bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HEPATITIS C VIRUS ANTIBODY (ANTI‐HCV): PREVALENCE IN PSORIASIS
Authors: CHOUELA EDGARDO , ABELDAÑO ALEJANDRA , PANETTA JOSEFINA , DUCARD MARIANA , NEGEIA VINCENTA , SOOKOIAN SILVIA , KINA MIRTA , CASTAÑO GUSTAVO , VEREYTOU FERNANDO , FRIDER BERNARDO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. In cases of psoriasis (PS), the etiology of the underlying liver disease is occasionally unknown. To investigate antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV), their prevalence and clinical significance, 118 unselected outpatients with PS were studied prospectively. Methods. Anti‐HCV was assayed in serum by second‐generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), considering a serum anti‐HCV (+), when the optical density ratio was equal to or greater than three times the cut‐off value, in duplicate determinations, whereas anti‐HBc, anti‐HBs, HBsAg, anti‐HBe, and HBeAg were also evaluated by ELISA, as were the transaminases. As controls we took the 1.2% anti‐HCV prevalence found in 60,000 blood donors from Buenos Aires city. Results. Nine of 118 serum samples (7.6%) proved to be anti‐HCV (+) (P < 0.001). There were no differences between positive and negative cases as regards gender, age, history of hepatitis, transfusions, or parenteral exposure, disease duration, or psoriasis type, and prior treatment with methotrexate and etretinate. Fifteen percent (17/113) were anti‐HBc (+), 64.7% anti‐HBs (+) (11/17) and 2.5% HBsAg (+) (3/17), whereas 3/17 (2.5%) showed isolated anti‐HBc positivity. Liver biopsies in six anti‐HCV patients disclosed four with chronic active hepatitis, one with cirrhosis, and one with steatosis. Conclusions. In the presence of liver disease in PS patients, an HCV infection should be considered as an alternative diagnosis. The high anti‐HCV prevalence in this series is attributable to infection by inapparent parenteral routes, through minute skin abrasions, as reported for hepatitis B virus in PS.
RECURRENT NONMELANOMA SKIN CANCER IN SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: CZARNECKI D. , STAPLES M. , MAR A. , GILES G. , MEEHAN C. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background and Objective. In retrospective studies of nonmelanoma skin cancers, the recurrence rates were relatively high. This study had as its aim to determine the recurrence rate of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and prospectively, risk factors for recurrence in southern Australia. Study Design. This is a prospective study of outpatients with histologically confirmed NMSC. All patients seen by a dermatologist between November 1988 and November 1989 were entered into the study and followed for at least 3 years. Any recurrent NMSCS were removed and recorded. Results. Four hundred and eighty‐one patients were entered and 420 followed for at least 3 years. A recurrent NMSC developed in 8% (adjusted for losses). A multivariate analysis determined that the main risk factor for recurrence within the first 3 years of follow‐up was the number of NMSC a patient had when entering into the study. Those with 3 to nine NMSC were five times more likely to develop a recurrence than those with less than three NMSC. Those with 10 or more NMSC were 25 times more likely to develop a recurrence. Age, sex, and types of skin cancers removed were not risk factors within the first 3 years of follow‐up. Conclusions. Patients who have had multiple skin cancers require careful follow‐up because of the risk of developing recurrences.
CRYOGLOBULINEMIA AND CUTANEOUS LEUKOCYTOCLASTIC VASCULITIS WITH HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION
Authors: BUEZO GAUDALUPE F. , GARCÍA‐BUEY MARISA , RIOS‐BUCETA LUIS , BORQUE MARÍA JESÚS , ARAGÜES MAXIMILIANO , DAUDÉN ESTEBAN 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is a systemic disorder, characterized by a typical clinical triad: purpura, weakness, and arthralgias, with visceral complications such as liver and renal involvement. The objective was to study the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and essential mixed cryoglobulinemia (EMC). Patients and Methods. Markers of HCV infection in 11 patients with cryoglobulinemia were examined and hepatitis C virus (HCV) was detected in eight of them. These patients were included in a clinical and histologic study. Anti‐HCV antibodies were determined by a second‐generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA‐2) in sera and cryoprecipitates. Studies on HCV‐RNA were performed by a two‐stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the serum. A control group, consisting of 28 patients with other cutaneous disorders, was studied for HCV infection using ELISA‐2 and PCR. Results. All patients had liver dysfunction, arthralgias, and purpura. Three patients had involvement of the peripheral nervous system, two had renal involvement, and one patient had Sjögren's syndrome. Cryocrits ranged from 3% to 20%. Six patients had type III cryoglobulinemia and the remaining two had type II. Markers for hepatitis B virus (HBV) were negative in all serum samples. Anti‐HCV antibodies and HCV‐RNA were positive in the serum of all the cases with MC. Anti‐HCV antibodies were positive in all cases except for one of the cryoprecipitates tested. Four patients received recombinant interferon alfa. In two of them, serum aminotransferases became normal and cryoglobulins disappeared. Conclusions. The results strongly suggest that HCV infection is responsible for the cryoglobulinemia and vasculitis in patients with MC and that treatment with interferon alfa is presently the treatment of choice for such patients.
TRICHOHYALIN EXPRESSION IN SKIN TUMORS: RETRIEVAL OF TRICHOHYALIN ANTIGENICITY IN TISSUES BY MICROWAVE IRRADIATION
Authors: MANABE MOTOMU , YAGUCHI HITOSHI , BUTT KHALID IQBAL , O'GUIN W. MICHAEL , LOOMIS CINTHIA A. , SUNG TUNG‐TIEN , OGAWA HIDEOKI 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The antitrichohyalin antibody AE 15 is effective for identifying the cell lineage that undergoes the pathway of inner root sheath‐type differentiation. Unfortunately, the AE 15 does not react with trichohyalin in tissue that is formalin‐fixed and embedded in paraffin according to routine procedures. Methods. We attempted to retrieve the trichohyalin antigenicity in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded biopsy specimens that included normal skin as well as skin tumors such as trichofolliculoma and pilotricoma. Results. We found that the use of a metal solution in combination with microwave oven heating improves the trichohyalin immunoreactivity substantially. Further, trichohyalin was found to be expressed not only in the secondary hair structure in trichofolliculoma but also in a certain cell lineage that differentiates to squamoid cells in pilomatricoma. Conclusions. Our findings established that surgical specimens processed under routine procedures can be successfully investigated with AE 15 using the microwave irradiation method. Studies of epidermal diseases expressing trichohyalin should provide valuable insights into our understanding the functional significance of trichohyalin during abnormal keratinization.
INTRADERMAL NODULAR FASCIITIS PRESENTING AS AN EYELID MASS
Authors: MEFFERT JEFFREY J. , KENNARD CHARLES D. , DAVIS THOMAS L. , QUINN BRIAN D. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Nodular fasciitis is a fibroblastic proliferation in which nodules, most commonly appearing on the extremities, develop suddenly and rapidly. Although excisional biopsy is curative, the nodules will often resolve spontaneously; however, the histologic appearance of a pleomorphic spindle cell neoplasm with frequent mitotic figures may raise concern of a more malignant neoplasm and lead to unnecessary and overly aggressive therapy. Methods. A case of nodular fasciitis presenting in an unusual location, intradermally at the lateral canthus, is discussed. Results. Review of the recent literature from other disciplines reveals new insights into the etiology and diagnostic options (fine needle aspiration, tomography, other imaging techniques) for this puzzling disease. Conclusions. When nodular fasciitis occurs in an unusual location, such as on the head and neck or at an intradermal location, it will not present as the deep, mobile, nontender nodule described in the dermatologic literature. Fine‐needle aspiration and modern imaging techniques may help in the diagnosis and prevent unnecessary surgery for a self‐limited condition.
HUMAN DIROFILARIASIS
Authors: JELINEK TOMAS , SCHULTE‐HILLEN JAN , LOSCHER THOMAS 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Subcutaneous and pulmonary dirofilariasis in humans appears to be a frequent disease in endemic areas, notably the Mediterranean region. Following increased air travel in recent years, the incidence of human dirofilariasis has increased in tourists as well. Methods. The clinical and parasitologic aspects in a series of six patients with cutaneous and pulmonary dirofilariasis, seen in a German unit for infectious and tropical diseases, are reviewed. Results. Four patients presented with subcutaneous tumors due to infection with Dirofilaria repens, whereas two patients had pulmonary infiltrates due to the canine heartworm, D. immitis. All infections were acquired in the Mediterranean region. Symptoms were only slight and nonspecific. Eosinophilia in the blood was absent in all patients. The serum IgE levels were normal and signs of a specific humoral response to antigens of Dirofilaria spp. were absent, although slightly elevated antibody levels to antigens of Onchocerca volvulus could be demonstrated in all patients. The diagnosis was established in all patients by the surgical removal of adult worms from the lesions. Oral treatment with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) (2 mg per kg t.i.d.) over a period of 4 weeks was added to the surgical treatment in all patients. In one patient this therapy was preceded by oral ivermectine (150 mg per kg). Conclusions. Dirofilariasis has to be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with subcutaneous or pulmonary tumors after travels to endemic areas within the last few years. Effective therapy is possible by surgical removal of the adult worms and oral ivermectine plus diethylcarbamazine.
Setting the absolute tempo of biodiversity dynamics
Authors: Allen Andrew P. , Savage Van M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNeutral biodiversity theory has the potential to contribute to our understanding of how macroevolutionary dynamics influence contemporary biodiversity, but there are issues regarding its dynamical predictions that must first be resolved. Here we address these issues by extending the theory in two ways using a novel analytical approach: (1) we set the absolute tempo of biodiversity dynamics by explicitly incorporating population‐level stochasticity in abundance; (2) we allow new species to arise with more than one individual. Setting the absolute tempo yields quantitative predictions on biodiversity dynamics that can be tested using contemporary and fossil data. Allowing incipient‐species abundances greater than one individual yields predictions on how these dynamics, and the form of the species‐abundance distribution, are affected by multiple speciation modes. We apply this new model to contemporary and fossil data that encompass 30 Myr of macroevolution for planktonic foraminifera. By synthesizing the model with these empirical data, we present evidence that dynamical issues with neutral biodiversity theory may be resolved by incorporating the effects of environmental stochasticity and incipient‐species abundance on biodiversity dynamics.
Assessing the attitudes to prostate cancer treatment among European male patients
Authors: Schulman Claude 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES  To understand the attitudes of patients with prostate cancer toward the disease in general and to the use of hormone therapy as treatment; to assess unmet needs in the management of prostate cancer; and to gauge patient receptivity to a potential 6‐month formulation of a luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist.PATIENTS AND METHODS  Face‐to‐face interviews, lasting 50 min on average, were conducted during January and February 2007 with 200 European men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.RESULTS  Most patients were very satisfied with their physician, particularly with specialists, with 94% of men being satisfied with their expertise and 67% fully trusting the recommended treatment. Therapeutic efficacy was considered the most crucial aspect of treatment, although maintaining their lifestyle during treatment was also considered important (83% of patients). In all, 67% of patients believed that consideration should be given to lifestyle needs when selecting treatment; however, over half (55%) had never raised lifestyle issues with their physicians. Most patients would prefer fewer injections, with 68% (135/200) preferring 6‐monthly injections over 3‐ or 1‐monthly depots. Perceived advantages of 6‐monthly injections include less discomfort/pain, more quality of life, fewer reminders of the disease and more ability to undertake activities without restriction.CONCLUSIONS  Patients with prostate cancer are generally very satisfied with their physicians and the information they receive, yet find it difficult to communicate their lifestyle needs. Most patients would prefer 6‐monthly LHRH agonist therapy due to the many advantages associated with fewer injections, including its efficacy in reducing testosterone levels. Improving patients’ willingness to raise lifestyle issues with their physicians, providing more effective patient‐physician communication and less frequent injections might assist in achieving both optimal control of testosterone and optimal management of prostate cancer.
Is Exchange Rate Pass‐Through in Pork Meat Export Prices Constrained by the Supply of Live Hogs?
Authors: Gervais Jean-Philippe , Khraief Naceur 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe impact of lags in the production and marketing of agricultural products on the degree of exchange rate pass‐through in export prices is investigated. The predictions of the theoretical model are tested by investigating Canadian pork export prices in the United States and Japan. The empirical methodology accounts for unit root and cointegration using the dynamic seemingly unrelated regression framework and a minimum distance estimator. Predetermined hog supplies have a statistically significant impact on export prices of two out of three Canadian provinces. The degree of misspecification involved with standard pass‐through models that do not account for production lags is also illustrated.
Is Risk Aversion Really Correlated with Wealth? How Estimated Probabilities Introduce Spurious Correlation
Authors: Lybbert Travis J. , Just David R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEconomists frequently focus on correlations between wealth and risk preferences but rarely observe the probabilities needed to test this relationship empirically. These unobserved probabilities are typically estimated via profit or production functions conditioned on wealth correlates, which may leave statistical fingerprints on subsequently‐estimated risk aversion coefficients and confound correlations between wealth and risk preferences. Using data from an experiment with observable probabilities, we compare risk aversion coefficients based on true probabilities with those based on probabilities estimated using standard approaches and show how estimated probabilities can change risk aversion coefficients substantially and introduce spurious correlation between risk aversion and wealth.
Asymmetric Demand Information and Foreign Direct Investment*
Authors: Moner‐Colonques Rafael , Orts Vicente , Sempere‐Monerris José J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe examine the FDI versus exports decision of firms competing in an oligopolistic (quantity‐setting) market under demand uncertainty and asymmetric information. Compared to a firm that chooses to export, a firm that chooses to set up a plant in the host market has superior information about local market demand. In addition to the well‐known tension between the fixed set‐up costs of investment, the additional variable costs of exports and oligopoly sizes, the incentive to invest abroad is explained by the strategic learning effect. FDI may be observed even if trade costs are zero. The analysis is robust to price competition and to the possibility that a foreign firm can engage in both FDI and exports.
Problem‐solving instruction in adult literacy classes
Authors: LYSYNCHUK LINDA , GEDDIS SUSAN , LAINE COLIN 
Published: May 2007

This article from Canada describes several strategies for teaching adults how to solve problems. These strategies were experimentally evaluated in a 16‐week intervention study. Using a test based on some original work by Guilford, the strengths of participants were identified. Following this, a four‐step problem‐solving approach was evolved, defining the problem, generating hypotheses, evaluating hypotheses and carrying out the task.Students showed gains in the ability to generate alternative solutions and to be systematic. On this basis the authors argue for the inclusion of problem‐solving training for adults in basic literacy classes. However, it is impossible to isolate any particular strategy that is more effective than another but some strategies appear more successful in certain circumstances.
‘Kurator’ or ‘curator’? A look at Danish special needs provision for adults: Policy issues
Authors: LOVELL‐BADGE DAVID P. 
Published: May 2007

The term ‘kurator’ will be a new one to most of our readers. This denotes a new sort of professional in the field of special needs that is emerging in Denmark. The role is formed by combining careers guidance, social work and teaching. The rationale, presumably, is that the needs of young adults can only be met in an holistic way.David Lovell‐Badge describes this and reaches a number of interesting conclusions for provision in this country. He calls upon decision makers to take on board four principles. These clearly run counter to present attitudes and delivery. However, now we form part of a more cohesive Europe it may take less time than one thinks before ideas from other countries permeate our own thinking and policies.
Local authorities, special needs, and the status quo
Authors: THOMAS GARY 
Published: May 2007

Gary Thomas is concerned about local educational authority (LEA) involvement in the development of special education. He argues that the LEA position evolved largely due to historical circumstances and serves only to reinforce distinctions among children. He advances four points to support the thesis that special provision should be removed forever from local authority control. While acknowledging that it might have residual responsibility for a general oversight of provision, the LEA should withdraw from direct involvement in this field. Thomas draws analogies with other organisations who have benefited from such a dispersal of responsibility and function.These arguments will generate some heat. The benevolent interest of the LEA has been with us for so long it is difficult to envisage a world without it. However, we have been moving in this direction for some time and Thomas brings a clarity of thinking to the discussion. There is, of course, the ‘domino effect’. For example, if this is sustainable what becomes of our support services? Can we really trust all schools to make the right decisions? Readers will, no doubt be forming their own opinions.
“SHAPE” IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARTIFACTS: TWO CASE STUDIES USING A NEW ANALYTICAL METHOD
Authors: TYLDESLEY J. A. , JOHNSON J. S. , SNAPE S. R. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryDifferences in artifact shape are often very apparent to the observer, but can prove very difficult to express in a precise scientific manner. This paper discusses some of the problems encountered by the archaeologist who wishes to describe the appearance of an object, and in particular its shape. It goes on to give a detailed description of the “centroid and cyclical curve” method of shape analysis; a method which, it has been suggested, could possibly be of use to the archaeologist. Two case studies designed to test the usefulness of the method are described, and the results obtained from each are given. Certain conclusions about the effectiveness of the method when applied to artifacts are then reached.
PALAEOLITHIC LITHOPHONES: DESCRIPTIONS AND COMPARISONS
Authors: DAMS LYA 
Published: May 2007

SummaryFollowing the findings of the lithophone at the “Organ” sanctuary in the cave of Nerja (Dams 1984a), This paper describes and discusses other similar natural configurations. Like the “Organ”, some of the lithophones mentioned below are also decorated. The function of these natural percussion sets may be linked with other Palaeolithic instruments like the flutes, of which 30 have been found to date. There is no resemblance in the subject matter of the ornamented lithophones, and the signs and symbols selected for their decoration are dissimilar; it may be assumed that this subject matter was not directly connected with the sound effect itself, but rather with the different surroundings of each cave and with a different story to be related to the spectators or participants in a rite or ceremony.
HAM HILL STONE: A MEDIEVAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERN FROM SOMERSET
Authors: GERRARD CHRISTOPHER M. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThis paper explores the potential of simple quantitative techniques for elucidating a medieval distribution pattern. The distribution is that of a distinctive building‐stone found in parish churches in Somerset and throughout the south‐west. Dating is achieved by recognition of different architectural styles and the stone's occurrence is plotted within 25 km of the source quarry at Ham Hill near Yeovil. The study has dual implications in that simple statistical techniques enable new conclusions to be made concerning the mechanisms of the stone's distribution, but some of these conclusions can also be checked against the documentary evidence. Therefore both distribution and techniques come under scrutiny. In this way a complementary archaeological and historical approach united by quantitative techniques and documents is applied to a medieval distribution problem but has implications for the prehistorian also.
LOCATION, FUNCTION AND STATUS: A ROMANO‐BRITISH ‘RELIGIOUS COMPLEX’ AT THE NOAH'S ARK INN, FRILFORD (OXFORDSHIRE)
Authors: HINGLEY R. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryAn archaeological survey of the Noah's Ark Inn was undertaken with the intention of providing insight into the location, function and status of the known Romano‐British temple site. The survey resulted in the discovery of an amphitheatre and associated buildings in close proximity to the temple. It is now clear that the Noah's Ark Inn site is an example of an extensive ‘religious complex’ of a type well known in Gaul, but not very well represented in Britian. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence for the Noah's Ark Inn religious complex and to consider the site in relation to other Gallo‐Roman and Romano‐British religious complexes.
THE DATING OF RELIEF‐PATTERNED FLUE‐TILES
Authors: BLACK E.W. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe use of relief‐patterned flue‐tiles in Roman Britain falls into three main periods: c. 75–90, c. 120–25, and c. 155–75. The assignment of particular dies to each of these periods is examined. The nature of the industry and the specialised functions of particular types of tiles are discussed within the chronological framework. An appendix deals with the sequence of tiletypes used at Fishbourne and a chronological difficulty involving Fishbourne and the Chichester thermae.