bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International Organizations ICTs Policies: E‐Democracy and E‐Government for Political Development
Authors: Amoretti Francesco 
Published: August 2007

AbstractNew technologies provide new channels of access to political information and participation in decision‐making processes. This assumption is clearly important in the action plans and policies of International Organizations (World Bank, Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, United Nations), which have assumed a leadership role in the reform of political institutions. Starting from an analysis of the reasons that have brought the state and processes of institution building back into focus, this paper will reconstruct the International Organizations' vision of the transformative potential of new information technologies and their activity in this field. Particular attention will be devoted to e‐democracy and e‐government as policies to build democracy in developing countries.
Toward Developing a Structured Approach to the Diagnosis and Resolution of Nonperforming Loans: The Case of China and India1
Authors: Istrate Emilia , Das Gupta Debasree , Weissburg Paul 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis article addresses the issue of nonperforming loans (NPLs) from a public policy perspective. The focus is on three aspects of NPLs that we consider essential for a proper analysis: the degree of the NPL problem, the causes of NPLs and the solutions adopted to address an identified NPL issue. This research analyses the diverse definitions and measurements of an NPL. Further, it introduces the distinction between systemic and situational causes of NPLs. Arguing that different causes require different cures, this study emphasizes a mix of short‐term and long‐term remedial measures as judicious in dealing with the NPL problem. This framework is then applied to two case studies: China and India. The conclusion identifies future directions of research, such as the study of a threshold level beyond which NPLs may pose a barrier to a country's growth and productivity.
Methamphetamine Body Packer: Acute Poisoning Death Due to Massive Leaking of Methamphetamine
Authors: Takekawa Kenichi , Ohmori Takeshi , Kido Akira , Oya Masakazu 
Published: August 2007

Abstract:We encountered three methamphetamine (MA) body packers presenting simultaneously, one of whom died. Three Nigerian men (39, 35, and 37 years old) who attempted to smuggle were found to contain 35 (498 g), 21 (292 g), and 5 packages (73 g) of methamphetamine hydrochloride (MA‐HCl) in their stomachs, respectively. Packages were wrapped with plastic film and Scotch tape. The 39‐year‐old man died with acute poisoning from c. 20 g of MA‐HCl that had leaked from the packages into the stomach. His plasma MA concentration was 8.6 μg/mL when he was hospitalized (17 h before his death). Autopsy findings showed extreme pulmonary congestion and edema as well as moderate hepatic edema and several petechiae. Quantitative analysis was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Extremely high concentrations of MA and its metabolite amphetamine (AP) were found in cardiac blood (63.5 μg/mL and 1.2 μg/mL), urine (4,518 μg/mL and 72.4 μg/mL), gastric contents (8,490 μg/mL and 16.9 μg/mL), and in all other autopsy samples. These high concentrations confirmed that the cause of death was acute MA poisoning. Furthermore, impurity‐profiling analysis of the seized MA revealed that the MA smuggled by the three suspects originated from the same batch.
Age Estimation by Pulp/Tooth Ratio in Canines by Mesial and Vestibular Peri‐Apical X‐Rays
Authors: Cameriere Roberto , Ferrante Luigi , Belcastro Maria Giovanna , Bonfiglioli Benedetta , Rastelli Elisa , Cingolani Mariano 
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Changes in the size of the pulp canal, caused by apposition of secondary dentine, are the best morphometric parameters for estimating age by X‐rays. The apposition of secondary dentine is the most frequently used method for age estimation in adult subjects. In two previous papers, we studied the application of the pulp/tooth area ratio by peri‐apical X‐rays as an indicator of age at death. The aim of the present study was to test the accuracy of age evaluation by combined analysis of labio‐lingual and mesial peri‐apical X‐rays of lower and upper canines. A total of 200 such X‐rays were assembled from 57 male and 43 female skeletons of Caucasian origin, aged between 20 and 79 years. For each skeleton, dental maturity was evaluated by measuring the pulp/tooth area ratio according to labio‐lingual and mesial X‐rays on upper (x1, x2) and lower (x3, x4) canines. Very good agreement was found between intra‐observer measurements. Statistical analysis showed that all variables x1, x2, x3, and x4 and the first‐order interaction between x1 and x3 contributed significantly to the fit, so that they were included in the regression model, yielding the following regression formula:
image
The residual standard error of estimated ages was 3.62 years, with 94 degrees of freedom, and the median of the residuals was −0.155 years, with an interquartile range of 4.96 years. The accuracy of the method was ME = 2.8 years, where ME is the mean prediction error. The model also explained 94% of total variance (R2 = 0.94).
Comparison of the effects of travoprost, latanoprost and bimatoprost on ocular circulation: a 6‐month clinical trial
Authors: Koz Ozlem Gurbuz , Ozsoy Arzu , Yarangumeli Alper , Kose S. Kenan , Kural Gulcan 
Published: August 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the effect of three prostaglandin F2‐α (PG) analogues on retrobulbar blood flow velocity in previously untreated patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT), using colour Doppler ultrasound.Methods:  Sixty newly diagnosed patients with POAG or OHT were randomly assigned to travoprost 0.004% (n = 12 with POAG, n = 8 with OHT), latanoprost 0.005% (n = 11 with POAG, n = 9 with OHT) and bimatoprost 0.03% (n = 13 with POAG, n = 7 with OHT) treatment groups in a double‐masked fashion. At baseline examination, blood pressure, heart rate and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded. Peak‐systolic and end‐diastolic velocities were measured in the ophthalmic (OA), central retinal (CRA) and temporal short posterior ciliary arteries (PCA). The resistive index (RI) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) were determined for each treatment group. After a treatment period of 6‐months, all procedures were repeated.Results:  There were no significant differences in age (53 ± 14 years in the travoprost group, 51 ± 14 years in the latanoprost group, 53 ± 11 years in the bimatoprost group), gender (11 men, nine women; 11 men, nine women; 13 men, seven women, by group, respectively), or clinical diagnosis (POAG or OHT) among treatment groups (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in IOP (baseline: 26.4 ± 3.3 mmHg, 26.8 ± 1.3 mmHg, 25.8 ± 1.8 mmHg, respectively; month 6: 20.9 ± 1.9 mmHg, 20.8 ± 2.4 mmHg, 18.3 ± 1.2 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.0001) and an increase in OPP (baseline: 33.7 ± 3.8 mmHg, 33.5 ± 3.2 mmHg, 33.9 ± 2.6 mmHg, respectively; month 6: 40.2 ± 3.5 mmHg, 39.9 ± 3.1 mmHg, 41.7 ± 2.6 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.0001) were verified in all three groups during the study period. Mean baseline RI values for the CRA in the travoprost group and the OA in the latanoprost group were both 0.7 ± 0.1 mmHg and both values were statistically significantly lower at 6 months (0.6 ± 0.1 mmHg in both groups; p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, respectively). In the bimatoprost group there was no statistically significant difference in haemodynamic parameters over the study period (p > 0.05).Conclusions:  Our results suggest that the three PG analogues significantly reduce IOP and increase OPP in patients with POAG or OHT. Topical travoprost and latanoprost significantly reduce the RI of the CRA and OA, respectively. We were unable to determine any effect of topical bimatoprost on ocular haemodynamics.
Vitrectomy without internal limiting membrane peeling for macular retinoschisis and foveal detachment in highly myopic eyes
Authors: Yeh Shu‐I , Chang Wei‐Chun , Chen Lee‐Jen 
Published: August 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To report the surgical outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in three highly myopic patients with macular retinoschisis and associated posterior staphyloma.Methods:  We report three highly myopic patients with macular retinoschisis and foveal detachment who underwent simple PPV without ILM peeling, with long‐acting gas tamponade. Main outcome evaluations included best corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopic appearance and optical coherence tomography findings.Results:  Pars plana vitrectomy without ILM peeling resulted in anatomic and functional improvement in all three operated eyes for follow‐up periods of ≥ 12 months.Conclusions:  Pars plana vitrectomy without ILM peeling is effective for treating macular retinoschisis and foveal detachment in highly myopic eyes with posterior staphyloma. Visual and anatomic outcomes are comparable with those in previous studies in which ILM removal was performed.
Computer‐assisted dosage calculation for strabismus therapy in myopic patients
Authors: Koch Martina , Priglinger Siegfried , Hoerantner Robert , Haslwanter Thomas 
Published: August 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  The published dosage recommendations for the surgical correction of horizontal strabismus in non‐myopic patients show large, unexplained differences. For patients with high myopia, the situation becomes even more complex because the increase in the size of the bulb also affects the geometry of the oculomotor muscles. In this study, we wanted to investigate whether computer simulations of the oculomotor plant can be used to find accurate surgical parameters.Methods:  In a retrospective study, we investigated pre‐ and postoperative strabismus patterns in 13 patients affected by convergent (seven patients) or divergent (six patients) strabismus and high myopia. Postoperative checks were made 1 day, 1 week, 3 months and 1–6 years after the operation. For each patient, we simulated the presurgical strabismus pattern with SEE++ (see ‘Further Information’ for manufacturer details), a biomechanical simulation program of the oculomotor plant. The individual results of the simulations were then compared to the measured postoperative strabismus patterns.Results:  We found a trend of under‐correction in the postoperative situation, resulting in four patients having a large remaining strabismus angle of more than 5 degrees. The computer simulations were able to reproduce this under‐correction, and suggested an increase in dosage.Conclusion:  We conclude that realistic biomechanical simulations of the oculomotor plant can predict the postoperative result for myopic patients accurately. The results of the computer simulation correlate well with the postoperative outcome of the patient.
Sveinsson chorioretinal atrophy: the mildest changes are located in the photoreceptor outer segment/retinal pigment epithelium junction
Authors: Jonasson Fridbert , Sander Birgit , Eysteinsson Thor , Jörgensen Thomas , Klintworth Gordon K. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To locate the mildest and/or earliest changes in the retina and/or choroid in Sveinsson chorioretinal atrophy (SCRA), using more advanced techniques than previous studies.Methods:  We used fundus photography, intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) enhanced ocular coherence tomography (OCT) scans, microperimetry and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) in an attempt to locate the mildest changes in SCRA. Eight patients with SCRA were examined. To improve the resolution of OCT scans, several consecutive recorded B‐scans were retrieved for each location of interest. The scans were processed off‐line with an averaging algorithm developed to maximally reduce laser speckle (noise). Static microperimetry was performed using the Rodenstock scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO).Results:  Biomicroscopy and fundus photographs disclosed an apparent thinning of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the areas minimally affected, where possible changes in the transparent sensory retina were not visible. In minimally affected areas a choriocapillaris filling defect was evident on IVFA, but some choroidal blood vessels remained open. High‐resolution OCT scans in normal eyes showed three highly reflective outer layers, probably representing the junction of the inner and outer photoreceptor segments in the case of the innermost layer, the interdigitizing outer photoreceptors and RPE villi in the case of the middle layer, and the outer RPE in the case of the outermost layer. The middle layer was absent in the transition between affected and unaffected areas in all eyes with SCRA. In the more severely affected areas, the innermost layer was discontinuous and associated with increasing thinning of the outermost layer. Microperimetry of the transition areas sometimes showed clearly defined lesions that were non‐responsive to stimuli. It also revealed elevated thresholds (10–15 dB) at the margins and normal thresholds in apparently unaffected areas.Conclusions:  The mildest changes seen in SCRA on OCT are found at the outer photoreceptor/RPE junction; the changes in the outer RPE, choriocapillaris and inner photoreceptor segments may be secondary. Corresponding functional deficits are confirmed on microperimetry and mfERG.
Depot antipsychotic medications in bipolar disorder: a review of the literature
Authors: Bond D. J. , Pratoomsri W. , Yatham L. N. 
Published: August 2007

Objective:  To review the literature on the efficacy and safety of depot formulations of first‐ and second‐generation antipsychotic medications (FGAs and SGAs) in patients with bipolar disorder.Method:  We conducted a computer‐aided MEDLINE search using the search terms ‘depot antipsychotic’, ‘bipolar disorder’ and ‘compliance.’Results:  We identified eight published reports in bipolar patients regarding the use of depot FGAs, and six preliminary reports on the use of depot SGAs. These studies suggest that depots FGAs are efficacious in preventing manic episodes during the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. Several studies, however, indicate that depot FGAs may be associated with increased time with depressive symptoms, particularly in patients with a predominantly depressive course of illness. Preliminary data on the role of depot formulations of SGAs suggest that they reduce the frequency of both manic and depressive episodes during maintenance treatment, and are well tolerated by patients.Conclusion:  After a careful risk–benefit analysis, depot antipsychotics may be considered for the long‐term control of mood episodes in bipolar patients who have relapsed due to medication non‐adherence or who have failed to respond to standard therapies. Depot FGAs should be avoided in patients with a high burden of illness from depressive symptoms and particularly in those judged to be at high risk of suicide. The available data on depot formulations of SGAs indicate that they are efficacious in the maintenance treatment of bipolar illness without increasing the burden of the depressive pole of the illness, but further systematic studies are required to definitively assess this.
Neuropsychological functioning in euthymic bipolar disorder: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Torres I. J. , Boudreau V. G. , Yatham L. N. 
Published: August 2007

Objective: Although cognitive deficits are prominent in symptomatic patients with bipolar disorder, the extent and pattern of cognitive impairment in euthymic patients remain uncertain.Method: Neuropsychological studies comparing euthymic bipolar patients and healthy controls were evaluated. Across studies, effect sizes reflecting patient–control differences in task performance were computed for the 15 most frequently studied cognitive measures in the literature.Results: Across the broad cognitive domains of attention/processing speed, episodic memory, and executive functioning, medium‐to‐large performance effect size differences were consistently observed between patients and controls, favoring the latter. Deficits were not observed on measures of vocabulary and premorbid IQ.Conclusion: Meta‐analytic findings provide evidence of a trait‐related neuropsychological deficit in bipolar disorder involving attention/processing speed, memory, and executive function. Findings are discussed with regard to potential moderators, etiologic considerations, limitations, and future directions in neuropsychological research on bipolar disorder.
Toxoplasmosis encephalitis following severe graft‐vs.‐host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: 17 yr experience in Fukuoka BMT group
Authors: Matsuo Yayoi , Takeishi Shoichiro , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Nonami Atsushi , Kikushige Yoshikane , Kunisaki Yuya , Kamezaki Kenjiro , Tu Liping , Hisaeda Hajime , Takenaka Katsuto , Harada Naoki , Kamimura Tomohiko , Ohno Yuju , Eto Tetsuya , Teshima Takanori , Gondo Hisashi , Harada Mine , Nagafuji Koji 
Published: August 2007

AbstractToxoplasmosis is a rare but rapidly fatal complication that can occur following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Over a 17‐yr period at our institutions, a definite diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was made in only two of 925 allogeneic HSCT recipients (0.22%) and none of 641 autologous HSCT recipients. These two patients received a conventional conditioning regimen followed by transplantation from an HLA‐matched donor; however, they developed severe graft‐vs.‐host disease, which required intensive immunosuppressive therapy. Despite prophylactic treatment with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, their immunosuppressive state, as indicated by a low CD4+ cell count, might have resulted in toxoplasmosis encephalitis. Rapid and non‐invasive methods such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test of their cerebrospinal fluid for Toxoplasma gondii and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were useful for providing a definitive diagnosis and prompt therapy in these patients: one patient stabilized and survived after responding to treatment with pyrimethamine/sulfodiazine whereas the other died of bacterial infection. In addition, retrospective PCR analyses of the frozen stored peripheral blood samples disclosed that detection of T. gondii preceded the onset of disease, indicating routine PCR testing of peripheral blood specimens may be an early diagnostic tool. It should be noted that when patients receiving HSCT have an unexplained fever and/or neurological complications, PCR tests should be considered to avoid cerebral lesions and improve the outcome of the patients.
A 9‐yr evaluation of carrier erythrocyte encapsulated adenosine deaminase (ADA) therapy in a patient with adult‐type ADA deficiency
Authors: Bax Bridget E. , Bain Murray D. , Fairbanks Lynette D. , Webster A David B. , Ind Philip W. , Hershfield Michael S. , Chalmers Ronald A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAdenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is an inherited disorder which leads to elevated cellular levels of deoxyadenosine triphosphate (dATP) and systemic accumulation of its precursor, 2‐deoxyadenosine. These metabolites impair lymphocyte function, and inactivate S‐adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) respectively, leading to severe immunodeficiency. Enzyme replacement therapy with polyethylene glycol‐conjugated ADA is available, but its efficacy is reduced by anti‐ADA neutralising antibody formation. We report here carrier erythrocyte encapsulated native ADA therapy in an adult‐type ADA deficient patient. Encapsulated enzyme is protected from antigenic responses and therapeutic activities are sustained. ADA‐loaded autologous carrier erythrocytes were prepared using a hypo‐osmotic dialysis procedure. Over a 9‐yr period 225 treatment cycles were administered at 2–3 weekly intervals. Therapeutic efficacy was determined by monitoring immunological and metabolic parameters. After 9 yr of therapy, erythrocyte dATP concentration ranged between 24 and 44 μmol/L (diagnosis, 234) and SAHH activity between 1.69 and 2.29 nmol/h/mg haemoglobin (diagnosis, 0.34). Erythrocyte ADA activities were above the reference range of 40–100 nmol/h/mg haemoglobin (0 at diagnosis). Initial increases in absolute lymphocyte counts were not sustained; however, despite subnormal circulating CD20+ cell numbers, serum immunoglobulin levels were normal. The patient tolerated the treatment well. The frequency of respiratory problems was reduced and the decline in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s and vital capacity reduced compared with the 4 yr preceding carrier erythrocyte therapy. Carrier erythrocyte‐ADA therapy in an adult patient with ADA deficiency was shown to be metabolically and clinically effective.
Tolerance Signaling Molecules and Pregnancy: IDO, Galectins, and the Renaissance of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Terness Peter , Kallikourdis Marinos , Betz Alexander G , Rabinovich Gabriel A , Saito Shigeru , Clark David A 
Published: August 2007

Problem  Is the concept of maternal tolerance preventing rejection of the semi‐allogeneic ‘fetal allograft’ still valid?Method of study  Compilation of expert reviews of literature and recent advances in research on indoleamine‐2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), regulatory T cells and galectin‐1.Results and Conclusion  A role for IDO in pregnancy success remains speculative, but solid data exist to support a role for Treg cells, and for galectin‐1 in induction and action of Treg cells. Just as several signals may need to be simultaneously present to induce Th1 cytokine‐triggered abortions, more than 1 signal may need to be simultaneously present to prevent rejection and ensure success. Both complement and coagulation pathways appear necessary for embryo execution.
‘Knowledge Shall be Increased’: Natural Philosophy and Religion in the Early Modern Utopia
Authors: Houston Chloe 
Published: August 2007

AbstractRecent studies of the Renaissance utopia have focused on the importance of historicising utopia and in particular of considering the influence of contemporary developments in science or natural philosophy on the development of utopianism during the period. This article, having assessed the problem of defining the utopia, surveys some of the most prominent examples of the utopian mode of discourse from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries (including those of More, Bacon, Campanella, Andreae and Cavendish). Considering scholarship which illuminates the relationship between utopian writings and the theories and practices of natural knowledge, it reflects on the utopia's abiding interest in spiritual improvement alongside social and scientific reform.
Outcomes from the Aged Care Review
Authors: Hogan Warren P 
Published: August 2007

This contribution is about the outcomes from the 2004 report of the review into aged care. The main interest is in the policy responses announced in a policy statement on Sunday, 11 February 2007. There were three elements to the announcement: domiciliary care initiatives involving a relatively greater emphasis on this form of care compared with residential care, a new funding mechanism for residential care and new measures to foster expansion of facilities in ordinary high care. The last‐mentioned drew immediate challenges because of ‘unintended impacts’ of the policy decisions. The unwillingness of the Australian Government to allow use of accommodation bonds in ordinary high care was to be compensated by these measures, but the provisions are grossly inadequate while they have had deleterious consequences for low care. The intention had been to bring to an end the discussions flowing from the Aged Care Review. Yet, strategic issues bearing upon the implementation of policies to secure efficiencies and quality outcomes in aged care have not been addressed. Issues about future directions in aged care all too familiar in 2002, when the review was inaugurated, remain to be addressed.