bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fathers Clubs to Improve Child Health in Rural Haiti
Authors: Sloand Elizabeth , Gebrian Bette
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT  Objectives: This paper describes an innovative public health nursing strategy, village‐based fathers clubs, to improve child and family health in rural Haiti. It discusses related nursing implications in Haiti and other parts of the world. Design: Relevant current literature was reviewed and evaluated with respect to child health in Haiti and the development of the fathers clubs. Program participants and organizers were consulted. Sample: The fathers clubs in remote areas of Jeremie Haiti, participants and program directors, provided input for this description. Results: Public health practitioners continually face grave challenges when addressing the health care needs in less developed countries. One such case is Haiti, where crushing poverty, poor infrastructure, a failing economy, natural disasters, and chaotic sociopolitical conditions compound these challenges. Public health practitioners, including nurses, must seek creative, culturally‐appropriate, low technologic approaches to improve the health of the children and families in the remote villages of Haiti. The institution and support of village fathers clubs is one approach that has been ongoing since 1994. Fathers meet together on a regular basis for health education, support, and community building activities. The curriculum is health‐based and facilitated by nurses, with participation by young and old men alike. Conclusions: Participants and organizers believe that family and child health is improved as a result of the groups.
Needs Assessment and Intervention Strategies to Reduce Lead‐Poisoning Risk Among Low‐Income Ohio Toddlers
Authors: Polivka Barbara J.
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT 
Objective:
Examine parental receipt of lead‐poisoning prevention information and preferred methods of receiving this information. Design: Cross‐sectional mailed survey of parents with children 1–2‐year‐old‐enrolled in Medicaid. Sample: Respondents (n = 532) were primarily female, white, with at least a high school education, and between the ages of 20–30 years. Measurements: Items from the Blood Lead Education and Screening Tool concerning parental receipt of lead‐poisoning prevention information, persons with whom parents had discussed lead‐poisoning prevention, parental receipt of a reminder about blood lead testing, and parents' preferred methods of obtaining lead‐poisoning prevention information. Results: Most respondents had obtained lead‐poisoning prevention information, but only 28% reported receiving a reminder to have their child's blood lead level assessed. Brochures and discussions with health care providers were the preferred methods of obtaining lead‐poisoning prevention information. More minority respondents preferred receiving information via videos, billboards, and home visits. Younger parents preferred brochures, billboards, and speaking with someone at the health department or women, infants, and children supplemental nutrition (WIC). Most respondents identified multiple means by which they would like to receive lead‐poisoning prevention information. Conclusions: Implementation of individual, community, and system‐level interventions by public health nurses are needed for comprehensive lead‐poisoning prevention education.
Measuring Community Coalition Effectiveness Using the ICE© Instrument
Authors: Cramer Mary E. , Atwood Jan R. , Stoner Julie A.
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT  This article presents the development and psychometric testing of the Internal Coalition Effectiveness (ICE) instrument, which was based on the conceptual model Internal Coalition Outcome Hierarchy. Sixty‐one items were derived from literature about successful coalitions, and the ICE instrument was tested for reliability and validity. A national panel of eight experts conducted content validity. Remaining tests involved a sample of 61 members and leaders of a large midwestern coalition (77% response rate, n = 47). Content validity involved a two‐stage process for rigorous item development and quantification (0.88, p < 0.05). Internal consistency was based on bivariate Pearson's correlation of 0.30–0.70 for two‐item scales and Cronbach's α(α = 0.70). Construct validity was assessed by correlation analysis, independent Student's t tests, and informal coalition feedback. The final 30‐item version of ICE is psychometrically sound. Findings were shared with the local coalition, and, in support of the instrument's validity, members and leaders found this information useful for promoting coalition sustainability by identifying internal strengths and areas for improvement. The ICE instrument adds to the body of literature by measuring critical constructs of coalition effectiveness and has significant application for public health nurses working as evaluators for coalitions engaged in community health programing.
Self‐Reported Physical Activity Validated by Pedometer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Speck Barbara J. , Looney Stephen W.
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT 
Objective:
The objective was to validate self‐reported physical activity based on a daily activity record (DAR) with concurrent pedometer and 7‐day physical activity‐recall questionnaire data. Design: The design was a one‐group descriptive correlational study. Sample: The sample consisted of 25 working women with a mean age of 39.8 years, 92% Caucasian, and 63% with a combined family income of $60,000 or greater. Measurements: Three instruments: (a) DAR, a self‐reported record of moderate or higher intensity physical activities including household, exercise, leisure, and occupational. Metabolic equivalent unit (MET) scores were calculated from the self‐report data, (b) 7‐day physical activity recall, and (3) Yamax pedometers (SW‐701) measured number of steps. Results: MET scores based on the DAR (n = 22) were strongly associated with both pedometer data (Spearman's rho = 0.607, p = 0.003) and 7‐day physical activity‐recall data (Spearman's rho = 0.542, p = 0.009). Conclusion: The results of this validation study indicated a statistically significant correlation of self‐reported physical activity (DAR) with pedometer values and 7‐day physical activity‐recall data. The DAR may be useful for measuring physical activity in community health programs and in community‐based research.
A global overview of the conservation status of tropical dry forests
Authors: Miles Lera , Newton Adrian C. , DeFries Ruth S , Ravilious Corinna , May Ian , Blyth Simon , Kapos Valerie , Gordon James E
Published: February 2006

Aim  To analyse the conservation status of tropical dry forests at the global scale, by combining a newly developed global distribution map with spatial data describing different threats, and to identify the relative exposure of different forest areas to such threats.

Location  Global assessment.

Methods  We present a new global distribution map of tropical dry forest derived from the recently developed MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF) product, which depicts percentage tree cover at a resolution of 500 m, combined with previously defined maps of biomes. This distribution map was overlaid with spatial data to estimate the exposure of tropical dry forests to a number of different threats: climate change, habitat fragmentation, fire, human population density and conversion to cropland. The extent of tropical dry forest currently protected was estimated by overlaying the forest map with a global data set of the distribution of protected areas.

Results  It is estimated that 1,048,700 km2 of tropical dry forest remains, distributed throughout the three tropical regions. More than half of the forest area (54.2%) is located within South America, the remaining area being almost equally divided between North and Central America, Africa and Eurasia, with a relatively small proportion (3.8%) occurring within Australasia and Southeast Asia. Overall, c. 97% of the remaining area of tropical dry forest is at risk from one or more of the threats considered, with highest percentages recorded for Eurasia. The relative exposure to different threats differed between regions: while climate change is relatively significant in the Americas, habitat fragmentation and fire affect a higher proportion of African forests, whereas agricultural conversion and human population density are most influential in Eurasia. Evidence suggests that c. 300,000 km2 of tropical dry forest now coincide with some form of protected area, with 71.8% of this total being located within South America.

Main conclusions  Virtually all of the tropical dry forests that remain are currently exposed to a variety of different threats, largely resulting from human activity. Taking their high biodiversity value into consideration, this indicates that tropical dry forests should be accorded high conservation priority. The results presented here could be used to identify which forest areas should be accorded highest priority for conservation action. In particular, the expansion of the global protected area network, particularly in Mesoamerica, should be given urgent consideration.
Isolation, characterization and evolutionary analysis of resistance gene analogs in annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass and their hybrid
Authors: Li Jing , Xu Yanhao , Fei Shuizhang , Li Lijia
Published: February 2006

Recently, a number of disease‐resistance genes related to a diverse range of pathogens were isolated from a wide variety of plant species. The majority of plant disease‐resistance genes encoded a nucleotide‐binding site (NBS) domain. According to the comparisons of the NBS domain of cloned R‐genes, it has shown highly conserved amino acid motifs in this structure, which made it possible to isolate resistance gene analogs (RGAs) by PCR using degenerate primers. We have designed three pairs of degenerate primers based on two conserved motifs in the NBS domain of resistance proteins encoded by R‐genes to amplify genomic sequences from ryegrass (Lolium sp.). Sixteen NBS‐like RGAs were isolated from turf and forage type grasses. The sequence analysis of these RGAs revealed that there existed a high similarity (up to 85%) between RGA sequences among ryegrass species and other plants. The alignment of the predicted amino acid sequences of RGAs showed that ryegrass RGAs contained four conserved motifs (P‐Loop, kinase‐2, kinase‐3a, GLPL) present in other known plant NBS‐leucine rich repeat resistance genes. These ryegrass RGAs all belonged to non‐toll and interleukin‐1 receptor subclass. Phylogenetic analysis of ryegrass RGAs and other cloned R‐genes indicated that gene mutation was the predominant source of gene variations, and the sequence polymorphism was due to purifying selection rather than diversifying selection. We further analyzed the source of gene variation in other monocots, rice, barley, wheat, and maize based on the data published before. Our analysis indicated that the source of RGA diversity in these monocots was the same as in ryegrass. Thus, monocots were probably the same as dicots in the source of RGA diversity. Ryegrass RGAs in the present paper represented a large group of resistance gene homologs in monocots. We discussed the origin and the evolution of R‐genes in grass species.
Human‐mediated Foot‐and‐mouth Disease Epidemic Dispersal: Disease and Vector Clusters
Authors: Rivas A. L. , Kunsberg B. , Chowell G. , Smith S. D. , Hyman J. M. , Schwager S. J.
Published: February 2006

Disease clusters were retrospectively explored at national level using a geo‐referenced dataset from the 2001 Uruguayan Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease (FMD) epidemic. Disease location and time (first 11 epidemic weeks) were analysed across 250 counties (of which 160 were infected), without and with control for human mobility related factors (human population and road densities). The null hypothesis of random disease distribution over space and/or time was assessed with: (i) purely temporal; (ii) purely spatial; and (iii) space/time tests. At least within epidemic weeks 2 and 6, a principal disease cluster was observed in 33 contiguous counties (P < 0.01). Two secondary clusters, located at >100 km from each other, were also observed (P < 0.01). The purely spatial test that controlled for human population density identified two non‐contiguous clusters (P < 0.01). Space and time analysis also revealed the same 33 counties as members of the principal cluster, of which 31 were also clustered when human population was controlled (P < 0.01). No clusters were reported by the spatial test when road density was assessed. The hypothesis that human mobility related factors autocorrelate with disease was empirically supported by two pieces of information: (i) removal of human population/road densities eliminated >93.9% of the counties included in the principal disease cluster; and (ii) statistically significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed in the first three epidemic weeks between road density and the number of cases. Clusters where human population density was associated with 47% greater number of cases/sq. km than that of the principal cluster indicated possible roles as disease vectors (vector clusters). Selective control policy in vector clusters is recommended. Periodic (i.e. weekly) cluster and correlation analyses of both disease and other covariates may facilitate disease surveillance and help design space‐specific control policy.
Lpp34, a Novel Putative Lipoprotein fromMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis
Authors: Gioffré A. , Caimi K. , Zumárraga M. J. , Meikle V. , Morsella C. , Bigi F. , Alito A. , Santángelo M. P. , Paolicchi F. , Romano M. I. , Cataldi A.
Published: February 2006

AMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisexpression library in lambda ZAP was screened with immunized mice sera. One clone was selected, sequenced and further characterized. The sequence analysis of the hypothetical open‐reading frame (ORF) predicts a protein of 20.8 kDa with a probable signal sequence compatible with Cys‐acylation at Cys24, characteristic of lipoproteins. In consequence, the protein was termed Lpp34. Recombinant expression of Lpp34 was achieved by cloning thelpp34gene into the histidine‐tag expression vector pRSET‐A. Western blot analysis showed a protein band with a molecular weight of 34 kDa. The native protein was localized in the membrane fraction ofM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisand extracted in the detergent phase of Triton X‐114. Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction showed that the gene is absent from all the non‐M. aviumcomplex mycobacterial genomes tested. Humoral reactivity using bovine sera demonstrated that this protein is widely recognized by both the infected and non‐infected animals. This could partly be due to the conserved sequence in close‐related environmental bacteria such asM. aviumsubsp.aviumand to the presence of a conserved epitope in other bacteria such asEscherichia coli. In conclusion, these findings show that Lpp34 is a membrane protein and a putative lipoprotein present inM. aviumcomplex mycobacteria and absent in theM. tuberculosiscomplex.
Immune Complex‐based Vaccine for Pig Protection against Parvovirus
Authors: Roić B. , ČAjavec S. , Ergotić N. , Lipej Z. , Madić J. , Lojkić M. , Pokrić B.
Published: February 2006

The insoluble immune complexes (ICs) were prepared under the conditions of double immunodiffusion in gel, using the suspension of the ultrasound treated PK‐15 cell‐line infected with porcine parvovirus (PPV) containing both viral particles and viral proteins, as well as pig or rabbit anti‐PPV polyclonal immune sera. The immunodiffusion performed in an agarose gel allows only viral subunits with a molecular mass equal to or less than 1000 kDa, rather than the viral particles, to diffuse through the gel and reach the point where the immunoprecipitate is to be formed. The immunoprecipitation under the conditions of the diffusion ensures the optimal, i.e. equimolar ratio of both immunoprecipitating components, antibody/antigen in the IC. The sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the Western blot analyses showed the ICs were composed of two proteins, a protein in which molecular mass corresponded to the VP2 of the PPV and a protein with a molecular mass of the IgG. This suggests that the ICs are mainly composed of the VP2 antigen and IgG class antibodies. The potency of the IC‐vaccines prepared in the form of a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsion was compared with that of a commercially available, inactivated oil vaccine. The vaccination of gilts, 6 weeks before mating, with the IC containing allogeneic pig antibodies, resulted in the development of high and long‐lasting anti‐PPV antibody titres, similar to those generated by the licenced vaccine (P > 0.01). The content of the virus material administered by the IC was twice lower than that in the licenced vaccine. Neither systemic nor local reactions were observed in the gilts during the period of the trial with the IC vaccine. The number of viable piglets per litter varied between 9 and 12 and no signs of the PPV infection were detected. Rabbits were used as one of the alternative laboratory animal models accepted for the testing of the vaccine against the PPV. The rabbit humoral immune response generated by the IC containing the allogeneic antibodies were higher than that generated by the ICs containing the xenogeneic pig antibodies. It was similar to that generated by two‐times higher content of the virus material administered by a commercially available vaccine. The IC‐based vaccines belong to non‐replicating, subunit vaccines, which are both ecologically convenient and the safest vaccines of all.
Detection ofLawsonia intracellularisin Wild Boar and Fallow Deer Bred in One Game Enclosure in the Czech Republic
Authors: Dezorzova‐Tomanova K. , Smola J. , Trcka I. , Lamka J. , Pavlik I.
Published: February 2006

The prevalence ofLawsonia intracellularisbetween wild boar (Sus scrofa) and fallow deer (Dama dama) bred in one game reserve was investigated using the nested PCR method. In the study, 88 clinically healthy wild boars of different age categories and two fallow deer bagged in the game reserve were examined.Lawsonia intracellulariswas demonstrated in the mucous membrane of the intestine of eight (9.1%) wild boars and one fallow deer. Of the nine wild boar whose tissues of corresponding lymph nodes were examined in addition to the mucous membrane of the ileum, one tested positive for the microorganism. A relationship between the occurrence ofL. intracellularisand age of wild boar was demonstrated. Because wild boar and fallow deer are bred together in one game reserve, the possibility of inter‐species transfer ofL. intracellularisshould be borne in mind.
Outbreak of Disseminated Zygomycosis and Concomitant Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Breeder Layer Cockerels
Authors: Mukaratirwa S.
Published: February 2006

Disseminated zygomycosis and concomitant pulmonary aspergillosis were diagnosed in breeder layer cockerels. Five‐ to 9‐week‐old breeder layer cockerels with a history of an increased mortality rate were presented to a diagnostic laboratory for examination. On necropsy, large, multifocal, firm, tan, nodules were observed in the lungs, air sacs, peritoneum, livers, spleens and kidneys. On histopathology, mixed populations of zygomycetes and Aspergillus hyphae were observed in the granulomas in the lungs, and zygomycete hyphae were observed in the granulomas in the air sacs, peritoneum, livers, spleens and kidneys. No bacteria were isolated from any of the lesions. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from the lung lesions only and hyphae that were consistent with those of a Rhizopus spp. were isolated from the lesions in several organs. Pullets, which were kept together with the cockerels from the day they were hatched, were not affected. The absence of infection in the pullets, which were kept together with the cockerels, suggests that the cockerels were either infected during incubation, with the fungi penetrating the egg shell, or that they were infected during hatching before they were mixed with the pullets.
Application of PCR for Detection of Clostridium botulinum Type D in Bovine Samples
Authors: Chaffer M. , Baum M. , Grinberg K. , Molad T. , Elad D.
Published: February 2006

Diagnosis of botulism in cows is obtained by detecting the neurotoxin and/or Clostridium botulinum in the suspected animal. The standard method for detecting the toxin is the mouse bioassay. However, in recent years, the use of mice has become very costly and inconvenient in some facilities, and public pressure has been increasing to find alternatives to live animal bioassays. In this manuscript, we describe the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures in the diagnosis field cases of bovine type D botulism. Bovine samples from clinical cases diagnosed as C. botulinum type D according by clinical symptoms and bioassay resulted in expected PCR product (∼497 bp) similar to the C. botulinum type D NCTC 8265 strain while the gene product was confirmed by sequence data.
Association of celiac disease with non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis
Authors: Sharma Brijesh Chander , Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Nada Ritambhra
Published: February 2006

Both celiac disease and non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis are known to be associated with various autoimmune diseases and have numerous immunological abnormalities. Herein two patients with celiac disease having associated non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis are reported. An autoimmune link between the two conditions is likely to explain coexistence in the same patient.
Rheumatoid‐like nodules in the spleen: New extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn’s disease?
Authors: Holstein Andreas , Egberts Eick‐Hartwig , Von Herbay Axel
Published: February 2006

A 26‐year‐old, HLA‐B27 positive man with steroid dependent Crohn’s disease presented with abdominal lymphadenopathy and multiple abscess‐like masses in the spleen and liver 2 years after the initial diagnosis. A biopsy of one of the liver lesions showed epitheloid cell granuloma, no microorganisms were detected despite intensive investigations. The liver lesions and the lymphadenopathy repeatedly disappeared completely in response to prednisolone pulse therapy while the lesions in the spleen remained practically unchanged. One year later, on immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine and low‐dose prednisolone, the patient’s condition exacerbated with development of fever, disseminated arthritides and enlargement of the splenic lesions. Following ineffective antimicrobial treatment, a splenectomy was carried out. Histology showed that the splenic parenchyma was filled with abacterial, rheumatoid granulomas. After a renewed flare‐up of severe extraintestinal symptoms, the patient is now asymptomatic on immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine and prednisolone. Abdominal lymphadenopathy is no longer present and the liver lesions are regressing. The intermittent course and the positive response to immunosuppressive therapy point to a further extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn’s disease.
Does stress exacerbate liver diseases?
Authors: Chida Yoichi , Sudo Nobuyuki , Kubo Chiharu
Published: February 2006

Although anecdotal comments on detrimental effects of psychosocial stress on liver diseases can be found even in the early literature, only recently has scientific evidence been reported. The present article reviewed such evidence to demonstrate how stress exacerbates liver diseases. A search of the literature from the last two decades was performed using MEDLINE by pairing ‘psychological stress’ with ‘liver’ or ‘hepatitis.’ Additional research was conducted by screening the bibliographies of articles retrieved in the MEDLINE search. The search results showed that the principal effectors of the activated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, glucocorticoids, can exert a facilitative effect on the hepatic inflammatory response and even increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. For certain liver diseases, defective HPA axis activation, which probably contributed to the exacerbation of the liver disease, has been reported. The efferent sympathetic/adrenomedullary system mainly contributes to the stress‐induced exacerbation of liver diseases via its neurotransmitters, the catecholamines. In contrast, the efferent parasympathetic nervous system elicits an inhibitory effect on the development of hepatic inflammation. In conclusion, the pathophysiological interaction between stress and the liver appears to be regulated by the complex, dynamic networks of both the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems, which implies a further need for basic research into the involved mechanisms and for clinical evidence to apply psychosocial support to patients with chronic liver diseases.
Evaluation of endoscopic and histological findings in Helicobacter pylori‐positive Japanese young adults
Authors: Kamada Tomoari , Sugiu Kuniaki , Hata Jiro , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Hamada Hiroshige , Kido Soichiro , Nagashima Yuichi , Kawamura Yuzuru , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki , Haruma Ken
Published: February 2006

Background and Aim:  Many studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric carcinoma in adults. However, little is known about these associations in the younger population. The aim of this study was to clarify endoscopic and histological findings in H. pylori‐positive young adults.

Methods:  Two hundred consecutive outpatients younger than 29 years old undergoing esophago‐gastroduodenal endoscopy at four hospitals between 2001 and 2002 were eligible for this study. At endoscopy, three biopsy specimens were obtained from the mid‐antrum, the angulus and the mid‐corpus. Endoscopic and histological interpretations were based on the updated Sydney System. H. pylori infection was determined by histology and serology.

Results:  The rates of H. pylori infection were 1.2% (1/86) in normal, 95.8% (46/48) in gastritis, 97.8% (45/46) in duodenal ulcers, 100% (17/17) in gastric ulcers, and 100% (3/3) in gastric carcinomas. Endoscopic findings in 112 H. pylori‐positive patients were 25 normal (22.3%), 38 atrophy (33.9%), 18 erosion (16.1%), and 31 nodularity (27.7%). Histological findings of H. pylori‐positive patients in the anturm revealed mononuclear cell and neutrophil infiltration in 100%, and atrophy in 27.7%. Histological findings of H. pylori‐positive patients in the corpus revealed mononuclear cell infiltration in 75%, neutrophil infiltration in 60.7%, and atrophy in 28.6%.

Conclusions:  The study shows that H. pylori infection is strongly associated with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, and that histological corpus gastritis was found with high frequency in Japanese young adults.
Effect of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug sulindac on colorectal adenomas of uncolectomized familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Matsumoto Takayuki , Nakamura Shotaro , Esaki Motohiro , Yao Takashi , Iida Mitsuo
Published: February 2006

Background:  The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of sulindac on uncolectomized familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Methods:  Seven FAP patients (SU group) without proctocolectomy were given sulindac 300 mg/day orally for 12 months. Six FAP patients without sulindac (non‐SU group) served as controls. Colorectal lesions were assessed by protrusion index (no. radiolucent areas/cm2; PI) under barium enema examination and non‐polypoid lesion were assessed under chromoscopy prior to and at the end of the observation period. In the SU group, germline adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation was determined by protein truncation test.

Results:  In the SU group, PI decreased significantly in the distal colon (from 3.0 ± 1.1 to 1.1 ± 0.8/cm2, P < 0.02) and in the proximal colon (from 3.4 ± 2.4 to 0.9 ± 1.3/cm2, P < 0.02). The PI in the non‐SU group slightly but significantly increased in the distal colon (from 1.0 ± 0.8 to 1.2 ± 0.9/cm2; P < 0.05) and it remained unchanged in the proximal colon (from 0.6 ± 0.3 to 0.7 ± 0.3/cm2; P > 0.05). Chromoscopy at the end of observation identified non‐polypoid lesions in five patients in the SU group, whereas such lesions were not found in the non‐SU group (71% vs 0%, P = 0.016). Decrease in PI was not different among distal APC mutation (exons 1–9), proximal APC mutation (exons 10–15) and negative mutation.

Conclusion:  Sulindac reduces colorectal adenomas of protruding type in uncolectomized FAP. The effect of sulindac may be unrelated to genotype of FAP.
Effectiveness of minocycline‐based triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Murakami Kazunari , Sato Ryugo , Okimoto Tadayoshi , Watanabe Koichiro , Nasu Masaru , Fujioka Toshio , Kodama Masaaki , Abe Toshinori , Sato Shunzo , Arita Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2006

Background:  Widespread use of eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori has increased the prevalence of clarithromycin‐resistant strains. The purpose of the present paper was to measure the in vitro antibacterial activity of minocycline against H. pylori, and study the effectiveness of minocycline‐based first‐ and second‐line eradication therapies.

Methods:  For first‐line therapy, 79 patients were randomly assigned to the treatment with rabeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin or with rabeprazole, amoxicillin, and minocycline. For second‐line therapy, 88 patients were tested for sensitivity to metronidazole: 67 patients with metronidazole‐sensitive strains received a 7‐day course of rabeprazole, minocycline, and metronidazole; the remaining 21 patients were given a 7‐day course of rabeprazole, minocycline, and faropenem.

Results:  There was virtually no resistance to minocycline among the strains tested. The eradication rate of H. pylori infection in first‐line therapy was significantly lower for minocycline‐containing regimen (38.5%, 15/39) than for clarithromycin‐containing regimen (82.5%, 33/40; P < 0.01). For second‐line therapy, a high eradication rate against metronidazole‐sensitive strains was obtained with rabeprazole, minocycline and metronidazole (85%, 57/67).

Conclusions:  A combination of rabeprazole, minocycline, and metronidazole is safe and effective for second‐line therapy of H. pylori infection. Because this regimen can be administered to patients with penicillin allergy and patients who suffer adverse reactions to amoxicillin, such as diarrhea and other digestive symptoms, it should be considered useful for second‐ and third‐line eradication therapy.
Development and validation of a Functional Dyspepsia‐Related Quality of Life (FD‐QOL) scale in South Korea
Authors: Lee Eun‐Hyun , Hahm Ki‐Baik , Lee Jun Haeng , Park Jong‐Jae , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Seong Kook , Choi Seok Reyol , Lee Soo Teik
Published: February 2006

Background: Quality of life (QOL) in patients with functional dyspepsia in South Korea has never been studied, mostly due to the lack of a psychometrically validated disease‐specific instrument for measuring the QOL. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a QOL scale for patients with functional dyspepsia.

Methods: A Functional Dyspepsia‐Related QOL (FD‐QOL) scale was developed and validated as follows: item generation, pilot test, and psychometric test. Patients with functional dyspepsia (n = 220) were recruited from seven university hospitals. The participants were asked to complete the preliminary item‐generated FD‐QOL, the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), and the Index of Dyspepsia Symptoms‐Korean (IDS‐K). The data were analyzed using factor analysis, correlation,anova, and Cronbach’s alpha.

Results: Twenty‐three items were generated based upon content validity. Factor analysis extracted a four‐factor solution, and two items were deleted because they were not loaded significantly on any factor. The FD‐QOL was correlated with the SF‐36 subscales, of which scores were differentiated according to the levels of dyspepsia symptoms. Cronbach’s alpha of the FD‐QOL was 0.94.

Conclusions: The FD‐QOL scale is a rapid and easily applicable instrument with excellent psychometric properties of content, factorial, convergent, and known‐groups validity, and internal consistency reliability in Korean patients with functional dyspepsia.
Virtual gastroscopy: Initial attempt in North American patients
Authors: Ezzeddine Dina , Ezzeddine Bilal , Mckenzie Richard , Bhutani Manoop S.
Published: February 2006

Background:  Virtual endoscopy (VE) is a new evolving technology that describes the 3‐D reconstruction of medical image scans to create a visualization similar to that produced by fiber‐optic and video endoscopy. The present study was carried out to establish the feasibility of this technique in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Methods:  Ten patients who underwent upper endoscopy for different clinical reasons and who were found to have a normal or near normal examination underwent a spiral computed tomography scan of the lower chest and abdomen. A 3‐D image was reconstructed using the Freeflight software.

Results:  The anatomy of the stomach including the lumen, the cardia, the pylorus, gastric folds and the incisura angularis were well‐visualized. It was not possible to visualize the esophagus by VE because the lumen was unable to be kept patent long enough to provide accurate imaging.

Conclusions:  The present preliminary study has demonstrated the feasibility of performing virtual gastroscopy. Further development in this area is needed before any routine clinical application.
Long‐term monitoring of platelet count, as a non‐invasive marker of hepatic fibrosis progression and/or regression in patients with chronic hepatitis C after interferon therapy
Authors: Taniguchi Hideaki , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Fujiwara Akiko , Sakaguchi Kohsaku , Moriya Akio , Yu Piao Cheng , Takaki Akinobu , Fujioka Shin‐Ichi , Shimomura Hiroyuki , Shiratori Yasushi
Published: February 2006

Background:  Platelet count has been shown to correlate with the hepatic fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of the present study was to assess hepatic fibrosis progression or regression of CHC patients by long‐term monitoring of the platelet count.

Methods:  A total of 429 interferon (IFN)‐treated CHC patients were studied. Follow‐up data on the platelet count were collected every 6 months after IFN therapy. The IFN response was defined as follows: complete responders (CR, n = 121) demonstrating persistent clearance of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA; biochemical responders (BR, n = 94) demonstrating alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization for ≥6 months without eradication of HCV‐RNA; and non‐responder (NR, n = 214) demonstrating all other patterns.

Results:  In comparison with the baseline level, mean platelet count increased in the CR group from 0.5 years after IFN therapy (for each point, P < 0.01), but significantly decreased in the NR group from 1 year after IFN therapy (for each point, P < 0.01). In the BR group, an increase in mean platelet count was observed from 0.5 to 3.5 years following IFN therapy (for each point, P < 0.01), followed by a gradual decrease.

Conclusion:  An increase from baseline values in platelet count was observed, regardless of the presence of HCV‐RNA, in both the CR and BR groups, suggesting the importance of ALT normalization in preventing hepatic fibrosis progression in IFN‐treated CHC patients.
Does butyrate protect from colorectal cancer?
Authors: Sengupta Shomik , Muir Jane G , Gibson Peter R
Published: February 2006

Butyrate, the four‐carbon fatty acid, is formed in the human colon by bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates (including dietary fiber), and putatively suppresses colorectal cancer (CRC). Butyrate has diverse and apparently paradoxical effects on cellular proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation that may be either pro‐neoplastic or anti‐neoplastic, depending upon factors such as the level of exposure, availability of other metabolic substrate and the intracellular milieu. In humans, the relationship between luminal butyrate exposure and CRC has been examined only indirectly in case–control studies, by measuring fecal butyrate concentrations, although this may not accurately reflect effective butyrate exposure during carcinogenesis. Perhaps not surprisingly, results of these investigations have been mutually contradictory. The direct effect of butyrate on tumorigenesis has been assessed in a number of in vivo animal models, which have also yielded conflicting results. In part, this may be explained by methodological differences in the amount and route of butyrate administration, which are likely to significantly influence delivery of butyrate to the distal colon. Nonetheless, there appears to be some evidence that delivery of an adequate amount of butyrate to the appropriate site protects against early tumorigenic events. Future study of the relationship between butyrate and CRC in humans needs to focus on risk stratification and the development of feasible strategies for butyrate delivery.
Fertile Soil for Structural Funds?A Panel Data Analysis of the Conditional Effectiveness of European Cohesion Policy
Authors: Ederveen Sjef , de Groot Henri L.F. , Nahuis Richard
Published: February 2006

Structural Funds are the most intensively used policy instrument by the European Union to promote economic growth in its member states and to speed up the process of convergence. This paper empirically explores the effectiveness of European Structural Funds by means of a panel data analysis for 13 countries in the European Union. We show that – on average – Structural Funds are ineffective. For countries with a ‘proper’ institutional framework, however, Structural Funds are effective. The latter result is obtained for a wide range of conditioning variables, such as openness, institutional quality, corruption and indicators for good governance. It is robust to a wide range of robustness tests.
Does Governance Matter? Yes, No or Maybe: Some Evidence from Developing Asia
Authors: Quibria M.G.
Published: February 2006

This paper seeks to explore the relationship between economic growth and governance performance in Asian developing economies. This exploration yields some interesting conclusions. First, notwithstanding its tremendous economic achievements, the state of governance in Asia is not stellar by international comparison. Indeed, the majority of these countries seem to suffer from a governance deficit. Second, contrary to our expectations, data do not suggest any strong positive link between governance and growth: paradoxically, countries that exhibit surpluses in governance on average grew much slower than those with deficits. The paper ends with some conjecture about this apparent paradox.
Contingent Valuation and Collective Choice
Authors: Schläpfer Felix , Hanley Nick
Published: February 2006

Contingent valuation (CV) is a widely used but controversial survey‐based technique for estimating the nonmarket benefits of environmental goods and services. This study is the first to compare the outcome of a self‐contained CV survey with the outcome of a collective decision, by contrasting hypothetical willingness to pay with willingness to pay inferred from aggregate voting returns and tax liability distributions. The empirical dataset is from a CV survey and a referendum on a proposition to increase financing for landscape and heritage protection in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Voting‐based willingness to pay was only a small fraction of stated willingness to pay, indicating an inflation in values due to the hypothetical context.
Computer‐based measurement of letter and word acuity
Authors: Whatham Andrew R. , Mermoud Christophe , Déruaz Anouk , Goldschmidt Mira , Zesiger Pascal , Safran Avinoam B.
Published: February 2006

Determining causes of poor reading ability is an important step in trying to ameliorate reading performance in low‐vision patients. One important parameter is word acuity. The principal aim of the current study is to develop a method to reliably measure acuities for isolated lowercase letters and words of differing length that can be used to test low‐vision patients. Using isolated stimuli means that testing is relatively free of potential crowding and/or distracting attentional effects from surrounding words, it is unambiguous which stimulus subjects are trying to read and response times can be recorded for each stimulus. Across a series of experiments, subjects with normal vision were asked to read isolated lowercase single letters and lowercase words of 4, 7 and 10 letters, in separate tests. Acuities for uppercase Sloan letters were also measured to provide a reference, as they are commonly used to measure visual acuity. Each test was based upon the design principles and scoring procedures used in the Bailey–Lovie and ETDRS charts. Acuities for uppercase Sloan letters were found to be equivalent whether measured using ETDRS charts or the computer‐based method. Measurement of acuities for lowercase single letters and lowercase words of 4, 7 and 10 letters had a reliability that was no worse than acuities for uppercase Sloan letters. Lowercase word acuities were essentially independent of word length. Acuities for single lowercase letters and lowercase words were slightly better than uppercase Sloan letters acuity. Optimal processing of lowercase single letters and 4‐, 7‐ and 10‐letter words occurred at character sizes that were at least 0.2–0.40 log MAR above acuity threshold, i.e. between 1.5 and 3 times threshold acuity for that particular stimulus. In general, critical character sizes appear similar across word lengths as progressive increases or decreases in these values were not observed as a function of the number of letters in the stimulus. We conclude that a computer‐based method of stimulus presentation can be used to obtain highly repeatable measures of acuity for lowercase single letters and lowercase words in normal vision.
Accommodation and the relationship to subjective symptoms with near work for young school children
Authors: Sterner Bertil , Gellerstedt Martin , Sjöström Anders
Published: February 2006

The aim of this work was to study the relation between subjective symptoms at near and ocular accommodation in terms of the amplitude of accommodation and the relative accommodation. A secondary aim was to discuss the diagnosis of accommodative insufficiency. The chosen cohort was examined on two occasions with 1.8 years in between. The first examination included 72 children, 43 boys (mean age 8.1 years, ranging from 5.8 to 9.8) and 29 girls (mean age 8.3 years, ranging from 6.2 to 10.0). The second examination included 59 of these children, 34 boys (mean age 9.9 years, ranging from 7.8 to 11.7) and 25 girls (mean age 10.1 ranging from 8.0 to 11.8). Subjective symptoms at near work (headache, asthenopia, floating text, facility problems) were recorded and the amplitude and the relative accommodation, both positive and negative, were measured. The result from the questionnaire showed that at the first examination more than one‐third of the children (34.7%) reported at least one subjective symptom when doing near work and 42.4% at the second examination. No symptoms were found among children younger than 7.5 years, but for children between 7.5 and 10 years old at the first examination, the prevalence of at least one symptom was 47.2%. At the second examination, symptoms were reported also for the youngest children, i.e. from the age of 8 years. The discrimination ability for the amplitude of accommodation, both monocular and binocular, was significant. In the first examination the difference between the mean for the two groups (i.e. with and without at least one symptom) was around 2.00 D monocular and 3.00 D binocular. Corresponding figures from the second examination was a difference between the mean for the two groups of around 3.50 D monocular and nearly 4.00 D binocular. We suggest that accommodation measurements should be performed more routinely and regularly, maybe as screening, especially in children over 8 years of age.
The power of a cylinder in an oblique meridian: revisiting an old controversy*
Authors: Naeser Kristian , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: February 2006

The sine‐squared correlation states that the cylinder power in an oblique meridian forming an angle β with the axis of the cylinder is reduced to sin2β of the maximal power. The sine‐squared relationship is fundamental in paraxial optics, but its validity has repeatedly been questioned during the last century. It appears that two powers are operative in an oblique meridian, curvital and torsional. Curvital power is responsible for refraction in the plane of the meridian, while the torsional component twists the light out of that plane. Curvital power is the traditional power concept, while torsional power has only recently been described. The long‐standing criticism of the sine‐squared correlation is based on the erroneous assumption that only curvital power is operational in paraxial imagery. Curvital and torsional power are both derived from the sine‐squared correlation. The concept of these dual powers repudiates the criticism and is in complete accordance with paraxial optics.
Spectral optical coherence tomography: a new imaging technique in contact lens practice
Authors: Kałużny Bartłomiej J. , Kaluzny Jakub J. , Szkulmowska Anna , Gorczyńska Iwona , Szkulmowski Maciej , Bajraszewski Tomasz , Targowski Piotr , Kowalczyk Andrzej
Published: February 2006

Purpose:  Spectral optical coherence tomography (SOCT) is a new non‐invasive, non‐contact, high‐resolution technique, which provides cross‐sectional images of objects that weakly absorb and scatter light. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the application of SOCT to imaging of eyes fitted with contact lenses.

Methods:  Nine eyes of six different subjects fitted with various contact lenses have been examined with a slit‐lamp and a prototype SOCT instrument.

Results:  Our SOCT system provides high‐resolution (4–6 μm longitudinal, 10 μm transversal) tomograms composed of 3000–5000 A‐scans with acquisition time of 100–250 ms. The quality of the images is adequate for detailed evaluation of contact lens fit. Design, shape and lens edge position were assessed, and complications of contact lens wear could be visualized. Thickness of the lens, corneal epithelium and stroma as well as the space between the lens and the eye surface have been measured.

Conclusions:  SOCT allows high‐resolution, cross‐sectional visualization of the eye fitted with a contact lens. The ability to carry out a detailed evaluation of the fitting relationship between the lens and the ocular surface might be useful in research and optometric practice. SOCT can also be helpful in diagnosis, evaluation and documentation of contact lens complications.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Gupta Vinod Kumar
Published: February 2006

Comment on Harle, D.E., and Evans, B.J.W. (2005) Frequency doubling technology perimetry and standard automated perimetry in migraine. Ophthal. Physiol. Opt. 25, 233–239.
Infectious keratitis related to orthokeratology
Authors: Sun Xuguang , Zhao Huiying , Deng Shijing , Zhang Yan , Wang Zhiqun , Li Ran , Luo Shiyun , Jin Xiuying
Published: February 2006

Purpose:  To report 28 cases of infectious keratitis related to orthokeratology lens overnight wear in China.

Methods:  From March 2000 to August 2001, 28 cases of infectious keratitis related to overnight orthokeratology lens wear were diagnosed in Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology. These were retrospectively reviewed with regard to the pathogens isolated, duration of wear, the time since onset of symptoms, and age. Cultures of corneal scrapes for bacteria, fungus and Acanthamoeba were performed in all of the 28 cases.

Results:  All cases were students, including 10 males and 18 females, average age was 16 years (range 10–21 years). The duration of orthokeratology overnight wearing was from 2 weeks to 2 years. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) on initial examination in our institute was from 20/200 to light perception. Of 28 isolates, 24 were culture positive (including 11 bacteria, 11 Acanthamoeba and two fungi), and four were culture negative. In two of the four culture negative cases, Acanthamoeba cysts were detected in the corneal stroma with the confocal microscope. Acanthamoeba and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 75% (21 of 28) of the cases of infectious keratitis.

Conclusion:  Infectious keratitis is a severe complication associated with overnight orthokeratology lens wear. Ophthalmologists should pay more attention to this complication in practice.