bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE CLASSIFICATION AND THE NATURAL COURSE OF THE STRAWBERRY MARK
Authors: Nakayama Hiroko
Published: April 2015

Approximately 1250 cases of strawberry mark were encountered during a 16‐year period. The lesions were classified into three major types, (1) plaque type (d), (2) tumor type (Ds, DS, dS) and (3) subcutaneous type (S). The frequency of each clinical type (d, Ds, DS, dS, S) was studied for 1000 lesions. The plaque type was the first in frequency (57%) and the tumor type was the next (40%). The subcutaneous type was much less frequent (3%). The tendency toward spontaneous regression was studied for 308 lesions in 255 cases, which revealed differences in the natural course among clinical types. Lesions of the plaque and subcutaneous types regress with good end results. Those of the tumor type often regress incompletely. The prognosis of a lesion can be predicted fairly well once its clinical type is known. The clinical features of residual lesions have been briefly described. They are telangiectasia, skin redundancy with wrinkles, and protuberance. Histological investigation of 65 lesions in 62 cases including residual lesions showed hyaline degeneration in capillary walls. The pathological aspects of spontaneous regression have also been discussed.
GEOGRAPHICAL PATTERN OF PEMPHIGUS IN NORTH INDIA
Authors: Sehgal V.N. , Bharija S.C. , Sharma A.K. , Bikhchandani R. , Koranne R.V.
Published: April 2015

A clinical analysis of 70 patients suffering from various types of pemphigus is presented. It revealed a characteristic morphology, and occurrence in a relatively younger age group. Sex had hardly any impact on the disease. Pemphigus vulgaris constituted the largest group. Corticosteroids were the mainstay of its treatment although both lower initial and maintenance dosages were needed in our patients in contrast to those of the standard literature.
IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE STUDY OF DRUG‐INDUCED LICHEN PLANUS‐LIKE LESIONS
Authors: Watanabe Chiyeko , Hayashi Tsutomu , Kawada Akihiro
Published: April 2015

Using an immunofluorescence technique, we investigated lesions of drug‐induced lichen planus‐like lesions from patients. In addition, a comparative study of idiopathic lichen planus from thirteen patients was made.

Deposits of fibrinogen along the epidermal basement zone, IgM, and less often IgA, IgG, C1q and C3 on the colloid bodies were found in drug‐induced lichen planus‐like lesions. Similar deposits of immunoglobulins and complements were noted in 2 of 3 lesions developed by successful provocation tests. Deposits of fibrinogen were also demonstrated in all 3 lesions. However, no circulating antibodies directed toward the epidermal basement zone or other skin components were detected. No elevation of circulating immune complex levels was noted.

Immunofluorescence findings in drug‐induced lichen planus‐like lesions were essentially identical to those in idiopathic lichen planus. This indicates that both conditions share a common disease process.
TREATMENT OF ERYTHEMATOUS DERMATOSES WITH POTASSIUM IODIDE
Authors: Horio Takeshi , Danno Kiichiro , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Miyachi Yoshiki , Furukawa Fukumi , Imamura Sadao
Published: April 2015

Forty‐seven patients with various erythematous dermatoses were treated with systemic administration of potassium iodide. There were fifteen patients with erythema nodosum, ten with nodular vasculitis, fourteen with erythema multiforme, and eight with Sweet's syndrome. Potassium iodide was dramatically effective in a substantial number of cases. In responsive patients, improvement of the cutaneous changes was evident within a few days. The effect of the drug was impressive in patients with lesional tenderness, joint pains, and/or high fever. Relief of these subjective symptoms occurred within twenty‐four hours.

The possible mode of the action of potassium iodide and pathogenesis of erythematous dermatoses were also discussed.
ANTIACTIVATOR IN PLASMA OF PATIENTS WITH BEHÇET'S DISEASE
Authors: Tsushima Hirofumi , Toki Naotika
Published: April 2015

In the present study, it was confirmed for the first time that the plasminogen activator activity in the euglobulin fraction could be determined by the Testzym method using chromozyme S‐2251. Antiactivators in plasma of patients with Behçet's disease, who showed decreased blood fibrinolytic activity, could be precipitated together with the activator in the euglobulin fraction. It was confirmed that the antiactivator was inhibited by dextran sulfate.
POLYMORPHIC TYPE OF XANTHOMATOSIS IN ASSOCIATION WITH IgA MYELOMA
Authors: Hagiyama Masaharu , Arima Terukatsu , Arata Jiro , Namba Koji , Murakami Motoo , Inamizu Mariko , Nishimoto Masayoshi
Published: April 2015

Clinical and immunochemical findings were reported from a 36‐year‐old woman with multiple xanthomas of various clinical types (plane xanthoma, tubero‐tendinous, papulo‐eruptive and follicular xanthomas), multiple myeloma (IgA, type L), and hyperlipemia with markedly elevated levels of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. A bone marrow specimen showed foam cells and atypical plasma cell proliferation.

Lipoprotein‐IgA complexes were thought to exist in the serum of this patient on gel filtration and micro‐ouchterlony test. Cutaneous xanthomas associated with multiple myeloma are plane xanthomas in most of the reported cases. Combination of several different types of xanthomas has been reported in only three cases, all of which were associated with IgA myeloma.
INDUSTRIAL CONTACT DERMATITIS DUE TO NITRO AND AMINO DERIVATIVES
Authors: Naniwa Shiro
Published: April 2015

Using guinea pigs sensitized with 2‐amino‐4‐chlorophenol, cross sensitization between this compound and para‐aminophenol derivatives was studied. The results of the patch test showed no evidence of cross sensitization; however, the leucocyte adherence inhibition test suggested that cross sensitization may occur.
DISTRIBUTION OF GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN DERMAL CONNECTIVE TISSUE FROM SCLERODERMA PATIENTS
Authors: Tajima Shingo , Nishikawa Takeji , Hatano Hitoshi , Nagai Yutaka
Published: April 2015

Lesional skin specimens from scleroderma patients were sliced horizontally into three layers. The ratio of hyaluronic acid to dermatan sulfate in each layer was analyzed. The ratios in each layer of scleroderma skin were lower than those in the corresponding layers of normal skin and the lowest value was found in the bottom layer of scleroderma skin. The possible involvement of glycosaminoglycan metabolism in the pathophysiology of scleroderma is discussed.
SYRINGOMAS OF THE CLEAR CELL TYPE—AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL OBSERVATION—
Authors: Yamasaki Yuuichiro , Toda Michiko , Kitamura Keijiro
Published: April 2015

A case of a 72‐year‐old female with multiple syringomas of the clear cell type is reported. Ultrastructural observations revealed the following findings: 1) The tumor cells had the ordinary morphological features of usual syringoma cells. 2) The clear cells were rich in glycogen granules and various vacuoles. 3) Massive accumulations of glycogen granules surrounded by the unit membrane were occasionally observed. These electron microscopic findings were compatible with the light microscopic appearance of the clear cells. The tumor cells possessing characteristic clear cytoplasm can speculatively be regarded as altered syringoma cells with glycogen accumulation. The abnormal accumulation of the glycogen granules might be due to a kind of disorganized metabolism caused by diabetes mellitus in the syringoma cells.
Clq‐BINDING SUBSTANCES IN PEMPHIGUS
Authors: Miyagawa Sachiko , Morita Michiko , Sakamoto Kuniki
Published: April 2015

Serial serum samples from sixteen patients with pemphigus were assayed for Clq binding activity (ClqBA) using a modified solid phase Clq binding assay. The modification included use of horseradish peroxidase instead of 125I or 131I. ClqBA was detected in six of the sixteen patients. Sequential samples from those positive patients demonstrated a decrease in ClqBA in response to steroid therapy.
SYMPATHETIC GANGLION BLOCK THERAPY FOR HERPES ZOSTER
Authors: Toyama Nozomu
Published: April 2015

Stellate ganglion block and epidural block have been found to be beneficial for the treatment of herpes zoster, especially for the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia.
TYROSINASE AND γ‐GLUTAMYL TRANSPEPTIDASE IN 5‐S‐CYSTEINYLDOPA GENESIS WITHIN MELANOTIC AND AMELANOTIC MELANOMAS
Authors: Mojamdar Manoj , Ichihashi Masamitsu , Mishima Yutaka
Published: April 2015

The roles of tyrosinase and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GTP) in 5‐S‐cysteinyldopa (5‐S‐CD) genesis in melanotic and amelanotic melanoma cells has been investigated in vitro and in vivo. Complete inhibition of tyrosinase by 10–3 M diethyl dithiocarbamate has been found to partially inhibit dopa‐cysteine dependent 5‐S‐CD genesis by cultured melanoma cells. On the other hand iodoacetamide, an inhibitor of γ‐GTP, has been found to completely inhibit dopa‐glutathione dependent 5‐S‐CD genesis by these cells. Melanotic melanoma has been found to be rich in tyrosinase and γ‐GTP activity. In contrast, the amelanotic melanoma studied here was found to lack tyrosinase activity and to have very little γ‐GTP activity. The sub‐cellular distribution of these enzymes in melanotic melanoma cells has revealed that while the melanosome‐rich fraction is high in tyrosinase activity, it contains no substantial γ‐GTP activity. These findings indicate that 5‐S‐CD can form non‐enzymically in vitro from dopa and cysteine. Further, it also provides evidence that γ‐GTP is the enzyme that converts glutathione‐dopa to 5‐S‐CD within melanoma cells.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ULTRASTRUCTURE AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS BEFORE AND
Authors: Fixation After , Kimura Shunji , Harada Reiko
Published: April 2015

In order to clarify the effects of tissue processing on the ultrastructure and immunological properties of human papilloma virus (HPV), HPV particles were studied comparatively by negative staining and immunofluorescence (IF) technique before and after processing with various fixatives, such as formalin (F), ethanol (E), formalin and ethanol (FE), and formalin, ethanol, xylol and ethanol (FEXE). No significant ultrastructural alterations were demonstrated after processing with F, but considerable alterations were seen with E and FE. IF studies using antiserum against raw HPV revealed a remarkable decrease in specific fluorescence (SF) after processing with F or FEXE, and the disappearance of SF with E alone. However, IF studies using antiserum against formalin‐processed HPV revealed identical SF before and after processing with F or FEXE. From these findings, it is concluded that the ultrastructure of HPV may to some degree be altered by usual tissue processing, and that the reactivity of HPV to the antiserum is most seriously affected by formalin fixation of the tissue processing methods employed in preparing deparaffinized sections.
REITER'S DISEASE
Authors: Sehgal V.N. , Koranne R.V. , Basumatary R.K. , Vishwakarma G.K. , Singh A.K. , Raj Gita Ashok
Published: April 2015

A case of Reiter's disease in a twenty‐four year old male is described. He developed deformities of the big joints twelve years prior to the appearance of the skin eruptions. The clinical and radiological findings were fairly conclusive.
BARIUM GRANULOMA
Authors: Ishii Yoshimitsu , Inoue Shouhei , Kikuchi Ichiro , Taketomi Isao
Published: April 2015

A foreign body granuloma was produced subcutaneously after a golf ball exploded and a portion was injected into the skin. X‐ray diffractiometry and histological examination suggested that it was a barium granuloma.
EXPERIMENTAL DRUG‐INDUCED RASH AND SYSTEMIC CUTANEOUS BASOPHIL HYPERSENSITIVITY
Authors: Kitamura Kazuko , Ikezawa Zenro , Murakami Junko , Nagai Ryukichi
Published: April 2015

Guinea pigs immunized with antibiotics (sodium cephalothin, CET) developed a systemic, delayed‐onset rash or so called generalized rash (GR) when challenged intraperitoneally with large amounts of CET seven weeks later.

Skin test reactivity and GR intensity were most prominent at 24 hours. Microscopically, skin test reactions and flare‐up lesions of old skin test sites during GR were characterized by the onset of dermal infiltration of lymphocytes, striking dilatation and compaction of superficial venules at 24 hours, and papillary dermal infiltration of basophils at 48 hours.

In addition, the animals that developed GR exhibited eosinophilia at 24 hours, which was followed by basophilia at 48 hours.

GR developed with large doses of CET has properties similar to the so called SCBH designated by H.F. Dvorak.

This experimental model may serve as a useful model for drug reactions in man which may involve SCBH.
HERPES GESTATIONIS ASSOCIATED WITH ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
Authors: Miyagawa Sachiko , Yoshioka Junko , Morita Michiko , Sakamoto Kuniki
Published: April 2015

A patient with herpes gestationis associated with ectopic pregnancy is reported. She had circulating antibodies against basement membrane zone (BMZ) antigens of skin, in vivo deposition of IgG and complement components in a linear pattern along the BMZ of lesional skin, and positive herpes gestationis factor activity. Herpes gestationis associated with ectopic pregnancy has not been previously reported.
CLINICAL FEATURES AND AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF EHLERS‐DANLOS SYNDROME TYPE II
Authors: Igarashi Minoru , Katsumata Makiko , Masu Shin‐Ichi , Seiji Makoto , Watanabe Nikichi
Published: April 2015

Histopathological and ultrastructural studies were carried out on a case of a 4‐year‐old boy with type II Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome. The patient showed velvety skin, hyperelasticity of the skin, and mild hypermobility of the joints. Histopathologically, numerous very fine collagen fibers were observed in the dermis, and no recognisable group substance was found. Ultrastructurally, abnormal collagen fibrils with irregular profiles were interspersed in the reticular dermis. However, their periodic band pattern was that of normal skin collagen. It is supposed that these abnormalities of fibrils are due to abnormalities of collagen fibrillogenesis.
ROLLED HAIRS AND HYPERTRICHOSIS
Authors: Maekawa Yoshihiro , Kito Masato , Hiramatsu Rhyoji
Published: April 2015

A 15 year old Japanese girl, who had suffered from juvenile hypothyroidism noted hypertrichosis and hyperkeratosis on her back and extensor aspects of upper arms. Rolled hairs were seen under a thin transluscent horny layer. These rolled hairs were produced by a follicular plug of keratin which inhibited growing miniature hairs.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE STUDIES OF MEISSNER'S CORPUSCLES IN HUMAN SKIN, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ALTERATIONS CAUSED BY AGING
Authors: Matsuoka Susumu , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Morioka Sadao , Ogawa Yoshiaki , Kojima Tokuzo
Published: April 2015

We observed age‐related changes in Meissner's corpuscles, one type of cutaneous sensory receptor, in subjects ranging from their 20s to their 70s.

Nerve fibers in Meissner's corpuscles were observed by the silver impregnation technique. They changed morphologically with aging. Meissner's corpuscles are supplied by one to four myelinated nerve fibers, most frequently one or two, from the lower portion, and, most densely, from the basal portion. By morphometric analyses, the size of Meissner's corpuscles was found to increase with aging, but to decrease during the 70s. Furthermore, this size change depends upon the size of the lamellar cells in the direction of the long axis, and, among subjects in their 60s, in the direction of the short axis as well.

The shape of Meissner's corpuscles becomes more complicated with age due to twisted alterations. This change occurs markedly during the 60s.
IMPROVED METHODS FOR THE DEMONSTRATION OF TREPONEMA PALLIDUM IN THE TISSUES
Authors: Nakamura Shinichi , Ito Fumiyuki , Nakamura Saeko , Onda Shutaro
Published: April 2015

Silver stains are well known as reliable for demonstrating Treponema pallida (T.P.) in the tissues, but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish T.P. from the tissue elements in tissue sections. We now present a new method for demonstrating T.P. in the tissues using FTA‐ABS complement staining and scanning electron microscopy in the same materials embedded in paraffin.
ANTIGEN IN CONTACT SENSITIVITY
Authors: Oka Daisuke , Nakagawa Shojiro , Ueki Hiroaki , Kumon Hiromi , Ohmori Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

The distribution of DNP groups on epidermal single cells and epidermal sheets prepared from the skin of guinea pigs three hours after painting with 5% DNCB‐ethanol solution was examined by scanning immunoelectron microscopy using bacteriophage T4 as a visual marker. The study showed that DNP groups were distributed diffusely on the surface of epidermal cells, in particular keratinocytes, and suggests that DNCB may bind to the surface components of epidermal cells when painted on the skin.
COLLAGEN POLYMORPHISM: TYPE V COLLAGEN IN NEUROFIBROMA
Authors: Shinkai Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Three types of collagen were found in neurofibroma tumor tissue from a patient with neurofibromatosis (Von Recklinghausen's disease). Two of them were determined to be type I and type III collagen by CM‐cellulose chromatography and SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The third matched a membrane type collagen from amnionic and chorionic membrane of human placenta in its elution profile during CM‐cellulose chromatography and its electrophoretic patterns on SDS‐polyacrylamide gel. This collagen was precipitated with 3.6‐4.0 M NaCl at neutral pH after limited pepsin digestion. It was composed of two components with molecular weights of approximately 110K and 125K daltons. These collagenous constituents had a high content of hydroxylysine linked disaccharide units (glucosylgalactose) and were resistant to reduction. They were digested by bacterial collagenase (EC 3.4.24.3) but resisted tadpole collagenase (EC 3.4.24.7).
TRANSEPITHELIAL ELIMINATION OF NEVUS CELL NESTS
Authors: Yuki Naokata , Shitara Atsuyuki , Ito Masaaki , Sato Yoshio
Published: April 2015

Three hundred and three biopsy specimens of nevocellular nevus were histologically examined from the point of view of the elimination phenomenon. Transepidermal elimination of nevus cell nests was observed in 6 cases. The incidence ratio of the elimination phenomenon was 5.4% in 111 nevi with junctional activity. There was a correlation between histological type of nevocellular nevus and patient age. With aging, the number of cases of both compound and junctional types tended to decrease, whereas the proportion of the intradermal type tended to increase. The elimination phenomenon may play an important role in the histological transition of nevocellular nevus with aging.
POSSIBILITY OF PASSIVE TRANSFER OF COLD URTICARIA TO GUINEA PIGS
Authors: Katayama Ichiro , Doi Toshiaki , Nishioka Kiyoshi
Published: April 2015

Serum from one out of six patients with idiopathic acquired cold urticaria produced a short lived edematous reaction in the pinna of guinea pigs 24 hours after intradermal injection of the patient's serum and subsequent cold challenge. No relationship was observed between the transfer activity and IgE titer or atopic status.
THE SO‐CALLED MOBILE ENCAPSULATED LIPOMA
Authors: Kikuchi Ichiro , Okazaki Michiharu , Narahara Shin‐Ichiro
Published: April 2015

The so‐called mobile encapsulated lipoma of Sahl was seen in a 10‐year‐old boy. It was characterized by a distinct eosinophilic capsule containing degenerating fatty tissue which was separating or had separated from the neighboring tissue. It appeared to be a type of adiponecrosis, not a lipoma.
LIPID PEROXIDATION AND RADICAL FORMATION IN METHYL LINOLEATE FOLLOWING ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT EXPOSURE
Authors: Sugiyama Masayasu , Kajiyama Kiminori , Hidaka Toshihiro , Kumano Shuji , Ogura Ryohei
Published: April 2015

To gain information useful in understanding radical reactions of sunlight‐induced lipid peroxidation in the skin, methyl linoleate (ML) was used as a material for a study of electron spin resonance (ESR). The ESR spectrum of ML exposed to UV light was examined under aerobic and anaerobic conditions at low temperature. No ESR signal was detected from the unexposed ML, even at —150°C. However, exposure to UV resulted in the appearance of an ESR signal at —150°C. With the elevation of temperature from —150°C, the ESR signal became asymmetric in shape and the g value increased under aerobic conditions, but these alterations did not occur under anaerobic conditions. Lipid peroxidation through a radical reaction initiated by UV exposure was discussed.
A CASE OF SCLERODERMA ASSOCIATED WITH PITUITARY TUMOR
Authors: Kohchiyama Akira , Hatamochi Atsushi , Ueki Hiroaki
Published: April 2015

A 46‐year‐old man had sclerosis of the skin of the hands, face and upper back, sclerodactyly, contracture of finger joints, well‐defined erythema of palms, pigmentation over the whole body with depigmentation, multiple morphea, telangiectasia, muscular atrophy, and loss of axillary and pubic hair as well as a visual field defect. A skull X‐ray and brain CT scan revealed a pituitary tumor. Hormonal examination revealed a marked decrease in the secretory reserves of HGH, LH and FSH. The relationship between the hormonal effect of the pituitary tumor and the occurrence of scleroderma was discussed.
PATHOGENETIC STUDIES IN BULLOUS PEMPHIGOID—REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND OUR OWN RESULTS
Authors: Haustein Uwe‐Frithjof , Lohrisch Ingo , Herrmann Konrad
Published: April 2015

Bullous pemphigoid (bP) is a blister‐forming disease, probably of autoimmune nature. Its genetic background has not been established yet. Associations with other autoimmune diseases and, to some extend, with malignant tumors are noteworthy. The blisters are located subepidermally in the lamina lucida between the cytoplasmic membrane of the basal cells and the lamina densa of the basement membrane. The bP antigen, which is produced by basal cells, serves as an attachment factor and can be liberated into the blister fluid, probably by serine proteases from leucocytes. The formation of antigen‐antibody complexes is favoured afterwards. Freely circulating bP antibodies, mostly of the IgG class, are fixed in the skin tissue in vivo and in vitro and bind complement. Components of the classical complement pathway as well as of the amplification loop are activated locally in the skin tissue and fixed. The content of immune complexes is increased in the serum and in the blister fluid. They partially consist of specific bP antigen‐antibody complexes. The determination of the entire bP antibody titer (after immune complex splitting) correlates well with the clinical course of the disease.

Chemotactic factors for neutrophils and eosinophils are released into the blister fluid after complement activation, so that leucocyte attraction is mediated. Deviations of humoral and cellular immune reactivity have not been studied sufficiently. There might be an immune modulating effect of immune complexes and other serum factors on T‐lymphocytes due to steric hindrance of surface receptors. In vivo and in vitro models in rabbit cornea, skin explants, and frozen sectioned skin tissue suggest that the interaction of circulating bP antibodies with the bP antigen followed by complement activation and attraction of neutrophils might be the primary immunopathological mechanism, producing an immune complex mediated inflammation.
Adolescence Mycosis Fungoides: An Unusual Presentation with Hypopigmentation
Authors: El‐Hoshy Khaled , Hashimoto Ken
Published: April 2015

Mycosis fungoides (M.F.) is a rare cutaneous malignancy of childhood and adolescence. The disease commonly presents with the classic sequence of erythematous patches and plaques. Hypopigmentation as the presenting symptom is distinctly rare. This is the 9th case report of M.F. presenting with hypopigmentation in a patient under 20 years of age. The disease was only partially controlled with PUVA therapy, necessitating nitrogen mustard treatment.
Se redefinen las fronteras de las relaciones laborales. Aportaciones desde Sudáfrica
Authors: WEBSTER Edward
Published: April 2015

Las turbulentas relaciones laborales sudafricanas posapartheid y otras protestas sociales más generales ponen de manifiesto los retos que afrontan los sistemas de relaciones laborales en el mundo, sugiriendo cómo podrían reconfigurarse en el futuro. Los sindicatos tradicionales siguen sin las respuestas a la marginación, la desigualdad y la pobreza que les capacitarían para integrar a los trabajadores actualmente excluidos del movimiento sindical. Mientras tanto, la globalización posibilita nuevas formas de organización e innovación institucional. Según el autor, el desenlace dependerá de cómo respondan los actores principales del ámbito laboral a los trabajadores marginados del mundo.
Improving awareness, knowledge and heart‐related lifestyle of coronary heart disease among working population through a mHealth programme: study protocol
Authors: Wang Wenru , Zhang Hui , Lopez Violeta , Wu Vivien Xi , Poo Danny Chiang Choon , Kowitlawakul Yanika
Published: April 2015

Aim

To develop a mHealth programme, entitled ‘Care4Heart’ for the working population in Singapore and thereafter examine its feasibility and effectiveness in increasing the awareness and knowledge of coronary heart disease and improving their heart‐related lifestyle.

Background

Teaching and encouraging the working population to adopt a healthier lifestyle could result in preventing and/or decreasing the incidence of coronary heart disease among this population. The use of mobile application (app) is the next logical wave of healthcare support tools to prevent and manage chronic diseases like coronary heart disease.

Design

A quasi‐experimental longitudinal study design.

Methods

The study will be conducted in a tertiary university in Singapore. A non‐probability, quota sampling of 200 participants will be recruited including 100 academic and research staff, 50 administrative staff and 50 support staff and business owners. Once consent is obtained, the newly developed mobile app will be installed onto the participants’ smartphones and a well‐trained research assistant will brief the participant on the use of the app. The main outcomes will be measured using the survey questionnaires: Awareness of coronary heart disease, Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire‐2, Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System and Perceived Stress Scale. Data will be collected at baseline and at the 4th week and 6th month thereafter.

Discussion

If this project is successful, Care4Heart – a mHealth and novel prevention educational programme for the working population in Singapore – can be used to promote knowledge and positive heart‐related lifestyle changes to prevent coronary heart disease.
Impacts of nest predators and weather on reproductive success and population limitation in a long‐distance migratory songbird
Authors: Sherry Thomas W. , Wilson Scott , Hunter Sarah , Holmes Richard T.
Published: April 2015

Although avian nesting success is much studied, little is known about the relative importance of the factors that contribute to annual reproductive success and population limitation, especially for long‐distance migratory songbird species. We combined a field experiment limiting access to nests by mammalian predators with modeling of long‐term field data of American redstarts (Parulidae:Setophaga ruticilla) to assess the effects of multiple environmental variables on breeding success and population limitation. Experimental treatment (baffles placed around tree boles beneath active nests; n = 71) increased nesting success of this single‐brooded species significantly (77 vs 50% in controls; n = 343), demonstrating that scansorial mammals, primarily red squirrelsTamiasciurus hudsonicusand eastern chipmunksTamias striatus, reduced reproductive success. Based on unbaffled nests (n = 466), daily nest survival varied annually, and was positively influenced by May temperature and negatively by sciurid nest predator abundance. Daily nest survival was also influenced positively by June rainfall, and declined with nest age but not with calendar date. Since nest failure was overwhelmingly caused by nest predation, these significant climate and nest‐age effects in our models are indirect, likely influencing nest predator and/or nesting bird behaviors that in turn influenced nest predation. Redstart population density had no effect on nesting success, after accounting for other factors. Annual reproductive success accounted for 34% of the variability in annual population change in redstarts in our study area. Our findings document 1) breeding season population limitation in this species, 2) a link between tree masting and bird population dynamics via mammal population fluctuations, 3) the independent contributions of summer versus winter population processes in a migratory species, and 4) the potential complexity of climate‐biotic interactions.
No change in common cuckooCuculus canorusparasitism and great reed warblers’Acrocephalus arundinaceusegg rejection after seven decades
Authors: Zölei Anikó , Bán Miklós , Moskát Csaba
Published: April 2015

The coevolutionary process among avian brood parasites and their hosts involves stepwise changes induced by the antagonistic selection pressures of one on the other. As long‐term data on an evolutionary scale is almost impossible to obtain, most studies can only show snapshots of such processes. Information on host behaviour, such as changes in egg rejection rates and the methods of rejection are scarce. In Hungary there is an interesting case between the common cuckooCuculus canorusand the great reed warblerAcrocephalus arundinaceus, where the level of parasitism is unusually high (around 50%). We compared host rejection rates and methods of rejection from within our own project to that of an early study carried out and published almost 70 yr ago in the same region. Our comparisons revealed high and stable rates of parasitism (range: 52–64%), and marked fluctuations in the ratio of multiply parasitized nests (range: 24–52%). No difference was revealed in egg rejection rates after 7 decades (34–39%). Linear mixed‐effects modelling revealed no year effect on the type host responses toward the parasitic egg(s) during the years of study (categorized as acceptance, ejection, burial, and nest desertion). Cuckoo egg rejection was primarily affected by the type of parasitism, as more cuckoo eggs were rejected during single parasitism than from multiply parasitized nests. Our comparison did not reveal any directional changes in this cuckoo–host relationship, except a slight decrease in the frequency of multiple parasitism, which is likely to be independent from coevolutionary processes.
Family‐Style Dining on a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit: A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Weight Changes in Patients
Authors: Praglowski Nancy
Published: April 2015

Background

Improving nutritional standards for children has become a national health initiative. However, children who are hospitalized are often at additional risk for poor nutrition and diet. Following a change to family‐style dining, nursing staff noted significant patient weight changes. We undertook a quality improvement project to address this issue and promote healthy weight maintenance.

Methods

Nursing staff requested changes to the types of foods served and placed limits on how much patients were permitted to eat. We also developed a nutrition group to educate the patients on healthy food choices.

Results

We were able to reduce weight changes in patients on our unit from a mean change of 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) to a mean change of 0.01 kg (0.027 lb).

Conclusions

Patient education, healthy food offerings, and limiting the amount of food eaten at meals had positive outcomes on patient weights during a child and adolescent psychiatry hospitalization.
Physicochemical Properties and Determination of Key Instrumental Quality Measurement Parameters of Frozen‐Cooked Rice by Correlating Consumer Acceptance
Authors: Kwak Han Sub , Kim Misook , Jeong Yoonhwa
Published: April 2015

Physicochemical properties and consumer evaluation of frozen‐cooked rice made in five rice varieties were investigated. Rice quality evaluation, physicochemical analyses, rapid viscometer analysis, texture measurements and mechanical sensory measurements were conducted. Consumer acceptance test was conducted with 51 consumers. Consumer acceptance ratings were highly correlated with hardness (r = −0.849) and stickiness (r = 0.958) of texture. Toyo taste value was highly correlated with consumer acceptance (r = 0.726), but eating quality measurement was not correlated with consumer acceptance (r = −0.018). Partial least square regression between mechanical parameters and consumer acceptance ratings showed which mechanical measurements have more influence on the determination of consumer acceptance of frozen‐cooked rice. There were two positive instrumental indicators – ratio of cracked kernel and stickiness – and two negative ones – breakdown of rapid viscometer analysis and hardness. These mechanical parameters can be used as primary indices to screen rice varieties for high quality frozen‐cooked rice.

Practical Applications

There were many mechanical indicators in determining the quality of raw rice and cooked rice. However, there was no study that indicates that mechanical indicators are the key factors representing consumer acceptance of frozen‐cooked rice in the overall aspects of these indicators. Four mechanical indicators – ratio of cracked kernel, stickiness, hardness and breakdown of rapid viscosity analysis – showed higher influence on the consumer acceptance of frozen‐cooked rice. Applying these indicators would reduce the amount of cultivar screening efforts to select proper rice varieties for frozen‐cooked rice processing.
Evaluation of the Dynamics of Microbiological Quality in Lightly Pickled Napa Cabbages During Manufacture
Authors: Masuda Kazuya , Yamamoto Shiori , Kubota Kunihiro , Kurazono Hisao , Makino Sou‐ichi , Kasuga Fumiko , Igimi Shizunobu , Asakura Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Following a large outbreak of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 infection in 2012, the prerequisite program for the production of pickles in Japan was revised to include disinfection with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). Here, we examined the indicator bacterial counts, incidence of STEC and Salmonella spp. (by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] screening), and bacterial community composition (by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing analysis) from the intermediate products and the related facilities at a collaborative factory to evaluate the dynamics of microbial quality in lightly pickled vegetables during the manufacturing process following the revised program. Plate counts showed a significant reduction in coliform counts throughout processing, whereas the reduction in total viable counts was relatively less than that of coliforms. No STEC and Salmonella spp. were recovered from any of the samples. 16S rRNA pyrosequencing analysis revealed the process‐by‐process alteration of bacterial community composition in which the yields of Pseudomonas spp. were drastically affected by soaking in high concentration of NaCl. In summary, we demonstrate that the revised prerequisite program is indeed functional to reduce the microbial risks.

Practical Applications

Fresh or minimally processed produce are common vehicles of foodborne pathogens that have been responsible for several outbreaks worldwide. Through the use of indicator bacterial counts in combination with a metagenomic approach, we could trace the process‐by‐process dynamics of bacterial community composition. Information and relief provided to manufacturers/consumers could help improve public health and food safety.
Drebrin depletion alters neurotransmitter receptor levels in protein complexes, dendritic spine morphogenesis and memory‐related synaptic plasticity in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Jung Gangsoo , Kim Eun‐Jung , Cicvaric Ana , Sase Sunetra , Gröger Marion , Höger Harald , Sialana Fernando Jayson , Berger Johannes , Monje Francisco J. , Lubec Gert
Published: April 2015

Drebrin an actin‐bundling key regulator of dendritic spine genesis and morphology, has been recently proposed as a regulator of hippocampal glutamatergic activity which is critical for memory formation and maintenance. Here, we examined the effects of genetic deletion of drebrin on dendritic spine and on the level of complexes containing major brain receptors. To this end, homozygous and heterozygous drebrin knockout mice generated in our laboratory and related wild‐type control animals were studied. Level of protein complexes containing dopamine receptor D1/dopamine receptor D2, 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5‐HT1AR), and 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 (5‐HT7R) were significantly reduced in hippocampus of drebrin knockout mice whereas no significant changes were detected for GluR1, 2, and 3 and NR1 as examined by native gel‐based immunoblotting. Drebrin depletion also altered dendritic spine formation, morphology, and reduced levels of dopamine receptor D1 in dendritic spines as evaluated using immunohistochemistry/confocal microscopy. Electrophysiological studies further showed significant reduction in memory‐related hippocampal synaptic plasticity upon drebrin depletion. These findings provide unprecedented experimental support for a role of drebrin in the regulation of memory‐related synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter receptor signaling, offer relevant information regarding the interpretation of previous studies and help in the design of future studies on dendritic spines.

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We examined effect of genetic deletion of drebrin, which an actin‐bundling key regulator of dendritic spine genesis and morphology, on dendritic spine density, maturity, level of complexes containing major brain receptors and also, in synaptic plasticity. These findings support for a role of drebrin in the regulation of memory‐related synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter receptors signaling in dendritic spines.
Catfish Gonadotrophins: Cellular Origin, Structural Properties and Physiology
Authors: Chaube R. , Joy K. P. , Acharjee A.
Published: April 2015

Gonadotrophins (GTHs) play a central role in the regulation of gametogenesis and spawning. The structural duality of the GTHs [luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH)] is established in fishes with the exception of ancestral vertebrates. Most studies indicate that, in teleosts, the GTHs are secreted in separate cells. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the common α‐subunit of the GTHs (and also of thyroid‐stimulating hormone) and LHβ are highly conserved in fishes, as in tetrapods. However, FSHβ shows considerable divergence in teleosts. There may be 12 or 13 cysteine residues, with an additional one near the N‐terminus. There may be one or two N‐linked glycolsyation sites. In catfishes, there are 13 cysteine residues and one N‐linked glycosylation site. In an extreme situation, a potential glycosylation site is lacking in some fishes. Both FSH and LH receptors are characterised in teleosts. The FSH receptor is promiscuous and can be cross‐activated by LH. By contrast, the LH receptor is highly selective, being activated by its natural ligand or by heterologous ligands (e.g. human chorionic gonadotrophin). Consequently, teleosts show different patterns of LH and FSH secretion. In catfishes, in the absence of native FSH protein, LH controls all aspects of reproduction, from early gametogenesis to spawning.
Medial gastrocnemius muscle growth during adolescence is mediated by increased fascicle diameter rather than by longitudinal fascicle growth
Authors: Weide Guido , Huijing Peter A. , Maas Josina C. , Becher Jules G. , Harlaar Jaap , Jaspers Richard T.
Published: April 2015

Using a cross‐sectional design, the purpose of this study was to determine how pennate gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle geometry changes as a function of adolescent age. Sixteen healthy adolescent males (aged 10–19 years) participated in this study. GM muscle geometry was measured within the mid‐longitudinal plane obtained from a 3D voxel‐array composed of transverse ultrasound images. Images were taken at footplate angles corresponding to standardised externally applied footplate moments (between 4 Nm plantar flexion and 6 Nm dorsal flexion). Muscle activity was recorded using surface electromyography (EMG), expressed as a percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC). To minimise the effects of muscle excitation, EMG inclusion criteria were set at < 10% of MVC. In practice, however, normalised EMG levels were much lower. For adolescent subjects with increasing ages, GM muscle (belly) length increased due to an increase in the length component of the physiological cross‐sectional area measured within the mid‐longitudinal plane. No difference was found between fascicles at different ages, but the aponeurosis length and pennation angle increased by 0.5 cm year−1 and 0.5 ° per year, respectively. Footplate angles corresponding to externally applied 0 and 4 Nm plantarflexion moments were not associated with different adolescent ages. In contrast, footplate angles corresponding to externally applied 4 and 6 Nm dorsal flexion moments decreased by 10 ° between 10 and 19 years. In conclusion, we found that in adolescents' pennate GM muscles, longitudinal muscle growth is mediated predominantly by increased muscle fascicle diameter.
How quickly do interviewers reach decisions? An examination of interviewers' decision‐making time across applicants
Authors: Frieder Rachel E. , Van Iddekinge Chad H. , Raymark Patrick H.
Published: April 2015

We develop and test a model of factors that may account for how quickly interviewers make decisions about job applicants. Data were collected from 166 interviewers who interviewed applicants (N = 691) at a university career centre. Results revealed that interviewers who possessed more experience and higher interviewing efficacy tended to make quicker decisions, as did interviewers who engaged in more rapport building. In contrast, use of question consistency (a key element of structured interviews) tended to increase the time interviewers took to make their decisions. Consistent with cognitive load theory, interview decision time had a curvilinear relationship with applicant order. Specifically, decision time increased as interviewers progressed through the first few applicants, but after about four applicants, decision time reached an asymptote and then began to decrease as interviewers evaluated additional applicants. These findings have implications for the design of future interview research (e.g., accounting for intra‐interviewer changes in decision‐making time across applicants), as well as for the use of interviews in organizations (e.g., designing interviews and interview schedules that discourage quick decisions).

Practitioner points

The belief that most interviewers make very quick decisions about job applicants may be overstated.

Interviewers with more experience and higher interviewing efficacy tend to make quicker decisions than interviewers with less experience and lower efficacy. Organizations may want to conduct refresher training for interviewers that emphasizes the value of gathering information throughout the entire interview.

The way interviews are designed can promote or inhibit quick decisions. For example, less structured interviews that encourage interviewers to build rapport with applicants at the outset of the interview appear to lead to quicker decisions. In contrast, structured interviews that require interviewers to ask every applicant the same questions appear to discourage quick decisions.

Interviewers tend to take longer to evaluate applicants near the beginning of their interview schedule and take less time to evaluate applicants near the end of their schedule. This may prevent applicants who appear later in the schedule from having a full opportunity to perform. Organizations may benefit from limiting the number of interviews an interviewer conducts in immediate succession to around four, which may decrease reliance on more automatic information processing strategies.
A Comparison of Actual and Preferred Classroom Environments as Perceived by Middle School Students
Authors: Lai Hsiang‐Ru , Chou Wei‐Lun , Miao Nae‐Fang , Wu Yu‐Ping , Lee Pi‐Hsia , Jwo Jiunn‐Chern
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

A good classroom environment can promote students' learning motivation and affect their academic efficacy and adaptation. This study compares the perceptions of Taiwanese middle school students regarding actual and preferred classroom environments and explores the association with sex and grade level.

METHODS

Data were collected using cross‐sectional research design from a national sample of 1932 middle school students. Data of 1897 valid questionnaires from the Chinese Elementary and Middle School Inventory of Classroom Environment were analyzed.

RESULTS

The actual and preferred classroom environments perceived by students differed significantly (p < .001). The overall mean score of actual classroom environment was lower than that of preferred classroom environment. Differences between the actual and preferred environments were greater for girls than for boys (p < .001). Moreover, girls had higher scores than those of boys for both actual (p = .036) and preferred (p < .001) environments. After adjusted for region, seventh‐ and eighth‐grade students had a higher score than that of ninth‐grade students on preferred classroom environment (p = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a gap between the ideal and actual classroom environments. We suggest that the government, schools, and health education teachers improve classroom environments during school health programs to satisfy students' expectations and thus increase their learning efficacy and overall well‐being.
Is the Balanced School Day Truly Balanced? A Review of the Impacts on Children, Families, and School Food Environments
Authors: Wu Theresa F. , Macaskill Lesley A. , Salvadori Marina I. , Dworatzek Paula D. N.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

The Balanced School Day (BSD) is a scheduling policy that has the potential to impact children's food behaviors because students are provided with two 20‐minute eating opportunities versus the traditional 20‐minute lunch.

METHODS

We aim to raise awareness of this grassroots academic policy and its potential consequences to inform future decision making and minimize potential unintended negative health consequences.

RESULTS

While there is limited research on this schedule, it has been shown that there is less time lost in transition from classroom to recess. Perception surveys have shown that principals and custodians are the most satisfied, followed by parents, teachers, and secretaries, with students being the least satisfied. The BSD is also perceived to improve organization of instructional time, playground cleanliness, and student concentration. Despite these purported benefits, there is limited data on the impact of the BSD on children's eating habits, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). While 1 study reported fewer pedometer‐measured step counts during breaks in the BSD, more research is needed on the impact of this alternative schedule on children's food intake and BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

School and public health professionals must advocate for “health impact assessments” to assess the health effects of this policy.