bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 10‐year (1996–2005) prospective study of the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in Moscow in the age group 0–14 years
Authors: Pronina E. A. , Petraikina E. E. , Antsiferov M. B. , Duchareva O.V. , Petrone A. , Buzzetti R. , Pozzilli P.
Published: June 2008

Aims  To provide data on the incidence of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Moscow, determined prospectively from 1996 to 2005 for a total of > 10 million subjects aged < 15 years.

Methods  Data on T1D incidence in patients with newly discovered T1D resident in Moscow diagnosed between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2005 were analysed. Primary ascertainment was based in endocrinology departments of children's hospitals in Moscow. A secondary source were the archives of Moscow Region where patients are registered to obtain exemption from paying for medication.

Results  We identified 2031 new cases of T1D patients with a degree of ascertainment through primary and secondary sources of 94%. Overall the incidence rate of the disease was 12.9 per 100 000 per year (95% confidence interval 12.3– 13.4). The cumulative risk of the disease was 0.28 per 1000 in the age group 0–4 years, 0.84 in the age group 5–9 years and 1.8 in the age group 10–14 years. The incidence rate in girls increased by a mean of 6% per year in all age groups (P < 0.05 for all comparisons), whereas in boys it increased by a mean of 7% in the age group 10–14 years. Thirty percent of cases presented with diabetic ketoacidosis and coma at diagnosis, whereas hyperglycaemia without ketonuria was present in 20% of patients.

Conclusions  This is the first study to report on validated incidence data for T1D in Moscow. We conclude that the incidence of T1D in Moscow is comparable to that of those European countries having intermediate incidence rates, and that the incidence is increasing.
Out of Place and Out of Line: Positioning the Police in the Regulation of Financial Markets
Authors: WILLIAMS JAMES W.
Published: June 2008

In November of 2003, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police launched a major initiative to combat securities fraud in Canada. Spurred by the Enron scandals in the United States, this involved the establishment of a series of specialized white‐collar crime units with the express mandate of investigating serious cases of securities fraud and protecting investors from the worst of the market's abuses. After four years of activity, these units have produced little in the way of tangible results and have been widely criticized in legal, financial, and regulatory communities. Drawing on thirty‐five interviews with members of these units, as well as outside stakeholders including Crown Attorneys and private litigators, this article examines the activities of these Integrated Market Enforcement Teams and highlights a number of barriers to the successful execution of their designated mandate. While factors such as procedural restrictions and limited expertise are certainly relevant, this analysis reveals that the IMET teams are more fundamentally constrained by their position in a broader regulatory field. Understanding this field, and its unique structure and politics, is essential in coming to terms with both the possibilities and limitations of securities enforcement in an increasingly complex financial world.
Control Modes in the Age of Transnational Governance
Authors: LEHMKUHL DIRK
Published: June 2008

The article starts with the observation that there are overlaps in, so far, largely unrelated research programs concerned with the legalization in international relations, on the one hand, and transnational regulation and governance, on the other. The analysis of the literature at the interface between the “fourth strata of the geology of international law” and the “governance in the age of regulation” literatures reveals a substantial common interest in structures of transnational regulatory governance. At the same time, the theoretical toolkit of both strands of literature does not match the task of coping analytically with structures and processes in the overlapping realm. To sharpen the analytical edge, the article elaborates hierarchy, market, community, and design as four ideal types of control modes in transnational regulatory spaces. The application of this model to the empirical analysis of a number of regimes underpins the observation that control frequently occurs in hybrid regulatory constellations involving public and private actors across national and international levels. A key example concerns the prominence of domestic regulatory regimes in underpinning transnational governance processes, where national rules achieve extraterritorial effect as much through competitive as through hierarchical mechanisms.
Compliance in the neck structures of the guinea pig spermatozoon, as indicated by rapid freezing and electron microscopy
Authors: Woolley D. M. , Carter D. A. , Tilly G. N.
Published: June 2008

Electron microscopy has been used to investigate whether the transversely striated columns of the connecting piece in the neck region of guinea pig spermatozoa, undergo lengthening and shortening as a result of the forces generated during motility. Motile spermatozoa were subjected to near‐instantaneous rapid freezing, followed by freeze‐substitution fixation and epoxy embedment. Thin sections passing longitudinally through the striated columns revealed that the periodicity was indeed variable. The repeat period, taken to have an unstressed width of 60 nm, could be found extended to 75 nm in some specimens, and reduced to 54 nm in others. The estimates of the coefficients of variation were 6.6% for the width of the ‘dense’ band and 33.5% for the ‘pale’ band. The ‘pale’ band in the extended state showed longitudinal striae. Such variations in length, which – it is suggested – are physiological, and passively induced, would have functional implications for the flagellum – for both bend initiation and bend growth. Also, hypothetically, any mechanism that could increase the degree of compliance in these columns, such as perhaps phosphorylation of the constituent proteins, could permit the flagellum to develop the exaggerated bend angles and asymmetries of the ‘hyperactivated’ state.
Eucalyptus applied genomics: from gene sequences to breeding tools
Authors: Grattapaglia Dario , Kirst Matias
Published: June 2008

Eucalyptus is the most widely planted hardwood crop in the tropical and subtropical world because of its superior growth, broad adaptability and multipurpose wood properties. Plantation forestry of Eucalyptus supplies high‐quality woody biomass for several industrial applications while reducing the pressure on tropical forests and associated biodiversity. This review links current eucalypt breeding practices with existing and emerging genomic tools. A brief discussion provides a background to modern eucalypt breeding together with some current applications of molecular markers in support of operational breeding. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and genetical genomics are reviewed and an in‐depth perspective is provided on the power of association genetics to dissect quantitative variation in this highly diverse organism. Finally, some challenges and opportunities to integrate genomic information into directional selective breeding are discussed in light of the upcoming draft of the Eucalyptus grandis genome. Given the extraordinary genetic variation that exists in the genus Eucalyptus, the ingenuity of most breeders, and the powerful genomic tools that have become available, the prospects of applied genomics in Eucalyptus forest production are encouraging.

Contents

Summary
911

I.
Introduction
912

II.
Eucalyptus biology and domestication
913

III.
Eucalyptus breeding and clonal forestry
913

IV.
Marker‐assisted management of genetic variation in breeding populations
914

V.
Genetic mapping and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis
915

VI.
Gene discovery and genetical genomics
916

VII.
Association mapping
918

VIII.
Molecular breeding
920

IX.
From gene sequences to breeding tools
922

X.
Future developments and challenges
924

Acknowledgements
926

References
926
The Problematic Relation between Direct Democracy and Accountability in Latin America: Evidence from the Bolivian Case
Authors: BREUER ANITA
Published: June 2008

During the wave of constitutional reforms, which started in the late 1980s, Institutions of Direct Democracy (IDD) have been incorporated into most Latin American constitutions, and over the past fifteen years, an increased use of these instruments by Latin American governments has been observed. This article deals with two questions related to this phenomenon: (1) what motivated the adoption and use of these institutions; and (2) what consequences can be expected with regard to democratic accountability in the region?

To answer these questions, first, a classification of IDD is developed. In this, special attention is paid to the ability of the various types of IDD to introduce accountability into the representative structures of presidential systems. This classification is subsequently applied to analyse constitutional frameworks and direct democratic experience in the region. The findings suggest that the rise of IDD in Latin America was mainly induced by executive‐legislative conflict and has done little to foster accountability. Finally, therefore, a detailed account of the specific constellation that led to the adoption of IDD in Bolivia is analysed in order to illustrate under which circumstances political actors choose to adopt and employ these tools.
E‐Informality in Venezuela: The ‘Other Path’ of Technology
Authors: LUGO JAIRO , SAMPSON TONY
Published: June 2008

The study explores arguments concerning the concept of the informal economy and makes the case that new media technologies, or more broadly, information and communication technologies (ICTs), as a socio‐economic phenomenon, tend to be exploited in the same way as other economic activities by those actors that operate in the informal economy. Moreover, this exploitation tends to show similar patterns in terms of growth and ownership concentration. In this context, the study analyses the patterns and tendencies that transpire when informal actors exploit ICTs. It aims to question the validity of the neoliberal paradigm that portrays informality and new media technology as a creative process that requires deregulation. The article is based on a field study carried out in Venezuela between 2003 and 2004.
BK Channel Subunit Composition Modulates Molecular Tolerance to Ethanol
Authors: Feinberg‐Zadek Paula L. , Martin Gilles , Treistman Steven N.
Published: June 2008

Background: The large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel (also called BK channel or Slo channels) is a well‐studied target of alcohol action, and plays an important role in behavioral tolerance.

Methods: Using patch clamp electrophysiology, we examined human BK channels expressed in HEK293 cells to test whether tolerance to ethanol occurs in excised patches and whether it is influenced by subunit composition. Three combinations were examined: hSlo, hSlo + β1, and hSlo + β4.

Results: The 2 components of BK alcohol adaptation (Component 1: rapid tolerance to acute potentiation, and Component 2: a more slowly developing decrease in current density) were observed, and varied according to subunit combination. Using a 2‐exposure protocol, Component 1 tolerance was evident in 2 of the 3 combinations, because it was more pronounced for hSlo and hSlo + β4.

Conclusions: Thus, rapid tolerance in human BK occurs in cell‐free membrane patches, independent of cytosolic second messengers, nucleotides or changes in free calcium. Alcohol pretreatment for 24 hours altered subsequent short‐term plasticity of hSlo + β4channels, suggesting a relationship between classes of tolerance. Finally, Component 2 reduction in current density showed a striking dependency on channel composition. Twenty‐four hour exposure to 25 mM ethanol resulted in a down‐regulation of BK current in hSlo and hSlo + β4channels, but not in hSlo + β1channels. The fact that hSlo + β1channels show less sensitivity to acute challenge, in conjunction with less Component 1 and Component 2 tolerance, suggests subunit composition is an important factor for these elements of alcohol response.
Identification of Novel Bone‐Specific Molecular Targets of Binge Alcohol and Ibandronate by Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Himes Ryan , Wezeman Frederick H. , Callaci John J.
Published: June 2008

Background:  Our laboratory established that binge alcohol‐related bone damage is prevented by aminobisphosphonates, suggesting bone resorption increases following binge exposure. We examined the effects of binge alcohol and antiresorptive therapy on the relationship between bone damage and modulation of the vertebral transcriptome, in an attempt to determine how alcohol‐induced bone damage and its prevention modulate bone‐related biological pathways.

Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to 1 of 6 treatment groups (n = 12/group). (C1) saline ip 3 d/wk for 1 week, (A1) binge alcohol, 3 g/kg, ip 3 d/wk for 1 week, (C4) saline ip, 3 d/wk for 4 weeks, (A4) binge alcohol, ip, 3 g/kg 3 d/wk for 4 weeks, (I4) ibandronate, saline ip 3 d/wk for 4 weeks, plus a single ip injection of ibandronate at 120 μg/animal, and (AI4) binge alcohol plus ibandronate as above. After 1 or 4 weeks, adjacent lumbar vertebrae were assayed for bone damage or transcriptional changes.

Results:  Bone loss was not observed after 1 week of binge alcohol treatment. After 4 weeks, binge alcohol decreased vertebral BMD by 23% (p < 0.05) and compressive strength by 18% compared to saline controls (p < 0.05). Concurrent ibandronate prevented bone loss, increasing these parameters by 145 and 134% respectively compared to binge alcohol. (p < 0.05). Analysis of the vertebral transcriptome identified gene clusters specific for acute and chronic binge alcohol‐related bone damage. Acute binge alcohol modulated the expression of integrin signaling‐specific genes, while chronic binge alcohol modulated canonical Wnt signaling gene expression. Ibandronate normalized the expression of approximately 20% of the genes affected by chronic binge alcohol, allowing the identification of a unique subset of alcohol‐sensitive, ibandronate‐responsive genes.

Conclusions:  Identification of bone‐specific gene expression clusters associated with acute and chronic binge alcohol treatment allowed for the identification of cellular pathways affected by binge treatment with known involvement in bone remodeling (Integrin, Canonical Wnt signaling) not previously identified as alcohol‐sensitive. This data provides a basis for a plausible mechanistic explanation for the known detrimental effects of alcohol on bone formation and resorption.
Mouse Breathalyzer
Authors: Ginsburg Brett C. , Javors Martin A. , Friesenhahn Gregory , Frontz Michael , Martinez Gerardo , Hite Tim , Lamb Richard J.
Published: June 2008

Background:  The development of a relatively simple, noninvasive method for estimating blood ethanol concentrations in mice will be useful in behavioral studies related to alcoholism. This study validated such a method.

Methods:  The apparatus consists of a body chamber fitted with a head stock through which the mouse head protrudes. This was fitted against a water‐jacketed head‐space chamber surrounding the mouse’s head. Rebreathed air maintained at 37°C in the head‐space chamber was removed using a peristaltic pump and loaded into a 1‐ml injection loop. Ethanol in the sample was quantified using gas chromatography. To validate this method, ethanol levels in breath samples were compared against those in tail blood samples collected immediately after the breath samples. Breath samples were collected at 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 120, and 160 minutes after ethanol (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 g/kg) was administered to male C57BL/6J mice.

Results:  Breath and blood ethanol levels were well correlated (r2 = 0.96) across time points on the descending ethanol–time curve at doses below 2.4 g/kg. Correlation for these doses on the ascending portion of the curve had greater variance, but was still well correlated (r2 = 0.92).

Conclusions:  The mouse breathalyzer is an accurate, convenient, noninvasive and well‐tolerated method for estimating blood ethanol concentrations in mice across a range of behaviorally relevant concentrations below 2.4 g/kg, especially on the descending limb of the ethanol–time curve. Although this procedure requires a gas chromatograph in the animal facility, the ability to estimate ethanol concentrations quickly and easily will be especially useful in behavioral studies where repeated blood sampling is not feasible.
Incidence of Compartment Syndrome of the Arm in a Large Series of Transradial Approach for Coronary Procedures
Authors: TIZÓN‐MARCOS HELENA , BARBEAU GERALD R.
Published: June 2008

Background: Despite the fact that transradial approach is widely used, literature on this devastating complication after transradial approach is scarce. Pubmed review from 1992 to 2007 includes only 5 isolated reports. In one small series with 250 patients, an incidence of 0.4% is suggested.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the transradial cases in Laval Hospital from 1994 to September 2007 (51,296 procedures) to know the incidence of compartment syndrome of the arm (CSA) and compare it with the literature.

Results: In our institution CSA occurred in 2 of the 51,296 transradial procedures (0.004%). Both of them were in female patients with low BSA (1.7 and 1.5 m2) who received either an excess of unfractioned heparin during the procedure or uncorrected low‐molecular‐weight heparin after the procedure. Both of them underwent fasciotomy of the forearm. Recovery was complete in one patient. The other patient required skin graft and developed a partial Volkmann contracture at follow‐up. This low incidence is due to a high index of suspicion when swelling or pain in the arm used for the procedure is noted and to the immediate application of a specific protocol. This protocol initiated by the nursing personnel consists of inflation of a tensiometer cuff at the point of pain or swelling. Cuff is inflated during at least 15 minutes up to 10–15 mmHg below the systolic pressure to allow distal pulsatile flow to the hand or forearm (monitored with oxymetry/plethismography) so the bleeding stops and diffuses to decrease the pressure within the forearm. Usually, two periods of 15 min of inflation are required to control bleeding.

Conclusion: Incidence of CSA is very low at our institution. A high suspicion with any complaint of pain and swelling in the arm and a proper management of anticoagulation especially in the postprocedure period with great emphasis in patients with low BSA or low creatinine clearance are the key points. Implantation of an immediate specific nursing protocol is required.
Collagenous vasculopathy: a report of three cases
Authors: Davis Tracy L. , Mandal Rajni V. , Bevona Caroline , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Moschella Samuel L. , Staszewski Robert , Zembowicz Artur
Published: June 2008

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is an idiopathic microangiopathy involving the superficial blood vessels that was initially reported in a 54‐year‐old male. We recently have identified this rarely reported entity in three Caucasian males. The first patient was a 59‐year‐old male with diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia who presented with multiple, red, blanchable, asymptomatic telangiectasias covering the extensor surface of the forearms, the lower abdomen and parts of the chest. The second patient was a 62‐year‐old male with psoriasis and extensive arthritis who presented with prominent telangiectasias on the left lateral distal thigh with mild overlying epidermal atrophy. The third patient was an 80‐year‐old male with atrial fibrillation who presented with blanching, telangiectatic areas on the abdomen, thighs and back. Histologically, the skin lesions showed ectatic superficial small blood vessels with laminated, hyalinized concretions around vessels that were highlighted with periodic acid‐Schiff staining following diastase digestion and reactive by immunohistochemical staining with an antibody to collagen type IV. CCV is a rare and poorly understood entity with distinct histopathological features that may clinically resemble generalized essential telangiectasia (GET), yet which may affect a different demographic population than GET. Awareness of this uncommon entity may further help to elucidate its etiology.
Sclerosing nevus with pseudomelanomatous features
Authors: Fabrizi Giuseppe , Pennacchia Ilaria , Pagliarello Calogero , Massi Guido
Published: June 2008

Background:  Among the pigmented lesions with a central area of scar, we found a group of cases histologically characterized by striking architectural alteration of the melanocytic component, but with no cytological atypia and mitotically quiescent. The aim of the current study was to assess the biological nature of such lesions.

Methods:  We selected 19 of these melanocytic neoplasms that had the following characteristics: (a) a clinically evident whitish central area suggestive of regression (with no history of a previous surgical procedure or trauma), (b) histological features of fibrous scar‐like tissue at the center of the lesion, (c) the presence of large, confluent and unusually shaped melanocytic nests at the dermoepidermal junction and in the dermis, (d) a pagetoid spread of melanocytes above the epidermal basal layer and (e) remnants of nevus tissue at the border of the scar. The lesions showed no evidence of cytological atypia, expansive nodules of melanocytes, significant numbers of mitoses or cellular necrosis.

Results:  All the cases have been followed up and none have recurred or metastasized. Histologically, these neoplasms have important similarities with the so‐called recurrent nevus, nevi on lichen sclerosus and nevi developed during or following cutaneous inflammatory and sclerosing processes. The origin of the scar in each case was obscure but was probably related to minor unnoticed trauma or to chronic friction on a nevus. In few cases, the fibrosis was probably the result of partial regression of the nevus or a sequel to folliculitis. The pseudomelanomatous features appear to be related to the presence of the scar, as already reported for nevi that are involved in fibrotic or scarring processes. In our study, the nevi involved in the fibrotic process were congenital nevi and common or dysplastic nevi. One case was a Spitz nevus.

Conclusions:  From our data we concluded that, despite their worrisome clinical and histological aspect, the lesions described in this case series were most probably benign melanocytic nevi, involved by a fibrotic process combined with pseudomelanomatous proliferation. The lack of cytological atypia, mitoses and expansive nodules allowed us to differentiate these lesions from regressing melanomas.
Superficial acral fibromyxoma: a clinicopathological analysis of 32 tumors including 4 in the heel
Authors: Al‐Daraji Wael I , Miettinen Markku
Published: June 2008

Aims:  To examine a series of superficial acral fibromyxomas (SAFs) and discuss our experience with this new entity and its differential diagnosis in the past 5 years.

Methods and results:  Thirty‐two new cases of SAF were studied between 2001 and 2006. The patients included 22 males and 10 females with an age range between 23 and 82 years (mean 51, median 53) presenting with a solitary mass or nodule with an average size of 2 cm. The sites were the toes (n = 15) and fingers (n = 13) with 66.6% of tumors close to or involving the nail bed. Four tumors occurred in the heel where SAF has not been previously observed. Local recurrences developed in 3 of 14 patients (22%). Histologically, all tumors presented with spindle cells with a vague storiform and fascicular pattern embedded in a myxoid/fibromyxoid/collagenous stroma. A characteristic immunophenotype included CD34+, CD99+/− and EMA+ focally. One case showed moderate cytological atypia with 1 mitosis per 10 HPF, but a 4‐year follow up showed no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusion:  Thirty‐two new cases of SAF confirm this tumor as a reproducible entity. Occurrence in the heel, a new site for this tumor, was reported in four cases. Recurrence rate of this tumor may exceed 20%.
IL‐4 production by CD8+ lymphomatoid papulosis, type C, attracts background eosinophils
Authors: Slone Stephen P. , Martin Alvin W. , Wellhausen Samuel R. , Woods Dustin R. , Malone Janine C. , Lear Sheron C. , Laber Damian A.
Published: June 2008

There are two subsets of CD8+ T cells: Tc1 and Tc2. INF‐γ production by Tc1 cells causes granulomatous inflammation. IL‐4 production by Tc2 cells attracts eosinophils. A 76‐year‐Caucasian female presented with CD8+ lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), type C. We hypothesized that the LyP cells belonged to the Tc2 subset because of abundant background eosinophils. Hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical stains were carried out on tissue sections from a skin punch biopsy. Antibodies for immunohistochemical stains included CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD30, CD56, ALK‐1, clusterin and IL‐4. There was involvement of the dermis by a dense lymphoid infiltrate composed of large atypical cells and numerous eosinophils. The LyP cells expressed CD5, CD8, CD30 and IL‐4. Keratinocytes showed a membranous pattern of immunoreactivity for IL‐4. IL‐4 production by CD8+ LyP, type C indicates that it belongs to the Tc2 subset. The cytokine milieu produced by the LyP cells attracted eosinophils. The IL‐13R complex on keratinocytes bound IL‐4 and produced a membranous staining pattern. Although CD8+ LyP is rare, we believe that this CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder should be included in the World Health Organization‐European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas.
Effects of a Parent Training Program on the Interactive Skills of Parents of Children with Autism in China
Authors: Wang Peishi
Published: June 2008

Abstract  This study evaluated the effects of a parent training program on the interactive skills of parents of children with autism in the People's Republic of China. Twenty‐seven families of children with autism in a northeastern city of China were randomly assigned to either the training or the control group. Parents received a total of 20 h of training in a format that included both group and individual sessions. Parents’ interactive skills during free play with their children with autism were examined using videotaped observations at their homes and analyzed using the Maternal Behavior Rating Scales. One‐way analysis of covariance indicated that following the training, parents in the training group, compared with those in the control group, were more sensitive to their children's interests, responded to their children's behavior more appropriately, were more accepting of their children and their behavior, showed more enjoyment of interacting with their children, and expressed more warmth toward their children throughout the free play interactions. More research is needed to investigate whether parental responsiveness and affect promote more active engagement by their children in their interactions.
China‐Sweden Partnership: Areas of Ongoing Development in Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Ericsson Kent , Gebre‐Medhin Mehari , Sonnander Karin
Published: June 2008

Abstract  At the initiative of the Government of the People's Republic of China, a letter of intent concerning a joint undertaking for studying children with intellectual disability in China was formulated together with the Swedish Government's Ministry of Social Affairs in the early 1990s. The Swedish Board of Health and Welfare invited Uppsala University to set up a consulting team through the Centre for Disability Research. On the Chinese side, the task was given to China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), whose overriding task is the representation of and guarding the legal rights of persons with disabilities. Under the auspice of the CDPF, researchers from China and Sweden jointly identified three areas of work: iodine deficiency, developmental screening, and rehabilitation. This article describes the project's activities within the Sino‐Swedish Project, initiated in 1995. The Sino‐Swedish Project was implemented in the least developed and consequently poorest western/northwestern interior parts of the country and overall work was carried out on a county‐level (i.e., target areas were predominately rural albeit located in townships and villages). The experiences gained have formed the basis for further implementation throughout the country.
Comparative Policy Brief: Status of Intellectual Disabilities in the Republic of Cuba
Authors: Brice Alejandro E.
Published: June 2008

Abstract  It is estimated that 3.2% of Cuba's population of 11.4 million persons has a severe disability of some kind. Recent economic difficulties have, it may be assumed, had a negative impact on health service provision – which is free to all – and thus, on population health outcomes and nutritional levels. There is a traditional culture of family care for children and adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs), although it is apparent that unfounded beliefs about the etiology of disabling conditions as well as social stigma persist. The Constitution indicates that it is necessary to provide education for children with intellectual and other disabilities in primary schools, while other ministerial resolutions create special schools. ID is construed chiefly as a social problem. Children with IDs are the responsibility of the Minister of Education; it is possible that children with severe levels of disability may not attend school and rely on family support. For adults, rehabilitation includes physiotherapy and other services such as “defectology”; strategies for adults who are evaluated include both segregated and institutional elements. The author suggests that two key issues are related to policy and practice in Cuba. One is the minimal content on special education in teacher preparation programs, and the other, that despite a cultural tradition of family care, family involvement in special education, or in rehabilitative services, remains limited.
Comparative Policy Brief: Status of Intellectual Disabilities in the Republic of Zambia
Authors: Mung'omba James
Published: June 2008

Abstract  In the Republic of Zambia, an estimated 256,000 persons have some form of disability, and of these, 5.4% have intellectual disabilities. Even now, traditional beliefs about the etiology of intellectual disabilities persist and considerable stigma is attached to the presence of persons with intellectual disabilities who are often excluded from community life. Recently, antidiscrimination legislation has been enacted and there is a policy related to pupils with special educational needs. Although a range of Zambian and international nongovernmental organizations and church groups have developed services for children and their families, their impact is impeded by widespread poverty. Adults remain vulnerable, with no entitlement to social welfare benefits and very limited access either to government‐led trust funds for persons with disabilities or to employment. The most striking issue is poverty (Zambia is one of the world's poorest nations) and an absence of even basic support for people with intellectual disabilities outside of families. Other key issues include a lack of useful data, no specific policy related to persons with intellectual disabilities, and limited progress in achieving education for all.
Postural changes during showering affect the entry of water into the ear canal
Authors: Ibrahim S.I. , Mal R.K.
Published: June 2008

Objective:  The aim of the study is to demonstrate the effect of postural changes in keeping the ears dry during showering.

Design:  A prospective, randomized, single blinded trial.

Setting:  Tertiary otolaryngological unit.

Participants:  Forty adult volunteers were recruited and randomly allocated to have a shower either with a head down or a head up posture.

Main outcome measures:  Presence of fluorescein in the deeper ear canal.

Results:  Ninety‐three per cent of ears in the head down group had no flourescein and 95% of ears in the head up group showed the presence of fluorescein, indicating presence of water in the deeper ear canals.

Conclusion:  When a head down position was assumed during showering, water did not enter the deeper part of the ear canal in 93% of ears.
Conservative versus primary surgical treatment of acoustic neuromas: a comparison of rates of facial nerve and hearing preservation
Authors: Martin T.P.C. , Tzifa K. , Kowalski C. , Holder R.L. , Walsh R. , Irving R.M.
Published: June 2008

Objectives:  To determine whether patients with small to medium sized acoustic neuromas managed conservatively suffer reduced rates of facial nerve and hearing preservation when compared with patients undergoing primary surgery.

Design:  An intention‐to‐treat comparison between patients managed conservatively at first presentation and those managed with primary surgery.

Setting:  Tertiary referral neurotological centre in Birmingham, UK.

Participants:  Data were drawn from our database of 487 sporadic acoustic neuromas managed from 1997 to present day.

Main outcome measures:  Facial nerve status (assessed using the House‐Brackmann system) was collated for all conservatively managed patients (n = 167) and compared with that expected when calculated from primarily surgically managed tumours of equivalent size (n = 121). A chi‐square test was employed to test the statistical significance of any difference. Hearing preservation (maintenance of AAO‐HNS Class) in patients presenting with Class A or B hearing was compared between conservatively managed patients and those with primary surgical management.

Results:  Observed facial nerve preservation in conservatively managed patients was significantly better (P < 0.001) than expected when calculated from rates of facial nerve preservation in surgically managed patients. Hearing preservation was also significantly more successful in conservatively managed patients (Pearson chi‐square: P < 0.000).

Conclusions:  An initial period of conservative management is a safe and reasonable management policy in all acoustic neuromas up to 2 cm in size at the cerebello‐pontine angle. Given that there are no failsafe ways of deciding potential for growth in acoustic neuromas, initial conservative management of these tumours offers superior hearing and facial nerve preservation when compared with primary surgical treatment.
Surgical techniques for the treatment of nasal valve collapse: a systematic review
Authors: Spielmann P.M. , Sanders J. , White P.S. , Hussain S.S.M.
Published: June 2008

Objectives.  To critically evaluate the surgical treatment strategies for nasal valve collapse and their outcomes.

Method.  A systematic review of studies for surgically treated nasal valve collapse from 1970 to 2006 including an analysis of techniques and their outcomes. Database search of EBM reviews, (Cochrane, DARE, CCTR & ACP Journal club), Medline and EMBASE’ including a hand search of bibliographies in identified papers. The outcomes used are success of techniques at relieving symptoms and cosmesis. The inclusion criteria was a minimum of 10 patients in each study with a defined minimum 6‐month period of follow‐up.

Results.  No randomised trials exist; 31 studies met the minimal inclusion criteria. Seventeen addressed the internal nasal valve, seven the external nasal valve and seven both. A variety of techniques have been used including spreader grafts, alar batten grafts, splay grafts, butterfly grafts, and lateral expansion sutures. All techniques have high success rates with no single technique appearing more successful than others. Studies had similar inclusion criteria and a mean follow up >12 months. The level of evidence is III. Few studies provided objective measures of nasal airflow in the form of rhinomanometry, but when presented results were significantly improved.

Conclusions.  A variety of surgical techniques are available to deal with nasal valve collapse. The specific pathological problem causing obstruction at the nasal valve must be identified and the surgical solution tailored to the individual. There is no ‘one size fits all’ procedure.
Physicochemical Properties, Firmness, and Nanostructures of Sodium Carbonate‐Soluble Pectin of 2 Chinese Cherry Cultivars at 2 Ripening Stages
Authors: Zhang Lifen , Chen Fusheng , An Hongjie , Yang Hongshun , Sun Xiaoyang , Guo Xingfeng , Li Lite
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT:  Firmness and physicochemical properties of 2 Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus L.) cultivars (soft cultivar “Caode” and crisp cultivar “Bende”) at unripe and ripe stages were investigated, and the qualitative and quantitative information about sodium carbonate‐soluble pectin (SSP) nanostructures was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The lengths and widths of the cherry SSPs are very regular: almost all of the widths and lengths of SSP single molecules are composed of several basic units. The widths of the SSP chains are 37, 47, 55, and 61 nm, and the lengths are 123, 202, and 380 nm in both cultivars. The results show that the firmer cherry groups (crisp fruit) contain more percentages of wide and short SSP chains than soft fruit, and the unripe groups contain more percentages of wide and long SSP chains than corresponding ripe groups. They indicate that those nanostructural characteristics of SSP are closely related with firmness of the Chinese cherries in each cultivar.
The Direct Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Basaltic and Related Rocks using ICP‐MS: Testing the Efficiency of Microwave Oven Sample Decomposition Procedures
Authors: Navarro Margareth S. , Andrade Sandra , Ulbrich Horstpeter , Gomes Celso B. , Girardi Vicente A.V.
Published: June 2008

Tests are described showing the results obtained for the determination of REE and the trace elements Rb, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta, Pb, Th and U with ICP‐MS methodology for nine basaltic reference materials, and thirteen basalts and amphibolites from the mafic‐ultramafic Niquelândia Complex, central Brazil. Sample decomposition for the reference materials was performed by microwave oven digestion (HF and HNO3, 100 mg of sample), and that for the Niquelândia samples also by Parr bomb treatment (5 days at 200°C, 40 mg of sample). Results for the reference materials were similar to published values, thus showing that the microwave technique can be used with confidence for basaltic rocks. No fluoride precipitates were observed in the microwave‐digested solutions. Total recovery of elements, including Zr and Hf, was obtained for the Niquelândia samples, with the exception of an amphibolite. For this latter sample, the Parr method achieved a total digestion, but not so the microwave decomposition; losses, however, were observed only for Zr and Hf, indicating difficulty in dissolving Zr‐bearing minerals by microwave acid attack.
δ30Si and δ29Si Determinations on USGS BHVO‐1 and BHVO‐2 Reference Materials with a New Configuration on a Nu Plasma Multi‐Collector ICP‐MS
Authors: Abraham Kathrin , Opfergelt Sophie , Fripiat François , Cavagna Anne‐Julie , De Jong Jeroen T.M. , Foley Stephen F. , André Luc , Cardinal Damien
Published: June 2008

We report silicon isotopic determinations for USGS rock reference materials BHVO‐1 and BHVO‐2 using a Nu Plasma multi‐collector (MC)‐ICP‐MS, upgraded with a new adjustable entrance slit, to obtain medium resolution, as well as a stronger primary pump and newly designed sampler and skimmer cones (“B” cones). These settings, combined with the use of collector slits, allowed a resolution to be reached that was sufficient to overcome the 14N16O and 14N2 interferences overlying the 30Si and the 28Si peaks, respectively, in an earlier set‐up. This enabled accurate measurement of both δ30Si and δ29Si. The δ value is expressed in per mil variation relative to the NBS 28 quartz reference material. Based on data acquired from numerous sessions spread over a period of six months, we propose a recommended average δ30Si of −0.33 ± 0.05‰ and −0.29 ± 0.11‰ (2se) for BHVO‐1 and BHVO‐2, respectively. Our BHVO grand mean silicon isotope composition (δ30Si =−0.31 ± 0.06‰) is significantly more negative than the only published value for BHVO‐2, but is in very good agreement with the recently established average value of ocean island basalts (OIB), confirming the conclusion that the OIB reservoir has a distinct isotopic composition from the solar reservoir as sampled by chondrites.
Corneal oedema after cataract surgery: predisposing factors and corneal graft outcome
Authors: Claesson Margareta , Armitage W. John , Stenevi Ulf
Published: June 2008

Purpose:  Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) is one of the main indications for corneal transplantation. Graft survival and visual outcome in this group are often poorer than for other indications. The aim of this study was to find risk factors for developing corneal oedema after cataract surgery and factors that influence the subsequent survival of the graft and the visual outcome.

Methods:  We carried out an observational, retrospective cohort study using data from the Swedish Cornea Transplant Register and patient medical records. A total of 273 patients whose indication for corneal transplantation was corneal oedema after cataract surgery were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis and, where appropriate, univariate analyses were applied.

Results:  A total of 43% of the patients developed persistent corneal oedema immediately after cataract surgery, the main risk factors for which were phacoemulsification and pre‐existing endothelial disease. Almost a third (32%) of the transplants for PBK failed within 2 years, for which rejection and other postoperative complications increased the risk. Half (50%) the patients had visual acuity ≤ 0.1 at 2 years after keratoplasty. Comorbidity, increasing duration of the bullous keratopathy and increasing age affected the visual outcome negatively.

Conclusions:  Phacoemulsification was a risk factor for immediate persistent corneal oedema after cataract surgery, although it did not increase the overall risk of developing PBK. However, transplants for immediate PBK had a better survival rate than those for later onset PBK. Shorter duration of PBK and intraocular lens exchange at the time of penetrating keratoplasty increased the likelihood of good visual acuity.
Recovery of
Herbaspirillum
Species from Persons with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Spilker Theodore , Uluer Ahmet Z. , Marty Francisco M. , Yeh Wendy W. , Levison Julie H. , Vandamme Peter , LiPuma John J.
Published: June 2008

Herbaspirillum
species are not known to be human pathogens. We report on the identification of
Herbaspirillum
from cultures from 28 persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). Most isolates were initially identified as members of the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex. Although the role that these species play in lung disease in persons with CF is not known, their differentiation from other species is important and has serious implications for clinical care and patient well-being.
Salmonella
Serovar Identification Using PCR-Based Detection of Gene Presence and Absence
Authors: Arrach Nabil , Porwollik Steffen , Cheng Pui , Cho Ann , Long Fred , Choi Sang-Ho , McClelland Michael
Published: June 2008

There are more than 2,500 known
Salmonella
serovars, and some of these can be further subclassified into groups of strains that differ profoundly in their gene content. We refer to these groups of strains as “genovars.” A compilation of comparative genomic hybridization data on 291
Salmonella
isolates, including 250
S. enterica
subspecies I strains from 32 serovars (52 genovars), was used to select a panel of 384 genes whose presence and absence among serovars and genovars was of potential taxonomic value. A subset of 146 genes was used for real-time PCR to successfully identify 12 serovars (16 genovars) in 24
S. enterica
strains. A further subset of 64 genes was used to identify 8 serovars (9 genovars) in 12 multiplex PCR mixes on 11
S. enterica
strains. These gene panels distinguish all tested
S. enterica
subspecies I serovars and their known genovars, almost all by two or more informative markers. Thus, a typing methodology based on these predictive genes would generally alert users if there is an error, an unexpected polymorphism, or a potential new genovar.
Molecular Phylogenetic Diversity, Multilocus Haplotype Nomenclature, and In Vitro Antifungal Resistance within theFusarium solaniSpecies Complex
Authors: O'Donnell Kerry , Sutton Deanna A. , Fothergill Annette , McCarthy Dora , Rinaldi Michael G. , Brandt Mary E. , Zhang Ning , Geiser David M.
Published: June 2008

Members of the species-richFusarium solanispecies complex (FSSC) are responsible for approximately two-thirds all fusarioses of humans and other animals. In addition, many economically important phytopathogenic species are nested within this complex. Due to their increasing clinical relevance and because most of the human pathogenic and plant pathogenic FSSC lack Latin binomials, we have extended the multilocus haplotype nomenclatural system introduced in a previous study (D. C. Chang, G. B. Grant, K. O'Donnell, K. A. Wannemuehler, J. Noble-Wang, C. Y. Rao, L. M. Jacobson, C. S. Crowell, R. S. Sneed, F. M. T. Lewis, J. K. Schaffzin, M. A. Kainer, C. A. Genese, E. C. Alfonso, D. B. Jones, A. Srinivasan, S. K. Fridkin, and B. J. Park, JAMA 296:953-963, 2006) to all 34 species within the medically important FSSC clade 3 to facilitate global epidemiological studies. The typing scheme is based on polymorphisms in portions of the following three genes: the internal transcribed spacer region and domains D1 plus D2 of the nuclear large-subunit rRNA, the translation elongation factor 1 alpha gene (EF-1α), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II gene (RPB2). Of the 251 isolates subjected to multilocus DNA sequence typing, 191 sequence types were differentiated, and these were distributed among three strongly supported clades designated 1, 2, and 3. All of the mycosis-associated isolates were restricted to FSSC clade 3, as previously reported (N. Zhang, K. O'Donnell, D. A. Sutton, F. A Nalim, R. C. Summerbell, A. A. Padhye, and D. M. Geiser, J. Clin. Microbiol. 44:2186-2190, 2006), and these represent at least 20 phylogenetically distinct species. Analyses of the combined DNA sequence data by use of two separate phylogenetic methods yielded the most robust hypothesis of evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity within the FSSC to date. The in vitro activities of 10 antifungals tested against 19 isolates representing 18 species that span the breadth of the FSSC phylogeny show that members of this complex are broadly resistant to these drugs.
Identification of a Second CtBP Binding Site in Adenovirus Type 5 E1A Conserved Region 3
Authors: Bruton Rachel K. , Pelka Peter , Mapp Katie L. , Fonseca Gregory J. , Torchia Joseph , Turnell Andrew S. , Mymryk Joe S. , Grand Roger J. A.
Published: June 2008

C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) binds to adenovirus early region 1A (AdE1A) through a highly conserved PXDLS motif close to the C terminus. We now have demonstrated that CtBP1 also interacts directly with the transcriptional activation domain (conserved region 3 [CR3]) of adenovirus type 5 E1A (Ad5E1A) and requires the integrity of the entire CR3 region for optimal binding. The interaction appears to be at least partially mediated through a sequence (
161
RRNTGDP
167
) very similar to a recently characterized novel CtBP binding motif in ZNF217 as well as other regions of CR3. Using reporter assays, we further demonstrated that CtBP1 represses Ad5E1A CR3-dependent transcriptional activation. Ad5E1A also appears to be recruited to the E-cadherin promoter through its interaction with CtBP. Significantly, Ad5E1A, CtBP1, and ZNF217 form a stable complex which requires CR3 and the PLDLS motif. It has been shown that Ad513SE1A, containing the CR3 region, is able to overcome the transcriptional repressor activity of a ZNF217 polypeptide fragment in a GAL4 reporter assay through recruitment of CtBP1. These results suggest a hitherto-unsuspected complexity in the association of Ad5E1A with CtBP, with the interaction resulting in transcriptional activation by recruitment of CR3-bound factors to CtBP1-containing complexes.