bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of Financial Health of Asian Insurance Companies
Authors: Chen Renbao , Wong Kie Ann 
Published: August 2004

AbstractPrevious studies of financial health of insurance companies are mainly focused on insurers operating in the United States and developed economies. This article focuses on the solvency of general (property‐liability) and life insurance companies in Asia using firm data and macro data separately. It uses different classification methods to classify the financial status of both general and life insurance companies. With the exception of Japan, failures of insurers in Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan are nonexistent. We find that, first, the factors that significantly affect general insurers' financial health in Asian economies are firm size, investment performance, liquidity ratio, surplus growth, combined ratio, and operating margin. Second, the factors that significantly affect life insurers' financial health are firm size, change in asset mix, investment performance, and change in product mix, but the last three factors are more applicable to Japan. Third, the financial health of insurance companies in Singapore seems to be significantly weakened by the Asian Financial Crisis. As the insurance industry in different Asian economies is at different stages of development, they require different regulatory guidelines.
Morphological and molecular taxonomic analysis of the Encarsia meritoria species‐complex (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae), parasitoids of whiteflies (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) of economic importance
Authors: Polaszek Andrew , Manzari Shahab , Quicke Donald L. J. 
Published: August 2004

Five closely related species of Encarsia, belonging to the luteola species‐group, are analysed taxonomically using morphological and molecular techniques. Four of these belong to the meritoria‐complex, and all species have a complicated taxonomic history of repeated misidentification and confusion. Morphological analysis is focused on morphometric characters of the female antennae using principal component and canonical discriminant analyses. DNA sequence data for the D2 region of 28S nuclear ribosomal genes were obtained for 13 populations of the luteola‐group, with a further seven population sequences being obtained from GenBank. The combination of morphological and molecular study enables us to resolve the complex to a large extent, and to correct the previous confusion surrounding this group of species. Two species —E. californica and E. dispersa— are described as new. A proposal to place E. brasiliensis (Hempel) in synonymy with E. hispida DeSantis (the more recently described taxon) is presented. A lectotype is designated for E. haitiensis Dozier. Diagnoses or descriptions, and illustrations, of all included species are provided to facilitate the identification of females belonging to this complex. All known data concerning hosts and geographical distribution are presented.
Cutaneous inflammatory pseudotumor – a spectrum of various diseases?
Authors: Shabrawi‐Caelen Laila El , Kerl Katrin , Cerroni Lorenzo , Soyer H. Peter , Kerl Helmut 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) also known as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) or plasma cell granuloma (PCG) has been rarely reported in the skin.Methods:  We describe five patients with cutaneous IPT and present clinicopathologic features along with detailed immunohistochemical analysis including anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐1.Results:  The patients age ranged from 15 to 89 years with a median of 56 years. All patients presented with solitary, firm, papules and nodules. There was no evidence of constitutional symptoms, local recurrence, or lymph node involvement. Histopathological examination revealed two distinct patterns; one type (n = 3) displayed dense, lymphoplasmacytoid infiltrates containing lymphoplasmacytoid cells and plasma cells with occasional germinal centers and hyalinized collagen bundles but was devoid of a myofibroblastic component. It showed features of tumors previously described as cutaneous PCG. Although an infectious etiology, including Borrelia burgdorferi‐specific DNA, could not be demonstrated, we observed many features that overlapped with those of fibrous nodules of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans. The other pattern (n = 2) revealed spindled myofibroblasts focally arranged in a fascicular pattern, an admixed lymphoplasmacytoid infiltrate set in a background of thickened collagen bundles, findings akin to the conventional type of IMT. The cases with a myofibroblastic component (n = 2) did not show any evidence of ALK‐1 reactivity.Conclusions:  We believe that the term cutaneous IPT subsumes lesions of diverse etiology. Tumors with detectable myofibroblasts represent true cases of IMT. Cutaneous PCG is a discrete disorder biologically distinct from conventional IMT representing a reaction pattern that is also found in disorders, such as spirochete‐induced fibroid nodules and localized chronic fibrosing vasculitis.
Long‐Term Ecosystem Effects of Sand‐Binding Vegetation in the Tengger Desert, Northern China
Authors: Li Xin‐Rong , Xiao Hong‐Lang , Zhang Jing‐Guang , Wang Xin‐Ping 
Published: August 2004

Abstract The planting of sand‐binding vegetation in the Shapotou region at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert began in 1956. Over the past 46 years, it has not only insured the smooth operation of the Baotou–Lanzhou railway in the sand dune section but has also played an important role in the restoration of the local eco‐environment; therefore, it is viewed as a successful model for desertification control and ecological restoration along the transport line in the arid desert region of China. Long‐term monitoring and focused research show that within 4–5 years of establishment of sand‐binding vegetation, the physical surface structure of the sand dunes stabilized, and inorganic soil crusts formed by atmospheric dust gradually turned into microbiotic crusts. Among the organisms comprising these crusts are cryptogams such as desert algae and mosses. In the 46 years since establishing sand‐binding vegetation, some 24 algal species occurred in the crusts. However, only five moss species were identified, which was fewer than the species number in the crust of naturally fixed sand dunes. Other results of the planting were that near‐surface wind velocity in the 46‐year‐old vegetation area was reduced by 54.2% compared with that in the moving sand area; soil organic matter increased from 0.06% in moving sand dunes to 1.34% in the 46‐year‐old vegetation area; the main nutrients N, P, K, etc., in the desert ecosystem increased; soil physicochemical properties improved; and soil‐forming processes occurred in the dune surface layer. Overall, establishment of sand‐binding vegetation significantly impacted soil water cycles, creating favorable conditions for colonization by many herbaceous species. These herbaceous species, in turn, facilitated the colonization and persistence of birds, insects, soil animals, and desert animals. Forty‐six years later, some 28 bird species and 50 insect species were identified in the vegetated dune field. Thus, establishment of a relatively simple community of sand‐binding species led to the transformation of the relatively barren dune environment into a desert ecosystem with complex structure, composition, and function. This restoration effort shows the potential for short‐term manipulation of environmental variables (i.e., plant cover via artificial vegetation establishment) to begin the long‐term process of ecological restoration, particularly in arid climates, and demonstrates several techniques that can be used to scientifically monitor progress in large‐scale restoration projects.
Transmission of plant viruses by aphid vectors
Authors: NG JAMES C. K. , PERRY KEITH L. 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARYAphids are the most common vector of plant viruses. Mechanisms of transmission are best understood by considering the routes of virus movement in the aphid (circulative versus non‐circulative) and the sites of retention or target tissues (e.g. stylets, salivary glands). Capsid proteins are a primary, but not necessarily sole, viral determinant of transmission. A summary is presented of the taxonomic affiliations of the aphid transmitted viruses, including 8 families, 18 genera, and taxonomically unassigned viruses.
New pathophysiological mechanisms in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Barbara G. , De Giorgio R. , Stanghellini V. , Cremon C. , Salvioli B. , Corinaldesi R. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional, multifactorial disease characterized by abdominal pain and erratic bowel habit. Changes in gastrointestinal motor function, enhanced perception of stimuli arising from the gut wall and psychosocial factors are thought to be major contributors for symptom generation. In recent years, several additional factors have been identified and postulated to interact with these classical mechanisms. Reduced ability to expel intestinal gas with consequent gas trapping and bowel distension may contribute to abdominal discomfort/pain and bloating. Abnormal activation of certain brain regions following painful stimulation of the rectum suggests altered processing of afferent signals. An acute gastrointestinal infection is now a recognized aetiological factor for symptom development in a subset of IBS patients (i.e. post‐infectious IBS), who are probably unable to down‐regulate the initial inflammatory stimulus efficiently. Furthermore, low‐grade inflammatory infiltration and activation of mast cells in proximity to nerves in the colonic mucosa may also participate in the frequency and severity of perceived abdominal pain in post‐infectious and non‐specific IBS. Initial evidence suggests the existence of changes in gut microflora, serotonin metabolism and a genetic contribution in IBS pathophysiology. These novel mechanisms may aid a better understanding of the complex pathophysiology of IBS and to develop new therapies.
The relevance of portal pressure and other risk factors in acute gastro‐oesophageal variceal bleeding
Authors: Dell'era A. , Bosch J. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryGastro‐oesophageal variceal bleeding is the last step in a chain of events that starts with an increased portal pressure, and is followed by the formation and progressive dilatation of gastro‐oesophageal varices. When the tension of the thin wall of the varices exceeds its elastic limit, the varices rupture and bleed. Wall tension is directly proportional to variceal pressure (which is a function of portal pressure) and variceal radius, and inversely related to the thickness of the variceal wall. The above facts explain why a high portal pressure (usually determined by the hepatic venous pressure gradient, or HVPG) and the presence at endoscopy of large varices with red wheals, red spots or diffuse redness on the varices (signalling a reduced wall thickness) correlate with the risk of bleeding.
Hepatorenal syndrome – how to assess response to treatment and nonpharmacological therapy
Authors: Arroyo V. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryHepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a complex syndrome. In addition to severe reduction of renal function due to renal vasoconstriction, there is impairment in systemic haemodynamics, activation of the renin‐angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems and antidiuretic hormone, vasoconstriction of the brain, muscle and skin, and dilutional hyponatraemia. Treatment in patients with type 2 HRS, the most frequent form of HRS, is directed towards managing refractory ascites. Paracentesis is the treatment of choice. TIPS is also effective but is more expensive, is associated with higher incidence of hepatic encephalopathy, and does not increase survival. Although a rapidly progressive renal failure is the most characteristic manifestation of type 1 HRS, there is failure in other organs such as the liver and the brain. A decrease in cardiac output develops in these patients, associated with a decrease in cardiopulmonary pressures. Since type 1 HRS mainly occurs in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and massive release of cytokines within the peritoneal cavity, it may be considered as a special form of multiorgan failure of circulatory origin. Not surprisingly, the treatment of choice in type 1 HRS is the combination of vasoconstrictors to reduce arterial vasodilation and plasma volume expansion with albumin to increase cardiac preload. TIPS is also effective in these patients and the combination of pharmacological treatment followed by TIPS may be the most effective approach.
Nitrate reductase dephosphorylation is induced by sugars and sugar‐phosphates in corn leaf segments
Authors: Iglesias‐Bartolomé Ramiro , González Claudio A. , Kenis Juana D. 
Published: August 2004

The in situ and in vitro regulation of nitrate reductase (NR; EC 1.6.6.1) activity by glucose (Glc) and glucose‐6‐phosphate (Glc‐6P) was studied in leaf segments of 7‐day‐old corn plants. In situ, Glc and Glc‐6P not only prevented NR inactivation, but also slightly activated the enzyme relative to that in fresh attached leaves in the light. Glc and Glc‐6P also reactivated NR that had previously been inactivated by incubating the segments for 30 min in the dark. Sugars were effective, even in the presence of cycloheximide, but not of cantharidin, an inhibitor of type 2A phosphoprotein phosphatase (PP2A). In segments kept in the dark, the inhibition of protein dephosphorylation by cantharidin showed that the phosphorylation of NR was not inhibited by either Glc or Glc‐6P, as the enzyme was inactivated to the same extent whether or not sugars (P) were present in the incubation medium. In vitro, as in situ, neither Glc nor Glc‐6P could prevent NR phosphorylation. In spite of some reports showing that sugar‐phosphates can act on kinases and prevent NR phosphorylation, the results presented here suggest that, in corn leaves, sugars and their phosphorylated derivatives probably activate NR in situ mainly by inducing protein dephosphorylation. The incubation of crude extract in a water bath at 27°C for 45 min resulted in the activation of NR that was blocked by cantharidin, but was not increased by either Glc or Glc‐6P. This result suggests that the presence of another metabolite(s) and the maintenance of cell functionality may be necessary for the sugar‐induced activation of NR. A sugar‐triggered signalling pathway independent of protein synthesis may be involved in the process. l‐Glc and 6‐deoxyglucose were ineffective in reactivating NR in darkened segments, whilst 2‐deoxyglucose was as effective as Glc itself. The effect of sugar analogues shows that, although Glc has to enter the cell and be phosphorylated to activate NR, further metabolism is not necessary. As sugar‐phosphates, such as Glc‐6P and fructose‐6‐phosphate (Fru‐6P), also activate NR, it seems that hexokinases are not involved in the pathway that leads to the in situ dephosphorylation of NR. In vitro, Glc‐6P mildly but rapidly activated NR by a mechanism insensitive to cantharidin. The addition of an increasing concentration of Mg2+ to crude extract containing Glc‐6P increased the Mg2+ inhibition of NR. This result suggests that the hexose‐phosphate does not prevent Mg2+ association with NR. It is possible that Glc‐6P activates NR in vitro by inducing the dissociation of 14‐3‐3 from the phospho‐NR (pNR)/Mg/14‐3‐3 complex.
Role of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in the Infection of Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Lu C. P. 
Published: August 2004

Summary Aeromonas hydrophila and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis are important fish pathogens. To clarify their relationship, two host models, goldfish with trauma and those infected with I. multifiliis, were used to study infection kinetics of A. hydrophila 4332 tagged with plasmid pGFPuv (Ah4332GFP). The results showed that in fish suffering from ichthyophthiriosis, the bacterial infection process was accelerated and more persistent than in the other groups. It is suggested that I. multifiliis plays an important role in the infection of A. hydrophila. Mechanical trauma caused by I. multifiliis might act as a portal of entry for A. hydrophila present in the water, thereby facilitating the invasion of bacteria. The ectoparasite might also serve as a vector and reservoir of pathogenic bacteria.
Studies on the Virulence of Two Field Isolates of the Classical Swine Fever Virus Genotype 2.3 Rostock in Wild Boars of Different Age Groups
Authors: Kaden V. , Lange E. , Polster U. , Klopfleisch R. , Teifke J. P. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryThe virulence of two isolates of the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) was studied in experimentally infected wild boars of different ages. The isolates, originating from wild boars shot in Mecklenburg‐Western Pomerania (isolate ‘1829‐NVP’) and in Rhineland‐Palatinate (isolate ‘11722‐WIL’), belong to the genetic subgroup 2.3 Rostock. Clinical picture, transient viraemia, virus excretion and gross lesions at necropsy as well as a failure of virus detection at the end of the experiment revealed that this virus subtype was only moderately virulent. Whereas one subadult wild boar and both 7‐week‐old wild boar piglets infected intranasally became sick and died, only one of three 8‐week‐old animals which survived after contact infection remained CSFV positive until the end of the experiment [34 days post infection (dpi)], although neutralizing antibodies were present. This underlines the role of young boars in CSF epidemics. The isolate ‘11722‐WIL’ was shed by an infected adult wild boar and was transmitted to susceptible piglets. Interestingly, all animals which became sick and died also were found to be infected with a secondary pathogen. Therefore, we assume that after infection with moderately virulent CSFV simultaneous infections with other pathogens may be important for the clinical course and the outcome of the disease as well as for a spread of the virus in field.
Typing of Yersinia Enterocolitica Isolates by ITS Profiling, REP‐ and ERIC‐PCR
Authors: Wojciech Ł. , Staroniewicz Z. , Jakubczak A. , Ugorski M. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryThirty‐five Yersinia enterocolitica strains isolated from humans, pigs and foxes were analysed by genotyping including intergenic transcribed sequence (ITS) profiling, REP‐ and ERIC‐PCR. ERIC‐PCR revealed the presence of seven different genotypes. Amplification of the 16S‐23S rDNA spacer region by ITS profiling gave similar results with nine different genotypes. REP‐PCR was found to be more discriminatory for typing of Y. enterocolitica than ERIC‐PCR and ITS profiling. Fifteen different DNA patterns were obtained by this technique. Based on data obtained by three methods it was found that: (i) Y. enterocolitica strains belonging to the same serotype can represent different genotypes and vice versa; (ii) isolates recovered from humans, pigs and foxes exhibit limited heterogeneity and, independent of the origin, one or two prevailing genotypes were always observed; and (iii) many human Y. enterocolitica isolates shared common genotypes with porcine isolates.
Reliability of radiographic measurement of small intestinal length
Authors: Shatari T. , Clark M. A. , Lee J. R. , Keighley M. R. B. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective  The capacity for absorption of nutrients after small intestinal resection is related to the remaining length of intestine, and short bowel syndrome has major implications. Accurate pre‐operative determination of bowel length may be useful in conditions where further resection of small bowel is contemplated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of small bowel length measured by barium follow‐through (BaFT) examination.Patients and methods  Twenty‐two patients underwent both intra‐operative measurement of small bowel length, and BaFT examination where length was measured using an opisometer.Results  The difference between operative and radiological measurement (mean ± standard deviation: 15·7 ± 16 9%) was least in those with the shorter small intestine (overall variation: r = 0·703, P < 0·01, regression coefficient: −0·118, intercept: 15·1). There was no difference in whether BaFT was performed pre or postoperatively.Conclusion  Assessment of small bowel length by BaFT radiography is accurate, particularly in those with shorter small bowel lengths.
The quality of patient‐orientated internet information on colorectal cancer
Authors: Al‐Bahrani A. , Plusa S. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective  The Internet provides an enormous amount of patient‐orientated information on colorectal cancer. This study examined its accessibility and quality.Methods  Sites were identified using two search engines (Google and Hotbot) and the search terms ‘bowel cancer’ and ‘colon and rectal cancer’. The first 100 sites in each search were visited and classified. Sites that contained patient information were assessed using the ‘Discern’ instrument for reliability and quality of information on treatment choices.Results  Google identified 55 700 sites for the search term ‘colorectal cancer’ and 214 000 for ‘bowel cancer’. Hotbot produced 27 700 and 190,000, respectively. Four hundred sites were studied. Only 25 (6%) sites were duplicated in the searches. One hundred and eighteen (30%) provided information, 70 (18%) were lists of links, 27 (7%) were adverts, 22 (6%) promoted medical centres, 51 (13%) were dead links, 15 (4%) were message boards. Of the 118 that provided information 73 (62%) advised on treatment and 73 (62%) were designed for patients. The sources of information were clear in 55 (47%) and the date when this information was reported was given in only 63 (53%). By adapting the Discern instrument, sites were classified as excellent 18 (15.3%), very good 19 (16.1%), good 28 (23.7%), fair 8 (6.8%) and poor 45 (38.1%).Conclusions  The Internet provides a wealth of information on colorectal cancer but the best sites are difficult for patients to distinguish from the thousands of sites returned by search engines. Clinicians should guide patients to quality sites to avoid confusion and misinformation.
Benefits of ‘clean sweep’ in Peutz‐Jeghers patients
Authors: Oncel M. , Remzi F. H. , Church J. M. , Connor J. T. , Fazio V. W. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective  Laparotomy is the treatment of choice in Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) patients for endoscopically irretrievable symptomatic polyps and polyp‐related complications. During the last decade, we have operated on majority of the PJS patients with the purpose of removing all the gastrointestinal polyps (clean sweep), when an operation was indicated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of clean sweep technique on the need for repeated surgery compared to a problem focused approach.Patients and methods  All patients with PJS treated in our institution since 1964 were studied. They were placed into two groups; those who had a problem‐focused operation and those who were operated with the purpose of removing all small and large intestinal polyps. Demographics, presentation, follow‐up period and the need for recurrent surgery were compared.Results  We identified 11 patients (4 males, 7 females). Eight patients (5 females; median age 18.5) had problem‐focused surgery for bleeding‐anaemia (n = 3) or obstruction‐intussusception (n = 5). These patients required 23 further operations within 87 patient‐follow‐up‐years (2.64 operations per 10 years). Three patients (2 females; median age 6) were operated for bleeding‐anaemia (n = 1) or obstruction‐intussusception (n = 2) using the ‘clean sweep’ approach. These patients did not require any further surgery within 21 patient‐follow‐up‐years. The gender, presentation and follow‐up periods were similar between the groups. However, the ‘clean sweep’ technique appears to have reduced the need for further operations when it is compared with problem‐focused approach (P = 0.01).Conclusion  To reduce the need for abdominal surgery and consequent problems in PJS patients, an attempt to remove all detected polyps (clean sweep technique) may be beneficial in these patients.