bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of irritant patch test reactions to sodium lauryl sulfate in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized study using clinical scoring
Authors: BRASCH JOCHEN , BECKER DETLEV , EFFENDY ISAAK
Published: February 2007

Reading of doubtful patch test reactions can be improved by comparing them to dened negative, allergic and irritant controls. For the latter, an irritant patch test is needed that gives sufficiently reproducible results. In our double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study, we have analysed the synchronous reproducibility of patch tests with 0%, 0.0625%, 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Tests and readings were done according to ESCD guidelines. 139 patients (75 women, 64 men) 18 to 77 years old were tested. The % of positive patients as well as the % of reproducible positive reactions increased with rising concentrations of SLS to a maximum of approximately 90% and 85%, respectively, with 1 % SLS. Time courses of reactions were also related to the concentration of SLS: with 1 % SLS, plateau‐type time courses were most common (65%), followed by decrescendo‐ (23%) and crescendo‐type reactions (12%). With 1% SLS, very similar mild to moderate reactions were obtained on days 2 and 3. The reaction threshold and reproducibility of tests were not related to age and sex of patients or to their own assessment of skin irritability. We conclude that 1% SLS is appropriate for an irritant patch test that gives sufficiently reproducible results.
Hypothesis: from epidermal barrier dysfunction to atopic disorders
Authors: Taïeb Alain
Published: February 2007

The rôle of a genetically‐impaired epidermal barrier as the primary cause of the rapid increase in prevalence of atopic dermatitis and respiratory atopy is proposed, based on available clinical and experimental data. The subsequently increased exposure to irritants and allergens postnatally in predisposed individuals would lead in a subset of these to a specific TH2 cell activation favouring the development of IgE responses to atopens. Other routes of sensitization are probably important, but skin offers a good target to implement prevention strategies, so far completely ignored in the prophylactic recommendations given to high‐risk families. Candidate genes for skin‐barrier impairment are possibly those associated with ichthyosis vulgaris and X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.
Allergic contact dermatitis from a perinone‐type dye C.I. Solvent Orange 60 in spectacle frames
Authors: SHONO MAMIKO , KANIWA MASA‐AKI
Published: February 2007

This is the 1st case report of allergic contact dermatitis from a perinone‐type plastic dye, C.I. Solvent Orange 60, used in the earpieces of spectacle frames. Sensitization of this dye was conrmed by patch tests and chemical analysis of the causative earpieces and coloring agents. Solvent Orange 60 is suspected of being the contact allergen in at least 2 other Japanese cases of spectacle earpiece dermatitis, and provoked strong reactions on sensitized individuals. Its use in products that are applied on human skin for a prolonged period of time, such as spectacle frames or hearing aids, would best be avoided.
Topical provocation in 27 cases of cotrimoxazole‐inducedxed drug eruption
Authors: ZKAYA‐BAYAZIT ESEN Ö , BAYAZIT HALIL , ZARMAGAN GÜ ZIN Ö
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of topical provocation in the diagnosis of cotrimoxazole‐inducedxed‐drug eruption (FDE). 27 patients with established cotrimoxazoleinduced FDE by oral provocation and 20 healthy controls were tested with drugs at increasing concentrations in white petrolatum and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) both on previously involved and uninvolved skin sites. Tape‐stripping occlusive patch testing in petrolatum remained negative in 19 tested patients. Open testing with drug preparations in DMSO revealed positive results in 25 of 27 tested patients. 1 patient showed an additional positive reaction on previously uninvolved skin. Lesions on male genitalia and on face reacted to testing once with 10% or 20% of the suspected drug, whereas repeated testing with concentrations up to 50% was necessary in lesions on trunk & extremities. Open testing with drug preparations in DMSO at concentrations of 10%, 20% and 50% and pure DMSO remained negative in 20 healthy controls. The present study shows that repeated open testing with graded concentrations of the drugs up to 50% in DMSO is a reliable test method in sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim‐induced FDE. Patients and physicians should be aware of the transient irritant reaction to DMSO that is not infrequent, so as to avoid false‐positive interpretations.
Suspected fragrance allergy requires extended patch testing to individual fragrance allergens
Authors: Katsarma Georgia , Gawkrodger David J.
Published: February 2007

This study has been performed to evaluate the efcacy of fragrance mix (FM) as a screen for fragrance allergy. Patients were included if they had had positive allergic reactions to FM, to 1 of the 8 ingredients of FM, to 1 of 14 other fragrance materials, or to their own perfume. 91 patients were studied. There were 65 women and 23 men (in 3, their sex was not recorded) allergic to FM on patch testing. The mean (±SD) age was 48.4±18.6 years. 22 patients gave a past history of atopic eczema. Dermatitis of the hands (31%) and face (26%) were the most common presenting complaints. 85 patients (93%) had a positive allergic patch test reaction to FM. 22 of the 40 tested to the extended fragrance series were positive to other perfumes as well, and of these, there were 14 reactions (in 9 patients) to allergens not in the FM. In addition, 6 patients were positive only to separately tested fragrance constituents and not to the FM. In conclusion, FM is an accurate screen for fragrance contact sensitivity. However, patch testing to an extended series is needed if there is clinical suspicion of perfume allergy, as otherwise about 7% of patients allergic to fragrances will be missed.
Dose‐response studies of contact allergens using 3 guinea pig models
Authors: Wahlkvist Helen , Boman Anders , Lidean Carola
Published: February 2007

A multi‐dose‐response induction protocol for the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT), including a statistical computer program, has earlier been developed to improve the power of predictive tests for identification of contact allergens. This dose‐response protocol, with 2 modifications (i.e., increased number of animals in each group and increased number of challenge concentrations) was evaluated in the GPMT, the cumulative contact enhancement test (CCET) and the Freund's complete adjuvant test (FCAT), using potassium dichromate and hydroxycitronellal as model contact allergens. Application of the dose‐response protocol on the CCET and the FCAT resulted in either monotone or non‐monotone curves with significant dose‐response. However, application of the dose‐response protocol on the GPMT gave curves with no significant dose‐response. The protocol makes it possible to obtain an EC50 value, thus improving the possibility of ranking contact allergens, which is of substantial use for risk assessments. The dose‐response protocol could benefit from a few adjustments: a wider span in the induction doses; change to simultaneous increase in intradermal and topical induction doses to obtain a proper dose‐response for the GPMT; the addition of further challenge concentrations. In addition the computer program should allow calculation of threshold concentration for sensitization and EC50 value for a non‐monotone curve.
Histological distinction between early allergic and irritant patch test reactions: follicular spongiosis may be characteristic of early allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: VESTERGAARD LOUISE , CLEMMENSEN OLE JACOB , SØRENSEN FLEMMING BRANDT , ANDERSEN KLAUS EJNER
Published: February 2007

Comparative light microscopic studies have revealed subtle differences between allergic and irritant reactions in the skin. In the search for specic differences, we focussed on the early inammatory response. This pilot study was conducted to test the hypothesis that follicular spongiosis can differentiate between early allergic and irritant patch test reactions. 8 patients with known contact allergy to either colophony or quarternium‐15 participated in the study. In each patient, allergic and irritant patch tests reactions were elicited, and 4‐mm punch biopsies were taken after 6–8 h from clinically equipotent reactions. Paired sets of slides were assessed blindly by 2 pathologists. 1 patient showing a pityrosporum folliculitis was excluded from the study. All biopsies from allergic patch tests were characterized by follicular spongiosis, while biopsies from irritant patch tests showed no recognizable changes except a slight follicular spongiosis in 1 patient. The 2 pathologists agreed independently on the correct classication in 6 out of 7 cases (p= 0.0156). We tested an optimized model, selecting non‐irritant allergens and a well‐known irritant. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the diagnostic signicance of the histological classication of allergic and irritant cutaneous reactions in punch biopsies.
The genetics of allergic contact hypersensitivity to nickel
Authors: Fleming C. J. , Burden A. D. , Forsyth A.
Published: February 2007

We have examined evidence for familial disposition to nickel allergic contact dermatitis (Ni ACD). 258 patients attending for routine patch testing were recruited prospectively. 39 patients were diagnosed with Ni ACD. 31 of 209 1st‐degree relatives (15%) of probands had a history of nickel hypersensitivity. 84 patients with no history of nickel hypersensitivity and negative patch tests to nickel were used as controls. 24 of 458 1st degree relatives of controls (5.2%) had a history of Ni ACD. The risk ratio for 1st degree relatives of a patient with Ni ACD is 2.83 (95% condence intervals are 2.45, 3.27). This is the 1st study to present a statistic to represent risk to relatives of developing ACD. Relatives of patients with Ni ACD have an increased risk of developing the condition, but the genetic basis for this is not yet known. With currently available techniques, this value of relative risk makes a positional cloning approach to gene identication impractical.
In vivo testing of the protective efcacy of gloves against allergen‐containing products using an open chamber system
Authors: Andersson Thomas , Bruze Magnus
Published: February 2007

In vitro degradation and permeation testing of glove materials is important in the assessment of the protective efcacy against chemicals. In vivo factors, such as skin‐glove contact, skin temperature and humidity may, however, inuence the protective effect of the glove. These factors must thus be considered in the overall assessment of a protective glove. An in vivo glove test should as far as possible imitate the practical use of the glove, as well as the exposure to the product/chemical against which the glove should protect. An open chamber system for human in vivo glove testing is presented. This system enables simultaneous testing of 6–8 gloves with 3 provocation times for each glove. Positive controls (no glove) can be included. As a control of the subjects present reactivity to the chemical of interest, conventional patch testing with a dilution series can be per‐formed in parallel. The method is easy to use and convenient for the patient. It promises to be a useful clinical tool in individual preventive measures against contact allergy. The method can be used in glove testing against many hazardous chemicals, both contact allergens and toxic/irritant compounds in workplaces such as the plastics industry and the chemical industry.
Allergic contact cheilitis due to effervescent dental cleanser: combined responsibilities of the allergen persulfate and prosthesis porosity
Authors: Le Coz Christophe J. , Bezard Michael
Published: February 2007

A 55‐year‐old man with a dental prosthesis for 3 years had had a chronic relapsing cheilitis for more than 1 year. He was patch tested with the European standard series, his own topicals, and the dental cleanser at 10% pet. A relevant positive reaction ++ was found to the cleansing agent, which contained 20% potassium persulfate. The breakdown of the test conrmed sensitivity to this agent and to ammonium persulfate, both positive (++) at 2.5% pet. The patient was free of symptoms after he had avoided the cleanser. Subsequent chemical investigations performed with a fragment of a used dental prosthesis revealed strong adsorption of persulfate, both on the resin and on the dental tartar. Cleansing agents, adsorbed on tartar and porous resins of worn dental prostheses, should be considered as potential sensitizers and consequently patch tested on such patients with chronic cheilitis.
Hand dermatitis in a prospectively‐followed cohort of hairdressing apprentices:nal results of the POSH study
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Pfahlberg Annette , Gefeller Olaf , Schwanitz Hans Joachim
Published: February 2007

The incidence of hand dermatitis is high in the hairdressing trade; the individual disease burden is substantial, as are the costs of treatment, workers compensation and retraining programs. To evaluate the risk of developing occupational irritant hand dermatitis associated with several potential risk factors, namely constitution (atopy) and occupational exposure, an observational prospective population‐based cohort study set in vocational training schools in northwest Germany, recruiting 2352 hairdressing apprentices, was performed. Unprotected wet work of more than 2 h per day is the major signicant risk factor; low ambient absolute humidity is equally associated with a signicantly increased risk. Compared to the youngest age group, risk diminishes with increasing age. Constitutional risk factors are difcult to evaluate because of selective dropout of atopic participants. For primary prevention, a population approach, improving working conditions and skin protection for all exposed, appears to be the most beneficial.
Colophony allergy: a review
Authors: Downs Anthony M. R. , Sansom Jane E.
Published: February 2007

Colophony is a complex mixture of over 100 compounds derived from pine trees. It has countless applications at home and at work and exposure to colophony and modied‐colophony is universal. It is the oxidation products of unmodied and modied colophony and some of the new resin acids synthesized during modication that are the principle allergens in colophony. The neutral fraction may account for a small % of positive reactions. When screening for allergy using unmodied gum rosin, allergy to modied rosin will not be revealed. When patients react to both materials, it is probably due to unmodied colophony present in both, rather than a cross‐reaction. Relevant positive reactions may be missed if only colophony 20% pet. is relied upon as the screening material.
‘Eczema school’ to improve compliance in an occupational dermatology clinic
Authors: KALIMO KIRSTI , KAUTIAINEN HANNU , NISKANEN TUULIKKI , NIEMI LEENA
Published: February 2007

From the beginning of 1990 a trained nurse has been employed at our Department of Dermatology to give information about skin care, allergen avoidance and skin protection to the patients. To find out the possible benefit obtained by this patient education, a questionnaire was sent out to 540 patients who had been diagnosed with an occupational skin disease established at the Department of Dermatology between 1985 and 1992. It is evident that direct comparison in this kind of longitudinal follow‐up must be carried out with great criticism, since changes in patients' work exposure and socioeconomical situation during the follow‐up time will also affect the prognosis. In this study, 424 patients returned the questionnaire, 252 who had been examined before 1990 and 172 later. According to the answers, it appeared that during the last 12 months, the majority (65%) had suffered from dermatitis, 13% from constant and 52% from periodic symptoms. However, when the diagnosis had been irritant contact dermatitis without allergens found, the prognosis was signicantly better (p < 0.008) among those who had received “extra education” and none had persistent dermatitis. Patients with contact allergy to metals or synthetic resins had also managed better, as compared to those who had received traditional treatment (p < 0.002, p < 0.003). Other factors such as personal motivation and possibilities for work reorganization were also important for the prognosis. 60% of patients were not initially aware of the decision given by the insurance companies, although 94% of their skin diseases had been accepted as occupational dermatoses. Generally, the patients were satised with the extra information given by the nurse.
Influence of application vehicle on skin sensitization to methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone: an analysis using the local lymph node assay
Authors: Wairbrick E. Vicky , Dearman Rebecca J. , Basketter David A. , Kimber Ian
Published: February 2007

The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a method for the identification of skin sensitizing chemicals in which activity is measured as a function of proliferative responses induced in draining lymph nodes following topical exposure of mice to the test material. More recently, the LLNA has also been used for the determination of relative skin sensitizing potency based upon the mathematical derivation of an EC3 value, this being the estimated concentration of test chemical necessary to provoke a 3‐fold increase in lymph‐node cell‐proliferative activity compared with concurrent vehicle‐treated controls. Here we describe the use of the LLNA to determine the influence of vehicle on the skin‐sensitizing potency of methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), the active ingredient of preservatives such as Kathon®CG. To this end, LLNA responses to MCI/MI were measured using the vehicles 4:1 acetone:olive oil (AOO), methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, propylene glycol (PG) and acetone. It was found that the vehicle in which MCI/MI was applied had a substantial impact on activity, with derived EC3 values varying from 0.0049% with AOO to 0.048% with PG. With the other vehicles, EC3 values ranged from 0.0068 to 0.0076%. The skin sensitizing potency of MCI/MI as judged from LLNA responses is consistent with what is known of the requirements for sensitization in humans. It is proposed that the LLNA not only provides a method for determination of relative skin sensitizing potency, but is also appropriate for assessing the influence of vehicle matrix on sensitizing activity.
Sensitizing potential in mice, guinea pig and man of the preservative Euxyl® K 400 and its ingredient methyldibromo glutaronitrile
Authors: Wahlkvist Helen , Boman Anders , Montelius Johan , Wahlberg Jan E.
Published: February 2007

The allergenicity of the preservative Euxyl K 400 and its principal allergen methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) (1,2‐dibromo‐2,4‐dicyanobutane) was investigated using 3 animal models; in mice, the local lymph node assay (LLNA) and in guinea pigs, the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) and the cumulative contact enhancement test (CCET) with a dose‐response protocol included. Previous attempts to define the sensitization capacity of these chemicals have given conflicting results. For comparison, the frequency and causes of positive patch test reactions to Euxyl K 400 and MDBGN were studied in patients referred to an occupational dermatology clinic. This investigation showed that Euxyl K 400 and MDBGN can give rise to contact allergy in man and that the relevant cases found mainly had similar exposure as non‐occupational cases. A contact allergenic potential could be detected for MDBGN in 2 animal models, i.e., the CCET and the LLNA, and also for Euxyl K 400 in the LLNA. However, statistical analysis of the results from the GPMT with MDBGN failed to detect the sensitizing potential of this particular allergen. The results indicate that to be able to detect the allergenic potential of Euxyl K 400 and MDBGN, a predictive test method with multiple topical applications at induction is required. It is therefore important that an investigator is aware of the possibility of using various predictive test models for investigation of potential contact allergens.
A Resource-Based View and Market Orientation Theory Examination of the Role of “Familiness” in Family Business Success
Authors: Tokarczyk John , Hansen Eric , Green Mark , Down Jon
Published: February 2007

This article considers the familiness construct within the resource-based view of the firm by examining the manner in which intangible and other unique resources translate into competitive advantages held by family businesses. Specifically, this article, through a case-based approach, questions whether the familiness qualities of a firm contribute to actualization of an effective market orientation thereby constituting a competitive advantage. Analysis of multiple interviews from family owners and managers suggests that familiness qualities, including, but not limited to, strategic focus, customer orientation, family relationships, and operational efficiency, do contribute to a propensity for execution of an effective market orientation.
Control Sales in Family Firms
Authors: Livingston Lynda
Published: February 2007

A large stock sale by an insider can be good news for a firm if it increases the potential for meaningful monitoring. I consider insider sales that represent voluntary releases of voting control by managers who continue to manage their firms, and ask if a manager's willingness to relinquish control is affected by the presence of other blockholders. I found that managers of family firms are much more defensive about maintaining their voting control, especially when there are other family members in management.
Professionalization of Management and Succession Performance—A Vital Linkage
Authors: Chittoor Raveendra , Das Ranjan
Published: February 2007

Based on inductive reasoning—case evidence from Indian family business groups and the authors' experience with family businesses in India—this article explores the impact on succession performance of succession to a nonfamily professional manager as compared to a family member, commonly referred to as professionalization of management. An important distinction is drawn between family-owned and family managed businesses and family-owned and professionally managed businesses. Then, drawing from case studies on succession process in three Indian family business groups, the article puts forth five propositions pertaining to the impact of professionalization of management on succession performance. Several directions for further research are indicated.
Slow conformational dynamics of the guanine nucleotide‐binding protein Ras complexed with the GTP analogue GTPγS
Authors: Spoerner Michael , Nuehs Andrea , Herrmann Christian , Steiner Guido , Kalbitzer Hans Robert
Published: February 2007

The guanine nucleotide‐binding protein Ras occurs in solution in two different conformational states, state 1 and state 2 with an equilibrium constant K12 of 2.0, when the GTP analogue guanosine‐5′‐(β,γ‐imido)triphosphate or guanosine‐5′‐(β,γ‐methyleno)triphosphate is bound to the active centre. State 2 is assumed to represent a strong binding state for effectors with a conformation similar to that found for Ras complexed to effectors. In the other state (state 1), the switch regions of Ras are most probably dynamically disordered. Ras variants that exist predominantly in state 1 show a drastically reduced affinity to effectors. In contrast, Ras(wt) bound to the GTP analogue guanosine‐5′‐O‐(3‐thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) leads to 31P NMR spectra that indicate the prevalence of only one conformational state with K12 > 10. Titration with the Ras‐binding domain of Raf‐kinase (Raf‐RBD) shows that this state corresponds to effector binding state 2. In the GTPγS complex of the effector loop mutants Ras(T35S) and Ras(T35A) two conformational states different to state 2 are detected, which interconvert over a millisecond time scale. Binding studies with Raf‐RBD suggest that both mutants exist mainly in low‐affinity states 1a and 1b. From line‐shape analysis of the spectra measured at various temperatures an activation energy ΔH|1a1b of 61 kJ·mol−1 and an activation entropy ΔS|1a1b of 65 J·K−1·mol−1 are derived. Isothermal titration calorimetry on Ras bound to the different GTP‐analogues shows that the effective affinity KA for the Raf‐RBD to Ras(T35S) is reduced by a factor of about 20 compared to the wild‐type with the strongest reduction observed for the GTPγS complex.
Changes in purine specificity in tandem GAF chimeras from cyanobacterial cyaB1 adenylate cyclase and rat phosphodiesterase 2
Authors: Linder Jürgen U. , Bruder Sandra , Schultz Anita , Schultz Joachim E.
Published: February 2007

The C‐terminal catalytic domains of the 11 mammalian phosphodiesterase families (PDEs) are important drug targets. Five of the 11 PDE families contain less well‐characterized N‐terminal GAF domains. cGMP is the ligand for the GAF domains in PDEs 2, 5, 6 and 11, and cAMP is the ligand for PDE10. Structurally related tandem GAF domains signalling via cAMP are present in the cyanobacterial adenylate cyclases cyaB1 and cyaB2. Because current high‐resolution crystal structures of the tandem GAF domains of PDE2 and cyaB2 do not reveal how cNMP specificity is encoded, we generated chimeras between the tandem GAF domains of cyaB1 and PDE2. Both bind the ligand in the GAF B subdomains. Segmental replacements in the highly divergent β1–β3 region of the GAF B subdomain of cyaB1 by the corresponding PDE2 regions switched signalling from cAMP to cGMP. Using 10 chimeric constructs, we demonstrated that, for this switch in purine specificity, only 11% of the sequence of the cyanobacterial GAF B needs to be replaced by PDE2 sequences. We were unable, however, to switch the purine specificity of the PDE2 tandem GAF domain from cGMP to cAMP in reverse constructs, i.e. by replacement of PDE2 segments with those from the cyaB1 GAF tandem domain. The data provide a novel view on the structure–function relationships underlying the purine specificity of cNMP‐binding GAF domains and indicate that, as potential drug targets, they must be characterized structurally and biochemically one by one.
Functional studies of active‐site mutants from Drosophila melanogaster deoxyribonucleoside kinase
Authors: Egeblad‐Welin Louise , Sonntag Yonathan , Eklund Hans , Munch‐Petersen Birgitte
Published: February 2007

The catalytic reaction mechanism and binding of substrates was investigated for the multisubstrate Drosophila melanogaster deoxyribonucleoside kinase. Mutation of E52 to D, Q and H plus mutations of R105 to K and H were performed to investigate the proposed catalytic reaction mechanism, in which E52 acts as an initiating base and R105 is thought to stabilize the transition state of the reaction. Mutant enzymes (E52D, E52H and R105H) showed a markedly decreased kcat, while the catalytic activity of E52Q and R105K was abolished. The E52D mutant was crystallized with its feedback inhibitor dTTP. The backbone conformation remained unchanged, and coordination between D52 and the dTTP–Mg complex was observed. The observed decrease in kcat for E52D was most likely due to an increased distance between the catalytic carboxyl group and 5′‐OH of deoxythymidine (dThd) or deoxycytidine (dCyd). Mutation of Q81 to N and Y70 to W was carried out to investigate substrate binding. The mutations primarily affected the Km values, whereas the kcat values were of the same magnitude as for the wild‐type. The Y70W mutation made the enzyme lose activity towards purines and negative cooperativity towards dThd and dCyd was observed. The Q81N mutation showed a 200‐ and 100‐fold increase in Km, whereas kcat was decreased five‐ and twofold for dThd and dCyd, respectively, supporting a role in substrate binding. These observations give insight into the mechanisms of substrate binding and catalysis, which is important for developing novel suicide genes and drugs for use in gene therapy.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Understanding the Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Supporting Students
Authors: Green Jennifer H.
Published: February 2007

Background:  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affect a significant number of children in this country. This article addresses diagnostic issues related to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and other alcohol‐related disabilities, discusses associated features and behaviors of FASD, and introduces interventions to support children with FASD in school settings.

Methods:  A comprehensive review of FAS and FASD literature as it relates to school functioning was conducted.

Results:  Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in a broad range of negative developmental consequences, including deficits in cognitive and academic functioning, psychological disorders, behavioral problems, and difficulties with independent living. Children with prenatal alcohol exposure are at risk for a spectrum of difficulties at school.

Conclusions:  This topic is of considerable relevance to all professionals in a school setting, including teachers, administrators, school psychologists, special education providers, special service providers, and school nurses who interact with children who may be prenatally exposed to alcohol. Successful interventions will need to balance the use of environmental modifications, immediate and meaningful positive and negative consequences for behaviors, and opportunities to teach children skills to monitor and modify their behavior.
Academic Performance and Substance Use: Findings From a State Survey of Public High School Students
Authors: Cox Reagan G. , Zhang Lei , Johnson William D. , Bender Daniel R.
Published: February 2007

Background:  Previous investigations have shown that low academic achievers are more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and use marijuana and other illicit drugs. This study investigated the relationship between academic performance and substance use among public high school students in Mississippi.

Methods:  The sampling frame for the 2003 Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Survey was obtained from the Mississippi Department of Education. A 2‐stage cluster sample design produced a representative sample of Mississippi students in grades 9‐12 who attended public schools. During the spring 2003, 34 of the 45 sampled schools (75.6%) participated.

Results:  A total of 1488 from the 1672 sampled students (89.0%) completed an 87‐item questionnaire (overall response rate 67.3%). Low academic performance (students with mostly Cs or below) during the 12 months preceding the survey was more prevalent among males, non‐Hispanic blacks, frequent smokers, binge drinkers, and marijuana users. Logistic regression identified gender, race, frequent smoking, and marijuana use as statistically significant factors associated with increased odds for low academic performance. Adjusted odds ratios were 1.2 for binge drinkers versus other students to 2.6 for non‐Hispanic black students versus non‐Hispanic white students.

Conclusions:  The present findings highlight the extensive use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana among Mississippi public high school students. Because poor academic achievers are more prevalent among students who participate in these substance‐use behaviors, multifaceted approaches that encourage high levels of academic performance, while dissuading student involvement in risky/problem behaviors, may both improve low levels of academic achievement and reduce behaviors that contribute to poor health in adulthood.
Active Parental Consent for a School‐Based Community Violence Screening: Comparing Distribution Methods
Authors: Stein Bradley D. , Jaycox Lisa H. , Langley Audra , Kataoka Sheryl H. , Wilkins Windy S. , Wong Marleen
Published: February 2007

Background:  Students are unable to benefit from many school programs designed to address their mental health needs if their parents do not consent to their participation. As part of an ongoing effort in a large urban school district to meet the mental health needs of students traumatized by violence exposure, this paper examines the impact of alternative approaches on parental response and consent rates for an initial screening to participate in a school mental health program.

Methods:  Two alternative approaches were used to obtain consent for students to participate in a school‐based intervention for students exposed to violence. For one cohort, consent forms were distributed along with school information and other school forms during a parent orientation meeting. In the other cohort, school mental health clinicians visited student homerooms to distribute consent forms and explain the program and evaluation to students.

Results:  There were significantly higher rates of return of consent forms (89.8% vs 53.2%) and parents consenting to participate (69.6% vs 27.9%) among parents receiving consent forms at a school meeting than among parents whose forms were distributed to children in a classroom, with comparable rates of active refusals to participate (20.1% vs 25.3%).

Conclusions:  Overall return rates and rates of consent for screening participation were substantially higher when the consent form and accompanying materials were provided directly to parents rather than distributed in the classroom and sent home with students. These findings have implications for efforts to obtain active consent from parents for students to participate in school mental health programs.
Promising Outcomes in Teen Mothers Enrolled in a School‐Based Parent Support Program and Child Care Center
Authors: Sadler Lois S. , Swartz Martha K. , Ryan‐Krause Patricia , Seitz Victoria , Meadows‐Oliver Mikki , Grey Margaret , Clemmens Donna A.
Published: February 2007

Background:  This study described a cohort of teen mothers and their children attending an urban high school with a parent support program and school‐based child care center. Specific aims of the study were to describe maternal characteristics and outcomes, and child developmental and health outcomes.

Methods:  A volunteer sample of 65 adolescent mothers enrolled in the parent support program and their children were interviewed, surveyed, and assessed. Fifty‐three mothers had children enrolled in the school‐based child care center and 12 mothers had their children cared for by family members. Maternal characteristics assessed included self‐esteem and depressive symptoms, social stressors and support, self‐perceived parental competence, parent‐child teaching interactions, and subsequent childbearing and maternal educational outcomes. Child outcomes included child developmental assessments and health outcomes.

Results:  About 33% of teen mothers were mildly to moderately depressed and 39% of the sample had experienced transitional homelessness. Social support networks were small; in the past 12 months, mothers experienced a mean number of 13.2 ± 11.9 negative life events. Maternal self‐report measures and mother‐child observation measures indicated positive levels of parental competence. Maternal educational outcomes were positive, and only 6% of mothers had subsequent childbirths within 2 years. The mean scores on developmental assessments of children fell within the normal range, although there were 7 children identified with developmental delays.

Conclusions:  For at‐risk teen mothers, this parent support program and school‐based child care setting appears to offer promising opportunities to help young mothers with parenting, avoid rapid subsequent pregnancies, and stay engaged with school, while their children are cared for in a close and safe environment.
School, Parent, and Student Perspectives of School Drug Policies*
Authors: Evans‐Whipp Tracy J. , Bond Lyndal , Toumbourou John W. , Catalano Richard F.
Published: February 2007

Background:  Schools use a number of measures to reduce harmful tobacco, alcohol, and drug use by students. One important component is the school’s drug policy, which serves to set normative values and expectations for student behavior as well as to document procedures for dealing with drug‐related incidents. There is little empirical evidence of how policy directly or indirectly influence students’ drug taking. This study compares how effectively schools communicate school drug policies to parents and students, how they are implemented, and what policy variables impact students’ drug use at school and their perceptions of other students’ drug use at school.

Methods:  Data were obtained from 3876 students attending 205 schools from 2 states in the United States and Australia, countries with contrasting national drug policy frameworks. School policy data were collected from school personnel, parents, and students.

Results:  Schools’ policies and enforcement procedures reflected national policy approaches. Parents and students were knowledgeable of their school’s policy orientation.

Conclusions:  When delivered effectively, policy messages are associated with reduced student drug use at school. Abstinence messages and harsh penalties convey a coherent message to students. Strong harm‐minimization messages are also associated with reduced drug use at school, but effects are weaker than those for abstinence messages. This smaller effect may be acceptable if, in the longer term, it leads to a reduction in harmful use and school dropout within the student population.
Food Fight: The Battle Over Redefining Competitive Foods
Authors: Fleischhacker Sheila
Published: February 2007

Background:  Environmental and policy influences are potentially the most powerful—and yet the least understood—strategies for reversing the current childhood obesity epidemic.

Methods:  This essay focuses on the school lunch environment and examines the key legal and policy factors that affect competitive foods or foods of minimal nutritional value (FMNV) in schools. The essay also analyzes the latest, proposed federal legislation on redefining competitive foods.

Results:  FMNV compete for children’s coins and calories in the school food environment. The emerging scientific record on the negative impact competitive foods have on children’s diet and health is significantly stronger than when Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) secretary first deemed the connection sufficient to take action. The Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2006, if enacted, will provide additional authority to the USDA and supply science‐based federal guidance to local schools. Opposition to this legislation may come from the local school districts, the food industry, parents, and children.

Conclusions:  Defining competitive foods in a federally consistent manner and eliminating competitive foods from our nation’s schools are food fight that will evidently be fought by legislative efforts at the local, state, and federal level. The food industry, as history illustrates, will likely work hard to weaken any regulatory efforts and could potentially demand that this fight end up requiring judicial review.
Disseminated cryptococcosis including osteomyelitis in a horse
Authors: Lenard ZM , Lester NV , O’Hara AJ , Hopper BJ , Lester GD
Published: February 2007

A 4‐year‐old Arab mare was diagnosed with disseminated cryptococcosis, including osteomyelitis of the proximal phalanx of the left hind limb, osteomyelitis with associated soft tissue granuloma of a rib and disseminated, large cryptococcal nodules in the lungs. The lesion in the dorsoproximal aspect of the proximal phalanx had a large area of cortical lysis with spiculated periosteal new bone and extensive soft tissue swelling. The affected rib had a pathological fracture. Cryptococcal osteomyelitis has not been previously reported in horses but should be considered as a differential diagnosis, particularly in endemic regions.
Vaccine protection against feline immunodeficiency virus: setting the challenge
Authors: Hosie MJ , Beatty JA
Published: February 2007

Since feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was first isolated, international research efforts have been directed towards developing a protective vaccine, not least because it may provide a model for a candidate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine. This article reviews the challenges facing vaccine development, the current state of knowledge and future prospects for FIV vaccination.
Prevalence of occupational exposures and protective practices in Australian female veterinarians
Authors: Shirangi A , Fritschi L , Holman CDJ
Published: February 2007

Objective To identify the prevalence of exposure to potentially harmful occupational hazards in Australian female veterinarians and to report factors associated with prevalence of occupational hazards in this profession.

Design National cross‐sectional survey of a cohort population.

Procedure A self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to 5748 veterinarians (males and females) graduating from Australian veterinary schools from 1960 to 2000. This paper reports the prevalence of occupational exposures in 1197 female veterinarians in their current job including radiation, anaesthetic gases, pesticides and long working hours. Comparisons were undertaken between respondents by practice type and decades of graduation. Multivariate logistic regression was undertaken to predict the risk for exposure to occupational hazards in female veterinarians by age, type of practice, graduation year and number of hours worked.

Results The response rate for females was 59%. We found that age under 30 years, small and mixed animal practice, graduation year after 1990, and working more than 45 hours per week were all associated with greater exposure to putative risk factors. Mixed animal practitioners worked more than 45 hours per week (53%) and reported the highest exposure to anaesthetic gases (94%) and pesticides (54%). Twenty two percent of those who were exposed to anaesthetic gases did not have waste anaesthetic gas scavenging systems. Small animal practitioners reported they took more X‐rays (90%). While taking X‐rays, 56% of respondents reported physically restraining animals, and only one in five of respondents used film holders and lead screens.

Conclusions The high prevalence of potentially harmful exposures among female veterinarians and lack of use of protective equipment at work needs to be considered in developing and planning the safety of veterinary work.
Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Mcconnel CS , Shum L , House JK
Published: February 2007

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is one of the most common diseases of cattle and is of major economic importance. If the primary aetiological agent,Moraxella bovis, is successfully eliminated from ocular tissues corneal ulcers heal at a constant rate. If treatment is unsuccessful ulcer reoccurrence may follow initial healing. Appropriate antimicrobial selection requires knowledge of antimicrobial sensitivities and distribution in ocular tissues and tears. Drugs may be delivered to the eye in several ways: subconjunctival injection, topical application and systemic administration. While therapeutic efficacy is affected by the frequency and mode of drug delivery, variations between intensive and extensive enterprises dictate the practical method of antimicrobial delivery. Specific recommendations for antimicrobial therapies targeting Australian IBK outbreaks are dependent upon antimicrobial pharmacokinetics, drug regulations and associated costs.
Clinical and epidemiological features of canine leptospirosis in North Queensland
Authors: Miller RI , Ross SP , Sullivan ND , Perkins NR
Published: February 2007

Objective  To evaluate the clinical signs, results of clinical pathology and serology tests, and treatment outcome of clinical leptospirosis in 40 dogs from North Queensland.

Design  Retrospective study from January 1995 to August 1999.

Procedure  Case records were reviewed for age, breed, sex, month of submission, geographical location and presenting clinical signs in 40 dogs with titres of ≥ 200 for leptospirosis by the microscopic agglutination test. A biochemistry panel and complete blood count were performed on 18 dogs.

Results  Canine leptospirosis occurred most frequently during the summer and autumn particularly in the ‘wet’ tropical coastal areas of Mackay and Cairns. Fewer cases were seen in the Atherton Tablelands and ‘dry’ tropics around Townsville. Young and male dogs were more commonly affected. Most cases were caused by L australis (80%) and L zanoni (15%) with individual cases of L hardjo and L copenhageni. All dogs showed a distinctive multiorgan disease pattern including renal failure and cholestatic hepatopathy. Presenting clinical signs were related to these disease syndromes and included jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, dehydration, pyrexia, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Just over 50% of the dogs in the present study failed to recover. Clinical biochemical changes indicative of renal failure and cholestasis were significantly less severe in dogs that recovered compared with dogs that did not survive.

Conclusions  Clinical pathology testing should be performed on all dogs presented for illness in the endemic areas so as to help make a presumptive diagnosis and assist in determining the prognosis as soon as possible. The presumptive diagnosis should be confirmed serologically.
Suppression of behavioural and physiological oestrus in the mare by vaccination against GnRH
Authors: Elhay M , Newbold A , Britton A , Turley P , Dowsett K , Walker J
Published: February 2007

Objective  To examine the immunogenicity of an equine immunocontraceptive vaccine and its efficacy in controlling hormone‐related behaviour.

Design  A total of 24 mares at two sites in Australia were vaccinated with an immunocontraceptive vaccine comprising gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) conjugated to a carrier protein in immunostimulating complex as an adjuvant. Twelve animals at each site received a placebo of adjuvant alone and served as controls for seasonal oestrus, hormonal and behaviour patterns. Animals were observed for injection site reactions, ovarian and follicular activity, and serum levels of antibody, 17β‐oestradiol and progesterone in the weeks following vaccination. Mares were also examined for oestrous behaviour by teasing with a stallion.

Results  All mares responded to vaccination. Two weeks following the second vaccination there was a peak in antibody response to GnRH that declined gradually over the following weeks. Commensurate with the elevated anti‐GnRH antibody there was a marked effect on ovarian activity with a reduction in 17β‐oestradiol and progesterone levels in the 24 vaccinated mares. There was also a reduction of oestrus‐related behaviour as determined by a teaser stallion. This effect lasted a minimum of 3 months and correlated with the initial level of antibody response.

Conclusion  Following a conventional two‐dose immunisation regime this commercially available equine immunocontraceptive vaccine was effective at inhibiting oestrous behaviour for at least 3 months. This vaccine has a high level of safety since there were no significant local reactions nor were there any adverse systemic responses to vaccination.