bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Leptosphaeria maculans – Leptosphaeria biglobosa species complex in the American continent
Authors: Dilmaghani A. , Balesdent M. H. , Didier J. P. , Wu C. , Davey J. , Barbetti M. J. , Li Hua , Moreno‐Rico O. , Phillips D. , Despeghel J. P. , Vincenot L. , Gout L. , Rouxel T.
Published: October 2009

Stem canker of oilseed rape (canola, Brassica napus) is associated with a species complex of two closely related fungal species, Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. Of these, L. maculans is the most damaging and develops gene‐for‐gene relationships with the host. Here, a wide scale analysis of the L. maculans ‐ L. biglobosa species complex was performed throughout the American continent (23 locations from Chile to Canada) plus several locations in Western Australia for comparison purposes, based on a collection of 1132 isolates from infected tissues of a susceptible cultivar. Fungal species were discriminated on the basis of morphological, phytopathological and molecular criteria and showed that L. biglobosa was closely associated with L. maculans in most of the locations. Multiple gene phylogeny using sequences of ITS, actin and β‐tubulin confirmed the prevalence of the L. biglobosa‘canadensis’ sub‐clade in Canada, whereas up to three different sub‐clades of L. biglobosa were found in Georgia (USA). Race structure of L. maculans was investigated using a combination of pathogenicity tests and PCR amplification of avirulence alleles AvrLm1, AvrLm4 and AvrLm6. Three contrasting situations were observed: (i) race structure in Ontario, Chile and Georgia was related to that of European and Western Australian populations, with a low race diversity; (ii) only one race was found in Mexico, and not found outside of this country; (iii) a large diversity of races was observed in central Canada (Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan) with very specific features including maintenance of avirulence alleles absent from Europe, absence of the AvrLm7 allele common in Europe (or eastern Canada) and wide location‐to‐location variability.
Analysis of population structure of Rosellinia necatrix on Cyperus esculentus by mycelial compatibility and inter‐simple sequence repeats (ISSR)
Authors: Armengol J. , Vicent A. , León M. , Berbegal M. , Abad‐Campos P. , García‐Jiménez J.
Published: October 2009

Genetic diversity was studied in a population of 24 isolates of Rosellinia necatrix obtained from Cyperus esculentus and 16 from other hosts by means of mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) and inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) techniques. All isolates obtained from C. esculentus belonged to a unique MCG, irrespective of their geographical origin or year of isolation, and were incompatible with the isolates from other hosts. ISSR analysis gave results which were in agreement with the MCG determination; selected ISSR primers grouped a subset of eight representative isolates from C. esculentus in a unique cluster. The homogeneity found within the population of R. necatrix from C. esculentus in Valencia province could suggest that the pathogen was introduced recently and has spread further via infected tubers inadvertently used as propagating material, as well as by cull tubers swept away by irrigation water.
Genetic evidence for differentiation of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici into two major groups
Authors: Daval S. , Lebreton L. , Gazengel K. , Guillerm‐Erckelboudt A.‐Y. , Sarniguet A.
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to give a comparative overview of diversity in Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt), the take‐all plant pathogenic fungus. For this, 98 Ggt isolates of a worldwide collection were first compared with two sets of specific PCR tools that discriminate G1/G2 and A/B genetic groups. A correspondence was found between G1 and B on the one hand and between G2 and A on the other, and less frequent divergent genotypes were also found. For more insight into Ggt diversity, a deeper phylogenetic analysis was conducted with the DNA sequences of two regions: the coding region of the RAPD‐PCR marker previously selected and used for genotyping G1/G2 isolates, corresponding to the gentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase‐like gene, and the rDNA region corresponding to a part of the 18S gene, 5.8S gene, ITS1 and ITS2 DNA sequences. The distribution of Ggt genotypes into two main groups was confirmed by this phylogenetic analysis. The results give some evidence of the congruence of the molecular markers used by different teams and describe for the first time at the level of a worldwide collection two major genetically different groups of Ggt. The use of a universal molecular descriptor of Ggt groups is useful for investigating the occurrence, distribution and changes in Ggt populations in relation to epidemic dynamics.
Effect of salinity on pythium damping‐off of cucumber and on the tolerance ofPythium aphanidermatum
Authors: Al‐Sadi A. M. , Al‐Masoudi R. S. , Al‐Habsi N. , Al‐Said F. A. , Al‐Rawahy S. A. , Ahmed M. , Deadman M. L.
Published: October 2009

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of salinity on pythium damping‐off and tolerance to salinity amongPythium aphanidermatumisolates from different geographical origins, genetic backgrounds and saline/non‐saline soils. Increasing irrigation‐water salinity from 0·01 to 5 dS m−1significantly increased mortality in cucumber seedlings inoculated withP. aphanidermatumand reduced dry weight of non‐inoculated seedlings.In vitrotests in culture media amended with different concentrations of NaCl showed that growth ofP. aphanidermatum, P. spinosumandP. splendensisolates was stimulated or unaffected at salinity levels stressful for cucumber (electrical conductivity = 5 dS m−1). Significant differences were found in tolerance to salinity among 47P. aphanidermatumisolates obtained from different greenhouses. The concentration of NaCl required to reduce growth ofP. aphanidermatumisolates by 50% varied from 23 to 62 dS m−1, with an average of 46 dS m−1, however, oospore production was more sensitive to salinity and no oospores were produced above 20 dS m−1. Analysis of tolerance ofP. aphanidermatumisolates to salinity showed no relationship between tolerance to salinity and geographical origins or genetic data. Isolates ofP. aphanidermatumfrom greenhouses with no salinity problems were as tolerant to salinity as isolates obtained from salinity‐affected greenhouses, suggesting lack of evidence for ecological adaptation withinP. aphanidermatumin Oman. Increased mortality in cucumber seedlings at higher salinity levels may imply a synergistic interaction between salinity stress and salinity‐tolerantPythiumspecies on cucumber seedlings, resulting in greater seedling losses.
Osteopontin is expressed and functional in human eosinophils
Authors: Puxeddu I. , Berkman N. , Ribatti D. , Bader R. , Haitchi H. M. , Davies D. E. , Howarth P. H. , Levi‐Schaffer F.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Puxeddu I, Berkman N, Ribatti D, Bader R, Haitchi HM, Davies DE, Howarth PH, Levi‐Schaffer F. Osteopontin is expressed and functional in human eosinophils. Allergy 2010; 65: 168–174.

Background:  Eosinophils are critically involved in allergic inflammation and tissue remodeling. Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein molecule which exhibits pro‐fibrogenic and pro‐angiogenic properties and has recently also been implicated in allergic diseases. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of OPN in human eosinophils.

Methods:  Osteopontin mRNA (RT‐PCR) and protein (immunofluorescence) expression in peripheral blood eosinophils from atopic human subjects were evaluated. Soluble OPN release was determined in resting and activated eosinophils. The contribution of OPN to eosinophil‐induced angiogenesis was determined using the chick embryo chorio‐ allantoic membrane (CAM) assay and OPN‐induced eosinophil chemotaxis was determined (ChemoTx System microplate wells). Finally, OPN expression in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids from mild asthmatic and normal control subjects was determined.

Results:  Osteopontin is expressed in human eosinophils and is increased following GM‐CSF and IL‐5 activation. Eosinophil‐derived OPN contributes to eosinophil‐induced angiogenesis. Recombinant OPN promotes eosinophil chemotaxis in vitro and this effect is mediated by α4β1 integrin binding. Soluble OPN is increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from mild asthmatic subjects and correlates with eosinophil counts.

Conclusions:  We therefore conclude that OPN is likely to contribute to the process of angiogenesis observed in the airways in asthma.
Time‐series nasal epithelial transcriptomics during natural pollen exposure in healthy subjects and allergic patients
Authors: Mattila P. , Renkonen J. , Toppila‐Salmi S. , Parviainen V. , Joenväärä S. , Alff‐Tuomala S. , Nicorici D. , Renkonen R.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Mattila P, Renkonen J, Toppila‐Salmi S, Parviainen V, Joenväärä S, Alff‐Tuomala S, Nicorici D, Renkonen R. Time‐series nasal epithelial transcriptomics during natural pollen exposure in healthy subjects and allergic patients. Allergy 2010; 65: 175–183.

Background:  The role of epithelium has recently awakened interest in the studies of type I hypersensitivity.

Objective:  We analysed the nasal transcriptomics epithelial response to natural birch pollen exposure in a time series manner.

Methods:  Human nasal epithelial cell swabs were collected from birch pollen allergic patients and healthy controls in winter season. In addition, four specimens at weekly intervals were collected from the same subjects during natural birch pollen exposure in spring and transcriptomic analyses were performed.

Results:  The nasal epithelium of healthy subjects responded vigorously to allergen exposure. The immune response was a dominating category of this response. Notably, the healthy subjects did not display any clinical symptoms regardless of this response detected by transcriptomic analysis. Concomitantly, the epithelium of allergic subjects responded also, but with a different set of responders. In allergic patients the regulation of dyneins, the molecular motors of intracellular transport dominated. This further supports our previous hypothesis that the birch pollen exposure results in an active uptake of allergen into the epithelium only in allergic subjects but not in healthy controls.

Conclusion:  We showed that birch pollen allergen causes a defence response in healthy subjects, but not in allergic subjects. Instead, allergic patients actively transport pollen allergen through the epithelium to tissue mast cells. Our study showed that new hypotheses can arise from the application of discovery driven methodologies. To understand complex multifactorial diseases, such as type I hypersensitivity, this kind of hypotheses might be worth further analyses.
Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐Cw*140201, identified by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Xu Y.‐P. , Deng Z.‐H. , Wang D.‐M. , Zeng J.‐Q. , Jing S.‐Z.
Published: October 2009

Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐Cw*140201, differing from Cw*1403 by four nucleotide exchanges in exon 2 and intron 5, was identified by cloning and sequencing from a male Chinese donor.
Phylogeography of Hemibarbus labeo (Cyprinidae): secondary contact of ancient lineages of mtDNA
Authors: Lin Chung‐Jian , Lin Hung‐Du , Wang Jiang‐Ping , Chao Seau‐Chiou , Chiang Tzen‐Yuh
Published: October 2009

Lin, C.‐J., Lin, H.‐D., Wang, J.‐P., Chao, S.‐C. & Chiang, T.‐Y. (2007). Phylogeography of Hemibarbus labeo (Cyprinidae): secondary contact of ancient lineages of mtDNA. —Zoologica Scripta, 39, 23–35.

Nucleotide sequences of the D‐loop control region of mtDNA were used to assess the genetic structure and phylogeography of Hemibarbus labeo in Mainland China and Taiwan. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance of populations in 11 major streams from three geographical regions revealed significant structuring among populations and geographical regions. High levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 1.88%) and haplotype diversity (h = 96 ± 0.009%) suggest a large effective population size. A maximum likelihood tree based on mtDNA variation identified two ancient mtDNA lineages, which split approximately 3.39 million years ago. Overlapping distribution of the major lineages displayed low correspondence with geographical regions and reflects a scenario of secondary mergence after long isolation. Gene genealogy further revealed a unidirectional migration. Nevertheless, there existed a phylogeographical structure that mostly agreed with a biogeographical hypothesis. That is, within each lineage, a close phylogeny between populations of the River‐Campagna and East‐Pacific regions was supported by the mtDNA gene genealogy, although monophyly of each geographical region was not supported. The degree of genetic differentiation was correlated with geographical distances between populations, displaying a pattern of ‘isolation by distance’. Gene genealogy of mtDNA revealed that Yangtzejiang population may act as a divergence centre of H. labeo. In addition, Taiwan population was colonized via a recent a founder event, likely from population Yangtzejiang River about 131 000 years before present. Low haplotype number and genetic variability also suggested possible bottleneck events in the Rongjiang and Dazhangjiang populations.
Trends in epidemiology and treatment of upper urinary tract tumours in the Netherlands 1995–2005: an analysis of PALGA, the Dutch national histopathology registry
Authors: Cauberg Evelyne C.C. , Salomons Maartje A. , Kümmerlin Intan P.E.D. , De Reijke Theo M. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , De La Rosette Jean J.M.C.H. , Kate Fiebo J.W. , Laguna Pes M. Pilar
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in incidence, distribution of stage and grade as well as surgical treatment of upper urinary tract (UUT) tumours in the Netherlands from 1995 to 2005.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The PALGA registry, a nationwide network and registry of pathology encompassing all hospitals in the Netherlands, was used as primary data source. Pathology reports of all primary surgical procedures or biopsies without further surgical treatment within the next year, of cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter during the period 1995–2005, were included. The number of surgically treated UUT tumours per year, type of treatment and tumour characteristics were recorded.

RESULTS

The population consisted of 2321 (67%) men and 1145 (33%) women with a mean age of 68.6 years. The distribution according to side was similar (left 44.1%, right 41.5%), bilateral tumours were rare (0.6%) and most tumours were in the renal pelvis (51.3%). Both the incidence and the incidence rate per 100 000 person‐years increased during the study period (P < 0.001). Most urothelial cancers were grade 2 (40.9%) or 3 (41.2%) and stage Ta (30.6%), T1 (18.1%) or T3 (22.8%). There was an increase in grade 3 (P = 0.003) and muscle‐invasive (P = 0.003) tumours in men only. Nephroureterectomy was performed in 41.3% of the cases and there was an increasing trend to endoscopic surgery (P = 0.019), although the absolute number was low.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of surgically treated UUT tumours increased, with a significant trend towards more advanced disease in men. Most tumours were treated by nephroureterectomy or nephrectomy, although there was an increasing trend to endoscopic surgery.
Radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer with microscopic bladder neck involvement: survival and prognostic implications
Authors: Villari Donata , Nesi Gabriella , Della Melina Alessandro , Palli Domenico , Ceroti Marco , Castigli Marco , Filocamo Maria Teresa , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Nicita Giulio
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To report the oncological outcome of 106 patients who had locally advanced prostate cancer with microscopic bladder neck invasion, identified in a series of 1129 patients surgically treated with retropubic radical prostatectomy over a 12‐year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All specimens were reviewed. Microscopic bladder neck invasion was defined as the presence of neoplastic cells within the smooth muscle bundles of the bladder neck, with no accompanying prostatic glandular tissue on the corresponding slide. Survival was analysed for different subgroups in relation to several variables.

RESULTS

The follow‐up (median 7.2 years, mean 6.68, range 0.3–14) was available for 106 patients with microscopic bladder neck invasion. Seminal vesicle invasion was present in 69.8% of the cases, lymph node involvement in 29.2%, apex infiltration in 31.8%, and positive surgical margins in 23.6%. Biochemical progression occurred in 61 (57.5%) patients, and 25 of them died from cancer. The mean (sd) biochemical progression‐free survival was 0.68 (0.05), 0.59 (0.05), 0.40 (0.05) and 0.38 (0.05) at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Age, Gleason score and lymph node invasion were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis. Overall and cancer‐specific survival rates were 0.75 (0.04) and 0.80 (0.04) at 5 years and 0.57 (0.04) and 0.75 (0.04) at 10 years, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that seminal vesicle invasion, lymph node involvement and surgical Gleason score ≥8 significantly increased the risk of death. On multivariate analysis only the surgical Gleason score had an independent prognostic role with regard to overall survival (P = 0.01; odds ratio 2.82, 95% confidence interval 1.2–6.4) and cancer‐specific survival (P < 0.001; 8.6, 2.5–28.8).

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, overall and cancer‐specific survival rates were comparable to those reported for surgically treated cT3 prostate cancers. The lack of need for external urinary diversion during the entire follow‐up significantly contributed to the patients’ quality of life.
Constructing ‘the family’ across culture
Authors: Singh Reenee
Published: October 2009

In this paper, which is based on a larger research study, I address the research question: How is ‘the family’ constructed and talked about in intercultural and intracultural systemic clinical sessions? I use the qualitative research method of discourse analysis to analyse transcripts from eleven intercultural and intracultural video‐taped family therapy sessions. The participants in the research study were South Asian and White British clinicians and families. Through discourse analysis, I identified the ‘Outsider–Insider discourse of family life’ to describe the different ways in which families define the boundaries around ‘the family’. The findings suggest that although ‘the family’ was constructed differently by South Asian and White British families, clinicians – regardless of whether they were working interculturally or intraculturally – privileged a discourse of ‘the family’ as a two‐generation, two‐parent unit. The theoretical, clinical and training implication of this finding will be discussed.
Thematic review of family therapy journals in 2008
Authors: Carr Alan
Published: October 2009

In this paper the contents of the principal English‐language family therapy journals, and family therapy papers from other journals published in 2008, are reviewed under the following headings: child‐focused problems, adult‐focused problems, couples, diversity, developments in systemic practice, training, research, and recent deaths of significant contributors to the field.
Cannabinoids prevent the opposite regulation of astroglial connexin43 hemichannels and gap junction channels induced by pro‐inflammatory treatments
Authors: Froger Nicolas , Orellana Juan A. , Cohen‐Salmon Martine , Ezan Pascal , Amigou Edwige , Sáez Juan C. , Giaume Christian
Published: October 2009

Brain injuries as well as neurodegenerative diseases, are associated with neuro‐inflammation characterized by astroglial and microglial activation and/or proliferation. Recently, we reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activation of microglia inhibits junctional channels and promotes hemichannels, two connexin43 functions in astrocytes. This opposite regulation is mediated by two pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐1 beta and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, released from activated microglia. Because cannabinoids (CBs) have anti‐inflammatory properties and their receptors are expressed by glial cells, we investigated on primary cortical cultures the effects of CB agonists, methanandamide and synthetic CBs on (i) cytokines released from LPS‐activated microglia and (ii) connexin43 functions in astrocytes subjected to pro‐inflammatory treatments. We observed that CBs inhibited the LPS‐induced release of interleukin‐1 beta and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha from microglia. Moreover, the connexin43 dual regulation evoked by the pro‐inflammatory treatments, was prevented by CB treatments. Pharmacological characterizations of CB actions on astrocytic connexin43 channels revealed that these effects were mainly mediated through CB1 receptors activation, although non‐CB1/CB2 receptors seemed to mediate the action of the methanandamide. Altogether these data demonstrate that in inflammatory situations CBs exert, through the activation of different sub‐types of glial CB receptors, a regulation on two functions of connexin43 channels in astrocytes known to be involved in neuron survival.
α‐secretase mediated conversion of the amyloid precursor protein derived membrane stub C99 to C83 limits Aβ generation
Authors: Jäger Sebastian , Leuchtenberger Stefanie , Martin Anne , Czirr Eva , Wesselowski Johanna , Dieckmann Marco , Waldron Elaine , Korth Carsten , Koo Edward H. , Heneka Michael , Weggen Sascha , Pietrzik Claus U.
Published: October 2009

The Swedish mutation within the amyloid precursor protein (APP) causes early‐onset Alzheimer’s disease due to increased cleavage of APP by BACE1. While β‐secretase shedding of Swedish APP (APPswe) largely results from an activity localized in the late secretory pathway, cleavage of wild‐type APP occurs mainly in endocytic compartments. However, we show that liberation of Aβ from APPswe is still dependent on functional internalization from the cell surface. Inspite the unchanged overall β‐secretase cleaved soluble APP released from APPswe secretion, mutations of the APPswe internalization motif strongly reduced C99 levels and substantially decreased Aβ secretion. We point out that α‐secretase activity‐mediated conversion of C99 to C83 is the main cause of this Aβ reduction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that α‐secretase cleavage of C99 even contributes to the reduction of Aβ secretion of internalization deficient wild‐type APP. Therefore, inhibition of α‐secretase cleavage increased Aβ secretion through diminished conversion of C99 to C83 in APP695, APP695swe or C99 expressing cells.
Coping with clean intermittent catherization – experiences from a patient perspective
Authors: Jaquet Annette , Eiskjær Jannie , Steffensen Kirsten , Laursen Birgitte Schantz
Published: October 2009

Background:  Poor bladder emptying is a well‐known phenomenon in urology which increases the risk of urinary tract infection. Thus, it is important to insure effective bladder emptying for the patient. This may be performed by emptying the bladder intermittently by means of a disposable catheter. The method is called clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). The purpose of CIC is, apart from the scientific reasons, to give patients the opportunity to live the life they did prior to experiencing problems with bladder emptying. In our view, a large number of patients do not cope with their new life with CIC in spite of learning programmes and written guidance.

Aim:  The aim of this study was to develop knowledge about how patients experience having to empty their bladder by using a disposable catheter for the rest of their lives. Knowledge nurses could be used to improve the quality of the procedure for CIC training. Furthermore this study also helps in investigating the strategies used by the patients used to master CIC in order to improve the organization of training in the future.

Method:  The research design was qualitative and took a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. The data were based on interviews with eight patients using CIC.

Results and conclusion:  The results suggested that need to perform CIC for the rest of one’s life resulted in a traumatic crisis which could be experienced to be more or less stressful. Situations were mastered employing strategies which could either be problem‐ or emotion‐focused. These strategies aimed, respectively, at solving the problem or at reducing the unpleasant feelings connected with the situation.
User participation in community mental health services: exploring the experiences of users and professionals
Authors: Elstad Toril Anne , Eide Arne Henning
Published: October 2009

Increased user participation and community integration are central aims for contemporary mental health policy in many countries. User participation in community mental health services is developed through practice; from interaction between service‐users and professionals working on the ground level. Despite this, there is a lack of research exploring users’ and professionals’ experiences and views based on the practice of user participation. The objective of this study was to illuminate user participation in a community mental health context based on the experiences of users and professionals within the same services. A qualitative study with an explorative design was applied. Preliminary data analyses based on a field study within three community mental health centres in a Norwegian city lead to our specific focus on experiences of user participation. This theme was explored in individual interviews with 10 users and two group interviews with six professionals. This article is based on the data from these interviews. All informants valued user participation in the service and highlighted the importance of the environment. Users and professionals did, however, highlight interesting issues of user participation from different perspectives. We developed the findings into three main themes: (i) user participation – experiences and preferences, (ii) an environment that promotes user participation and (iii) professional help, responsibility and user participation. Developing service‐users’ influence through participation is important, not only on the political and organisational level, but also in the contexts where users and professionals meet and collaborate. Self‐determination in how to use services means that there are opportunities for receiving support without being subjected to control. Community mental health services which provide flexible, accepting environments with possibilities for both support and challenges may enhance participation and give all users possibilities to have an influence.
Self‐rated health – what does it capture at 1 year after childbirth? Investigation of a survey question employing thinkaloud interviews
Authors: Schytt Erica , Waldenström Ulla , Olsson Pia
Published: October 2009

Aim:  This paper reports an investigation of how the survey question ‘How would you summarize your state of health at present’ is interpreted and what it captures when asked at 1 year after childbirth.

Background:  Self‐rated health measured by a single item question is a well‐established patient outcome as it predicts morbidity and the use of health services. However, there is limited understanding of what the question captures in early motherhood.

Method:  A qualitative design combining data collection by means of a short form, concurrent and retrospective thinkaloud interviews, and a semi‐structured interview, with 26 Swedish women during 2005 was employed. The text was analysed by qualitative content analysis. A theoretical framework describing four cognitive tasks usually performed when a respondent answers a survey question guided the analysis: interpretation of the question, retrieval of information, forming a judgement and giving a response.

Findings:  The questions of self‐rated health left open for the new mothers to evaluate what was most important for her. It captured a woman’s total life situation, such as family functioning and well‐being, relationship with partner, combining motherhood and professional work, energy, physical symptoms and emotional problems affecting daily life, stressful life events, chronic disease with ongoing symptoms, body image, physical exercise and happiness. Neither childbirth‐related events nor childbirth‐related symptoms were included in the responses. Less than ‘good’ self‐rated health represented a high burden of health problems.

Conclusion:  Our results showed that the question on self‐rated health was a measure of women’s general health and well‐being in their present life situation, but it did not seem to measure recovery after childbirth specifically.
Being in charge of life: perceptions of lifestyle among women of retirement age
Authors: Elgán Carina , Axelsson Åsa , Fridlund Bengt
Published: October 2009

Aim:  The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of lifestyle among women of retirement age.

Background:  Women go through many transitions during their lives, which impact on their lifestyle and possibly their outlook on life. Family circumstances such as motherhood and marital status change over time and the menopause is also likely to influence their view of life.

Method:  Data were collected through interviews with 20 women, aged 61–70, selected by means of strategic sampling. The interviews were analysed using a phenomenographic approach.

Findings:  Three structural aspects emerged: being healthy as life turns out, living life in their own way, and taking care of everyday life. The women described lifestyle as a means of being healthy, having an active role in society, being content with what one has and the need to adapt oneself to limiting circumstances. Lifestyle was also associated with being in charge and making one’s own choices in life based on one’s own values. They reported that they were independent and made decisions about their life. The informants considered that lifestyle was an asset that helped them to cope with everyday life and to make the most of each day.

Conclusion:  Lifestyle is a tool that requires independence, the right to self‐determination over everyday life and adjustment to limitations in order to ensure the psychological well‐being of women of retirement age. Further research is needed in order to delineate the possible association between lifestyle and psychological well‐being.
The interaction of fluid inclusions and migrating grain boundaries in a rock analogue: deformation and annealing of polycrystalline camphor–ethanol mixtures
Authors: SCHMATZ J. , URAI J. L.
Published: October 2009

The results of deformation and annealing experiments using a rock analogue containing a liquid phase as observed in transmitted light microscopy are presented. Samples were made of camphor–ethanol mixtures, with the polycrystalline solid being a rhombohedral phase and the liquid a saturated solution of camphor in ethanol. Results show the in situ pore fluid morphology during grain boundary migration recrystallization. Samples were deformed at high homologous temperatures (Th ∼ 0.7) and strain rates of 1 × 10−6 to 9 × 10−4 s−1. For grain boundary migration rates ranging from 10−10 to 10−6 ms−1 Zener pinning, not only the drag and drop of fluid inclusions by migrating grain boundaries but also the passage of grain boundaries over fluid inclusions without noticeable interaction was observed. The drag‐limiting migration rate is three times lower for post‐kinematic annealing than for dynamic recrystallization and shows a weak dependence on fluid inclusion size. A detailed description is presented of fluid inclusion–grain boundary interaction with respect to fluid inclusion sizes and grain boundary migration rates. Fluid inclusions show up to 39% reduction in diameter after passage of a grain boundary, indicating fluid flow along the mobile grain boundary.
Childhood Vitiligo: A Long‐term Study of Localized Vitiligo Treated by Noncultured Cellular Grafting
Authors: Mulekar Sanjeev V. , Al Eisa Abdullah , Delvi Mohamed Bilal , Al Issa Ahmed , Al Saeed Abdul Hamid
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Segmental type was the second most commonly reported in childhood vitiligo. No significant difference has been reported in the prevalence of childhood and adult focal vitiligo. However, the prevalence of segmental vitiligo has been found to be higher in children compared with that in adults. All available medical and phototherapy options are limited by adverse effects or unsatisfactory efficacy. Surgical techniques may be preferred but are not recommended for children as they are time consuming and associated with technical difficulties. In a retrospective review, 25 children aged 4 to 16 years were treated by autologous, noncultured cellular grafting performed under sedation supplemented with local anaesthesia and were followed up for a period of 9 to 54 months postgrafting. Repigmentation was graded as excellent with 95% to 100% pigmentation, good with 65% to 94%, fair with 25% to 64%, and poor with 0% to 24% of the treated area. In the segmental group, eight (62%) showed excellent, two (15%) good, one (8%) fair, and two (15%) poor pigmentation, which was retained until the end of the respective follow‐up period. In the focal group, nine (75%) showed excellent, and one (8%) each showed good, fair, and poor pigmentation, which was retained until the end of the respective follow‐up period. Noncultured cellular grafting may be considered to treat childhood localized vitiligo.
The Safety of Sumatriptan and Naratriptan in Pregnancy: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Cunnington Marianne , Ephross Sara , Churchill Paige
Published: October 2009

Objectives.— To monitor for a signal of major teratogenicity by determining the risk of all major defects following in utero exposure to sumatriptan and naratriptan. To monitor for unusual patterns of birth defects that might suggest teratogenicity.

Background.— The prevalence of migraine is highest in women of childbearing age. Coupled with the recurrent nature of migraine attacks and the high proportion of unplanned pregnancies, intentional and inadvertent exposure to these drugs in pregnancy is likely. The Sumatriptan and Naratriptan Pregnancy Registry captures data on women exposed to those drugs during pregnancy to monitor for evidence of major teratogenicity.

Methods.— Healthcare professionals from anywhere in the world can enroll, on a voluntary basis, women exposed to sumatriptan or naratriptan during their pregnancies in this primarily prospective, observational study. Only pregnancies with unknown outcomes at the time of enrollment were included in the analysis. The percentage of infants or fetuses with major birth defects was calculated as the total number of infants/fetuses with major birth defects divided by the sum of the number of infants/fetuses with major birth defects + the number of live births without defects. The risk of major birth defects was further stratified by earliest trimester of pregnancy exposure.

Results.— Data are available on pregnancy outcomes from 599 exposed women. Among 479 first‐trimester exposures to sumatriptan, 20 outcomes with major birth defects were reported (4.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9‐7.2%). The risk of major birth defects following exposure to sumatriptan during any trimester was 4.7% (95% CI 3.1‐7.0%). No distinctive pattern of major birth defects among exposed infants was noted. There were 50 first‐trimester exposures to naratriptan with 1 reported birth defect in a fetus with exposure to both sumatriptan and naratriptan.

Conclusions.— The risk of all major birth defects following first‐trimester exposure to sumatriptan was 4.6% (95% CI 2.9‐7.2%). This coupled with a consistent failure of additional epidemiological studies to observe a signal for major teratogenicity gives a level of reassurance concerning the safety of sumatriptan in pregnancy. There are too few data on naratriptan to draw definitive conclusions, and the sample size for sumatriptan remains too small to detect any but very large increases in specific birth defects.
Increased Dopamine Is Associated With the cGMP and Homocysteine Pathway in Female Migraineurs
Authors: Gruber Hans‐Jürgen , Bernecker Claudia , Pailer Sabine , Lechner Anita , Horejsi Renate , Möller Reinhard , Fazekas Franz , Truschnig‐Wilders Martie
Published: October 2009

(Headache 2010;50:109‐116)

Background.— The group of catecholamines, which include dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, are neurotransmitters which have been considered to play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine. However, the impact of catecholamines, especially dopamine on migraine as well as the exact mechanisms is not clear to date as previous studies have yielded in part conflicting results.

Objective.— This study aimed to produce a comprehensive examination of dopamine in migraineurs.

Methods.— Catecholamines and various parameters of the homocysteine, folate, and iron metabolism as well as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and inflammatory markers were determined in 135 subjects.

Results.— We found increased dopamine levels in the headache free period in female migraineurs but not in male patients. Increased dopamine is associated with a 3.30‐fold higher risk for migraine in women. We found no significant effects of aura symptoms or menstrual cycle phases on dopamine levels. Dopamine is strongly correlated with cGMP and the homocysteine—folate pathway.

Conclusion.— We show here that female migraineurs exhibit increased dopamine levels in the headache free period which are associated with a higher risk for migraine.
Effectiveness of Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Migraine in Young Children
Authors: Eidlitz‐Markus Tal , Haimi‐Cohen Yishai , Steier David , Zeharia Avraham
Published: October 2009

(Headache 2010;50:219‐223)

Objective.— To evaluate the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic treatment for migraine in children younger than age 6 years.

Background.— The mean age of onset of migraine in children is 7.2 years for boys and 10.9 years for girls. Treatment consists of individually tailored pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. However, data on migraine management in preschoolers are very sparse.

Methods.— Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected from the files of patients with migraine who attended a pediatric headache clinic. Only those treated by nonpharmacologic measures, namely, good sleep hygiene, diet free of food additives, and limited sun exposure, were included. Clinical factors and response to treatment were compared between children younger than 6 years and older children.

Results.— Of the 92 children identified, 32 were younger than 6 years and 60 were older. There was no difference between the age groups in most of the demographic and clinical parameters. The younger group was characterized by a significantly lower frequency of migraine attacks and shorter disease duration (in months). Mean age of the patients with no response to treatment (grade 1) was 10.588 ± 3.254 years; partial response (grade 2), 9.11 ± 4.6 years; and complete response (grade 3), 8.11 ± 3.93 years (P = .02). The percentage of patients with complete to partial response as opposed to no response was significantly higher in the younger group (P = .00075).

Conclusion.— As the primary option, conservative therapy for migraine appears to be more effective in children younger than 6 years than in older children, perhaps because of their shorter duration of disease until treatment and lower frequency of attacks.
Ankle‐Brachial Index, a Screening for Peripheral Obstructive Arterial Disease, and Migraine – A Controlled Study
Authors: Jurno Mauro Eduardo , Chevtchouk Liliana , Nunes Aida Aguilar , De Rezende Dilermando Fazito , Da Cunha Jevoux Carla , De Souza Jano Alves , Moreira Filho Pedro Ferreira
Published: October 2009

(Headache 2010;50:626‐630)

Background.— Epidemiological studies support the association between migraine, especially migraine with aura, and vascular disorders. The ankle‐brachial index (ABI) is largely used as a surrogate of peripheral obstructive arterial disorders (POAD). Accordingly, in this study we contrasted the ABI in individuals with migraine and in controls.

Methods.— We investigated 50 migraineurs and 38 controls and obtained the ABI (ratio between the systolic arterial pressure obtained in the legs and in the arms) using digital sphygmomanometry. As per validation studies, we used the cut‐off of 0.9 as the normal limit for the ABI. We adjusted for gender, use of contraceptive hormones, tabagism, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Results.— We found abnormal values of ABI, suggestive of mild or moderate POAD, in 31 individuals (35.2%). Mean value was 0.96 (standard deviation = 0.10). None of our patients had ABI < 0.4, which would suggest severe POAD. Mean ABI for migraineurs was 0.94 (0.11), and for controls it was 0.99 (0.09). Difference was significant (t = 2.21 and P = .022).

After adjustments, ABI remained significantly associated with migraine status (P = .024). Adjustments were reasonably effective (X2 of Hosmer‐Lemeshow = 1.06, P = .590).

Conclusion.— Our findings suggest that decreased values of ABI are more common in migraineurs than in controls. Although causality was not assessed by us, the relationship is of importance per se. Doctors should measure the ABI in individuals with migraine as an easy way to screen for cardiovascular risk.
Multisite Geriatrics Clerkship for Fourth‐Year Medical Students: A Successful Model for Teaching the Association of American Medical Colleges' Core Competencies
Authors: Oates Daniel J. , Norton Lisa E. , Russell Matthew L. , Chao Serena H. , Hardt Eric J. , Brett Belle , Kimball Patricia , Levine Sharon A.
Published: October 2009

As the population ages, it is important that graduating medical students be properly prepared to treat older adults, regardless of their chosen specialty. To this end, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the John A. Hartford Foundation convened a consensus conference to establish core competencies in geriatrics for all graduating medical students. An ambulatory geriatric clerkship for fourth‐year medical students that successfully teaches 24 of the 26 AAMC core competencies using an interdisciplinary, team‐based approach is reported here. Graduating students (N=158) reported that the clerkship was successful at teaching the core competencies, as evidenced by positive responses on the AAMC Graduation Questionnaire (GQ). More than three‐quarters (80–93%) of students agreed or strongly agreed that they learned the seven geriatrics concepts asked about on the GQ, which cover 14 of the 26 core competencies. This successful model for a geriatrics clerkship can be used in many institutions to teach the core competencies and in any constellation of geriatric ambulatory care sites that are already available to the faculty.
Mediterranean Diet and High Dietary Acid Load Associated with Mixed Nuts: Effect on Bone Metabolism in Elderly Subjects
Authors: Bulló Mònica , Amigó‐Correig Pilar , Márquez‐Sandoval Fabiola , Babio Nancy , Martínez‐González Miquel A. , Estruch Ramon , Basora Joseph , Solà Rosa , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effect of differing diet on the acid load content on bone metabolism.

DESIGN: Multicentric, randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐group clinical trial.

SETTING: Outpatient clinics.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred thirty‐eight elderly men and women aged 60 to 80 at high risk for cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned to three interventional groups: a recommended low‐fat diet (control diet group), a Mediterranean diet supplemented with virgin olive oil, or a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts.

MEASUREMENTS: Main outcomes were 12‐month changes from baseline in bone formation and resorption markers and bone mass measured according to quantitative ultrasound scanning.

RESULTS: The baseline data on the anthropometric, bone densitometry, and biochemical variables did not differ between the three groups. Dietary potential renal acid load (PRAL) and daily net endogenous acid production (NEAP) at baseline did not differ between groups. After intervention, subjects allocated to the Mediterranean diet with mixed nuts had a significant increase of PRAL and NEAP. In comparison, subjects in the Mediterranean diet with nuts group had higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−1.01–6.35, P=.02) and a nonsignificantly higher (0.31, 95% CI=−0.13–0.74, P=.14) urine free deoxypyridoxine:creatinine ratio, a marker of bone resorption, than the control group and the Mediterranean diet with virgin olive oil group.

CONCLUSION: A Mediterranean dietary pattern associated with a high dietary acid load derived from consumption of mixed nuts does not seem to have a much greater effect on bone metabolism biomarkers, with the exception of PTH levels, than a Mediterranean diet without mixed nuts or a control diet in elderly subjects.
A single assay for multiple storage‐sensitive red blood cell characteristics by means of infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Pistorius Arthur M.A. , Luten Marleen , Bosman Giel J.C.G.M. , DeGrip Willem J.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: To maintain a high quality of red blood cells (RBCs), RBC characteristics must be followed during storage under blood bank conditions. By means of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, several characteristics can be measured simultaneously.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: IR spectra were acquired for samples from RBCs that were collected and stored according to Dutch blood bank procedures for a period of up to 50 days. Spectra of the soluble cell components were acquired separately after hypotonic lysis of the cells, followed by centrifugation. Characteristic vibrational bands were analyzed with respect to storage time–dependent changes in peak position and in intensity.

RESULTS: A decrease in corresponding peak intensities indicates that RBCs lose protein and lipid during storage. Changes in protein secondary structure during storage are largely confined to integral membrane proteins and membrane‐associated proteins. A concurrent decrease in lipid packing density probably reflects the gradual change in cellular shape from discoidal to globular. By integration over a narrow range, storage‐dependent changes in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glucose levels could be estimated. ATP levels decrease during storage, but stay above the required 75% of the initial level after 35 days of storage. Glucose concentrations stay well above 5 mmol/L over the entire storage period.

CONCLUSION: IR spectroscopy is a promising technique to follow structural and metabolic changes in RBCs during storage under blood bank conditions. Several variables can be determined rapidly in a single measurement.