bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lucio's phenomenon: a report of three cases seen in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Choon Siew Eng , Tey Kwee Eng
Published: August 2009

Background  Lucio's phenomenon is a rare and aggressive necrotising variant of erythema nodosum leprosum that classically occur in patients with undiagnosed, diffuse non‐nodular lepromatous leprosy. It is a potentially fatal leprosy reaction characterised by extensive, bizarrely‐shaped, painful purpuric skin lesions and ulcerations. Lucio's phenomenon is very rarely reported outside of Mexico and Costa Rica.

Methods  We describe 3 cases seen in Johor, Malaysia.

Results  The first two cases responded to the prompt simultaneous institution of daily rifampicin, dapsone, clofazimine and prednisolone. Case 3 continued to have new lesions and extension of existing lesions while on dapsone and clofazimine. The subsequent addition of rifampicin and prednisolone prevented new lesion formation but patient succumbed to the extensive cutaneous infarcts and consequent sepsis.

Conclusions  Early diagnosis and prompt institution of multi‐drug therapy together with prednisolone may improve the prognosis and outcome of Lucio's phenomenon.
Disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients – report of three cases
Authors: Galimberti Ricardo , Pontón Anahí , Zaputovich Fatima Agüero , Velasquez Lorna , Galimberti Gaston , Torre Ana , Kowalczuk Alicia
Published: August 2009

Background  Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode of humans. The characteristic cutaneous manifestation of strongyloidiasis is larva currens. Patients with suppressed immunity can develop a severe disseminated strongyloidiasis involving wide spread of the larvae to extraintestinal organs, outside the usual migration pattern. Patients with cell‐mediated immunodeficiency and on corticosteroid therapy appear to be at highest risk for the development of this highly fatal entity.

Methods  We present three patients with disseminated strongyloidiasis. All patients were immunocompromised and were undergoing corticosteroid therapy. Physical examination revealed a rapidly progressive purpuric petechial eruption with a reticulated pattern, mainly over the abdomen.

Results  The histopathologic findings of the skin biopsies revealed a purpuric lymphomonocytic vasculitis that compromised the superficial dermis. In one skin biopsy, a larva was identified. None of our patients had eosinophilia. Strongyloides stercoralis was isolated in the fluid of the three patients, either before or after they died.

Conclusion  The risk of disseminated strongyloidiasis in patients with impaired cell‐mediated immunity is unknown; however, given the poor prognosis of disseminated strongyloidiasis, consideration should be given to the screening of patients at increased risk of infection.
Sweet's syndrome: a retrospective study of 42 admitted patients in a Portuguese hospital
Authors: Borges da Costa João , Silva Raquel , Soares de Almeida Luís , Filipe Paulo , Marques Gomes Manuel
Published: August 2009

Background  Sweet's syndrome is the most common neutrophilic dermatosis, but its pathophysiology is still largely unknown and different subgroups can be defined.

Objectives  To assess the clinical/laboratory factors in a series of patients with Sweet's syndrome and search for significant differences between defined subgroups.

Methods  A retrospective study of inpatient files with this diagnosis was made, and patients were included if they fulfilled the classical diagnostic criteria. Data were analyzed with the SPSS package, with a significance level of 5%.

Results  Forty‐two patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with a median age of 50 years. Females comprised 88% of patients, and disease onset occurred in autumn or spring in over 70% of cases. A previous oropharyngeal infection was described by 38% of patients, and a previous or concomitantly diagnosed neoplasm by 10%. In contrast with the literature, the lower extremities were also involved in the majority of patients, and arthralgia was the most frequent extracutaneous manifestation. On bivariate analysis, in patients who reported a previous oropharyngeal infection, the lesions were significantly more frequent in autumn, and a shorter inpatient stay as well as a lower temperature on admission and lower prevalence of arthralgia were observed in the same group.

Conclusions  The subgroup of patients with a previous oropharyngeal infection had a less severe form of this syndrome.
Onychomycosis infections in the Middle Black Sea Region, Turkey
Authors: Yenişehirli Gülgün , Bulut Yunus , Sezer Engin , Günday Ebru
Published: August 2009

Background  Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, is caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and nondermatophyte molds. The causative pathogen and incidence of onychomycosis depend on age, gender, geographic and climatic conditions, living habits, and immune status of the host.

Aim  To determine the incidence and etiologic agents of onychomycosis in the Middle Black Sea Region, Turkey.

Methods  Two hundred and seventy‐six specimens were collected from patients with suspected onychomycosis during January 2004 to May 2008.

Results  Culture positivity was obtained in 240 of the 276 samples. Dermatophytes were isolated in 225 samples. The most common causative agent of onychomycosis was Trichophyton rubrum (91) (38%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (49) (20.4%), Epidermophyton floccosum (41) (17%), and Trichophyton verrucosum (34) (14.2%). Seven isolates were identified as yeasts (2.9%). Nondermatophyte molds were isolated from eight samples (3.3%).

Conclusions  This survey reveals that the etiologic agents of onychomycosis in our area show large discrepancies from those in other regions of Turkey and Europe.
Why health expectations and hopes are different: the development of a conceptual model
Authors: Leung Karen K. , Silvius James L. , Pimlott Nicholas , Dalziel William , Drummond Neil
Published: August 2009

Background In the literature, ‘hope’ has often been thought of as an ideal expectation. However, we believe the classification of hope as a type of expectation is problematic. Although both hopes and expectations are future‐oriented cognitions, expectations are distinct in that they are an individual’s probability‐driven assessment of the most likely outcomes, while hopes are an assessment of the most desirable – but not necessarily the most probable – outcomes.

Aim This paper presents a conceptual model of the factors that may serve as common antecedents of hopes and expectations, and a mechanism that may mediate their differentiation.

Method Ovid Healthstar and PsycINFO database searches from January 1967 to October 2008 were conducted. An integrative literature review, synthesis and conceptual model development were carried out.

Outcome Our model envisages the differentiation of hope from expectation as a dynamic, longitudinal process consisting of three phases: appraisal of possible outcomes, cognitive analysis for achieving hopes and goal pursuit. Key variables such as temporal proximity, controllability, external resources, goals, affect, agency and pathways may moderate the extent of divergence by influencing the perceived probability of achieving desired outcomes.

Conclusion Hopes and expectations are distinct, but linked, constructs. This preliminary conceptual model presents how hopes and expectations develop, become differentiated and how social‐cognitive factors may moderate this relationship. A better understanding of hopes and expectations may assist health professionals in communicating illness‐related expectations while maintaining the integrity of patient hopes.
Late relapse of a light‐chain myeloma as extramedullary plasmacytoma of the thyroid gland after second allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation
Authors: Özdemir Evren , Bayraktar Miyase , Sökmensüer Cenk , Kir K. Metin , Kansu Emin
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  We present a rare experience with a myeloma patient who had a late relapse as isolated extramedullary plasmacytoma of the thyroid gland after a second allogeneic transplantation. We give PET/CT scan findings at diagnosis and during follow up of the disease after subsequent management. The possible pathogenesis of the late extramedullary relapse of myeloma after allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation and management options are discussed.
A new strategy of delayed long‐term prophylaxis could prevent cytomegalovirus disease in (D+/R−) solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Juan R. San , Yebra M. , Lumbreras C. , López‐Medrano F. , Lizasoain M. , Meneu J.C. , Delgado J. , Andrés A. , Aguado J.M.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Long‐term prophylaxis against cytomegalovirus (CMV) started immediately after transplantation in (D+/R−) poses a higher risk of late‐onset CMV disease. Delayed CMV prophylaxis could allow a transitory exposure of the immune system to CMV, which would let the immune system mount an adequate CMV‐specific cytotoxic response in (D+/R−) patients and confer protection against CMV disease. We included all (D+/R−) solid organ transplant recipients (SOT) performed at our institution (January 3/October 6) who received CMV prophylaxis (mainly with oral valganciclovir) during 100 d. In the first period (until December 4), prophylaxis was initiated immediately after transplantation (conventional prophylaxis: CP). Since January 5, it was initiated after 14 d (delayed prophylaxis: DP). Incidence and severity of CMV disease was compared between both groups. A total of 44 SOT recipients were included (CP: 26 and DP: 18). CMV disease was diagnosed in eight patients (18%), seven of 26 (27%) in the CP group, and one of 18 (5.5%) in the DP group (p = 0.07). CMV colitis was reported in five of 26 patients in the CP group (19%), whereas there were no cases of visceral CMV disease in the DP group (p = 0.048). A 14‐d delay in the beginning of long‐term prophylaxis against CMV in (D+/R−) is safe and could prevent the onset of late‐CMV disease.
De novo phyllodes tumor in an adolescent female after liver transplantation
Authors: Cheng Feng , Qin Jian‐jie , Yu Mei‐ning , Zhang Feng , Li Xiang‐cheng , Sun Bei‐cheng , Kong Lian‐bao , Wang Xue‐hao
Published: August 2009

Cheng F, Qin J‐J, Yu M‐N, Zhang F, Li X‐C, Sun B‐C, Kong L‐B, Wang X‐H. De novo phyllodes tumor in an adolescent female after liver transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:E12–E14. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Phyllodes tumor of the breast is a rare disease constituting 0.3–0.9% of all breast neoplasms. Occurring mainly in females aged 35 to 55 yr, the disease is especially rare among adolescent females. There is no published literature about de novo phyllodes tumor after liver transplantation. Here we describe a case of de novo phyllodes tumors in an adolescent female after liver transplantation from a living donor for Wilson disease.
Light‐dependent growth and proteorhodopsin expression by Flavobacteria and SAR11 in experiments with Delaware coastal waters
Authors: Lami Raphaël , Cottrell Matthew T. , Campbell Barbara J. , Kirchman David L.
Published: August 2009

Proteorhodopsin (PR)‐containing bacteria are hypothesized to use both light and organic compounds as energy sources. Recent studies have found that PR is common in marine microorganisms, but the impact of light on the growth of PR‐containing organisms and PR transcription in the environment remains unclear. We examined the diversity of PR genes and transcripts by PCR amplification and sequencing in Delaware coastal waters. Clone libraries of PR DNA and cDNA (from mRNA) revealed large differences between bacterial groups in expression of PR genes. We then evaluated by quantitative PCR the impact of light on growth and PR expression in PR‐containing SAR11 bacteria (SAR11‐PR) and a population of Flavobacteria (Flavobacteria‐PR). This experiment was conducted in 30 l microcosms exposed to continuous light, continuous dark, and 12 h−12 h dark–light cycles for 5 days. We found a strong upregulation of PR expression by light in Flavobacteria‐PR and SAR11‐PR. The abundance of PR transcripts per PR cell was enhanced up to 120‐fold under continuous light and up to 20‐fold under dark–light cycles while continuous darkness led to very low levels of PR mRNA. This upregulation of PR expression was correlated with the abundance of PR genes, indicating net growth of SAR11‐PR cells and Flavobacteria‐PR under dark–light cycles. SAR11‐PR and Flavobacteria‐PR abundance decreased under continuous light despite upregulation of PR expression, and continuous darkness led to low abundances of both populations. Collectively, these data suggest that light affects growth of PR‐containing bacteria and regulation of PR mRNA synthesis in natural communities.
The role of interactions between phage and bacterial proteins within the infected cell: a diverse and puzzling interactome
Authors: Roucourt Bart , Lavigne Rob
Published: August 2009

Interactions between bacteriophage proteins and bacterial proteins are important for efficient infection of the host cell. The phage proteins involved in these bacteriophage–host interactions are often produced immediately after infection. A survey of the available set of published bacteriophage–host interactions reveals the targeted host proteins are inhibited, activated or functionally redirected by the phage protein. These interactions protect the bacteriophage from bacterial defence mechanisms or adapt the host‐cell metabolism to establish an efficient infection cycle. Regrettably, a large majority of bacteriophage early proteins lack any identified function. Recent research into the antibacterial potential of bacteriophage–host interactions indicates that phage early proteins seem to target a wide variety of processes in the host cell – many of them non‐essential. Since a clear understanding of such interactions may become important for regulations involving phage therapy and in biotechnological applications, increased scientific emphasis on the biological elucidation of such proteins is warranted.
Performance of HbA1c for detecting newly diagnosed diabetes and pre‐diabetes in Chinese communities living in Beijing
Authors: Zhou X. H. , Ji L. N. , Luo Y. Y. , Zhang X. Y. , Han X. Y. , Qiao Q.
Published: August 2009

Aim  To determine the performance of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as a screening tool for detecting newly diagnosed diabetes (NDM) and pre‐diabetes.

Methods  A diabetes survey was conducted in Beijing among community dwellers who were willing to participate in the survey. Included in the survey were 903 individuals aged 21–79 years without previously diagnosed diabetes and in whom HbA1c and other required covariates had been measured. NDM and pre‐diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance + impaired fasting glucose) were defined according to the World Health Organization 1999 criteria based on 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to determine the performance of HbA1c.

Results  The prevalence of NDM and pre‐diabetes was 11.1% and 22.4%, respectively. At an optimal HbA1c cut‐off point of ≥ 6.0%, the test gave a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 89.8% for diagnosing NDM; at an optimal cut‐off point of ≥ 5.7%, the sensitivity was 59.4% and specificity 73.9% for diagnosing pre‐diabetes. Individuals with HbA1c≥ 6.0% tended to be more obese than those with HbA1c < 6.0%, but blood pressure and lipid profiles did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions  HbA1c as a single screening test is adequate to detect newly diagnosed diabetes but is not able to identify pre‐diabetes in this obese Chinese population.
Increasing trend in the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and pre‐diabetes in the Chinese rural and urban population in Qingdao, China
Authors: Gao W. G. , Dong Y. H. , Pang Z. C. , Nan H. R. , Zhang L. , Wang S. J. , Ren J. , Ning F. , Qiao Q. ,   for the Qingdao 2006 Diabetes Survey Group
Published: August 2009

Aims  To determine the secular trend of prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and pre‐diabetes in a Chinese population from 2001 to 2006.

Methods  Two consecutive population‐based surveys for diabetes were conducted in a randomly selected population aged 35–74 years and living in Qingdao, China in 2001–2002 (n = 10854) and 2006 (n = 4416). All participants underwent standardized 2‐h 75‐g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), along with fasting capillary plasma glucose (FCG) tests in 2006. One urban community underwent OGTTs directly in 2002 (n = 1815), while a two‐step screening strategy using FCG as a first‐line screening test followed by OGTTs was used in 9039 individuals in 2001. Diabetes and pre‐diabetes was defined according to the 2006 World Health Organization/International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Results  Based on the results of direct OGTTs, the age‐standardized prevalence of diabetes and pre‐diabetes in urban areas was 12.2 and 15.4% in 2002, whereas the prevalences were 18.8 and 28.7% in urban areas and 14.1 and 20.2% in rural areas in 2006 (P < 0.001, in urban areas). Using the two‐step screening strategy, the prevalence of diabetes in 2001 was 10.1% in urban and 7.7% in rural areas and 13.8% in urban and 12.2% in rural areas in 2006 (P < 0.001). Based on the data of the 2006 survey, the two‐step screening strategy missed 30.2% of diabetes cases when compared with the number defined by the direct OGTT approach.

Conclusions  Qingdao has experienced a marked increase in the prevalence of diabetes and pre‐diabetes in the past 5 years. Intervention to prevent a further increase in the prevalence of diabetes is urgently required.
Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine and glimepiride in subjects with Type 2 diabetes before, during and after the period of fasting in Ramadan
Authors: Salti I. ,   on behalf of the Diabetes and Ramadan Study Group
Published: August 2009

Aims  To determine the safety and efficacy of insulin glargine and glimepiride in patients with Type 2 diabetes before and after Ramadan and during fasting for Ramadan.

Methods  In this open, descriptive, multi‐centre, prospective study, insulin‐naïve (n = 100) or previously insulin‐treated (n = 249) patients with Type 2 diabetes received insulin glargine [titrated from 10 U daily according to fasting blood glucose (FBG)] and glimepiride (4 mg daily). The number and type of hypoglycaemic episodes and glycaemic control were assessed before, during and after Ramadan. Bivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors which predicted hypoglycaemia during Ramadan.

Results  Only one episode of severe hypoglycaemia occurred in each time period before, during and after Ramadan. Mild hypoglycaemic episodes increased from 156 pre‐Ramadan to 346 during Ramadan (P < 0.001) and decreased to 153 post‐Ramadan (P = 0.0002).The increase during Ramadan was mainly attributed to increased symptomatic hypoglycaemic episodes. FBG and glycated haemoglobin improved during the titration period and did not change during the rest of the study. Risk of hypoglycaemic events during Ramadan was higher in countries where fasting is strict [odds ratio (OR) 3.69 (2.06–6.63), P < 0.0001]. Lower weight [< 70.0 kg; OR 2.56 (1.46–4.48), P = 0.001] and waist circumference [< 90 cm; OR 3.06 (1.62–5.78), P = 0.001] increased the risk of hypoglycaemia during Ramadan whilst FBG > 6.7 mmol/l [OR 0.3 (0.17–0.54), P < 0.0001] had a protective effect.

Conclusions  Combination of insulin glargine and glimepiride may be used during Ramadan in patients with Type 2 diabetes who wish to fast, provided glimepiride is given at the time of breaking the fast and insulin glargine titrated to provide FBG > 6.7 mmol/l.
Which people with Type 2 diabetes achieve good control of intermediate outcomes? Population database study in a UK region
Authors: Guthrie B. , Emslie‐Smith A. , Morris A. D.
Published: August 2009

Aims  To measure quality of vascular risk factor measurement and control in people with Type 2 diabetes after comprehensive pay‐for‐performance implementation and to examine variation by patient and practice characteristics.

Methods  Multi‐level regression analysis of 10 191 patients with Type 2 diabetes registered with 59 practices in the Tayside region. Quality measures examined were recording of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), cholesterol and smoking status in the last 12 months; achievement of recommended intermediate outcome targets (HbA1c≤ 7.4%, BP < 140/80 mmHg, cholesterol ≤ 5.0 mmol/l, not smoking); and simple and all‐or‐none composite measures.

Results  Ninety‐five per cent of all recommended processes were received by patients, with 88% of patients receiving all four. Half of all intermediate outcomes targets were achieved, but only 16% of patients achieved all four targets. Process and outcome of care were consistently worse for 1523 (15.0%) patients aged < 55 years. HbA1c and BP targets were progressively less likely to be achieved as body mass index increased. Women were less likely to achieve cholesterol targets, but apart from smoking status, there were no associations with socio‐economic status.

Conclusion  Under comprehensive pay‐for‐performance, process of care is remarkably reliable, but intermediate outcome control less so. Previously identified socio‐economic variations in diabetes care have been largely eliminated, but gender inequality is persistent. Younger people were considerably less likely to achieve intermediate outcome targets. Mitigating increased vascular risk in younger patients with Type 2 diabetes presents major challenges for health services in the face of the evolving epidemics of obesity and diabetes.
Accountability, Control and Independence: The Case of European Agencies
Authors: Busuioc Madalina
Published: August 2009

This article points at two problematic assumptions made in some of the contemporary European agency literature. It proposes a conceptual framework, integrating accountability, autonomy and control, and aims to demonstrate how this type of conceptualisation contributes to clarifying problematic aspects of the current European agency debate. Empirical evidence from interviews with high‐level practitioners is provided to illustrate the relevance of the proposed framework. The empirical information reveals that, at times, the de facto level of autonomy displayed by some European agencies is below the autonomy provided by the formal legal rules as a result of ongoing controls exercised by one (or other) of the principals. The repercussions that flow from these empirical insights for the agency debate in general, as well as for our understanding of agency accountability, will be discussed at length.
Family Reunification Rights of (Migrant) Union Citizens: Towards a More Liberal Approach
Authors: Tryfonidou Alina
Published: August 2009

Over the years, in the case‐law of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) determining the availability of family reunification rights for migrant Member State nationals, the pendulum has swung back and forth, from a ‘moderate approach’ in cases such as Morson and Jhanjan (1982) and Akrich (2003), towards a more ‘liberal approach’ in cases such as Carpenter (2002) and Jia (2007). Under the Court's ‘moderate approach’, family reunification rights in the context of the Community's internal market policy are only granted in situations where this is necessary for enabling a Member State national to move between Member States in the process of exercising one of the economic fundamental freedoms; in other words, where there is a sufficient link between the exercise of one of those freedoms and the need to grant family reunification rights under EC law. Conversely, under the Court's ‘liberal approach’, in order for family reunification rights to be bestowed by EC law, it suffices that the situation involves the exercise of one of the market freedoms and that the claimants have a familial link which is covered by Community law; in other words, there is no need to illustrate that there is a link between the grant of such rights and the furtherance of the Community's aim of establishing an internal market.

The recent judgments of the ECJ in Eind and Metock (and its order in Sahin) appear to have decidedly moved the pendulum towards the ‘liberal approach’ side. In this article, it will be explained that the fact that the EU is aspiring to be not only a supranational organisation with a successful and smoothly functioning market but also a polity, the citizens of which enjoy a number of basic rights which form the core of a meaningful status of Union citizenship, is the major driving force behind this move. In particular, the move towards a wholehearted adoption of the ‘liberal approach’ seems to have been fuelled by a desire, on the part of the Court, to respond to a number of problems arising from its ‘moderate approach’ and which appear to be an anomaly in a citizens' Europe. These are: a) the incongruity caused between the (new) aim of the Community of creating a meaningful status of Union citizenship and the treatment of Union citizens (under the Court's ‘moderate approach’) as mere factors of production; and b) the emergence of reverse discrimination. The article will conclude with an explanation of why the adoption of the Court's liberal approach does not appear to be a proper solution to these problems.
The role of nutrients in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: methodology for a systematic review
Authors: George D. R. , Dangour A. D. , Smith L. , Ruddick J. , Vellas B. , Whitehouse P. J.
Published: August 2009

There is a large body of existing data on nutrition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We are conducting a systematic review of published scientific literature to determine the role of specific nutrients, both individually and in combination, in the prevention and treatment of AD. This will contribute towards a structured evidence base to help inform the clinical management of AD. The objective of the systematic review is to evaluate the strength of evidence from both observational cohort studies and randomized controlled trials on the role of fats, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients in the prevention and treatment of AD. We present here the methodology of our systematic review.
Moving forward with nutrition in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Scheltens P.
Published: August 2009

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the epidemic of the 21st century but still relatively little is known about the causes of the disease. Nutrient deficiencies, associated with loss of cognitive function, are frequently reported in patients with AD and currently available epidemiologic evidence suggests that an increased intake of certain nutrients may lower the risk of AD. Current treatment options offer only symptomatic relief, however, there is a growing body of evidence that nutrition in general and ‘nutritional intervention’ in a clinical setting may be able to play a key role in the management of the disease. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to test this approach. The Souvenir study is the first randomized, controlled, double‐blind, multi‐centre study designed to evaluate the efficacy of a multi‐nutrient dietary approach on cognitive performance in drug‐naïve early AD patients.
‘Disadvantaged Learners’: Who Are We Targeting? Understanding the Targeting of Widening Participation Activity in the United Kingdom Using Geo‐Demographic Data From Southwest England
Authors: Harrison Neil , Hatt Sue
Published: August 2009

This paper analyses the definition of the appropriate target group for widening participation activities advanced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England in their Targeting Disadvantaged Learners advice to Aimhigher and higher education providers. This definition includes components of area deprivation and higher education participation rates, which are apparently intended to act as a proxy to reach learners from lower socio‐economic groups. Through statistical analysis of geo‐demographical data from the Southwest region of England, this paper questions whether the HEFCE targeting guidance is likely to meet the policy aims that underpin it and reach the ‘disadvantaged learners’ of its title. It is found that the geographical proxy tends to miss learners from lower socio‐economic groups in areas of wider affluence and those in rural areas. The paper concludes by questioning whether the areas identified by a rigorous application of the targeting guidance are likely to be the most fruitful locations for outreach activities in the short‐term given the ingrained, multi‐faceted and multi‐generational challenges which they face.
Are Academic Workloads Increasing? The Post‐War Survey Evidence in the UK
Authors: Tight Malcolm
Published: August 2009

It is widely believed by current academics, in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, that their workloads have increased significantly. This article examines this belief by analysing the findings of a series of surveys that have reported on this and related issues since 1945. These suggest that: while there has been an increase in academic workloads, much of this had occurred by the end of the 1960s; the position of research appears to have been maintained, though at a lower level in the newer universities/former polytechnics than in the older universities; much of the increased workload has come in the form of administrative demands. Possible explanations for the apparent contradictions between perceptions and the survey evidence are suggested.
Sarcoidosis of the skin – A dermatological puzzle: important differential diagnostic aspects and guidelines for clinical and histopathological recognition
Authors: Tchernev G , Patterson JW , Nenoff P , Horn LC
Published: August 2009

Sarcoidosis of the skin may have an extremely heterogeneous clinical presentation, so that the definitions of ‘great imitator’ and ‘clinical chameleon’ have long been used. There is, in fact, a large group of skin diseases that can enter the differential diagnosis with cutaneous sarcoid manifestations, either clinically or/and pathologically. As the clinical consequences and the prognosis of these groups of diseases are often very different, it is important to correctly plan the diagnostic workup. The diagnostic process in this case often presents a challenge as no single test is sufficiently specific, so that a certain diagnosis can be only made in the presence of a compatible clinical and radiographic picture, along with histopathological evidence of non‐necrotizing, epithelioid cell granulomas, and exclusion of other potential aetiologies. For practical reasons, four main groups of skin conditions capable of mimicking sarcoidosis can be identified: (i) transmissible, infectious diseases; (ii) allergic and immunological manifestations of various aetiologies; (iii) granulomatous diseases of various aetiologies; and (iv) lymphomas and pseudolymphomas. The aim of this article is to describe the main clinical and histopathological findings of such disease entities, and to discuss the role of those features (morphological, pathological and laboratory) that can help distinguish them from sarcoidosis of the skin.
Key tree species for the golden‐headed lion tamarin and implications for shade‐cocoa management in southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira L. C. , Hankerson S. J. , Dietz J. M. , Raboy B. E.
Published: August 2009

The golden‐headed lion tamarinLeontopithecus chrysomelasoccurs in the Atlantic forest of southern Bahia, Brazil, where shade‐cocoa agroforestry (known ascabruca) predominates. The economic decline of the cocoa industry has caused many landowners to convertcabrucainto cattle pasture or diversify their plantations with other crops. These and prior anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat fragmentation are threatening lion tamarin persistence. For some lion tamarin groups,cabrucacomprises a large part of their home range. Considering these factors, the maintenance of the biological diversity incabrucafavorable to golden‐headed lion tamarins is of considerable interest to their long‐term survival. Here we identify plant species that provide food and sleeping sites for the lion tamarins and examine their occurrence incabrucaplantations, in order to investigate alternatives for conservation management practices that benefit both lion tamarins andcabruca. We determined the total number of trees and the frequency of individuals and species used for food and sleeping sites by lion tamarins in Una Biological Reserve, Bahia, from 1998 to 2006. We used this information to compare the richness and frequency of use across habitats (cabruca, mature and secondary) and to create a ranking index considering various components of a tree species' utility to the lion tamarins. Lion tamarins used 155 tree species, 93 for food and 93 for sleeping sites. Fifty‐five species were ranked as ‘Extremely Valuable,’ eight as ‘Valuable’ and 92 as ‘Of Interest.’ Of 48 families, Myrtaceae and Sapotaceae were used the most.Cabrucacontained fewer individual trees used by lion tamarins, but the highest frequency of use per tree compared with other habitats, indicating the large influence of single trees in these plantations. Using the key tree species identified in our study in the management ofcabrucawould be of considerable benefit to the long‐term survival of lion tamarins
Effects of food supplementation on home‐range size, reproductive success, productivity and recruitment in a small population of Iberian lynx
Authors: López‐Bao J. V. , Palomares F. , Rodríguez A. , Delibes M.
Published: August 2009

In a conservation context, food supplementation is a management tool used to reverse the decline of food‐limited populations by means of positive changes in behaviour and fitness that may be reflected in population parameters. The critically endangered Iberian lynxLynx pardinushas suffered a dramatic decline primarily because of the severe drop of its main prey, the European wild rabbitOryctolagus cuniculus. To reverse this situation, a food supplementation programme has been implemented in Doñana, south‐west Spain, since 2002. In this study, we assess the utility of providing artificial food to reduce home‐range (HR) size, and to increase productivity, survival and recruitment in a scenario of low lynx density, as compared with reference data from the same population in the absence of extra food. Food supplementation produced a significant contraction of core areas, but not of complete lynx HRs. We did not detect any significant change in productivity or dispersal rates, but supplementation could have helped transient adult lynx to settle down. The positive effects of food supplementation may have been partly countered by factors such as inbreeding, Allee effects and disease outbreaks, whose effects may have been exacerbated in this small lynx population. Food supplementation, however, proved useful to retain individuals, to keep range sizes within their normal range of values, thus maintaining spatial organization, and to allow lynx reproduction and kitten survival in areas with very low prey density. Therefore, we recommend keeping an extensive and intensive supplementary feeding programme until the density of wild rabbits will enable the viability of this endangered lynx population.
Mast cells and macrophages in duodenal mucosa of mice overexpressing erythropoietin
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , Crivellato Enrico , Nico Beatrice , Guidolin Diego , Gassmann Max , Djonov Valentin
Published: August 2009

There is increasing evidence suggesting a wider biological role of erythropoietin (Epo) and Epo receptor (EpoR) not related to erythropoiesis, such as the detection of EpoR in other cells, i.e. polymorphonuclear leukocytes, megakaryocytes, endothelial, myocardial and neural cells. In this study, by using a mouse model (designated tg6) that constitutively overexpresses human Epo in an oxygen‐independent manner, we have investigated mast cell and macrophage number and distribution in duodenal mucosa using immunohistochemical, morphometric and image analysis methods. The results showed that tryptase‐positive mast cells and BM8‐positive macrophages were more numerous in duodenal mucosa specimens of tg6 mice compared with wild‐type mice. Moreover, whereas in wild‐type specimens both mast cells and macrophages were generally scattered throughout the villus, in tg6 specimens they were aligned along the axis of the villus. Morphometric analysis confirms this observation, and the quantitative analysis of the spatial distribution of the cells in duodenal villi indicated that in both wild‐type and tg6 groups the macrophage and mast cell distribution was characterized by significant deviations from randomness. In addition, an increased number of c‐kit‐positive cells have been identified in the villus axis of tg6 mice, indicating an expanded compartment of mast cell precursors in the intestinal mucosa of these animals. Finally, we have also demonstrated that in tg6 specimens the number of duodenal epithelial cells positive for Epo were significantly higher as compared to wild type. Overall, these data confirm that Epo, acting as a general stimulator of the hemopoietic compartment, is able to induce an expansion of two effectors of the immune response, mast cells and macrophages, in a specific peripheral site, the duodenal mucosa, in the tg6 mouse experimental model.
Using time‐dependent models to investigate body condition and growth rate of the giant gartersnake
Authors: Coates P. S. , Wylie G. D. , Halstead B. J. , Casazza M. L.
Published: August 2009

Identifying links between phenotypic attributes and fitness is a primary goal of reproductive ecology. Differences in within‐year patterns of body condition between sexes of gartersnakes in relation to reproduction and growth are not fully understood. We conducted an 11‐year field study of body condition and growth rate of the giant gartersnake Thamnophis gigas across 13 study areas in the Central Valley of California, USA. We developed a priori mixed effects models of body condition index (BCI), which included covariates of time, sex and snout–vent length and reported the best‐approximating models using an information theoretic approach. Also, we developed models of growth rate index (GRI) using covariates of sex and periods based on reproductive behavior. The largest difference in BCI between sexes, as predicted by a non‐linear (cubic) time model, occurred during the mating period when female body condition (0.014±0.001 se) was substantially greater than males (−0.027±0.002 se). Males likely allocated energy to search for mates, while females likely stored energy for embryonic development. We also provided evidence that males use more body energy reserves than females during hibernation, perhaps because of different body temperatures between sexes. We found GRI of male snakes was substantially lower during the mating period than during a non‐mating period, which indicated that a trade‐off existed between searching for mates and growth. These findings contribute to our understanding of snake ecology in a Mediterranean climate.
Age determination of the Iriomote cat by using cementum annuli
Authors: Nakanishi N. , Ichinose F. , Higa G. , Izawa M.
Published: August 2009

We estimated the age of Iriomote cats Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis by using their canine cementum annuli. By studying the month of death and staining condition of the outermost layer, we determined that the dark‐stained cementum lines of canines become apparent from February to September in males. By the time of deciduous tooth replacement and closure of the apical foramen, we estimated that the first prominent dark‐stained line is formed during the second winter and third spring of the cat's life. Examination of known‐age cats confirmed that the dark‐stained lines represent annual rings. Therefore, assuming that Iriomote cats are born in April, their age can be estimated by adding one to the number of dark‐stained lines. The month of death and number of dark‐stained cementum lines must be considered for age determination. We also attempted to estimate the age of living Iriomote cats by examining the correlation between the level of wear and number of cementum annuli of the upper canines, and categorized the degree of tooth wear into seven classes. Teeth that exhibited more extensive wear (i.e. in a higher wear class) had more cementum annuli. We defined three age categories for living cats based on canine wear characteristics: 1 year (wear level I), 2–6 years (wear levels II–V) and >7 years (wear levels VI–VII). Therefore, canine wear is the most effective index for age estimation of living Iriomote cats.
Craniometric characteristics of polar bear skulls from two periods with contrasting levels of industrial pollution and sea ice extent
Authors: Pertoldi C. , Sonne C. , Dietz R. , Schmidt N. M. , Loeschcke V.
Published: August 2009

A morphometric study was conducted on six skull traits and seven teeth traits of 282 polar bear Ursus maritimus skulls sampled in East Greenland from 1892 to 2002, the polar bear material originated from two distinct periods: one period covering 1892–1939 and the other from 1961–2002. The first period being before the introduction of organochlorines in the Arctic environment and having more extensive sea ice cover when compared with the later period. Admixture analysis, followed by multivariate analyses provided evidence for morphometric differences in both the size and the shape of individual skulls collected in the two periods. These findings are possibly a consequence of environmental factors, such as exposure of organohalogens and changed extension of sea ice, ultimately affecting the amount of prey available, a general weakening of the immune system and reduced reproductive success, factors that can affect the individual growth and the realized size at maturity. The process of reduced reproductive success due to a high concentration of organochlorine and/or changes in the amount of food resources may also have affected the polar bears' genetic composition and effective population size. Changes in the genetic composition of the population are suggested to have contributed to the observed morphometric changes with time. The fact that environmental and genetic changes produce different combinations of patterns of morphometric changes allows us to individuate the causes of the morphometrical modifications.
Active land use improves reindeer pastures: evidence from a patch choice experiment
Authors: Colman J. E. , Mysterud A. , Jørgensen N. H. , Moe S. R.
Published: August 2009

The industrialization of agriculture in western societies has often led to either intensified use or abandonment of farmland and open pastures, but experimental evidence on how the dynamics of farmed ecosystems affect space use by large herbivores is limited. We experimentally manipulated farmland patches with cutting and (early summer) low‐ and high‐intensity domestic sheep Ovis aries grazing according to traditional use in north Norway. After treatments, grazing reindeer Rangifer tarandus were exposed to the pastures the subsequent fall (2 months after treatments) and spring (11 months after treatments) as they typically do on their migratory route between summer and winter ranges. The experiment was conducted over 2 subsequent years. We predicted that sheep grazing on farmland during early summer may affect the critical fall and spring range conditions for reindeer either through negative (delayed competition) or positive (grazing facilitation) interactions. We found that the most marked effect of land use on the grazing pattern of reindeer was between no use (the control treatment) and all the other management options involving active land use. The grazing reindeer avoided the pastures no longer in use likely due to senescent plant material. There was a tendency that the lower intensity sheep grazing patches attracted more reindeer than the highest intensity use. These results highlight not only the general principle that large‐scale agricultural changes may affect large herbivores in natural ecosystems, but they also increase our understanding of grazing facilitation as a mechanism in large herbivore assemblages.
Altitudinal decline of body size in a Tibetan frog
Authors: Ma X. , Lu X. , Merilä J.
Published: August 2009

Geographic variation in mean body size along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients is a commonplace occurrence, but little is known about the relative importance of different factors underlying this clinal variation in ectothermic animals. We investigated altitudinal variation in mean body size, age and growth rate in Nanorana parkeri, a ranid exhibiting the highest altitudinal distribution range on the Tibetan plateau. Data collected from six populations covering an altitudinal span of 3800–4700 m showed that the mean body size declined with increasing altitude, and hence, the data conformed to converse Bergmann's rule. Frogs from high‐altitude populations exhibited delayed metamorphosis and sexual maturity and had greater average age but lower growth rate than frogs from low‐altitude populations. Thus, the proximate reason for the altitudinal decline in mean body size – despite of increased average age towards high altitudes – is likely be the reduction of growth rate at high‐altitude localities. We discuss the possibility that physiological advantages provided by small body and egg size could be adaptive in the extreme high‐altitude environments characterized by low oxygen supply.
Knockout of the norepinephrine transporter and pharmacologically diverse antidepressants prevent behavioral and brain neurotrophin alterations in two chronic stress models of depression
Authors: Haenisch Britta , Bilkei‐Gorzo Andras , Caron Marc G. , Bönisch Heinz
Published: August 2009

Diverse factors such as changes in neurotrophins and brain plasticity have been proposed to be involved in the actions of antidepressant drugs (ADs). However, in mouse models of depression based on chronic stress, it is still unclear whether simultaneous changes in behavior and neurotrophin expression occur and whether these changes can be corrected or prevented comparably by chronic administration of ADs or genetic manipulations that produce antidepressant‐like effects such as the knockout of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) gene. Here we show that chronic restraint or social defeat stress induce comparable effects on behavior and changes in the expression of neurotrophins in depression‐related brain regions. Chronic stress caused down‐regulation of BDNF, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin‐3 in hippocampus and cerebral cortex and up‐regulation of these targets in striatal regions. In wild‐type mice, these effects could be prevented by concomitant chronic administration of five pharmacologically diverse ADs. In contrast, NET knock out (NETKO) mice were resistant to stress‐induced depressive‐like changes in behavior and brain neurotrophin expression. Thus, the resistance of the NETKO mice to the stress‐induced depression‐associated behaviors and biochemical changes highlight the importance of noradrenergic pathways in the maintenance of mood. In addition, these mice represent a useful model to study depression‐resistant behaviors, and they might help to provide deeper insights into the identification of downstream targets involved in the mechanisms of antidepressants.