bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfusion‐transmitted infections among multitransfused patients in Iran: a review
Authors: Rezvan H. , Abolghassemi H. , Kafiabad S. Amini
Published: September 2010

summary Transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTI) continue to be a major challenge for Blood transfusion organizations across the world. The problem is more serious in the developing countries with lower economic means. Multitransfused patients (MTPs) in these countries are at higher risk of infection, and studies of infection in these patients can be a useful index for examining the blood safety filters in place. The present article reviews the situation in Iran, where prevalence of the major viruses of concern, namely, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus, studied in these patients is reported over a 9‐year period. It is demonstrated that HCV is the most prevalent TTI and remains a major health problem for these patients.
Evaluation of a clinical algorithm involving serum eosinophil cationic protein for guiding the anti‐inflammatory treatment of bronchial asthma in childhood
Authors: Prehn Antje , Seger Reinhard A. , Torresani Toni , Molinari Luciano , Sennhauser Felix H.
Published: September 2010

A pilot study was performed to investigate a clinical algorithm using serum‐eosinophil cationic protein level (S‐ECP) as an objective parameter for tapering the anti‐inflammatory treatment in chronic childhood asthma. We studied 21 outpatient asthmatic children (6 girls and 15 boys, mean age 9 yr, range 3–12 yr, all with initial S‐ECP ≥ 15 µg/l) over a period of 12 months at monthly intervals. At each visit a short history, clinical examination, blood sample for S‐ECP and eosinophil count, lung function tests and drug compliance were assessed. According to the initial S‐ECP, patients were allocated to two anti‐inflammatory treatment groups: patients with S‐ECP between 15 µg/l and 30 µg/l were treated with Budesonide 200 µg twice daily, while patients with S‐ECP of 30 µg/l and above received Budesonide 400 µg twice daily. After this induction treatment the anti‐inflammatory medication was tapered at monthly intervals according to actually measured S‐ECP: patients with S‐ECP < 15 µg/l received sodium cromoglycate (SCG) 10 mg twice daily per inhalation via spacer, patients with S‐ECP ≥ 15 µg/l and < 30 µg/l received Budesonide 200 µg twice daily via spacer, and patients with S‐ECP ≥ 30 µg/l received Budesonide 400 µg twice daily. Prior to inhalation of topical steroids or SCG all patients had to inhale 500 µg Terbutaline twice daily for optimal bronchodilatation. The use of medication was assessed by weighing the metered dose inhaler containers each month. Our results showed a decrease in symptoms (p = 0.0001) and in S‐ECP (p = 0.02) and MEF50% predicted (p = 0.02) after the initial month of Budesonide treatment. During a total of 246 months of investigation there was no need for emergency room treatment or hospital admission, and no need for oral steroids. During the whole study period there was a tendency for inhaled steroids to be more effective than SCG in reduction of markers of airway inflammation, improvement of symptoms and lung function. Inadequate use of medication was related to an increase in S‐ECP in all treatment groups. From this open pilot study it is concluded that a clinical algorithm including S‐ECP for tapering the anti‐inflammatory treatment may be helpful in childhood asthma. These first observations should be confirmed by a controlled long‐term study.
Frequency and potential cause of bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue in fetal lungs
Authors: Ersch Jörg , Tschernig Thomas , Stallmach Thomas
Published: September 2010

Bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue consists of lymphoid follicles with or without a germinal center within the bronchial wall. Bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue is part of the integrated mucosal immune system and present in about 50% of healthy infants. We examined a series of 141 fetal and neonatal lungs and detected bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue in 100% of cases with amniotic infection while postpartum perinatal pneumonia did not elicit bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue formation. Only rarely and in low density, bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue was present in non‐infected fetuses. The in utero formation of bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue seems to be a reactive phenomenon and – as has been shown in another study – does not portend an adverse prognosis.
Anaphylaxis to povidone in a child
Authors: Pedrosa C. , Costa H. , Oliveira G. , Romariz J. , Praça F.
Published: September 2010

Povidone is an allergic agent present in numerous substances, food and medicines. The authors present the clinical case of a 9‐yr‐old male child admitted in the emergency room with anaphylaxis, in two occasions separated by a 6‐month period. The first episode occurred 5 min after the first oral administration of Fluvermal® (flubendazole) and the second occurred 10 min after cutaneous application of Bétadine® (povidone iodine solution). Previous cutaneous application of this solution and ingestion of mebendazole occurred without apparent adverse reactions. The allergy study revealed eosinophilia, an elevated total IgE level and positive prick‐by‐prick test for both drugs. A cutaneous prick‐by‐prick test with povidone (the sole common constituent) was also positive. This is probably the first case described in the literature of anaphylaxis induced by povidone in a child.
Immediate allergic reactions to cephalosporins and penicillins and their cross‐reactivity in children
Authors: Atanasković‐Marković Marina , Veličković Tanja Ćirković , Gavrović‐Jankulović Marija , Vučković Olja , Nestorović Branimir
Published: September 2010

Penicillins and cephalosporins are the most important betalactams inducing IgE‐mediated reactions. The safety of administering cephalosporins to penicillin‐allergic children is a particular problem, because cephalosporin allergenic determinants have not been properly identified. A study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency of anaphylactic reactions to cephalosporins and penicillins and their cross‐reactivity in a pediatric population. A prospective survey was conducted in a group of 1170 children with suspected immediate allergic reactions to cephalosporins and/or penicillins, which were examined during a period of 8 yr.In vivo(skin tests and challenges) andin vitrotests (for specific IgE) were performed with standard concentration of penicillins and cephalosporins. When 1170 children with a clinical history of allergy to penicillins and/or cephalosporins were testedin vivofor immediate hypersensitivity to betalactams, 58.3% cases overall were found to be skin or challenge test positive. Among them, 94.4% patients were positive to penicillins and 35.3% to cephalosporins. The frequency of positive reactions in thein vivotesting was in the range from 36.4% to 88.1% for penicillins and from 0.3% to 29.2% for cephalosporins. However, 31.5% of the penicillin allergic children cross‐reacted to some cephalosporin. If a child was allergic to a cephalosporin, the frequency of positive reactions to penicillin was 84.2%. The cross‐reactivity between cephalosporins and penicillins varied between 0.3% and 23.9%. The cross‐reactivity among different generations of cephalosporins varied between 0% and 68.8%, being the highest for first and second‐generation cephalosporins and 0% for third generation cephalosporins. The frequency of immediate allergic reactions to cephalosporins is considerably lower compared to penicillins, and the degree of cross‐reactivity between cephalosporins and penicillins depends on the generation of cephalosporins, being higher with earlier generation cephalosporins. The cross‐reactivity among cephalosporins is lower compared to cross‐reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins.
The influence of intravenous hydrocortisone on cytokine levels in children with asthma
Authors: Landstra Anneke M. , Kauffman Henk F. , Marike Boezen H. , van Aalderen Wim M. C. , Zonderland Janny , Postma Dirkje S.
Published: September 2010

Nocturnal airway obstruction occurs frequently in childhood asthma and results from increased airway inflammation. Lymphocytes are believed to be key effector cells of airway wall inflammation, releasing pro‐inflammatory mediators and cytokines. A previous study showed that hydrocortisone infusion, an effective anti‐inflammatory treatment, improves nocturnal and daytime FEV1 values. This study in 16 children with moderate asthma was designed to assess whether there exists day and night differences in IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐8, and IFN‐γ production of concanavaline A stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, we investigated whether substitution of low serum cortisol levels with intravenous hydrocortisone would affect those parameters. Saline (as a placebo) or hydrocortisone (30 μg/m2 body surface area/24 h) was intravenously administered in a randomized, double blind, cross‐over design. Measurements under saline or hydrocortisone infusions were separated by 1 wk. At 04:00 and 16:00 hours 10 ml blood was taken for determination of peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation and stimulation, and an eosinophil count. Hydrocortisone infusion significantly reduced the nocturnal fall in FEV1. Median values of IFNγ, IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐8 produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells did not significantly differ at 04:00 and 16:00 hours, both with saline and hydrocortisone infusion. Our results suggest that FEV1 improvement is not due to suppression of circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cell activation. We hypothesize that it is rather due to its effect on local lung tissue epithelial and/or fibroblasts thereby reducing airway inflammation and vascular leakage.
Cytokine production, activation marker, and skin homing receptor in children with atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma
Authors: Antúnez Cristina , Torres María Jose , Mayorga Cristobalina , Corzo José L. , Jurado Antonio , Santamaría‐Babi Luis F. , Vera Angel , Blanca Miguel
Published: September 2010

T cells are known to develop a critical role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) and bronchial asthma. T cells involved in AD express the skin homing receptor CLA, but no lung homing receptor has been identified in bronchial asthma. We compared different cell markers and the cytokine production in T cells from children with AD or bronchial asthma. We studied the involvement of CLA+ and CLA− T‐cell subpopulations in these diseases. We studied 20 children with acute AD lesions, 15 with mild persistent asthma, and 15 non‐atopic controls. All patients were sensitized to house dust mite (DP) and evaluated during the acute phase. Total and specific IgE were measured by immunoassay and the expression of different cell markers and the cytokine production was analyzed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Total IgE was significantly higher in AD children and IgE to DP in the asthmatic children. There was a significant increase in CD25+CD4+ cells in asthmatic children and in HLA‐DR+CD4+ and HLA‐DR+CD8+ cells in AD. In the CD4+ subsets, there was an increase in IL‐13, IL‐5 and TNF‐α in AD compared to controls, a decrease in IFN‐γ in asthmatic children compared to controls, and an increase in IL‐13, IL5, IL2, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ in the AD compared to asthmatic children. Changes in cytokine production were mainly detected in CLA+ cells in AD and in CLA− cells in asthma. Differences exist in total and specific IgE, activation markers, and cytokine patterns between AD children and children with asthma, with the former expressing a Th2 pattern whereas in asthmatic children we only detected a decrease in IFN‐γ. Moreover, the subpopulations (CLA+ vs. CLA−) expressing these changes were different, indicating that the underlying mechanisms in the two diseases are not exactly the same.
Parental knowledge and use of epinephrine auto‐injector for children with food allergy
Authors: Pouessel G. , Deschildre A. , Castelain C. , Sardet A. , Sagot‐Bevenot S. , De Sauve‐Boeuf A. , Thumerelle C. , Santos C.
Published: September 2010

Epinephrine should be prescribed for patients at risk of anaphylaxis. Our purpose was to determine the use of Anapen® prescribed for food‐allergic children, to assess parental knowledge regarding Anapen, and to evaluate the arrangements for emergency kits and personalized care projects in everyday life. A prospective study was performed with a questionnaire sent to families with a food‐allergic child previously prescribed Anapen. One hundred and fifty two families were contacted and finally 111 children included (median age 6.5 yrs). Main food allergens were peanuts (n = 89), egg (n = 39) and cow's milk (n = 10). The use of Anapen had been demonstrated to 90% of parents (by prescribing physician, 69%; pharmacist, 25%; general practitioner, 5%; nurse 1%), with a training device (76%) and/or written instructions (49%). When asked to list symptoms requiring injection, 48% of parents cited more than one response: breathing difficulties only (23%), or with angio‐edema (41%), collapse or faintness (38%), anaphylactic shock (48%). Of 107 children attending school, 54% had a personalized care project, 72% an Anapen device, and 60% a complete emergency kit (epinephrine, inhaled β‐agonist, corticosteroid, anti‐H1 drug). β‐Agonists were forgotten at school by 34 children (13 asthmatics). Anapen was used in one child for angio‐edema and dyspnea after inadvertent ingestion of egg at home. In our population, epinephrine auto‐injectors and emergency kits were insufficiently available at schools and in daily life. The use of auto‐injectors was not adequately demonstrated. The prescription of epinephrine for food‐allergic children at risk of anaphylaxis requires accurate diagnosis, educational programs, information, and follow up.
Factors determining the ability of parents to effectively administer intramuscular adrenaline to food allergic children
Authors: Arkwright Peter D. , Farragher Alex J.
Published: September 2010

Intramuscular adrenaline is the treatment of choice for food‐related anaphylactic reactions. Although auto‐injectable adrenaline devices are routinely prescribed for patients at risk of serious reactions, previous studies have shown that only one‐third to one and a half of patients or their carers are able to properly use these devices. The aim of this study was to determine which factors are most strongly associated with the effective use of these devices. A 122 children with food allergies who had previously been prescribed EpiPens and were attending a single specialist pediatric allergy center in the UK. were studied prospectively. A 69% of parents were unable to use the EpiPen, did not have it available, or did not know when it should be administered. A prior practical demonstration was associated with a 4–5 fold greater chance that parents would be able to use the device (p < 0.005). Prior consultation with an allergy specialist rather than a general physician, and parents who independently sought additional information from the national self‐help allergy organization were also four to six times more likely to be competent with these devices (p < 0.005). The study clearly shows that for EpiPens to be used safely and effectively it is essential to educate the carer at the time the device is prescribed.
Daily ambulatory exhaled nitric oxide measurements in asthma
Authors: Pijnenburg Mariëlle W. , Floor Suzanne E. , Hop Wim C. , De Jongste Johan C.
Published: September 2010

Exhaled NO (FENO) is a non‐invasive, validated marker for asthmatic airway inflammation. Recently, a new hand‐held NO‐analyzer has been developed which makes it possible to monitor FENO at home. We assessed feasibility and analyzed variability of daily FENO home measurements. Twenty‐one asthmatics (mean age 14.5 yr; range 8–25 yr) participated. Nineteen used a stable dose of inhaled corticosteroids and all of them were in a stable clinical condition. FENO was measured twice daily for 14 consecutive days. Measurements and symptom scores were recorded on a smart card in the analyzer. Symptom score items included well‐being, wheeze, activity, and nocturnal symptoms. Measurements showed a success rate of 93%. We found a significant diurnal variation in FENO with geometric mean morning levels 14% higher than evening levels (95% CI: 4%–25%; p = 0.013). Individual subjects showed marked fluctuation of FENO. The mean intrasubject coefficient of variation of FENO was 40% for morning and 36% for evening values. FENO and cumulative symptom scores did not correlate. Home FENO measurements are feasible, and offer the possibility to asses airway inflammation on a daily basis. Further study is needed to interpret and evaluate possible benefits of FENO home monitoring.
Increasing the hospitalization of asthma in children not in adults – from a national survey in Taiwan 1996–2002
Authors: Yeh Kuo‐Wei , Fang Wen , Huang Jing‐Long
Published: September 2010

Prevalence of asthma has risen gradually in past 30 yr in Taiwan, but less is known about the trend of asthma hospitalization and different hospitalization patterns between children and adult groups in the Chinese population. The implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan was in 1995, and it covered health care for >96% of the population. Using NHI data from 1996 to 2002, we investigated the admission rate, length of stay, cost and the readmission rate of hospitalization with primary diagnosis of asthma in this period. We also compare the difference between the children group (<18 yr old) and adult group (≥18 yr old). The average incidence of hospitalization in the age group below 18 was 105.0 cases per 100,000 children, and was 116.7 per 100,000 population in the adult group during that period. It increased by 6.5% annually in the children group, though it was 0.1% annually in the adult group. The hospitalization days were 3.6 ± 2.4 days in the children group, and were 8.2 ± 8.9 days of those age ≥18 (p < 0.0001). The hospitalization cost was $288.7 ± $292.9 and $717.5 ± $1409.4, respectively (p < 0.0001). Autumn was the most frequent admission season in the children group, but the winter season was the most common in the adult group. The average readmission rate in this period was 20.4%. It was 13.0% in the children group, and was 22.6% in the adult group (p < 0.0001). The general hospitalization rate of asthma in the children group was lower than the adult group. It increased significantly in the children group from 1996 to 2002, but the admission cost rose prominently in the adult group during the same period. The hospitalization days, admission cost, and readmission rate were also significantly lower in the children group.
Emollients improve treatment results with topical corticosteroids in childhood atopic dermatitis: a randomized comparative study
Authors: Szczepanowska Jolanta , Reich Adam , Szepietowski Jacek C.
Published: September 2010

The aim of the study was to investigate whether adding emollients to the standard topical corticosteroid therapy influences the outcome of children with atopic dermatitis. Fifty‐two children aged between 2 and 12 yr were divided randomly in two subgroups consisting of 26 children each. Both groups applied 0.1% methylprednisolone aceponate cream on lesional atopic skin once daily for 2 wk and were observed for another 4 wk after treatment discontinuation. Group B used additionally emollients for the whole study period. Patients were evaluated at days 0 (baseline), 7, 14 (end of therapy), 28 and 42 (follow‐up). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of disease severity according to EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index) scale (group A: 6.8 ± 3.59 before and 0.87 ± 1.25 after therapy, p < 0.001; group B: 9.6 ± 8.39 before and 1.11 ± 2.37 after therapy, p < 0.001). Xerosis improved significantly better in group B compared to group A, both clinically (group A: 1.38 ± 0.57 scores before and 1.5 ± 0.58 scores after therapy, p = 0.11; group B: 1.62 ± 0.64 scores before and 0.12 ± 0.33 scores after therapy, p < 0.001), and by corneometry assessment (group A: 41.7 ± 9.1 units before and 51.3 ± 11.3 units after therapy, p < 0.001; group B: 38.9 ± 12.9 units before and 58.2 ± 13.5 units after therapy, p < 0.001). A trend towards faster resolving of pruritus in group B (group A: 5.44 ± 2.6 scores before and 3.22 ± 2.31 scores after therapy, p = 0.001; group B: 5.87 ± 2.79 scores before and 2.24 ± 1.59 scores after therapy, p < 0.001) was also observed. In group B, the improvement was maintained for couple of weeks after treatment discontinuation, while in group A recurrence of the disease was noted (EASI at day 42 in group A vs. group B: 5.29 ± 5.6 vs. 1.25 ± 1.4, p = 0.01). Similar results were also observed for xerosis (p < 0.001) and pruritus (p = 0.002). Concomitant usage of emollients significantly improves xerosis and pruritus during corticosteroid treatment of atopic dermatitis and enables to maintain clinical improvement after therapy discontinuation.
Fish allergy in childhood
Authors: Pascual Cristina Y. , Reche Marta , Fiandor Ana , Valbuena Teresa , Cuevas Teresa , Esteban Manuel Martin
Published: September 2010

Fish and its derived products play an important role in human nutrition, but they may also be a potent food allergen. Fish can be an ingested, contact, and inhalant allergen. Gad c I, a Parvalbumin, the major allergen in codfish, is considered as fish and amphibian pan‐allergen. Prevalence of fish allergy appears to depend on the amount of fish eaten in the local diet. In Europe, the highest consumption occurs in Scandinavian countries, Spain and Portugal. In Spain, fish is the third most frequent allergen in children under 2 yr of age after egg and cow’s milk. An adverse reaction to fish may be of non‐allergic origin, due to food contamination or newly formed toxic products, but the most frequent type of adverse reactions to fish are immunologic‐mediated reactions (allergic reactions). Such allergic reactions may be both IgE‐mediated and non‐IgE‐mediated. Most cases are IgE‐mediated, due to ingestion or contact with fish or as a result of inhalation of cooking vapors. Some children develop non‐IgE‐mediated type allergies such as food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome. The clinical symptoms related to IgE‐mediated fish allergy are most frequently acute urticaria and angioedema as well as mild oral symptoms, worsening of atopic dermatitis, respiratory symptoms such as rhinitis or asthma, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Anaphylaxis may also occur. Among all the species studied, those from the Tunidae and Xiphiidae families appear to be the least allergenic.
Virus Neutralizing Antibodies Against a Panel of 18 BVDV Isolates in Calves Vaccinated with Rispoval™RS‐BVD
Authors: Hamers C. , Valentin E. Di , Lecomte C. , Lambot M. , Joris E. , Genicot B. , Pastoret P.‐P.
Published: September 2010

Seven of nine colostrum‐deprived calves, free from infection with bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV), were vaccinated with Rispoval™RS‐BVD on two occasions, 21 days apart, while the other two were kept as BVDV infection controls. The virus neutralizing (VN) serum antibodies induced by vaccination were tested for their ability to neutralize 18 European BVDV isolates, including laboratory reference strains and recent field isolates, both cytopathic and non‐cytopathic biotypes as well as genotypes I and II. The strains were isolated in Belgium, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. While there were large variations in the vaccine‐induced VN titres of the individual calves against all the strains, e.g. the titres against Osloss NCP, the European reference strain ranged from 1.7 to 6.7 (1 : log2), serum from each animal was capable of neutralizing between nine and all 18 of the strains tested. Nevertheless, from the results of this study, it can be concluded that in colostrum‐deprived BVDV seronegative calves, Rispoval™RS‐BVD can stimulate the production of VN antibodies capable of neutralizing a wide range of antigenically diverse European isolates of BVDV, including genotypes I and II.
Epidemiology of OvineCampylobacterInfection Determined by Numerical Analysis of Electrophoretic Protein Profiles
Authors: Diker K. S. , Esendal O. M. , Akan M.
Published: September 2010

The relationship of 50Campylobacterstrains isolated from aborted ovine foetuses, and the faeces of sheep, cattle and chickens were determined by numerical analysis of electrophoretic (SDS‐PAGE) protein profiles. Comparison of protein patterns by numerical methods revealed differences betweenC. fetusssp.fetus,C. jejuni, andC. colistrains as well as heterogeneity among isolates from different outbreaks. Isolates from each farm produced a distinct cluster and flocks from different locations were found to be infected with relatively different strains. In most cases, protein patterns of ovine foetal isolates were very similar to those of ovine faecal isolates. Ovine isolates ofC. fetusssp.fetus,C. jejuniandC. coligave similar protein patterns to the correspondingCampylobacterspecies isolated from cattle or chicken, on the same farm. Thus, it was concluded that certain protein types of ovineCampylobacterstrains were more likely associated with local areas, andCampylobacterstrains causing ovine abortions are distributed in the environment more widely than assumed to date.
Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of Lambs Experimentally Infected with Fasciola hepatica and Schistosoma bovis
Authors: Ferreras M. C. , García‐Ilesias M. J. , Manga‐González M. Y. , Pérez‐Martínez C. , Mizinska Y. , Ramajo V. , González‐Lanza M. C. , Escudero A. , García‐Marín J. F.
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the cross‐resistance between Fasciola hepatica and Schistosoma bovis in lambs assessing parasitologic, gross pathologic, histopathologic and immunohistochemical changes in liver and small intestine. Thirty Castellana breed lambs were divided into five comparable groups and exposed to F. hepatica/S. bovis (group F/S), S. bovis/F. hepatica (group S/F), S. bovis (group S) or F. hepatica (group F) and six unexposed lambs were used as non‐infected controls (group C). Primary patent infection with F. hepatica induced a lower number of schistosome eggs and a higher number of lymphocytes in intestinal and liver schistosome egg‐induced granulomas in group F/S than in the groups S/F and S, liver damage being mainly attributed to F. hepatica. S. bovis infection followed by challenge with F. hepatica particularly increased the severity of the most significant liver alterations (cholangiohepatitis by F. hepatica and mesoendophlebitis by S. bovis) and F. hepatica seemed not to have an influence on established S. bovis infection. In addition, immunohistochemical results suggested that the predominant local immune response in both double‐infected groups was different, being mainly a cell‐mediated immune response in group F/S and a mucosal response in group S/F.
Effect of Endobronchial Challenge withActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeSerotype 9 of Pigs Vaccinated with a Vaccine Containing Apx Toxins and Transferrin‐binding Proteins
Authors: Van Overbeke I. , Chiers K. , Ducatelle R. , Haesebrouck F.
Published: September 2010

The efficacy of a subunit vaccine containing the Apx toxins ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeand transferrin‐binding proteins was determined. Ten pigs were vaccinated twice with the vaccine. Eight control animals were injected twice with a saline solution. Three weeks after the second vaccination, all pigs were endobronchially inoculated with 106.5colony‐forming units (CFU) of anA. pleuropneumoniaeserotype 9 strain. In the vaccine group, none of the pigs died after inoculation. Only one pig of the control group survived challenge. Surviving pigs were killed at 7 days after challenge. The mean percentage of affected lung tissue was 64% in the control group and 17% in the vaccine group.Actinobacillus pleuroípneumoniaewas isolated from the lungs of all animals. The mean bacterial titres of the caudal lung lobes were 5.0 × 108 CFU/g in the control group and 3.0 × 106 CFU/g in the vaccine group. It was concluded that the vaccine induced partial protection against severe challenge.
ELISA and Direct Immunofluorescence Test to Detect Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) using a Monoclonal Antibody Directed to the EAV‐N Protein
Authors: Starick E. , Ginter A. , Coppe P.
Published: September 2010

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against the equine arteritis virus (EAV) nucleocapsid (N) protein was used for indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using viral antigen from different sources. The same mAb was labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate for direct immunofluorescence tests (DIFTs). The N‐specific mAb appeared to be suitable for the detection in both ELISA and DIFT of different EAV strains and field isolates from semen and tissue samples after passage in lines of RK‐13, Vero and fetal equine kidney cells. The ELISA described is an easy and fast method which can be used in most cases to replace the microneutralization test to prove the EAV specificity of the cytopathic effect of cell cultures. The DIFT, however, is more sensitive than both the ELISA and the microneutralization test because EAV antigen can be detected even in cell cultures without or with very weak cytopathic effect.
Arthritis after Experimental Infection with Yersinia enterocolitica 0:3 in Rabbits
Authors: Vesselinova A. , Najdenski H. , Nikolova S. , Wesselinova D.
Published: September 2010

Arthritis in rabbits was caused after experimental oral infection with Yersinia enterocolitica (serotype 0:3, biotype 4, pYV+). Clinical and laboratory signs, bacterial dissemination to the viscera, immune response and morphological findings were studied from day 1 to day 40 post‐infection (p.i.). Augmentation of body temperature and erythrocyte sedimentation rate occurred on day 1, and on day 8 p.i. was accompanied by leucopenia. The number of alveolar macrophages was increased up to the 15th day p.i., in contrast to peritoneal macrophage numbers. Extensive bacterial colonization of the internal organs was detected at necropsy until the end of the experiment. Analysis of the cell immune response revealed activation of B cells in peripheral blood, spleen and thymus as well as augmentation of T‐cell number in the lymphoid organs examined on days 15, 28 and 40 p.i. Histological changes typical of a generalized infection, such as purulent meningoencephalitis, catarrhal pneumonia and lymphadenitis, were observed. Clinical and morphological manifestations of arthritis were also established. The results obtained show that Y. enterocolitica (serotype 0:3, pYV+) induces a generalized, non‐lethal infection in Chinchilla rabbits, complicated by arthritis.
Descriptive Epidemiology of a Classical Swine Fever Outbreak in the Limburg Province of Belgium in 1997
Authors: Mintiens K. , Deluyker H. , Laevens H. , Koenen F. , Dewulf J. , De Kruif A.
Published: September 2010

This paper describes the epidemiological characteristics of the 1997 Classical Swine Fever (CSF) outbreak that occurred in the Limburg Province of Belgium, where there is a policy of non‐vaccination, intensive surveillance and eradication. Between 30 June and 17 July 1997, eight herds, located in three different areas, were confirmed to be CSF‐positive. CSF virus was transmitted from the primary infected herd of one area to another five herds in the same area and to one herd in a different area. The mode of virus introduction for this primary infected herd and for the one herd that was not infected by this primary herd could not be determined. Clinical, serological, and virological findings indicate that the CSF‐infected herds were detected in an early stage of the infection. The early detection of the infection together with a preventive stamping out procedure resulted in a rapid elimination of the CSF virus. A total of 46 561 pigs were slaughtered to control the spread of the infection. Another 27 579 pigs were slaughtered in the framework of the market support. The total direct costs of the episode were estimated at € 10 893 337.
Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction to IdentifyBrucella abortusStrain RB51 among Brucella Field Isolates from Cattle in Italy
Authors: Adone R. , Ciuchini F. , La Rosa G. , Marianelli C. , Muscillo M.
Published: September 2010

Brucella abortusstrain RB51, a rough mutant of theB. abortus2308 virulent strain, was recently approved in the United States as the official vaccine for brucellosis in cattle. Following recent evidence of unauthorized use of RB51 vaccine in Italy, where the use of vaccines for brucellosis is no longer allowed, the suitability of an RB51‐specific polymerase chain reaction assay for identifying the RB51 strain amongBrucellafield isolates from cattle in Italy was investigated. The oligonucleotide primers used in this study, belonging to a six‐primer cocktail forBrucellaspecies previously described by other authors, allowed the amplification of a 364‐base pair (bp) fragment specific for RB51 and its parent strain 2308, and a 498‐bp product specific forB. abortus. In addition, unresolved bands ranging from 600 to 700 bp were observed from RB51 strain.Brucella abortusbiovars 1, 2 and 4 have only one specific sensitive 498‐bp band. TheB. abortusbiovars 3, 5 and 6 did not give any signal. The 498‐bp product from a referenceBrucellastrain was sequenced and submitted to EMBL with the accession number AJ271969 while the 364‐bp fragment from RB51 strain was submitted to EMBL database with accession number AJ271968. The sequence studies confirmed the specificity of the detected fragments. No amplification was obtained by testing DNA from strains antigenically related toBrucella,such asYersinia enterocoliticaO:9,Escherichia coliO:157,Salmonella urbanaandPasteurella multocida. The results of this study indicate that this technique, in combination with specific serological tests, could be a useful diagnostic method to verify the use of RB51 vaccine and can contribute to the creation of a databank of circulating strains.
Differences in Lymphocyte Subpopulations from Peripheral Blood and Lymphoid Organs in Natural Caprine Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Caro M. R. , Gallego M. C. , Buendía A. J. , Del Rio L. , Seva J. , Navarro J. A.
Published: September 2010

Although the cell‐mediated immune response is known to be a critical factor in host defence against intracellullar mycobacterial infection, the different components of the T‐cell response are unclear, particularly in caprine infection. In this study we examine the differences in the lymphocyte population of peripheral blood, spleen and mediastinal and superficial lymph nodes in 11 naturally infected goats showing positive reactions in the comparative tuberculine intradermal test. According to the different types of lesion showing, the goats were classified into proliferative or exudative tuberculosis. The results obtained by fflow cytometry analysis indicated that the main differences in peripheral blood were in the CD4 T‐cell population, which decreased markedly in goats with exudative tuberculosis, while the CD8 and B cells increased in number. The γ/δ T cells did not show significant differences in either type of tuberculosis, while interleukin‐2 receptor cells decreased slightly in the exudative tuberculosis. The CD4 : CD8 ratio was higher than 1 in goats with proliferative tuberculosis and lower than 1 in goats with exudative tuberculosis. In general, the lymphoid organs of the goats with exudative tuberculosis showed a significant increase in the number of CD8 T cells (CD4 : CD8 ratio of less than 1) whereas no significant differences were observed in the CD4 T population between either type of tuberculosis.
Electrophysiological and Morphological Alterations in Peripheral Nerves by the Pig Paramyxovirus of Blue Eye Disease in Neonatal Pigs
Authors: Ramírez‐Herrera M. A. , Mendoza‐Magaña M. L. , Dueñas‐Jiménez J. M. , Mora‐Galindo J. , Dueñas‐Jiménez S. H.
Published: September 2010

The pig paramyxovirus of blue eye disease (PPBED) produces central nervous system (CNS) damage leading to death in piglets. However, when PPBED was injected into the muscle and came into contact with hind limb peripheral nerves and was transported to the CNS, it did not cause death and could be a mechanism by which to induce protection. This study analyses whether PPBED causes electrophysiological and morphological alterations in infected hind limb peripheral nerves. It also studies, whether PPBED induces the onset of haemagglutination inhibitory antibodies (HIA) when it is transported to the spinal cord after medial gastrocnemius (MG) intramuscular injection. PPBED was detected by an immunohistochemical method and nerve morphology was studied using electron microscopy. The physiological status of the nerve was evaluated with electrophysiological techniques. The electrical threshold of the infected MG nerve increased four‐ or five‐fold compared to that in the ipsilateral lateral gastrocnemius or in the MG nerve on the control side. The infected nerve fibres underwent myelin sheet disarrangement and their internal fibre diameter decreased. PPBED induced the onset of HIA.
Prevalence of Yeasts and Mycelial Fungi in Bovine Parasitic Otitis in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Duarte E. R. , Resende J. C. P. , Rosa C. A. , Hamdan J. S.
Published: September 2010

Infestations by rhabditiform nematodes and acarids of the genus Raillietia are considered the primary causes of external otitis in cattle in tropical regions. Recently, yeasts of the genus Malassezia have been associated with a relatively high percentage of otitis cases, but the occurrence of other yeasts and mycelial fungi has not yet been reported in the literature. This work studied the presence of fungi in the ear canal of 45 cattle with external parasitic otitis. The results were positive for yeasts of the genus Malassezia in 31 (68.9 %) of the 45 cultures in Mycosel medium supplemented with olive oil. The 45 cultures in Sabouraud dextrose medium revealed the growth of seven (15.5 %) yeasts of the genus Candida, five (11.1 %) Rhodotorulamucilaginosa, two (4.4 %) fungi of the genus Aspergillus and eight ‘Micelia sterilia’. Future studies may confirm and elucidate the importance of these agents in the aetiology of bovine otitis.
Are Low‐Density Granulocytes the Major Target Cells of Classical Swine Fever Virus in the Peripheral Blood?
Authors: Porntrakulpipat S. , Depner K. R. , Moennig V.
Published: September 2010

The target cells of classical swine fever (CSF) virus in the peripheral blood of pigs infected with recent field isolates from Germany were studied. Eight weaned pigs were inoculated oronasally with the CSF virus field isolate Visbek/Han 95 and three weaners were inoculated with the isolate Losten/Freese 98. All pigs showed severe clinical signs typical of CSF and died or had to be euthanized between 9 and 24 days post‐infection (dpi). The first cells in the peripheral blood which became infected with CSF virus were mixed granulocytes (a combination of low‐ and high‐density granulocytes). These cells yielded the highest infectivity for PK 15 cell cultures. On day 7 post‐infection, the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) fraction was virus positive, while the peripheral blood leucocyte (PBL), peripheral blood T lymphocyte (PBT) and high‐density granulocyte fractions were either negative or their infectivity was lower than the infectivity of the PBMC fraction. These results indicate that PBMC contain more virus‐positive cells than other fractions of leucocytes. These findings may also have diagnostic implications for the detection of CSF virus in blood samples. Because PBMC showed the highest infectivity in the early stages of CSF, it should be the sample of choice for CSF virus isolation.
Characterization of NecrotoxigenicEscherichia coli(NTEC) Strains Isolated from Healthy Calves in Poland
Authors: Osek J.
Published: September 2010

Faecal samples from 132 healthy, 4–8‐week‐old calves from four different farms were examined for necrotoxigenicEscherichia coli(NTEC) producing the cytotoxic necrotizing factors type 1 (CNF1) and type 2 (CNF2). CNF2 genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction in 24 (6.1%) of the 396E. colistrains tested; these strains were found in 18 (13.6%) calves used in the study. None of the 396E. coliisolates examined possessed the gene encoding CNF1. Overall, 28.8% ofE. coliexamined expressed the F17 fimbrial antigen. A strong association between CNF2 toxin and F17 fimbriae was found (62.5% of CNF2‐positive strains were F17‐positive). Moreover, six out of 24 NTEC strains had the Stx1 or the Stx2 shiga toxin genes, and three additional isolates possessed theeaegenetic marker of the intimin protein.
Symptom burden in inflammatory bowel disease: Rethinking conceptual and theoretical underpinnings
Authors: Farrell Dawn , Savage Eileen
Published: September 2010

Farrell D, Savage E. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 437–442 Symptom burden in inflammatory bowel disease: Rethinking conceptual and theoretical underpinnings

Symptom control is fundamental to the nursing management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, symptom control can be problematic for individuals with IBD, which could result in symptom burden. Symptom burden is an evolving concept in the discipline of nursing and to date little is known about how the defining characteristics of this concept have been applied to symptom research in IBD. In this discussion paper, the concept of symptom burden and the theory of unpleasant symptoms are explored as a basis for understanding symptom research in IBD. This is followed by a critical examination of previous symptom research in IBD. Our conclusion is that there is a need to rethink conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of symptom burden when researching IBD to take account of its defining characteristics, namely symptom severity, frequency and duration, quality and distress. Research knowledge on these defining characteristics will be important to inform nursing assessment of symptom burden in clinical practice.
Effect of foot massage to decrease physiological lower leg oedema in late pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial in Turkey
Authors: Çoban Ayden , Şirin Ahsen
Published: September 2010

Çoban A, Şirin A. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 454–460 Effect of foot massage to decrease physiological lower leg oedema in late pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial in Turkey

This study aims to evaluate the effect of foot massage for decreasing physiological lower leg oedema in late pregnancy. Eighty pregnant women were randomly divided into two groups; study group had a 20 min foot massage daily for 5 days whereas the control group did not receive any intervention beyond standard prenatal care. The research was conducted between March and August 2007 in Manisa Province Health Ministry Central Primary Health Care Clinic 1, in Manisa, Western Turkey. Compared with the control group, women in the experimental group had a significantly smaller lower leg circumference (right and left, ankle, instep and metatarsal–phalanges joint) after 5 days of massage. The results obtained from our research show that foot massage was found to have a positive effect on decreasing normal physiological lower leg oedema in late pregnancy.
Evaluation of the implementation of Assistant in Nursing workforce in haemodialysis units
Authors: Chow Josephine , Miguel Susana San
Published: September 2010

Chow J, Miguel SS. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 484–491 Evaluation of the implementation of Assistant in Nursing workforce in haemodialysis units

The aim of this project was to evaluate the introduction of Assistant in Nursing (AINs) in the haemodialysis units at a major tertiary Area Health Service in Sydney, Australia. All nursing staff were asked to complete a baseline and follow‐up survey to determine changes to their attitudes to the new skill mix model and their satisfaction with the new organization of care delivery in their dialysis units. Comparison of the baseline and follow‐up surveys in the paired data was favourable with nurses acknowledging that they would cope well with the introduction of AINs, and they were more likely to disagree with the statement that their workload would increase after the introduction of AINs in the follow‐up survey. There was little difference in (i) the workload of the dialysis units before and during the intervention; and (ii) the incidence of patient and nursed related adverse outcome events.
Comparison between ambulatory infusion mode and inpatient infusion mode from the perspective of quality of life among colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Yik M , Hung Yuk K , Mo Frankie KF , Ho Wing M
Published: September 2010

Lee YM, Hung YK, Mo FKF, Ho WM. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 508–516 Comparison between ambulatory infusion mode and inpatient infusion mode from the perspective of quality of life among colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Folfox and Folfiri are active chemotherapy treatments used in advanced colorectal cancer. The total admission for these treatments has been significantly increasing in the study hospital. An ambulatory infusion programme was launched to address the problems of long waiting list and bed shortage. The study objective was to compare the quality of life between patients receiving the chemotherapy treatments in the ambulatory infusion group and the inpatient infusion group. The results showed that some demographic variables of education level, family role and employment status were determinants of the treatment mode. Patients in the ambulatory infusion group of social and global domains performed better than the inpatient group. However, the inpatient group had better quality of life of nauseated symptom at different stages. Some nursing educations should be reinforced to address the symptom management for patients receiving ambulatory infusion at home. The ambulatory infusion programme offered considerable quality of life benefits to colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Developing country health in a developed country: Personal perspectives
Authors: Azzopardi Peter , Gray Natalie
Published: September 2010

In this personal reflective piece we share the journeys that have led to us working in international and Indigenous health. While relatively new to the field, we have enjoyed varied clinical and public health work, both with Aboriginal communities and overseas. We have observed the similarities in delivering health care in these settings, and also the similarities in policy and programming. Just as our experiences have been complementary, we feel Indigenous health and International health can teach & learn from each other.
Type 2 diabetes in Indigenous Australian children and adolescents
Authors: Maple‐Brown Louise J , Sinha Ashim K , Davis Elizabeth A
Published: September 2010

Rates of type 2 diabetes are higher among Indigenous than non‐Indigenous Australian children and adolescents. Presentation may be incidental, part of obesity investigation, symptomatic (polyuria and polydipsia) or in ketoacidosis. Investigation should include assessment of fasting insulin, c‐peptide and autoantibodies, as well as assessment of diabetes complications and co‐morbidities. Management is a challenge, particularly in a resource‐limited setting. Management should involve the whole family and, in some cases, extended family, and community, local health‐care providers are key, and a multidisciplinary team approach is essential. The primary initial intervention involves life‐style change, but medications (oral and insulin) are frequently necessary. Screening of high‐risk individuals is recommended. Waist circumference is a key component of risk assessment. Prevention strategies targeting children and adolescents from this high‐risk population are urgently required.