bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hedge fund marketing overview
Authors: Johnson Ethan W. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo provide a brief overview of US securities laws that apply to the marketing of hedge funds.Design/methodology/approachSummarizes US securities offering rules, including Regulation S and Regulation D at the federal level, state securities laws, antifraud standards, and broker‐dealer regulation.FindingsAll securities offered and sold in the USA must be registered with the SEC unless an exemption is available under the Securities Act. Offerings offshore under Regulation S and private placements in the USA under Regulation D offer two such exemptions. Most states have private placement exemptions similar to Regulation D. While certain state‐level regulation over the registration of securities has been preempted by federal law, a level of state regulation continues to exist. All US offers and sales of securities are subject to general antifraud standards under both US federal and state laws. Funds and their employees, investment managers and their employees, and any placement agents may not contact any US investor in the USA or any non‐US investor from the USA without registering as broker‐dealers.Originality/valueProvides a concise overview of laws and regulations that apply to the marketing of hedge funds.
Melan‐A/Mart‐1 expression in various melanocytic lesions and in non‐melanocytic soft tissue tumours
Authors: Orosz Z 
Published: October 2006

AimsThe purpose of this study was to test different malignant non‐melanocytic tumours with the commercially available antibody Melan‐A to examine its diagnostic specificity and to compare the S100, Melan‐A and HMB‐45 reactivity in various melanocytic lesions.Methods and resultsSeventy‐three benign and malignant melanocytic lesions and 31 cases of non‐melanocytic tumours, sarcomas, carcinomas and carcinoids, were selected. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin sections, following a high temperature antigen unmasking technique, was performed. Melan‐A stains junctional and dermal melanocytes in all benign melanocytic lesions with the exception of neuro‐naevoid areas. The epithelioid and the spindle cells in malignant melanomas did not show considerable difference in their Melan‐A reactivity. The predominantly spindle cell type mucosal melanomas contained more Melan‐A‐positive cells than HMB‐45‐positive cells and similar results were observed in metastatic malignant melanomas. In desmoplastic melanomas the positivity of Melan‐A was not consistent. None of the sarcomas, carcinomas and carcinoids expressed Melan‐A. Almost all soft tissue tumours, except for two malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumours, were unreactive for HMB‐45. These two cases did not react with Melan‐A antibody.ConclusionsMelan‐A is a useful additional marker to differentiate non‐melanocytic tumours from primary or metastatic melanoma. In melanocytic lesions the Melan‐A staining pattern is similar to S100, but seems to be more specific. In desmoplastic melanomas, however, the variable Melan‐A staining further necessitated detailed histological examination and the use of the S100 reaction.
The role of IL‐4, IL‐13 and IL‐4Rα in the development of protective and pathological responses to Trichinella spiralis
Authors: SCALES H. E. , IERNA M. X. , LAWRENCE C. E. 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY T helper type 2 (Th2) responses have been shown to be important in protective responses to gastrointestinal (GI) helminth infections and in the development of the intestinal pathology accompanying expulsion of the parasite. Different inbred mouse strains have been shown to develop different cytokine profiles following infection with GI helminths with increased resistance observed in those strains where Th2 cytokines predominate. The aim of this study was to determine the role of IL‐4, IL‐13 and IL‐4Rα and the impact of host background on the development of the protective and pathological responses induced by infection with the gastrointestinal helminth Trichinella spiralis. IL‐4, IL‐13 and IL‐4Rα were required for the generation of Th2 responses to T. spiralis; however, the role these responses play in the development of protection and enteropathy was less clear. IL‐4Rα‐deficiency mice resulted in substantially reduced parasite expulsion, intestinal pathology and Th2 responses. Similarly, lack of IL‐13 resulted in inhibited expulsion and the development of enteropathy. Although Th2 responses were reduced in BALB/c IL‐4–/– mice, neither expulsion nor enteropathy were different from wild‐type mice. In contrast, C57BL/6 IL‐4–/– exhibited delayed expulsion and reduced pathology, suggesting that host genetics are important in the function of individual cytokines. Thus, differences in background genotype may be an important component in the development host protection and the development of intestinal pathology accompanying the loss of GI helminths.
Immunomodulation of the hepatic egg granuloma in Schistosoma japonicum‐infected pigs
Authors: HURST M. H. , LOLA S. G. , LINDBERG R. 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY Immunomodulation of perioval granulomas is a well‐known phenomenon in schistosome‐infected mice, but only little is known about granuloma modulation in other animal models of human schistosomiasis. In the present study, we explored immunomodulation of egg granulomas in the liver in a pig model of schistosomiasis japonica. Granuloma size was measured and T cells, B cells and IgG+ plasma cells in granulomas were quantified in pigs at 9, 12 and 21 weeks post infection (wpi) with Schistosoma japonicum. Granulomas were largest at 9 wpi, had decreased significantly in size at 12 wpi and remained small at 21 wpi (9 vs. 12 and 21 wpi: P < 0·05). The size of granulomas containing mature and immature eggs, respectively, did not differ significantly. The density of T (CD3ɛ+) cells and IgG+ plasma cells in granulomas was the same, irrespective of granuloma size and time points. B (CD79α+) cells were rare in granulomas. The results indicate that in pigs, S. japonicum egg granulomas in the liver are immunomodulated at an early stage of infection, and that not only mature but also immature eggs induce a marked granulomatous reaction in this species.
The evolution of trade‐offs: where are we?
Authors: ROFF D. A. , FAIRBAIRN D. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTrade‐offs are a core component of many evolutionary models, particularly those dealing with the evolution of life histories. In the present paper, we identify four topics of key importance for studies of the evolutionary biology of trade‐offs. First, we consider the underlying concept of ‘constraint’. We conclude that this term is typically used too vaguely and suggest that ‘constraint’ in the sense of a bias should be clearly distinguished from ‘constraint’ in the sense of proscribed combinations of traits or evolutionary trajectories. Secondly, we address the utility of the acquisition–allocation model (the ‘Y‐model’). We find that, whereas this model and its derivatives have provided new insights, a misunderstanding of the pivotal equation has led to incorrect predictions and faulty tests. Thirdly, we ask how trade‐offs are expected to evolve under directional selection. A quantitative genetic model predicts that, under weak or short‐term selection, the intercept will change but the slope will remain constant. Two empirical tests support this prediction but these are based on comparisons of geographic populations: more direct tests will come from artificial selection experiments. Finally, we discuss what maintains variation in trade‐offs noting that at present little attention has been given to this question. We distinguish between phenotypic and genetic variation and suggest that the latter is most in need of explanation. We suggest that four factors deserving investigation are mutation‐selection balance, antagonistic pleiotropy, correlational selection and spatio‐temporal variation, but as in the other areas of research on trade‐offs, empirical generalizations are impeded by lack of data. Although this lack is discouraging, we suggest that it provides a rich ground for further study and the integration of many disciplines, including the emerging field of genomics.
Partnerships in specialty care: Exploring rural haemophilia provider resource needs
Authors: Pritchard Andrea M. , Reimer Marlene , Simonson Kari , Oberle Kathleen 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjective:  The purpose of this study was to determine whether rural providers have adequate preparation for safe and effective haemophilia care. Design:  This qualitative study proceeded in two phases: focus group (phase I) and telephone (phase II) interviews. Setting:  Five Canadian rural hospitals served by one urban haemophilia treatment centre and providing service to at least one haemophilia family. Participants:  Phase I: focus groups of rural health professionals (site 1: n = 5; site 2: n = 6), including nursing, medicine and lab technology. Phase II: telephone interviews with nine participants from nursing, medicine, lab technology, social work and physiotherapy across three sites.Main outcome measures:  Qualitative content analysis yielded categorical themes for specialty care resource requirements in a rural context. Results:  Resource needs reflected five main categories: communication network, subjective knowledge, team roles, objective knowledge and partnerships (C‐STOP).Conclusions:  The five C‐STOP categories require resources and alignment of urban specialist, rural provider and family expertise. Specialty clinic efforts promoting self‐care are incomplete without matched resources for rural providers. Key Terms: • Haemophilia (A and B) refers to a deficiency in factor VIII or IX, with associated bleeding of post‐traumatic or spontaneous origin as potentially life or limb threatening1 • Rural refers to those communities beyond a 30‐min commuting distance2 to the tertiary‐based haemophilia treatment centre.
Motorcycle deployment and rider characteristics on Victorian farms
Authors: Day Lesley , Stathakis Voula , O’Hare Mary 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjective:  To describe the motorcycle fleet and rider characteristics on Victorian farms. Design:  Cross‐sectional postal survey. Setting:  Victorian agricultural industries. Participants:  A total of 1382 randomly selected farmers in 2001. Main outcome measures:  Farm motorcycle characteristics, use and maintenance schedule; motorcycle rider characteristics, respondent demographics and property characteristics. Results:  A total of 70% of farms had motorcycles, with an average of 1.7 per property. A total of 49% were four‐wheel, and 44% were two‐wheel. The average engine size and age were 255 cc and 8.8 years, respectively. The milk cattle sector owned the largest share of the motorcycle fleet and cereal/grain farms the smallest share. Four‐wheel motorcycles were often used across the entire spectrum of agricultural tasks. Two‐wheel motorcycle use was concentrated more on mustering and transport. A total of 61% of farms performed motorcycle maintenance every 1–6 months. Fifteen per cent of riders were under 15 years of age, and the majority (71%) rode four‐wheel motorcycles. A total of 29% of all riders had received some form of motorcycle training. Conclusions:  This study provides useful information on state‐level patterns of farm motorcycle use, as well as the key safety behaviours of rider training and motorcycle maintenance. This information might serve as baseline data for future monitoring and surveillance, and might assist with planning of prevention programs.
Small‐area estimates of general practice workforce shortage in rural and remote Western Australia
Authors: Scott Jessica , Larson Ann , Jefferies Felicity , Veenendaal Bert 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjective:  To trial a measure of rural and remote GP access for small areas. Design:  A cross‐sectional study using geographical information systems software to calculate GP to population rates with a floating catchment of 100 km radius around census collection districts (CCDs). Setting:  Non‐metropolitan Western Australia. Participants:  The locations and full‐time equivalents of GPs and other primary‐care doctors were identified through a GP workforce survey. Main outcome measures:  GP to population ratios for each CCD were classified as being above or below a benchmark of adequate GP access. CCDs with no GP sessions reported within 100 km were identified separately. These categories were investigated by divisions of general practice and by indigenous status, age and employment characteristics of the population. Results:  Small‐area estimates detected greater variation in access than depicted by conventional methods. Sixty‐four per cent of the non‐metropolitan population live in CCDs with adequate GP access. Forty‐five per cent of indigenous people and 52% of people working in rural industries live in CCDs with access below the benchmark. Conclusions:  The floating catchment method is a powerful tool to identify small areas of inadequate service. It can be applied to measure access to other professionals, medical equipment or facilities.
Clinical evaluation using Custom Control Software technology in coaxial phacoemulsification
Authors: Yao Ke , Ye Panpan , Tang Xiajing , Chen Peiqing , Shen‐Tu Xingchao 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the Custom Control Software technology in coaxial phacoemulsification.Methods:  This prospective, randomized, double‐masked clinical trial was conducted at the Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University. The patients were grouped according to nuclear sclerosis and randomly assigned to undergo conventional phacoemulsification or phacoemulsification using Millennium Custom Control Software (CCS). All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. The phaco time and average power of phacoemulsification were recorded and then calculated as absolute phaco time (APT). Visual acuity, pachymetry, endothelial cell density and anterior chamber flare count of both groups were noted at preoperatively day 1 and 3 months after surgery.Results:  The APT of the CCS group was statistically lower than Conventional group in grades II, III and IV (P < 0.05) nuclear sclerosis, but the two groups had no statistically significant differences in the grade I group. At day 1 post surgery, there were significant differences in the thickened pachymetry (P = 0.047) and anterior chamber flare counts (P = 0.008) between two groups. At 3 months post surgery, the endothelial cell loss ratio showed statistical difference (P = 0.032) between two groups.Conclusions:  Using CCS technology in coaxial phacoemulsification can provide lower APT and better power efficiency. This new power modulation may make the surgery safer and more effective than Conventional phacoemulsification.
Bilateral angle closure glaucoma induced by sulphonamide‐derived medications
Authors: Lee Grace C , Tam Christina P , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V , Myers Jonathan S , Katz L Jay 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground:  Sulphonamide‐derived medications are widely used, although not always recognized as such. We report the occurrence of bilateral angle closure glaucoma with sulphonamide‐derived medications and highlight features of the presentation and treatment to assist in early diagnosis and management.Methods:  The clinical records of three cases with bilateral angle closure glaucoma induced by three sulphonamide‐derived medications, sulfasalazine, oral acetazolamide, and hydrochlorothiazide, were reviewed.Results:  All three cases identified presented with bilateral angle closure glaucoma and persistent elevated intraocular pressure despite patent iridotomy. Patients may be pseudophakic (2) or phakic (1).Cessation of the suspected medication is necessary to reverse the mechanism.Conclusions:  The proposed mechanism of angle closure glaucoma induced by sulphonamide medication involves an idiosyncratic reaction in the uveal tissues to these systemic drugs that is associated with expansion of the extracellular tissue of the ciliary body and choroid. Management identification of sulphonamide‐derived medications and immediate cessation of suspected sulphonamide‐derived medication, refraction and ultrasound B scan or ultrasound biomicroscopy may aid in the proper diagnosis and can also be helpful for confirmation.
Optical coherence tomography analysis of bilateral end‐stage choroidal neovascularization where one eye is treated with photodynamic therapy
Authors: Sahni Jayashree , Stanga Paulo , Wong David , Lenfestey Pauline , Kent David , Harding Simon 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground:  To compare retinal thickness and subretinal hyper‐reflectivity using Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT3) between the eyes of patients with bilateral end‐stage exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), where one eye has been treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT).Methods:  Patients with PDT‐treated stable choroidal neovascularization (CNV), defined as a fibrotic lesion not requiring treatment for 6 months, in one eye and an untreated end‐stage CNV (disciform) scar in their fellow eye, underwent refraction protocol logMAR visual acuity (VA) in letters, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography and OCT3 scan. Subretinal scar thickness was measured as Outer High Reflectivity Band Thickness (OHRBT) and retinal thickness as neuroretinal foveal thickness (NFT) on OCT3.Results:  Thirty‐two eyes of 16 patients were studied. Mean OHRBT was 255.62 µm in treated eyes and 350.8 µm in untreated eyes (P = 0.001). Mean NFT was 130.3 µm in the treated eye and 79.9 µm in the untreated eye (P = 0.017). Mean VA was 42 letters in treated eyes and 15 letters in untreated eyes (P < 0.005).Conclusion:  Based on OCT3 findings, eyes with AMD treated with PDT have a thinner fibrous scar and better preserved retinal thickness when compared with untreated fellow eyes with end‐stage fibrotic scarring.
A Country Split in Two? Contemporary Italy and Its Usable and Unusable Pasts
Authors: Bosworth R. J. B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this article, Richard Bosworth examines the state of the recent Italian past in the light of the April 2006 elections, so narrowly contested between coalitions of Left and Right. In doing so, he utilises Tony Judt's recent commentary about the place of history in general, and the history of the Second World War in particular, arguing that Italy may helpfully be compared in its historiographical tensions with the ex‐communist countries of Eastern Europe. Bosworth concludes optimistically that, if the perverse figure of Silvio Berlusconi can finally be extracted from the Italian body politic, now may be the moment for a more subtle and comprehensive understanding of Italy's ‘long Second World War’ and so of the meaning of its Fascist dictatorship.
Increased expression of Ob‐Rb and its relationship with the overexpression of TGF‐β1 and the stage of fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Cayón A. , Crespo Javier , Mayorga M. , Guerra A. , Pons‐Romero F. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Aims: The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship of the leptin system in steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study also analysed the pathogenic role of the leptin system in the development of hepatic fibrosis and its relation with the TGF‐β1 system.Materials and methods: The study included 90 subjects, 55 with NASH and 35 with simple steatosis. Gene expression of leptin, leptin receptor and TGF‐β mRNA was analysed by real‐time PCR on liver tissue. Leptin serum levels were determined by RIA. Leptin receptor expression was also assessed by immunohistochemistry.Results: Increased expression was found for leptin receptor mRNA (P=0.0016) and its protein (P<0.05) in patients with NASH, especially those with fibrosis. There was a marked increase in gene expression of TGF‐β1 in patients with NASH (P=0.0002). A strong correlation was demonstrated between leptin receptor gene expression and TGF‐β1 gene expression (P=0.023). No leptin expression was found in the liver tissue. All patients showed a marked hyperleptinemia, which was closely related to the anthropometric characteristics analysed and independent of development or not of NASH.Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate for the first time increased leptin receptor expression in liver tissue and its relationship with overexpression of TGF‐β1 and the degree of hepatic fibrosis.
Anti‐Golgi complex antibodies during pegylated‐interferon therapy for hepatitis C
Authors: Paraná Raymundo , Schinoni Maria Isabel , De Freitas Luiz A. R. , Codes Liana , Cruz Marla , Andrade Zilton , Trepo Christian 
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Background/Aim:Pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN) plus ribavirin is the standard therapy for hepatitis C. Peg‐IFN has several antiviral mechanisms, but its role in hepatitis C treatment seems to be related to its immunomodulatory effect. Ribavirin, an antiviral agent, potentiates IFN activity when added to it. Both drugs are associated with adverse reactions of different magnitudes. Autoimmune phenomena have been reported with this treatment. In this paper, we describe cases of ALT/GGT flares during Peg‐IFN plus ribavirin treatment, which related to the appearance of anti‐Golgi antibody and disease progress.Methods:We investigated three patients with hepatitis C and severe ALT/GGT flares during Peg‐IFN and ribavirin treatment coinciding with anti‐Golgi complex antibody as the only marker of autoimmunity. We then reviewed the medical files and tested anti‐Golgi antibody in stored sera from 25 patients treated with conventional IFN and in 14 patients treated with Peg‐IFN.Results:The three patients were male, over 45 years of age; all were relapsers and non‐responders. Anti‐Golgi antibody was positive during treatment coinciding with ALT/GGT flares but with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA negativity, disappearing after stopping treatment, with normalization of ALT/AST levels. One patient had progression of fibrosis from F2 to F3 despite negativity of HCV‐RNA. In the last group, only two patients treated with Peg‐IFN experienced ALT/GGT flares but without anti‐Golgi antibodyConclusions:The presence of anti‐Golgi complex antibody could be a marker of a temporary autoimmune phenomenon and progressive disease.
Racial and ethnic variations in the epidemiology of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the United States
Authors: McLean Luciana , Patel Tushar 
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Background/aims: Despite the global increase in the incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, regional variations occur. To assess the potential contribution of racial/ethnic factors, we assessed the epidemiology of these cancers in different racial and ethnic groups in the United States.Methods: Disease prevalence, mortality and survival rates for different racial and ethnic groups were obtained from the surveillance, epidemiology and end results survey database.Results: The age‐adjusted prevalence was highest for Hispanics (1.22 per 100 000) and lowest for Blacks (0.3 per 100 000). Age‐adjusted mortality rates were higher for American Indian/Alaska Natives and Asian/Pacific Islanders compared with other groups. However, mortality rates increased by greater than 3.5% annual for all racial or ethnic groups except for American Indian/Pacific Islanders in whom mortality rates decreased by 0.2% annually. The increase in mortality rates was greatest for Hispanic women aged between 40 and 49 years. Prevalence and survival were significantly higher in Hispanic women in contrast to gender differences observed in other groups.Conclusions: Significant racial and ethnic variations occur in the epidemiology of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma within geographically defined regions in the United States These may reflect genetic, socioeconomic or cultural predispositions to cancer.