bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘You have to understand words … but not read them’: young children becoming readers in a digital age
Authors: Levy Rachael
Published: January 2009

Given that many young children now enter their early years in education as competent and frequent users of digital technology, this paper examines how this experience influences children's perceptions of reading. Drawing from research conducted with 12 young children (aged 3–6) this paper reports on the ways in which these children were interacting with screen texts and using them to develop strategies to make sense of a whole variety of symbolic representations, including print. It is argued that the medium of computer technology in particular was seen to encourage young children to develop both understandings about texts and the skills needed to read them. This included specific aspects of print awareness as well as a general confidence in handling print. However, this confidence appeared to diminish as the children encountered ‘schooled’ approaches to print literacy. It is therefore concluded that schools need to find ways in which to capitalise on the use of multimedia in order to promote confidence and skills in young readers today.
The multi‐modal redesign of school texts
Authors: Walsh Christopher S.
Published: January 2009

Multiliteracies‐related research is just emerging from the formal discourse of pedagogical theorising and how it may look in practice needs further exploration. This research, initiated under that warrant, presents practitioner research and the enactment of a multiliteracies curriculum with Year 8 students in New York City's Chinatown. The study describes a collaborative digital literacies project with a local contemporary arts museum where students engaged in the multi‐modal redesign of school texts. First, the article outlines a move of multiliteracies theory into curriculum practice where students explored questions of Chinese‐American and immigrant identities through a discourse analysis of history texts. Then, drawing on a digital gothic and hip‐hop cartoon Web project, it outlines how students challenged ways their ethnic identities were positioned by drawing political satire cartoons about immigration to the United States. The project concluded with a virtual exhibition of students' artwork where they inserted their cartoons within existing educational websites using HTML and Flash. It argues that the redesigned websites are a new set of multi‐modal literacy practices that allow youth to disrupt racist and exclusionary discourses they encounter in school texts and their lived experiences.
Macroeconomic Fluctuations and Bank Lending: Evidence for Germany and the Euro Area
Authors: Eickmeier Sandra , Worms Andreas , Hofmann Boris
Published: January 2009

This paper analyzes the dynamic response of loans to the private sector and of economic activity to aggregate supply, demand and monetary policy shocks in Germany and the euro area based on a standard macroeconomic VAR using sign restrictions to identify the structural shocks. The main results of this analysis are that (i) with the exception of the response to the supply shock in Germany, the response of loans to the three macroeconomic shocks is rather weak and in most cases insignificant; (ii) the 2000-05 credit slowdown and weak economic performance in Germany were primarily driven by adverse supply shocks; and (iii) the marked slowdown in credit creation in Germany over this period actually represents a realignment of the outstanding stock of loans with its deterministic level. In order to assess the role of bank lending in the transmission of macroeconomic shocks, we further perform counterfactual simulations and analyze the dynamic responses of German loan subaggregates in order to test the distributional implications of potential credit market frictions. These exercises do not indicate that credit market frictions play an amplifying role in the transmission of macroeconomic fluctuations.
A clinical study of Henoch‐Schönlein Purpura associated with malignancy
Authors: Mitsui H , Shibagaki N , Kawamura T , Matsue H , Shimada S
Published: January 2009

Background Malignancy has been reported as a causative factor of cutaneous vasculitis, although only two retrospective epidemiological studies have analysed the association between Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) and malignancy to date.

Objective To analyse the association between adult HSP and malignancy.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients and found 103 cases of HSP over the past 20 years. Fifty‐three cases (aged ≥ 41 years) were categorized to two groups including ‘with malignancy’ or ‘without malignancy’, so that we could analyse the differences of clinical features between them. We also compared our study to previous reports.

Results Twenty‐three cases out of 53 patients exhibited underlying malignant tumours. We focused on nine patients in which malignant tumours were thought to be strongly associated. Seven of nine patients exhibited new metastatic lesions or died due to underlying cancer within 1–32 months.

Conclusions An association between HSP and malignant disease might have important diagnostic and pathophysiologic implications.

Conflicts of interest

None declared
Is neurofeedback an efficacious treatment for ADHD? A randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Gevensleben Holger , Holl Birgit , Albrecht Björn , Vogel Claudia , Schlamp Dieter , Kratz Oliver , Studer Petra , Rothenberger Aribert , Moll Gunther H. , Heinrich Hartmut
Published: January 2009

Background:  For children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a reduction of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity by neurofeedback (NF) has been reported in several studies. But so far, unspecific training effects have not been adequately controlled for and/or studies do not provide sufficient statistical power. To overcome these methodological shortcomings we evaluated the clinical efficacy of neurofeedback in children with ADHD in a multisite randomised controlled study using a computerised attention skills training as a control condition.

Methods:  102 children with ADHD, aged 8 to 12 years, participated in the study. Children performed either 36 sessions of NF training or a computerised attention skills training within two blocks of about four weeks each (randomised group assignment). The combined NF treatment consisted of one block of theta/beta training and one block of slow cortical potential (SCP) training. Pre‐training, intermediate and post‐training assessment encompassed several behaviour rating scales (e.g., the German ADHD rating scale, FBB‐HKS) completed by parents and teachers. Evaluation (‘placebo’) scales were applied to control for parental expectations and satisfaction with the treatment.

Results:  For parent and teacher ratings, improvements in the NF group were superior to those of the control group. For the parent‐rated FBB‐HKS total score (primary outcome measure), the effect size was .60. Comparable effects were obtained for the two NF protocols (theta/beta training, SCP training). Parental attitude towards the treatment did not differ between NF and control group.

Conclusions:  Superiority of the combined NF training indicates clinical efficacy of NF in children with ADHD. Future studies should further address the specificity of effects and how to optimise the benefit of NF as treatment module for ADHD.
Mothers of securely attached children with autism spectrum disorder are more sensitive than mothers of insecurely attached children
Authors: Koren‐Karie Nina , Oppenheim David , Dolev Smadar , Yirmiya Nurit
Published: January 2009

In the current study we examined the links between maternal sensitivity and children’s secure attachment in a sample of 45 preschool‐age boys with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We hypothesized that mothers of securely attached children would be more sensitive to their children than mothers of insecurely attached children. Children’s attachment was assessed using Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Procedure (SSP; Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978). Mothers’ sensitivity and children’s responsiveness to their mothers were assessed using the Emotional Availability Scales (Biringen, Robinson, & Emde, 1993). The findings supported our hypothesis: mothers of securely attached children were more sensitive to their children even when controlling for the severity of children’s diagnosis (Autism Disorder vs. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD‐NOS)), children’s level of functioning (high vs. low), and children’s levels of responsiveness. The significance of sensitivity for security of attachment in ASD and the implications of these findings for the validity of the SSP in children with ASD are discussed.
X‐linked mental retardation: focus on synaptic function and plasticity
Authors: Humeau Yann , Gambino Frédéric , Chelly Jamel , Vitale Nicolas
Published: January 2009

Among mental disorders, mental retardation has been shown to be caused by various factors including a large array of genetic mutations. On the basis of remarkable progress, the emerging view is that defects in the regulation of synaptic activity and morphogenesis of dendritic spines are apparently common features associated with mutations in several genes implicated in mental retardation. In this review, we will discuss X‐linked MR‐related gene products that are potentially involved in the normal structure and function of the synapses, with a particular focus on pre‐ and/or post‐synaptic plasticity mechanisms. Progress in understanding the underlying conditions leading to mental retardation will undoubtedly be gained from a closer collaboration of geneticists, physiologists and cognitive neuroscientists, which should enable the establishment of standardized approaches.
Mitigation of peroxynitrite‐mediated nitric oxide (NO) toxicity as a mechanism of induced adaptive NO resistance in the CNS
Authors: Bishop Amy , Gooch Renea , Eguchi Asuka , Jeffrey Stephanie , Smallwood Lorraine , Anderson James , Estevez Alvaro G.
Published: January 2009

During CNS injury and diseases, nitric oxide (NO) is released at a high flux rate leading to formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO•) and other reactive nitrogenous species, which nitrate tyrosines of proteins to form 3‐nitrotyrosine (3NY), leading to cell death. Previously, we have found that motor neurons exposed to low levels of NO become resistant to subsequent cytotoxic NO challenge; an effect dubbed induced adaptive resistance (IAR). Here, we report IAR mitigates, not only cell death, but 3NY formation in response to cytotoxic NO. Addition of an NO scavenger before NO challenge duplicates IAR, implicating reactive nitrogenous species in cell death. Addition of uric acid (a peroxynitrite scavenger) before cytotoxic NO challenge, duplicates IAR, implicating peroxynitrite, with subsequent 3NY formation, in cell death, and abrogation of this pathway as a mechanism of IAR. IAR is dependent on the heme‐metabolizing enzyme, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO1), as indicated by the elimination of IAR by a specific HO1 inhibitor, and by the finding that neurons isolated from HO1 null mice have increased NO sensitivity with concomitant increased 3NY formation. This data indicate that IAR is an HO1‐dependent mechanism that prevents peroxynitrite‐mediated NO toxicity in motor neurons, thereby elucidating therapeutic targets for the mitigation of CNS disease and injury.
Signal transduction and functional selectivity of F15599, a preferential post‐synaptic 5‐HT1Areceptor agonist
Authors: Newman‐Tancredi A , Martel J‐C , Assié M‐B , Buritova J , Lauressergues E , Cosi C , Heusler P , Bruins Slot L , Colpaert FC , Vacher B , Cussac D
Published: January 2009

Background and purpose: Activation of post‐synaptic 5‐HT1Areceptors may provide enhanced therapy against depression. We describe the signal transduction profile of F15599, a novel 5‐HT1Areceptor agonist.

Experimental approach: F15599 was compared with a chemical congener, F13714, and with (+)8‐OH‐DPAT in models of signal transductionin vitroandex vivo.

Key results: F15599 was highly selective for 5‐HT1Areceptors in binding experiments and in [35S]‐GTPγS autoradiography of rat brain, where F15599 increased labelling in regions expressing 5‐HT1Areceptors. In cell lines expressing h5‐HT1Areceptors, F15599 more potently stimulated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, compared with G‐protein activation, internalization of h5‐HT1Areceptors or inhibition of cAMP accumulation. F13714, (+)8‐OH‐DPAT and 5‐HT displayed a different rank order of potency for these responses. F15599 stimulated [35S]‐GTPγS binding more potently in frontal cortex than raphe. F15599, unlike 5‐HT, more potently and efficaciously stimulated Gαithan Gαoactivation. In rat prefrontal cortex (a region expressing post‐synaptic 5‐HT1Areceptors), F15599 potently activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and strongly induced c‐fos mRNA expression. In contrast, in raphe regions (expressing pre‐synaptic 5‐HT1Areceptors) F15599 only weakly or did not induce c‐fos mRNA expression. Finally, despite its more modest affinityin vitro, F15599 bound to 5‐HT1Areceptorsin vivoalmost as potently as F13714.

Conclusions and implications: F15599 showed a distinctive activation profiles for 5‐HT1Areceptor‐mediated signalling pathways, unlike those of reference agonists and consistent with functional selectivity at 5‐HT1Areceptors. In rat, F15599 potently activated signalling in prefrontal cortex, a feature likely to underlie its beneficial effects in models of depression and cognition.
Leadership: a New Frontier in Conservation Science
Authors: MANOLIS JIM C. , CHAN KAI M. , FINKELSTEIN MYRA E. , STEPHENS SCOTT , NELSON CARA R. , GRANT JACQUALINE B. , DOMBECK MICHAEL P.
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Leadership is a critical tool for expanding the influence of conservation science, but recent advances in leadership concepts and practice remain underutilized by conservation scientists. Furthermore, an explicit conceptual foundation and definition of leadership in conservation science are not available in the literature. Here we drew on our diverse leadership experiences, our reading of leadership literature, and discussions with selected conservation science leaders to define conservation‐science leadership, summarize an exploratory set of leadership principles that are applicable to conservation science, and recommend actions to expand leadership capacity among conservation scientists and practitioners. We define 2 types of conservation‐science leadership: shaping conservation science through path‐breaking research, and advancing the integration of conservation science into policy, management, and society at large. We focused on the second, integrative type of leadership because we believe it presents the greatest opportunity for improving conservation effectiveness. We identified 8 leadership principles derived mainly from the “adaptive leadership” literature: recognize the social dimension of the problem; cycle frequently through action and reflection; get and maintain attention; combine strengths of multiple leaders; extend your reach through networks of relationships; strategically time your effort; nurture productive conflict; and cultivate diversity. Conservation scientists and practitioners should strive to develop themselves as leaders, and the Society for Conservation Biology, conservation organizations, and academia should support this effort through professional development, mentoring, teaching, and research.
Documenting Loss of Large Trophy Fish from the Florida Keys with Historical Photographs
Authors: McCLENACHAN LOREN
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  A loss of large vertebrates has occurred in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but data to measure long‐term population changes are sparse. Historical photographs provide visual and quantitative evidence of changes in mean individual size and species composition for groups of marine fish that have been targeted by sport fishing. I measured such trends for 13 groups of recreationally caught “trophy” reef fish with photographs taken in Key West, Florida, from 1956 to 2007. The mean fish size declined from an estimated 19.9 kg (SE 1.5) to 2.3 kg (SE 0.3), and there was a major shift in species composition. Landings from 1956 to 1960 were dominated by large groupers (Epinephelus spp.), and other large predatory fish were commonly caught, including sharks with an average length of just <2 m. In contrast, landings in 2007 were composed of small snappers (Lutjanus spp. and Ocyurus chrysurus) with an average length of 34.4 cm (SE 0.62), and the average length of sharks declined by more than 50% over 50 years. Major declines in the size of fish caught were not reflected in the price of fishing trips, so customers paid the same amount for a less‐valuable product. Historical photographs provide a window into a more pristine coral reef ecosystem that existed a half a century ago and lend support to current observations that unfished reef communities are able to support large numbers of large‐bodied fish.
What’s new in paraproteinemic demyelinating neuropathy in 2007–2008?
Authors: Lunn Michael
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Research and development in the area of paraproteinemic demyelinating peripheral neuropathy is slower than for some of the other inflammatory neuropathy syndromes. However, 2007–2008 has produced developments in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the neuropathy and the paraprotein, a potential new animal model, easier diagnostics, and two randomized controlled trials with the results of others awaited. This short review summarizes these publications.
HIGH‐THROUGHPUT SCREENING TECHNOLOGY FOR MONITORING PHYTOHORMONE PRODUCTION IN MICROALGAE1
Authors: Jirásková Darina , Poulíčková Aloisie , Novák Ondřej , Sedláková Kamila , Hradecká Veronika , Strnad Miroslav
Published: January 2009

New miniaturized techniques for multiplying microalgae and estimating their phytohormone production were developed; in these methods, the strains to be tested are cultivated in microtitre plates, and the phytohormones in suspensions of the cultures are measured by direct ELISAs. Specific and sensitive ELISAs for determining abscisic acid (ABA), indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), cis‐ and trans‐zeatin riboside, isopentenyladenosine (iPR), and other less common cytokinins were developed for this purpose. Polyclonal antibodies used in the ABA and IAA assays were raised against C1‐ and C1′‐ conjugates of the compounds with BSA, respectively, and thus were specific for the free acids and their respective C1‐derivatives. The use of cytokinin ribosides coupled via their sugar residues to BSA as haptens generally led to antibodies that bound free bases, 9‐glycosides and nucleotides, but with high specificity for the corresponding N6‐side chains. Using internal standards, dilution assays, and authentic [2H] and [3H] recovery markers, it was shown that the ELISAs could be used to estimate contents of the selected phytohormones in the cultures. The ELISAs provided reliable and very fast estimates of the selected phytohormones, at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 pmol · mL−1 in various microalgal strains. In addition, a recently developed HPLC selected ion monitoring mass spectrometry (HPLC‐SIM–MS) method was used to calibrate and validate the ELISA results and confirm the presence of the detected phytohormones in immunoaffinity‐purified extracts. Where independent validation of results is deemed necessary, the use of quantitative HPLC–MS is recommended for each new microalgal strain to be tested.
EFFECT OF CARBONIC ANHYDRASE INHIBITORS ON THE INORGANIC CARBON UPTAKE BY PHYTOPLANKTON NATURAL ASSEMBLAGES1
Authors: Mercado Jesús M. , Ramírez Teodoro , Cortés Dolores , Liger Esperanza
Published: January 2009

The role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in inorganic carbon acquisition (dissolved inorganic carbon, DIC) was examined in Alboran Sea phytoplankton assemblages. The study area was characterized by a relatively high variability in nutrient concentration and in abundance and taxonomic composition of phytoplankton. Therefore, the relationship between environmental variability and capacity for using HCO3− via external CA (eCA) was examined. Acetazolamide (AZ, an inhibitor of eCA) inhibited the primary productivity (PP) in 50% of the samples, with inhibition percentages ranging from 13% to 60%. The AZ effect was more prominent in the samples that exhibited PP >1 mg C · m−3 · h−1, indicating that the contribution of eCA to the DIC photosynthetic flux was irrelevant at low PP. The inhibition of primary productivity by AZ was significantly correlated to the abundance of diatoms. However, there was no a relationship between AZ effect and CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) or nutrient concentration, indicating that the variability in the PP percentage supported by eCA was mainly due to differences in taxonomic composition of the phytoplankton assemblages. Ethoxyzolamide (EZ, an inhibitor of both external and internal CA) affected 13 of 14 analyzed samples, with PP inhibition percentages varying from 50% to 95%. The effects of AZ and EZ were partially reversed by doubling DIC concentration. These results imply that CA activity (external and/or internal) was involved in inorganic carbon acquisition in most the samples. However, EZ effect was not correlated with pCO2 or taxonomic composition of the phytoplankton.
ECTOCELLULAR GLUCOSIDASE AND PEPTIDASE ACTIVITY OF THE MIXOTROPHIC DINOFLAGELLATE PROROCENTRUM MINIMUM (DINOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Salerno Monica , Stoecker Diane K.
Published: January 2009

The activities of the enzymes α‐ and β‐glucosidase, and leucine aminopeptidase were measured in cultures of the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum (Pavill.) J. Schiller and in field samples collected during dinoflagellate blooms occurring in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA. Activities were measured using fluorogenic artificial substrates and partitioned among the >5 μm size fraction, small microbes fraction (0.1–5 μm), and dissolved phase (<0.1 μm). P. minimum and most other photosynthetic dinoflagellates are >5 μm in size and thus can be separated from the small microbes fraction, which contains most bacteria. Little to no glucosidase activity was detected associated with the >5 μm size fraction in cultures or in field samples, with most of the activity (67% to 93% in cultures, 54% to 100% in field samples) in the small microbes size fraction for both α and β glucosidase. In contrast, 67% to 90% of the total leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity in cultures was measured in the >5 μm fraction. Within a culture, LAP activity in the size fraction containing P. minimum decreased in response to ammonium and urea additions, but not in response to nitrate. In field samples, LAP activity was positively correlated with dinoflagellate abundance and chl a, and negatively correlated with ammonium concentration. During blooms, up to 34% of LAP activity was associated with the >5 μm fraction, indicating that when abundant, dinoflagellates may make a substantial contribution to ectocellular LAP activity in the water column.
A Metric of Maternal Prenatal Risk Drinking Predicts Neurobehavioral Outcomes in Preschool Children
Authors: Chiodo Lisa M. , Janisse James , Delaney‐Black Virginia , Sokol Robert J. , Hannigan John H.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, continue to be high‐incidence developmental disorders. Detection of patterns of maternal drinking that place fetuses at risk for these disorders is critical to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, but is challenging and often insufficient during pregnancy. Various screens and measures have been used to identify maternal risk drinking but their ability to predict child outcome has been inconsistent. This study hypothesized that a metric of fetal “at‐risk” alcohol exposure (ARAE) derived from several indicators of maternal self‐reported drinking would predict alcohol‐related neurobehavioral dysfunctions in children better than individual measures of maternal alcohol consumption alone.

Methods:  Self‐reported peri‐conceptional and repeated maternal drinking during pregnancy were assessed with semi‐structured interviews and standard screens, i.e., the CAGE, T‐ACE, and MAST, in a prospective sample of 75 African‐American mothers. Drinking volumes per beverage type were converted to standard quantity and frequency measures. From these individual measures and screening instruments, a simple dichotomous index of prenatal ARAE was defined and used to predict neurobehavioral outcomes in the 4‐ to 5‐year‐old offspring of these women. Study outcomes included IQ, attention, memory, visual‐motor integration, fine motor skill, and behavior. Statistical analyses controlled for demographic and other potential confounders.

Results:  The current “at‐risk” drinking metric identified over 62% of the mothers as drinking at risk levels—23% more than the selection criterion identified—and outperformed all individual quantity and frequency consumption measures, including averages of weekly alcohol use and “binge” alcohol exposures (assessed as intake per drinking occasion), as well as an estimate of the Maternal Substance Abuse Checklist (Coles et al., 2000), in predicting prenatal alcohol‐related cognitive and behavioral dysfunction in 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children.

Conclusions:  A metric reflecting multiple indices of “at‐risk” maternal alcohol drinking in pregnancy had greater utility in predicting various prenatal alcohol‐related neurobehavioral dysfunction and deficits in children compared to individual measures of maternal self‐reported alcohol consumption or a previous maternal substance abuse index. Assessing fetal risk drinking in pregnant women was improved by including multiple indicators of both alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related consequences and, if appropriate practical applications are devised, may facilitate intervention by health care workers during pregnancy and potentially reduce the incidence or severity of FASDs.
A Rasch Model Analysis of Alcohol Consumption and Problems Across Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Authors: Kahler Christopher W. , Hoeppner Bettina B. , Jackson Kristina M.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Recent investigations using item response modeling have begun to conceptualize alcohol consumption, problems, and dependence as representing points along a single continuum of alcohol involvement. Such a conceptualization may be of particular benefit to measurement of alcohol involvement in adolescents, but investigations to date have been limited to adult samples and may not generalize to adolescents due to age‐related developmental differences.

Methods:  This study used Rasch model analyses to examine the properties of indices of alcohol consumption and problems among 6,353 adolescents, aged 12 to 18 years, in Wave 1 of the Add Health survey. A particular focus was on whether the functioning of items changed when these adolescents were re‐interviewed in Wave 3 when they were 18 to 24 years of age.

Results:  Rasch model analyses supported the unidimensionality and additive properties of the items in the Wave 1 data. Comparisons of Wave 1 and Wave 3 data indicated differential item functioning in most of the items such that items related to alcohol consumption were more severe during adolescence, whereas items related to alcohol problems were more severe in young adulthood.

Conclusions:  A valid index of alcohol involvement in adolescents can be constructed combining indices of alcohol consumption and alcohol problems. Such an index covers a range of severity and functions similarly across sex and race/ethnicity. A similar index can be constructed in young adulthood. However, the interpretation of scores must be attentive to developmental differences. In particular, for adolescents, indices of alcohol consumption are relatively closer in severity to indices of alcohol problems than they are among young adults. Thus, alcohol problems are more likely among adolescents than young adults given a similar level of drinking.
Digital image management project for dermatological health care environments: a new dedicated software and review of the literature
Authors: Rubegni Pietro , Nami Niccolò , Poggiali Sara , Tataranno Domenico , Fimiani M.
Published: January 2009

Background/purpose: Because the skin is the only organ completely accessible to visual examination, digital technology has therefore attracted the attention of dermatologists for documenting, monitoring, measuring and classifying morphological manifestations. To describe a digital image management system dedicated to dermatological health care environments and to compare it with other existing softwares for digital image storage.

Methods: We designed a reliable hardware structure that could ensure future scaling, because storage needs tend to grow exponentially. For the software, we chose a client‐web server application based on a relational database and with a ‘minimalist’ user interface.

Results: We developed a software with a ready‐made, adaptable index of skin pathologies. It facilitates classification by pathology, patient and visit, with an advanced search option allowing access to all images according to personalised criteria. The software also offers the possibility of comparing two or more digital images (follow‐up). The fact that the archives of years of digital photos acquired and saved on PCs can easily be entered in the program distinguishes it from the others in the market. This option is fundamental for accessing all the photos taken in years of practice in the program without entering them one by one. The program is available to any user connected to the local Intranet and the system may directly be available in the future from the Internet.

Conclusions: All clinics and surgeries, especially those that rely on digital images, are obliged to keep up with technological advances. It is therefore hoped that our project will become a model for medical structures intending to rationalise digital and other data according to statutory requirements.
Quantitation of epidermal and mucosal tissue injury using contrast agents and imaging techniques
Authors: Visscher Marty O. , Sullivan David , Sullivan Steven , Barford Brian , Dock Murray , Sommers Marilyn S.
Published: January 2009

Background/purpose: Epidermal injury is common but the accuracy of visual methods is significantly impacted by the inherent skin pigmentation. We examined imaging and fluorescence techniques to quantify tissue injury as a function of skin color.

Methods: Epidermal and mucosal scratches were created in 20 light‐ (L* 68.2±2.3) and 20 dark‐skinned (L* 46.4±5.2) females. Injured and uninjured sites were treated with toluidine blue (TB), fluorescein (FL) and a TB/FL mixture and photographed under conditions of white and fluorescent light. Area and intensity parameters were determined.

Results: Injured sites with TB and TB/FL had higher areas than the control for both light and dark subjects (anova, P<0.05). The intensity of the injured TB site was higher than the control for light skin only. The areas of injured sites with FL and TB/FL were higher than the control for both groups as were the intensities of the injured sites with FL. The findings were similar for the lip skin.

Conclusions: Application of TB and FL contrasts under white and fluorescent light can be used to quantify tissue injuries for L* values >35 and is a promising approach for the quantitation across a range of skin pigmentation.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Safety Analysis of the Diaphragm in Combination with Lubricant or Acidifying Microbicide Gels: Effects on Markers of Inflammation and Innate Immunity in Cervicovaginal Fluid
Authors: Anderson Deborah J. , Williams D’Nyce L. , Ballagh Susan A. , Barnhart Kurt , Creinin Mitchell D. , Newman Daniel R. , Bowman Frederick P. , Politch Joseph A. , Duerr Ann C. , Jamieson Denise J.
Published: January 2009

Objective  Diaphragms are being considered for use with vaginal microbicide gels to provide enhanced protection against sexually transmitted pathogens. The purpose of this study was to determine whether use of a diaphragm with microbicide or placebo gel causes cervicovaginal inflammation or perturbations in cervicovaginal immune defense.

Method of study  Eighty‐one non‐pregnant women were randomized into three groups and instructed to use Milex® (CooperSurgical, Inc., Trumbull, CT, USA)diaphragms overnight for 14 days in combination with one of the two acid‐buffering microbicide gels [ACIDFORM™ (Instead Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA) or BufferGel™ (BG; ReProtect Inc., Baltimore, Maryland)] or placebo gel (K‐Y Jelly®; Personal Products Inc., Raritan, NJ, USA). Cervicovaginal lavages (CVLs) were performed prior to study entry and on days 8 and 16. Nine soluble mediators of vaginal inflammation or immune defense were measured in CVLs by Bio‐Plex or ELISA.

Results  Use of diaphragms with placebo or microbicide gel was not associated with increased levels of inflammation markers. Concentrations of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) were markedly reduced in the BG group.

Conclusion  Daily use of a diaphragm with placebo or acidifying microbicide gel did not cause cervicovaginal inflammation. However, diaphragm/BG use was associated with markedly reduced levels of SLPI, an important mediator of innate immune defense. Further studies are warranted to establish the safety of diaphragm/microbicide gel combinations.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Selective Downregulation of Phosphoinositide 3‐Kinase alpha in Leukocytes During Pregnancy
Authors: Rohrbach Anne , Rubio Ignacio , Bulgay‐Moerschel Mehtab , Koenig Christian , Poehlmann Tobias G. , Markert Udo R. , Gruen Michael
Published: January 2009

Problem  During pregnancy, it is crucially important that the mother’s immune system tolerates the developing embryo. Although a number of mechanisms of immunological tolerance have been described, little is known about intracellular signaling events, causing a decrease in the mother’s leukocyte activity.

Method of study  We investigated the expression and activity of phosphoinositide 3‐kinases (PI3K) in maternal blood cells of healthy volunteers by Reverse Transcription PCR and Western blotting.

Results  Our data reveal a selective downregulation of the p110α catalytic isoform. This correlated with a slight decrease in PI3K activity as judged by the levels of phosphorylated Akt.

Conclusion  As PI3K are involved in signal transduction of various leukocyte receptors, this downregulation may comprise a means of holding immune functions at bay.
Genetic modulation of striatal volume by loci on Chrs 6 and 17 in BXD recombinant inbred mice
Authors: Rosen G. D. , Pung C. J. , Owens C. B. , Caplow J. , Kim H. , Mozhui K. , Lu L. , Williams R. W.
Published: January 2009

Natural variation in the absolute and relative size of different parts of the human brain is substantial, with a range that often exceeds a factor of 2. Much of this variation is generated by the cumulative effects of sets of unknown gene variants that modulate the proliferation, growth and death of neurons and glial cells. Discovering and testing the functions of these genes should contribute significantly to our understanding of differences in brain development, behavior and disease susceptibility. We have exploited a large population of genetically well‐characterized strains of mice (BXD recombinant inbred strains) to map gene variants that influence the volume of the dorsal striatum (caudate–putamen without nucleus accumbens). We used unbiased methods to estimate volumes bilaterally in a sex‐balanced sample taken from the Mouse Brain Library (www.mbl.org). We generated a matched microarray data set to efficiently evaluate candidate genes (www.genenetwork.org). As in humans, volume of the striatum is highly heritable, with greater than twofold differences among strains. We mapped a locus that modulates striatal volume on chromosome (Chr) 6 at 88 ± 5 Mb. We also uncovered an epistatic interaction between loci on Chr 6 and Chr 17 that modulates striatal volume. Using bioinformatic tools and the corresponding expression database, we have identified positional candidates in these quantitative trait locus intervals.
Family functioning and juvenile chronic physical illness in Northern Russia
Authors: Zashikhina A , Hagglof B
Published: January 2009

Aim: To study family functioning of adolescents with chronic physical illnesses and factors related to it. The following research questions were addressed: (i) if families with adolescents with chronic physical illnesses were at increased risk for problematic functioning compared to the healthy control families; (ii) was disease severity associated with family dysfunction; and (iii) did family functioning level differ in three disease groups (diabetes, asthma and epilepsy).

Methods: Self‐report family inventory and socio‐economic status questions were individually completed by 148 adolescents with physical illnesses aged 13–16 years and their mothers; medical data were obtained from the files at the outpatient clinics. Comparative data were collected from a group of 301 schoolchildren.

Results: Overall there were no differences found in functioning of families with physically ill adolescents compared to controls. Family functioning was significantly associated with the number of disease‐specific (disease severity and duration) and non‐disease (socio‐economic status and family type) factors.

Conclusion: In our study, families with physically ill adolescents showed considerable resilience and tolerance to the changes in habitual functioning of the family unit. While greater disease severity, longer disease duration, as well as single‐parent household were the factors that contributed to the family dysfunction.
No association between maternal psychological symptoms and infant outcome after pregnancy complicated by early‐onset hypertensive disorders
Authors: Kaspers Ageeth G , Rep Annelies , Ganzevoort Wessel , Wolf Hans , De Vries Johanna IP , Van Wassenaer Aleid G ,   for the PETRA investigators
Published: January 2009

Aim: The aim of this work was to study the effect of maternal psychological symptoms on infant development 1 year after early‐onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Methods: All mothers were enrolled in the Pre‐eclampsia, Eclampsia TRial Amsterdam. Mothers were asked to complete the 90‐item Symptom Check List (SCL‐90) at the corrected ages of their infants of 0, 3 and 12 months. The total sum score of these three checklists was calculated. Infants were examined at the corrected age of 12 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Mental Developmental Index [MDI] and Psychomotor Developmental Index [PDI] subscales). The Bayley scores were compared between infants of mothers with SCL‐90 sum scores in the highest 25% and lowest 75%.

Results: For 141 mother–infant pairs (80%) all three SCL‐90 checklists and Bayley scores were available. Mean gestational age was 32 weeks and 90% of the infants were growth restricted. The mean MDI was 87 in the highest 25% and 89 in the lowest 75% group. This was 79 versus 80 for the PDI.

Conclusion: In this population of high‐risk growth‐restricted infants born after a pregnancy complicated by early‐onset hypertensive disorders, there is no additional impact of negative maternal psychological symptoms on infant development after 1 year.
Bedside analysis of human milk for adjustable nutrition strategy
Authors: Menjo Aiko , Mizuno Katsumi , Murase Masahiko , Nishida Yoshiko , Taki Motohiro , Itabashi Kazuo , Shimono Tomohiro , Namba Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2009

Aim: Mother's milk is optimum for preterm infants, but human milk fortifier is required at times, because some nutrients are sometimes insufficient for infant growth. It is important to measure the nutrients in breast milk at bedside so that the amount of nutrients that need to be supplemented can be determined. A human milk analyser (HMA, Miris®) is currently available. We examined if the macronutrient values measured by human milk analyser are comparable with those measured by conventional methods. We also sought to discover whether we could dilute the milk sample used for the human milk analyser measurement if the amount of milk available for testing was insufficient.

Subjects and Methods: First, the results of protein, fat and lactose content in breast milk samples obtained using the human milk analyser and conventional methods were compared. Second, we measured diluted samples and compared the values with nondiluted samples.

Results: When comparing the human milk analyser and conventional methods, all three nutrients exhibited a significantly positive correlation (p < 0.001); lactose content was reliable on the condition that it is 6–7 g/dL. The lactose content measured by the HPLC method was obtained by 3.05 × human milk analyser value − 13.4. When comparing diluted and nondiluted samples, fat and protein had expected values after dilution whereas lactose did not.

Conclusion: The human milk analyser can inform us about the amount of major nutrients in breast milk: fat, protein and lactose. However, when human milk is diluted, the lactose content measured by the human milk analyser is overestimated.
Phospholipid content, expression and support of thrombin generation of neonatal platelets
Authors: Bernhard Heike , Rosenkranz Andrea , Petritsch Martina , Köfeler Harald , Rehak Thomas , Novak Michael , Muntean Wolfgang
Published: January 2009

Aim: Newborns have, despite low clotting factors and poor in vitro platelet function, a well functioning haemostasis. We investigated whether phospholipids (PL) in neonatal platelets differ from those in adult platelets in their exposure on the platelet surface, and their effect on thrombin generation.

Methods: The effect of newborn and adult platelets on thrombin generation (TG) was measured by means of calibrated automated thrombography (CAT), and in a purified system. In addition, clotting times were measured. Phosphatidylserine (PS)‐exposure was measured by flow cytometry. The amount of PL was determined by means of mass‐spectrometry (Materials and Methods section in Supporting Information online).

Results: In comparison with adults the clotting times in platelet‐rich plasma of newborns were less shortened by adding calciumionophore. No differences in the support of TG between neonatal and adult platelets were found by means of CAT. In the purified system, TG was increased by ionophor‐stimulated platelets but no difference was evident between newborn and adult platelets. Flow cytometric analysis showed no difference between adult and newborn platelets. Results of mass‐spectrometry showed a very similar pattern of phospholipid‐content of adult and newborn platelets.

Conclusion: Our results do not provide any evidence that a different phospholipid‐expression of neonatal platelets may alter TG in neonates.
Interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β1 in cord blood: relationship with paternal allergy and cesarean section
Authors: Balossini V , Monzani A , Rapa A , Vivenza D , Caristo E , Oderda G
Published: January 2009

Aim: To measure Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in cord blood and assess their relationship with parental allergy and perinatal characteristics.

Methods: In a neonatal care unit 212 consecutive full‐term and appropriate for gestational age newborns were recruited. IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 levels were determined in cord blood by high sensitivity ELISA. Perinatal characteristics, mode of delivery and presence of allergy in parents were recorded.

Results: Out of 212 newborns, 136 were of non‐allergic parents and 76 (35.8%) of one or both allergic parents. In newborns of allergic fathers median IL‐10 levels tended to be lower (0.67 vs. 1.06 pg/mL, p = 0.07) and TGF‐β1 levels were significantly lower (40.9 vs. 45.3 ng/mL, p = 0.008) than in newborns of non‐allergic parents. Multiple general regression analysis showed that presence of paternal allergy (β=−0.19, p = 0.003) to be born by cesarean section (β=−0.21, p = 0.03) and younger gestational age (β= 0.14, p = 0.04) independently contributed to decrease TGF‐β1 levels (multiple R = 0.38, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Paternal allergy and cesarean section are associated to decreased TGF‐β1, which might be the mediator of the increased risk of atopy development. Cord blood IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 levels of our newborn series could be used as reference values for further studies on these relationships.
Variability in pain response to a non‐pharmacological intervention across repeated routine pain exposure in preterm infants: a feasibility study
Authors: Cignacco E , Denhaerynck K , Nelle M , Bührer C , Engberg S
Published: January 2009

Aim: To explore the variability in pain response in preterm infants across time who received sucrose during routine heel stick.

Method: Single group, exploratory repeated measures design.

Setting: Two tertiary level neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Switzerland.

Subjects: Nine preterm infants born between 28 2/7 and 31 4/7 weeks of gestation during their first 14 days of life.

Measurements: Pain was assessed by the Bernese Pain Scale for Neonates (BPSN), the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Salivary cortisol was analysed.

Results: 72–94% of the variability was within‐subject variability, indicating inconsistency of pain responses across the 5 heel sticks. Interrater agreement was highest during heel sticks 1–3 and decreased during heel stick 4 and 5, indicating a possible alteration of pain patterns. No significant differences in the amount of cortisol could be detected before and after the heel sticks (p = 0.55), indicating no stress‐induced peak after the painful intervention. However, a general gradual decrease of cortisol levels across time could be detected.

Conclusion: A high variability in pain response among preterm neonates across time could be described. Consistency of cortisol levels before and after the heel sticks could indicate the effectiveness of sucrose across time.
cGMP‐dependent protein kinase II and aldosterone secretion
Authors: Spießberger Beate , Bernhard Dominik , Herrmann Stefan , Feil Susanne , Werner Claudia , Luppa Peter B. , Hofmann Franz
Published: January 2009

ACTH‐stimulated aldosterone secretion can be inhibited by atrio‐natriuretic peptide/cGMP. The mechanism behind this modulation has been reported to involve cGMP‐dependent activation of phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) and hydrolysis of cAMP. Recently it was reported that activation of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase II (cGKII) stimulated aldosterone secretion in rat zona glomerulosa cells. The zona glomerulosa of the murine adrenal cortex expresses cGKII and PDE2. We used mice with a homozygous inactivation of the cGKII gene to investigate in vivo the potential role of this kinase in aldosterone secretion. Basal plasma renin and aldosterone levels were similar in wild‐type and cGKII−/− mice. In vivo injection of atrio‐natriuretic peptide decreased ACTH‐stimulated aldosterone secretion in wild‐type mice, but had no effect in cGKII‐deficient mice. These results support the view that cGKII modulates aldosterone secretion in the murine adrenal cortex.