bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of different fermentation methods and the effect of their duration on the quality of raw cocoa beans
Authors: Guehi Tagro S. , Dadie Adjéhi T. , Koffi Kouadio P. B. , Dabonne Soumaïla , Ban‐Koffi Louis , Kedjebo Kra D. , Nemlin Gnopo J.
Published: November 2010

This study aims to compare the effect of three cocoa fermentation methods and their duration on raw cocoa quality. Results showed a decrease in percentage of physical quality defects on fermentation method. Cocoa fermented for 4 days presented higher percentage of purple beans reached 45% and about 10% of slaty beans than cocoa fermented for 6 days whatever the process. Fermentation duration did not influence the mouldy beans that were around 1%. Formation of brown beans increased from 16% to 50% depending on the fermentation duration and process. Using wooden boxes allowed higher percentage of 77%–90% brown beans than others materials. Acidity of cocoa decreased on fermentation duration but beans treated in boxes were significantly (P = 0.05) acidic from 1.40 and 3.07 meq of NaOH g−1. Fungal population did not vary in number depending both on the duration and the fermentation method with rates that ranged from 3.32 × 107 to 8.63 × 107 CFU g−1.
Moisture sorption characteristics and glass transition temperature of apple puree powder
Authors: Jakubczyk Ewa , Ostrowska‐Ligeza Ewa , Gondek Ewa
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to characterise the influence of different foam‐mat‐drying methods on the moisture sorption characteristics and glass transition temperatures of apple puree powder. Apple puree was foamed with the addition of 2.5% egg albumin and 0.5% methylcellulose. Convective air‐drying and microwave‐drying techniques were used. Also foamed puree with and without maltodextrin (6% or 15% w/w) was freeze‐dried. Moisture equilibrium data of powders were determined by using a static desiccator method in a water activity range of 0.0–0.903. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) was used to obtain the glass transition temperature. No effect of drying method on sorption properties and glass transition temperatures of apple puree powders was observed. The addition of maltodextrin to the apple puree caused an increase in Tg by 10–30 °C depending on the amount of incorporated additive. Addition of maltodextrin significantly reduced the hygroscopicity of apple puree powders.
Process optimisation of the bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) concentrated juice preparation for a freeze‐dried powder
Authors: Wu Maoyu , Hu Xiaosong , Ge Bangguo , Zhao Guanghua , Wang Zhengfu
Published: November 2010

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), a commonly consumed vegetable in South Asia, eastern‐South Asia, China, Japan, Korea peninsula, Caribbean Sea isles etc., is used as an adjunct in the management of diabetes mellitus. In this study, in order to find the effective ways of producing bitter gourd freeze‐dried powder, the concentrated juice of bitter gourd was produced through enzymatic process (EP), ultra filtration (UF), reverse osmosis and vacuum concentration technology. Results indicated that total saponins, total sugar and pH value in bitter gourd juice were almost unchanged after EP and after UF (P ≥ 0.05). However, UF decreased the turbidity and improved transmittance of juice (P < 0.05). When compared with the vacuum concentration alone, the combined process of reverse osmosis followed by vacuum concentration had 3.33 folds of production efficiency and 1.725 times of vitamin C content in concentrated juice. With freeze‐drying microscope system, the eutectic point of the freeze‐dried product of bitter gourd juice was detected to be −37.5 °C, which was important to optimise lyophilisation parameters. The freeze‐drying microscope system was more accurate than the conventional electric resistance method in detecting the eutectic point of freeze‐dried product.
Study on the electric conduction properties of fresh and frozen–thawed grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Zhang Lina , Shen Huixing , Luo Yongkang
Published: November 2010

Electric conduction properties of fresh and frozen–thawed grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were studied by measuring their impedances under different frequencies. The impedances varied as frequency changed. Although impedances of both fresh and frozen–thawed fish decreased as frequency increased from 1 to 20 kHz, change ratio of impedance (Q value) of fresh fish was evidently higher than that of frozen–thawed fish. The Q values of fresh grass carp and tilapia on the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 10th days were 60.53%, 52.24%, 35.47%, 26.86%, 21.17% and 73.13%, 52.70%, 41.06%, 39.28%, 36.31%, while frozen–thawed grass carp and tilapia were 9.65%, 11.21%, 9.58%, 8.89%, 9.13% and 18.26%, 12.80%, 13.46%, 12.16%, 12.91%, respectively. Electric conduction is a rapid, easy to use, portable and cost‐effective method for in situ analysis at practical level. Therefore, it is feasible to identify fresh and frozen–thawed fish according to the change ratio of their impedances.
Formation of acid‐precipitated soy protein–dextran conjugates by Maillard reaction in liquid systems
Authors: Qi Jun‐ru , Liao Jin‐song , Yin Shou‐wei , Zhu JianHua , Yang Xiao‐quan
Published: November 2010

The conjugation reaction between soybean acid‐precipitated protein (SAPP) and dextran in liquid systems via the initial stage of the Maillard reaction was studied. Functional SAPP–dextran conjugates were prepared in 80% ethanol‐reacting system at 50 °C for 6 h, along with 95% ethanol‐reacting system at 60 °C for 24 h. The covalent attachment of dextran to SAPP was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography.Compared to the classical dry‐heating, the reaction time of glycosylation in the two ethanol systems was largely shortened. Emulsifying activity of SAPP–dextran conjugates obtained by dry‐heating incubation and in ethanol was similar at pH 7.0 and10.0, significantly higher than that of SAPP–dextran mixture or SAPP alone. In addition, SAPP–dextran conjugates obtained in 80% ethanol‐reacting system for 6 h were completely soluble after heating at 90 °C for 20 min. The impact of various processing conditions on the formation of SAPP–dextran conjugates was investigated. This study provides important guidance to create protein–polysaccharide conjugates at mild temperatures in liquid systems.
Tannin–protein interaction is more closely associated with astringency than tannin–protein precipitation: experience with two oenological tannins and a gelatin
Authors: Obreque‐Slier Elías , López‐Solís Remigio , Peña‐Neira Álvaro , Zamora‐Marín Fernando
Published: November 2010

Relative abilities of two commercial oenological tannins to interact with a single oenological gelatin were compared with their relative abilities to elicit astringency. A trained sensory panel assessed astringency, whereas the interaction between tannins and gelatin was estimated by observing the ability of tannins both to interfere with gelatin diffusion on a cellulose membrane and to form tannin–gelatin precipitates. HPLC‐DAD chromatography and spectroscopic analysis showed that one of the commercial tannins was a hydrolysable tannin, while the other one was a condensed. The majority of the sensory panelists recognised the hydrolysable tannin as far more astringent than the condensed. The more astringent oenological tannin was found to interfere markedly with gelatin diffusion on a cellulose membrane, but it failed to produce tannin–gelatin precipitation. The condensed oenological tannin both interfered with gelatin diffusion and was a powerful gelatin‐precipitant. This study supports the hypothesis that astringency correlates better with tannin–gelatin interaction than tannin–gelatin precipitation.
Fatty acid composition and sensory properties of Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) hot smoked with different sawdust materials
Authors: Küçükgülmez Aygül , Eslem Kadak Ali , Celik Mehmet
Published: November 2010

This study aims to compare chemical, physical and sensorial parameters of the Wels catfish (Silurus glanis), hot smoked using vine, poplar, lemon tree and oak sawdust as well as corncob. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in proximate composition were found between fresh and smoked samples; however, the changes in fatty acid composition were less significant. In the fatty acid composition of control group, monounsaturated fatty acids (41.60%) had the highest share in fatty acids, which was followed by saturated fatty acids (29.95%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (28.34%). The major fatty acids were observed to be C16:0, C18:0; C16:1 n‐7, C18:1 n‐9c, C18:1 n‐9t and C18:2 n6c. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the groups considering their colour measurement results. General preference criteria such as appearance, odour, texture, colour and taste were chosen for the sensorial analysis, which were rated by the panellists. According to the results of overall appearance, the fillet pieces smoked with lemon tree (9.00), poplar (8.66), corncob (8.00), oak (7.33) and vine (5.33) sawdust were determined as the most preferred, in order.
Effect of inulin as a fat replacer on texture and sensory properties of muffins
Authors: Zahn Susann , Pepke Franziska , Rohm Harald
Published: November 2010

Efforts related to nutrient optimisation are responsible for the increasing importance of tailoring bakery product formulations. Aim of this study was to replace 50%, 75% or 100% baking fat in a muffin formulation by commercial inulin preparations and to investigate its impact on baking characteristics, texture and sensory properties of the muffins. With increasing amounts of added inulin, product moisture and crumb density increased significantly, whereas muffin volume decreased. Quantitative descriptive analysis revealed significant effects on product appearance, sensory texture properties, and smell and taste. The replacement of 50% baking fat in the formulation resulted in muffins that were comparable or slightly higher in crumb firmness. The complete elimination of baking fat with inulin and water, however, led to products, which were downgraded because of high toughness, low volume and the lack of a product‐typical taste.
Dynamics of water in agar gels studied using low and high resolution1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Davies Erika , Huang Yang , Harper Jason B. , Hook James M. , Thomas Donald S. , Burgar Iko M. , Lillford Peter J.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this work was to determine whether the decreased motion of water in agar gels (2.5–12.5% agar) resulted not only from the chemical interaction of the water molecules with the agar macromolecules but also from obstruction by the gel networks. Relaxation experiments were conducted using a 500‐MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. Diffusion experiments were conducted using a 23‐MHz NMR spectrometer with diffusion times ranging between 15 and 200 ms and a 500‐MHz NMR spectrometer with a fixed diffusion time of 10 ms. This study shows that the interaction of water with hydroxyl groups of agar macromolecules resulted in faster relaxation and slower self‐diffusion of water. The time‐dependent self‐diffusion coefficient of water provides clear evidence of the obstructive effects of the agar gel network on diffusion. This work is the first report on restricted diffusion of water in agar gel systems.
Consultation behaviour of doctor‐shopping patients and factors that reduce shopping
Authors: Ohira Yoshiyuki , Ikusaka Masatomi , Noda Kazutaka , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Takada Toshihiko , Miyahara Masahito , Funakoshi Hiraku , Basugi Ayako , Keira Katsunori , Uehara Takanori
Published: November 2010

Rationale, aims and objectives  To investigate the subsequent behaviour of doctor‐shopping patients (defined as those attending multiple hospitals for the same complaint) who consulted our department and factors related to cessation of doctor shopping.

Methods  Patients who presented without referral to the Department of General Medicine at Chiba University Hospital in Japan (our department) completed a questionnaire at their first visit. A follow‐up questionnaire was also sent to them in order to assess doctor shopping after 3 months. Then items in the questionnaires were investigated for significant differences between patients who continued or stopped doctor shopping. Logistic regression analysis was performed with items showing a significant difference between patients who stopped doctor shopping and those who continued it, in order to identify independent determinants of the cessation of shopping.

Results  A total of 978 patients who presented spontaneously to our department consented to this study, and 929 patients (95.0%) completed questionnaires correctly. Among them, 203 patients (21.9%) were identified as doctor shoppers. The follow‐up survey was completed correctly by 138 patients (68.0%). Among them, 25 patients (18.1%) were found to have continued doctor shopping, which was a significantly lower rate than before (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis selected the following factors as independent determinants of the cessation of doctor shopping: ‘confirmation of the diagnosis’ (odds ratio: 8.12, 95% confidence interval: 1.46–45.26), and ‘satisfaction with consultation’ (odds ratio: 2.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.42–3.01).

Conclusion  Doctor shopping decreased significantly after patients consulted our department, with ‘confirmation of the diagnosis’ and ‘satisfaction with consultation’ being identified as contributing factors.
TaqMan real‐time PCR assay for relative quantification of white spot syndrome virus infection in Penaeus monodon Fabricius exposed to ammonia
Authors: Fouzi M , Shariff M , Omar A R , Md Yusoff F , Tan S W
Published: November 2010

White spot disease is caused by a highly virulent pathogen, the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The disease is usually triggered by changes in environmental parameters causing severe losses to the shrimp industry. This study was undertaken to quantify the relative WSSV load in shrimp exposed to ammonia, using a TaqMan‐based real‐time PCR, and their subsequent susceptibility to WSSV. Shrimp were exposed to different levels of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) (8.1, 3.8 and 1.1 mg L−1) for 10 days and challenged with WSSV by feeding WSSV‐positive shrimp. WSSV was detected simultaneously in haemolymph, gills and pereopods at four hours post‐infection. The TaqMan real‐time PCR assay showed a highly dynamic detection limit that spanned over 6 log10 concentrations of DNA and high reproducibility (standard deviation 0.33–1.42) and small correlation of variability (CV) (1.89–3.85%). Shrimp exposed to ammonia had significantly higher (P < 0.01) WSSV load compared to the positive control, which was not exposed to ammonia. Shrimp exposed to 8.1 mg L−1 of TAN had the highest (P < 0.01) WSSV load in all three organs in comparison with those exposed to 3.8 and 1.1 mg L−1 of TAN. However, haemolymph had significantly higher (P < 0.01) viral load compared to the gills and pereopods. Results showed that shrimp exposed to ammonia levels as low as 1.1 mg L−1 (TAN) had increased susceptibility to WSSV.
The British research evidence for recovery, papers published between 2006 and 2009 (inclusive). Part One: a review of the peer‐reviewed literature using a systematic approach
Authors: STICKLEY T. , WRIGHT N.
Published: November 2010

Accessible summary

The majority of articles that have been published about recovery and mental health have been published within the 4 years preceding this literature review. However, there are very few articles that review the recovery literature; furthermore, articles that report research directly related to the recovery concept are scarce.

Originally, the focus of the recovery movement was upon the role of the individual in their own recovery journey; there has been a shift towards the responsibility of service providers to ensure a recovery focused service.

Tensions have emerged in the literature between the humanistic philosophy of recovery and the biomedical model that has historically informed psychiatry. Similarly, the notion of recovery may overemphasize the significance of personal agency against the responsibility of services to fulfil a duty of care.

Recovery has become strongly associated with social roles and meaningful activities including education, work and engagement with sport and arts activities.

This paper is the first in a series of two which reviews the contemporary British evidence‐base relating to recovery in mental health over a 4‐year period. This review uses a systematic approach analysing the British peer‐reviewed literature relating to recovery and mental health. The second paper in the series reviews the non‐peer‐reviewed literature. Recovery is not a new concept; however, it has recently become increasingly prevalent in practitioner, policy and research discourses. In total 12 papers met the inclusion criteria. Five main themes emerged from the analysis: hope and optimism, meaning to life, activities promoting recovery, definitions and discourses and implications for mental health practice. By including only peer‐reviewed literature this paper is in a strong position to analyse the theoretical development of the recovery concept and highlight future directions for recovery in mental health services.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling of marbofloxacin administered alone and in combination with tolfenamic acid in calves
Authors: SIDHU P. K. , LANDONI M. F. , ALIABADI M. H. S. , TOUTAIN P. L. , LEES P.
Published: November 2010

Sidhu, P. K., Landoni, M. F., Aliabadi, M. H. S., Toutain, P. L., Lees, P. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling of marbofloxacin administered alone and in combination with tolfenamic acid in calves. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34, 376–387.

In a four‐period, cross‐over study, the fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug marbofloxacin (MB) was administered to calves, alone and in combination with the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid (TA). Both drugs were administered intramuscularly (IM) at doses of 2 mg/kg. A tissue cage model of inflammation, based on the actions of the mild irritant carrageenan, was used to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of MB and MB in combination with TA. MB mean values of area under concentration–time curve (AUC) were 15.1 μg·h/mL for serum, 12.1 μg·h/mL for inflamed tissue cage fluid (exudate) and 9.6 μg·h/mL for noninflamed tissue cage fluid (transudate). Values of Cmax were 1.84, 0.35 and 0.31 μg/mL, respectively, for serum, exudate and transudate. Mean residence time (MRT) of 23.6 h (exudate) and 22.6 h (transudate) also differed significantly from serum MRT (8.6 h). Co‐administration of TA did not affect the PK profile of MB. The pharmacodynamics of MB was investigated using a bovine strain of Mannheimia haemolytica. Time–kill curves were established ex vivo on serum, exudate and transudate samples. Modelling the ex vivo serum time–kill data to the sigmoid Emax equation provided AUC24 h/MIC values required for bacteriostatic (18.3 h) and bactericidal actions (92 h) of MB and for virtual eradication of the organism was 139 h. Corresponding values for MB + TA were 20.1, 69 and 106 h. These data were used to predict once daily dosage schedules for a bactericidal action, assuming a MIC90 value of 0.24 μg/mL, a dose of 2.6 mg/kg for MB and 2.19 mg/kg for MB + TA were determined, which are similar to the currently recommended dose of 2.0 mg/kg.
Analytical determination and pharmacokinetics of major metabolites of carbasalate calcium in broilers following oral administration
Authors: WANG X. , HUANG L.‐L. , CHEN D.‐M. , IHSAN A. , YUAN Z.‐H.
Published: November 2010

Wang, X., Huang, L.‐L., Chen, D.‐M., Ihsan, A., Yuan, Z.‐H. Analytical determination and pharmacokinetics of major metabolites of carbasalate calcium in broilers following oral administration.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34, 410–416.

As a newer anti‐inflammatory agent, carbasalate calcium is used in various animal species. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of carbasalate calcium was investigated in broilers. Broilers, with body weight of 2.0 ± 0.3 kg, were administrated carbasalate calcium soluble powder at a single dose of 40 mg/kg body weight orally. The plasma concentrations of its metabolites, aspirin (ASA), salicylic acid (SA) and gentisic acid (GA) were determined by LC–MS/MS method and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis. After oral administration of carbasalate calcium, the plasma drug concentration for ASA, SA and GA reached a peak (Cmax) of 8.88 ± 1.31, 42.6 ± 4.62 and 10.1 ± 2.16 μg/mL at 0.170, 2.00 and 2.00 h, respectively. The terminal half‐life (t1/2λz) of ASA, SA and GA was 11.2 ± 8.04, 23.7 ± 17.1 and 28.6 ± 4.90 h, respectively. In conclusion, analytical method for the quantification of ASA, SA and GA in plasma in the broilers was developed and validated. In broilers, carbasalate calcium is quickly metabolized in ASA and ASA is rapidly converted to SA and one of the metabolites of SA is GA.
Evidence of host‐range expansion from new powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) infections of triticale (×Triticosecale) in France
Authors: Walker A. S. , Bouguennec A. , Confais J. , Morgant G. , Leroux P.
Published: November 2010

This study aimed to determine whether powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis is an endemic pathogen of triticale (×Triticosecale: Triticum × Secale), emerging as a result of recent changes in its pathogenicity, or whether it is a new pathogen, possibly resulting from hybridization between ff. spp. tritici and secalis. A secondary aim was to consider breeding practices that may have favoured this emergence. Phylogenetic analyses based upon six genes revealed the close relatedness of the novel entity and the ff. spp. tritici and secalis, but the IGS marker finally grouped together the isolates collected on triticale and on wheat, supporting the scenario of a recent host‐range expansion from wheat to triticale. Pathotype analyses concluded that virulence spectra of B. graminis infecting triticale were new in comparison to those observed for other reference formae speciales, and lack of fungicide resistance in triticale isolates strengthens the hypothesis of no or little genetic exchange between wheat and triticale populations of powdery mildew. This adaptation may follow the breakdown of plant resistance genes, which are probably not very diverse in current triticale cultivars since this criterion was not considered as a major one until recent years. Moreover, the complex selection and genetics of this hybrid cereal makes it difficult to predict the transmission of powdery mildew resistance genes.
Stability and variability of virulence of Phytophthora infestans assessed in a ring test across European laboratories
Authors: Andrivon D. , Avendaño‐Córcoles J. , Cameron A. M. , Carnegie S. F. , Cooke L. R. , Corbière R. , Detourné D. , Dowley L. J. , Evans D. , Forisekova K. , Griffin D. G. , Hannukkala A. , Lees A. K. , Lebecka R. , Niepold F. , Polgar Z. , Shaw D. S. , Thompson J. , Trognitz B. , van Raaij H. M. G. , Zimnoch‐Guzowska E.
Published: November 2010

Determining virulence towards race‐specific resistance genes is a prerequisite to understanding the response of pathogen populations to resistant cultivars, and therefore to assess the durability of these resistance genes and the performance of resistance management strategies. In Phytophthora infestans, virulence testing began shortly after the introduction of R‐genes from Solanum demissum into S. tuberosum cultivars. However, the characteristics of R‐gene expression, the sensitivity of the phenotype to environmental and physiological parameters, and the diversity of experimental protocols make the comparison of data from different studies problematic. This prompted European teams working on P. infestans diversity to: (i) design a joint protocol, using detached leaflets from greenhouse‐grown plants of a shared set of differential cultivars inoculated with standardized suspensions of inoculum, and (ii) assess the performance of this protocol in a blind ring test involving 12 laboratories and 10 European isolates of the pathogen. A high level of consensus in the determination of virulence/avirulence to R1, R3, R4, R7, R8, R10 and R11 was achieved among the collaborators, showing that the protocol could be robustly applied across a range of laboratories. However, virulence to R2, R5 or R9 was detected more frequently in some laboratories, essentially from northern Europe; these genes are known to be highly sensitive to host and environmental conditions. The consensus determination was often markedly different from the original virulence phenotype of the isolates, suggesting virulence instability in stored P. infestans isolates. This indicates that creating reliable core collections of pathogen isolates with known virulences could be difficult.
Genetic variability among isolates of Fusarium oxysporum from sugar beet
Authors: Hill A. L. , Reeves P. A. , Larson R. L. , Fenwick A. L. , Hanson L. E. , Panella L.
Published: November 2010

Fusarium yellows, caused by the soil‐borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. betae (Fob), can lead to significant yield losses in sugar beet. This fungus is variable in pathogenicity, morphology, host range and symptom production, and is not a well characterized pathogen on sugar beet. From 1998 to 2003, 86 isolates of F. oxysporum and 20 other Fusarium species from sugar beet, along with four F. oxysporum isolates from dry bean and five from spinach, were obtained from diseased plants and characterized for pathogenicity to sugar beet. A group of sugar beet Fusarium isolates from different geographic areas (including nonpathogenic and pathogenic F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. proliferatum and F. avenaceum), F. oxysporum from dry bean and spinach, and Fusarium DNA from Europe were chosen for phylogenetic analysis. Sequence data from β‐ tubulin, EF1α and ITS DNA were used to examine whether Fusarium diversity is related to geographic origin and pathogenicity. Parsimony and Bayesian MCMC analyses of individual and combined datasets revealed no clades based on geographic origin and a single clade consisting exclusively of pathogens. The presence of FOB and nonpathogenic isolates in clades predominately made up of Fusarium species from sugar beet and other hosts indicates that F. oxysporum f. sp. betae is not monophyletic.
Distribution of HLA‐B alleles in a Ugandan HIV‐infected adult population: NORA pharmacogenetic substudy of DART
Authors: Munderi Paula , Snowden Wendy B. , Walker Ann Sarah , Kityo Cissy , Mosteller Michael , Kabuye Geoffrey , Thoofer Navdeep K. , Ssali Francis , Gilks Charles F. , Hughes Arlene R. ,   on behalf of the DART Trial Team
Published: November 2010

Objectives  To determine the frequencies of HLA‐B alleles in Ugandan patients in the NORA substudy of the DART trial and to compare HLA‐B allele frequencies in those with and without clinically diagnosed hypersensitivity reaction (HSR).

Methods  DNA‐based HLA‐B genotyping was used to determine HLA alleles in 247 participants who received abacavir, including all six participants (‘cases’) with clinically diagnosed abacavir HSR.

Results  The incidence of clinical abacavir HSR in this double‐blinded study was 2.0% (6/300) in the abacavir group. As HLA‐B*5701 was absent throughout the entire cohort, including the six HSR ‘cases’, an association could not be established between HLA‐B*5701 and clinically diagnosed abacavir HSR. No other HLA‐B*57 alleles were present among the six ‘cases’. HLA‐B*5703 was the most frequent HLA‐B*57 allele among the abacavir‐tolerant participants.

Conclusion  The rate of clinical HSR was low, which may reflect the expected 2–3% clinical false‐positive rate seen in previous double‐blind randomized studies. The presumption that these cases may be false‐positive abacavir HSR is supported by the fact that no HLA‐B*5701 alleles were found in the abacavir group. Implementation of prospective HLA‐B*5701 screening must be based on benefit/risk considerations within local practice. Clinical risk management remains paramount.
Cutaneous nocardiosis: report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Dodiuk‐Gad Roni , Cohen Eran , Ziv Michael , Goldstein Lee Hilary , Chazan Bibiana , Shafer Jan , Sprecher Hannah , Elias Mazen , Keness Yoram , Rozenman Dganit
Published: November 2010

Background  Cutaneous nocardiosis is an uncommon infectious disease that presents as a primary cutaneous infection or as a disseminated disease. It is often misdiagnosed because of its rarity and nonspecific clinical picture.

Methods  We report a case of each type. The first case is an immunocompetent patient who was infected by Nocardia while gardening and developed a superficial skin infection – one of the three clinical manifestations of primary cutaneous nocardiosis. The second case is an immunocompromised patient with pulmonary nocardiosis that extended to the skin as part of a disseminated disease.

Results  The immunocompetent patient with primary cutaneous nocardiosis had the classical features of a superficial skin infection. He had a nodular–pustular lesion on the right arm, which appeared 7 days after gardening with bare hands. Nocardia was identified in a skin culture taken from a pustule, unfortunately not to the species level. Treatment with minocycline for 3 months resulted in full remission of the lesion. The immunocompromised patient with disseminated nocardiosis had high fever, productive cough, hemoptysis, and erythematous nodules and pustules on the extremities. N. brasiliensis was isolated from bronchial samples and skin. Treatment with a high dose of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole for five months resulted in full recovery from cutaneous and pulmonary complaints. No relapse of the infection was found on follow‐up in either patient.

Conclusion  These cases demonstrate the need for a high degree of suspicion, focused clinical search, and appropriate laboratory procedures in the diagnosis and management of cutaneous nocardiosis.
Clinicoepidemiological features of mycosis fungoides in Kuwait, 1991–2006
Authors: Alsaleh Qasem A. , Nanda Arti , Al‐Ajmi Hejab , Al‐Sabah Homoud , Elkashlan Muhammad , Al‐Shemmari Salem , Demierre Marie‐France
Published: November 2010

Background  Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an indolent, most common type of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) with an average estimated incidence of 0.5 cases per 100,000 persons per year in the western world. Although various clinical and epidemiological features are well delineated in the western population, the data is scarce from our region.

Objectives  To study the clinicoepidemiological features of MF from Kuwait.

Setting  A referral photobiology unit for cutaneous lymphomas in a national dermatology department in collaboration with three other dermatology departments in Kuwait and Kuwait cancer center.

Patients and methods  One hundred and ninety‐three cases of MF registered between July 1991 and June 2006 were included for this study.

Results  Eighty‐six percent of our MF cases were of Arab ethnicity. Males outnumbered the females by 2:1 ratio. Mean age at diagnosis was 35.20 ± 14.37 years, and 16% of the patients were diagnosed by the age 20 years. The annual incidence rate (IR) of MF in Kuwait was observed to be 0.43 cases per 100,000 persons with a significantly higher IR among Arabs as compared to non‐Arab Asians (RR = 4.4; 95% CI = 2.9–6.6). A successive rise in the IR of MF was noticed with the advancing age. The annual IR among males was more or less comparable to that of females. Skin patches were the most prevalent skin lesions (67%) at diagnosis, and 22% of the patients had a pure hypopigmented variant. Patients with hypopigmented MF were observed to have younger mean age at diagnosis (27.60 ± 12.42 years) as compared to other MF cases (38.14 ± 14.37 years) (P = 0.000). Ninety‐two percent of the patients had the early stage (IA, IB, and IIA) of disease.

Conclusions  Our patients with MF were observed to have a relatively younger age at diagnosis, with a high proportion of patients diagnosed by the age 20 years. Arabs were observed to have a higher annual IR of MF as compared to non‐Arab Asians. Hypopigmented MF is prevalent in our population. The study highlights the ethnic and/or regional variations in the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of MF.
A novel missense mutation in the ectodysplasin‐A (EDA) gene underlies X‐linked recessive nonsyndromic hypodontia
Authors: Ayub Muhammad , Ur‐Rehman Fazal , Yasinzai Masoom , Ahmad Wasim
Published: November 2010

Background  Nonsyndromic hypodontia or congential absence of one or more permanent teeth is a common anomaly of dental development in humans. This condition may be inherited in an autosomal (dominant/recessive) or X‐linked (dominant/recessive) mode. Mutations in three genes, PAX9, MSX1, and AXIN2, have been determined to be associated with autosomal dominant and recessive tooth agenesis. Recent studies in a few families showed that mutations in the ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene result in X‐linked nonsyndromic hypodontia.

Methods  Genotyping of a five‐generation Pakistani family with X‐linked isolated hypodontia having three affected men was carried out using EDA‐linked polymorphic microsatellite markers on chromosome Xq12‐q13.1. To screen for a mutation in the EDA gene, all of its coding exons and splice junction sites were PCR amplified from genomic DNA of affected and unaffected individuals of the family and sequenced directly in an ABI Prism 310 automated DNA sequencer.

Results  We successfully mapped the affected locus to chromosome Xq12‐q13.1, and found a novel missense mutation (c.993G>C) in the EDA gene in the affected men. The mutation causes substitution of glutamine with histidine (p.Q331H) in the tumor necrosis factor homology domain of EDA.

Conclusions  A mutation identified in this study extends the body of evidence implicating the EDA gene in X‐linked nonsyndromic hypodontia and supports the role of EDA‐EDAR‐EDARADD signaling in the morphogenesis of teeth.
Clinical results of skin remodeling using a novel pneumatic technology
Authors: Levenberg Alex , Halachmi Shlomit , Arad‐Cohen Abigail , Ad‐El Dean , Cassuto Daniel , Lapidoth Moshe
Published: November 2010

Background  A myriad of technologies are available for the treatment of aging skin. These, however, still lack the ability to combine immediate, short‐term and long‐term aesthetic results with no downtime. Furthermore, the treatment of fine wrinkles on large surfaces remains challenging, as does the treatment of delicate regions, such as the dorsal hand, neck, and chest.

Objectives  The aims of this study were to evaluate the short‐term as well as the long‐term efficacy and safety of a new skin remodeling device that pneumatically accelerates a jet of hyaluronic acid (HA) solution under high pressure into the dermis.

Methods  Thirty‐four participants at three clinical sites underwent treatments with the Airgent device on the face, neck, chest, and dorsal hands for a total of 69 sites. Safety and efficacy were evaluated in short‐term (1–3 months) and long‐term follow‐up (up to 18 months) by photography, by an independent reviewer and by participant self‐evaluation. Histology was assessed before and 4 months after the third treatment.

Results  A total of 69 treatment areas were evaluable at 1–3 months follow‐up. Photographic analysis demonstrated improvement in skin variables at all body sites treated. Treatment of the face and neck reduced the mean Fitzpatrick–Goldman Wrinkle Classification score by 39.4 and 30.4%, respectively, representing a full wrinkle class improvement. Treatments of the chest demonstrated significant visual improvement. Treatment of the dorsal hands produced good overall improvement (OI), with good improvement of protruding veins. Overall improvement increased with increasing number of treatments. A total of 56 treatment areas were evaluable for long‐term follow‐up. Treatment of the face and neck reduced the mean Fitzpatrick–Goldman Wrinkle Classification score by 27.6 and 21.2%, respectively. Improvement after treatment of the face represented a full wrinkle class reduction. Treatment of the chest and dorsal hands yielded significant visual improvement. Overall, 80% of subjects were satisfied with the treatment outcome and would recommend the treatment to friends and family. Histological analysis demonstrated increased dermal collagen ΙΙΙ.

Conclusions  Pneumatic injection of HA under high pressure provides a safe, well‐tolerated and effective method for improving the appearance of wrinkles on the face, neck, chest, and dorsal hands. Improvement can be seen as early as 1 month and as long as 18 months after treatment.
Macroscopic Anatomy of the Lower Respiratory System in a Nocturnal Burrowing Rodent: African Giant Pouched Rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse 1840)
Authors: Ibe C. S. , Salami S. O. , Onyeanusi B. I.
Published: November 2010

With 3 figures and 4 tables

Cricetomys gambianus is a rat that lives principally in burrows, coming out at night in search of food. The design and structure of the lower respiratory system reflects its oxygen and metabolic demand which can be attributed to its habitat. A morphological and morphometric investigation of its lower respiratory system was undertaken to document the normal anatomical features and assess its morpho‐functional paradigm. Specifically, an anatomical detail of the lungs and conductive airway was described, the structures being elucidated by dissection and radiography. Evaluation of dissected specimens showed that tracheal cartilages ranged from 21 to 33 rings with an average of 25.5. They exhibited a random pattern of anastomoses between adjacent rings. Transverse diameters of the principal bronchus in the male and female rats were 3.767 and 3.759 mm respectively. The right lung consisted of four lobes while the left lung was not lobed. Bronchogram revealed that lung lobation corresponded with bronchial tree division. Inter‐lobar fissures were absent on the right lung except for the ventral boarder separating the cranial lobe from the caudal lobe. The entire lungs provided stability to the heart in situ, through the cardiac notch. This study also included correlation analysis of the dimensions, weights and volumes of the lower respiratory organs with the nose‐rump length and body weight of 18 African giant pouched rats of both sexes. The relationship of the anatomy of the lower respiratory system of the rodent to the oxygen tension in their burrow and to their energy utilization is discussed.
Treatment of nephrotic idiopathic membranous nephropathy with monthly i.v. pulse cyclophosphamide and oral steroids: A single centre's retrospective study
Authors: YUAN JIANGZI , FANG WEI , ZHANG WEIMING , NI ZHAOHUI , QIAN JIAQI
Published: November 2010

Aim:  While the best treatment of nephrosis‐inducing idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is controversial, some trials have suggested positive outcomes following treatment with oral cyclophosphamide used in combination with steroids. However, data on i.v. cyclophosphamide plus steroids in treatment of nephrotic IMN are few.

Methods:  The charts of every patient diagnosed with membranous nephropathy in the Renal Division of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, from January 2003 to December 2009 (n = 189) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with nephrotic IMN (n = 32) were treated with monthly i.v. cyclophosphamide (500–750 mg/m2) and oral prednisone for at least 6 months. Efficacy as well as safety and tolerability of this regimen were evaluated.

Result:  Thirty‐two patients with nephrotic IMN (56% male, age 51.5 ± 12.6 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate 73.7 ± 20.0 mL/min per 1.73 m2) were included in our study. During the median follow‐up duration of 30.0 (12.5–42.8) months, 40.6% of patients achieved complete remission, while 40.6% achieved partial remission. Relapse occurred in five patients in a median of 16 (11.5–26) months after cessation of immunosuppressive treatment. No patients developed renal insufficiency during the follow up, while 16 side‐effects were noted in 10 patients. Complete remission rates at 3, 6 and 15 months were 0%, 12.5% and 40.6% and remission rates were 21.9%, 68.8% and 81.2%, respectively. Complement 3 deposition was significantly associated with the probability of non‐remission.

Conclusion:  Monthly i.v. pulse cyclophosphamide plus oral steroids may be an alternative treatment option in Chinese patients with nephrotic IMN.
Bilateral vs unilateral laparoscopic intrafascial nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy: evaluation of surgical and functional outcomes in 457 patients
Authors: Greco Francesco , Hoda M. Raschid , Wagner Sigrid , Reichelt Olaf , Inferrera Antonino , Magno Carlo , Fornara Paolo
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Bilateral nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy still represents an issue for urologists as the indications to perform it depend oft from the personal clinical experience. Moreover, until now data concerning bilateral and unilateral laparoscopic nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy have been limited.

This study states that bilateral laparoscopic intrafascial nerve‐sparing technique results in superior functional outcomes when compared with unilateral nsLRP and it suggests to prefer a bilateral nerve‐sparing technique in younger patients with low‐risk, organ‐confined prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes in bilateral and unilateral nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (nsLRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2005 and May 2009, 457 nsLRP were performed at our clinic.

In all, 250 patients underwent a bilateral nsLRP and 207 patients underwent an unilateral nsLRP. One surgeon performed all the operations.

All patients presented at biopsy a localized prostate cancer.

Demographic data and perioperative and postoperative measurements and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The operative times for bilateral nsLRP and unilateral nsLRP were 165 ± 45 min and 130 ± 25 min, respectively.

The mean intra‐operative blood loss was 450 ± 300 mL and 270 ± 160 mL in the bilateral and unilateral nsLRP groups with a transfusion rate of 3% and 1%, respectively (P= 0.013).

Conversion to open surgery was never deemed necessary.

Postoperatively, the mean Gleason Score after nsLRP and distribution of tumour stages was similar in the two groups, and the frequency of positive margins in both groups did not present any statistically significant difference.

At 12 months, a complete continence was reported in 97% of patients who underwent a bilateral nsLRP and in 88% of patients of the unilateral nsLRP group. At that time, 69% in the bilateral nsLRP and 43% in the unilateral nsLRP groups reported the ability to engage in sexual intercourse.

CONCLUSION

The bilateral laparoscopic intrafascial nerve‐sparing technique results in superior functional outcomes with regard to urinary continence and sexual potency, when compared with unilateral nsLRP, reporting similar oncological outcomes.
Bologna in Context: a horizontal perspective on the dynamics of governance sites for a Europe of Knowledge
Authors: GORNITZKA ÅSE
Published: November 2010

This article presents a horizontal perspective on the dynamics of governance sites currently active for the European of Knowledge and places the Bologna process in this wider European level context. It introduces two dynamics of change in political organisation: a) institutional differentiation and specialisation and b) the interaction between institutional spheres and sectors. Signs of sectoral differentiation are identified in the history of European integration that is relevant to the Europe of Knowledge. The argument is that the nature and sequence of the differentiation process are key to understand current governance processes. It is illustrated by showing how a horizontal dynamics has been played out in the case of the EU's Lisbon strategy and in particular the cooperation taking place in the framework of the EU's “Education and Training 2010” work programme. The analysis shows how the Bologna process, although perpetuated as a sector internal governance site, has co‐evolved and interacted with this strategy, partly as an object of emulation and source of support and partly as a competing governance site. A horizontal dynamics of change is also evident in the larger Lisbon strategy as it lifted research and higher education policy to the centre of the European integration project. It resulted in the development of several governance sites with different foci targeting European higher education. A more prominent place on the political agenda came together with demands that research and education should be integrated with the overall political and economic objectives of the EU.
The Impact of the Bologna Process in Ibero‐America: prospects and challenges
Authors: FERRER ALEJANDRO TIANA
Published: November 2010

The Bologna Process is one of the major developments to have taken place in higher education in recent centuries. It has had an impact beyond European borders and repercussions in other parts of the world. Ibero‐America has also sat up and taken note, even though scholars agree that there would be difficulties with its direct implementation in the region. Specialised opinions like these might suggest the initiative could not be implemented elsewhere. There can be no doubt, however, about the influence of the Bologna Process. On the one hand, the European Union has promoted and sponsored projects which involve transferring specific instruments (like Tuning) to the Ibero‐American region. On the other, Latin America faces integration and globalisation challenges that are similar to Europe's and these, in turn, call for the development of approaches and instruments that will facilitate academic mobility and increase the transparency of degrees and qualifications. The recent impetus injected by the Ibero‐American Summits into the Ibero‐American Knowledge Space also seeks to help build common ground in higher education, scientific research and technological development.
A Different View of the Bologna Process: the case of Turkey
Authors: YAĞCI YASEMİN
Published: November 2010

Since the beginning of the 20th century, integration with the Western world has been a determining driver of higher education policies, as well as many other policy areas in Turkey. Becoming a signatory country of the Bologna Process in 2001 brought a new impulse to the higher education policies in this direction. The Bologna Process reforms introduced necessary changes and set new challenges. This article discusses the main implementation activities in the context of the Bologna Process in Turkey and the governance of the reform at the national level with a focus on the roles of the key national bodies.
Queer(ed) Risks: Life Insurance, HIV/AIDS, and the ‘Gay Question’
Authors: Cobb Neil
Published: November 2010

In 2004 the Association of British Insurers (ABI) issued its second Statement of Best Practice on HIV and Insurance. This prohibited use of the ‘gay question’ (employed by some underwriters in application forms for life insurance to identify heightened risk of infection with HIV), in response to growing criticism that the practice was actuarially unreliable, unfair to gay men, and unnecessary, given the availability of alternative ‘behaviour‐based’ risk criteria. While the overhaul of this controversial practice is clearly a victory for gay (male) identity politics, this paper argues that the interests of gay men seem to have dominated at the expense of a more far‐reaching critique of the industry's evaluation of infection risk. It contends that a more radical (or ‘queerer’) challenge is needed which can better understand and address the injustices created by criteria for appraising risk of infection that still remain in place.