bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criteria‐based audit to improve women‐friendly care in maternity units in Malawi
Authors: Kongnyuy Eugene J. , Mlava Grace , Van Den Broek Nynke
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To assess and improve women‐friendly care in maternity units in Malawi.

Methods:  We interviewed 280 women about the care they received during childbirth at 29 different health centers. Results were compared with standards for women‐friendly care, developed locally and based on evidence from World Health Organization manuals. The audit results were presented, and recommendations were made and implemented. A re‐audit (involving 367 women) was conducted 3 months later.

Results:  Significant improvements were recorded on greeting clients (74.6 vs 87.7%; P < 0.001), respect for clients (91.1 vs 98.6%; P < 0.001), support by a companion during labor (58.9 vs 75.6%; P < 0.001), informing clients about different birthing positions (68.6 vs 79.3%; P = 0.002), allowing clients to adopt different birthing positions (67.9 vs 83.4%; P < 0.001), cleanliness of maternity wards (89.6 vs 97.0%; P < 0.001), speaking to clients using simple language (92.1 vs 98.6%; P < 0.001), ensuring privacy with curtains or screens (86.1 vs 92.1%; P < 0.012), and client willing to recommend the health facility to a friend (94.6 vs 98.6%; P = 0.004). However, there were no significant changes in the level of self‐introduction by providers (62.5 vs 68.7%; P = 0.103) and provision of a clean bathroom and toilet (83.6 vs 80.4%; P = 0.282). Surprisingly, there was a significant deterioration in the use of linen to ensure privacy (86.4% vs 74.9%; P < 0.001). Overall, satisfaction of women increased by 9%.

Conclusion:  The criteria‐based audit was associated with an improvement in the quality of women‐friendly care services in maternity units in Malawi.
Prevalence of hepatitis B and C: A Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre experience
Authors: Sami Shehla , Korejo Razia , Bhutta Shereen Z.
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of carriers of hepatitis B and C viruses among the obstetrical and gynecological population, the incidence of vertical transmission in obstetrical patients and to ascertain the risk factors associated with their transmission.

Methods:  We conducted a prospective study over a 1‐year period, from 1 January to 31 December 2005, comprising of an obstetrical population of 5902 deliveries and 548 major gynecology surgery patients. The study population was recruited by simple convenient sampling at Unit‐I, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan. Booked obstetrical and major gynecological surgical patients were routinely screened by Enzyme Immunoassay for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and anti‐hepatitis C antibodies (anti‐HCV) on venous blood samples. Liver function and carrier profile tests were performed on mothers who were positive for HBsAg. Babies of mothers with HbsAg were tested at birth for both HbsAg and HbeAg.

Results:  Hepatitis B was detected in 275 pregnant women (4.6%) and in 70 (12%) gynecological patients. Hepatitis C was detected in 108 (1.8%) pregnant women and in 89 (16%) gynecological patients. Babies born to mothers with HBV or HCV infections tested negative. Four gynecological patients tested positive for both HBV and HCV infections. Unsafe surgery, injections and inadequately screened blood transfusions were the main underlying causes of infection.

Conclusion:  Routine screening of the obstetrical population detected more cases of HBV infection than HCV, whereas HCV was more prevalent in the gynecological population, emphasizing the need for safe medical practices and patient education.
Abscess formation due to Mycoplasma hominis infection after cesarean section
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Kikuchi Akira , Ohkusu Kiyofumi , Akashi Mami , Sasahara Jun , Takakuwa Koichi , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: June 2009

A 27‐year‐old female patient underwent cesarean section and a postoperative hematoma occurred at the site of the uterine incision. The patient underwent relaparotomy to remove the hematoma. Four days later she developed a fever of over 39°C and an abscess had formed at the site. Despite therapy with several antimicrobial agents, her fever persisted. Consequently, she underwent transvaginal abscess drainage, after which she promptly became afebrile. Mycoplasma hominis was considered to be the primary causative organism. There are two reasons that could explain why the wound infection became serious: (i) M. hominis is resistant to several antimicrobial agents that are usually used to treat obstetric infections; and (ii) a long time is required to identify the pathogen. In conclusion, M. hominis should be considered as a causative organism if an antimicrobial‐resistant infection occurs at the surgical site after a cesarean section.
Reproducibility of luteinizing hormone hypersecretion in different phases of the menstrual cycle in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Murakami Masahiro , Shimizu Fumi , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: June 2009

Aim:  We evaluated the reproducibility of an elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) level or elevated LH/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio in different phases of the menstrual cycle in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Furthermore, we evaluated the influence of cycle days and body mass index on LH levels using different days from menses or withdrawal bleeding.

Methods:  Forty‐three patients with PCOS and 37 controls were enrolled. All patients with PCOS had elevated LH levels and LH/FSH ratio, polycystic ovarian morphology and chronic anovulation at diagnosis. After their diagnoses, we measured serum LH and FSH in the early period and/or late period of the follicular phase.

Results:  The rate of patients with elevated LH levels and LH/FSH ratio were significantly higher in the late phase than in the early phase in PCOS. In the early phase, only 52% of patients had elevated LH levels and LH/FSH ratio. We failed to demonstrate an inverse relationship between the LH level and BMI.

Conclusions:  LH levels of patients with PCOS were strongly influenced by the days from menses or withdrawal bleeding. In the early period, the reproducibility of elevated LH levels or LH/FSH ratio was poor even in patients previously diagnosed with them.
Future recovery of the normal menstrual cycle in adolescent patients with secondary amenorrhea
Authors: Morimatsu Yukako , Matsubara Shigeki , Watanabe Takashi , Hashimoto Yuko , Matsui Tomoe , Asada Kyoko , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: June 2009

Aims:  We attempted to determine the future recovery rate of normal menstrual cycles in adolescents with secondary amenorrhea. We also attempted to determine the difference in recovery rate between patients with and without etiological factors for amenorrhea, and between those with first‐ and second‐degree secondary amenorrhea.

Methods:  We conducted questionnaire‐based analysis of 35 patients with adolescent secondary amenorrhea. When the patients were over 20 years old, we obtained information as to the present menstruation status and the history of pregnancy.

Results:  Seventy‐four percent of patients recovered their normal menstrual cycles after the age of 20. The recovery rate was significantly higher in patients with etiological factors (93%) than in those without (60%: P = 0.02). There was a trend towards a higher recovery rate in those with second‐degree compared with first‐degree amenorrhea, but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:  Three‐quarters of adolescent patients with secondary amenorrhea recovered their normal menstrual cycles. The initial presence of etiological factors for amenorrhea raised the recovery rate. This data provides useful prognostic information for health providers taking care of adolescents with secondary amenorrhea.
Epigenetic dysregulation in cognitive disorders
Authors: Gräff Johannes , Mansuy Isabelle M.
Published: June 2009

Epigenetic mechanisms are not only essential for biological functions requiring stable molecular changes such as the establishment of cell identity and tissue formation, they also constitute dynamic intracellular processes for translating environmental stimuli into modifications in gene expression. Over the past decade it has become increasingly clear that both aspects of epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in complex brain functions. Evidence from patients with neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Rett syndrome indicated that epigenetic mechanisms and chromatin remodeling need to be tightly controlled for proper cognitive functions, and their dysregulation can have devastating consequences. However, because they are dynamic, epigenetic mechanisms are also potentially reversible and may provide powerful means for pharmacological intervention. This review outlines major cognitive disorders known to be associated with epigenetic dysregulation, and discusses the potential of ‘epigenetic medicine’ as a promising cure.
Viewing the body modulates neural mechanisms underlying sustained spatial attention in touch
Authors: Sambo Chiara F. , Gillmeister Helge , Forster Bettina
Published: June 2009

Cross‐modal links between vision and touch have been extensively shown with a variety of paradigms. The present event‐related potential (ERP) study aimed to clarify whether neural mechanisms underlying sustained tactile‐spatial attention may be modulated by visual input, and the sight of the stimulated body part (i.e. hands) in particular. Participants covertly attended to one of their hands throughout a block to detect infrequent tactile target stimuli at that hand while ignoring tactile targets at the unattended hand, and all tactile non‐targets. In different blocks, participants performed this task under three viewing conditions: full vision; hands covered from view; and blindfolded. When the participants’ hands were visible attention was found to modulate somatosensory ERPs at early latencies (i.e. in the time range of the somatosensory P100 and the N140 components), as well as at later time intervals, from 200 ms after stimulus onset. By contrast, when participants were blindfolded and, crucially, even when only their hands were not visible, attentional modulations were found to arise only at later intervals (i.e. from 200 ms post‐stimulus), while earlier somatosensory components were not affected by spatial attention. The behavioural results tallied with these electrophysiological findings, showing faster response times to tactile targets under the full vision condition compared with conditions when participants’ hands were covered, and when participants were blindfolded. The results from this study provide the first evidence of the profound impact of vision on mechanisms underlying sustained tactile‐spatial attention, which is enhanced by the sight of the body parts (i.e. hands).
Unlocking the molecular archive: the emerging use of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue for biomarker research in urological cancer
Authors: Gnanapragasam Vincent J.
Published: June 2009

Rapid developments have been made in identifying predictive and prognostic markers in urological cancers. Most biomarker profiling has been primarily conducted in fresh‐frozen tissue taken at the time of diagnosis or surgery. The disadvantage of this process is that the sampled tissue might not be entirely representative of the tumour and there is a lack of adequate numbers and follow‐up to make clear conclusions as to a biomarker’s prognostic potential. Formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE) is the clinical standard for preparing samples for histopathological assessment; this preserves tissue architecture and allows the storage of diagnostic and surplus tissue in archival banks. This resource represents a vast repository of tissue material with a long‐term clinical follow‐up. With the advent of high‐throughput profiling technologies, there is a unique opportunity to screen and comprehensively evaluate many biomarkers. Such studies require the large sample numbers and outcome data which is a key feature of archival FFPE tissue. However, the process of FFPE induces chemical changes and degradation in tissue DNA, RNA and protein, which can make subsequent analysis unreliable. Recently, several technical advances have been made to overcome the degrading effects of FFPE. This review highlights the key advances that are beginning to allow the use of FFPE archives for molecular biomarker profiling.
Incidental angiomyolipoma resected during renal surgery for an enhancing renal mass
Authors: Berglund Ryan K. , Bernstein Melanie , Manion Martin T. , Touijer Karim A. , Russo Paul
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

To review the outcomes of surgery for renal angiomyolipoma (AML, a benign renal neoplasm that often appears as an enhancing renal mass on imaging) removed at a centre that manages AML conservatively, as typically the presence of tumour fat content detected on imaging leads to its diagnosis, but occasionally these tumours resemble conventional RCC, leading to their surgical extirpation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively report data on 44 consecutive patients who had renal surgery with a pathological diagnosis of AML at our institution from 1988 to 2008. Patient demographics, intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes are reported.

RESULTS

Of the 44 patients (40 women, 91%, and four men, 9%), most were asymptomatic (36, 82%), were unsuspected on imaging (40, 91%), had a solitary lesion (38, 86%), and all had a normal contralateral kidney. Patients had either a partial nephrectomy (38, 86%) or radical nephrectomy (six, 14%). The median (range) tumour size was 2.5  (0.6–19) cm. Perioperative complications occurred in 10 patients (23%), and a total of seven renal units (16%) were lost. Ten patients (23%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD) before surgery, while new onset CKD developed in six (14%) at the last follow‐up. There were no recurrences and there was one unrelated death at a median follow‐up of 28 months.

CONCLUSIONS

AML is a benign renal neoplasm that should be treated conservatively. Surgical intervention should be avoided, when possible, as it can lead to perioperative complications, loss of renal units, and development of CKD.
LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS FOR ECONOMIC POLICY MAKING
Authors: Normann Hans‐Theo , Ricciuti Roberto
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we assess the scope and the specific contribution of laboratory experiments for economic policy making. We review experiments which have addressed a specific problem, institution, mechanism design or tool relevant in economic policy. We have two research questions. What type of policy questions can be addressed in the laboratory? And what is the specific value added of economic experiments for policy making. The survey contains experiments on competition policy, auctions, regulated markets, and emission permits.
From mindtools to social mindtools: Collaborative writing with Woven Stories
Authors: Nuutinen Jussi , Sutinen Erkki , Botha Adele , Kommers Piet
Published: June 2009

The rapid development of computer‐supported collaborative environments has highlighted the need for collaborative knowledge construction devices. Because most available mindtools do not promote collaboration, there is a need for social mindtools that can be used in collaborative learning situations. We have used activity theory as a conceptual framework to define the requirements of social mindtools as awareness of other participants, communication and the ability to edit common objects together. We present the concept of Woven Stories and use it as an example of an effective social mindtool. We also describe a case study in which Woven Stories software was used as an online debating forum. This case study reveals the potential inherent in the concept, compared with other text‐oriented Web 2.0 tools, such as wikis.
‘Essentially Social’? A Discussion of the Spirited Part of the Soul in Plato
Authors: Kraugerud Hanne Andrea
Published: June 2009

Abstract: The spirited part, thumos, plays a complex and often disputed role in Plato's account of the soul. The doctrine of the soul as specifically tri‐partitioned seems to depend on a substantial conception of thumos as fundamental and non‐reducible. Building on John Cooper's contribution in the discussion of the topic, this article aims to show that the role of thumos is characterised by an indispensable, deep‐rooted urge for dignified self‐preservation. The view is supported by Plato's own examples, and discussed with regards to Myles Burnyeat's account of thumos as an essentially social phenomenon. The main claim is that in order to preserve the Platonist idea of thumos as fundamental one should discard Burnyeat's characterisation of thumos as unequivocally social, and instead advocate a view of thumos as concerned with a particular form of self‐preservation, which Cooper's account suggests, but does not fully elaborate.
Prevalence of Facial Pain in Migraine: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Yoon M-S , Mueller D , Hansen N , Poitz F , Slomke M , Dommes P , Diener HC , Katsarava Z , Obermann M
Published: June 2009

Unilateral head pain focused on frontal, orbital or parietal regions is a leading symptom of migraine attacks. Rarely, head pain in migraine can extend involving the maxillary or mandibular region of the face, sometimes isolated facial pain is the only and atypical presentation of migraine. The prevalence of these unusual symptoms in migraine is unknown. We aimed to estimate the true prevalence of facial pain in migraine in a population-based sample of 517 migraine patients in Germany. In 46 (8.9%) cases migraine pain involved the head and the lower half of the face. Patients with facial pain suffer more trigemino-autonomic symptoms than migraine patients (47.8% vs. 7.9%; α2 = 66.23, P < 0.001). In one case isolated facial pain without headache was the leading symptom of migraine. Our results demonstrate that facial pain is not unusual in migraine, whereas isolated facial migraine is extremely rare.
Results of the ‘Euromelanoma Day’ screening campaign in Sweden 2008
Authors: Paoli J , Danielsson M , Wennberg AM
Published: June 2009

Background  The ‘Euromelanoma Day’ skin cancer screening campaign is organized annually in several European countries since the year 2000. The national results have not been analysed in a Scandinavian country.

Objective  Our objective was to analyse the demographic characteristics and risk factors of the screened population during the ‘Euromelanoma Day’ in Sweden 2008. We also aimed to describe the clinical diagnoses found, the melanomas confirmed histopathologically and the treatments performed.

Methods  A public health education campaign to promote awareness of skin cancer risk factors and warning signs was carried out. Patients with suspicious lesions were advised to attend the screening. Questionnaires were used to collect relevant demographic, epidemiological and clinical data.

Results  In total, 2659 patients were screened. Women accounted for 62.3% of all patients; the median age was 57 years (range: 5–100 years); and 91.2% had skin phototypes II–III. Previous skin cancer was reported by 18.4% of all patients and 14.8% had a family history of melanoma. In total, 456 patients were diagnosed clinically with non‐melanoma skin cancer. Twenty‐four patients had histopathologically confirmed melanomas. Ten were in situ and 8 of the 14 invasive melanomas had a Breslow thickness that was less than 1 mm. Treatment or future medical care was carried out in 45.4% of all patients.

Conclusion  The ‘Euromelanoma Day’ campaign attracted many individuals at risk for skin cancer. The detection rate of non‐melanoma skin cancer and melanoma was relatively high compared to similar campaigns in other European countries. Most melanomas found had a favourable prognosis.
Depression and anxiety symptoms: onset, developmental course and risk factors during early childhood
Authors: Côté Sylvana M. , Boivin Michel , Liu Xuecheng , Nagin Daniel S. , Zoccolillo Mark , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: June 2009

Background:  Depressive and anxiety disorders are among the top ten leading causes of disabilities. We know little, however, about the onset, developmental course and early risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms (DAS).

Objective:  Model the developmental trajectories of DAS during early childhood and to identify risk factors for atypically high DAS.

Method:  Group‐based developmental trajectories of DAS conditional on risk factors were estimated from annual maternal ratings (1½ to 5 years) in a large population sample (n = 1759).

Results:  DAS increased substantially in two of the three distinct trajectory groups identified: High‐Rising (14.7%); Moderate‐Rising (55.4%); and Low (29.9%). Two factors distinguished the High‐Rising group from the other two: Difficult temperament at 5 months (High‐Rising vs Moderate‐Rising: OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.13–1.55; High‐Rising vs Low: OR = 1.31, CI = 1.12–1.54) and maternal lifetime major depression (High‐Rising vs Moderate‐Rising: OR = 1.10; CI = 1.01–1.20; High‐Rising vs Low: OR = 1.19; CI = 1.08–1.31). Two factors distinguished the High‐Rising group from the Low group: High family dysfunction (OR = 1.24; CI = 1.03–1.5) and Low parental self‐efficacy (OR = .71; CI = .54–.94).

Conclusions:  DAS tend to increase in frequency over the first 5 years of life. Atypically high level can be predicted from mother and child characteristics present before 6 months of age. Preventive interventions should be experimented with at risk infants and parents.
Role of silk threads in the dispersal of larvae through stream pools
Authors: Fingerut J. , Schamel L. , Faugno A. , Mestrinaro M. , Habdas P.
Published: June 2009

The slow flow found in stream pools should lead to increased larval deposition in habitat unsuitable to many benthic invertebrates such as the larvae of the black fly Simulium tribulatum. To increase their chances of successfully transiting a pool, these larvae may use silk threads previously thought to facilitate settlement in fast‐flowing habitat. In this study, we tested two ways in which these threads can affect a larva's transport in slow flow. First, a significant decrease in the fall velocity, which should lead to increased drift distance, was found between live (with silk) and dead (without silk) larvae falling in a laboratory chamber. The reduction due to the presence of silk varied over the natural range of larval sizes from a maximum of a 36% reduction for neonates to only 14% for the largest late‐instar larvae. A second possible role of silk, that of increasing the chance of resuspension in slow flow due to increased drag forces, was tested using dynamically scaled models of neonate and late‐instar larvae. The coefficient of drag (Cd) was determined for both model types, with and without scaled silk threads, under conditions recreating a range of naturally occurring Reynolds numbers (Re). A significant increase in Cd was found due to the presence of silk for both life stages across relevant ranges in Re. The results of this study show that the presence of silk threads should significantly increase the distance larvae travel and their chances of being resuspended should they be deposited on the bed of a pool. Further, the same threads may act to both limit transport in regions of preferred fast flow, while maximizing transport through regions of unsuitably slow flow.
A review of the chemical, biochemical and antimicrobial aspects of Turkish Otlu (herby) cheese
Authors: TARAKCI ZEKAI , TEMIZ HASAN
Published: June 2009

Otlu (herby) cheese, a traditional Turkish dairy product, is commonly made in Eastern Anatolia in Turkey. It is consumed in the various parts of Turkey, especially in the eastern and southeastern parts. Its popularity has been increasing because of industrialization of its production. It is manufactured from raw milk, is salty in taste and has a herby intense aroma because of the added herbs. The unusual processing steps of the cheese are that it is firmly filled in a plastic cheese container and stored under the soil during ripening. The flavour becomes highly acceptable after 3 months of ripening. The most common herbs used in the cheese are wild garlic (Allium sp.) but other herbs (Ferula sp., Prangos sp., Thymus sp., Mentha sp., Chaerophyllum macropodum and Silene vulgaris) are also used individually or as appropriate mixtures. The herbs give the cheese its flavour, but also extend the shelf life of the cheese. The aim of this review was to outline the manufacture and chemical, biochemical and antimicrobial properties of Otlu herby cheese.
Transnational political action and ‘global civil society’ in practice: the case of Oxfam
Authors: BERRY CRAIG , GABAY CLIVE
Published: June 2009

The term ‘global civil society’ has taken on increasing significance within scholarly debate over the past decade. In this article we seek to understand transnational political agency via the study of a particular transnational actor, Oxfam. We argue that various schools of thought surrounding the global civil society concept, in particular the prevailing liberal‐cosmopolitan approach, are unable to conceptualize transnational political action in practice – due largely, in the case of liberal‐cosmopolitanism, to a shared normative agenda. We also assess what contribution literature on development and civil society has made to the analysis of groups such as Oxfam. In investigating Oxfam's own perceptions of its context and the meanings of its agency, we discover an anti‐political perspective derived from an encounter between Oxfam's longstanding commitment to liberal internationalism and globalization discourse. Existing scholarship has insufficiently identified the local or parochial nature of the identities of global civil society actors.
Differential effects of γ‐secretase and BACE1 inhibition on brain Aβ levels in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Elvang Anders Brandt , Volbracht Christiane , Pedersen Lars Østergaard , Jensen Klaus Gjervig , Karlsson Jens‐Jakob , Larsen Stine Anna , Mørk Arne , Stensbøl Tine Bryan , Bastlund Jesper Frank
Published: June 2009

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is hypothesized to result from elevated brain levels of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) which is the main component of plaques found in AD brains and which cause memory impairment in mice. Therefore, there has been a major focus on the development of inhibitors of the Aβ producing enzymes γ‐secretase and β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). In this study, we investigated the Aβ‐lowering effects of the BACE1 inhibitor LY2434074 in vitro and in vivo, comparing it to the well characterized γ‐secretase inhibitor LY450139. We sampled interstitial fluid Aβ from awake APPswe/PS1dE9 AD mice by in vivo Aβ microdialysis. In addition, we measured levels of endogenous brain Aβ extracted from wildtype C57BL/6 mice. In our in vitro assays both compounds showed similar Aβ‐lowering effects. However, while systemic administration of LY450139 resulted in transient reduction of Aβ in both in vivo models, we were unable to show any Aβ‐lowering effect by systemic administration of the BACE1 inhibitor LY2434074 despite brain exposure exceeding the in vitro IC50 value several fold. In contrast, significant reduction of 40–50% of interstitial fluid Aβ and wildtype cortical Aβ was observed when infusing LY2434074 directly into the brain by means of reverse microdialysis or by dosing the BACE1 inhibitor to p‐glycoprotein (p‐gp) mutant mice. The effects seen in p‐gp mutant mice and subsequent data from our cell‐based p‐gp transport assay suggested that LY2434074 is a p‐gp substrate. This may partly explain why BACE1 inhibition by LY2434074 has lower in vivo efficacy, with respect to decreased Aβ40 levels, compared with γ‐secretase inhibition by LY450139.
Detection of choline transporter‐like 1 protein CTL1 in neuroblastoma × glioma cells and in the CNS, and its role in choline uptake
Authors: Machová Eva , O’Regan Seana , Newcombe Jia , Meunier François‐Marie , Prentice Joanna , Dove Rosamund , Lisá Věra , Doležal Vladimír
Published: June 2009

Choline is an essential nutrient necessary for synthesis of membrane phospholipids, cell signalling molecules and acetylcholine. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize the choline transporter‐like 1 (CTL1/SLC44A1) protein in CNS tissues and the hybrid neuroblastoma × glioma cell line NG108‐15, which synthesizes acetylcholine and has high affinity choline transport but does not express the cholinergic high affinity choline transporter 1. The presence of CTL1 protein in NG108‐15 cells was confirmed using our antibody G103 which recognizes the C‐terminal domain of human CTL1. Three different cognate small interfering RNAs were used to decrease CTL1 mRNA in NG108‐15 cells, causing lowered CTL1 protein expression, choline uptake and cell growth. None of the small interfering RNAs influenced carnitine transport, demonstrating the absence of major non‐specific effects. In parental C6 cells knockdown of CTL1 also reduced high affinity choline transport. Our results support the concept that CTL1 protein is necessary for the high affinity choline transport which supplies choline for cell growth. The presence of CTL1 protein in rat and human CNS regions, where it is found in neuronal, glial and endothelial cells, suggests that malfunction of this transporter could have important implications in nervous system development and repair following injury, and in neurodegenerative diseases.
Antiapoptotic effects of vasopressin in the neuronal cell line H32 involve protein kinase Cα and β
Authors: Chen Jun , Liu Ying , Soh Jae‐Won , Aguilera Greti
Published: June 2009

Activation of V1 vasopressin (VP) receptors prevents serum deprivation‐induced apoptosis in neuronal H32 cells, partially through mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) mediated Bad phosphorylation. In this study, we investigated the role of protein kinases C (PKC) and B (PKB) mediating VP‐induced antiapoptosis in H32 cells. Serum deprivation increased PKCδ but not PKCα or PKCβ activity, while VP increased PKCα and PKCβ without affecting PKCδ activity. Inhibition of PKCδ prevented caspase 3 activation, indicating that PKCδ mediates the pro‐apoptotic actions of serum deprivation. Simultaneous inhibition of PKCα and β and MAPK abolished VP‐induced Bad phosphorylation, but it only partially prevented caspase 3 inhibition. Complete abolition of the protective effect of VP on serum deprivation‐induced caspase 3 activity required additional blockade of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B. The data demonstrate that VP exerts antiapoptosis through multiple pathways; while PKCα and β together with extracellular signal‐regulated kinases/MAPK activation mediates Bad phosphorylation (inactivation), the full protective action of VP requires additional activation of PKB (PI3K/protein kinase B) pathway.
Across island and continents, mammals are more successful invaders than birds (Reply)
Authors: Rodriguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Barrios‐Garcia M. Noelia , Simberloff Daniel
Published: June 2009

Aim  The establishment success of exotic species is calculated as the fraction of introduced species that have become established, and invasion success is estimated as the fraction of established species that have spread significantly from their points of introduction. Records on species introductions are highly incomplete, so strong conclusions about the tens rule and invasibility of island and continents cannot be drawn.

Location  Global.

Methods  Using Jeschke (2008) as an example, we explain the issue of the inadequacy of data to draw conclusions about the tens rule and invasibility of island and continents.

Results  Lack of adequate data.

Main Conclusion  Jeschke (2008) probably overestimates the establishment and invasion success rates, so his conclusions about violation of the tens rule and that islands are not more susceptible to invasion than continents are misleading.
Migration politics in Ireland: exploring the impacts on young people's geographies
Authors: Bushin Naomi , White Allen
Published: June 2009

This paper focuses on the ways in which the politics of migration impacts upon the everyday geographies of immigrant young people living in Ireland. We contrast the ways in which young people's participation in socio‐spatial practices, at varying scales, are shaped in different ways specifically because of the immigration procedures they are subjected to. We draw on material from a longitudinal, qualitative research project in which we have used a range of participatory methods with young people aged 13 to 18 who are living in Ireland.
Emerging pharmacology and physiology of neuromedin U and the structurally related peptide neuromedin S
Authors: Mitchell JD , Maguire JJ , Davenport AP
Published: June 2009

Neuromedin U (NMU) has been paired with the G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPRs) NMU1 (formely designated as the orphan GPR66 or FM‐3) and NMU2 (FM‐4 or hTGR‐1). Recently, a structurally related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS), which shares an amidated C‐terminal heptapeptide motif, has been identified in both rat and human, and has been proposed as a second ligand for these receptors. Messenger RNA encoding NMU receptor subtypes shows differential expression: NMU1 is predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, whereas NMU2 is abundant within the brain and spinal cord. NMU peptide parallels receptor distribution with highest expression in the gastrointestinal tract and specific structures within the brain, reflecting its major role in the regulation of energy balance. The NMU knockout mouse has an obese phenotype and, in agreement, the Arg165Trp amino acid variant of NMU‐25 in humans, which is functionally inactive, co‐segregated with childhood‐onset obesity. Emerging physiological roles for NMU include vasoconstriction mediated predominantly via NMU1 with nociception and bone remodelling via NMU2. The NMU system has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of septic shock and cancers including bladder carcinoma and acute myeloid leukaemia. Intriguingly, NMS is more potent at NMU2 receptors in vivo where it has similar central actions in suppression of feeding and regulation of circadian rhythms to NMU. Taken together with its vascular actions, NMU may be a functional link between energy balance and the cardiovascular system and may provide a future target for therapies directed against the disorders that comprise metabolic syndrome.
Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in a 6‐week‐old Infant
Authors: CHAO PEI‐HSIN , CHENG YU‐WEN , CHUNG MEI‐YUNG
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is rare in childhood, especially in early infancy. At this young age, it is essential to make an accurate diagnosis as pustules could be the presentation of serious infectious diseases or unusual dermatologic diseases. We reported clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, and histopathology findings in a 6‐week‐old girl with GPP. Acitretin was initiated at 1 mg/kg/day with marked improvement on her psoriasis, and titrated to 0.4 mg/kg/day in the subsequent 6 months without flare. Acitretin proved to be an effective therapeutic option for young infants with GPP.
Scabies with Clinical Features and Positive Darier Sign Mimicking Mastocytosis
Authors: PHAN ALICE , DALLE STÉPHANE , BALME BRIGITTE , THOMAS LUC
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Scabies is a common human parasitic infection in infants and children. But diagnosis pitfalls are frequent in infants, in whom the clinical presentation is usually atypical and different from adults. We report a misleading case of a 5‐month‐old child, who presented with pruritic brown–red macules of the trunk showing a positive Darier’s sign, suggestive of an urticaria pigmentosa.
The Efficacy of Pimecrolimus 1% Cream Combined with Microdermabrasion in the Treatment of Nonsegmental Childhood Vitiligo: A Randomized Placebo–Controlled Study
Authors: Farajzadeh Saeedeh , Daraei Zahra , Esfandiarpour Iraj , Hosseini Seyed Hamed
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Recently, topical immunomodulators have been successfully used in monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic modalities in vitiligo. To determine whether combination pimecrolimus 1% cream and microdermabrasion enhances response time and repigmentation rate in children with vitiligo. Sixty‐five children diagnosed with vitiligo enrolled in this randomized placebo‐controlled study. Three vitiliginous patches were chosen in each patient. The first lesion was treated by pimecrolimus 1% cream. On the second lesion after doing microdermabrasion on day 1, pimecrolimus 1% cream was applied. On the third lesion placebo was applied. The course of treatment was 10 days. Vitiliginous patches were measured at baseline, day 10, and months 1, 2, and 3. Sixty patients completed the 3‐month study period. Clinical response (pigmentation >50%) was observed in 60.4% of the patches treated by combined pimecrolimus plus microdermabrasion at the third month of follow‐up, compared with 32.1% and 1.7% for pimecrolimus alone and placebo, respectively (p = 0.000). No significant side effect was observed. Microdermabrasion exerts an additive effect in enhancing the rate and degree of repigmentation by pimecrolimus. This new combined approach appears to be safe and effective in childhood vitiligo.
Pyogenic Granuloma in Two Children Successfully Treated with Imiquimod 5% Cream
Authors: GENCOGLAN GULSUM , INANIR ISIL , GÜNDÜZ KAMER
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Pyogenic granulomas are sometimes difficult to treat in children, especially very young children in whom surgical procedures may be difficult. Here, we present two children with pyogenic granuloma who were successfully treated by topical imiquimod cream with excellent results.
Meyerson Phenomenon in Children: Observation in Five Cases of Congenital Melanocytic Nevi
Authors: Rolland Sébastien , Kokta Victor , Marcoux Danielle
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  To describe the characteristics of five pediatric patients with the Meyerson phenomenon associated with congenital melanocytic nevi, five cases were reviewed to retrieve information relating to clinical presentation, treatment and evolution of the eczematous phenomenon and of the nevi. Three of five patients were male. Mean age at presentation of the Meyerson phenomenon was 23 months (range: 4 mos–4 yrs). Three patients presented with only one halo eczematous lesion, while two patients presented with more then one halo eczematous lesions. The halo eczematous lesions were located on the leg, arm, and trunk in four, two, and two patients, respectively. All were associated with congenital melanocytic nevi with overlying hypertrichosis. Four were treated with topical corticosteroids, and five developed some degree of hypopigmentation within the nevic lesion. In children with Meyerson phenomenon associated with congenital hairy melanocytic nevi, neither trigger to the eczematous eruption nor preferential gender or anatomical site location was identified. The Meyerson phenomenon evolved towards hypopigmentation of the congenital melanocytic nevic lesions in all patients but no other cutaneous changes were observed on follow‐up.
Successful Topical Treatment of Sorafenib‐Induced Hand–Foot Skin Reaction in a Child with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: HÜTTEN MATTHIAS , LASSAY LISA , SACHS BERNHARDT , DEUTZ PETER , MERTENS ROLAND , BARON JENS MALTE , MERK HANS‐FRIEDRICH , OTT HAGEN
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Orally active kinase inhibitors such as Sorafenib are known to elicit cutaneous side effects in the majority of adult patients, whereas specific cutaneous complications of this agent have not been described in children so far. We here present the first pediatric case of Sorafenib‐induced hand‐foot‐skin reaction and its successful topical therapy facilitating continuation of kinase inhibitor treatment.
Onset and propagation of spike and slow wave discharges in human absence epilepsy: A MEG study
Authors: Westmijse Inge , Ossenblok Pauly , Gunning Boudewijn , Van Luijtelaar Gilles
Published: June 2009

Purpose:  A nonlinear association and a source localization technique were used to describe the onset and propagation of spike‐and‐slow‐wave discharges (SWDs) in children with absence seizures. Previous studies have emphasized a leading cortical role in the generation of absence seizures in genetic epileptic rats.

Methods:  Synchronization between all magnetoencephalography (MEG) sensor‐couples before and during SWDs in five patients was investigated over time. A source localization [beamformer, SAM(g2)] technique was used to find brain regions associated with the origin of the spikes of the SWDs.

Results:  The onset of SWDs was characterized by high associations at left and right frontal regions. An alternating pattern of high synchronization was found during trains of SWDs: generalized during the wave and localized during the spike; the origin of the spike was different from the onset of SWDs, more frontal lateral and medial parietal. The localization of this latter region was confirmed with SAM(g2).

Discussion:  The outcome of the nonlinear association techniques demonstrated that SWDs have a local cortical onset, whereas the association and beamformer technique support a local or even a focal cortical involvement in the occurrence of the spike in a train of SWDs. In all, the cortex contains local frontal and parietal sites relevant before the onset of the generalized pattern of SWDs and other ones that might contain the driving force behind the spike in trains of 3–4 Hz SWDs.
Taylor’s focal cortical dysplasia increases the risk of sleep‐related epilepsy
Authors: Nobili Lino , Cardinale Francesco , Magliola Umberto , Cicolin Alessandro , Didato Giuseppe , Bramerio Manuela , Fuschillo Dalila , Spreafico Roberto , Mai Roberto , Sartori Ivana , Francione Stefano , Russo Giorgio Lo , Castana Laura , Tassi Laura , Cossu Massimo
Published: June 2009

Purpose:  To analyze the topography of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) and the etiologic substrate as risk factors for sleep‐related focal epilepsy.

Methods:  Three hundred three patients (172 males and 131 females, mean age at surgery 25.6 ± 13.1 years), who were seizure‐free after resective surgery for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy, were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk of presenting sleep‐related epilepsy (SRE) against topography of resection (assumed to correspond or to include the EZ) and results of histology.

Results:  Thirty‐nine patients (12.8%) presented with an SRE. At bivariate analysis, a higher frequency of SRE was associated with a frontal lobe EZ (p = 1.94 × 10−9) and Taylor’s FCD (TFCD, p = 2.20 × 10−16), whereas architectural FCD (p = 0.00977), ganglioglioma (p = 0.02508), and mesial temporal sclerosis (p = 2.47 × 10−5) were correlated with a reduced frequency of SRE. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the only variable significantly associated with SRE was the presence of a TFCD, which increased 14‐fold the risk of SRE [p = 1.66 × 10−10; risk ratio (RR) = 14.44].

Discussion:  In this study, we have demonstrated a significant and strong association between SRE and TFCD in a select population of patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy submitted to surgical resection of the EZ. Although our results cannot be applied to the entire spectrum of SRE, the presence of TFCD as the underlying etiology should be considered when evaluating patients with SRE, because surgery can provide excellent results on seizures in these cases.
Particle Rearrangement and Pore Space Coarsening During Solid‐State Sintering
Authors: Exner Hans Eckart , Müller Clemens
Published: June 2009

Coarsening of porosity during sintering has been observed in powder compacts of metallic, ceramic, and amorphous materials. Monitoring and modelling of the growth of individual (closed) pores in the late sintering stages are well established. Porosity is interconnected up to very high densities. Coarsening of the continuous pore space takes place during the initial and intermediate sintering stages. This coarsening is caused by localized transport of atoms or molecules (diffusion or viscous flow) as well as by bulk particle movement (rearrangement). Its quantitative exploration poses problems both experimentally and theoretically. Ways to characterize the geometry of the interconnected pore space and of closed pores are discussed with emphasis on stereological parameters. Recent and classical approaches, experimental findings with 2D model arrangements (as the formation and opening up of particle contacts, pore coarsening, and particle rearrangement) and some advances of computer simulations are discussed together with open questions.
Evolution of Defects During Sintering: Discrete Element Simulations
Authors: Martin Christophe L. , Camacho‐Montes Héctor , Olmos Luis , Bouvard Didier , Bordia Rajendra K.
Published: June 2009

We use discrete element method (DEM) simulations to study the evolution of defects during sintering. In DEM, the particulate nature of the sintering powder is taken explicitly into account because each particle is modeled as a discrete entity interacting with its neighbors. This allows to treat naturally the gain or the loss of contacts between particles, and to explicitly take particle rearrangement into account. These effects are particularly important when looking for the nucleation, growth or healing of local heterogeneities such as defects. We first study the evolution of a crack (generated, e.g., during ejection or drying processes) when no geometrical constraint is imposed. We then investigate how constrained sintering between two parallel planes may lead to crack initiation and growth. We show that the extent of interparticle rearrangement plays a major role in the evolution of the crack under such conditions. The main conclusion of these simulations is that some geometrical constraint is necessary for a defect to grow into a crack and that the presence of an initial defect is not a necessary condition to initiate cracks.
Aesthetic outcome of single‐tooth implant restorations following early implant placement and guided bone regeneration: crown and soft tissue dimensions compared with contralateral teeth
Authors: Cosyn Jan , De Rouck Tim
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare crown and soft tissue dimensions of single‐tooth implant restorations following early implant placement and guided bone regeneration (GBR) with contralateral non‐restored teeth.

Material and methods: Twenty‐seven patients treated by one and the same surgeon and prosthodontist to restore a single‐tooth gap with a class I bone defect in the premaxilla by means of an implant‐supported restoration were reviewed. Patients were examined at least 6 months following placement of the crown. All implants had been inserted 6–8 weeks following tooth extraction in conjunction with GBR. At evaluation, crown dimensions, soft tissue dimensions, clinical conditions and patients' aesthetic satisfaction were assessed by one clinician who had not been involved in the treatment.

Results: Implant‐supported crowns were not significantly longer than contralateral teeth and midfacial soft tissues showed comparable levels after on average 21 months of function. Our data also indicated significant papilla loss especially at the distal aspect of the implants. As the patient's aesthetic appreciation was favourable in 88% of the cases, this appeared to be of trivial importance.

Conclusions: Favourable aesthetics may be achieved for single‐tooth implant restorations following early implant placement and GBR. The impact of the latter on papilla levels, however, remains to be determined in longitudinal studies.