bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confocal laser endomicroscopy for the diagnosis of urothelial bladder neoplasia: a technology of the future?
Authors: Wiesner Christoph , Jäger Wolfgang , Salzer Alice , Biesterfeld Stefan , Kiesslich Ralf , Hampel Christian , Thüroff Joachim W. , Goetz Martin
Published: August 2010

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

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

Bladder cancer is initially diagnosed by white light cystoscopy followed by histopathological evaluation after transurethral resection of tissue suspicious for cancer. Difficulties may occur especially in the assessment of flat lesions or in discrimination between CIS and inflammatory disease. Confocal endomicroscopy during diagnostic colonoscopy has been a valuable tool for in vivo microscopic visualization and detection of colonic neoplasias and has contributed to optimized detection rates of up to 99%.

We evaluated resected bladder urothelium of 18 patients by confocal endomicroscopy and correlated microscopic findings with standard histopathology. Typical tumour growth patterns such as altered nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, pseudopapillar tissue stratification and neoangiogenesis were readily visible. As nuclear and subnuclear architecture of healthy bladder tissue could be discriminated against neoplastic tissue, confocal endomicroscopy is a promising novel tool for the in vivo microscopic visualization of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate bladder urothelium by confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) and correlate microscopic findings with standard histopathology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fresh bladder urothelium tissue specimens were topically stained with acriflavine for instantaneous microscopic imaging.

A single‐line laser in a handheld CLE probe delivered an excitation wavelength of 488 nm providing a high resolution of 0.7 µm and an adjustable imaging depth of 0–250 µm.

Resection specimens of 18 patients were investigated with 1000‐fold magnification and ex vivo findings were compared with targeted histopathology (haematoxylin and eosin staining).

RESULTS

Typical tumour growth patterns such as altered nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, pseudopapillar tissue stratification and neoangiogenesis were readily visible.

Nuclear and subnuclear architecture of healthy bladder tissue could be discriminated against neoplastic tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to white light cystoscopy, CLE is a promising novel tool for the in vivo microscopic visualization of bladder cancer; first results of the present study show its potential to define microscopic characteristics of bladder cancer tissue.

Further in vivo studies are necessary to determine sensitivity and specificity of the technique.
Continence, potency and oncological outcomes after robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy: early trifecta results of a high‐volume surgeon
Authors: Patel Vipul R. , Coelho Rafael F. , Chauhan Sanket , Orvieto Marcelo A. , Palmer Kenneth J. , Rocco Bernardo , Sivaraman Ananthakrishnan , Coughlin Geoff
Published: August 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

• To evaluate early trifecta outcomes after robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed by a high‐volume surgeon.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• We evaluated prospectively 1100 consecutive patients who underwent RARP performed by one surgeon. In all, 541 men were considered potent before RARP; of these 404 underwent bilateral full nerve sparing and were included in this analysis.

• Baseline and postoperative urinary and sexual functions were assessed using self‐administered validated questionnaires.

• Postoperative continence was defined as the use of no pads; potency was defined as the ability to achieve and maintain satisfactory erections for sexual intercourse >50% of times, with or without the use of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors; Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive PSA levels of >0.2 ng/mL after RARP.

• Results were compared between three age groups: Group 1, ≤55 years, Group 2, 56–65 years and Group 3, >65 years.

RESULTS

• The trifecta rates at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after RARP were 42.8%, 65.3%, 80.3%, 86% and 91%, respectively.

• There were no statistically significant differences in the continence and BCR‐free rates between the three age groups at all postoperative intervals analysed.

• Nevertheless, younger men had higher potency rates and shorter time to recovery of sexual function when compared with older men at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after RARP (P < 0.01 at all time points).

• Similarly, younger men had higher trifecta rates at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after RARP compared with older men (P < 0.01 at all time points).

CONCLUSION

• RARP offers excellent short‐term trifecta outcomes when performed by an experienced surgeon.

• Younger men had higher overall trifecta rates when compared with older men at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after RARP.
High‐cocoa polyphenol‐rich chocolate improves HDL cholesterol in Type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Mellor D. D. , Sathyapalan T. , Kilpatrick E. S. , Beckett S. , Atkin S. L.
Published: August 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1318–1321 (2010)

Aim  To examine the effects of chocolate on lipid profiles, weight and glycaemic control in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Twelve individuals with Type 2 diabetes on stable medication were enrolled in a randomized, placebo‐controlled double‐blind crossover study. Subjects were randomized to 45 g chocolate with or without a high polyphenol content for 8 weeks and then crossed over after a 4‐week washout period. Changes in weight, glycaemic control, lipid profile and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were measured at the beginning and at the end of each intervention.

Results  HDL cholesterol increased significantly with high polyphenol chocolate (1.16 ± 0.08 vs. 1.26 ± 0.08 mmol/l, P = 0.05) with a decrease in the total cholesterol: HDL ratio (4.4 ± 0.4 vs. 4.1 ± 0.4 mmol/l, P = 0.04). No changes were seen with the low polyphenol chocolate in any parameters. Over the course of 16 weeks of daily chocolate consumption neither weight nor glycaemic control altered from baseline.

Conclusion  High polyphenol chocolate is effective in improving the atherosclerotic cholesterol profile in patients with diabetes by increasing HDL cholesterol and improving the cholesterol:HDL ratio without affecting weight, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance or glycaemic control.
Short‐term metabolic change is associated with improvement in measures of diabetic neuropathy: a 1‐year placebo cohort analysis
Authors: Perkins B. A. , Dholasania A. , Buchanan R. A. , Bril V.
Published: August 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1271–1279 (2010)

Aims  Randomized clinical trials have frequently shown improvement in diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy in placebo‐treated participants, counter to the prevailing concept that it deteriorates with time. We aimed to determine the variables associated with this paradoxical nerve function improvement.

Methods  Participants with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy randomized to placebo in a multi‐centre, double‐blind study were evaluated for the primary outcome of 1‐year change in the summed sensory nerve conduction velocity of the bilateral sural and non‐dominant median nerves. Association with clinical and biochemical variables measured at 13 time points were examined.

Results  The 134 participants had mild to moderate diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy of 4.6 years’ duration and mean 1‐year improvement of 2.0 ± 8.0 m/s. Primary outcome measures were available for 122 participants (91%). In multivariate analyses, the change in HbA1c and serum triglycerides from baseline to 2 months demonstrated the strongest association, even independent of baseline and end‐of‐study levels. According to quintiles of change, we determined thresholds: participants with salutary improvement in HbA1c (exceeding a drop of –0.8%) or whose triglycerides did not increase (by 0.32 mmol/l or more) experienced significant improvement (2.9 m/s), while those with salutary levels of both these variables had an exaggerated improvement (5.1 m/s). In comparison, those with non‐salutary changes in both variables experienced a loss of –4.9 m/s (ANOVA P = 0.0014).

Conclusions  In mild to moderate diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy, short‐term improvements in glycaemic control and serum triglyceride levels have an independent, additive and durable effect on restoration of nerve function.
Telephone follow‐up to improve glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials
Authors: Wu L. , Forbes A. , Griffiths P. , Milligan P. , While A.
Published: August 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1217–1225 (2010)

Objective  To examine the impact of telephone follow‐up interventions on glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  This was a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials using The Cochrane Library, including the Cochrane central register of controlled trials; MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINHAL, together with citation searching. The included studies were randomized controlled trials examining the effect of a telephone follow‐up intervention on glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes. All the included trials were subject to critical appraisal. Data were extracted on study design, characteristics of patients, exact nature of the telephone intervention and details of comparison. Pooled standardized effects were calculated for the primary outcome. Glycaemic control was measured by HbA1c.

Results  HbA1c levels reported in the reviewed studies were pooled using random effects models. The standardized effect of telephone follow‐up was equivocal, with endpoint data showing weighted mean differences of –0.44 (95% CI –0.93 to 0.06) (Z = –1.72, P = 0.08) in favour of the telephone follow‐up intervention. Subgroup analysis of more intensive interventions (interactive follow‐up with health professional plus automated follow‐up or non‐interactive follow‐up) showed (n = 1057) a significant benefit in favour of the treatment group, with a standardized mean difference of –0.84 (95% CI –1.67 to 0.0) (Z = 1.97, P = 0.05), indicating that more intensive (targeted) modes of follow‐up may have better effects on glycaemic control.

Conclusions  The analysis suggested that telephone follow‐up interventions following a more intensive targeted approach could have a positive impact on glycaemic control for Type 2 diabetes.
Generalized Use of Non‐Terminal Symbols for Procedural Modeling
Authors: Krecklau L. , Pavic D. , Kobbelt L.
Published: August 2010

We present the new procedural modeling language  (Generalized Grammar), which adapts various concepts from general purpose programming languages to provide high descriptive power with well‐defined semantics and a simple syntax which is easily readable even by non‐programmers. The term ‘Generalized’ reflects two kinds of generalization. On the one hand, we extend the scope of previous architectural modeling languages by allowing for multiple types of non‐terminal objects with domain‐specific operators and attributes. On the other hand, the language accepts non‐terminal symbols as parameters in modeling rules and thus enables the definition of abstract structure templates for flexible re‐use within the grammar. By deriving  from the well‐established programming language Python, we can make sure that our modeling language has a well‐defined semantics. For illustration, we apply  to architectural as well as plant modeling to demonstrate its descriptive power with some complex examples.
Participation in Urban Contention and Deliberation
Authors: SILVER HILARY , SCOTT ALAN , KAZEPOV YURI
Published: August 2010

Participation is a popular buzzword in contemporary urban studies. For some, it implies a deepening of democratic deliberation; for others, it represents grassroots resistance to powerful elites and neoliberalization. Rather than seeing participation as either consensus‐building or conflicts of interest, as either a top‐down or bottom‐up process, the evidence suggests that it can be all of these. By adopting a more dynamic, pragmatic, and empirically informed perspective, seemingly opposite normative conceptions of democratic participation may be theorized as different ‘moments’ in the democratic process. Bottom‐up mobilization may coincide with and complement top‐down initiatives, each dominating different political phases of policymaking, implementation and monitoring. Case studies from Belfast, Berlin, Durban, Philadelphia and São Paulo illustrate the approach and provide insight into the urban as a social laboratory in which other scales of social life and multiple ways to perform democracy are constructed.

La participation est un terme qui revient très souvent dans les études urbaines contemporaines. Pour certains, elle implique une réflexion démocratique approfondie, pour d'autres, une résistance des citoyens face à la puissance des élites et au néolibéralisme. Si la participation peut être vue comme un moyen de bâtir des consensus ou l'expression de conflits d'intérêts, ou comme un processus imposé par le haut ou bien par la base, les faits suggèrent qu'elle peut être tout cela. En adoptant une perspective pragmatique plus dynamique reposant sur des éléments empiriques, des concepts normatifs de la participation apparemment opposés sont susceptibles d'être formulés en tant que “moments” différents du processus démocratique. La mobilisation par la base peut venir en coïncidence et complément d'initiatives imposées par le haut, chaque forme dominant des phases politiques distinctes dans la prise de décision, la mise en œuvre et le suivi. Des études de cas portant sur Belfast, Berlin, Durban, Philadelphie et São Paulo illustrent la démarche et font apparaître l'urbain comme un laboratoire où s'élaborent d'autres dimensions de la vie sociale et de multiples modalités d'exercice de la démocratie.
Resurgence of bedbugs in southern France: a local problem or the tip of the iceberg?
Authors: Levy Bencheton A , Berenger JM , Del Giudice P , Delaunay P , Pages F , Morand JJ
Published: August 2010

Background  Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) have been feeding on sleeping human beings since prehistory. In Europe, bed bugs were common and endemic until World War II when improved body and home hygiene, and widespread use of insecticides led to almost complete eradication. Current evidence indicates that bedbugs are making a comeback in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. In our practice in Southern France, we observed several cases within a period of only 1 year.

Objectives  Based on this experience, we conducted an epidemiological study to evaluate the status of bedbugs in France.

Methods  During summer 2009, we mailed a short questionnaire to all hospital professors in the CEDEF (Collège des Enseignants de Dermatologie de France) asking four questions: number of suspected diagnosis of bedbugs in the year 2009, and number of certain positive diagnosis, difficulties in treatment, use of a pest control professional for treatment, and finally personal opinion on actual incidence of bedbugs, compared with past years.

Results  Of the 84 questionnaires sent, there were only 26 responses despite two reminders. The responses were predominantly southern France, probably as a result of intensive immigration and increased travel and trade. Difficulties encountered during diagnosis and treatment are also mentioned. Utilizing the services of entomological experts and pest control professionals is essential.

Conclusions  France has the same experience regarding the resurgence of bedbugs as several European countries, USA, Canada and Australia, especially the southern regions. This emerging health problem has to be known by dermatologists. A national programme has been launched in France to assess actual incidence and study C. lectularius‐ related diseases.
Canada’s national initiative to advance access to electronic journals*
Authors: Groen Frances
Published: August 2010

This paper describes a national experiment in the licensing of full text information in journals, primarily in the fields of science, technology and medicine. It discusses the initiative of the federal government of Canada through the creation of the Canada Foundation for Innovation as a new funding agency, with an objective of improving research and creativity in Canadian science. The successful efforts initiated by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries/Association des bibliothèques de recherche du Canada to create a funding opportunity to develop the ‘information infrastructure’ for Canadian researchers and the resulting Canadian National Site Licensing Project (CNSLP) progress is discussed.

The evolution of a project governance structure to maintain the support of the 64 participating institutions is reviewed and the need to develop an appropriate exit strategy at the conclusion of the federal funding is also considered.
Light touch induces ERK activation in superficial dorsal horn neurons after inflammation: involvement of spinal astrocytes and JNK signaling in touch‐evoked central sensitization and mechanical allodynia
Authors: Gao Yong‐Jing , Ji Ru‐Rong
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 505–514.

Activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in spinal cord neurons could serve as a marker for sensitization of dorsal horn neurons in persistent pain. ERK is normally activated by high‐threshold noxious stimuli. We investigated how low‐threshold mechanical stimuli could activate ERK after complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)‐induced inflammation. Unilateral injection of CFA induced ipsilateral heat hyperalgesia and bilateral mechanical allodynia. CFA‐induced ERK activation in ipsilateral dorsal horn neurons declined after 2 days. Interestingly, low‐threshold mechanical stimulation given by light touch either on the inflamed paw or the contralateral non‐inflamed paw dramatically increased ERK phosphorylation in the dorsal horn ipsilateral to touch stimulation. Notably, light touch induced ERK phosphorylation mainly in superficial neurons in laminae I–IIo. Intrathecal administration of the astroglial toxin L‐α‐aminoadipate on post‐CFA day 2 reversed CFA‐induced bilateral mechanical allodynia but not heat hyperalgesia. Furthermore, L‐α‐aminoadipate, the glial inhibitor fluorocitrate, and a peptide inhibitor of c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase all reduced light touch‐evoked ERK activation ipsilateral to touch. Collectively, these data suggest that (i) ERK can be activated in superficial dorsal horn neurons by low‐threshold mechanical stimulation under pathological condition and (ii) ERK activation by light touch is associated with mechanical allodynia and requires an astrocyte network.
Neuropeptide S stimulates dopaminergic neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Si Wei , Aluisio Leah , Okamura Naoe , Clark Stewart D. , Fraser Ian , Sutton Steven W. , Bonaventure Pascal , Reinscheid Rainer K.
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 475–482.

Neuropeptide S (NPS) is known to produce anxiolytic‐like effects and facilitate extinction of conditioned fear. Catecholaminergic neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been suggested to be crucially involved in these brain functions. In the current study, we investigated the effect of NPS on the release of dopamine and serotonin in the mPFC by in vivo microdialysis in rats. Central administration of NPS dose‐dependently enhanced extracellular levels of dopamine and its major metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, with maximal effects lasting up to 120 min. In contrast, no effect on serotonergic neurotransmission was detected. Dopamine release in the mPFC has been previously linked to modulation of anxiety states and fear extinction. The present results may thus provide a physiological and anatomical basis for the reported effects of NPS on these behaviors.
Professional autonomy of nurses in hospital settings – a review of the literature
Authors: Varjus Sirkka‐Liisa , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Suominen Tarja
Published: August 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 201–207
 
Professional autonomy of nurses in hospital settings – a review of the literature

Autonomy is regarded as an essential element of professional status. Especially nurse managers have an important role in searching for ways to empower nurses and to provide conditions that promote autonomous practice. This article provides an overview of the empirical research literature on the professional autonomy of nurses in hospital settings. The aim is to clarify the concept and to give information on how the autonomy of nurses has been studied through the decades. The definitions of autonomy and the results of empirical research are reviewed. Further, the article offers a description of the methodologies used in the studies of the autonomy of nurses over the years: data collection methods, samples and research contexts. The review focuses on empirical articles published between 1966 and December 2009 retrieved from the CINAHL and MEDLINE databases. The studies were classified based on a content analysis. This review draws attention to the complexity of the concept of autonomy and its various definitions. Moreover, the data for studies have been collected primarily by questionnaires; the sampling methods have been nonrandomized and the samples varying. It would be necessary to study autonomy in different countries using the same instrument.
Breeding season food limitation drives population decline of the Little Owl Athene noctua in Denmark
Authors: THORUP KASPER , SUNDE PETER , JACOBSEN LARS B. , RAHBEK CARSTEN
Published: August 2010

Many farmland bird species have declined markedly in Europe in recent decades because of changes in agricultural practice. The specific causes vary and are poorly known for many species. The Little Owl, which feeds extensively on large invertebrates and is strongly associated with the agricultural landscape, has declined over most of northwestern Europe, including Denmark. We investigated the likely reasons for the population decline in Denmark by identifying patterns of local extinction (scale, 5 × 5 km2) and estimating demographic parameters affecting local survival, focusing on changes over time and their relationship to habitat characteristics. The distribution of the Little Owl in Denmark contracted considerably between 1972–74 and 1993–96. The extent of contraction varied across the country, and the only habitat correlate was that local disappearance was associated with smaller amounts of agricultural land. Analyses of ring recovery data suggested a constant annual adult survival rate of 61% from 1920 to 2002, which is similar to estimates from countries with stable populations. First‐year annual survival rates were much lower than values previously reported. From the 1970s into the 21st century, the mean number of fledglings declined from around 3 to < 2 young per territory, but the decline in clutch size was considerably less. Reproductive parameters were higher closer to habitat types known to be important foraging habitats for Little Owls, and were also positively correlated with the amount of seasonally changing land cover (mostly farmland) within a 1‐km radius around nests as well as temperatures before and during the breeding season. Experimental food supplementation to breeding pairs increased the proportion of eggs that resulted in fledged young from 27 to 79%, supporting the hypothesis that the main proximate reason underlying the ongoing population decline is reduced productivity induced by energetic constraints after egg‐laying. Conservation efforts should target enhancement of food availability during the breeding season. Other farmland species dependent on large invertebrates are likely to share the problems that Little Owls face in modern agricultural landscapes.
Optimization under uncertainty of the integrated oil supply chain using stochastic and robust programming
Authors: Ribas Gabriela P. , Hamacher Silvio , Street Alexandre
Published: August 2010

This paper proposes the development of a strategic planning model for an integrated oil chain considering three sources of uncertainty: crude oil production, demand for refined products and market prices. To deal with these uncertainties, three formulations are proposed: (1) a two‐stage stochastic model with a finite number of realizations, (2) a robust min–max regret model and (3) a max–min model. These models were applied to Brazil's oil chain, comprising 17 refineries and three main petrochemical plants, 16 groups of crude oils, 50 intermediate products, 10 final products, 13 terminals and a logistic network composed of 278 transportation arcs relative to the road, water, rail and pipeline modes. The time horizon analyzed covers 10 years. The results indicate significant financial differences between the three formulations, depending on the agent's risk profile.
IT INVESTMENT AND INTANGIBLES: EVIDENCE FROM BANKS
Authors: MARTÍN‐OLIVER ALFREDO , SALAS‐FUMÁS VICENTE
Published: August 2010

This paper models the investment behavior of a multi‐asset firm with market power that accumulates valuable intangible assets to complement the IT capital. The investment model is estimated using data from Spanish banks on assets of different nature: material (branches, financial), immaterial (advertising and IT), and intangible (training of workers). The paper estimates that the representative bank spends five additional Euros per Euro invested in IT‐related assets in complementary intangible assets or, equivalently, intangibles amount to approximately 10 percent of the economic value of the representative bank. The remaining economic value is distributed between 28 percent from rents attributed to market power, and 62 percent to the cost of market‐purchased assets.
PRICES, INEQUALITY, AND POVERTY: METHODOLOGY AND INDIAN EVIDENCE
Authors: MISHRA ANKITA , RAY RANJAN
Published: August 2010

This paper uses a methodology for evaluating the distributional implications of price movement for inequality and poverty measurement. The methodology is based on a distinction between inequalities in nominal and real expenditure. The conversion of nominal to real expenditure takes into account the varying household preferences. The empirical application to the Indian budget datasets from NSS rounds 50, 55, and 61 shows the usefulness of the proposed procedures. The relative price changes in India have tended to be inequality and poverty reducing as confirmed by formal statistical tests. The result is robust to expenditure dependent equivalence scales. The progressivity of the relative price changes weakened in the second half of our time period as Fuel and Light overtook the composite group called “Miscellaneous” in recording the largest price increase. While the poverty rates registered a decline, which was marginal in the urban areas, there was a sharp increase in inequality.
Pharmacogenetics of the mycophenolic acid targets inosine monophosphate dehydrogenases IMPDH1 and IMPDH2: gene sequence variation and functional genomics
Authors: Wu T‐Y , Peng Y , Pelleymounter LL , Moon I , Eckloff BW , Wieben ED , Yee VC , Weinshilboum RM
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenases, encoded by IMPDH1 and IMPDH2, are targets for the important immunosuppressive drug, mycophenolic acid (MPA). Variation in MPA response may result, in part, from genetic variation in IMPDH1 and IMPDH2.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We resequenced IMPDH1 and IMPDH2 using DNA from 288 individuals from three ethnic groups and performed functional genomic studies of the sequence variants observed.

KEY RESULTS We identified 73 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IMPDH1, 59 novel, and 25 SNPs, 24 novel, in IMPDH2. One novel IMPDH1 allozyme (Leu275) had 10.2% of the wild‐type activity as a result of accelerated protein degradation. Decreased activity of the previously reported IMPDH2 Phe263 allozyme was primarily due to decreased protein quantity, also with accelerated degradation. These observations with regard to the functional implications of variant allozymes were supported by the IMPDH1 and IMPDH2 X‐ray crystal structures. A novel IMPDH2 intron 1 SNP, G > C IVS1(93), was associated with decreased mRNA quantity, possibly because of altered transcription.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results provide insight into the nature and extent of sequence variation in the IMPDH1 and IMPDH2 genes. They also describe the influence of gene sequence variation that alters the encoded amino acids on IMPDH function and provide a foundation for future translational studies designed to correlate sequence variation in these genes with outcomes in patients treated with MPA.
Periacineta mexicana n. sp. (Ciliophora, Suctoria, Discophryida), Epizoic on Mexican Backswimmers of the Genus Buenoa (Insecta, Hemiptera, Notonectidae)
Authors: MARIÑO‐PÉREZ RICARDO , MAYÉN‐ESTRADA ROSAURA , DOVGAL IGOR V.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. A new species of suctorian in the genus Periacineta, epibiotic on aquatic bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Nepomorpha), is described on the basis of morphological characteristics of the cell body, lorica, tentacular placement, and stalk, and its 18S rRNA partial sequence gene. Periacineta mexicana n. sp. is a loricate suctorian with elongate body and rounded apical region; tentacles are distributed randomly over apical region and not grouped into fascicles. Macronucleus in adult is elongate and located centrally. The suctorian usually forms closely aggregated pseudocolonies. We provide morphological data based on optical and scanning electron microscopy. A comparison with similar congeners, and emended diagnosis of the genus Periacineta also are provided. The ciliates were found attached to the first two pairs of legs of Mexican notonectids Buenoa pallens and Buenoa spp. (backswimmers).
Application of Postmortem 3D‐CT Facial Reconstruction for Personal Identification*
Authors: Sakuma Ayaka , Ishii Masuko , Yamamoto Seiji , Shimofusa Ryota , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Motani Hisako , Hayakawa Mutsumi , Yajima Daisuke , Takeichi Hisako , Iwase Hirotaro
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Postmortem computed tomography (CT) images can show internal findings related to the cause of death, and it can be a useful method for forensic diagnosis. In this study, we scanned a ready‐made box by helical CT on 2‐mm slices in a mobile CT scanner and measured each side of the box to assess whether reconstructed images are useful for superimposition. The mean difference between the actual measurements and the measurements on the three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructed images (3D‐CT images) is 0.9 mm; we regarded it as having no effect on reconstruction for the superimposition method. Furthermore, we could get 3D‐CT images of the skull, which were consistent with the actual skull, indicating that CT images can be applied to superimposition for identification. This study suggested that postmortem CT images can be applied as superimpositions for unidentified cases, and thinner slices or cone beam CT can be a more precise tool.
Testing Discriminant Functions for Sex Determination from Deciduous Teeth*,†
Authors: Cardoso Hugo F. V.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Three studies have proposed discriminant functions for sex determination from deciduous tooth crown dimensions, and this study tests the existing functions on a sample of 46 Portuguese immature skeletons of known sex, aged from birth to 10 years. Deciduous teeth were measured in their mesiodistal and faciolingual crown dimensions, and percentage of correct allocation accuracy in determining sex using each specific function was determined. Discriminant functions were also calculated from data collected for this study and tested using cross‐validation. Results show poor overall accuracy (33.3–75%) and poor cross‐validation (46.2–60.0%). This is related to low sexual dimorphism in deciduous tooth crown size, as well as differences in degree of sexual dimorphism and in overall tooth size between different samples. For these reasons, deciduous crown size does not seem to show significant forensic value as discriminator of sex, particularly when methods developed on one population are applied to individuals of another population.
The evolution of black plumage from blue in Australian fairy‐wrens (Maluridae): genetic and structural evidence
Authors: Driskell Amy C. , Prum Richard O. , Pruett‐Jones Stephen
Published: August 2010

Genetic variation in the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) locus is responsible for color variation, particularly melanism, in many groups of vertebrates. Fairy‐wrens, Maluridae, are a family of Australian and New Guinean passerines with several instances of dramatic shifts in plumage coloration, both intra‐ and inter‐specifically. A number of these color changes are from bright blue to black plumage. In this study, we examined sequence variation at the MC1R locus in most genera and species of fairy‐wrens. Our primary focus was subspecies of the white‐winged fairy‐wren Malurus leucopterus in which two subspecies, each endemic to islands off the western Australian coast, are black while the mainland subspecies is blue. We found fourteen variable amino acid residues within M. leucopterus, but at only one position were alleles perfectly correlated with plumage color. Comparison with other fairy‐wren species showed that the blue mainland subspecies, not the black island subspecies, had a unique genotype. Examination of MC1R protein sequence variation across our sample of fairy‐wrens revealed no correlation between plumage color and sequence in this group. We thus conclude that amino acid changes in the MC1R locus are not directly responsible for the black plumage of the island subspecies of M. leucopterus. Our examination of the nanostructure of feathers from both black and blue subspecies of M. leucopterus and other black and blue fairy‐wren species clarifies the evolution of black plumage in this family. Our data indicate that the black white‐winged fairy‐wrens evolved from blue ancestors because vestiges of the nanostructure required for the production of blue coloration exist within their black feathers. Based on our phylogeographic analysis of M. leucopterus, in which the two black subspecies do not appear to be each other's closest relatives, we infer that there have been two independent evolutionary transitions from blue to black plumage. A third potential transition from blue to black appears to have occurred in a sister clade.
Loss of contact sensitization evaluated by laser Doppler blood flowmetry and transepidermal water loss measurement
Authors: Seo Koo Il , Eun Hee Chul
Published: August 2010

Allergic contact dermatitis, which is mediated by activated T cells through a Type IV reaction, is usually believed to persist throughout life. There have been several reports of spontaneous loss of sensitization, e.g., loss of previous patch test reaction or loss of allergic contact dermatitis withal continuous exposure to the allergens. However, these have not been well quantified. The aim of this study was to confirm the development of desensitization or hyposensitization with the aid of objective measurements. A total of 18 patients with alopecia areata, who had received 4 months diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) contact immunotherapy, were patch tested and the responses were measured by laser Doppler blood flowmetry (LDF) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Patch tests were performed 2X, before and after 4 months of immunotherapy. To determine whether local desensitization developed, we compared change of DPCP concentrations producing mild contact dermatitis on the scalp. Our results showed that systemic and local hyposensitization occurred in human subjects by weekly applications of low concentrations of DPCP for 4 months. LDF seems to be more correlated with visual scores than TEWL measurement.
Development of hand eczema in junior hairdressers: an 8‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Majoie I. M. L. , Von Blomberg B. M. E. , Bruynzeel D. P.
Published: August 2010

The development of hand eczema was evaluated in an 8‐year follow‐up study carried out in 51 junior hairdressers. Predisposing factors were investigated, Data were collected by use of u sell‐administered questionnaire: 74% response. None of the junior hairdressers presented wild hand eczema at the start of the survey. After 8 years, however, 51% had developed hand eczema. No significant difference in prevalence of hand eczema was found between practicing and non‐practicing hairdressers (58% versus 33%). Development of hand eczema was not related 10 atopic constitution or nickel sensitivity. Dry skin type was associated with increased risk of developing hand eczema.
Effect of glove occlusion on human skin (II)
Authors: Ramsing Dorte W. , Agner Tove
Published: August 2010

Gloves are indispensable in many occupations. Irritant skin reactions from gloves have, however, been reported. In the present study, the effect of long‐term glove occlusion on normal skin (6 h/day for 14 days) was studied and, in addition, the effect of a cotton glove worn under the occlusive glove was also studied. 2 studies were performed (studies A and B). Study A: 19 volunteers wore an occlusive glove on normal skin 6 h/day for 14 days. They wore the glove on one hand only, while the other hand served as control. Study B: 18 volunteers wore occlusive gloves on both hands on normal skin. A cotton glove was worn under the occlusive glove on either the left or the right hand. Skin barrier function was evaluated by measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Evaporimeter) skin hydration by electrical capacitance (Corneometer) and inflammation by erythema index (Derma‐Spectrometer). The gloves used were hypoallergenic non‐latex gloves. Results Study A: glove occlusion on normal skin 6 h/day for 14 days had a significant negative effect on skin barrier function, as measured by TEWL. Study B: the negative effect on skin barrier function from occlusive gloves was prevented by the use of a cotton glove. It is concluded that gloves may be a substantial factor in the pathogenesis of cumulative irritant contact dermatitis, and that recommendations as to their use are important.
Outcome of job change in patients with occupational chromate dermatitis
Authors: Lips R. , Rast H. , Elsner P.
Published: August 2010

Patients with allergic contact dermatitis due to dichromate arc repined to have a bad prognosis. Based on the Swiss Law on Accidents Insurance, the Swiss National Accidents Insurance Organization (SNAIO) may issue a declaration of medical inability (DMI) in cases of severe occupational dichromate dermatitis. With such u DMI, an employee is not allowed to perform any further work in contact with dichromate or cement. In this study, we reviewed medical records from 88 construction workers with DMI due to occupational dichromate dermatitis, between 1986 and 1989. Follow‐up was performed by standardized questionnaire, 63 patients (72%) healed in the first few years after DMI. These patients mostly changed industry and strictly avoided all contact with cement or chromium salts. A few retired early. The outcome of our study is favorable in comparison to studies from other countries without the DMI mechanism. We conclude that strict allergen avoidance enforced by authorities, and financial support in the case of job change, are important factors in improving the prognosis in occupational dichromate dermatitis.
Ultrasound description and quantification of irritant reactions induced by dithranol at different concentrations
Authors: Schiavi Maria Elisabetta , Belletti Barbara , Seidenari Stefania
Published: August 2010

Dithranol (D) is used as a therapeutic topical agent to treat psoriasis, although it produces inflammation and staining of skin and clothing. D‐induced irritation has been evaluated by visual scoring and by bioengineering technique's, evidencing modifications of the inflammatory parameters, but no alterations of the skin barrier. The aim of our study was to evaluate the irritant reactions induced by D using ultrasound, and to compare the B‐scanning data with visual assessments and colorimetric measurements. 13 healthy women underwent 2, 3‐h patch tests with, respectively, 0.02% and 0.1% D in while petrolatum and 1 24‐h patch test with 2% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). For assessing skin reactions, clinical judgement, colorimetry and echography were employed. Echographic images were evaluated by skin thickness measurements and segmentation procedures, using an 0‐30 interval, marking the hyperreflecting areas in the dermis, and a 201–255 interval, assessing the hyperreflecting components of (he image (both epidermal and dermal). In all subjects. D produced uniform reactions, the intensity varying according to concentration. Both echographic parameters of inflammation (skin thickness and 0‐30 areas) showed an increase at all times of assessment. The 201–255D/0–30 pixel ratio, describing the distribution of dermal eczema, indicated that strong inflammatory reactions, such as those caused by the application of 0.1% D, are accompanied by edema in the lower portion of the dermis. Finally, in contrast to SLS reactions, where a 24‐h reduction in epidermal reflectivity was observable, D reactions appeared with an accentuation of the 201–255 epidermal hand at 24‐h examinations.
Efficacy of 4 commercially available protective creams in the repetitive irritation test (RIT)
Authors: Schlüter‐Wigger Walter , Elsner Peter
Published: August 2010

Protective creams (PCs) play their part in the prevention of occupational contact dermatitis, even though efficacy data are frequently lacking. 4 different commercially‐available PCs were evaluated against a set of 4 standard irritants (10%, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 1% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 30% lactic acid (LA) and undiluted toluene (TOL) in the repetitive irritation test (RIT) in humans described by Frosch and Kurte. 20 subjects were tested on the paravertebral skin on the mid‐back. Irritation was assessed by visual scoring, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as an indicator of epidermal barrier function, and colorimetry as a parameter of inflammation. Very different protective effects of the PCs on irritation by chemical substances were detectable. All products were very effective against SLS irritation. No PC provided significant protection against toluene. 3 products showed a partially protective effect against all ionic irritants, while the 4ih showed less protection against SLS and NaOH, and even amplification of inflammation by TOL. Considering the range of PC effects from good protection 10 increased irritation, depending on the irritant, the need for careful selection of PCs for specific workplaces is stressed.
The occurrence and course of skin symptoms on the hands among female cleaners
Authors: Nielsen Jette
Published: August 2010

Skin symptoms on the hands were studied in questionnaire‐based studies conducted in 1989 and 1991 among female cleaners employed at Danish nursing homes, schools and offices. A total of 1166 participated in 1989, and 1011 of them participated in 1991. The average age was 45 years and the average of seniority was 10 years. 1/5 of the cleaners reported problems with cleaning agents, A total of 81% had wet hands more than 1/4 of their working hours. A total of 43% reported having at least 1 out of 4 skin symptoms during a 1‐year period. Among them, 70% reported improvement during weekends and holidays. A positive correlation was found between hours per week spent with wet hands and skin symptoms. During the 2‐year follow‐up period, the risk of developing skin symptoms was higher in the group that remained cleaners than in the group that left their cleaning jobs. Accordingly, the prognosis was better in the group that left their cleaning jobs compared to the group that remained cleaners. Retirement occurred more often among cleaners with skin symptoms than among the others. There is a future need to develop and implement new work organisation and cleaning methods to reduce the time spent with wet hands.
Contents of fragrance allergens in children's cosmetics and cosmetic‐toys
Authors: Rastogi S. C. , Johansen J. D. , Menné T. , Frosch P. , Bruze M. , Andersen K. E. , Lepoittevin J. P. , Wakelin S. , White I. R.
Published: August 2010

Fragrances are one of the major causes of allergic contact dermatitis from use of cosmetics. The aim of the current study was to assess the possible exposure of infants and children to fragrance allergens from cosmetic products and “toy‐cosmetics”. 25 children's cosmetics or toy‐cosmetic products were analysed by gas chromatography ‐ mass spectrometry. Target substances were the fragrance allergens from the fragrance mix and 14 other fragrance substances, most of which have been described as contact allergens. The fragrance mix ingredients were either not present in children's shampoos/shower gels and cream/lotions, or they were present in fairly low concentrations. In hydro‐alcoholic products, such as eau de parfum, eau de toilette, several ingredients of the fragrance mix were found: geraniol was present in 7/7 products, hydroxycitronellal in 6/7 and isoeugenol in 2/7 products. Isoeugenol was present in a maximum concentration of 0.07%. In one cosmetic‐toy, cinnamic alcohol was present at 3.7% which exceeds the current industry guideline for safe products by a factor of 5. In all types of products other fragrance allergens were frequently found. In conclusion, children are already exposed at an early age to well‐known allergens, sometimes at concentrations which are considered to be unsafe. As contact allergy usually persists for life, manufacturers of children's cosmetics should be aware of their special responsibility and apply the highest possible safety standards.
Leukoderma following occupational allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Freeman Susanne
Published: August 2010

We describe 2 cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis followed by leukoderma. The 1st case was a 49‐year‐old wood machinist who developed leukoderma in areas of contact dermatitis involving his lips, neck, hands and forearms and was found to be allergic to colophony and pine sawdust on patch testing. The 2nd case involved a 44‐year‐old man who worked as an epoxy applicator in a ceramics factory. He developed depigmentation in areas of contact dermatitis involving his face, hands, forearms, back, thighs and legs and was found on patch testing to be allergic to epoxy resin. The appearance of contact leukoderma may be indistinguishable from idiopathic vitiligo. However the prognosis for repigmentation may be better in contact leukoderma than in idiopathic vitiligo.
Patch test results in a Turkish paediatric population
Authors: Onder Meltem , Adisen Esra
Published: August 2010

Allergic contact dermatitis is increasing in childhood. In children, population‐based patch test studies point to different contact sensitizers and reflect the variations in the exposure to certain allergens among different countries. Our aim is to show common contact allergens in a paediatric population in Turkey. Contact dermatitis and identifying the suspected allergen in children are important as sensitization occurring during childhood may cause a susceptibility to the contact dermatitis later in their life.
Allergic contact dermatitis from 4‐chloro‐2‐[methylthio]pyrimidine‐5‐carboxylic acid ethyl ester and methyl 4‐hydroxy‐2‐hexynoate in a laboratory chemist
Authors: Bassi N. , Beck M. H. , Fawcett R. L.
Published: August 2010

We report a case of allergic contact dermatitis to 4‐chloro‐2‐[methylthio]pyrimidine‐5‐carboxylic acid ethyl ester and methyl 4‐hydroxy‐2‐hexynoate in a laboratory chemist.