bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diel vertical migration and shoaling heterogeneity in Atlantic redfish: effects on acoustic and bottom-trawl surveys
Authors: Gauthier Stéphane , Rose George A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
A series of experiments comparing acoustic and bottom-trawl surveys was conducted on Atlantic redfish (Sebastes spp.) on the edge of the Green and Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Canada. Redfish were on or near bottom by day and migrated vertically in the water column at night. In an attempt to account for biases attributable to the presence of fish in the near-bottom dead zone (DZ), a correction factor was applied based on density values measured within the first few metres above the detected bottom. Acoustic densities within increasing range increments above the bottom were compared with densities estimated from the trawl catch. Swept area was calculated using both the trawl's wing spread and door spread as proxies for the minimum and maximum fishing widths. Uncorrected acoustic densities were significantly higher during the night than during the day. No significant day/night differences for the entire water column were observed after DZ corrections. Close agreement between acoustic and trawl densities was obtained by integrating within the first 10 to 20 m off the bottom, with or without the DZ corrections, for both day and night experiments, but regression slopes differed. Trawl catchability appeared to be density-dependent at night, being higher at lower fish densities. Daytime acoustic estimates were more variable than those made at night, as indicated by consecutive passes of several transects and CVs of density (means of 131% during day, 35% at night). We conclude that acoustic measurements made at night provide the most reliable and least variable density estimates, and make recommendations for surveys.
Trial Pinning Prior to Wrist Arthrodesis in Children
Authors: GOLDFARB C. A. , YEN A. Y. , MANSKE P. R. 
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the utility of trial wrist pinning as an assessment tool prior to wrist arthrodesis in the paediatric patient. Ten paediatric patients who were unable to decide if a wrist arthrodesis would be beneficial to them underwent a trial wrist pinning (using temporary K-wires) in neutral posture for an average of 28 days. The etiology of wrist pathology varied. The utility of the trial pining in decision-making was assessed through chart review and telephone conversation. All patients felt the trial pinning facilitated their decision. Two of the 10 patients declined wrist arthrodesis secondary to difficulty with daily activities. Eight patients who underwent wrist arthrodesis were satisfied with wrist position and function. Temporary wrist pinning is an effective informational tool for patients, families and physicians, allowing a true assessment of wrist function prior to definitive wrist arthrodesis.
Role of the GABA‐A System in Estrogen‐Induced Protection Against Brain Lipid Peroxidation in Ethanol‐Withdrawn Rats
Authors: Rewal Mridula , Jung Marianna E. , Simpkins James W. 
Published: December 2004

Background:Our previous study showed that 17 β‐estradiol (E2) treatment protects against cerebellar neuronal death and related motor deficits in ethanol‐withdrawn rats, in part through the GABAergic system. In this study, we examined the effect of the GABA‐A antagonist bicuculline on the neuroprotective effect of E2 by assessing the oxidative marker thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) during ethanol withdrawal (EW).Methods:Ovariectomized animals that had implants of E2 (EW/E2) or oil (EW/Oil) pellets received liquid ethanol (7.5% w/v) or dextrin for 7 days by gavage. The GABA‐A antagonist bicuculline (1.25 mg/kg) was administered (three times a day intraperitoneally) for 4 days starting 3 days before the onset of EW. After testing for overt EW signs at 7 hr of EW, one set of the animals was immediately killed for the collection of the cerebellum, hippocampus, and cortex. The brain homogenates were further processed for TBARS assay to detect TBARS in the presence or absence of FeCl3. For assessing motor capacity, the other set of animals was tested for the latency to fall from a rotarod after 1 week of EW.Results:The EW/Oil animals had enhanced endogenous and FeCl3‐stimulated TBARS levels in the cerebellum and the hippocampus in a manner potentiated by bicuculline but inhibited by E2. Bicuculline counteracted the protective effect of E2 when administered along with E2. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated that the latency to fall from the rotarod covaried with TBARS levels in the cerebellum and the hippocampus.Conclusion:These data suggest that E2 protects against lipid peroxidation in vulnerable brain areas of ethanol‐withdrawn rats, in part through the GABAergic system.
Motor Impairing Effects of Ethanol and Diazepam in Rats Selectively Bred for High and Low Ethanol Consumption in a Limited‐Access Paradigm
Authors: Shram Megan J. , Bahroos Manisha , Beleskey Jeff I. , Tampakeras Maria , Lê Anh D. , Tomkins Denise M. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Some clinical studies suggest that an initial low‐level response in ethanol sensitivity is a good predictor of risk for developing subsequent high levels of ethanol consumption in humans; however, there are some inconsistencies in the data. In experimental research, this association between low ethanol sensitivity and high ethanol intake has not been consistently reported in studies that have used rat lines that have been genetically selected for differences in ethanol intake under continuous access conditions (e.g., UChA versus UchB, P versus NP, AA versus ANA). The present study investigated ethanol sensitivity in high (HARF) and low (LARF) ethanol‐preferring rats selectively bred under limited‐access conditions. For comparative purposes, motor impairment induced by diazepam was also examined.Methods: Motor impairment was assessed using the tilt plane. Ethanol (1.25, 2.0, and 2.5 g/kg, intraperitoneally) was administered to ethanol‐naïve male and female HARF and LARF rats, and their performance was assessed at t= 0, 30, and 60 min. Blood ethanol levels were measured in a separate group of ethanol‐naïve rats. Finally, in a separate group of male and female HARF and LARF rats, diazepam‐induced (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) motor impairments were evaluated in a similar manner.Results: In the ethanol study, HARF rats showed greater dose‐dependent impairments than their LARF counterparts. Male rats exhibited greater sensitivity to ethanol‐induced impairment than their female counterparts. These observations were unrelated to sex or line differences in the blood ethanol levels achieved. Similar impairments were observed with diazepam, with HARF rats exhibiting greater motor impairment than LARF rats.Conclusions: The results suggest that selective breeding for high and low ethanol drinking in a limited‐access paradigm has led to inherent differences in sensitivity to ethanol‐ and diazepam‐induced motor impairments. The pattern of diazepam‐induced impairments suggests possible variations in GABAA receptor activity, although more research is necessary to determine such involvement.
Determinants of women's choice of their obstetrician and gynecologist provider in the UAE
Authors: Rizk Diaa E. E. , El‐Zubeir Margaret A. , Al‐Dhaheri Alia M. , Al‐Mansouri Fatima R. , Al‐Jenaibi Houda S. 
Published: December 2004

Background.  The objective of this study is to evaluate women's priorities and preferences in selecting their obstetrician and gynecologist in a non‐Western society.Methods.  Consecutive sample of 508 patients attending the obstetric and gynecologic services of AL‐Ain Hospital; AL‐Ain; United Arab Emirates during 4 months was recruited. Participants were interviewed by using a structured 26‐item questionnaire administered by means of face‐to‐face interview within 24 h of admission in the ward or before consultation in the outpatient clinic. Respondents were asked about their preferences, priorities, determinants of choice of their obstetrician and gynecologist, their view of his/her role as a medical provider, and their perception of importance of each of provider's characteristics and roles on a five‐point Likert scale.Results.  Four hundred thirty‐nine (86.4%) participants preferred female physicians. Sixty‐one (12%) had no preference and eight (1.6%) preferred male physicians. Reasons for female selection were privacy during intimate examination (89·1%) or counseling (68.8%), religious beliefs (74.3%), and cultural traditions (45.3%). Female preference was significantly associated with higher parity (P = 0.002), religion (P = 0.005), nationality (P = 0.01), occupation (P = 0.02), education (P = 0.04), and poor recognition of physician's role as professional/expert (P < 0.00001). Male preference was significantly associated with experience at previous encounter (P = 0.03), obstetric consultation (P = 0.04), and perceiving physician's role as skilled communicator (P = 0.01) or health educator (P = 0.04). Other physician characteristics affecting choice were professionalism, bedside manners, empathy, communication, competence, availability, and religion.Conclusions.  Physician's attitude, professional profile, sex, and religious faith determine women's choice of obstetricians and gynecologists. Most women prefer female providers because of embarrassment during pelvic examination and reproductive counseling, religious beliefs, and sociocultural values.
Coase Theorem and the Taiwan Strait Conflict
Authors: Hsiung Bingyuan 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThe idea of a single‐owner who owns the opposing interests of a dispute has been suggested in the literature to make the Coase Theorem operational in resolving dispute. This paper points out that the idea implicitly assumes the existence of an overriding authority, e.g., the Courts, to implement the solution. When such an overriding authority does not exist, a different rationale must be employed to make the single‐owner apparatus work. This insight is explored and then applied to help resolve the Taiwan Strait Conflict. Specifically, a ‘One China, Two Republics’ policy is proposed and its implications illustrated.
Population pharmacokinetics of epinastine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, in adults and children
Authors: Sarashina A. , Tatami S. , Yamamura N. , Tsuda Y. , Igarashi T. 
Published: December 2004

AimsOur objective was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model for epinastine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, in adults and children and to obtain pharmacokinetic information to support dosing recommendations in children.MethodsA total of 1510 plasma samples were collected from 62 healthy adult volunteers and 62 paediatric atopic dermatitis patients. The data were analysed using the NONMEM program according to a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption. In addition, the final PPK model was evaluated by means of bootstrapping resampling.ResultsThe oral clearance (CL/F) was found to be associated with body weight, formulation and food status. The volume of distribution of the central compartment (V1/F) was related to body weight and food status. An absorption lag time was apparent in fed subjects. On the other hand, other covariates (formulation on V1/F, volume of distribution of the peripheral compartment (V2/F), first‐order absorption rate constant (Ka) and absorption lag time (ALAG); food status on V2/F and Ka; body weight on V2/F) were not statistically significant. No effect of age on CL/F, V1/F or V2/F was found. The mean parameter estimates obtained with an additional 200 bootstrap replicates of data were within 90–117% of those obtained with the original data set. These results suggest that the pharmacokinetics of epinastine are similar in adults and in children, except for the effect of the difference of body weight. The result of the application of the PPK model to the clinical trial in paediatric patients, in which dosage was determined based on the body weight (from14 kg to less than 24 kg; 10 mg dose, 24 kg or more; 20 mg dose), showed that the Cmax and AUC (25.6 ± 6.9 ng ml−1 and  246.8 ± 68.2 ng h ml−1)  were  almost  same  levels  with those of adults after administration of 20 mg (26.9 ± 9.1 ng ml−1 and 281.6 ± 90.5 ng h ml−1).ConclusionsA PPK model for epinastine was established and further evaluation by bootstrapping indicated that this model is stable. The model shows that, if dosage is adjusted based on the body weight, the epinastine exposure in paediatric patients is similar to that in adults.
Conditional expression of liver‐enriched transcriptional activator protein augments Acholeplasma laidlawii‐induced granulysin gene expression in a human monocytic cell line, THP‐1
Authors: Kida Yutaka , Shimizu Takashi , Kuwano Koichi 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe antimicrobial protein granulysin is considered to play an important role in the defence mechanism against bacterial infection. We previously reported that Acholeplasma laidlawii‐induced transactivation of the granulysin promoter in a human monocytic cell line, THP‐1, is regulated by activator protein‐1 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein‐β (C/EBPβ), but not by nuclear factor‐κB. Moreover, liver‐enriched transcriptional inhibitory protein (LIP), a C/EBPβ isoform, was strongly induced in A. laidlawii‐stimulated THP‐1 cells. However, the level of liver‐enriched transcriptional activator protein (LAP), another C/EBPβ isoform, was essentially constant. Accordingly, we speculated that LIP would down‐regulate A. laidlawii‐induced granulysin gene expression in THP‐1 cells. In the present study, we examined whether LAP augments A. laidlawii‐induced granulysin gene expression using conditional LAP‐expressing THP‐1 cells in a tetracycline‐controlled expression system. Our results indicated that conditional expression of LAP augmented A. laidlawii‐induced expression of granulysin mRNA. In addition, the granulysin protein was observed in A. laidlawii‐stimulated, LAP‐expressing THP‐1 cells. Our results suggest that the expression of LAP plays a critical role in the expression of the granulysin gene in macrophages.
Role of arterial blood gas abnormalities in oedema formation in COPD
Authors: KARADAG Fisun , POLATLI Mehmet , OZCAN Hatice , CILDAG Orhan 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Renal and hormonal abnormalities, manifesting as oedema or hyponatraemia, are often seen in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of airflow obstruction and arterial blood gas abnormalities on oedema formation in COPD patients.Methodology:  A total of 58 COPD patients hospitalized for treatment of COPD exacerbation were admitted to the study. Of these, 38 patients had peripheral oedema (group 1) and 20 patients had no oedema (group 2).Results:  The mean age was 68 ± 9 years in group 1 and 68 ± 8 years in group 2. On the first day of admission, serum urea was 29.18 ± 12.25 mg/dL and creatinine was 1.62 ± 0.46 mg/dL in group 1, while urea was 15.50 ± 4.59 mg/dL and creatinine was 1.07 ± 0.10 mg/dL in group 2. Hyponatraemia occurred in five patients (13%) in group 1 and one patient (5%) in group 2. There was no difference in severity of airflow obstruction in the two groups; FEV1 was 44 ± 15% of predicted and FEV1/FVC was 53 ± 14 in group 1, while FEV1 was 45 ± 16% of predicted and FEV1/FVC was 54 ± 20 in group 2. There were statistically significant differences in pH (7.32 vs. 7.39; P= 0.013) and in PaCO2 (62 ± 10 mmHg vs. 42 ± 6; P= 0.048) for group 1 compared with group 2. PaO2 (62 ± 17 mmHg vs. 82 ± 27) and Sao2 (87 ± 9%vs. 90 ± 13) were found to be lower in group 1 compared with group 2 but the difference did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion:  Alterations in pH and PaCO2 (respiratory acidosis and hypercapnia) appear to have more prominent roles than hypoxaemia in oedema formation in COPD patients.
Adverse effects associated with influenza vaccination in patients with COPD: a randomized controlled study
Authors: WONGSURAKIAT Phunsup , MARANETRA Khun Nanta , GULPRASUTDILOG Penpun , AKSORNINT Monchai , SRILUM Wichian , RUENGJAM Chairat , SATED Wichean 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and type of adverse reactions following influenza vaccination and its effects on lung function, dyspnoeic symptoms, exercise capacity, and clinical acute respiratory illness (ARI) in patients with COPD, and the relationship of these adverse effects to the degree of airflow obstruction.Methodology:  A stratified, randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled study was conducted over an 18‐month period at a single university hospital. In total, 125 patients with COPD were randomized to the vaccine group (62 patients who received purified trivalent split‐virus vaccine injections) or the placebo group (63 patients). Local and systemic symptoms during the week following the injections were evaluated. Clinical ARI, lung function tests, dyspnoeic symptoms (assessed using a visual analogue scale), and a 6‐min walking test were evaluated before and at 1 week and 4 weeks following vaccination.Results:  The frequency of local adverse reactions was 27% in the vaccine group and 6% in the placebo group (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in systemic adverse reactions between the vaccine and placebo groups (76% vs. 81%; P= 0.5). No difference was observed in the incidence of ARI between the vaccine and placebo groups during the first week (6.4% vs. 6.3%; P= 1) and the first 4 weeks (24.2% vs. 31.7%; P= 0.5) following vaccination. There was no significant change in lung function, dyspnoeic symptoms, and exercise capacity of the patients in both groups, at 1 week and 4 weeks following vaccination, regardless of the severity of COPD.Conclusion:  Influenza vaccination is associated with minimal local adverse reactions in patients with COPD. Vaccination does not cause systemic adverse reactions, induce clinical exacerbations or adversely affect lung function, dyspnoeic symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with COPD, regardless of the severity of airflow obstruction.
Cost impact of COPD in Japan: Opportunities and challenges?
Authors: NISHIMURA Shuzo , ZAHER Carol 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease highlights the importance of COPD from public health, health policy and clinical perspectives. In countries such as the USA, the economic impact of COPD exceeds that of many chronic conditions. There is a paucity of data on the economic burden of COPD in Japan.Methodology:  Based upon publicly available information, a prevalence‐based approach was used to construct a deterministic model to estimate the total direct and indirect costs of care for COPD in Japan. Data sources included a spirometry‐based epidemiological study, the peer‐reviewed literature, and governmental and industrial surveys. The most current data that addressed direct and indirect costs of care were utilized.Results:  In Japan, the estimated total cost of COPD is ¥805.5 billion (US$6.8 billion) per year; ¥645.1 billion (US$5.5 billion) in direct costs and ¥160.4 billion (US$1.4 billion) in indirect costs. In direct costs, inpatient care accounted for ¥244.1 billion (US$2.1 billion), outpatient care ¥299.3 billion (US$2.5 billion), and home oxygen therapy ¥101.7 billion (US$0.9 billion). The average annual total cost per patient for moderate/severe COPD is estimated to be ¥435 876 (US$3694); ¥349 080 (US$2958) per COPD patient in direct costs and ¥86 797 (US$795) in indirect costs.Conclusion:  COPD imposes a high economic burden on the Japanese healthcare system. Health policy makers should direct urgent attention to increasing prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of COPD.
Effects of different anti‐asthmatic agents on induced sputum and eosinophil cationic protein in mild asthmatics
Authors: BASYIGIT Ilknur , YILDIZ Fusun , KACAR OZKARA Sevgiye , BOYACI Hasim , ILGAZLI Ahmet , OZKARAKAS Oktay 
Published: December 2004

Objectives:  Inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and theophylline are recommended for the treatment of mild persistent asthma. The aim of this study was to compare the changes in sputum total cell and eosinophil counts, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in serum and sputum following treatment with leukotriene receptor antagonists, inhaled corticosteroids, and theophylline in patients with mild persistent asthma.Methodology:  Total cell counts, eosinophil percentage, and ECP levels in induced sputum and serum were determined both before and after treatment. Prior to sputum induction, FEV1 and PEF values and symptom scores were recorded at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. After baseline measurements, the asthmatic patients (n = 30) were randomized into three groups. A total of 10 patients were treated with zafirlukast, 20 mg bd, 10 with budesonide inhaler 200 µg bd, and 10 with theophylline 200 mg bd.Results:  There were significant decreases in sputum total cell counts and eosinophil percentage in all treatment groups. However, the decrease in sputum eosinophil counts was more significant in the corticosteroid‐treated group. Although sputum ECP levels decreased significantly in the groups treated with zafirlukast and budesonide (zafirlukast group, 580–135 µg/L, P < 0.01; budesonide group, 683–268 µg/L, P < 0.01), the decrease was not statistically significant in the theophylline‐treated group (498–361 µg/L, P > 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant changes in serum ECP levels in any of the treatment groups.Conclusions:  All three treatments resulted in significant decreases in sputum total cell counts and eosinophil percentage, but the decrease in sputum ECP level was only seen in the groups treated with budesonide and zafirlukast. These results suggest that although all three treatments are considered as first‐line treatments in most consensuses, theophylline seems to have less of an inhibitory effect on eosinophil activation.
Management of ischaemic heart disease in women of child‐bearing age
Authors: Wilson A. M. , Boyle A. J. , Fox P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIschaemic heart disease is rare in young women but is expected to increase with increasing average age of child bearing. Diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia in this group is complicated by limited data about maternal and fetal safety of the standard diagnostic tests routinely used in other patients. Management of these patients remains difficult, as many standard treatments, such as beta‐blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are pregnancy category C or D, and there is little experience with many of the newer treatments such as coronary artery stenting, clopidogrel and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in pregnancy. An interesting case of a woman, who had an acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis and coronary artery stenting, and who subsequently became pregnant, is reported here, and other published reports regarding the management of coronary artery disease, both acute and chronic, in pregnant women are explored. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 694−697)
The spatial spread of invasions: new developments in theory and evidence
Authors: Hastings Alan , Cuddington Kim , Davies Kendi F. , Dugaw Christopher J. , Elmendorf Sarah , Freestone Amy , Harrison Susan , Holland Matthew , Lambrinos John , Malvadkar Urmila , Melbourne Brett A. , Moore Kara , Taylor Caz , Thomson Diane 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe review and synthesize recent developments in the study of the spread of invasive species, emphasizing both empirical and theoretical approaches. Recent theoretical work has shown that invasive species spread is a much more complex process than the classical models suggested, as long range dispersal events can have a large influence on the rate of range expansion through time. Empirical work goes even further, emphasizing the role of spatial heterogeneity, temporal variability, other species, and evolution. As in some of the classic work on spread, the study of range expansion of invasive species provides unique opportunities to use differences between theory and data to determine the important underlying processes that control spread rates.