bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Status and Physical Function in Older African Americans
Authors: Nieto Maria L. , Albert Steven M. , Morrow Lisa A. , Saxton Judith
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between global cognition, three specific domains of cognition, and lower extremity function in community‐dwelling elderly African Americans (AAs) from two community settings.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: Ninety‐six AA men and women aged 60 and older from two community settings, enrolled in the Boosting Minority Involvement (BMI) study, a community‐based cohort study designed to increase research participation of older low‐income AAs.

MEASUREMENTS: Physical performance was assessed using Short Physical Performance Battery score, which is composed of three timed tests: a 4‐m walking task, static balance assessment, and a chair stand test. The Bushke Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) and Mini‐Mental State Examination were used to assess global memory and global cognition, respectively. For domain‐specific performance, three z‐score composite scores (attention, verbal memory, and executive function) were developed using the Computer‐based Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment.

RESULTS: All domains of cognition were significant predictors of lower extremity function except for verbal memory. Executive function and MIS were the best predictors of lower extremity function in adjusted models. Participants with poor executive function were more than four times as likely to have poorer lower extremity function (odds ratio=4.96, 95% confidence interval=1.07–23.0).

CONCLUSION: Global memory and executive function were the best predictors of lower extremity function in a sample of community‐dwelling AA adults. Deficits in lower extremity function may depend on multifaceted higher executive function control processes.
Relationship Between Frailty and Cognitive Decline in Older Mexican Americans
Authors: Samper‐Ternent Rafael , Al Snih Soham , Raji Mukaila A. , Markides Kyriakos S. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between frailty status and change in cognitive function over time in older Mexican Americans.

DESIGN: Data used were from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly.

SETTING: Five southwestern states: Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand three hundred seventy noninstitutionalized Mexican‐American men and women aged 65 and older with a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 21 or higher at baseline (1995/96).

MEASUREMENTS: Frailty, defined as three or more of the following components: unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds, weakness (lowest 20% in grip strength), self‐reported exhaustion, slow walking speed (lowest 20% in 16‐foot walk time in seconds), and low physical activity level (lowest 20% on Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly score). Information about sociodemographic factors, MMSE score, medical conditions (stroke, heart attack, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, cancer, and hypertension), depressive symptoms, and visual impairment was obtained.

RESULTS: Of the 1,370 subjects, 684 (49.9%) were not frail, 626 (45.7%) were prefrail (1–2 components), and 60 (4.4%) were frail (≥3 components) in 1995/96. Using general linear mixed models, it was found that frail subjects had greater cognitive decline over 10 years than not frail subjects (estimate=−0.67, standard error=0.13; P<.001). This association remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounding factors.

CONCLUSION: Frail status in older Mexican Americans with MMSE scores of 21 or higher at baseline is an independent predictor of MMSE score decline over a 10‐year period. Future research is needed to establish pathophysiological components that can clarify the relationship between frailty and cognitive decline.
Lower Systolic Blood Pressure Is Associated with Greater Mortality in People Aged 85 and Older
Authors: Molander Lena , Lövheim Hugo , Norman Tove , Nordström Peter , Gustafson Yngve
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between blood pressure and mortality in very old people.

DESIGN: Population‐based cohort study.

SETTING: County of Västerbotten, Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS: Half of all subjects aged 85 and all of those aged 90 and 95 and older (N=348) in one urban and five rural municipalities in the north of Sweden.

MEASUREMENTS: Among others, supine blood pressure, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Barthel Index of activities of daily living, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and body mass index. Information on diagnoses, medications, and 4‐year mortality was collected. Associations between blood pressure and mortality were investigated using Cox regression analyses, controlling for a number of diagnoses and health factors.

RESULTS: Baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure were all inversely associated with mortality within 4 years according to univariate analysis. SBP was the strongest predictor. In Cox regression analyses, low SBP (≤120 mmHg) correlated with greater 4‐year all‐cause mortality alone and when controlling for health status. This connection persisted after exclusion of deaths within the first year. There was a tendency toward a U‐shaped mortality curve for the adjusted model, with SBP of 164.2 mmHg (95% confidence interval=154.1–183.8 mmHg) being associated with the lowest mortality.

CONCLUSION: Lower SBP seems to be associated with greater mortality in people aged 85 and older, irrespective of health status. There are indications of a U‐shaped correlation between SBP and mortality, and the optimal SBP for this age group could be above 140 mmHg.
Centenarian Offspring: Start Healthier and Stay Healthier
Authors: Adams Emily R. , Nolan Vikki G. , Andersen Stacy L. , Perls Thomas T. , Terry Dellara F.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relative incidence of age‐related diseases in a group of centenarian offspring who have thus far been considered to be predisposed to “healthy” aging.

DESIGN: Longitudinal study.

SETTING: Nationwide sample.

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred forty centenarian offspring and 192 referent cohort subjects who met inclusion criteria of having initial and follow‐up health questionnaire data available. Median age of both cohorts was 72 at the initial health questionnaire.

MEASUREMENTS: Initial health questionnaires were collected from 1997 to 2006. Follow‐up questionnaires were collected from 2004 to 2007. The mean period of follow‐up was 3.5±1.7 years for the centenarian offspring and 3.9±2.2 years for the referent cohort.

RESULTS: During the follow‐up period, centenarian offspring had a 78% lower risk of myocardial infarction (P<.04), 83% lower risk of stroke (P<.004), and 86% lower risk of developing diabetes mellitus (P<.005) than the referent cohort. There were no significant differences in new onset of other age‐related diseases. Additionally, centenarian offspring were 81% less likely to die (P<.01) than the referent cohort during the follow‐up.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that centenarian offspring retain some important cardiovascular advantages over time over similarly aged referent cohort subjects. These findings reinforce the notion that there may be physiological reasons that longevity runs in families and that centenarian offspring are more likely to age in better cardiovascular health and with a lower mortality than their peers.
Anemia Is Associated with the Progression of White Matter Disease in Older Adults with High Blood Pressure: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Inzitari Marco , Studenski Stephanie , Rosano Caterina , Zakai Neil A. , Longstreth William T. , Cushman Mary , Newman Anne B.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether anemia predicts worsening white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in older community‐dwellers.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Older community‐dwellers.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand eight hundred forty‐six Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) participants (mean age 73.7 ± 4.4, 41% male, 15.6% African American).

MEASUREMENTS: Participants had hemoglobin measured and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 1992/93 and a second brain MRI in 1997/98. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria (hemoglobin <12 g/dL in women and <13 g/dL in men). Worsening WMHs were determined according to standardized side‐by‐side readings.

RESULTS: After 5 years, WMHs worsened in 517 participants (28%). Progression was not associated with anemia in the whole sample, in sex or race strata, or in other prespecified subgroups (participants with renal dysfunction or diabetes mellitus), except in participants with high blood pressure (≥140/90 mmHg). Of the 678 participants with high blood pressure, those with anemia (10.5%) had a 1.79 times greater risk of WMHs worsening (95% confidence interval=1.06–2.98; P for interaction between anemia and high blood pressure=.01) independent of demographics, baseline WMHs, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, medications, renal function, inflammation, and incident stroke (logistic regression models). There was no greater risk in participants with anemia with normal blood pressure.

CONCLUSION: Anemia may contribute to worsening of WMHs in older adults with high blood pressure.
Tests of Muscle Strength and Physical Function: Reliability and Discrimination of Performance in Younger and Older Men and Older Men with Mobility Limitations
Authors: LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Bhasin Shalender , Miciek Renee , Storer Thomas W.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare the reliability of muscle strength and physical function measures in younger and older men.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Academic research center.

PARTICIPANTS: Thirty younger men, 31 older men, and 39 older men with mobility limitations.

MEASUREMENTS: Test–retest measures of one repetition maximum (1 RM), unloaded and loaded 50‐m walk and stair climb, and a lift‐and‐lower task. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis and the Bland‐Altman method.

RESULTS: Leg and chest press 1 RM measures identified significant differences between the groups, exhibited excellent test–retest reliability in younger men, older men, and older men with mobility limitations (ICCs=0.946–0.994) and minimal bias between Trials 1 and 2 (Bland‐Altman=improvement of 21.1 and 1.1 N for leg and chest press, respectively). Test–retest measures of the time to walk 50 m and climb 12 steps also demonstrated excellent agreement (ICCs=0.980–0.988 and 0.942–992, respectively) and minimal bias (Bland‐Altman=0.755–1.007 and 0.141–0.361 seconds faster, respectively). When a subject repeated these measures carrying a modest load, ICCs remained greater than 0.940, bias was similar, and the tests better discriminated between the groups. The lift‐and‐lower measure demonstrated excellent agreement (ICCs=0.925–0.947) and minimal bias (1.4–2.9 more shelves) and revealed significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSION: Measures of muscle strength and physical function can be performed in younger men, older men, and older men with mobility limitations with high reliability. In future clinical trials, more‐challenging measures of performance may better discriminate between higher‐functioning study participants.
Risk Factors for Fracture Following a Fall Among Older People in Residential Care Facilities in Australia
Authors: Chen Jian Sheng , Simpson Judy M. , March Lyn M. , Cameron Ian D. , Cumming Robert G. , Lord Stephen R. , Seibel Markus J. , Sambrook Philip N.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate which factors best predict whether a fall will result in a fracture.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort.

SETTING: Residential care facilities.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand three hundred forty‐two older men and women (mean age 86.0) who had a fall.

MEASUREMENTS: Clinical risk factors and bone fragility by calcaneus broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) were assessed at baseline, and falls and fall‐related fractures were recorded for up to 2 years. All fractures were validated using X‐ray reports.

RESULTS: During a median follow‐up of 1.97 years, 6,646 falls resulted in 308 fractures. Fracture rates were 6.7, 4.8, and 3.1 per 100 falls for BUA in the lowest (10.5–39.7 dB/MHz), middle (39.8–58.9 dB/MHz), and highest (≥58.9dB/MHz) tertiles, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the odds ratio for any fracture was 1.17 (95% confidence interval=1.08–1.27; P<.001) for every 10‐dB/MHz reduction in BUA. Other significant risk factors in the model were lower weight, longer leg length, better balance, no severe cognitive impairment, intermediate care residence, lack of a history of falls in the previous year, and a history of fracture since age 50. For hip fracture, the only significant risk factors were lower weight, longer leg length, intermediate care residence, and lack of falls history.

CONCLUSION: Important risk factors for whether a fracture occurs immediately after a fall include direct measures of bone fragility and a number of anthropometric and clinical factors that may increase or attenuate the mechanical impact of a fall. By identifying those at highest risk of fracture after a fall, these findings should have important implications for fracture prevention strategies.
Depression and Disability: Comparisons with Common Physical Conditions in the Ibadan Study of Aging
Authors: Gureje Oye , Ademola Adedotun , Olley Benjamin O.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of depression and chronic physical conditions on disability in elderly persons.

SETTING: Yoruba‐speaking areas of Nigeria.

DESIGN: Interviews.

PATICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling persons aged 65 and older.

METHOD: Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with a representative sample of community‐dwelling persons aged 65 and older (N=2,152) in the Yoruba‐speaking areas of Nigeria (representing ∼22% of the national population). Major depressive disorder (MDD) was assessed using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Chronic pain and medical disorders were assessed using self‐report. Disorder‐specific disability was evaluated using the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS).

RESULTS: MDD was highly comorbid with each of the medical conditions (odds ratio range 1.3–2.0). A higher proportion of persons with MDD (47.2%) were rated severely disabled globally than those with arthritis (20.6%), chronic spinal pain (24.2%), or high blood pressure (25.0%). Subjects with MDD were also more likely to be severely disabled in three of the four domains of the SDS. In pair‐wise comparisons, persons with MDD had significantly higher levels of disability than those with any of the disorders, with differences in mean scores ranging between −3.74 and −27.50.

CONCLUSION: To reduce the public health burden of depression, its prevention and treatment require more clinical and research attention than currently given by developing countries.
The Consent and Prescription Compliance (COPRECO) Study: Does Obtaining Consent in the Emergency Department Affect Study Results in a Telephone Follow‐up Study of Medication Compliance?
Authors: Campbell Samuel G. , McCarvill Erin M. , Magee Kirk D. , Cajee Ismail , Crawford Megan
Published: September 2008

Objectives:  The objectives were to determine whether mandated research requirements for consent in the emergency department (ED) falsely distorts the results of a survey of patient‐reported compliance with ED prescriptions and, in addition, to ascertain the level of patient compliance to medication instructions and find out the degree of displeasure expressed by patients called without prior consent.

Methods:  Patients given new prescriptions for a medicine to be taken regularly over a period of less than 30 days were eligible. A convenience sample of eligible patients was randomized to having consent obtained during their ED visit or at the time of telephone follow‐up. Patients were called 7–10 days after their ED visit to determine their compliance with the prescription. Compliance rates between the two groups were compared, as was the prevalence of displeasure expressed by patients called without prior consent.

Results:  Of 430 enrolled patients, 221 were randomized to receive ED consent for telephone follow‐up, and 209 received telephone follow‐up without prior ED consent. Telephone follow‐up was successful in 318 patients (74%). The rate of noncompliance was slightly higher in the group without ED consent, 74/149 (50%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 41% to 58%) than the group who gave ED consent for telephone follow‐up, 67/169 (40%; 95% CI = 32% to 42%; p = 0.07). Among the two groups, 141/318 (44%) did not fill the prescription (n = 42) or took it incorrectly (n = 99). Only 1 (0.7%) of the 149 patients with successful telephone follow‐up without prior ED consent expressed displeasure at this telephone call.

Conclusions:  Medicine noncompliance is a significant issue for patients discharged from the ED in this study. Although there was a trend toward greater compliance in patients who consented to the follow‐up call, this did not reach statistical significance. ED patients do not object to receiving telephone follow‐up for a research survey without giving prior consent.
Obesity and Dysrhythmias
Authors: Anand Rishi G. , Peters Robert W. , Donahue Timothy P.
Published: September 2008

In the United States, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Results from the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 66% of US adults are either overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25–30 kg/m

2

) or obese (BMI>30 kg/m

2

) as defined by the BMI cutoffs established by the World Health Organization. In the 1970s, only 15% of the US population between the ages of 20 and 74 years was categorized as obese. In 2003, approximately 32% of the adult population was obese. Obesity plays an important role in the evolution of cardiovascular disease. This article reviews the histopathophysiologic changes that occur in cardiac structure and function in response to obesity, explores the relationship between obesity and arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death, and analyzes electrocardiographic changes in an obese patient.
Atypical intravascular CD30+ T‐cell proliferation following trauma in a healthy 17‐year‐old male: first reported case of a potential diagnostic pitfall and literature review
Authors: Baum Christian L. , Stone Mary S. , Liu Vincent
Published: September 2008

Herein, we present the first report of a reactive atypical intravascular CD30+ T‐cell proliferation. Our patient developed the condition after trauma, and he has followed a benign clinical course. This observation represents a potential diagnostic pitfall for intravascular lymphoma and adds to the list of reactive conditions that may be associated with an atypical CD30+ T‐cell infiltrate.
Decreased Srcasm expression in hyperproliferative cutaneous lesions
Authors: Meulener Marc C. , Ayli Elias E. , Elenitsas Rosalie , Seykora John T.
Published: September 2008

Background:  Src‐family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) are signaling proteins that regulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. Src‐activating and signaling molecule (Srcasm) is a recently identified molecule that downregulates SFK activity and promotes keratinocyte differentiation. To determine if Srcasm expression correlates with keratinocyte differentiation, we characterized the level of Srcasm expression in some cutaneous lesions that exhibit increased keratinocyte proliferation.

Methods:  Formalin‐fixed sections of randomly selected seborrheic keratoses (SKs) and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) were analyzed for Srcasm and Ki‐67 immunohistochemical staining. Anti‐Srcasm and anti‐Ki‐67 stainings were performed in parallel.

Results:  All SKs displayed decreased Srcasm staining in areas comprised of basaloid keratinocytes that exhibited an increased Ki‐67 index. Higher Srcasm staining levels were detected near pseudohorn cysts where keratinocytes exhibited a lower Ki‐67 index. All multicentric and nodular BCCs displayed a prominent loss of Srcasm staining in association with a marked increase in Ki‐67 staining.

Conclusions:  Our results support the hypothesis that Srcasm protein levels are decreased in the hyperproliferative keratinocytes found in SKs and BCCs. Increased Srcasm protein levels are detected in keratinocytes undergoing differentiation. Decreased Srcasm levels may be part of the pathophysiologic mechanism in cutaneous lesions, exhibiting keratinocyte hyperproliferation.
Clusterin expression in cutaneous CD30‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders and their histologic simulants
Authors: Olsen Stephen H. , Ma Linglei , Schnitzer Bertram , Fullen Douglas R.
Published: September 2008

Background:  Clusterin is a ubiquitous 80 kDa heterodimeric glycoprotein previously shown to be expressed on tumor cells of systemic and, to a lesser extent, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC‐ALCL). Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), an important differential diagnosis of ALCL, has been studied for clusterin expression in only a small number of cases. The aim of this study was to compare clusterin immunostaining patterns in LyP and other cutaneous histologic simulants with those of PC‐ALCL.

Methods:  Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded sections of PC‐ALCL (6), LyP (20), mycosis fungoides with large cell transformation (MF‐LCT, 12), pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA, 12), arthropod bite reaction (ABR, 12) and lymphomatoid reactions (LR, 9) were immunostained for clusterin and evaluated for staining pattern and distribution. All diagnoses were made with clinicopathologic correlation.

Results:  Characteristic dot‐like Golgi staining was identified in 10/20 LyP (50%), 4/6 PC‐ALCL (67%) and 9/12 MF‐LCT (75%). Two of 12 PLEVA (17%), 1 of 12 ABR (8%) and 2 of 8 LR (25%) had lymphocytes (< 25%) with diffuse cytoplasmic staining. Dermal dendritic cells stained strongly for clusterin. High background staining occurred in some cases.

Conclusion:  Clusterin immunostaining does not reliably distinguish between LyP, PC‐ALCL or MF‐LCT, but could distinguish LyP from its reactive histologic simulants.
Necrolytic acral erythema without hepatitis C infection
Authors: Wu Yu‐Hung , Tu Mei‐Eng , Lee Chyou‐Shen , Lin Yang‐Chih
Published: September 2008

Necrolytic acral erythema is a newly described entity characterized by sharply demarcated scaly plaques on the dorsum of the hands and feet. More than 30 patients have been reported since 1996, all of whom had anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody. A 32‐year‐old Taiwanese woman had been diagnosed with and treated for systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus nephritis about 10 years earlier. Soon thereafter, she noted several well‐demarcated keratotic plaques with erythematous borders on her feet, with sparing of the soles. Histopathology showed diffuse parakeratosis with a neutrophil infiltrate, hypogranulosis, pale upper keratinocytes, scattered and grouped dyskeratotic cells, psoriasiform hyperplasia and a mild lymphocytic infiltrate in the upper dermis. The diagnosis was made after three biopsies. The lesions regularly worsened just before and during menstruation, but patch and intradermal tests for progesterone and estrogen were negative. There was no evidence of either hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. The lesions did not respond to treatment with zinc. The rash regressed spontaneously when corticosteroids were stopped and recurred when they were restarted, finally resolving completely after she was treated with high‐dose pulse steroids for her lupus.
Clear cell fibrous papule: report of a case mimicking a balloon cell nevus
Authors: Chiang Ying‐Yi , Tsai Hsiou‐Hsin , Lee Woan‐Ruoh , Wang Kuo‐Hsien
Published: September 2008

Clear cell fibrous papule (FP) is a rare variant of FP. We report a 39‐year‐old female patient who presented with a dome‐shaped papule on the nose. The diagnosis of clear cell FP was made based on histological and immunohistochemical studies. Interestingly, scattered S‐100 cells were admixed within the lesion, a finding hitherto not reported. The S‐100 positivity may be misleading and should be cautiously interpreted.
Molluscum contagiosum arising in melanocytic nevus and in superficial spreading melanoma
Authors: Dobrosavljevic Danijela , Brasanac Dimitrije , Lukic Silvana , Dzodic Radan
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is common skin infection caused by molluscum virus. Growth of MC inside melanocytic lesion is extremely rare. We present the case of MC in common melanocytic nevus and the first case of MC in superficial spreading malignant melanoma. Complete destruction of melanocytes and melanoma cells occurred on the site of MC infection. MC virus might be considered as a future candidate for viral oncolysis in cutaneous melanoma patients with advanced disease.
Relationship of immunohistochemistry scores of altered p53 protein expression in relation to patient’s habits and histological grades and stages of squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bukhari Mulazim H. , Niazi Shahida , Chaudhry Naseer A.
Published: September 2008

Background:  p53 mutations are etiologically associated with the development of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) or with exposure to specific carcinogens. The study was conducted to examine the relationship of immunohistochemistry (IHC) scores between altered p53 protein expression in relation to patient’s habits and histological grades and stages of SCC.

Materials and Methods:  IHC scores of p53 protein expression were determined and correlated on 100 biopsies from patients with matched habits, age, sex and site including 20 normal skin and 80 SCC samples of various grades and stages.

Results:  A good association of p53 expression was seen among smokers and betel quid (BQ) users. As compared with normal skin (2.45 ± 1.26), the SCC sample showed a significant rise in IHC scores for p53 protein expression, with transitions from SCC in situ to well‐differentiated SCC to moderately differentiated SCC to poorly differentiated SCC (27.5 ± 2.7, 41.2 ± 5.8, 42.83 ± 5.26 and 71.05 ± 13.3, respectively). Finally, IHC scores for p53 expression were found to be related to histological grading and staging of SCC (r = 0.9322, r = 0.863, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.5).

Conclusion:  IHC scores of altered p53 protein expression are closely related to the habits of the patients and histological grades and stages of SCC. ‘This relationship may be accounted for by the facts that smoking and use of BQ may induce an alteration to p53 that, in turn, may lead to the development and progression of SCC’.
Sclerosing ductal carcinoma of the clitoris with microcystic adnexal carcinoma‐like features
Authors: DuPont Nefertiti C. , Mabuchi Seiji , Ries Savita , Berman Michael L.
Published: September 2008

Primary clitoral malignancies are rare and most are invasive squamous cell carcinomas. Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is an indolent, rare dermatologic carcinoma that typically affects the head and neck region. A 23‐year‐old nulligravid Hispanic female presented with a 9‐month history of an enlarging periclitoral mass. After surgical resection, the mass was diagnosed as a MAC. MAC is a cutaneous carcinoma rarely found on the vulva. It is a slow growing but locally aggressive carcinoma that is best treated with surgical resection. Sclerosing ductal carcinomas may have MAC‐like features, and the diagnosis and management of one case is provided here.
Maternal parity affects neonatal survival rate in a colony of captive bred baboons (Papio hamadryas)
Authors: Sunderland Neroli , Heffernan Scott , Thomson Sally , Hennessy Annemarie
Published: September 2008

Background  Non‐human primates, particularly baboons, are valuable as animal models for reproductive research, because of their similarity to humans. Knowledge of colony‐specific pregnancy and neonatal outcomes is essential for interpretation of such research.

Methods  A retrospective review of the reproductive records of the Australian National Baboon Colony (ANBC) from 1994 to 2006 was performed.

Results  The overall live birth rate was over 70% of recognized pregnancies. Pregnancy loss was due to equal proportions of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth, and was not affected by maternal age or parity. Stillbirth rates were increased by the use of animals in novel late pregnancy experimental protocols. Neonatal mortality rates were low overall, but significantly higher in primiparous compared with multiparous mothers (P < 0.05). There were no cases of maternal mortality.

Conclusions  The success of the ANBC breeding programme is demonstrated by the low rate of pregnancy loss, high neonatal survival rate and lack of maternal mortality.
Circadian and age‐related changes in stress responsiveness of the adrenal cortex and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in female rhesus monkeys
Authors: Goncharova Nadezhda D. , Shmaliy Alla V. , Marenin Victor Y. , Smelkova Sophia A. , Lapin Boris A.
Published: September 2008

Background  The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the adrenal cortex in the regulation of antioxidant enzyme defense and to characterize this regulation in different age periods.

Methods  Five young and five old female rhesus monkeys were subjected to 2 hours squeeze cage restraint stress at 0900 or 1500 hours. Plasma levels of corticosteroids and activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes were measured before the stress and 30, 60, 120, 240 minutes after beginning of the stress.

Results  Young monkeys showed a circadian rhythm in stress responsiveness as measured by corticosteroids and glutathione reductase. The rhythm was attenuated in old animals. Age‐related changes in the overall level of response to the afternoon stress were also seen in the corticosteroid and glutathione reductase measures.

Conclusions  The study demonstrated that corticosteroids play an essential role in the regulation of antioxidant enzyme defense in stress conditions and that the reliability of their regulation decreases with age.
Pathology of the male baboon (Papio spp.) urogenital system
Authors: Venkatesan Ramasamy , Dick Edward J. , Hubbard Gene B.
Published: September 2008

Background  Comprehensive reports on male baboon urogenital pathology are not available.

Methods  We performed a retrospective study of 2246 male baboon necropsy records over 19 years.

Results  A total of 289 urogenital lesions were diagnosed in 197 (8.8%) baboons. The most frequently affected organs in decreasing order were kidney, testicle, urinary bladder, penis and prepuce, seminal vesicle, ureter, and prostate. Lesions were rare in the urethra, scrotum, and epididymis. The most common diagnoses in decreasing order were nephritis, urinary bladder cystitis, nephrocalcinosis, pyelonephritis, renal cysts, renal amyloidosis, testicular atrophy, penile/preputial dermatitis, hydronephrosis, orchitis/testicular abscess, glomerulonephritis, renal hemorrhage, hypospadia, nephrosis, renal infarct, hypospermia/aspermia, seminal vesicle mineralization, and hydroureter. We also report six cases of hypospadia, the first report in the baboon.

Conclusions  The male baboon has a low incidence of urogenital disease and renal disease is the most common malady. The role of herpesvirus papio 2 needs further study.
An oro‐facial disease ‘noma (cancrum oris)’ in a Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata): clinical signs, clinicopathological features, and response to treatment
Authors: Kimura T.
Published: September 2008

Background  A Japanese monkey developed severe oro‐facial lesions that were called noma in humans. Although extensive destruction of both the buccal regions occurred with rapid progress, author successfully treated the lesions with povidone‐iodine, enrofloxacin, chymotrypsin, a glycyrrhizin preparation, and a basic fibroblast growth factor.

Methods  Author clinicopathologically investigated this disease during the treatment.

Results  In the subcutaneous and muscular tissues, the lesions developed characteristic changes such as dissolving collagen fibers and muscular tissues phagocytosed by giant and epitheloid cells. The monkey showed a notable increase in creatine kinase activities. The present examinations revealed severe invasive findings in muscular tissues, which were accompanied by infections of β‐hemolytic streptococcus Group C. This monkey was negative for simian immunodeficiency virus antibody; however, infection with simian D retrovirus was not ruled out.

Conclusions  Simian noma was a rapidly devastating disease, which destroyed the muscle tissues of oro‐facial structure. Nonhuman primates are the only species that develop oro‐facial lesions, corresponding to noma in humans.
Relationship of food frequencies as reported by parents to overweight and obesity at 5 years
Authors: Huus Karina , Brekke Hilde K. , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: September 2008

Aim: To investigate if food frequencies are related to overweight/obesity in 5‐year‐old children.

Methods: During 1997–1999, 21 700 infants were invited to participate in ABIS (All Babies in Southeast Sweden), a prospective, cohort study. Participants were followed from birth (n = 16 058) to 5 years (n = 7356). Food frequencies reported by parents at 2.5 and 5 years were studied in the relation to overweight/obesity at 5 years using multiple logistic regressions. A p‐value < 0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results: At 2.5 years frequencies of intake of cheese were positively associated with overweight/obesity at 5 years while porridge, fried potatoes/french fries and cream/crème fraiche showed a negative association. When adjusting for known risk factors, porridge and fried potatoes/french fries remained negatively associated with overweight/obesity. At 5 years, chocolate and lemonade were positively associated with overweight/obesity whereas cream/crème fraiche, pastries and candy were negatively associated. Candy remained negatively associated to overweight/obesity after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusion: Food frequencies do not offer any simple explanation for overweight/obesity. Porridge at 2.5 years may protect against overweight/obesity at 5 years, while lemonade may contribute to overweight. Our finding that fried potatoes/french fries may protect against overweight/obesity is unexpected and must be interpreted with caution. These findings should be confirmed by prospective studies using objective recordings.
Visual impairment is common in children born before 25 gestational weeks—boys are more vulnerable than girls
Authors: Jacobson Lena , Hård Anna‐Lena , Horemuzova Eva , Hammarén Hannah , Hellström Ann
Published: September 2008

Introduction: Children born extremely preterm have high risk of visual impairment due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and cerebral lesions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of ROP and visual impairment as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), with respect to gender in two hospital‐based groups of children born at the limit of viability.

Patients and methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children (n = 114), born before 25 gestational weeks and screened for ROP at Karolinska hospital in Stockholm and Sahlgrenska hospital in Gothenburg between 1990 and 2002. Maximal ROP stages, treatment for ROP and visual acuity (VA), with correction when needed at latest available visit, were recorded.

Results: Altogether 97.4% had ROP, 74.6% developed proliferative disease (stage ≥ 3) and 63.2% were treated with retinal ablation. Normal VA (≥0.8) in at least one eye was found in 50.5% of all and in significantly more girls (61.5%) than boys (34.8%) (p = 0.006), while visual impairment (VA < 0.33) was more common in boys (32.6%) than in girls (9.2%) (p = 0.004).

Conclusion: A large proportion of children, especially boys, born at the level of viability are visually impaired with low vision or blindness. Development of preventive measures is urgent.
Association of IL‐6 gene polymorphism with the outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Czech patients
Authors: Ambruzova Z. , Mrazek F. , Raida L. , Faber E. , Onderkova J. , Kriegova E. , Indrak K. , Petrek M.
Published: September 2008

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is an important pro‐inflammatory mediator implicated in immune‐mediated complications of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). In accord with previous reports, this preliminary study on 56 donor–recipient pairs revealed IL‐6‐174 single nucleotide polymorphisms as a risk factor for the development of acute graft‐versus‐host disease and decreased survival after aHSCT.
Can retired galaxies mimic active galaxies? Clues from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey
Authors: Stasińska G. , Asari N. Vale , Fernandes R. Cid , Gomes J. M. , Schlickmann M. , Mateus A. , Schoenell W. , Sodré L. ,   (the SEAGal collaboration)
Published: September 2008

The classification of galaxies as star forming or active is generally done in the ([O iii]/Hβ, [N ii]/Hα) plane. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) has revealed that, in this plane, the distribution of galaxies looks like the two wings of a seagull. Galaxies in the right wing are referred to as Seyfert/LINERs, leading to the idea that non-stellar activity in galaxies is a very common phenomenon. Here, we argue that a large fraction of the systems in the right wing could actually be galaxies which stopped forming stars. The ionization in these ‘retired’ galaxies would be produced by hot post-asymptotic giant branch stars and white dwarfs. Our argumentation is based on a stellar population analysis of the galaxies via our starlight code and on photoionization models using the Lyman continuum radiation predicted for this population. The proportion of LINER galaxies that can be explained in such a way is, however, uncertain. We further show how observational selection effects account for the shape of the right wing. Our study suggests that nuclear activity may not be as common as thought. If retired galaxies do explain a large part of the seagull's right wing, some of the work concerning nuclear activity in galaxies, as inferred from SDSS data, will have to be revised.
URUGUAYAN CONSUMERS' PERCEPTION OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Authors: ARES GASTÓN , GIMÉNEZ ANA , GÁMBARO ADRIANA
Published: September 2008

As the markets for functional foods increase, studying and understanding consumers' perception of functional foods is essential to develop products that have a good consumer acceptance. The objective of this work was to provide a first insight into Uruguayan consumers' perception of functional foods. A survey with 200 consumers was performed. The participants were not familiar with the term “functional food,” as only 37% related the term with the real concept behind it. However, the participants showed a positive attitude toward the functional foods concept. Preferred areas of action of functional foods at a generic level were not reflected in the ratings of perceived healthiness and willingness to try yogurt with different enrichments, probably because they did not associate the components with their health effect. These results suggest that the use of health claims would be essential to ensure the success of functional foods.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Cardiovascular diseases, cancer and the immune system are regarded as the preferred areas of action of functional foods. Preferred health claims varied with gender and age. Women seemed to be more concerned than men about gut health and osteoporosis. Regarding the influence of age, younger people tend to emphasize disease‐preventing claims, while older people tend to give more importance to short‐term effects on health. These results suggest that different health claims could be attractive to different market segments, and therefore, consumer research is necessary to determine which health claims could be used according to which segment of the market the product is addressed to.
LOCATION AND SCALE INFLUENCE ON SENSORY ACCEPTABILITY MEASUREMENTS AMONG LOW‐INCOME CONSUMERS
Authors: SOSA MIRIAM , MARTINEZ CAROLINA , MARQUEZ FERNANDO , HOUGH GUILLERMO
Published: September 2008

The adequate methodology to measure food acceptability among low‐income population was researched. Two locations (home and central locations) and two scales (number and box scales) were tested. One hundred and twelve subjects from low‐income households measured four samples (two chocolate milks and two soups). Samples had higher scores in the home location than in the central location. In the central location consumers were more critical than in the home location test. If sensory acceptability discrimination is of interest, the central location test would be more adequate for low‐income populations. Statistically both scales gave similar results; however, consumers found the number scale more familiar and easier to use.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Understanding the phenomenon of income‐related food preferences has received little attention in published research. For measuring sensory acceptability among low‐income populations, we have come up with a simple number scale: consumers are instructed to score the sample from 1 to 10, this being a universal scoring system in many countries. If discrimination of sensory acceptability among samples is the objective of the test, central location would be more advisable than a home usage test.
PREDICTING TEXTURE ATTRIBUTES FROM MICROSTRUCTURAL, RHEOLOGICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF HAZELNUT SPREADS
Authors: DI MONACO ROSSELLA , GIANCONE TIZIANA , CAVELLA SILVANA , MASI PAOLO
Published: September 2008

Eight trained assessors evaluated one visual, eight texture and four gustative attributes of 15 commercial spreads. In addition, 100 consumers evaluated the acceptability of the spreads. Rheological behavior of the samples was evaluated in transient (stress–relaxation test) and dynamic (strain and frequency sweep test) shear mode. Thermal measurements were also performed. Finally, the microstructure of the samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Partial least squares regression was used to predict acceptability from sensory attributes and texture from instrumental data. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that spreads differed in morphology, size and distribution of hazelnut particles. Overall liking of the spreads was found to be related to hazelnut flavor and texture attributes. Prediction of the most important texture properties from instrumental measurements was quite successful, especially for spreadability which was found negatively related to the consistency and flow indices and, secondly, for meltability which was found to be strongly dependent on measured thermal parameters.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study contributes to knowledge development in the research area of acceptability, sensory and instrumental correlation for semi‐solid foods. The results confirm that texture properties of spreadable foods play a most important role in consumer acceptability. The research also allows better understanding as to why no single measurement is able to predict all texture attributes adequately and why more appropriate tests need to be developed for an accurate prediction of some sensory attributes as perceived by the human senses.
BIAXIAL EXTENSION OF WHEAT FLOUR DOUGHS: LUBRICATED SQUEEZING FLOW AND STRESS RELAXATION PROPERTIES
Authors: LAUNAY B. , MICHON C.
Published: September 2008

Biaxial extension in lubricated squeezing flow (LSF) was first developed for molten polymers and transferred to the study of wheat flour dough (1986). Depending on geometry, LSF is performed at constant surface or at constant volume. Most of the measurements have been carried out with a mechanical testing machine at constant crosshead speed and constant surface. An empirical power law equation relates stress and strain rate at constant strain and, at a given strain rate, there is an approximate exponential stress–strain relationship from which a parameter named “strain hardening” is derived and tentatively related to resistance of dough membranes against premature rupture. This exponential relationship does not seem to hold in other experimental conditions, particularly at constant volume. Stress relaxation following lubricated compression might also allow the study of dough viscoelastic properties. The role of unsteady regime, testing conditions and dough compressibility is finally discussed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Extensional flow properties of polymers have long been recognized as important for understanding their processing behaviors and the experimental measurement of these properties has been the subject of many studies. The relevance of biaxial extension properties to dough behavior in baking technology was at the origin of the Alveograph developed by Chopin more then 80 years ago. A third method, lubricated squeezing flow (LSF), was firstdeveloped in 1981 for studying the biaxial extension viscosity of molten polymers in creep. It is based on the uniaxial compression of a cylindrical sample between two parallel surfaces. Due to its simplicity, versatility and availability, LSF has found several empirical applications in food, particularly in wheat flour dough rheology.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TEXTURE TERMS: ENGLISH, FRENCH, JAPANESE AND CHINESE
Authors: NISHINARI KATSUYOSHI , HAYAKAWA FUMIYO , XIA CHONG‐FEI , HUANG LONG , MEULLENET JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , SIEFFERMANN JEAN‐MARC
Published: September 2008

Texture vocabularies in English, French, Japanese and Chinese languages are examined, and their characteristics are described. It wasconfirmed that most frequently used texture vocabularies concern with the mechanical and geometrical properties, and are used to describe solid‐like foods rather than liquid‐like foods. It was also shown that in all the languages, the terms used by texture experts and consumers are different. Complete agreement was not recognized even among texture experts, although it is expected that the validation of most fundamental terms could be reached through discussions. Further detailed comparison is now in progress.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In the globalization age, it is becoming more and more important to understand different languages representing texture of foods. Therefore, it is useful to compare the texture terms in different languages both for academic researchers and workers in the trade and industries.