bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EAACI taskforce position paper: evidence for autoimmune urticaria and proposal for defining diagnostic criteria
Authors: Konstantinou G. N. , Asero R. , Ferrer M. , Knol E. F. , Maurer M. , Raap U. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Skol P. S. , Grattan C. E. H.
Published: December 2012

An autoimmune subset of chronic spontaneous urticaria is increasingly being recognized internationally, based on laboratory and clinical evidence that has accrued over the last 20 years. This evidence has been reviewed by a taskforce of the Dermatology section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Functional autoantibodies in chronic urticaria (CU) patient sera have been demonstrated against IgE and FcεRIα by basophil and mast cell histamine release assays and by basophil activation assays. Antibody specificity has been confirmed by immunoassay, but there is a poor correlation between functionality and immunoreactivity. Approximately 25% of CU patients have a positive basophil histamine release assay and show autoreactivity (a positive autologous serum skin test), whereas 50% are negative regarding both. Functionality of CU sera appears to be complement dependent on mast cells but not exclusively on basophils. Basophil activation by CU sera is predominantly restricted to IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. Circumstantial evidence for CU being an autoimmune disease comes from an observed association with other autoimmune diseases, a strong association between serum functionality and HLA‐DR4 haplotype and the good response of CU patients to immunotherapies. It was proposed that a study should be undertaken to prospectively validate potentially relevant clinical criteria (from the history, examination and routinely available clinical investigations) against a new ‘gold standard’ for the diagnosis of ACU (positive autoreactivity, functional bioassay and immunoassay) to define preliminary criteria sets for the diagnosis of ACU based on clinical and laboratory features with highest individual sensitivity and specificity.
Interacting mast cells and eosinophils acquire an enhanced activation state in vitro
Authors: Elishmereni M. , Bachelet I. , Nissim Ben‐Efraim A. H. , Mankuta D. , Levi‐Schaffer F.
Published: December 2012

Background

Mast cells (MCs) and eosinophils (Eos), the key effector cells in allergy, are abundantly co‐localized particularly in the late and chronic stages of allergic inflammation. Recent evidence has outlined a specialized ‘allergic effector unit’ in which MCs and Eos communicate via both soluble mediators and physical contact. However, the functional impact of this bi‐directional crosstalk on the cells' effector activities has not yet been revealed. We aimed to investigate whether MC/eosinophil interactions can influence the immediate and late activation phenotypes of these cells.

Methods

Human and murine MCs and Eos were co‐cultured under various conditions for 1–2 h or 1–3 days, and in selected experiments cell–cell contact was blocked. Cell migration and mediator release were examined, and flow cytometry was applied to stain intracellular signaling molecules and surface receptors.

Results

Eosinophils enhanced basal MCs mediator release and co‐stimulated IgE‐activated MCs through physical contact involving CD48–2B4 interactions. Reciprocally, resting and IgE‐stimulated MCs led to eosinophil migration and activation through a paracrine‐dependent mechanism. Increased phosphorylation of activation‐associated signaling molecules, and enhanced release of tumor necrosis factor α, was observed in long‐term co‐cultures. Eosinophils also showed enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, which depended on direct contact with MCs.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal a new role for MC/eosinophil interplay in augmenting short‐ and long‐term activation in both cells, in a combined physical/paracrine manner. This enhanced functional activity may thus critically contribute to the perpetuation of the inflammatory response in allergic conditions.
Atopy patch tests are useful to predict oral tolerance in children with gastrointestinal symptoms related to non‐IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy
Authors: Nocerino R. , Granata V. , Di Costanzo M. , Pezzella V. , Leone L. , Passariello A. , Terrin G. , Troncone R. , Berni Canani R.
Published: December 2012

Atopy patch tests (APTs) have been proposed for the diagnostic approach in children with non‐IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy and gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to investigate the benefit of APTs in predicting oral tolerance in these patients. We prospectively evaluated 172 subjects with a sure diagnosis of non‐IgE‐mediated CMA and gastrointestinal symptoms (97 boys, 56.4%; age, 6.37 m; range, 2–12 m). At diagnosis, 113/172 (65.7%) children had positive APTs to cow's milk proteins (CMP). After 12 months of exclusion, diet APTs were repeated immediately before OFC. APTs significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with the OFC outcome (r 0.579). Diagnostic accuracy was sensitivity of 67.95%, specificity of 88.3%, PPV of 82.81%, NPV of 76.85%, and a +LR of 5.80. APTs are a valuable tool in the follow‐up of children with non‐IgE‐mediated CMA‐related gastrointestinal symptoms by contributing in determining whether an OFC can safely be undertaken.
Comparison of cadherin and integrin localization in bovine cystic and healthy follicles
Authors: Ohira Tomomi , Murayama Chiaki , Shimizu Takashi , Yoshimura Yukinori , Isobe Naoki
Published: December 2012

As stage progresses in the cystic follicle, granulosa cells are lost. We hypothesized that the granulosa and theca interna layers are detached in association with weakened expression of cell adhesion molecules such as cadherin (cell–cell adhesion) and integrin (cell–extracellular matrix adhesion) in cystic follicles. To elucidate this hypothesis, we immunolocalized these molecules in the granulosa and theca interna and compared them between cystic and small healthy follicles. Sections were immunostained with cadherin and integrin β1 antibodies and their localizations were compared. Cadherin‐positive reaction was seen in the cytoplasma of all granulosa cells. No increase in the frequency of cadherin‐positive area in the granulosa layers and the intensity of cadherin immunoreaction in the theca interna was detected in cystic follicles compared with healthy ones. A dense immunoreaction product of integrin β1 was detected in the theca interna in both cystic and healthy follicles. Intensity of integrin β1‐immuno reaction in the granulosa layers and integrin β1‐positive area in the theca interna was significantly lower in the cystic follicle than in the healthy follicles. These results suggest that granulosa and theca interna cells are detached while maintaining the cell–cell adhesion, resulting in the consequent loss of these layers from the cystic follicle.
Characterization of the intronic VNTR polymorphisms found in a paralog of chicken serotonin transporter gene
Authors: Abe Hideaki , Takeuchi Hiro‐aki , Yamada Satoko , Nakamura Akihiro , Nagao Kenji , Nirasawa Keijiro , Ito Shin'ichi , Inoue‐Murayama Miho
Published: December 2012

Polymorphisms in the neurotransmitter‐related genes can be a major source of behavioral variations. We searched for polymorphic sites in chicken neurotransmitter‐related genes and identified two variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci encompassing the paralog of chicken serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTT). Both intronic VNTR were highly polymorphic across chicken breeds and the other Galliformes species, even though predominant alleles were considerably different among breeds. One VNTR locus contained sequences complementary to a conserved motif of CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) within each repetitive unit, indicating that transcription of chicken 5‐HTT paralog may be regulated by the CTCF protein. It is of great interest to contrast these results with previous knowledge on the human 5‐HTT that also has CTCF binding sites in the repetitive units of intronic VNTR. Additionally, we measured the degree of impulsiveness in domestic chicks for their preference of immediate/small to large/delayed rewards. A significant difference in the impulsiveness score was detected between two chicken breeds (White Leghorn vs. Boris Brown; P < 0.01), as well as between White Leghorn chicks with different 5‐HTT genotypes. These findings imply the possibility that 5‐HTT VNTR genotypes may have some impact on chicks' impulsive choice by modifying the serotonergic neurotransmission.
The Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene is associated with increased pain sensitivity in morphine‐treated patients undergoing a painful procedure after cardiac surgery
Authors: Ahlers Sabine J. G. M. , Elens Laure L. , van Gulik Laura , van Schaik Ron H. , van Dongen Eric P. A. , Bruins Peter , Tibboel Dick , Knibbe Catherijne A. J.
Published: December 2012

Aims

The catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism affected pain sensitivity of healthy volunteers upon application of experimental pain stimuli. The relevance of these findings in morphine‐treated postoperative cardiac patients undergoing painful healthcare procedures is unknown; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the COMT Val158Met polymorphism increases pain sensitivity in morphine‐treated patients undergoing an unavoidable painful routine procedure after cardiac surgery.

Methods

One hundred and seventeen postoperative cardiac patients in the intensive care unit were genotyped for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism. All patients were treated with continuous morphine infusions for pain at rest, and received a bolus of morphine (2.5 or 7.5 mg) before a painful procedure (turning and/or chest drain removal) on the first postoperative day. Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores were evaluated at the following four time points: at baseline (at rest), and before, during and after the painful procedure.

Results

Overall mean NRS scores were significantly higher in patients carrying the Met‐variant allele. During the painful procedure, the mean NRS score was significantly higher for Met/Met patients compared with Val/Met and Val/Val patients (mean NRS 3.4 ± 2.8, 2.7 ± 2.4 and 1.7 ± 1.7, respectively; P = 0.04). In Met/Met patients, the increase in NRS scores during the painful procedure compared with the baseline NRS score was clinically relevant (ΔNRS ≥ 1.3) and statistically significant and appeared to be independent of sex and the morphine bolus dose.

Conclusions

Our results show that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism contributes to variability in pain sensitivity after cardiac surgery of morphine‐treated patients in the intensive care unit, because Met‐allele carriers were more sensitive to overall pain and procedure‐related pain.
Source‐to‐sink analysis of ancient sedimentary systems using a subsurface case study from the Møre‐Trøndelag area of southern Norway: Part 1 – depositional setting and fan evolution
Authors: Sømme Tor O. , Jackson Christopher A‐L. , Vaksdal Monica
Published: December 2012

In this study, we use seismic reflection, well and core data to investigate the role that basin physiography and sediment routing systems played on the distribution, geometry and stratigraphic architecture of Upper Cretaceous submarine fans (SF) offshoreNorway. The Late Cretaceous Møre‐Trøndelag margin of westernNorway was characterised by steep submarine slopes (gradient of ~0.3°–3°). Mudstones dominate the Upper Cretaceous slope succession, although a few regionally extensive, sandstone‐dominated units are developed. We focus on the most regionally extensive sandstone unit, which is of Late Turonian‐to‐Early Coniacian age. Mapping and visualisation of 2D and 3D seismic reflection data and analysis of well data indicates that the sandstone unit comprises a total of 11 SF, which were fed by sand‐rich sediment gravity flows routed through multiple upper slope canyons. Based on the internal organisation of seismic facies, four fan types have been identified: (i) Type Ia fans, which are characterised by <10 erosional channel complexes at their bases and aggradational to landward‐stepping lobes in their upper parts; (ii) Type Ib fans, which are characterised by >10 erosional channel complexes at their bases and aggradational to landward‐stepping lobe and mass‐transport deposits near the fan apex in their upper parts; (iii) TypeIIfans, which are dominated by aggradational lobe deposits; and (iv) TypeIIIfans, which are dominated by a single channel complex that passes downdip into a small terminal lobe. The different fan types are interpreted to reflect variable stratigraphic responses to source proximity and basin physiography, which is principally related to the degree of local fault reactivation and differential compaction. This variability highlights the diversity of fan types that may occur over short distances along continental margins, and demonstrates the importance of local controls in understanding the internal stratigraphic variability that may be present in deep‐marine successions.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by sterile non‐latex protective gloves: clinical investigation and chemical analyses
Authors: Pontén Ann , Hamnerius Nils , Bruze Magnus , Hansson Christer , Persson Christina , Svedman Cecilia , Thörneby Andersson Kirsten , Bergendorff Ola
Published: December 2012

Background An increased frequency of occupational contact hand dermatitis among surgical operating theatre personnel has been noticed.

Objectives To evaluate patients with occupational contact dermatitis caused by their rubber gloves, and to describe a method for analysing the content of the allergens in the gloves.

Materials and methods Patch tests were performed with the baseline series, a rubber chemical series, and the patients' own gloves. A method for analysing 1,3‐diphenylguanidine (DPG) and cetylpyridinium chloride in the gloves was developed.

Results Contact allergy to thiuram mix was found in 8 of 16 patients, whereas 12 of 16 patients reacted to DPG. In 7 of 8 patients, contact allergy to cetylpyridinium chloride was found. In the patients' gloves, cetylpyridinium chloride and DPG were detected at higher concentrations on the inside of the gloves than on the outside. Most patients had worked for decades in their present occupations, but their hand dermatitis had only been present for months.

Conclusion Contact allergy to DPG in gloves has been disputed, but, in this study, we were able to confirm the presence of DPG and cetylpyridinium chloride in the causative gloves by using a modified method for the analysis. The presence of these chemicals in gloves caused an increase in occupational contact dermatitis in surgical operating theatre personnel.
Primary signet‐ring cell carcinoma of the axilla
Authors: Droubi Diana , Zeitouni Nathalie C. , Skitzki Joseph , Bogner Paul N.
Published: December 2012

Primary cutaneous histiocytoid or signet‐ring cell carcinoma represents an extremely rare adnexal neoplasm that most frequently presents on the eyelid but more rarely may present in the axilla. As this tumor can resemble metastatic carcinoma with signet‐ring cells, especially lobular carcinoma of the breast, it can often present a diagnostic challenge. We present a case of cutaneous signet‐ring cell carcinoma presenting in the axilla and outline the challenges of diagnosing this rare malignancy.
Brain imaging in cerebral palsy
Authors: VOLLMER BRIGITTE
Published: December 2012

This commentary is on the original article by Numata et al. on pages 167–172 of this issue
Assessment of ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction–Related Diastolic Dysfunction with Compensatory Rise in Left Atrial Ejection Force
Authors: Dogan Cem , Omaygenc Onur , Hatipoglu Suzan , Bakal Ruken B. , Demirkiran Aykut , Emiroglu M. Yunus , Bayram Tulay , Ozdemir Nihal
Published: November 2012

Background: It is well known that patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) show both systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess post–myocardial infarction diastolic dysfunction using left atrial ejection force (LAEF) in patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and Results: We enrolled 58 patients presenting with STEMI who were treated with primary PCI and 23 healthy subjects as a control group. A detailed transthoracic echocardiogram, including mitral flow velocities, tissue Doppler mitral annular velocities, and left atrial (LA) phasic volumes, was performed in both groups. We also measured the level of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP). LAEF was calculated using the formula: 0.5 × P × Mitral orifice area × (Peak A velocity)2. Correlations between variables were studied using “Pearson and Spearman's rho” test. In the test group, we found that the level of BNP in the plasma, E/E′ ratio, and the LA volume measurements were higher than that of the control group, and those differences were statistically significant. LAEF was increased in patients with myocardial infarction (MI); moderately correlated to BNP (r = 0.383 and P = 0.001) and E/E′ (r = 0.473 and P = 0.001), and strongly correlated to A‐wave velocity (r = 0.731 and P = 0.001). LAEF was also negatively correlated to E/A ratio (r = −0.419 and P = 0.001) and LVEF (r = −0.339 and P = 0.003). Conclusion: Impaired diastolic function in STEMI affects LA and increased LAEF is one of its manifestations. LAEF may also have diagnostic importance in diastolic dysfunction, but these findings should be confirmed by further studies.
Sticky plant traps insects to enhance indirect defence
Authors: Krimmel B. A. , Pearse I. S.
Published: December 2012

Plant‐provided foods for predatory arthropods such as extrafloral nectar and protein bodies provide indirect plant defence by attracting natural enemies of herbivores, enhancing top‐down control. Recently, ecologists have also recognised the importance of carrion as a food source for predators. Sticky plants are widespread and often entrap and kill small insects, which we hypothesised would increase predator densities and potentially affect indirect defence. We manipulated the abundance of this entrapped insect carrion on tarweed (Asteraceae: Madia elegans) plants under natural field conditions, and found that carrion augmentation increased the abundance of a suite of predators, decreased herbivory and increased plant fitness. We suggest that entrapped insect carrion may function broadly as a plant‐provided food for predators on sticky plants.
How did phenobarbital’s chemical structure affect the development of subsequent antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)?
Authors: Bialer Meir
Published: December 2012

Phenobarbital has been in clinical use as an antiepileptic drug (AED) since 1912. The initial clinical success of phenobarbital and other barbiturates affected the design of subsequent AEDs (e.g., phenytoin, primidone, ethosuximide), developed between 1938 and 1962, the chemical structures of which resemble that of phenobarbital. However, the empirical discovery of carbamazepine (1962) and the serendipitous discovery of valproic acid (1967) led to subsequent AEDs having chemical structures that are diverse and completely different from that of phenobarbital. Sixteen AEDs were introduced between 1990 and 2012. Most of these AEDs were developed empirically, using mechanism‐unbiased anticonvulsant animal models. The empirical nature of the discovery of these AEDs, coupled with their multiple mechanisms of action, explains their diverse chemical structures. The antiepileptic market is therefore crowded. Future design of new AEDs must have a potential for treating nonepileptic central nervous system (CNS) disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, neuropathic pain, migraine prophylaxis, or restless legs syndrome). The barbiturates were once used as sedative‐hypnotic drugs, but have been largely replaced in this role by the much safer benzodiazepines. In contrast, phenobarbital is still used worldwide in epilepsy. Nevertheless, the development of nonsedating phenobarbital derivatives will answer a clinical unmet need and might make this old AED more attractive.
Exercise training‐induced adaptations associated with increases in skeletal muscle glycogen content
Authors: Manabe Yasuko , Gollisch Katja S. C. , Holton Laura , Kim Young‐Bum , Brandauer Josef , Fujii Nobuharu L. , Hirshman Michael F. , Goodyear Laurie J.
Published: December 2012

Chronic exercise training results in numerous skeletal muscle adaptations, including increases in insulin sensitivity and glycogen content. To understand the mechanism leading to increased muscle glycogen, we studied the effects of exercise training on glycogen regulatory proteins in rat skeletal muscle. Female Sprague Dawley rats performed voluntary wheel running for 1, 4 or 7 weeks. After 7 weeks of training, insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake was increased in epitrochlearis muscle. As compared with sedentary control rats, muscle glycogen did not change after 1 week of training, but increased significantly after 4 and 7 weeks. The increases in muscle glycogen were accompanied by elevated glycogen synthase activity and protein expression. To assess the regulation of glycogen synthase, we examined its major activator, protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), and its major deactivator, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3. Consistent with glycogen synthase activity, PP1 activity was unchanged after 1 week of training but significantly increased after 4 and 7 weeks of training. Protein expression of RGL(GM), another regulatory PP1 subunit, significantly decreased after 4 and 7 weeks of training. Unlike PP1 activity, GSK‐3 phosphorylation did not follow the pattern of glycogen synthase activity. The ~ 40% decrease in GSK‐3α phosphorylation after 1 week of exercise training persisted until 7 weeks, and may function as a negative feedback mechanism in response to elevated glycogen. Our findings suggest that exercise training‐induced increases in muscle glycogen content could be regulated by multiple mechanisms, including enhanced insulin sensitivity, glycogen synthase expression, allosteric activation of glycogen synthase, and PP1 activity.
Microbial methane turnover at Marmara Sea cold seeps: a combined 16S rRNA and lipid biomarker investigation
Authors: Chevalier N. , Bouloubassi I. , Birgel D. , Taphanel M.‐H. , López‐García P.
Published: December 2012

Lipid biomarkers and their stable carbon isotopic composition, as well as 16S rRNA gene sequences, were investigated in sediment cores from active seepage zones in the Sea of Marmara (Turkey) located on the active North Anatolian Fault, to assess processes associated with methane turnover by indigenous microbial communities. Diagnostic 13C‐depleted archaeal lipids of anaerobic methane oxidizers were only found in one core from the South of Çinarcik Basin and consist mainly of archaeol, sn‐2 hydroxyarchaeol and various unsaturated pentamethylicosenes. Concurrently, abundant fatty acids (FAs) and a substantial amount of monoalkylglycerolethers (MAGEs), assigned to sulphate‐reducing bacteria, were detected with strong 13C‐depletions. Both microbial lipids and their δ13C values suggest that anaerobic oxidation of methane with sulphate reduction (AOM/SR) occurs, specially in the 10‐ to 12‐cm depth interval. Lipid biomarker results accompanied by 16S rRNA‐based microbial diversity analyses showed that ANME‐2 (ANME‐2a and ‐2c) archaea and Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus and Desulfobulbus deltaproteobacterial clades are the major AOM assemblages, which indicate a shallow AOM community at high methane flux. Apart from the typical AOM lipid biomarker pattern, a 13C‐depleted diunsaturated hydrocarbon, identified as 7,14‐tricosadiene, occurred in the inferred maximum AOM interval at 10–12 cm depth. Its isotopic fingerprint implies that its microbial precursor occurs in close association with the AOM communities. Interestingly, the presence of 7,14‐tricosadiene coincides with the presence of the so‐far uncultured bacterial Candidate Division JS1, often detected in AOM areas. We propose the hypothesis that the JS1 bacterial group could be the potential source of 13C‐depleted tricosadiene. Future testing of this hypothesis is essential to fully determine the role of this bacterial group in AOM.
Abiotic oxidation of Fe(II) by reactive nitrogen species in cultures of the nitrate‐reducing Fe(II) oxidizer Acidovorax sp. BoFeN1 – questioning the existence of enzymatic Fe(II) oxidation
Authors: Klueglein N. , Kappler A.
Published: December 2012

Nitrate‐reducing, Fe(II)‐oxidizing bacteria were suggested to couple with enzymatic Fe(II) oxidation to nitrate reduction. Denitrification proceeds via intermediates (, NO) that can oxidize Fe(II) abiotically at neutral and particularly at acidic pH. Here, we present a revised Fe(II) quantification protocol preventing artifacts during acidic Fe extraction and evaluate the contribution of abiotic vs. enzymatic Fe(II) oxidation in cultures of the nitrate‐reducing, Fe(II) oxidizer Acidovorax sp. BoFeN1. Sulfamic acid used instead of HCl reacts with nitrite and prevents abiotic Fe(II) oxidation during Fe extraction. Abiotic experiments without sulfamic acid showed that acidification of oxic Fe(II) nitrite samples leads to 5.6‐fold more Fe(II) oxidation than in anoxic samples because the formed NO becomes rapidly reoxidized by O2, therefore leading to abiotic oxidation and underestimation of Fe(II). With our revised protocol using sulfamic acid, we quantified oxidation of approximately 7 mm of Fe(II) by BoFeN1 within 4 days. Without addition of sulfamic acid, the same oxidation was detected within only 2 days. Additionally, abiotic incubation of Fe(II) with nitrite in the presence of goethite as surface catalyst led to similar abiotic Fe(II) oxidation rates as observed in growing BoFeN1 cultures. BoFeN1 growth was observed on acetate with N2O as electron acceptor. When adding Fe(II), no Fe(II) oxidation was observed, suggesting that the absence of reactive N intermediates (, NO) precludes Fe(II) oxidation. The addition of ferrihydrite [Fe(OH)3] to acetate/nitrate BoFeN1 cultures led to growth stimulation equivalent to previously described effects on growth by adding Fe(II). This suggests that elevated iron concentrations might provide a nutritional effect rather than energy‐yielding Fe(II) oxidation. Our findings therefore suggest that although enzymatic Fe(II) oxidation by denitrifiers cannot be fully ruled out, its contribution to the observed Fe(II) oxidation in microbial cultures is probably lower than previously suggested and has to be questioned in general until the enzymatic machinery‐mediating Fe(II) oxidation is identified.
Association between CCL2 haplotypes and knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Hulin‐Curtis S. L. , Bidwell J. L. , Perry M. J.
Published: December 2012

We examined five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and reconstructed 5‐locus haplotypes of the CCL2 gene, in knee osteoarthritis (OA) cases and in controls. The CCL2 rs2857657 variant (G) allele was observed more frequently in female knee OA cases than in controls. One haplotype (H5) was observed exclusively in the control group (f = 2.3%). Genetic variation in the CCL2 gene may be associated with knee OA.
Determining the osmolality of over‐concentrated and supplemented infant formulas
Authors: Steele J. R. , Meskell R. J. , Foy J. , Garner A. E.
Published: December 2012

Background

Hyperosmolar infant feeds can cause osmotic diarrhoea and may be a risk factor for necrotising enterocolitis; the osmolality of infant formula is therefore usually <400 mOsm kg−1. However, in fluid‐restricted infants and those needing nutritional support, formulas may be over‐concentrated or supplemented. The present study aimed to determine the effect of these practices on osmolality.

Methods

A clinical laboratory osmometer was used to measure the osmolality of infant formulas. The effect of over‐concentration and supplementation on osmolality was then determined using three and seven different infant formulas, respectively. Osmolalities were measured in triplicate.

Results

The effect of over‐concentration was shown to be linear using Pepti Junior (Cow & Gate, Trowbridge, UK) at concentrations of 12.8% (standard), 17% and 19%. This linear relationship was also demonstrated with Enfamil A.R. (Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Uxbridge, UK) (15%) and Neocate (SHS International Ltd, Liverpool, UK) (21%). The effect of individual additives on osmolality was found to be similar for the seven infant formulas. All preparations of SMA High Energy (SMA Nutrition, Maidenhead, UK) and five of the 12 preparations of Nutriprem 1 (Cow & Gate) exceeded an osmolality of 400 mOsm kg−1.

Conclusions

The effect of over‐concentrating infant formulas was shown to be linear, meaning that the osmolality at different concentrations can be predicted accurately. The over‐concentrated infant formulas that were measured in the present study did not exceed 400 mOsm kg−1, with the exception of 21% Neocate, which would not be used in practice. When supplemented, some infant formulas exceeded an osmolality of 400 mOsm kg−1; this may be relevant in cases of feed intolerance or in those at risk of necrotising enterocolitis.
Acné et blanchiment de la peau à Lomé (Togo)
Authors: Kombate Koussake , Mouhari‐Toure Abass , Saka Bayaki , Akakpo Abla Séfako , Maboudou Akouavi , Pitché Palokinam , Tchangaï‐Walla Kissem
Published: December 2012

Objectif  Cette étude a pour but de décrire les caractéristiques cliniques des patients acnéiques qui utilisent des produits de blanchiment de la peau (SB).

Patients et méthodes  Il s’agit d’une étude prospective menée sur une période de 8 mois dans 3 services de dermatologie et une clinique privée. Tous les patients examinés pour une acné ont été inclus dans l’étude.

Résultats  L’étude a inclu 119 patients examinés pour une acné, du mois de mars au mois d’octobre 2010. Parmi eux, 48 (40.7 %) procédaient à un blanchiment de la peau (SB). L’hydroquinone a été le premier produit utilisé pour le SB (26 sur 48), suivie par les corticostéroïdes locaux (17 sur 48). Les lésions élémentaires ont été les suivantes: papules (99.2 %), comédons (36.1 %), pustules (63.9 %), pigmentation (26.1 %), cicatrices (21 %) et nodules (20.2 %). L’atteinte acnéique du visage a été observée chez tous les patients (100 %). Les lésions étaient étendues chez 43.7 % des patients. L’étendue des lésions acnéiques n’a pas été statistiquement associée aux SB. Les autres régions du corps concernées ont été le thorax (20.2 %), le dos et les épaules (41.2 %). Le risque relatif de présenter des lésions sur le dos et/ou les épaules quand le patient utilisait des SB a été de 2.71 (IC: 1.08–6.84), ce qui est significatif.

Conclusion  L’étude suggère que le dos et les épaules peuvent constituer les principales zones de lésions acnéiques associées avec la pratique du SB. L’influence des différents types de produits n’est pas claire.
Etude épidémiologique de L’Erythème Pigmenté Fixe à Pointe‐Noire
Authors: Ognongo‐Ibiaho A.N. , Atanda H.L.
Published: December 2012

Une étude prospective a été menée sur une période de 27 mois, afin de déterminer le profil épidémiologique de l’Erythème pigmenté fixe (EPF) observé au cours d’une consultation dermatologique à Pointe ‐Noire. Au cours de la période d’étude 54 sur 9070 consultants (0,6%) ont souffert d’EPF diagnostiqué cliniquement. Les variables étudiés étaient: L’âge, le sexe, le médicament, le point de vente. L’âge moyen de survenue était de 30 ans. La fréquence de survenue était plus élevée dans le sexe masculin (38 patients) que dans le sexe féminin (16 patients). Les médicaments incriminés étaient: Les sulfamides (48 patients) dont Cotrimoxazole (45 patients) et Sulfadoxine et Pyrémethanine (three patients) Coartem® + Doliprane® (one patient), Chloramphenicol® (one patient), Amidol® (one patient), Duocotexin® + Paracétamol® (one patient), Surquina® (one patient), Amodiaquine® (one patient). Le point de vente était illicite (vendeurs ambulants, marchés) chez 44 patients chez 10 patients, il était licite (pharmacies). Cette étude montre que le Cotrimoxazole acheté dans les points de vente illicites est la principale étiologie de l’EPF dans le service. Ce qui confirme que ces médicaments sont contrefaits. L’implication des dermatologues dans la lutte contre la vente illicite des médicaments contrefaits est à privilégier.
Prevalence of xerosis, eczema, and hair and nail abnormalities in PLWHA in Cotonou, Benin
Authors: Atadokpede F. , Adegbidi H. , Sehonou J. J. , Koudoukpo C. , Houenassi D. M. , Yedomon H. G. , Do Ango‐Padonou F.
Published: December 2012

Background  The objective of this investigation was to study the prevalence of xerosis, eczema, and hair and nail abnormalities in PLWHA in Cotonou.

Patients and methods  A retrospective study was performed on the records of PLWHA in Cotonou. All PLWHA with xerosis, eczema, or abnormal appendages were included.

Results  Forty‐seven patients had xerosis or eczema. Their mean age was 38 years; the sex ratio 0.51 and the mean CD4 count 89 cells/mm3. Twenty‐three patients had xerosis, which affected the whole body (n = 20), lower limb (n = 2), limbs and trunk (n = 1), without gender difference. Twenty‐four patients had eczema of which eight had both eczema and xerosis. Forty‐two patients had abnormalities of the hair or nails. Their sex ratio was 0.80 and the mean CD4 count 110 cells/mm3. Nineteen patients had abnormalities of the hair and scalp: straight hair (n = 16), squamous lesions (n = 2), and folliculitis abscess (n = 1) with a male predominance. Twenty‐three patients had nail dermatophytosis (n = 15), candidiasis (n = 7), and ingrowing nails (n = 1). These conditions affected more often women (74%) than men (26%).

Conclusion  The prevalence of eczema and xerosis is low in our patients. Onychomycosis was the most frequent nail abnormality.
Prévalence de l’eczéma, de la xérose et des anomalies phanériennes chez les patients infectés par le HIV à Cotonou, Bénin
Authors: Atadokpede Félix , Yedomon HG , Adegbidi H , Sehonou JJ , Koudoukpo C , Houenassi DM , Do Ango‐Padonou F
Published: December 2012

Introduction  L’objectif de cette enquête était d’étudier la prévalence de la xérose, de l’eczéma et des anomalies des phanères chez les PVVIH à Cotonou.

Patients et méthode  Une étude rétrospective a été réalisée sur les dossiers de PVVIH, à Cotonou. Toutes les PVVIH présentant une xérose, un eczéma ou une anomalie des phanères ont été incluses.

Résultats  47 patients présentaient une xérose cutanée ou un l’eczéma. Leur âge moyen était de 38 ans, le sex‐ratio de 0.51 et le taux moyen de lymphocytes CD4 de 89 cellules/mm3. Chez 23 patients, la xérose cutanée touchait tout le corps (n = 20), ou les membres inférieurs seulement (n = 2), ou les membres et le tronc (n = 1), sans différence entre les sexes. 24 patients avaient de l’eczéma dont 8 avaient à la fois de l’eczéma et de la xérose cutanée. 42 patients avaient des anomalies des cheveux ou des ongles avec un sex‐ratio de 0.80 et un taux moyen de lymphocytes CD4 de 110 cellules/mm3. 19 patients présentaient des anomalies des cheveux et du cuir chevelu : cheveux décrépis (n = 16), lésions squameuses (n = 2), folliculites abcédées (n = 1) avec une prédominance masculine. 23 patients avaient des anomalies des ongles : dermatophytoses (n = 15), candidose (n = 7), ongle incarné (n = 1). Ces affections touchaient plus souvent les femmes (74%) que les hommes (26%).

Conclusions  La prévalence de l’eczéma et de la xérose est faible chez nos patients. Les onychomycoses sont les affections des ongles les plus fréquentes.
In the name of poverty alleviation: Experiments with oil palm smallholders and customary land in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Majid Cooke Fadzilah
Published: December 2012

Oil palm in Sabah is grown in large plantations or smallholdings, the latter mostly managed by indigenous peoples on untitled customary land. Government development agencies have long focussed on improving the productivity of smallholders for poverty alleviation. For most smallholders, the main issue is tenure insecurity: as long as lands remain untitled they are subject to changes in land allocation and land use at the discretion of the State Government. Indigenous claimants seek recognition of the right to use and occupy ancestral lands via individual Native Titles (NT), as provided for in the Sabah Land Ordinance (SLO). Recent official push for converting such ‘idle’ customary lands by promoting large scale joint ventures between customary landowners and oil palm companies is creating anxiety among many indigenous groups. The joint‐venture approach has been enabled through a crucial amendment to the SLO that promotes the granting of communal titles (CT) with conditions attached. This tenure instrument empowers state‐appointed trustees to make key decisions concerning land use where commercial crops (especially oil palm) are favoured and on the eligibility of descendants (pewaris) to participate in the joint venture or not. The complexity of local concerns and official responses is captured via a case study at Lalampas in the Tongod District of Sabah.
Sex or gender identity? Understanding children's reading choices and motivation
Authors: McGeown Sarah P.
Published: November 2012

The extent to which children's reading choices could be predicted by their motivation and gender identity was examined. Two hundred and twenty‐three children (average age 9 years 11 months) completed questionnaires measuring book reading choices, reading motivation, gender identity (identification with masculine and feminine traits) and a standardised reading assessment. Sex differences were found in children's reading motivation and reading choices. In addition, feminine traits were more closely associated with reading motivation and engagement with neutral books compared to masculine traits. Whilst children's sex predicted their choice of reading male‐ or female‐orientated books, the extent to which they identified with feminine traits was a better predictor in choice of neutral books. Results are discussed in relation to previous research examining sex differences in children's reading choices. In addition, implications for reading activities and choice of books available at school are discussed.
Repetition advantage and disadvantage in perceptual identification tasks
Authors: Kuwana Toshinori
Published: November 2012

Repetitive presentation of a stimulus brings not only advantage but also disadvantage when performing perceptual identification tasks. In this study, the conflicting phenomena of the effect of repetition were examined using two Kana character sets (Hiragana and Katakana) as stimuli. Two identical or different stimuli were presented in rapid succession and participants were asked to identify and report them. The stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) between the two stimuli was varied from 200 ms to 1200 ms, according to which the suitable temporal conditions for the two distinct effects of repetition were explored. The results indicated that two distinct effects of repetition occurred depending on the informational code shared by the two stimuli. An interference effect of repetition was observed with SOA values of up to 500 ms when the two stimuli were identical in terms of their visual pattern code (Hiragana), whereas a superior effect of repetition was observed with an SOA value of 200 ms when they were identical only in terms of their phonological code (Hiragana and Katakana). From these findings, the author proposes that when two identical stimuli are presented in rapid succession, inhibition and activation mechanisms may function at different levels of processing.
Ethnodoxy: How Popular Ideologies Fuse Religious and Ethnic Identities
Authors: Karpov Vyacheslav , Lisovskaya Elena , Barry David
Published: December 2012

Popular beliefs conflating ethnic identities with particular faiths can lead to marginalization of religiously and ethnically “other” and fuel ethnoreligious conflict even in secularized societies. Despite their importance to ethnoreligious conflict and coexistence, ideological conflations of faith and ethnos have previously received little scholarly attention. We fill the gap by introducing the concept of ethnodoxy: a collectively held belief system that rigidly links a group's ethnic identity to its dominant faith. We theorize this phenomenon at three levels: macro (the interplay between religion and ethnonational identities), micro (construction of ethnoreligious identities and imagined communities viewed from a social identity theory perspective), and meso (the nature and functions of popular ideologies and religiosities). Subsequently, ethnodoxy is conceptualized as an ideal‐typical syndrome of six component beliefs. We further operationalize and verify the concept using representative national survey data from Russia. Findings show ethnodoxy's extent, coherence, dimensionality, and associations with religious and ethnic intolerance.
Factor Analysis of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire: A Study of Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin
Authors: MacLean Katherine A. , Leoutsakos Jeannie‐Marie S. , Johnson Matthew W. , Griffiths Roland R.
Published: December 2012

A large body of historical evidence describes the use of hallucinogenic compounds, such as psilocybin mushrooms, for religious purposes. But few scientific studies have attempted to measure or characterize hallucinogen‐occasioned spiritual experiences. The present study examined the factor structure of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), a self‐report measure that has been used to assess the effects of hallucinogens in laboratory studies. Participants (N = 1,602) completed the 43‐item MEQ in reference to a mystical or profound experience they had had after ingesting psilocybin. Exploratory factor analysis of the MEQ retained 30 items and revealed a four‐factor structure covering the dimensions of classic mystical experience: unity, noetic quality, sacredness (F1); positive mood (F2); transcendence of time/space (F3); and ineffability (F4). MEQ factor scores showed good internal reliability and correlated with the Hood Mysticism Scale, indicating convergent validity. Participants who endorsed having had a mystical experience on psilocybin, compared to those who did not, had significantly higher factor scores, indicating construct validity. The four‐factor structure was confirmed in a second sample (N = 440) and demonstrated superior fit compared to alternative models. The results provide initial evidence of the validity, reliability, and factor structure of a 30‐item scale for measuring single, hallucinogen‐occasioned mystical experiences, which may be a useful tool in the scientific study of mysticism.
Making news and making space: Framing Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
Authors: Liu Sikee , Blomley Nicholas
Published: December 2012

How is inner city space represented and by whom? Drawing from an extensive framing analysis of print media portrayals of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside between 1996 and 2008, we offer a detailed assessment of the predominately negative portrayal of the neighbourhood, and the centrality of three frames: medicalization, criminalization, and socialization. Certain social actors are given a privileged position in the media in the representation of the inner city. Outsiders are privileged over insiders, with the neighbourhood constituted as a problematic space and its residents as passive victims. The effect is to further the stigmatization of an already marginalized neighbourhood, and to accentuate the disempowerment of its residents.
Myometrial immune cells contribute to term parturition, preterm labour and post‐partum involution in mice
Authors: Shynlova Oksana , Nedd‐Roderique Tamara , Li Yunqing , Dorogin Anna , Lye Stephen J.
Published: December 2012

This study aimed to determine the mechanism of uterine activation during labour, both term (TL) and preterm (PTL). We hypothesized that the peripheral leucocytes are recruited to uterine tissues by locally produced cytokines where they contribute to the initiation of parturition. Mouse uteri were collected (i) during gestation, TL and post‐partum (PP), (ii) during PTL initiated by intrauterine infusion of LPS (125 μg) or (iii) injection of the progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 and analysed for multiple cytokine expression levels by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and 23‐plex Cytokine assay or enzymatically dispersed for assessment of immune cell populations. Markers of myeloid cell differentiation (Gr1, Neu7/4 and F4/80) were evaluated by FACS to define tissue macrophages (Macs), monocytes (M) and neutrophils (N) and by immunohistochemistry to detect tissue Macs and N. Our results indicate that: (1) Macs were elevated in mouse myometrium before TL (P < 0.05) followed by an increase in M and N; these changes were accompanied by an increase in multiple pro‐inflammatory cytokines/chemokines genes. The expression of corresponding proteins increased PP. (2) TL and RU486‐PTL models showed similar gene/protein expression profiles, (3) LPS‐PTL was characterized by strong pro‐inflammatory response and massive influx of N in myometrial tissues showing a pattern different from TL and RU486‐PTL, (4) The PP period appears similar in all three models, with elevated myometrial cytokine levels and high infiltration of immune cells. We concluded that leucocytes infiltrate myometrium around the time of parturition implicating their potential role in labour activation (both term and preterm) and major role in PP uterine involution.
Cardiac telocytes were decreased during myocardial infarction and their therapeutic effects for ischaemic heart in rat
Authors: Zhao Baoyin , Chen Shang , Liu Juanjuan , Yuan Ziqiang , Qi Xufeng , Qin Junwen , Zheng Xin , Shen Xiaotao , Yu Yanhong , Qnin Thomas J. , Chan John Yeuk‐Hon , Cai Dongqing
Published: December 2012

Recently, cardiac telocytes were found in the myocardium. However, the functional role of cardiac telocytes and possible changes in the cardiac telocyte population during myocardial infarction in the myocardium are not known. In this study, the role of the recently identified cardiac telocytes in myocardial infarction (MI) was investigated. Cardiac telocytes were distributed longitudinally and within the cross network of the myocardium, which was impaired during MI. Cardiac telocytes in the infarction zone were undetectable from approximately 4 days to 4 weeks after an experimental coronary occlusion was used to induce MI. Although cardiac telocytes in the non‐ischaemic area of the ischaemic heart experienced cell death, the cell density increased approximately 2 weeks after experimental coronary occlusion. The cell density was then maintained at a level similar to that observed 1–4 days after left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD)‐ligation, but was still lower than normal after 2 weeks. We also found that simultaneous transplantation of cardiac telocytes in the infarcted and border zones of the heart decreased the infarction size and improved myocardial function. These data indicate that cardiac telocytes, their secreted factors and microvesicles, and the microenvironment may be structurally and functionally important for maintenance of the physiological integrity of the myocardium. Rebuilding the cardiac telocyte network in the infarcted zone following MI may be beneficial for functional regeneration of the infarcted myocardium.