bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Out-of-plane exchange bias in [Pt∕Co]–IrMn bilayers sputtered on prepatterned nanostructures
Authors: Bollero A. , Baltz V. , Rodmacq B. , Dieny B. , Landis S. , Sort J.
Published: October 2006

Exchange bias effects along the out-of-plane direction have been investigated in arrays of 100nm nanostructures prepared on top of prepatterned substrates, consisting of a ferromagnetic [Pt∕Co] multilayer with out-of-plane anisotropy exchange coupled to an antiferromagnetic IrMn layer. A significant loop shift is observed in these nanostructures (dots and trenches). The relative evolutions of the bias fields with the IrMn thickness in the nanostructures and in the continuous film are ascribed to both the effects of the IrMn domain size and thermal activation. Lower coordinated spins in the trenches and at the dot edges are assumed to play a key role on the bias properties. A reduction of the blocking temperature is observed for both the dots and the trenches with respect to the continuous film.
Transforming reflectance spectra into Munsell color space by using prime colors
Authors: Romney A. Kimball , Fulton James T.
Published: October 2006

Independent researchers have proved mathematically that, given a set of color-matching functions, there exists a unique set of three monochromatic spectral lights that optimizes luminous efficiency and color gamut. These lights are called prime colors. We present a method for transforming reflectance spectra into Munsell color space by using hypothetical absorbance curves based on Gaussian approximations of the prime colors and a simplified version of opponent process theory. The derived color appearance system is represented as a 3D color system that is qualitatively similar to a conceptual representation of the Munsell color system. We illustrate the application of the model and compare it with existing models by using reflectance spectra obtained from 1,269 Munsell color samples.
Summary Executions in Italy During the First World War: Findings and Implications
Authors: O'Brien Paul
Published: October 2006

This article has two related aims. First, it examines the most up-to-date studies relative to Italian military justice during the First World War, and seeks to set them in the context of the historical debate since the late 1960s. Secondly, and more specifically, it focuses on recently uncovered evidence regarding staggeringly high numbers of previously unknown summary executions in the Italian army. It explores the significance of these findings for understanding the character of the Italian military justice system as well as that of the war conducted by Italy's ruling élites between 1915 and 1918.
Cytokine Expression in Rat Colon During Postnatal Development
Authors: Schaeffer Christiane , Habold Caroline , Martin Elisabeth , Lignot Jean‐Hervé , Kedinger Michèle , Foltzer‐Jourdainne Charlotte
Published: October 2006

Objectives:

Cytokine expression and regulation by glucocorticoids and retinoic acid were investigated in the colon during postnatal development.

Materials and Methods:

Gene expression of the transforming growth factors (TGFs) TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐α and the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) was evaluated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in rat colon mucosa during weaning and in adult rats. Protein expression and distribution of TGF‐βs was analysed in the colon from 14‐ and 60‐day‐old animals. The effect of hydrocortisone administration on mucosal cytokine transcripts (RT‐PCR) and of dexamethasone on the expression of cytokines by the epithelial cell line IEC‐18 and 2 subepithelial myofibroblasts (MIC 307‐1 and 316) was examined.

Results:

TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 messenger RNAs and proteins decreased in the entire colon from weaning to adult stages, whereas the amount of TGF‐α messenger RNA increased in the proximal colon and decreased in the distal part of the colon in adult rats in comparison with weanlings. However, proinflammatory cytokines showed no postnatal changes in the proximal colon but decreased in the distal part in comparison with weaning rats. Hydrocortisone treatment did not affect growth factor expression but decreased proinflammatory cytokines. Likewise, dexamethasone decreased TNF‐α and IL‐1β gene expression but did not affect TGF‐βs in either epithelial or myofibroblast cells.

Conclusions:

During postnatal maturation, the expression of growth factors and proinflammatory cytokines decreased in the distal colon, whereas in the proximal colon, a differential maturation occurs with no changes in proinflammatory cytokines, an increase in TGF‐α and a decrease in TGF‐β. Glucocorticoids may control the developmental profile of proinflammatory cytokines.
Chimeric Japanese encephalitis virus/dengue 2 virus infectious clone: biological properties, immunogenicity and protection against dengue encephalitis in mice
Authors: Chambers Thomas J. , Jiang Xiaoshan , Droll Deborah A. , Liang Yan , Wold William S. M. , Nickells Janice
Published: October 2006

A molecular clone of Japanese encephalitis virus (JE virus) was derived from the JE virus Nakayama strain and used to produce infectious JE virus in cell culture. The engineered JE virus resembled the parental JE virus in cell-culture properties and was related closely to other JE virus strains based on nucleotide sequence analysis. The JE virus clone was used as a genetic background for construction of a chimeric virus containing the structural proteins prM and E of Dengue virus, serotype 2. The chimeric JE/dengue 2 virus generated authentic dengue 2 structural proteins as assessed by immunoassays for the dengue E protein. It exhibited a small plaque size and less efficient growth in various cell lines than the parental JE virus. JE/dengue 2 virus was non-neuroinvasive for young adult mice, but displayed partial neurovirulence at doses up to 4 log p.f.u. given intracerebrally. Immunization of 3-week-old mice with JE/dengue 2 virus yielded neutralizing-antibody titres against dengue 2 virus and conferred protection against dengue encephalitis caused by neuroadapted dengue 2 virus. A rise in post-challenge neutralizing-antibody titres against dengue 2 virus in surviving mice suggests that immunization is associated with establishment of a memory antibody response in this model. This study demonstrates the capacity of JE virus to serve as a vector for expression of heterologous flavivirus structural proteins. Similar to previous studies with other chimeric flaviviruses, this approach may be useful as a genetic system for engineering experimental vaccines against Dengue virus and other medically important flaviviruses.
Adenovirus RID complex enhances degradation of internalized tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 without affecting its rate of endocytosis
Authors: Chin Y. Rebecca , Horwitz Marshall S.
Published: October 2006

The receptor internalization and degradation (RID) complex of adenovirus plays an important role in modulating the immune response by downregulating the surface levels of tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), thereby inhibiting NF-κB activation. Total cellular content of TNFR1 is also reduced in the presence of RID, which can be inhibited by treatment with lysosomotropic agents. In this report, surface biotinylation experiments revealed that, although RID and TNFR1 were able to form a complex on the cell surface, the rate of TNFR1 endocytosis was not affected by RID. However, the degradation of internalized TNFR1 was enhanced significantly in the presence of RID. Therefore, these data suggest that RID downregulates TNFR1 levels by altering the fate of internalized TNFR1 that becomes associated with RID at the plasma membrane, probably by promoting its sorting into endosomal/lysosomal degradation compartments.
Identification of Japanese encephalitis virus-inducible genes in mouse brain and characterization of GARG39/IFIT2 as a microtubule-associated protein
Authors: Saha Sougata , Sugumar Parthsarathy , Bhandari Prakash , Rangarajan Pundi N.
Published: October 2006

Several mouse central nervous system genes have been identified that are differentially regulated duringJapanese encephalitis virus(JEV) infection, including those which have not been reported to be induced by any other neurotropic virus. Interestingly, 80 % of JEV-inducible genes identified in this study are also induced bySindbis virus, indicating activation of common host signalling pathways by these two viruses, despite their diverse life cycles. One of these, the glucocorticoid attenuated response gene 39 (GARG39, also known as IFIT2, ISG54 and MuP54) was characterized further. It was demonstrated that GARG39 protein interacts with microtubulesin vitro, co-localizes withβ-tubulinin vivoand is enriched in the mitotic spindle of non-neuronal cells undergoing mitosis. While GARG39 was known for a long time as an inflammation-inducible glucocorticoid attenuated protein, its identification as a microtubule-associated protein in this study suggests a possible role for this protein in cell proliferation, virion assembly/transport and microtubule dynamics.
Quantitative analysis of poliomyelitis-like paralysis in mice induced by a poliovirus replicon
Authors: Arita Minetaro , Nagata Noriyo , Sata Tetsutaro , Miyamura Tatsuo , Shimizu Hiroyuki
Published: October 2006

Poliovirus (PV) infection causes severe paralysis, typically of the legs, by destruction of the motor neurons in the spinal cord. In this study, the relationship between PV replication in the spinal cord, damage in the motor neurons and poliomyelitis-like paralysis was analysed in transgenic mice expressing the human PV receptor (TgPVR21). First, a PV replicon encoding firefly luciferase in place of the capsid genes (PV-Fluc mc) was trans-encapsidated in 293T cells and the trans-encapsidated PV-Fluc mc (TE-PV-Fluc mc) was then inoculated into the spinal cords of TgPVR21 mice. TE-PV-Fluc mc was recovered with a titre of 6.3×107 infectious units ml−1, which was comparable to those of PV1 strains. TgPVR21 mice inoculated with TE-PV-Fluc mc showed non-lethal paralysis of the hindlimbs, with severity ranging from a decline in grip strength to complete flaccid paralysis. The replication of TE-PV-Fluc mc in the spinal cord reached peak levels at 10 h post-inoculation (p.i.), followed by the appearance of paralysis at as early as 12 h p.i., reaching a plateau at 16 h p.i. Histological analysis showed a correlation between the lesion and the severity of the clinical symptoms in most mice. However, severe paralysis could also be observed with an apparently low lesion score, where as few as 5.3×102 motor neurons (1.4 % of the susceptible cells in the lumbar cord) were infected by TE-PV-Fluc mc. These results indicate that PV replication in a small population of the motor neurons was critical for severe residual poliomyelitis-like paralysis in TgPVR21 mice.
Role of the influenza virus heterotrimeric RNA polymerase complex in the initiation of replication
Authors: Deng Tao , Sharps Jane L. , Brownlee George G.
Published: October 2006

Both transcription and replication of the influenza virus RNA genome are catalysed by a virus-specific RNA polymerase. Recently, anin vitroassay, based on the synthesis of pppApG, for the initiation of replication by recombinant RNA polymerase in the absence of added primer was described. Here, these findings are extended to show that adenosine, AMP and ADP can each substitute for ATP in reactions catalysed by either recombinant ribonucleoprotein or RNA polymerase complexes with either model virion RNA (vRNA) or cRNA promoters. The use of either adenosine or AMP, rather than ATP, provides a convenient, sensitive and easy assay of replication initiation. Moreover, no pppApG was detected when a PB1–PA dimer, rather than the trimeric polymerase, was used to catalyse synthesis, contrasting with a previous report using baculovirus-expressed influenza RNA polymerase. Overall, it is suggested that the heterotrimeric polymerase is essential for the initiation of replication.
Innovation in acid pickling treatments of copper by characterizations of a new series of Schiff bases as corrosion inhibitors
Authors: Ehteshamzadeh Maryam , Shahrabi Taghi , Hosseini Mirghasem
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Aims to investigate the inhibitive effect of the new series of Schiff base molecules, namely, N, N′‐ethylen‐bis(salicylidenimine) [S1], N, N′‐isopropylen‐bis(salicylidenimine) [S2] and N, N′‐Ortho‐phenylen acetyl acetone imine, (2‐hydroxy Benzophenone imine) [S3] on corrosion of copper during acid pickling treatment in 1 M HCl solution. Effects of concentration and temperature on the inhibition efficiencies of the selected Schiff bases have been studied systematically.

Design/methodology/approach

All inhibition experiments were conducted on copper sample in 1 M HCl solution. Weight loss measurements were carried out according to the ASTM standard procedure. Polarization curves and impedance spectra were carried out in a three‐electrode cell assembly connected to an EG&G potentiostat M273 and frequency response analyzer M1025.

Findings

Results obtained revealed that the studied Schiff bases act predominantly as cathodic inhibitors. The variations in inhibition efficiencies mainly depend on the type and nature of the inhibitors. Polarization and ac impedance measurements carried out at different concentrations of studied Schiff bases revealed that these compounds are adsorbed on copper surface and the adsorption obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. From the adsorption isotherms, the values of equilibrium constant, Kads, and the free energies of adsorption, ΔGads, were calculated. The associated activation energy of corrosion and other thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpies and entropies have also been determined.

Practical implications

The presence of high efficiency and low cost inhibitors is essential in acid pickling treatments for protection of copper and lowering of acid consumption. In comparison with conventional copper corrosion inhibitors such as benzotriazole, this result would be considered as a step forward in determination of new corrosion inhibitor.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that Schiff bases can be successfully used for protection of copper surface in acid pickling solutions.
Healthy eating and the UK's major food retailers: a case study in corporate social responsibility
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a preliminary case study exploration of the ways in which the UK's top ten food retailers are addressing healthy eating agendas as part of their CSR agendas and how these agendas are being promoted within their stores.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a short discussion of the healthy eating of CSR and a brief outline of food retailing within the UK. The paper draws its empirical material from the CSR reports and information posted on the world wide web by the UK's top ten food retailers and from a simple inspection and information collection survey conducted in the largest store in Cheltenham and Gloucester, UK operated by each of these ten retailers.

Findings

The findings reveal that there are considerable variations in the extent to which healthy eating is addressed in the CSR information posted on the world wide web by the top ten food retailers and how healthy eating is promoted within stores. The paper concludes that the leading food retailers could do more to address healthy eating agendas within stores.

Research limitations/implications

The current case is a preliminary exploration of the ways in which the leading UK food retailers are addressing healthy eating issues as part of their CSR agendas and while it raises a number of interesting issues, more work will be needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible review of the ways the UK's leading food retailers are addressing healthy eating issues as part of their CSR agendas and as such it will interest academics and practitioners working in and on both this sector of the retail marketplace and health promotion.
New directions in the roles and responsibilities of the HRM function
Authors: Morley Michael J. , Gunnigle Patrick , O'Sullivan Michelle , Collings David G.
Published: October 2006

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue, which brings together five papers exploring the changing anatomy of HRM at organisational level.Design/methodology/approach– This overarching paper briefly contextualises the theme and introduces the five selected empirical papers.Findings– The findings in this paper vary according to the core theme of each of the five contributions. The first paper highlights whether the mix of distributed HR activities between the HR department and internal/external agents may be understood to be less a product of contextual influences and more a matter of corporate choice. The second paper establishes that role dissonance is a very real issue for middle managers with HR responsibilities. The third paper unearths the complexities and challenges involved in changing existing HRM procedures and practices in a post‐merger scenario. The fourth paper provides an understanding of the management of human resource supply chains and outlines five, empirically derived, generic models of HR outsourcing. The final paper finds that human resource IT diffusion and take‐up is primarily fuelled by interpersonal communication and network interactions among potential adopters.Originality/value– Combined, the papers offer insights on the changing anatomy of the HRM function against the backdrop of a dynamic contemporary organisational landscape and showcase cross‐national research on the theme.
The implementation of operations management techniques in service organisations
Authors: Prajogo Daniel
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an empirical snapshot of the application of operations management (OM) activities in Australian service firms. The four key areas addressed in this study are the nature or characteristics of services, the level of importance of OM techniques, the level of importance of performance indicators, and the challenges encountered by the management of service firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data for this study were drawn from 190 managers of the Australian service organisations whose primary responsibilities were related to the daily operations of the firms. The targeted service organisations encompassed various sectors including transportation, communication, banking, insurance, health care, education, wholesale, retail, and professional services.

Findings

The results indicate that most services are characterised by high customer contact and a low degree of differentiation. In terms of OM activities, service delivery, customer service and quality control received the highest priority. This result was confirmed by customer retention, on time delivery, and quality which received the highest priority among performance measures. Innovation, on the other hand, surprisingly received the least attention among the surveyed firms. Finally, building service culture appears to be the most challenging issue encountered by managers in dealing with service operations as opposed to managing facilities which raised only little concern from management's point of view. In general, there is no significant difference between Schmenner's four service types with respect to the key issues addressed in this study.

Practical implications

From a managerial point of view, this study provides an insight into the importance of key OM practices and strategic performance indicators in the Australian service industry.

Originality/value

This study builds on previous studies focusing on the implementation of OM practices carried out in the USA. Therefore, it contributes to knowledge by providing comparison with the Australian context.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
Authors: Erdos Knapp Deborah , Faley Robert H. , Long Lori K.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Important Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)‐related issues that derive from the case law are described and analyzed with the aim of providing guidance both for those responsible for establishing organizational policies, procedures, and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 50 influential court cases spanning the past ten years are reviewed and synthesized to better understand the current and future impact of the ADA.

Findings

Better understanding of ADA can help employers both avoid costly litigation and take advantage of a segment of the US labor market that has not yet been fully utilized.

Originality/value

This paper helps practitioner and researchers better understand the organizational implications of the ADA. Better understanding the current case law should lead to employer policies, procedures, and practices that facilitate the better utilization of the qualified disabled work force without compromising employer concerns related to productivity and other job‐related outcomes.
Effect of halide ions on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in acidic medium using polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Umoren S.A. , Ogbobe O. , Ebenso E.E. , Ekpe U.J.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To investigate the effect of halide ions on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in H2SO4 at 30‐60°C and to study the mechanism of action.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion rates were determined using the gravimetric (weight loss) and gasometric (hydrogen evolution) techniques. The results obtained in the absence and presence of PVA, halides, PVA – halides combination were used to calculate the inhibition efficiency (%I), degree of surface coverage and to propose the mechanism of inhibition and type of adsorption.

Findings

Results obtained showed that inhibition efficiency (%I) increased with the increase in concentration of PVA, on the addition of halides and with the increase in temperature. Phenomenon of chemical adsorption was proposed and PVA was found to obey Langmuir, Flory‐Huggins and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The synergism parameter, S1, evaluated was found to be greater than unity and the values of Ea, ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG° obtained revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous.

Research limitations/implications

Electrochemical studies such as polarization and AC impedance spectra will enlighten more on the mechanistic aspects of the corrosion inhibition and more polymers need to be evaluated as corrosion inhibitors.

Practical implications

PVA can be used as corrosion inhibitor and the addition of halides to PVA improves the inhibition efficiency considerably.

Originality/value

This paper provides new information on the effects of halides on the corrosion inhibition using PVA as an inhibitor for mild steel in acidic medium. Such a study had not been reported elsewhere.
Using appreciative inquiry to initiate a managed clinical network for children's liver disease in the UK
Authors: Baker Alastair , Wright Margaret
Published: October 2006

Purpose

With the three existing specialised paediatric liver centres working beyond bed capacity, this article aims to address the special problems arising from the tension between need for centralisation of skills, and advantages of decentralisation of care.

Design/methodology/approach

Three sessions using the appreciative inquiry method were conducted by the authors

Findings

This resulted in a new patient‐centred set of priorities in developing a MCN and gave impetus to two regional MCNs and a National MCN movement for Paediatric Gastroenterology.

Originality/value

The authors describe the changes and how the AI method offers a powerful tool for positive change within the NHS. This article will be of special interest to those working within the paediatric liver services.
Dimensions of guest house service
Authors: Radder Laetitia , Wang Yi
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This study aims to determine similarities and differences in business travellers' expectations and managers' perceptions of the service provided by guest houses.

Design/methodology/approach

Two questionnaires with seven‐point Likert scales were used to measure travellers' expectations of guest house service and managers' perceptions of these expectations. Data was analysed using Statistica Version 6.1 by employing factor analysis and ANOVA tests.

Findings

Business travellers deemed secure parking and the professionalism of staff as the most important attributes, while guest house managers thought it would be friendliness of front desk staff and efficient handling of complaints. Both groups indicated that cleanliness of rooms and services performed by staff adequately the first time, were of particular importance. The importance rating of the different service dimensions was not significantly influenced by the business travellers' gender, managerial position, nights of stay or by the guest house grading. Managers mostly overestimated guests' expectations.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study is the relatively small sample used (50 guest house managers and 300 business travellers within one city). Future research needs to examine a broader sample of guest house managers and could compare the expectations of different types of guests.

Practical implications

It is worth noting that guest house managers had overestimated the expectations of business travellers regarding the service provided. Management should focus on service dimensions important to guests and not those based on own opinions.

Originality/value

An understanding of business travellers' expectations could lead to their needs being more closely addressed and satisfaction levels being raised.
Links between service climate, employee commitment and employees' service quality capability
Authors: Mikic Little Marie , Dean Alison M.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Studies have demonstrated that the service climate in an organisation, as perceived by employees, is positively related to service quality, as perceived by customers. However, no studies appear to have tested the link to service quality from an employee perspective. Hence, the major aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between service climate, employee commitment and employees' service quality capability (SQC).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by a cross‐sectional field study of frontline employees in a telecommunications call centre (n=167; 58 percent). A call centre was chosen because of the perceived poor service climate and the high levels of employee turnover.

Findings

Global service climate (GSC) in the call centre was found to be positively related to employees' SQC, with partial mediation by employee commitment. Regression analysis showed that three factors: managerial practices, customer feedback and human resource management contributed to GSC but, unexpectedly, customer orientation did not.

Research limitations/implications

The findings indicate that the service climate in a call centre affects employees, both in terms of their commitment, and their self‐reported feelings about the delivery of service quality to customers. Unexpected findings suggest that further work on service climate in call centres is warranted.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates the important effects of service climate in general, and HRM in particular, on frontline employees in call centres. Managers should benefit from noting the links and the likely service quality outcome for customers.

Originality/value

This paper applies and extends theory developed in other contexts to call centres.
Investigating the feasibility of a passive tracking index for monitoring wildlife in the Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Engeman Richard M. , Evangilista Paul
Published: October 2006

In many places in Africa, constraints in human, financial and physical resources are common problems that limit the effectiveness of wildlife researchers and managers. In an attempt to identify a useful tool for monitoring African wildlife populations, we tested a passive tracking index (PTI) methodology on a unique wildlife resource area in the Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia. The methodology had previously proved valuable for monitoring a wide variety of wildlife species, including ungulates and carnivores in North America and Australia. Two ungulates (lesser kudu and dikdik), a carnivore (hyaena), a primate (baboon), and a ground foraging bird (guineafowl) were simultaneously indexed. In addition, single observations were recorded for genet, serval and caracal. The species indexed also represent the broad needs for monitoring wildlife. The mammal species are of economic importance to the region through sport hunting. Two of the species, hyaenas and baboons, potentially conflict with human agricultural interests through depredations on livestock and crop production. Anthrax periodically decimates the wildlife in the Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia, but losses of many species are difficult to observe or quantitatively document. The PTI is a simple‐to‐apply, easy‐to‐calculate means to quantify simultaneously population trends for multiple species, and particularly applicable to sustainable harvest by sport hunting, human–wildlife conflicts, and impacts and recovery from wildlife disease.
Lactobacillus reuteri therapy to reduce side‐effects during anti‐Helicobacter pylori treatment in children: a randomized placebo controlled trial
Authors: LIONETTI E. , MINIELLO V. L. , CASTELLANETA S. P. , MAGISTÁ A. M. , DE CANIO A. , MAUROGIOVANNI G. , IERARDI E. , CAVALLO L. , FRANCAVILLA R.
Published: October 2006

Background

Helicobacter pylori eradication fails in about 25–30% of children, particularly because of the occurrence of resistance to antibiotics and side‐effects.

Aim

To determine whether adding the Lactobacillus reuteri to an anti‐H. pylori regimen could help to prevent or minimize the gastrointestinal side‐effects burden in children.

Methods

Forty H. pylori‐positive children (21 males; median age: 12.3 years) were consecutively treated with 10‐day sequential therapy [omeprazole + amoxycillin for 5 days, and omeprazole + clarithromycin + tinidazole for other 5 days] and blindly randomized to receive either L. reuteri ATCC 55730 (108 CFU) or placebo. All children completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) at entry, during and after treatment. H. pylori status was assessed after 8 weeks by 13C‐urea breath test.

Results

Overall, in all probiotic supplemented children when compared with those receiving placebo there was a significant reduction of GSRS score during eradication therapy (4.1 ± 2 vs. 6.2 ± 3; P < 0.01) and at the end of follow‐up (3.2 ± 2 vs. 5.8 ± 3.4; P < 0.009). Overall, children receiving L. reuteri report less symptoms than those receiving placebo.

Conclusion

L. reuteri is capable of reducing frequency and intensity of antibiotic‐associated side‐effects during eradication therapy for H. pylori.
Herpetic salpingitis and fallopian tube prolapse
Authors: Lefrancq T , Orain I , Michalak S , Hourseau M , Fetissof F
Published: October 2006

Aim

We describe the unusual association of fallopian tubal prolapse and herpetic infection, an occurrence not previously reported to our knowledge.

Methods and results

A 37‐year‐old woman presented with a small polypoid mass of the vaginal vault, 3 months after abdominal hysterectomy and abdominoplasty. The vaginal mass proved to be the fimbriated end of a fallopian tube, herniated into the vagina. Reintervention 3 months later with resection of a small vaginal ‘polyp’ revealed a residual portion of fallopian tube, with superimposed herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and marked cytological atypia of surface epithelial cells. HSV‐2 immunostaining of viral nuclear inclusions and of atypical cells confirmed the herpetic nature of the infection.

Conclusion

Involvement of the genito‐urinary tract by HSV may occur via an ascending infection from the cervix, but the fallopian tube, deeply located in the pelvis, is generally spared from herpetic infection. In the setting of fallopian tubal prolapse, direct exposure of the herniated fallopian tube to various pathogens in the vagina provides an unique clinical model for salpingitis. In herpetic tubal infections, special attention must be paid to cytological atypia of probable viral cytopathogenic origin, to avoid a misdiagnosis of malignancy.
Recombinant integrin CD11b A‐domain blocks polymorphonuclear cells recruitment and protects against skeletal muscle inflammatory injury in the rat
Authors: Zerria K. , Jerbi E. , Hammami S. , Maaroufi A. , Boubaker S. , Xiong J. P. , Arnaout M. A. , Fathallah D. M.
Published: October 2006

The β2 integrin CD11b/CD18 (CR3) is a major adhesion receptor of neutrophils, normally utilized to fend off infections. This receptor contributes, however, to multiple forms of non‐infectious inflammatory injury when dysregulated as shown in gene knock‐outs and through the use of blocking monoclonal antibodies. The major ligand recognition site of CR3 has been mapped to the A‐domain in the CD11b subunit (CD11bA). The recombinant form of this domain exhibits a ligand binding profile similar to that of the holoreceptor. To assess the potential anti‐inflammatory activity of CD11bA as a competitive antagonist of CR3 in vivo, we assessed its effects on a developed animal model of traumatic skeletal muscle injury in the rat. Recombinant soluble rat CD11bA‐domain fused to glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) was administered intravenously in a single dose at 1 mg/kg to nine groups of Wistar rats, five in each group, 30 min before inducing traumatic skeletal muscle injury. Control animals received either a function‐blocking anti‐CD11b/CD18 monoclonal antibody (1 mg/kg), non‐functional mutant forms of the CD11bA (D140GS/AGA, T209/A, D242/A), recombinant GST or buffer alone. In control animals, the wounded muscle showed oedema, erythrocyte extravasation and myonecrosis both within and outside the immediate wounded area (5–10 mm zone) and influx of neutrophils was detected 30 min post‐wound, followed by a second wave 3 hr later. Wild‐type CD11bA‐ or anti‐CD11b monoclonal antibody (mAb)‐treated rats showed a comparable and significant decrease in the number of infiltrating PMN (78 + 4%, n = 70 and 86 ± 2%, n = 50, respectively) and preservation of the muscular fibres outside the immediate zone of necrosis (75 + 4%, n = 70, 84 ± 1%, n = 50, respectively), compared to controls. These data demonstrate that CD11bA can be an effective tissue‐preserving agent in acute inflammatory muscular injury.
The interaction of disturbances and small mammal community dynamics in a lowland forest in Belize
Authors: KLINGER R.
Published: October 2006

Three floods (July 2000, August 2002, September 2003) and a hurricane (October 2001) that occurred in a lowland forest in the southern Maya Mountains of Belize presented an opportunity to evaluate the influence of these disturbances on the structure of a small mammal assemblage.

Four terrestrial and four primarily scansorial/arboreal species were trapped July 2000–March 2005 in six grids over 14 irregularly spaced trapping periods.

Community dynamics were characterized more by changes in species composition than changes in diversity. The dynamics were driven by species‐specific variation in abundance, with changes in composition generally, but not exclusively, due to the occurrence or disappearance of species at low abundance. Despite the disturbances, species richness remained relatively constant. Evenness within the assemblage was consistently low, primarily as a result of dominance by one species, Heteromys desmarestianus.

Effects of flooding on community structure were direct but relatively brief (< 1 year), and varied with the duration and intensity of flooding. Effects from the hurricane were indirect but long‐lasting and strongly related to severely reduced food resources.

This study suggests that long‐term dynamics in the structure of many animal communities in the tropics often results from interactions between direct and indirect effects of disturbance. It also suggests that community resistance will depend on variation in disturbance type and regime, but resilience will be determined by the life‐history characteristics of each species.
Habitat exploration and use in dispersing juvenile flying squirrels
Authors: SELONEN VESA , HANSKI ILPO K.
Published: October 2006

Variation in behaviours involved in habitat selection is important for several evolutionary and ecological processes. For example, habitat use during dispersal may differ from breeding habitat use, and for dispersers the scale of habitat familiarity is determined by exploratory behaviour. We studied habitat use and exploration of 56 radio‐collared juvenile flying squirrelsPteromys volansL. within natal home range and during dispersal, and compared habitat use between juveniles and 37 adults within breeding home range.

Before dispersal, young flying squirrels actively moved around the natal site. Surprisingly, long‐distance dispersers explored less than short‐distance dispersers, but philopatric individuals explored similar distances as dispersers. Females explored less than males, although females are the more dispersive sex in flying squirrels.

For most of the individuals the settlement area was unfamiliar due to long dispersal distance. Consequently, direction and distance of exploration were not very strong predictors of settlement location. However, individuals familiar with the settlement area concentrated exploration to that area. Exploration did not correlate with short‐term survival.

Dispersers preferred breeding habitat while dispersing, but were found more often in matrix habitat than juveniles within natal, or adults within breeding, home ranges.

We conclude that familiarity does not determine settlement as much as, for example, availability of the habitat for flying squirrels. Based on our results, it also seems clear that data on adult habitat use are not enough to predict habitat use of dispersing individuals. In addition, our results support the recent view that short‐ and long‐distance dispersers may need to be analysed separately in ecological and evolutionary analyses.
Turkish physicians’ perception of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma
Authors: Civelek E. , Soyer O. U. , Gemicioglu B. , Şekerel B. E.
Published: October 2006

Background:  The clinical association of rhinitis and asthma has been recognized for centuries, leading to a current definition of ‘one airway, one disease’. Current findings indicate that the optimal treatment of rhinitis might improve coexisting asthma.

Objectives:  To evaluate perception of the asthma–rhinitis association and to determine their capability in managing rhinitis.

Methods:  Participants of three national asthma meetings, in 2004, were asked to complete a questionnaire which, aside from demographic queries, elicited responses in order to reflect agreement or not with the given statements.

Results:  Of the 354 attendees, 220 (62%) responded to the questionnaire. Although over 80% reported good perception of the asthma–rhinitis association, only one‐third were examining nasal mucosa of asthmatics, and over 70% believed sinus X‐ray, blood eosinophil count, and determination of total serum IgE were required to diagnose allergic rhinitis. Between 20% and 40% of the physicians reported misuse of medications for rhinitis.

Conclusions:  This survey documented that the asthma–rhinitis association is generally recognized by physicians treating asthma in Turkey. However, there are certain training needs in terms of attitude towards examinations and appropriate use of laboratories and medications for rhinitis. Improved understanding/management of rhinitis may contribute to asthma care as well as patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment.
Characterization of myeloid cells derived from the anterior ventral mesoderm in the Xenopus laevis embryo
Authors: Tashiro Sumihisa , Sedohara Ayako , Asashima Makoto , Izutsu Yumi , Maéno Mitsugu
Published: October 2006

A recent study revealed the presence of a unique population of myeloid cells in the anterior ventral (AV) mesoderm of Xenopus laevis embryo, as characterized by the expression of peroxidase 2 (POX2), which encodes for a leukocyte‐specific enzyme. The current report further characterized the POX2‐positive cells in terms of their contribution to hematopoiesis in tadpole and regulatory mechanism in differentiation. Grafting experiments with cytogenetically labeled tissues revealed that AV‐derived mesoderm supplies a transient population of migrating leukocytes in the mesenchyme of early tadpole. These cells were rarely found in blood vessels at any stages. Using a ventral marginal zone explant system, we demonstrated that dkk1, shown as a heart inducer in this system, has a strong ability to induce the expression of POX2. Injection of a high dose dkk1 RNA induced a heart marker while a low dose of dkk1 preferentially induced the expression of POX2, suggesting that dkk1 works as a morphogen to determine the different lineages. Overall results indicate that wnt signal inhibitors induce leukocytes at the early neurula stage and that these cells spread to the entire body and exist until the ventral blood island‐derived leukocytes appear in the body.
Somatic H1 histone accumulation and germ layer determination in amphibian embryos
Authors: Flickinger Reed A.
Published: October 2006

The induction of mesoderm and/or endoderm from prospective ectoderm and dorsalization of the marginal zone mesoderm may be linked to inhibition of cell cycling and DNA synthesis in early amphibian embryos. In turn, this may lead to reduction of somatic H1 histone accumulation. A greater number of cell cycles and rounds of DNA synthesis characterizes the induction of neural tissue. This is correlated with an increase of somatic H1 histone accumulation. The number of rounds of DNA replication may regulate the level of H1 histone accumulation and this may have a role in germ layer determination.
Functional demonstration of the ability of a primary spermatogonium as a stem cell by tracing a single cell destiny in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Kawasaki Toshihiro , Imura Fumito , Nakada Akira , Kubota Hiroshi , Sakamaki Kazuhiro , Abe Shin‐Ichi , Takamune Kazufumi
Published: October 2006

In Xenopus, although primary spermatogonium (PG), the largest cell in the testis, is believed to be spermatogonial stem cell by histological observations, functional evidence has never been obtained. In the present study, we first indicated that culture of juvenile testis in a medium supplemented with follicle stimulating hormone resulted in no proliferation of PG. In this culture system, early secondary spermatogonia could undergo mitotic divisions with a concomitant decrease in their size, so that they became distinguishable in size from PG. Because the subcutaneous environment of juveniles permitted aggregates of the dissociated testicular cells to reconstruct the normal testis structure, we next inserted a genetically marked PG isolated from cultured testes into the aggregate and transplanted it subcutaneously. In this system, 73.9% of the aggregates contained a marked PG. When we observed the aggregates 12 weeks after transplantation, most aggregates (70.0%) contained marked PG that had self‐renewed. Among these, fully growing aggregates contained many spermatogenic cells at the later developmental stage. These results suggested that isolated PG from the cultured testes had the ability as stem cells, and that purification of the spermatogenic stem cells became reliable in Xenopus.
Giant cell arteritis with spontaneous remission
Authors: Purvin Valerie , Kawasaki Aki
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background:  Clinical manifestations of giant cell arteritis (GCA) are variable. Whether signs and symptoms present in an explosive fashion or insidiously, once manifest the course is usually progressive unless treatment is initiated.

Methods:  A retrospective review of patients with GCA seen in an outpatient neuro‐ophthalmology clinic.

Results:  We report four patients with biopsy‐proven GCA who experienced spontaneous remission. Clinical manifestations consisted of headache and diplopia in two patients, constitutional symptoms in one patient and facial pain in another.

Conclusions:  Clinicians should be aware of this aspect of the disease in order to avoid a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Risk of second primary colorectal cancer with particular reference to age at diagnosis
Authors: O’Dwyer S. T. , Renehan A. G. , Zwahlen M. , Egger M.
Published: October 2006

Objective:  Patients with a history of colorectal cancer are considered at increased risk of second metachronous colorectal cancer (SM‐CRC), for which they frequently receive intensive colonoscopic surveillance. In view of the ambiguous nature of the existing evidence and the growing interest in targeted surveillance, we sought to quantify long‐term risk with particular reference to age at diagnosis.

Method:  The Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database was used to estimate risk of SM‐CRC after first incident colorectal cancer diagnosed between 1975 and 1999. We calculated time‐dependent rates using Kaplan–Meier estimates and relative risk compared with the US general population.

Results:  From 311 689 eligible patients, there were 6387 SM‐CRCs. At 15‐years following initial diagnosis, the SM‐CRC rate was 6.3% (95% CI, 6.1–6.5). For patients with synchronous primary cancers (n = 9936, 3.2%), the 15‐year SM‐CRC rate increased to 10.5% (95% CI, 9.1–12.2). Younger age predicted for increased relative risks but absolute cumulative rates at 15 years were low (Table).

Conclusion:  The long‐term cumulative risk of SM‐CRCs after first colorectal cancer is low, even among younger age patients. These data do not support the routine use of high‐frequency colonoscopy surveillance in patients with a history of colorectal cancer.

Age groups (years)
20–29
30–39
40–49
50–59
60–69
70–79
80+

Relative risk – men
60.4
15.1
4.52
1.87
1.34
1.28
1.15

Relative risk – women
18.4
9.63
4.08
2.29
1.72
1.46
1.24

Absolute risk – both sexes
3.53
3.74
4.29
4.70
6.15
7.59
7.26
Total pelvic clearance for advanced pelvic malignancy
Authors: Leon R. , O’Dwyer S. T. , Wilson M. S.
Published: October 2006

Objective:  Advanced pelvic tumours require multidisciplinary care to improve outcome. This is an audit of one specialist unit's experience.

Method:  Consecutive patients referred from 2001 to 2005 for consideration of pelvic clearance were evaluated by retrospective review.

Results:  Of 100 patients assessed, 55 were considered unsuitable for surgery. Exclusions included unresectable pelvic side‐wall disease (25), widespread disease (23) and severe co‐morbidity (7). Forty‐five patients were operated on; 22 had locally advanced disease, 14 had recurrence and nine had residual disease following previous surgery. The primary cancers were colorectal in 24, gynaecological in 10 and urogenital in 10; one patient had non‐neoplastic disease. Preoperatively 39 (87%) had examination under anaesthetic (87%) and all had MR and CT imaging. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy was given in 27 and 18 patients respectively. Following resection by a multi‐speciality team, surgery was considered curative in 40 (90%) of cases as judged by a histologically negative margin. All patients received level 2 care postoperatively with only two requiring level 3 care. There was no 30‐day mortality but there were 17 complications treated conservatively and five that required surgery.

Conclusion:  Advanced pelvic tumours require careful multidisciplinary assessment and treatment. This study shows that this can be performed safely with high levels of histological clearance of tumour.