bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung cancer mortality: Comparing Sweden with other countries in the European Union
Authors: Rodu Brad , Cole Philip
Published: June 2009

Aims: To describe how snus use has reduced smoking among men in Sweden, and to estimate how smoking-attributable lung cancer mortality would decline in other European Union countries if they had the smoking prevalence of Sweden. Methods: Lung cancer mortality rates (LCMRs) and numbers of deaths among men and women age 45+ years in 25 EU countries in 2002 were obtained from the World Health Organization mortality database, and the number of lung cancer deaths expected in each country at the LCMR of Sweden was calculated. LCMRs for EU countries were obtained during the period 1950-2004, and per capita consumption of nicotine from cigarettes and snus was estimated for men in Sweden from 1931 to 2004. Results: There were 172,000 lung cancer deaths among men in the EU in 2002. If all EU countries had the LCMR of men in Sweden, there would have been 92,000 (54%) fewer deaths. In contrast, the LCMR among Swedish women was the sixth highest in the EU; at the Swedish rate, deaths among EU women would have increased by 14,500 (26%). These LCMR patterns were in place for most of the last 50 years, and LCMRs among Swedish men can be correlated with snus and cigarette consumption. Conclusions: This study shows that snus use has had a profound effect on smoking prevalence and LCMRs among Swedish men. While it cannot be proven that snus would have the same effect in other EU countries, the potential reduction in smoking-attributable deaths is considerable.
Transformational Learning in the Workplace
Authors: Choy Sarojni
Published: June 2009

Although transformative learning theory remains one of the most influential theories in the field of adult education, studies on fostering transformative learning, particularly in groups and in the workplace, remain sparse. This article summarises some evidence of transformational learning that influenced changes to practice, processes, and the organisational culture in a case study. It is based on a cohort of 12 worker-learners enrolled in a Graduate Certificate in Education (Executive Leadership) course offered by an Australian university (Queensland University of Technology). Data for this article were drawn from interviews with 10 participants, a focus group with 6 of them, their assessment presentations, and reflective notes of the course facilitators. Also included here are the effects on transformational learning of Taylor's five elements of work-based learning design, Fuller and Unwins' features of expansive learning, and Billett's workplace pedagogies.
Joystick Interfaces Are Not Suitable for Robotized Endoscope Applied to NOTES
Authors: Allemann Pierre , Ott Laurent , Asakuma Mitsuhiro , Masson Norbert , Perretta Silvana , Dallemagne Bernard , Coumaros Dimitri , De Mathelin Michel , Soler Luc , Marescaux Jacques
Published: June 2009

Background NOTES has changed the working environment of endoscopy, leading to new difficulties. The limitations of conventional endoscopes call for the development of new platforms. Robotics may be the answer. Materials and methods The authors compared human to robotized manipulation of a flexible endoscope into the abdominal cavity, in an animal model. Thirty-two participants were enrolled. Results were analyzed according to the clinical background of the participants: experienced endoscopists, experienced laparoscopists, and medical students. Two single-channel gastroscopes were used. Whereas one was not modified, the other had the handling wheels replaced by motors controlled through a computer and a joystick. A NOTES transgastric approach was used to access the peritoneal cavity. The time to touch previously positioned intra-abdominal numbered plastic targets was recorded 3 times with each endoscope. Results Mean time to complete the tasks was significantly shorter using the conventional endoscope (2.71 vs 6.96 minutes, P < .001). When the robotized endoscope was used, the mean times of endoscopists (7.42 minutes), laparoscopists (6.84 minutes), and students (6.77 minutes) were statistically identical. No differences were found between laparoscopists and students in both techniques. Discussion Applying robotics to a flexible endoscope fails to enhance ability to move into the abdominal cavity, partly because of the interface. To overcome the limitations of endoscope when performing complex NOTES tasks, robotics may be useful, especially to control the instruments and to stabilize the endoscope itself. Conclusion Robotized endoscope with joystick interface is not sufficient to enhance immediate intuitiveness of flexible endoscopy applied to NOTES.
Hotel Valuation in China
Authors: Chen Ming-Hsiang , Woo Gon Kim
Published: June 2009

This study applies the seven hotel-valuation techniques proposed by Rushmore to estimate the value of a state-owned hotel in China. The dearth of research on hotel real estate in China may be attributed to the fact that the historic data of hotel sales transactions is not available or difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, many international hotel investors are interested in China’s hotels because of its booming tourism business. This study analyzes the extent to which the seven generally accepted hotel valuation techniques might be appropriate for China, since those approaches rely on certain types of data and financial ratios that may not be readily available. Using a single hotel as a case study, the study found that each valuation technique has its own strengths and weaknesses. On balance, the income capitalization approach should work most reliably in China, while a sales comparison approach may be the least reliable technique.
Macao’s Casino Industry
Authors: Loi Kim-Ieng , Woo Gon Kim
Published: June 2009

Dubbed the “Las Vegas of the East,” Macao is the only location in China with legalized gaming. Before the world economic recession, tourist arrivals, gaming revenue, and hotel room inventory were all rapidly increasing, and growth is expected to resume as the economy improves. Macao faces many concurrent challenges and opportunities, including a narrow market of high-rolling table-game players, an undue reliance on gaming revenues (rather than shopping and lodging), an arrival pattern concentrated in China and Hong Kong, a long-term labor shortage, and a need to adapt some of the Las Vegas—style management strategies without losing its distinctive identity as China’s gaming playground. This comprehensive analysis assesses ways that Macao can capitalize on its opportunities and overcome its challenges. Suggestions to hospitality policy makers include combining marketing efforts with Guangdong and Hong Kong, developing air traffic from long-haul and low-price carriers, easing traffic congestion with light rail and a new Pearl River bridge, and developing more training and education facilities, as well as inviting expatriate Macao citizens to return for employment.
Babies born without safety NET
Authors: Fadeel Bengt
Published: June 2009

In this issue of Blood, Yost and colleagues demonstrate that neutrophils from newborn infants lack the ability to produce so-called extracellular traps and exhibit impaired extracellular killing of bacteria.
Foxl2functions in sex determination and histogenesis throughout mouse ovary development
Authors: Garcia-Ortiz José Elias , Pelosi Emanuele , Omari Shakib , Nedorezov Timur , Piao Yulan , Karmazin Jesse , Uda Manuela , Cao Antonio , Cole Steve W , Forabosco Antonino , Schlessinger David , Ottolenghi Chris
Published: June 2009

Background

Partial loss of function of the transcription factor FOXL2 leads to premature ovarian failure in women. In animal models, Foxl2 is required for maintenance, and possibly induction, of female sex determination independently of other critical genes, e.g., Rspo1. Here we report expression profiling of mouse ovaries that lack Foxl2 alone or in combination with Wnt4 or Kit/c-Kit.

Results

Following Foxl2 loss, early testis genes (including Inhbb, Dhh, and Sox9) and several novel ovarian genes were consistently dysregulated during embryonic development. In the absence of Foxl2, expression changes affecting a large fraction of pathways were opposite those observed in Wnt4-null ovaries, reinforcing the notion that these genes have complementary actions in ovary development. Loss of one copy of Foxl2 revealed strong gene dosage sensitivity, with molecular anomalies that were milder but resembled ovaries lacking both Foxl2 alleles. Furthermore, a Foxl2 transgene disrupted embryonic testis differentiation and increased the levels of key female markers.

Conclusion

The results, including a comprehensive principal component analysis, 1) support the proposal of dose-dependent Foxl2 function and anti-testis action throughout ovary differentiation; and 2) identify candidate genes for roles in sex determination independent of FOXL2 (e.g., the transcription factors IRX3 and ZBTB7C) and in the generation of the ovarian reserve downstream of FOXL2 (e.g., the cadherin-domain protein CLSTN2 and the sphingomyelin synthase SGMS2). The gene inventory is a first step toward the identification of the full range of pathways with partly autonomous roles in ovary development, and thus provides a framework to analyze the genetic bases of female fertility.
Procalcitonin to guide duration of antibiotic therapy in intensive care patients: a randomized prospective controlled trial
Authors: Hochreiter Marcel , Köhler Thomas , Schweiger Anna Maria , Keck Fritz Sixtus , Bein Berthold , von Spiegel Tilman , Schroeder Stefan
Published: June 2009

Introduction

The development of resistance by bacterial species is a compelling issue to reconsider indications and administration of antibiotic treatment. Adequate indications and duration of therapy are particularly important for the use of highly potent substances in the intensive care setting. Until recently, no laboratory marker has been available to differentiate bacterial infection from viral or non-infectious inflammatory reaction; however, over the past years, procalcitonin (PCT) is the first among a large array of inflammatory variables that offers this possibility. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of PCT for guiding antibiotic therapy in surgical intensive care patients.

Methods

All patients requiring antibiotic therapy based on confirmed or highly suspected bacterial infections and at least two concomitant systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to either a PCT-guided (study group) or a standard (control group) antibiotic regimen. Antibiotic therapy in the PCT-guided group was discontinued, if clinical signs and symptoms of infection improved and PCT decreased to <1 ng/ml or the PCT value was >1 ng/ml, but had dropped to 25 to 35% of the initial value over three days. In the control group antibiotic treatment was applied as standard regimen over eight days.

Results

A total of 110 surgical intensive care patients receiving antibiotic therapy after confirmed or high-grade suspected infections were enrolled in this study. In 57 patients antibiotic therapy was guided by daily PCT and clinical assessment and adjusted accordingly. The control group comprised 53 patients with a standardized duration of antibiotic therapy over eight days. Demographic and clinical data were comparable in both groups. However, in the PCT group the duration of antibiotic therapy was significantly shorter than compared to controls (5.9 +/- 1.7 versus 7.9 +/- 0.5 days, P < 0.001) without negative effects on clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Monitoring of PCT is a helpful tool for guiding antibiotic treatment in surgical intensive care patients. This may contribute to an optimized antibiotic regimen with beneficial effects on microbial resistance and costs in intensive care medicine.

Annotation

Results were previously published in German in Anaesthesist 2008; 57: 571–577 (PMID: 18463831).

Trial registration

ISRCTN10288268
Fixed Precision MCMC Estimation by Median of Products of Averages
Authors: Niemiro Wojciech , Pokarowski Piotr
Published: June 2009

The standard Markov chain Monte Carlo method of estimating an expected value is to generate a Markov chain which converges to the target distribution and then compute correlated sample averages. In many applications the quantity of interestθis represented as a product of expected values,θ=µ1⋯µk, and a natural estimator is a product of averages. To increase the confidence level, we can compute a median of independent runs. The goal of this paper is to analyze such an estimator, i.e. an estimator which is a ‘median of products of averages’ (MPA). Sufficient conditions are given forto have fixed relative precision at a given level of confidence, that is, to satisfy. Our main tool is a new bound on the mean-square error, valid also for nonreversible Markov chains on a finite state space.
Optimal test Interval for a Monotone Safety System
Authors: Aven Terje
Published: June 2009

We consider a safety system represented by a monotone (coherent) structure function of n components. The state of the components and the system is only revealed through inspection, which is carried out at intervals of length T. If the inspection shows that the system is in a critical state or has failed, it is overhauled and all components are restored to a good-as-new condition. Costs are associated with tests, system downtime, and repairs. The problem is to find an optimal T minimizing the expected long-run cost per unit of time. The purpose of this paper is to present a formal set-up for this problem and to show how an optimal T can be determined. A special case where the components have three states is given particular attention. It corresponds to a ‘delay time type system’, where the presence of a fault in a component does not lead to an immediate failure—there will be a ‘delay time’ between the occurrence of the fault and the failure of the component.
Comparisons of Parallel Systems According to the Convex Transform Order
Authors: Kochar Subhash , Xu Maochao
Published: June 2009

A parallel system with heterogeneous exponential component lifetimes is shown to be more skewed (according to the convex transform order) than the system with independent and identically distributed exponential components. As a consequence, equivalent conditions for comparing the variabilities of the largest order statistics from heterogeneous and homogeneous exponential samples in the sense of the dispersive order and the right-spread order are established. A sufficient condition is also given for the proportional hazard rate model.
On a Terminating Shock Process with Independent Wear Increments
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: June 2009

In extreme shock models, only the impact of the current, possibly fatal shock is usually taken into account, whereas in cumulative shock models, the impact of the preceding shocks is accumulated as well. In this paper we combine an extreme shock model with a specific cumulative shock model. It is shown that the proposed setting can also be interpreted as a generalization of the well-known Brown–Proschan model that describes repair actions for repairable systems. For a system subject to a specific process of shocks, we derive the survival probability and the corresponding failure rate function. Some meaningful interpretations and examples are discussed.
On Growth-Collapse Processes with Stationary Structure and Their Shot-Noise Counterparts
Authors: Kella Offer
Published: June 2009

In this paper we generalize existing results for the steady-state distribution of growth-collapse processes. We begin with a stationary setup with some relatively general growth process and observe that, under certain expected conditions, point- and time-stationary versions of the processes exist as well as a limiting distribution for these processes which is independent of initial conditions and necessarily has the marginal distribution of the stationary version. We then specialize to the cases where an independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) structure holds and where the growth process is a nondecreasing Lévy process, and in particular linear, and the times between collapses form an i.i.d. sequence. Known results can be seen as special cases, for example, when the inter-collapse times form a Poisson process or when the collapse ratio is deterministic. Finally, we comment on the relation between these processes and shot-noise type processes, and observe that, under certain conditions, the steady-state distribution of one may be directly inferred from the other.
A Central Limit Theorem Associated with the Transformed Two-Parameter Poisson–Dirichlet Distribution
Authors: Xu Fang
Published: June 2009

In this paper we introduce the transformed two-parameter Poisson–Dirichlet distributionon the ordered infinite simplex. Furthermore, we prove the central limit theorem related to this distribution when both the mutation rateθand the selection rateσbecome large in a specified manner. As a consequence, we find that the properly scaled homozygosities have asymptotical normal behavior. In particular, there is a certain phase transition with the limit depending on the relative strength ofσandθ.
A Weak Limit Theorem for Generalized Jiřina Processes
Authors: Li Yuqiang
Published: June 2009

In this paper we prove that a sequence of scaled generalized Jiřina processes can converge weakly to a nonlinear diffusion process with Lévy jumps under certain conditions.
L Log L Criterion for a Class of Superdiffusions
Authors: Liu Rong-Li , Ren Yan-Xia , Song Renming
Published: June 2009

In Lyons, Pemantle and Peres (1995), a martingale change of measure method was developed in order to give an alternative proof of the Kesten–Stigum L log L theorem for single-type branching processes. Later, this method was extended to prove the L log L theorem for multiple- and general multiple-type branching processes in Biggins and Kyprianou (2004), Kurtz et al. (1997), and Lyons (1997). In this paper we extend this method to a class of superdiffusions and establish a Kesten–Stigum L log L type theorem for superdiffusions. One of our main tools is a spine decomposition of superdiffusions, which is a modification of the one in Englander and Kyprianou (2004).
Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 Nanoparticles Fixed on Silica Encapsulating Magnetic Iron Oxide as a Magnetically Separable Water-tolerant Solid Acid
Authors: Goto Toshimitsu , Sakamoto Yoshinori , Kamiya Yuichi
Published: June 2009

Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 fixed on silica encapsulating iron oxide nanoparticles through (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane could magnetically be separated from an aqueous solution. The catalyst showed activity for the hydrolysis of ethyl acetate in the presence of excess water and was reusable without significant loss of its inherent activity.
How to contain generalized HIV epidemics? A plea for better evidence to displace speculation
Authors: Gisselquist D , Potterat J J , Lawrence J S St , Hogan M , Arora N K , Correa M , Dinsmore W W , Mehta G , Millogo J , Muth S Q , Okinyi M , Ounga T
Published: June 2009

In the worst generalized HIV epidemics in East and Southern Africa, from one-quarter to three-quarters of women aged 15 years can expect to be living with HIV or to have died with AIDS by age 40 years. This disaster continues in the face of massive HIV prevention programmes based on current inexact knowledge of HIV transmission pathways and risks. To stop this disaster, both the public and public health experts need better information about the specific factors that allow HIV to propagate so extensively in countries with generalized epidemics. This knowledge could be acquired by tracing HIV infections to their source – especially tracing HIV infections in women of all ages, and tracing unexplained HIV infections in children with HIV-negative mothers.
Initiating and maintaining HAART - aiming for the long term in treatment-naive patients
Authors: Behrens G
Published: June 2009

Efficacy and durability are particularly important when choosing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for treatment-naive patients with HIV, alongside long-term safety and tolerability, special circumstances (such as pregnancy) and risk of cardiovascular disease. Regimens containing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), including nevirapine (NVP), are as effective as efavirenz, and avoiding NVP in patients with CD4 cell counts >250 cells/mL (women) or >400 cells/mL (men) can prevent hepatotoxicity. In women who become pregnant while already on HAART, the current regimen should be maintained unless it involves potentially teratogenic drugs. Pregnancy is not an independent risk factor for developing liver enzyme elevations or rash with NVP. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol should be controlled to a target, with HAART modified if it is suspected to be increasing the LDL. The European AIDS Clinical Society rate NVP as the drug with the lowest metabolic impact among the NNRTIs and other classes of antiretroviral therapy.
Understanding protease inhibitor resistance - aiming for the long term in treatment-experienced patients
Authors: Geretti A M
Published: June 2009

The prevalence of antiretroviral drug resistance in patients undergoing routine testing while receiving treatment in the UK is about 50%. Most resistance is against nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, but 25% of patients receiving protease inhibitors (PIs) also have evidence of PI resistance. Although extensive resistance profiles are rare, a proportion of patients present with complex genotypes, which makes treatment selection difficult and vitally important. A resistance profile can be interpreted to provide an indication of the degree of resistance to different drugs and the potential drug options. Factors to bear in mind during treatment selection include phenotypic and genotypic resistance, mutation patterns, numbers and ‘weights’, and the hypersusceptibility and fitness effects of certain mutations. In treatment-experienced patients, physicians should aim for a regimen that combines at least two, preferably three, fully active drugs. In addition to selecting drugs that are predicted to have activity, the relative genetic barrier, cross-resistance potential and support needed to maintain activity in the long term are also key considerations.
What is the Relationship Between Patients’ And Clinicians’ Reports of the Outcomes of Elective Surgery?
Authors: Bream Elizabeth , Black Nick
Published: June 2009

Objectives

To identify studies in which patients’ and clinicians’ reports of health status and complications of one of four elective operations - hip and knee replacement, varicose vein surgery and groin hernia repair - are reported, and to describe the associations that have been reported between clinicians’ and patients’ reports.

Methods

Systematic search of several bibliographic databases and review of citations of articles meeting inclusion criteria. A narrative summary of the findings was conducted.

Results

Most of the 62 studies of health status identified were for hip (23) or knee (33) disease. The literature on complications was even more limited with 12 studies of surgical site infection, one for urinary tract infection and none for lower respiratory tract infections. Procedure-specific complications were restricted to one for arthroplasties and three for hernia repair. Despite considerable variation in the findings of studies, some clear patterns emerge, albeit they are largely based on arthroplasty. Patients’ and clinicians’ views of health status generally correlate moderately (0.5-0.6) when both are reporting on the same dimension of health status. Inevitably this is confined to disability, though patients’ and clinicians’ reports of symptoms are also moderately correlated. In contrast, comparisons of different dimensions, such as patients’ reports of disability and clinicians’ reports of impairment, result in poor correlation (0.3). There is huge variation in the way postoperative complications are measured which limits the extent to which an overview can be undertaken. Despite that, moderate to strong correlations have been reported between patients’ and clinicians’ views of complications.

Conclusions

Patients’ views of their level of disability reflect clinicians’ views and can be relied upon to assess this dimension of health status. In addition, patients are the ‘gold standard’ judges of symptoms and quality of life. Given these findings, clinicians, provider managers, commissioners and politicians can be confident that patients’ reports provide an accurate indication of the outcome of elective surgery.
UK Chiropractic: Regulated but Unruly
Authors: Ernst Edzard
Published: June 2009

Since 1994 chiropractic has been regulated by statute in the UK. Despite this air of respectability, a range of important problems continue to bedevil this profession. Professional organizations of chiropractic and their members make numerous claims which are not supported by sound evidence. Many chiropractors adhere to concepts which fly in the face of science and most seem to regularly violate important principles of ethical behaviour. The advice chiropractors give to their clients is often dangerously misleading. If chiropractic in the UK is to grow into an established health care profession, the General Chiropractic Council and its members should comply with the accepted standards of today's health care.
In Praise of Chiropractic
Authors: Breen Alan
Published: June 2009

The rationales used in chiropractic are largely in keeping with current evidence-based guidance. When listening to debates for and against the scientific basis of chiropractic, it is important to be aware of the selective use of evidence on both sides and of the limitations of logical positivistic arguments when it comes to health care areas that have a substantial psychosocial component.
Percutaneous external jugular vein catheterization in piglets using a triangulation technique
Authors: Flournoy W S , Mani S
Published: June 2009

Chronic jugular vein or central venous cannulation is routinely performed in human and animal patients for access to blood circulation. In mature swine, chronic catheter placement techniques have typically involved venous isolation via extensive cut-down, blunt dissection and manipulation of ventral neck tissues prior to catheter placement. More recently, guide-wire-assisted percutaneous techniques have become standard practice in human and veterinary medicine due to the minimization of soft tissue and vessel damages. Laboratory animal piglets are becoming more popular research models because of their immature immunological system, ease of handling and costs. However, external jugular veins are very difficult to catheterize in paediatric animals including freshly weaned piglets. The objective of this study was to develop a simple, safe and efficient method for external jugular vein cannulation in young piglets. In total, 20 piglets were anaesthetized and percutaneously catheterized with a guide-wire technique using palpable anatomical landmarks and triangulation. With this minimally invasive catheterization, it has allowed our veterinarians and veterinary technicians to quickly and easily obtain central venous access in piglets undergoing operative procedures.
Development of perioperative care for pigs undergoing laryngeal transplantation: a case series
Authors: Murison P J , Jones A , Mitchard L , Burt R , Birchall M A
Published: June 2009

Pigs are ideal animal models for airway surgical research, facilitating the successful translation of science into clinical practice. Despite their ubiquitous use, there is a paucity of information on the perioperative care of pigs, especially for major procedures. In a series of experiments to investigate laryngeal transplantation, we combined veterinary and medical experience to develop protocols for perioperative management of pigs, including high dependency care. Novel airway management methods were developed. A pain scoring system was used to direct analgesia use. Fluid balance and electrolytes were monitored closely. Recent animals received a central venous line via the femoral vein two days prior to transplantation to facilitate blood sampling and drug delivery. Intensive monitoring and airway management were required to ensure a successful outcome. Methods for optimal perioperative care are proposed. These results will help future groups wishing to use pigs in airway research, will reduce numbers of animals used and improve animal welfare.
The analgesic effects of oral paracetamol in two strains of mice undergoing vasectomy
Authors: Dickinson Amy L , Leach Matthew C , Flecknell Paul A
Published: June 2009

As the production of transgenic mice increases, the need for vasectomized mice also increases. Currently, there is no accurate method of identifying pain in these mice which can be used routinely and therefore no acceptable analgesic regimens can be established. Sixteen male CBA/CaCrl and 16 male DBA/2JCrl mice were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups (saline, low, medium and high dose oral paracetamol) and then underwent abdominal vasectomy. Their behaviour was videotaped (filmed) preoperatively and at one hour postoperatively and the data were analysed using an automated system – HomeCageScan. HomeCageScan detected significant changes in 16 behaviours following vasectomy. Such behaviours included twitching, rearing and grooming with varying levels of significance between the strains. No significant effects of drug treatment in any of the behaviours analysed by HomeCageScan were detected in the postoperative observation period. Strain-specific changes do occur in behaviour following abdominal vasectomy and HomeCageScan is capable of detecting these changes. The use of orally administered paracetamol was deemed to be an ineffective analgesic for CBA/CaCrl and DBA/2JCrl mice undergoing vasectomy.
A simple method for confirming correct endotracheal intubation in mice
Authors: Watanabe A , Hashimoto Y , Ochiai E , Sato A , Kamei K
Published: June 2009

Endotracheal intubation in mice is both a common and important technique. However, it is a difficult procedure because of the small orotracheal size and the success rate is variable. There have been many reports of refined techniques that facilitate intubation but only a few reports have proposed how to verify the proper placement of the endotracheal tube. We describe a novel, safe and reliable method to confirm endotracheal intubation in mice using an extension tube for intravenous infusion. One drop of water was instilled in the extension tube and connected to the end of the catheter used as an endotracheal tube. When the catheter was inserted correctly into the trachea, the water in the extension tube oscillated in synchrony with the movement of the mouse's thorax, indicating correct placement of the catheter. This method was simple, reliable and use materials that are routinely available. This method is helpful for experimental mouse models that require airway access.
Quality of blood samples from the saphenous vein compared with the tail vein during multiple blood sampling of mice
Authors: Aasland K E , Skjerve E , Smith A J
Published: June 2009

A large number of methods for obtaining blood from mice have been published. In our facility, saphenous venepuncture is considered the method of choice for bleeding mice and is believed to have a number of welfare advantages when performed correctly. The aim of this study was to compare levels of haemolysis and plasma glucose in blood samples obtained by saphenous venepuncture and tail vein incision. The results indicate that saphenous venepuncture is the preferred method.
Analysis of physiological and behavioural parameters in mice after toe clipping as newborns
Authors: Schaefer Dagmar C , Asner Igor N , Seifert Burkhardt , BÜRki Kurt , Cinelli Paolo
Published: June 2009

In this study, we have investigated the short- and long-term impact of toe clipping, a commonly used method for marking and simultaneously taking biopsies of pups, which is controversially discussed because of its potentially negative impact on animals. Furthermore, we have analysed animalwelfare aspects such as health, behaviour, development, stress and detrimental effects in young animals and in adults after toe clipping at postnatal days 3 (P3) and 7 (P7). Our findings indicate that for both P3 and P7 pups amputations at the second phalange of one toe of each paw do not have any negative effects on growth and physical development and that the clipped pups do not suffer from rejection by their mother. Our data indicate that even though at both ages no abnormalities have been detected in histology, clipping at P7 is the preferable age for an adequate marking mostly because of the small size of the toes at P3. This was also confirmed by grip tests at the age of 12 weeks where P3 animals had lower grip strength than control animals, whereas P7 pups did not show any impairment. Hotplate tests indicated that toe clipping performed at P3 and P7 did not cause hyperalgesia at the amputation stump. Serum corticosterone analysis directly performed on P7 pups after clipping indicated that major stress was provoked mainly through the handling and not because of the clipping itself. Taken together, these data lead to the conclusion that toe clipping is from a morphological, physiological and welfare point of view an acceptable method for marking and genotyping newborn mice.
Efficient oligonucleotide-mediated degradation of nuclear noncoding RNAs in mammalian cultured cells
Authors: Ideue Takashi , Hino Kimihiro , Kitao Saori , Yokoi Takahide , Hirose Tetsuro
Published: June 2009

Recent large-scale transcriptome analyses have revealed that large numbers of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed from mammalian genomes. They include small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), and longer ncRNAs, many of which are localized to the nucleus, but which have remained functionally elusive. Since ncRNAs are only known to exist in mammalian species, established experimental systems, including the Xenopus oocyte system and yeast genetics, are not available for functional analysis. RNA interference (RNAi), commonly used for analysis of protein-coding genes, is effective in eliminating cytoplasmic mRNAs, but not nuclear RNAs. To circumvent this problem, we have refined the system for knockdown of nuclear ncRNAs with chemically modified chimeric antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) that were efficiently introduced into the nucleus by nucleofection. Under optimized conditions, our system appeared to degrade at least 20 different nuclear ncRNA species in multiple mammalian cell lines with high efficiency and specificity. We also confirmed that our method had greatly improved knockdown efficiency compared with that of the previously reported method in which ASOs are introduced with transfection reagents. Furthermore, we have confirmed the expected phenotypic alterations following knockdown of HBII295 snoRNA and U7 snRNA, which resulted in a loss of site-specific methylation of the artificial RNA and the appearance of abnormal polyadenylated histone mRNA species with a concomitant delay of the cell cycle S phase, respectively. In summary, we believe that our system is a powerful tool to explore the biological functions of the large number of nuclear ncRNAs with unknown function.
Repeated Molecular Testing in Gliomas
Authors: Mahajan Dipti , Prayson Richard A.
Published: June 2009

The value of repeated molecular testing in patients with multiple resections of gliomas is unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess for evidence of molecular changes for chromosome 1p/19q deletions and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 53 glioma cases in which repeated testing was done. Paired results for 1p evaluation demonstrated a change in the profile from intact to loss in 1 (2%) of 50 cases; 19q evaluation demonstrated a change in profile in 4 (10%) of 41 cases. There was no change in the EGFR expression in any of the cases tested. There was no change in the clinical management based on the repeated molecular tests in patients with discrepant repeated results. Hence, there seems to be no indication for reflex repeated 1p/19q or EGFR testing in gliomas at the time of repeated biopsy or resection.
Acute Fungal Sinusitis
Authors: Taxy Jerome B. , El-Zayaty Shady , Langerman Alexander
Published: June 2009

Acute fungal sinusitis is a life-threatening infection affecting immunocompromised patients. Historically, the most commonly recovered fungi are Aspergillus and Mucor. The extent of potentially disfiguring debridement surgery is grossly determined by the appearance of bleeding at the margins, signifying viable tissue and the absence of fungus. Requests for frozen section may concern the initial diagnosis and the intraoperative verification of margin status. In 12 patients with acute fungal sinusitis, frozen section was used in 8. Routine H&E stains demonstrated fungal hyphae in necrotic debris in 5 cases, often associated with vascular and perineural invasion. All patients underwent extensive sinus debridement, including orbital exenteration in 2 cases. All 12 patients died, 9 of fungal sepsis. Autopsy in 3 patients showed pulmonary involvement (2 cases), intracranial spread (1 case), and no residual fungus (1 case). Inexperience with organism recognition is surmountable. Frozen section has a role in the management of this devastating disease.
Justification of the Change From 10% to 30% for the Immunohistochemical HER2 Scoring Criterion in Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Yan-Hui , Xu Fang-Ping , Rao Jian-Yu , Zhuang Heng-Guo , Luo Xin-Lan , Li Li , Luo Dong-Lan , Zhang Fen , Xu Jie
Published: June 2009

We compared the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) immunohistochemical scoring criterion (30%) for determining HER2 status and the Food and Drug Administration criterion (10%) with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the HER2 gene amplification method in 328 cases of breast cancer. Of 294 tumor samples successfully analyzed simultaneously by FISH and immunohistochemically, 178 of 196 cases scored 3+ using the 10% and the 30% criteria. Using FISH as the reference, the number of false-positives was reduced from 24 to 9 after application of the 30% criterion. The specificity of immunohistochemical analysis was higher with the 30% (92.0%) vs the 10% (78.8%) criterion. The κ coefficient between FISH and immunohistochemical analysis was increased to 0.850 (almost perfect agreement; P < .001) after application of the 30% criterion vs 0.757 (substantial agreement) for the 10% criterion; the false-positive rate decreased to 5.1% from 12.2%. The χ2 test showed that immunohistochemical analysis had significantly higher accuracy with the 30% (94.9%) vs the 10% (87.8%; P = .014) criterion. Our results from a large series of Chinese patients with breast cancer support that the ASCO/CAP 30% criterion may offer better results for assessing HER2 status.
Immunoarchitectural Patterns in Nodal Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Salama Mohamed E. , Lossos Izidore S. , Warnke Roger A. , Natkunam Yasodha
Published: June 2009

Nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL) represents a rare and heterogeneous group that lacks markers specific for the diagnosis. We evaluated morphologic and immunoarchitectural features of 51 NMZLs, and the following immunostains were performed: CD20, CD21, CD23, CD5, CD3, CD43, CD10, Ki-67, BCL1, BCL2, BCL6, HGAL, and LMO2. Four immunoarchitectural patterns were evident: diffuse (38 [75%]), well-formed nodular/follicular (5 [10%]), interfollicular (7 [14%]), and perifollicular (1 [2%]). Additional features included a monocytoid component (36 [71%]), admixed large cells (20 [39%]), plasma cells (24 [47%]), compartmentalizing stromal sclerosis (13 [25%]), and prominent blood vessel sclerosis (10 [20%]). CD21 highlighted disrupted follicular dendritic cell meshwork in 35 (71%) of 49 cases, and CD43 coexpression was present in 10 (24%) of 42 cases. A panel of germinal center–associated markers was helpful in eliminating cases of diffuse follicle center lymphoma. Our results highlight the histologic and immunoarchitectural spectrum of NMZL and the usefulness of immunohistochemical analysis for CD43, CD23, CD21, BCL6, HGAL, and LMO2 in the diagnosis of NMZL.
Children's aggressive behaviour and teacher–child conflict in kindergarten: Is teacher perceived control over child behaviour a mediating variable/
Authors: Doumen Sarah , Verschueren Karine , Buyse Evelien
Published: June 2009

Background Research repeatedly showed young children's aggressive behaviour to predict relationship difficulties with the teacher.

Aims To examine a possible mediating variable in this process and in the stability of relationship difficulties across the school year, namely teacher perceived control over child behaviour.

Sample The sample consisted of 139 Belgian kindergartners and their teachers.

Method Data were collected throughout kindergarten at three measurement occasions: children's aggressive behaviour was measured by means of a peer nomination procedure during the first trimester, teacher perceived control over child behaviour was assessed by means of a teacher questionnaire during the second trimester, and teacher–child conflict was measured by means of a teacher questionnaire during the first and third trimesters. Correlations among all study variables were calculated and different models were estimated and compared by means of structural equation modelling.

Results Teacher perceived control completely mediated the relationship between aggressive behaviour and teacher–child conflict (after controlling for the concurrent association between aggressive behaviour and conflict, and the stability of conflict). In addition, teacher perceived control accounted for part of the stability in conflict across the school year.

Conclusions Teacher perceived control over child behaviour has been found to act as a mediating mechanism between child aggressive behaviour and teacher–child conflict at the beginning of kindergarten and teacher–child conflict at the end of the year.
Gonadotrophin-responsiveness of granulosa cells from bone morphogenetic protein 15 heterozygous mutant sheep
Authors: McNatty Kenneth P , Heath Derek A , Hudson Norma L , Lun Stan , Juengel Jennifer L , Moore Lloyd G
Published: June 2009

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the higher ovulation-rate in ewes heterozygous for a mutation in bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15; FecXI; otherwise known as Inverdale or I+ ewes) is due to granulosa cells developing an earlier responsiveness to LH, but not FSH. To address this hypothesis, granulosa cells were recovered from every individual nonatretic antral follicle (>2.5 mm diameter) from I+ and wild-type (++) ewes during anoestrus and the luteal and follicular phases and tested for their responsiveness to FSH and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG; a surrogate for LH). For the FSH receptor (FSHR) binding study, granulosa cells were harvested in three separate batches from all antral follicles (≥2.5 mm diameter) from I+ and ++ ewes. Using a highly-purified ovine FSH preparation, no evidence was found to suggest that I+ ewes have a higher ovulation-rate due to enhanced sensitivity of granulosa cells to FSH with respect to cAMP responsiveness or to their FSHR binding characteristics (equilibrium Kd or Bmax). By contrast, a significantly higher proportion of follicles from I+ ewes contained granulosa cells responsive to hCG. The higher proportion was due to cells from more small follicles (i.e. >2.5–4.5 mm diameter) developing a response to hCG. It is concluded that the mutation in the BMP15 gene in I+ ewes leads to an earlier acquisition of LH responsiveness by granulosa cells in a greater proportion of follicles and this accounts for the small but significantly higher ovulation-rate in these animals.
Variation in Genomic Recombination Rates Among Heterogeneous Stock Mice
Authors: Dumont Beth L , Broman Karl W , Payseur Bret A
Published: June 2009

We used a large panel of pedigreed, genetically admixed house mice to study patterns of recombination rate variation in a leading mammalian model system. We found considerable inter-individual differences in genomic recombination rates and documented a significant heritable component to this variation. These findings point to clear variation in recombination rate among common laboratory strains, a result that carries important implications for genetic analysis in the house mouse.
Prevalence and Associated Factors for Thoracic Spine Pain in the Adult Working Population: A Literature Review
Authors: Briggs Andrew M. , Bragge Peter , Smith Anne J. , Govil Dhruv , Straker Leon M.
Published: June 2009

Prevalence and Associated Factors for Thoracic Spine Pain in the Adult Working Population: A Literature Review: Andrew M. Briggs, et al. School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, Australia

Objectives

Spinal pain is a significant occupational health issue. Whilst neck pain and low back pain have received considerable attention, thoracic spinal pain (TSP) has not. The objective of this study was to systematically identify and report the evidence describing the prevalence and correlates of TSP within occupational groups.

Methods

This literature review systematically searched for reports of TSP prevalence and associated factors for TSP in working adult cohorts using nine electronic databases. Studies were evaluated for level of evidence and epidemiologic data were narratively synthesised.

Results

52 studies were identified describing 65 cohorts covering manual labourers, office workers, health professionals, manufacturing and industrial workers, drivers, military personnel and performing artists. Prevalence varied with occupational group and time period. One year prevalence of TSP ranged from 3.0–55.0%, with most occupational groups having medians around 30%. Significant odds ratios for individual (concurrent musculoskeletal disorders, exercising, pre‐menstrual tension and female gender), general work‐related (high work load, high work intensity, perceiving ergonomic problems in the workplace, working in some specialised areas, performing boring/tedious work tasks, certain year levels of study, employment duration, driving specialised vehicles, and a high number of flying hours), physical work‐related (manual physiotherapy tasks, climbing stairs and high physical stress) and psychosocial work‐related (perceived risk of injury and high mental pressure) factors were reported.

Conclusions

The high median prevalence rates suggest TSP may be a significant occupational health problem. The multiple domains of associated factors point to the need for prospective research encompassing these domains to inform targeted occupational interventions.