bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hand‐held miniaturized cardiac ultrasound instruments for rapid and effective bedside diagnosis and patient screening
Authors: Scholten Christine , Rosenhek Raphael , Binder Thomas , Zehetgruber Manfred , Maurer Gerald , Baumgartner Helmut 
Published: January 2005

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Technological progress in recent years has made it possible that ultrasound industry can now offer affordable, portable and battery‐operated ultrasound systems the size of a laptop computer. The purpose of this study was to compare these hand‐carried ultrasound instruments with standard echocardiography in order to investigate the facility of a rapid bedside diagnosis in patients with suspected or known cardiovascular disease.Methods  Fifty consecutive patients were studied with miniaturized ultrasound equipment (SonoHeart TM®) and a conventional scanner (Acuson Sequoia®) in a blinded manner. All studies were performed by three board‐certified cardiologists skilled and experienced in echocardiographic practice. Investigators were not aware of any previous medical reports.Results  With the new system, adequate images could be obtained in all patients. Left ventricular and left atrial diameters measured with the hand‐held system correlated well with those obtained with conventional scanning: r = 0.87, mean difference 3.12 ± 2.7 mm and r = 0.84, mean difference 2.8 + 2.4 mm, respectively. The presence of left ventricular dysfunction, regional wall motion abnormalities, relevant valvular regurgitation (moderate or more) or valve stenosis was correctly diagnosed in all patients. However, there was a tendency towards underestimating the extent of wall motion abnormalities particularly in patients difficult to image. Discrepancies also frequently occurred in patients with trivial or mild regurgitation, where false‐positive and false‐negative findings were described.Conclusion  Currently available hand‐held echocardiography systems can facilitate rapid bedside diagnosis and patient screening. However, this recent development in echocardiography also raises a number of questions and its actual impact on general clinical practice still remains to be evaluated.
Patient expectations in placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials
Authors: Stone David A. , Kerr Catherine E. , Jacobson Eric , Conboy ScD Lisa A. , Kaptchuk Ted J. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractObjective  To explore participants’ experience in placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) specifically in relationship to their expectations.Background  Aspects of being in RCTs, such as informed consent, perception of benefit and understanding of randomization, have been examined. In contrast, little is known concerning the formation of patient expectations before and during trials.Methods  Qualitative methods using in‐depth interviews with a semi‐structured interview guide of nine patients from four different RCTs. Data analysis was conducted using a codebook format arranging participant responses under broad analytical headings. The interviewer used a semi‐structured interview guide to direct the conversation from one broad topic to the next within the context of the ongoing conversation. A checklist of topics encouraged participants to describe their experiences in RCTs. Narratives concerning expectation, blinding and placebo  were compared  to  identify  common  themes.Results  Patient anticipatory processes were influenced and modified both before and during the trial from multiple inputs. Such factors as past experiences in RCTs, past experiences of ineffective treatment, stress of being off regular medications, fear of being a ‘placebo responder’, input of non‐study doctors or other health professionals, the experience of other participants, measurements of health parameters made during the trial and the presence or absence of side‐effects all   affected   patient   expectation.Conclusion  Expectations in RCTs are not fixed and instead may be viewed as continuously shaped by multiple inputs that include experience and information received both before and during the trial. Variability in placebo response observed in previous studies may be related to the fluid nature of expectations. Trying to control and equalize expectations in RCTs may be more difficult than previously assumed.
Keeping Capital Flowing: The Role of the IMF*
Authors: Bordo Michael D. , Mody Ashoka , Oomes Nienke 
Published: January 2005

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in maintaining the access of emerging market economies to international capital markets. We find evidence that both macroeconomic aggregates and capital flows improve following the adoption of an IMF programme, although they may initially deteriorate somewhat. Consistent with theoretical predictions and earlier empirical findings, we find that IMF programmes are most successful in improving capital flows to countries with bad, but not very bad, fundamentals. In such countries, IMF programmes are also associated with improvements in the fundamentals themselves.
The need of mycophenolic acid monitoring in long‐term renal transplants
Authors: David‐Neto Elias , Pereira Lilian M , Kakehashi Erica , Sumita Nairo M , Mendes Maria E , Castro Maria CR , Romano Paschoalina , Mattos Renata M , Batista Vania RM , Nahas William C , Ianhez Luiz E 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  There is little information regarding the 12‐h mycophenolic acid (MPA) pharmacokinetics (PK), a way to monitor the drug and the need of frequent monitoring, in stable patients.Methods:  A cohort of 35 adults, under long‐term mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) therapy plus cyclosporin A (n = 12), TACimus (n = 12) or MMF only (n = 11); all with prednisone had a 12‐h MPA‐PK performed to ascertain the percentage of them within a defined therapeutic window. In 13 other patients, two PK studies undergone 1 wk apart were performed to evaluate the need for frequent measurements.Results:  Fourteen (40%) patients were within the defined therapeutic window (36–60 μg h/mL). Nine patients (26%) were overexposed while 12 (34%) were underexposed. A Cmax≥10 μg/mL was seen in 20 (57%) of the patients. These percentages were equally distributed between the treatment groups both for AUC0−12 and Cmax. The equations using C0, C2 or both predict exposure, although the use of C2 seems to be more adequate in clinical practice. There were no differences in MPA exposure in patients with a repeated PK evaluated 1 wk later.Conclusion:  The use of MMF without monitoring MPA blood levels may cause over‐/underexposure to the drug in stable recipients. However, in patients under MMF for more than 1 yr, MPA levels are stable and there is no need for frequent measurements.
Incidence of serum creatine kinase elevation and its relation to medications used after heart transplantation
Authors: Hsu Ron‐Bin , Chen Robert J , Wang Shoei‐Shen , Chu Shu‐Hsun 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Rhabdomyolysis after heart transplantation is well described as a drug‐related phenomenon. The incidence of serum creatine kinase (CK) elevation after heart transplantation is not formally reported in previous clinical studies. This study sought to find the incidence of asymptomatic serum CK elevation after heart transplantation and assess its relation to medications that are commonly used after transplantation.Methods:  Data were collected in outpatient basis between August 2002 and August 2003. Patients with acute rejection, infection or muscle pain were excluded. All patients were followed monthly at a special clinic. Physical examinations and routine blood tests including serum CK were performed monthly. We evaluated the results of 106 asymptomatic patients and 765 serial data to determine the incidence of serum CK elevation after transplantation. Logistic regression was used to identify its risk factors.Results:  The incidence of serum CK elevation in asymptomatic heart transplant recipients was 16.2%. Risk factors of its elevation were diabetes mellitus and use of medications including cyclosporine, drugs for hypertriglyceridemia, antihypertensives, and prednisolone. Among the antihypertensives commonly used, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and calcium antagonists were associated with a higher incidence of serum CK elevation, but beta‐blockers protected patients from serum CK elevation.Conclusion:  The incidence of serum CK elevation in asymptomatic heart transplant recipients was not low. Serum CK measurements should be part of the routine follow‐up in transplant recipients, especially when patients had diabetes mellitus. Medications commonly used after heart transplantation significantly affected the incidence of serum CK elevation.
Induction therapy with either anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibodies or rabbit antithymocyte globulins in liver transplantation for hepatitis C
Authors: Kamar Nassim , Borde Jean‐Sébastien , Sandres‐Saune Karine , Suc Bertrand , Barange Karl , Cointault Olivier , Lavayssière Laurence , Durand Dominique , Izopet Jacques , Rostaing Lionel 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) is the leading cause for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The aim of our sequential study was to assess the safety and efficacy of induction therapy using either rabbit antithymocyte globulins (RATG) or anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibodies.Methods:  From January 2000 to January 2003, 31 patients underwent OLT for HCV‐related ESLD, and survived more than 1 month post‐transplantation. Up to July 2001, induction relied on RATG (Thymoglobulins®; Sangstat, Lyon, France) which was given for a median of 5 d, i.e. a total dose of 406 ± 45 mg (n = 16; group I). Thereafter, induction was based on either basiliximab or dacluzimab (n = 15; group II). Steroids and tacrolimus (from day 1 onwards) were given as maintenance therapy. The primary end‐points were at 6 months post‐transplantation.Results:  Patient and graft survivals were excellent and similar in both groups. The acute rejection rate was 37.5% in group I and 20% in group II (p = ns). The rates of serious bacterial and fungal infections as well as cytomegalovirus infections were similar in both groups. Even if the overall pattern of post‐transplant liver enzymes did not differ between the two groups, the rate of HCV recurrence tended to be higher in group II (80%) compared with group I (56.25%; p = ns) patients. Both induction therapies were clinically and biologically well tolerated.Conclusion:  RATG induction therapy is as efficient and as safe as induction with anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibodies.
Lobular damage caused by cellular and humoral immunity in liver allograft rejection
Authors: Sawada Tokihiko , Shimizu Akira , Kubota Keiichi , Fuchinoue Shohei , Teraoka Satoshi 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Backgrounds:  Diagnosis of acute liver allograft rejection (ALAR) is usually performed by the estimation of changes in portal areas. In this study, changes in the hepatic lobules were investigated retrospectively by immunohistochemistry, and compared with changes in the portal areas. Humoral immunity in ALAR was also studied by C4d‐staining.Materials and methods:  In total, 35 biopsy specimens from 20 patients who had undergone living‐related liver transplantation were included. Specimens had been graded as mild, moderate‐to‐severe acute rejection based on the Banff Schema. Changes in hepatic lobules were investigated by hematoxylin‐eosin (H & E) staining, an immunohistochemical study using anti‐CD3 (T cells), anti‐GMP‐17 (cytotoxic cells), anti‐CD68 (macrophages) and C4d, and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) method.Results:  Changes in hepatic lobules consisted of the infiltration of mononuclear cells, swelling and necrosis of hepatocytes, and hemorrhages. The degree of these changes increased with the severity of ALAR. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that infiltrating cells included CD3+ T cells, GMP‐17+ cytotoxic cells and CD68+ macrophages. The number of infiltrating cells increased with the severity of the ALAR. The TUNEL assay demonstrated apoptotic cells in ALAR and the number of apoptotic cells increased with the severity of the ALAR. In moderate‐to‐severe rejection, C4d depositions were observed in the hepatic sinusoids as well as the portal veins and hepatic arteries.Conclusions:  Changes in the hepatic lobules were observed in ALAR and the severity increased with the severity of ALAR. Apoptosis was involved in the mechanism of cell death and humoral immunity plays a role in the mechanism of ALAR.
Acitretin and skin cancer in kidney transplanted patients. Clinical and histological evaluation and immunohistochemical analysis of lymphocytes, natural killer cells and Langerhans’ cells in sun exposed and sun protected skin
Authors: Carneiro Renata V , Sotto Mírian N , Azevedo Luiz S , Ianhez Luiz E. , Rivitti Evandro A 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Renal transplanted recipients have an increased incidence of actinic keratosis and skin cancer.Methods:  In order to examine the chemoprophylatic effects of low‐dose acitretin on keratosis and skin cancer development we submitted 13 renal transplanted patients who presented actinic keratosis to acitretin therapy (20 mg/d) for 12 months. The patients were assessed at monthly intervals during the first 6 months and every 2 months until the 12th month for new skin lesions and for acitretin toxicity. Normal skin biopsies of sun exposed and sun protected areas were taken for histopathological examination and submitted to immunohistochemistry technique to demonstrate CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells and Langerhans’ cells which were counted and compared before, after 6 and 12 months of the treatment.Results:  There was an improvement of actinic keratosis in all patients. Only one patient developed new skin cancer. Side‐effects were well tolerated and no significant biochemical effects were observed. There were no differences in the microscopic aspects of the skin and in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and NK cells. There was a significant increase in the number of epidermal Langerhans’ cells after 12 months of acitretin therapy.Conclusions:  The data obtained permit us to conclude that low dose acitretin therapy is safe, well tolerated and partially effective in chemoprophylaxis of skin cancer in renal transplant recipients. The increase in epidermal Langerhans’ cells observed may be an expression of the immunomodulatory effect of acitretin.
Economic evaluation of everolimus vs. azathioprine at one year after de novo heart transplantation
Authors: Radeva Jasmina I. , Reed Shelby D. , Kaló Zoltán , Kauf Teresa L. , Cantu Edward , Cretin Nathalie , Schulman Kevin A. 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Everolimus decreases acute rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy after heart transplantation. We compared within‐trial costs and resource use over 1 yr of follow‐up in de novo heart transplant patients randomized to everolimus 1.5 mg/d (n = 209), everolimus 3.0 mg/d (n = 211), or azathioprine (n = 214).Patients and methods:  Resource use data were collected prospectively for 634 patients from 14 countries. We used the nonparametric bootstrap method to test for differences in mean costs and to estimate confidence intervals for cost‐effectiveness ratios.Results:  Everolimus patients had lower incidence of efficacy failure compared with azathioprine patients (41.6%, everolimus 1.5 mg; 32.2%, everolimus 3.0 mg; 52.8%, azathioprine). Compared with patients receiving azathioprine, everolimus patients spent more days in the hospital [36.3 d for everolimus 1.5 mg/d (p = 0.21); 38.4 d for everolimus 3.0 mg/d (p = 0.01); 32.2 d for azathioprine]. Mean total costs, excluding the study medications, were not significantly different among treatment groups ($72 065 for everolimus 1.5 mg; $72 631 for everolimus 3.0 mg; $70 815 for azathioprine).Conclusions:  Over 1 yr of follow‐up after heart transplantation, everolimus did not significantly increase treatment costs, excluding the costs of the study medications, while reducing efficacy failure. Longer follow‐up and the cost of everolimus are required to fully evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of everolimus vs. azathioprine in post‐transplant maintenance.
REGULATION BY DUOPOLY
Authors: Auriol Emmanuelle , Laffont Jean‐Jacques 
Published: January 2005

This paper analyzes, within the framework of the new regulatory economics that emphasizes asymmetries of information, the optimal structure of an industry. The duplication of fixed costs incurred in a duopoly structure may be socially justified in a static model by three effects: the sampling effect, the yardstick competition effect, and the increasing marginal cost effect.We show that in general, asymmetric information favors duopoly when the market structure is decided before firms discovers their cost characteristics (a common situation in dual sourcing for procurement), and favors monopoly when the market structure is decided after firms discover their cost characteristics (the case of split‐award auctions).
A REVIEW OF GHEMAWAT'S COMMITMENT: THE DYNAMIC OF STRATEGY
Authors: Peteraf Margaret A. 
Published: January 2005

Commitment: The Dynamic of Strategy, by Pankaj Ghemawat.Ghemawat's Commitment makes recent results in game‐theoretic industrial organization accessible and useful to practitioners in the field of strategic management. This book contributes to the management strategy literature on two levels. On a conceptual level, Ghemawat strives to isolate “commitment” as the sole explanation of persistent differences in firm performance. On a more pragmatic level, he provides a framework intended to aid managers in making commitment‐intensive decisions. It is with respect to how well he achieves these two distinct goals that I evaluate Ghemawat's contribution. In addition, I review briefly the book's content, and I compare Ghemawat's approach to some alternative approaches familiar to scholars and practitioners of strategic management.
Rendering Alternative Offerings Less Profitable with Resale Price Maintenance
Authors: Shaffer Greg 
Published: January 2005

When it was legal, resale price maintenance (RPM) was commonly observed on items such as aspirin, pens, pencils, toothpaste, soap, shaving cream, and milk. In providing a theory that is based on compensating retailers for their opportunity cost of shelf space, and that does not hinge on the existence of externalities in nonprice competition, this article explains why a manufacturer might impose RPM on these and many other products. By contrast, the use of RPM on food, grocery, and drug store items is not easily explained by standard theories such as free riding on presale services and quality certification by high‐priced retailers.
The typical supermarket has room for fewer than 25,000 products. Yet there are some 100,000 available, and between 10,000 and 25,000 items aye introduced each year.1
Post‐natal Changes of Cyclin‐dependent Kinase 5 Activator Expression in the Developing Rat Cerebellum
Authors: Jeong Y. G. , Lee K. Y. , Lee B. C. , Lee N. S. , Lee K. Y. , Won M. H. , Fukui Y. 
Published: January 2005

SummarycDNA of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) was cloned based on its primary sequence homology to Cdc2 and Cdk2. Cdk5 requires the neuronal Cdk5 activators such as p35 or p39nck5ai (p39) for its activity. In this study, we examined post‐natal changes in the p39 expression pattern during the development of the rat cerebellum. p39 began to express in somata and dendrites of Purkinje cells at post‐natal day 3 (PD3). In particular, at PD12, parasagittal bands (stripes) with p39 immunoreactivity were weakly observed. At PD21, p39‐immunoreactive stripes were developed when compared with the PD12 group. At this age stage, p39 immunoreactivity became weak in somata of Purkinje cells, not forming stripes. At PD28, a series of parasagittal bands were more distinct than those of the PD21 group, and p39 immunoreactivity disappeared in Purkinje cells, not forming p39 immunoreactive stripes. In the adults, p39 immunoreactivity in Purkinje cells was similar to that found in the PD28 group which showed that parasagittal bands were very narrow, and became progressively more slender. Therefore, we suggest that the post‐natal changes of p39 expression in Purkinje cells in the cerebellum is an autonomous characteristic of Purkinje cells with a role of Cdk5 activators.
Nerve Fibres in the Parathyroid Gland of the Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus): Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Investigations
Authors: Chen H. , Shoumura S. , Emura S. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryWe investigated the morphology and the distribution of the nerve fibres in golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) parathyroid glands using antibodies to calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and substance P, and electron microscopy. CGRP‐immunoreactive nerve fibres were densely distributed in the interstitial tissues and the capsules of the hamster parathyroid glands. Some nerve fibres were detected in close proximity of the parathyroid chief cells. The distribution pattern for substance P‐immunoreactive nerve fibres was roughly the same as for CGRP‐immunoreactive fibres. Ultrastructurally, we found numerous nerve fibres joining the blood vessels. Axon bundles were located adjacent to the smooth muscle cells of the arterioles. The axons formed structurally specialized neuromuscular junctions with the vascular smooth muscle cells. Some axons were in close vicinity to the parathyroid chief cells. These findings indicate that the hamster parathyroid gland contain CGRP and substance P, which may regulate the blood flow and the secretory activity of the gland.
Foraging Decision Rules and Prey Species Preferences of Northwestern Crows (Corvus caurinus)
Authors: O'Brien Erin L. , Burger Alan E. , Dawson Russell D. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractCategorization of similar prey types and the application of decision rules by dietary generalists can enhance the efficiency of foraging decisions and facilitate the inclusion of novel prey types in the diet. While considerable research attention has been directed toward investigation of these concepts in invertebrates, few have assessed categorization and decision rules used by generalist vertebrate predators. In this study, we experimentally investigated decision rules and prey preferences of northwestern crows (Corvus caurinus) feeding on littleneck clams (Tapes philippinarum) and whelks (Nucella lamellosa). We presented crows with three species‐size combinations: small clams (2.0–2.9 cm length) paired with large whelks (4.0–4.9 cm), small clams paired with medium whelks (3.0–3.9 cm), and large clams (4.0–4.9 cm) with large whelks. Profitability estimates based on observations of crows feeding on these prey species indicated that clams were always the more energetically profitable option; however, in prey choice trials crows consistently selected the heavier prey species, regardless of differences in profitability. These results show that crows apply a general decision rule according to which they select heavier prey items when feeding on hard‐shelled prey requiring similar handling techniques, and that while such decision rules may approximate optimal choices they may not always follow predictions based solely on prey profitability. We discuss these results in the context of behavioural flexibility of generalist predators, and predicting impacts of intertidal avian predators on prey populations.