bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of combination therapy with ribavirin and high‐dose interferon‐α2b for 24 weeks in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Abe Shintaro , Narita Ryoichi , Oto Takeshi , Tabaru Akinari , Otsuki Makoto 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The aim of the present study was to determine whether a 24‐week course of combination therapy with ribavirin and high‐dose interferon‐α2b (IFN‐α2b) could provide an acceptable treatment efficacy in chronic hepatitis C (CHC).Methods:  Seventy‐six patients with CHC whose serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels were more than 100 kIU/mL on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay were included. The patients were assigned to two different dose groups of IFN‐α2b: group A (n = 39) received 6 MU and group B (n = 37) received 10 MU. Each group received the dose daily for 14 days then three times per week for a total of 24 weeks. In addition, HCV genotype 1b patients in group A and group B were classified into group C (n = 20) and D (n = 29), respectively. All patients received 600 or 800 mg ribavirin per day.Results:  Sustained response rates in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (66.7%vs 35.1%, intent‐to‐treat, P = 0.0060). However, sustained response rates in group C were not different from those in group D (45.0%vs 20.7%, intent‐to‐treat, P = 0.0696). The proportion of patients who discontinued the treatment or reduced drug dosage because of adverse events was significantly higher in group B than in group A (27.0%vs 7.69%, P = 0.0224).Conclusion:  A 24‐week course of combination therapy with ribavirin and 6 MU IFN‐α2b had an acceptable efficacy with fewer adverse events than that with ribavirin and 10 MU IFN‐α2b in CHC.
Terlipressin versus albumin in paracentesis‐induced circulatory dysfunction in cirrhosis: A randomized study
Authors: Singh Virendra , Kumar Ramesh , Nain Chander Kanwal , Singh Baljinder , Sharma Arun K 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  Therapeutic paracentesis in patients with cirrhosis induces arterial vasodilatation, causes a decrease in effective arterial blood volume and leads to circulatory dysfunction, which can be prevented by intravenous albumin. However, the use of albumin, being a blood product, is controversial. Recently, terlipressin, a vasoconstrictor, has been successfully used to combat this adverse effect of therapeutic paracentesis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the preventive effect of terlipressin on paracentesis‐induced circulatory dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis after therapeutic paracentesis and compared with that of intravenous albumin.Methods:  Forty patients with cirrhosis and tense ascites underwent therapeutic paracentesis with albumin or terlipressin in a randomized pilot study at a tertiary center. Effective arterial blood volume was assessed by measuring plasma renin activity at baseline and at 4–6 days after treatment.Results:  Effective arterial blood volumes as indicated by plasma renin activity before and 4–6 days after paracentesis did not differ in the two groups (19.15 ± 12.1 to 20.33 ± 12.8 ng/mL per h, P = 0.46 in the albumin group; and 20.11 ± 10.6 to 21.08 ± 10.52 ng/mL per h, P = 0.44 in the terlipressin group). Plasma aldosterone concentrations before and 4–6 days after paracentesis were also similar in both groups (1334.75 ± 1058 to 1440.0 ± 1161 pg/mL, P = 0.06 in the albumin group; and 1473.0 ± 1168 to 1572.29 ± 1182 pg/mL, P = 0.24 in the terlipressin group). Both terlipressin and albumin prevented paracentesis‐induced renal impairment in these patients.Conclusions:  Terlipressin may be as effective as intravenous albumin in preventing paracentesis‐induced circulatory dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis after therapeutic paracentesis.
Kupffer cell function during the erythocytic stage of malaria
Authors: Murthi Padma , Kalionis Bill , Ghabrial Hany , Dunlop Marjorie E , Smallwood Richard A , Sewell Richard B 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Previous studies using isolated perfused rat liver in vivo have suggested that during the erythrocytic phase of malaria infection, overall phagocytosis by Kupffer cells is enhanced. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the individual phagocytic capacity and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion of isolated Kupffer cells in vitro, and the immunohistochemical characteristics of Kupffer cells in vivo.Methods:  Malaria was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 12) by inoculation with parasitized red cells containing Plasmodium berghei. Kupffer cells were isolated by centrifugal elutriation.Results:  A significantly increased yield of Kupffer cells was obtained from malaria‐infected livers compared to controls (36.7 ± 4.5 vs 11.8 ± 1.1 ×106 cells, P < 0.0001, n = 12). There was an increased internalization by phagocytosis of [3H]‐BSA latex microspheres after 60 min in malaria‐infected Kupffer cells compared to controls (65.05 ± 1.5 vs 48.6 ± 0.7, P < 0.001, n = 12). PGE2 secretion into the cell culture medium was significantly suppressed in malaria‐infected Kupffer cells compared to controls (1167 ± 88 vs 4537 ± 383 pg per 106 cells, P < 0.001, n = 5). Staining of ED1, ED2 and PCNA was greater in malaria‐infected livers compared to control.Conclusion:  The results indicate that the number of Kupffer cells is significantly increased and their phagocytic activity on a cell‐by‐cell basis is enhanced during the erythrocytic stage of malaria.
Measurement of faecal fat excretion: an evaluation of attitudes and practices of Australian gastroenterologists
Authors: Lust M. , Nandurkar S. , Gibson P. R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground: Although faecal fat excretion over 72 h is the gold standard for quantifying fat malabsorption, there has been a push from chemical pathology laboratories to discontinue this test, arguing that it is unreliable and of limited clinical value.Aims: To assess attitudes, knowledge and practices of Australian gastroenterologists in relation to the test and to gauge opinion as to whether it should remain available.Methods: A self‐administered questionnaire was developed to assess attitudes towards, patterns of use and understanding of 72‐h faecal fat collections. This was posted to all members of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia.Results: Of 429 eligible gastroenterologists, 124 (29%) responded. Eighty‐two per cent utilized the test; 62% at least once per year. Main indications were suspected steatorrhoea (55%), unexplained chronic diarrhoea (39%) or weight loss (29%). Thirty‐eight per cent ordered the test to determine stool volume. Only 26% attempted to appropriately fat load patients and approximately half did not recognize the potential influence of medications and stool volume. This was also reflected in poor interpretation of results in specific clinical scenarios. Of those who use the test at least once per year, 97% wanted its continued availability and 51% felt their practice would be significantly affected if the test was discontinued.Conclusions: Although continued availability of 72‐h faecal fat estimation is supported by many Australian gastroenterologists, the test appears to be often performed and interpreted suboptimally. Rather than discard the test, efforts should more appropriately be directed to improving baseline knowledge to ensure its optimal performance and interpretation. (Intern Med J 2006; 36: 77–85)
Do Eurozone Countries Cheat with their Budget Deficit Forecasts?
Authors: Brück Tilman , Stephan Andreas 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYThe authors assess the political economy determinants of budget deficit forecast errors. Their econometric analysis indicates that Eurozone governments have manipulated deficit forecasts before elections since the introduction of the Stability and Growth Pact. The left‐right position and the institutional design of governments also affect the quality of deficit forecasts.
Institutional Trust and Subjective Well‐Being across the EU
Authors: Hudson John 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYThis paper analyzes the impact of institutions upon happiness through their intermediary impact upon individual trust. The empirical work is based on Eurobarometer data covering the 15 countries of the EU prior to its expansion in 2004. With respect to trust, we present evidence that, although it is endogenous with respect to the performance of the institution, changes in the individual's personal circumstances can also have an impact, indicating that trust is not simply learned at an early age. Hence unemployed people tend to have lower levels of trust not only in the main economic institutions – government and the Central Bank – but in other state institutions too such as the police and the law. Trust also differs in a systematic manner with respect to education and household income, increases (decreases) in either increase (decrease) trust in most institutions. If we assume that more educated people make better judgments, this suggests that on average people tend to have too little trust in institutions. However, it is also possible that both of these variables impact on the interaction between institutions such as the police and other government agencies and the citizen, with prosperous, well educated people being at an advantage and possibly able to command more respect. Age too impacts on institutional trust. For the UN, the unions, big business, voluntary organizations and the EU, trust first declines and then increases with the estimated turning points ranging between 44 and 56 years. For most other organizations trust significantly increases with age. Turning to subjective well‐being, we find the standard set of socio‐economic variables to be significant. But the focus here is on the impact of institutional trust. We find that trust (mistrust) in the European Central Bank, the EU, national government, the law and the UN all impact positively (negatively) on well‐being. Hence overall our results support the conclusion that happiness does not solely lie within the realm of the individual, but that institutional performance also has a direct impact upon subjective well‐being.
Functional, Overlapping, Competing, Jurisdictions and Ethnic Conflict Management
Authors: Kyriacou Andreas P. 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYBy allowing ethnic groups to organize areas important to them regardless of their geographic distribution, functional, overlapping and competing jurisdictions (FOCJ) have an important role to play in the management of ethnic conflict in plural societies. The functional devolution of powers which is intrinsic to FOCJ may be preferable to territorial devolution when minority groups are spatially dispersed or, when they are geographically concentrated but are in a numerical minority in their region. Even when minority groups are in a majority in their region functional rather than territorial devolution may dampen secessionist fears among members of the majority. A case can also be made for a degree of functional devolution to complement territorial devolution when territorial devolution to protect one minority leaves other ethnic groups in a minority situation. The application of FOCJ to the area of ethnic conflict management calls for institutional structures which take into account the possible efficiency of the monopoly supply of some public goods, the need to maintain ‘competitive equality’ among jurisdictions and the danger that the functional devolution which is inherent to FOCJ may harden group boundaries over time.
Cost and Benefits of Merger Control: An Applied Game Theoretic Perspective*
Authors: Postema Bas , Goppelsroeder Marie , van Bergeijk Peter AG 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYThis paper discusses how simulation models based on game‐theoretic foundations can be used to arrive at an estimate of the net benefits of the merger control legislation. We illustrate our method using the Dutch new merger control legislation that was introduced in 1998. We analyse the effects of proposed mergers in four markets where 26 firms are operating and use a sample period of 5 years. Based on the results of these cases and using a cost benefit analysis, we estimate the net benefits of Dutch merger control at about a little more than €100 million a year during the first five years of merger control in The Netherlands.
Ray tracing through a schematic eye containing second‐order (quadric) surfaces using 4 × 4 matrix notation
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Viestenz Arne , Viestenz Anja , Brünner Holger , Seitz Berthold 
Published: February 2006

AbstractRay tracing is used in ophthalmology for evaluation of the optical properties of the eye. We demonstrate an algebraic method for tracing a bundle of rays through the optical system of an eye containing aspheric surfaces. Restricting to second‐order surfaces (quadric surfaces) such as ellipsoids, paraboloids or hyperboloids, a surface is described by a 4 × 4 matrix. In this case, the normal vector can be derived analytically and the ray‐surface intersection is calculated by solving a quadratic equation. We applied this straightforward matrix‐based strategy to the spherical 4‐surface Le Grand schematic eye, and the Le Grand eye modified by Kooijman containing four aspheric surfaces. We calculated the spot diagram for the focal plane as well as a pre‐ and post‐focal plane for both model eyes, and found that the optical quality of the aspheric model characterized by the ray scatter in the spot diagram at the focal plane is much better than that of the spherical model. This calculation strategy may be helpful for evaluating the image distortion of decentred or tilted spherical or aspheric artificial intra‐ocular lenses.
Improvements in performance following optometric vision therapy in a child with dyspraxia
Authors: Hurst Caroline M. F. , Van de Weyer Sarah , Smith Claire , Adler Paul M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractSS, an 8‐year‐old boy with dyspraxia, presented for behavioural optometry assessment. He had been diagnosed with a subtle form of dyspraxia by his paediatric occupational therapist, based on poor proprioception, delayed bilateral integration and poor visual perception. A full visual assessment was carried out. SS was given a programme of reflex inhibition exercises for 3 months. Then, a programme of optometric vision therapy (OVT) exercises was prescribed at home and in practice for a period of 8 months. SS was assessed using a battery of occupational therapy Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) before optometric intervention, and after OVT. There were significant improvements in fusional reserves, accommodative facility and oculomotor control of pursuit and saccadic eye movements. His reading level had changed by 4 years in 11 months. The SIPT results showed improvements in the visual and motor/visual perception subtests, confirming the significant changes in visual perceptual performance. Consideration is given to treatment modalities for dyspraxia, and the studies confirming their effectivity of approach. This case study provides evidence supporting the use of OVT eye exercises in dyspraxia, ocular motility, accommodative dysfunction, learning difficulties and sports performance. The need for further research and inter‐professional working is discussed.
Effects of task lighting on visual function in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Haymes Sharon A. , Lee Jenny 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe purpose was to investigate the effects of the spectral power distribution (SPD) and illuminance of task lighting on visual function in age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD) compared to normal healthy eyes. Twenty‐eight subjects with ARMD and 18 age‐matched normal subjects were studied. The effects on visual function were determined for four common task light sources: standard pearl coat incandescent (SP), daylight blue incandescent (DL), warm white fluorescent (WW) and cool white fluorescent (CW). Apart from a small, statistically significant improvement in contrast sensitivity with DL compared to SP lighting (0.5 dB, p = 0.01), there were no significant effects of SPD on other visual functions and no differences in the effects for subjects with ARMD and those with normal vision. Thus, for task lighting typically used in low vision rehabilitation, the SPD would seem to be of minimal clinical importance to visual function. However, increasing the task illuminance had a greater effect on visual function, in particular for subjects with ARMD (p < 0.01). For an increase in illuminance from 300 to 3000 lux, the mean increase in contrast sensitivity and near visual acuity was 1.5 dB and 0.13 log MAR, respectively. Although this effect is not large, we suggest that it is clinically relevant and supports the provision of additional task illuminance as an important part of low vision rehabilitation for patients with ARMD.
The effects of supplementation with lutein and/or zeaxanthin on human macular pigment density and colour vision
Authors: Rodriguez‐Carmona Marisa , Kvansakul Jessica , Alister Harlow J , Köpcke Wolfgang , Schalch Wolfgang , Barbur John L 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  Both yellow‐blue (YB) discrimination thresholds and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements in the eye exhibit large variability in the normal population. Although it is well established that selective absorption of blue light by the macular pigment (MP) can significantly affect trichromatic colour matches, the extent to which the MP affects colour discrimination (CD) sensitivity remains controversial.Objective:  In this study, we assess whether the variability in YB thresholds is attributable to differences in MPOD, both at the fovea and in the paracentral visual field. We also investigated whether higher levels of MP offer any advantage in other visual functions such as red‐green (RG) CD sensitivity.Design:  CD thresholds and spatial MPOD profiles were measured in 24 normal trichromats supplemented with zeaxanthin (OPTISHARP™) and/or lutein. Novel stimulus conditions that isolate YB and RG chromatic mechanisms were employed and MPOD profiles were measured up to an eccentricity of 8°.Results:  The data reveal an increase in MPOD in the supplemented subjects that was almost uniform within a centre region around the fovea subtending ±4°. RG sensitivity was high in all subjects with thresholds well within the normal range. Unexpectedly, YB thresholds were also normal and showed no correlation with MPOD. A model for threshold CD based on appropriate combinations of cone contrast signals was developed to explain the experimental findings.Conclusions:  YB thresholds remain unaffected by supplementation with lutein and/or zeaxanthin rather, at increased MPOD levels, RG vision tends to be improved. The model accounts for the absence of correlation between MPOD and YB thresholds and predicts a marginal improvement in RG discrimination when MPOD is high.
Contact lens fitting post‐refractive surgery
Authors: Astin Christine 
Published: February 2006

Purpose:  A number of patients who had undergone refractive surgery still required contact lens fitting. Indications for fitting included the correction of residual ametropia, anisometropia, and regular and irregular astigmatism. In some cases, a post‐treatment therapeutic bandage soft contact lens was used to protect the treated eye and to promote regular epithelial healing. Lens fitting was reviewed to give recommendations for problem solving and fitting this category of patient.Methods:  Before lens fitting, a full history and symptoms and refraction were obtained. The practitioner explained the results of the refractive surgery, advised on advantages and limitations of lens wear and described the choices available. The fitting procedure involved anterior segment assessment and measurement of ocular parameters. Several steps were often required to achieve a successful lens fit and tolerance.Three main categories of refractive surgery were outlined: (1) Internal procedure, e.g. implantation of an intra‐ocular lens or a special soft lens draped over the crystalline lens. (2) Corneal incision, e.g. penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty, radial keratotomy (RK), transverse incision for astigmatism reduction, and stromal lens insertion. (3) Laser techniques, e.g. PRK, LASIK, LASEK, Holmium laser and thermo‐keratoplasty.Results:  Contact lenses were fitted aiming to cause least disturbance to the cornea which had already been compromised by previous surgery. Good oxygen transmission, surface wettability and lens design were important features. A rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens could support and protect the cornea, provide a corrective tear lens between the lens and the new corneal contour, and help to stabilise visual acuity. Often a RGP lens of large diameter was required to bridge over the contours of the central cornea region and assist lens centration. Good visual acuity was usually achieved unless residual stromal haze prohibited this. A soft lens draped over the cornea gave good comfort and lens centration. However, it was less effective on irregular astigmatism and led to variable visual acuity on RK or over wide laser ablation zones.Conclusion:  Fitting the post‐refractive surgery cornea was challenging. Extra time and assessment were recommended as the new corneal topography could lead to problems with contact lens centration and stability of visual acuity. Waiting 3 months post‐treatment to allow the corneal topography to stabilise before commencing fitting is particularly recommended for RK and PRK. Lens aftercare included management of the patients’ high expectations.
Moving towards improved evidence for the effectiveness of low vision interventions
Authors: Rubin Gary , Harper Robert 
Published: February 2006

Background:  Two recently published Manchester trials have provided evidence on the effectiveness of specific low vision rehabilitation (LVR) interventions.Methods:  In RCT 1, we compared enhanced LVR (supplementary home visits) and conventional LVR for people with AMD. In RCT 2, we evaluated the effectiveness of prism relocation spectacles in people with central scotomas due to AMD. RCT methodology was employed in each trial on large samples of subjects (n > 200), using a wide range of outcomes.Results:  For RCT 1, arms did not differ significantly for any outcome. At 12 months, 94% of participants reported using at least one LVA. For RCT 2, there was no significant effect of treatment group (prism or placebo) on any of the outcomes.Conclusions:  While these specific LVR interventions did not prove to be effective, they were not designed to address the effectiveness of LVR in general. A LVR vs no‐LVR trial is proposed.References:  Reeves, B.C., Harper, R.A. and Russell, W.B. (2004) Enhanced low vision rehabilitation for people with age‐related macular degeneration: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Ophthalmol88, 1443–1449.Smith, H.J., Dickinson, C.M., Cacho, I., Reeves, B.C., Harper, R.A. (2005) A randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of prism spectacles for patients with age‐related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol123, 1042–1050.