worthwhile effect to be considered useful in clinical practice. Many of the risk factors for developing postnatal depression are present during the pregnancy and immediate post-partum period. The risk factors for postnatal depression include depression or anxiety during pregnancy, experiencing stressful life events during pregnancy or the early puerperium, maternity blues, low levels of social support, past history of depression and poor marital adjustment. The antenatal and postnatal period provides an ideal opportunity to screen women for these risk factors. The women identified to be at risk can be identified, and preventive interventions can be implemented. Routine clinical practice can be improved to identify some of the women at risk by better communication between health professionals. There are no antenatal screening tools that have been shown to be of benefit in predicting postnatal depression. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is widely used in the postnatal period to screen for depression. The psychosocial interventions to prevent postnatal depression have not been shown to be beneficial and there is a dearth of psychopharmacological trials to make firm conclusions about their efficacy in preventing postnatal depression. Individualised psychosocial interventions aimed at the at-risk populations and initiated in the postnatal period appear to have some benefit in preventing postnatal depression. The focus of this article will be the risk factors associated with postnatal depression, screening methods and tools to identify those at risk of developing the disorder and the psychosocial, psychological and psychopharmacological interventions to prevent postnatal depression.
Bowel cancer: the outcome is improving
Authors: Burden Claire , Rose David , Daniels Ian R 
Published: February 2006

The management of rectal cancer has been revolutionised over the last 20 years through improvements in staging, surgery and the use of radiotherapy and combination chemoradiotherapy. The traditional approach involved surgery followed by pathological assessment of the specimen reporting the completeness of excision. Incomplete excision in many cases led to local recurrence of the cancer within the pelvis with the disabling symptoms of pelvic pain, bowel fistulation and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Indeed, many patients died with local recurrence alone and salvage therapy in these patients was rarely successful. However, the recognition of the advantage of pre-operative therapy for patients in whom surgery would not provide local cure has been a major advance. The ability to downstage/downsize the tumour before curative surgery has improved outcome. However, these pre-operative therapies are toxic and not without their own complications, therefore the select use, targeted at the appropriate patient, represents the ëgold-standardí. The development of magnetic resonance imaging staging that accurately predicts operability has completed this triad approach which is focused through the weekly multidisciplinary team meeting. National acceptance of these techniques and standards can only improve the outcome for patients with this disease.
HIV infection and circumcision: cutting through the hyperbole
Authors: Van Howe Robert S , Svoboda J Steven , Hodges Frederick M 
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to determine whether the justifications given for promoting mass circumcision as a preventive measure for HIV infection are reasonable and whether mass circumcision is a feasible preventive measure for HIV infection in developing countries. The medical literature concerning the practice of circumcision in the absence of medical indication was reviewed regarding its impact on HIV infection and related issues. The literature was analysed with careful attention to historical perspective. Our results show that the medical literature supporting mass circumcision for the prevention of HIV infection is inconsistent and based on observation studies. Even if the two ongoing randomised controlled trials in Africa show a protective benefit of circumcision, factors such as the unknown complication rate of the procedure, the permanent injury to the penis, human rights violations and the potential for veiled colonialism need to be taken into account. Based on the best estimates, mass circumcision would not be as cost-effective as other interventions that have been demonstrated to be effective. Even if effective, mass circumcision as a preventive measure for HIV in developed countries is difficult to justify.
Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and sources of information amongst men
Authors: Mason Linda 
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate menís awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual health services, together with the best ways of providing information about them. Information was collated via a self-administered questionnaire, which was answered by 429 men, giving a response rate of 31%. Men aged 16+ living in two primary care trusts (PCTs) in the north-west of England were accessed through a range of different sources, including social, educational, health, work and religious facilities. Despite the high rates of STIs in the north-west, approximately one in five men had not heard of herpes, syphilis or chlamydia. One in ten had not heard of gonorrhoea. The majority of men were unaware that many STIs could be asymptomatic. Only 13% knew where their local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic was. The main deterrents to accessing the clinic were embarrassment and not knowing where it was. Menís knowledge of STIs is limited, particularly in relation to the symptoms. The best way of providing information, according to the respondents, was through their general practitioner (GP). However, in practice this might be difficult, as men are reluctant users of GP services in general. Knowledge of the whereabouts of the local GUM clinics is also limited. Although most men thought that they would visit their GP if they thought they might have an STI, this may result from them not knowing the alternatives, rather than having a real choice. More information, targeted wisely, is thus necessary in order to educate men about STIs and service provision.
Journalists and gender-based violence in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Fawole Olufunmilayo I , Asekun-Olarimoye Esther O 
Published: February 2006

Violence against women (VAW) continues to occur in many countries of the world despite various measures taken to stop it. The media can shape the attitudes and perceptions of people and can be an advocate for social change. Thus an assessment of the knowledge, attitude and coverage of prevention of VAW by 230 media practitioners in Nigeria was conducted using semi-structured self-administered questionnaires.Results of the survey revealed that 86 of the 230 (37%) stated that both sexes have equal privileges and rights, while 78 (34%) felt that violence could help to keep women ëin checkí or in control. Mean knowledge score out of 10 was 7.5+2.1, while attitude scores out of 11 were 6.4+1.2.Two main groups of journalist were identified: prejudiced, (105, 46%), and non-prejudiced (125, 54%). The non-prejudiced group consisted mostly of females (p<0.05), over the age of 36 (p<0.05), and held senior positions within their profession (p>0.05). Female media practitioners had significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores than their male counterparts (7.47+2.0 versus 6.39+2.3) and (6.27+2.0 versus 5.11+6.1). Ninety respondents (39%) had worked on prevention of VAW in the last two years. Most of these (60, 67%) had worked on one-off programmes. Regular programmes usually consisted of 30-minutes or one-hour weekly programmes on radio and television as well as articles in the newspapers. Enlightening the public (41%) and ëportraying women in a successful lightí (12%) were some of the activities the practitioners were ready to embark upon.Media practitioners need first of all comprehensive training on VAW, which should be followed by increased coverage of prevention of VAW in the media. Finally, more interactive media engagement with the public should be employed. Media organisations for women may be useful in initiating some of these changes.
Long-term influence of working abroad on returneesí mental health
Authors: Tsutsumi Atsuro , Izutsu Takashi , Sakami Shotaro , Miyazaki Takao , Wakai Susumu 
Published: February 2006

Although international business travel is increasing, there is a lack of research on its repercussions for mental health. This study analysed the long-term influence of international business travel on the mental health status by comparing depression, anxiety and job stress between workers with and without international assignment experience. The subjects were divided into an ëexperienced groupí composed of 70 male workers who had experienced an overseas assignment of at least six months, and a ënon-experienced groupí consisting of 2,163 male workers who had not. To assess the mental health status, Zungís Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Sheehanís Patient Rated Anxiety Scale (Sheehan) were employed. The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) was used to examine job stress. In addition, information about the characteristics of the overseas assignments was collected. The experienced group had significantly higher scores for job control, supervisor support and coworker support in the JCQ, while no differences were observed for the SDS and Sheehan. Whether or not the subjects travelled abroad with their families, whether or not they went against their will, and whether or not they enjoyed their stay had no effects on their mental health. Job demand had a significantly positive correlation with the duration of the assignment.