bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speculum ‘self‐insertion’: a pilot study
Authors: Wright Deborah , Fenwick Jennifer , Stephenson Pam , Monterosso Leanne
Published: April 2006

Aim. This paper reports phase II of a pilot study that aimed to determine whether self‐insertion of a speculum by women undergoing a pap smear would be more comfortable and lead to an improvement in satisfaction and a decrease in anxiety associated with this procedure.

Background. Research demonstrates that pelvic examinations are considered by most women to be unpleasant and are routinely associated with embarrassment, apprehension, fear and often some level of discomfort and/or pain.

Design. The study used quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Phase I (described elsewhere) tested the newly developed Speculum Self‐Insertion Satisfaction Questionnaire for content validity, internal consistency and clarity. Phase II pilot study tested the technique of speculum self‐insertion. Women's general level of anxiety was measured using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, both before and after they performed the self‐insertion procedure. Women's satisfaction and acceptance of the procedure was measured using the Speculum Self‐Insertion Satisfaction Questionnaire and explored through the use of qualitative research techniques.

Participants. A total of 198 women attending family planning clinics in Perth, Western Australia, between September and December 2003 were invited to participate in the study. One hundred and thirty‐three women agreed to self‐insert their own speculum.

Results. The study demonstrated that speculum self‐insertion was acceptable to most women, especially younger women. Nearly 91% of women either agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the experience of self‐insertion and would choose to self‐insert the speculum again. This included the women who had not previously had a speculum examination. The quality of specimen collected was not detrimentally affected by speculum self‐insertion.

Conclusions. The results of this pilot research, while needing to be replicated in a larger study, demonstrate that offering women the opportunity to self‐insert a speculum during a routine pelvic examination is an acceptable, innovative, simple and cost‐neutral change in clinical practice that increases women's comfort and satisfaction and potentially makes sexual health screening less threatening to women of all ages.

Relevance to clinical practice. Speculum self‐insertion may encourage women's attendance at clinics for regular screening. Early diagnosis and treatment will result in better health outcomes for women, families and the community at large.
Nursing best practice statements: an exploration of their implementation in clinical practice
Authors: Ring Nicola , Malcolm Cari , Coull Alison , Murphy‐Black Tricia , Watterson Andrew
Published: April 2006

Aims and objectives.  To explore implementation of the first five Best Practice Statements from the perspective of nurses involved in their development.

Background.  Best Practice Statements were introduced in Scotland to encourage consistent evidence‐based nursing practice. As a new initiative, research was required to investigate their clinical implementation.

Design and methods.  In this descriptive study, semi‐structured interviews of a purposive sample of nurses (n = 15) were undertaken. Content analysis was used to identify themes emerging from the interview data.

Findings.  Four main themes emerged from analysis of transcripts: variations in use of the Best Practice Statements; benefits to patients; benefits to practitioners; and, barriers and drivers to use. Amongst participants, personal users adopted the statements in their own practice but enablers also actively encouraged others to use the statements. Whether participants acted as enablers depended on individual, team and organizational factors. The ability of participants to act as leaders was influential in determining their ability both to facilitate local implementation and to encourage others to regard the Best Practice Statements as a priority for implementation.

Conclusions.  This exploratory study highlighted examples of patients and practitioners benefiting from the Best Practice Statements. Such findings suggest these statements could become a useful tool in promoting evidence‐based nursing practice. However, implementation of the Best Practice Statements varied between participants and their organizations. Nurses who were most effective in promoting local implementation of the Best Practice Statements adopted facilitator and leadership roles within their organizations.

Relevance to practice.  By relating research findings to the literature on guideline and research utilization, this study gives further insight into the implementation of evidence‐based practice by nurses. In particular, it supports the conclusion that to be truly effective, initiatives to promote evidence‐based practice require nurses to act as local facilitators and leaders.
The influence of occlusion on jaw and neck muscle activity: a surface EMG study in healthy young adults
Authors: FERRARIO V. F. , TARTAGLIA G. M. , GALLETTA A. , GRASSI G. P. , SFORZA C.
Published: April 2006

summary  The electromyographic (EMG) characteristics of masseter, temporalis and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles during maximum voluntary teeth clench were assessed in 27 male and 35 female healthy young adults. Subjects were divided into two groups: (i) ‘complete’ Angle Class I (bilateral, symmetric canine and molar Class I relationships), and (ii) ‘partial’ Angle Class I (one to three canine/molar Class I relationships, the remaining relationships were Class II or Class III). On average, standardized muscular symmetry ranged 80·7–87·9%. During maximum voluntary teeth clench, average co‐contraction of SCM muscle was 13·7–23·5% of its maximum contraction. On average, all torque coefficients (potential lateral displacing component) were >90%, while all antero‐posterior coefficients (relative activities of masseter and temporalis muscles) were >85%. The average integrated areas of the masseter and temporalis EMG potentials over time ranged 87·4–106·8 μV/μV s%. Standardized contractile muscular activities did not differ between ‘complete’ and ‘partial’ Angle Class I, and between sexes (two‐way analysis of variance). A trend toward a larger intragroup variability in EMG indices was observed in the subjects with ‘partial’ Angle Class I than in those with ‘complete’ Angle Class I (significant difference for the temporalis muscle symmetry, P = 0·013, analysis of variance). In conclusion, the presence of a complete or partial Angle occlusal Class I did not seem to influence the standardized contractile activities of masseter, temporalis and SCM muscles during a maximum voluntary clench. Subjects with a ‘complete’ Angle Class I were somewhat a more homogenous group than subjects with ‘partial’ Angle Class I.
Beyond osmolytes and transporters: novel plant salt‐stress tolerance‐related genes from transcriptional profiling data
Authors: Sahi Chandan , Singh Amanjot , Blumwald Eduardo , Grover Anil
Published: April 2006

With recent advancements in DNA‐chip technology, requisite software development and support and progress in related aspects of plant molecular biology, it is now possible to comprehensively analyze the expression of complete genomes. Global transcript profiling shows that in plants, salt‐stress response involves simultaneous up and downregulation of a large number of genes. This analysis further suggests that apart from the transcripts that govern synthesis of osmolytes and ion transporters, two candidate systems that have attracted much of the attention thus far, transcripts encoding for proteins related to the regulation of transcriptional and translational machineries have a distinct role in salt‐stress response. In particular, induction of transcripts of specific transcription factors, RNA‐binding proteins, ribosomal genes, and translation initiation and elongation factors has recently been noted to be important during salt stress. There is an urgent need to examine cellular functionality of the above putative salt‐tolerance‐related genes emerging from the transcriptome analysis.
Motor nerve blockade potency and toxicity of non‐racemic bupivacaine in rats
Authors: Trachez M. M. , Zapata‐Sudo G. , Moreira O. R. , Chedid N. G. B. , Russo V. F. T. , Russo E. M. S. , Sudo R. T.
Published: April 2006

Background:  Racemic [RS(±)] bupivacaine can be associated with severe cardiotoxicity. The S(–) isomer is known to be less neuro‐ and cardiotoxic, but demonstrates a lower potency to block motor activity than RS(±) bupivacaine. Thus, the potency and toxicity of a non‐racemic bupivacaine mixture were studied.

Methods:  Gastrocnemic muscle twitches induced by electrical stimulation of sciatic nerves in rats were used to compare the impact by bupivacaine solutions on motor activity. Field stimulation at 1 Hz eliciting ventricular muscle twitches was used to investigate the effects on cardiac contractility. The lethal dose of each local anesthetic agent was determined following drug infusions during general anesthesia in mechanically ventilated rats.

Results:  Non‐racemic (75S:25R) bupivacaine was more potent (P<0.05) than S(–) or R(+) enantiomers to block motor nerve activity. The concentrations of RS(±), 75S:25R, R(+) and S(–) bupivacaine to inhibit nerve conduction by 50% were 0.84 (0.37– 2.20), 0.84 (0.47–2.48), 2.68 (0.98–3.42) and 2.11 mM (1.5–4.03), respectively. Pronounced reductions in ventricular muscle twitches were observed with RS(±) and R(+) bupivacaine at low concentrations (0.5–4 µM). Lethal doses for 75S:25R (39.9 mg kg−1), and S(–) (34.7 mg kg−1) were higher (P<0.05) than for R(+) (16.2 mg kg−1) and RS(±) bupivacaine (18.4 mg kg−1), respectively.

Discussion:  The potency of S(–) bupivacaine to block the motor activity in the sciatic nerve was enhanced when 25% of the S(–) isomer was replaced by the antipode R(+) bupivacaine. This effect was not associated with increased toxicity.
Cereal yield losses caused by lepidopterous stemborers at different nitrogen fertilizer rates in Ethiopia
Authors: Wale M. , Schulthess F. , Kairu E. W. , Omwega C. O.
Published: April 2006

Abstract:  Field trials were carried out at three locations in the cool‐wet western and one location in the semiarid eastern ecozones of the Amhara State of Ethiopia to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on pest infestation and yield losses caused by lepidopterous stemborers in maize and sorghum. Three N fertilizer levels, i.e. 60, 120 and 180 kg/ha for maize, and 41, 64, and 87 kg/ha for sorghum, were compared with a zero N treatment. The dominant pest species were the noctuid Busseola fusca (Fuller) and the invasive crambid Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). Leaf N content was positively related to N fertilizer dosage. In general, pest density, parasitism, plant growth and borer damage variables increased with crop growth stage. On sorghum, in the cool‐wet western Amhara, increasing levels of N fertilizer also tended to increase pest density, plant growth and damage variables. In the semiarid ecozone, parasitism by the exotic parasitoid Cotesia flavipes Cameron tended to increase with N level. In the cool‐wet ecozone, sorghum yields increased by up to 74% because of fertilization; losses caused by stemborers decreased linearly with N dosage from 49% to 36%. In maize, because of low borer densities, there were no discernable trends for pest infestation and yield losses. In the cool‐wet ecozone, sorghum yields were positively related to insecticide application and plant height, and negatively to damage variables such as tunnelling and peduncle damage. In semiarid eastern Amhara, the effects of fertilizer on pest, damage and yield were low on both crops because of the higher soil fertility. The results indicate that the profitability of nitrogen fertilizer as an integrated pest management tactic in the control of cereal stemborers depends, among others, on the severity of borer damage and the soil fertility status prevailing in an area. It is concluded that N fertilizer helps minimize the impact of borers on grain yields, especially on sorghum and in the cool‐wet ecozone.
Positive interaction between invasive plants: The influence ofPyracantha angustifoliaon the recruitment of native and exotic woody species
Authors: TECCO PAULA A. , GURVICH DIEGO E. , DÍAZ SANDRA , PÉREZ‐HARGUINDEGUY NATALIA , CABIDO MARCELO
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Positive interactions between species are known to play an important role in the dynamics of plant communities, including the enhancement of invasions by exotics. We studied the influence of the invasive shrubPyracantha angustifolia(Rosaceae) on the recruitment of native and exotic woody species in a secondary shrubland in central Argentina mountains. We recorded woody sapling recruitment and micro‐environmental conditions under the canopies ofPyracanthaand the dominant native shrubCondalia montana(Rhamnaceae), and in the absence of shrub cover, considering these situations as three treatments. We found that native and exotic species richness were higher underPyracanthathan under the other treatments.Ligustrum lucidum(Oleaceae), an exotic bird‐dispersed shade‐tolerant tree, was the most abundant species recruiting in the area, and its density was four times higher under the canopy ofPyracantha. This positive interaction may be related toPyracantha's denser shading, to the mechanical protection of its canopy against ungulates, and/or to the simultaneous fruit ripening of both woody invaders.
Timing of restorative proctectomy following subtotal colectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Dinnewitzer A. J. , Wexner S. D. , Baig M. K. , Oberwalder M. , Pishori T. , Weiss E. G. , Efron J. , Nogueras J. J. , Vernava A. M.
Published: April 2006

Background  There is no general consensus regarding the timing of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) in patients who have undergone subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy (STC). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of timing of RPC in patients who have undergone subtotal colectomy and end ileostomy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods  A retrospective medical record review of patients who had undergone RPC after STC was undertaken. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to timing of the completion proctectomy: ≤ 3 months, 4–7 months and > 7 months.

Results  From 1990 to 2000, 91 patients had undergone RPC after STC for IBD. There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups relative to mean age, gender, final diagnosis, duration of disease, body mass index, comorbidity, extraintestinal manifestations, use of immunuosuppressives, or operative time. The number of intra‐operative complications were significantly higher in the ≤ 3 month group compared to the other groups. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of postoperative complications among the 3 groups. Postoperative fistulas were significantly more common after RPC in Groups 1 and 2 as compared to Group 3.

Conclusion  Restorative proctocolectomy performed within 3 months after the initial subtotal colectomy was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of intra‐operative complications. Although this increase was not statistically significant, there was a significantly higher incidence of fistula formation when RPC was undertaken at up to 7 months after the subtotal colectomy for IBD. Thus, if possible, early RPC after subtotal colectomy should be discouraged.
Effects of radiotherapy on different histopathological types of rectal carcinoma
Authors: Sengul N. , Wexner S. D. , Woodhouse S. , Arrigain S. , Xu M. , Larach J. A. , Ahn B. K. , Weiss E. G. , Nogueras J. J. , Berho M.
Published: April 2006

Background  Down staging by pre‐operative chemoradiotherapy is currently considered part of the standard therapeutic approach to rectal carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the response to chemoradiotherapy of different histopathological types of rectal carcinoma with emphasis on the mucinous variant.

Method  Between 1997 and 2002, 71 patients who received pre‐operative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for rectal carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Staging of the rectal carcinoma was performed according to transrectal ultrasound findings (TN score) prior to the chemoradiotherapy. The chemoradiotherapy was followed by radical resection with mesorectal excision. All surgical specimens were examined by a single pathologist (MB). Pathological TN staging was assessed and tumour regression was graded according to a standard method (TRG1, complete response – TRG5 no response). Tumours were classified as mucinous or nonmucinous according to pre‐ and post‐operative biopsy and specimen histopathological types. TN score change and TRG differences between groups were assessed.

Results  Tumour regression was seen after chemoradiotherapy in 94.4% of the patients, while in 5.6% of the patients no response was found. The change in TN score and TRG were correlated. Higher TRG was associated with a smaller decrease in TN staging. TRG was significantly lower in the nonmucinous compared to the mucinous group and the decrease in TN grade was significantly larger in the nonmucinous group.

Conclusion  Mucinous carcinoma was associated with a lower response to pre‐operative chemo‐radiotherapy in this group of rectal carcinoma patients. Further studies are needed to determine its prognostic value.
Posterior pelvic exenteration for primary rectal cancer
Authors: Bannura G. C. , Barrera A. E. , Cumsille M. A. G. , Contreras J. P. , Melo C. L. , Soto D. C. , Mansilla J. E.
Published: April 2006

Background  Indications for and the prognosis of posterior pelvic exenteration (PPE) in rectal cancer patients are not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to analyse the indications, complications and long‐term results of PPE in patients with primary rectal cancer.

Methods  A retrospective review included patient demographics, tumour and treatment variables, and morbidity, recurrence, and survival statistics. These results were compared with a group of female patients who underwent standard resection for primary rectal cancer in the same period (non PPE group).

Results  The series included 30 women with an average age of 56.7 years (range 22–78). Tumour location was recorded in three cases in the upper rectum, 13 cases in the medium rectum and 14 cases in the lower rectum. A sphincter‐preserving procedure was performed in 70% of the patients. Mean operative time was 4.2 h (range 2–7.5 h). Overall major morbidity rate in this series was 50% and mean hospital stay was 19.7 days (range 9–60 days). There was no hospital mortality. Pathological reports showed direct invasion of uterus, vagina or rectovaginal septum in 19 cases, involvement of perirectal tissue in 25 cases and positive lymph nodes in 18 cases. Comparison between PPE and non PPE groups showed no differences in mean tumour diameter, histological grade and tumour stage, but patients in the first group were younger. Although low tumours were seen more frequently in the PPE group (P = 0.003), the rate of sphincter‐preserving procedure was comparable in both groups. Operative time was longer (P = 0.04) and morbidity was higher (P = 0.0058) in the PPE group. Local recurrence with or without distant metastases for the whole series was 30%. Five‐year survival rate for patients who underwent curative resections (TNM I–III) was 48% in the PPE group vs 62% in the non PPE group (P = 0.09).

Conclusions  In the present series, PPE prolonged operative time, increased postoperative complications and showed a trend toward poor prognosis in recurrence and survival. However, PPE offers the only hope for cure to patients with a primary rectal cancer that is adherent or invades reproductive organs.
STATUE, CULT AND REPRODUCTION
Authors: GAIFMAN MILETTE
Published: April 2006

The article examines replications of Greek monuments of cult in the fifth and fourth centuries bce. It considers the process which allows a grand statue to be copied and analyses specific cases of replications of Phidias's Athena ‘Partnenos’ to demonstrate how an image of the god, which was not easily viewable at any time, could become an iconic emblem that was embedded in daily experience outside the realm of ritual. In addition to the ‘Parthenos’, the paper explores a literary text of the fourth century bce– Xenophon's account of his establishment of a sanctuary to Ephesian Artemis. By visually marking the propagation of the cult itself, replications of cult monuments in ancient Greece could be instrumental for the establishment of filial cults and the creation of cultic affiliations, a phenomenon in Greek religion which was inextricably bound up with the politics of pre‐Roman classical antiquity.
Promoting Transfer: Effects of Self‐Explanation and Direct Instruction
Authors: Rittle‐Johnson Bethany
Published: April 2006

Explaining new ideas to oneself can promote transfer, but how and when such self‐explanation is effective is unclear. This study evaluated whether self‐explanation leads to lasting improvements in transfer success and whether it is more effective in combination with direct instruction or invention. Third‐ through fifth‐grade children (ages 8–11; n=85) learned about mathematical equivalence under one of four conditions varying in (a) instruction on versus invention of a procedure and (b) self‐explanation versus no explanation. Both self‐explanation and instruction helped children learn and remember a correct procedure, and self‐explanation promoted transfer regardless of instructional condition. Neither manipulation promoted greater improvements on an independent measure of conceptual knowledge. Microgenetic analyses provided insights into potential mechanisms underlying these effects.
Children's Use of Syntactic and Pragmatic Knowledge in the Interpretation of Novel Adjectives
Authors: Diesendruck Gil , Hall D. Geoffrey , Graham Susan A.
Published: April 2006

In Study 1, English‐speaking 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds heard a novel adjective used to label one of two objects and were asked for the referent of a different novel adjective. Children were more likely to select the unlabeled object if the two adjectives appeared prenominally (e.g., “a very DAXY dog”) than as predicates (e.g., “a dog that is very DAXY”). Study 2 revealed that this response occurred only when both adjectives were prenominal. Study 3 replicated Study 1 with Hebrew‐speaking 3‐ and 4–year‐olds, even though in Hebrew both types of adjectives appear postnominally. Preschoolers understand that prenominal adjectives imply a restriction of the reference of nouns, and this knowledge motivates a contrastive pragmatic inference regarding the referents of different prenominal adjectives.
Young Children Infer Causal Strength From Probabilities and Interventions
Authors: Kushnir Tamar , Gopnik Alison
Published: April 2006

We examine the interaction of two cues that children use to make judgments about cause-effect relations: probabilities and interventions. Children were shown a “detector” that lit up and played music when a block was placed on its surface. We varied the probabilistic effectiveness of the block, as well as whether the experimenter or the child was performing the interventions. In Experiment 1, we found that children can use probabilistic evidence to make inferences about causal strength. However, when the results of their own interventions are in conflict with the overall frequencies, preschoolers favor the results of their own interventions. In Experiment 2, children used probabilistic evidence to infer a hidden causal mechanism. Though they again gave preference to their own interventions, they did not do so when their interventions were explicitly confounded by an alternative cause.
Smells Like Clean Spirit
Authors: Holland Rob W. , Hendriks Merel , Aarts Henk
Published: April 2006

Three studies explored whether odor can influence people's cognition and behavior without their being consciously aware of the influence. In two studies, we tested and confirmed that when participants were unobtrusively exposed to citrus-scented all-purpose cleaner, the mental accessibility of the behavior concept of cleaning was enhanced, as was indicated by faster identification of cleaning-related words in a lexical decision task and higher frequency of listing cleaning-related activities when describing expected behavior during the day. Finally, a third study established that the mere exposure to the scent of all-purpose cleaner caused participants to keep their direct environment more clean during an eating task. Awareness checks showed that participants were unaware of this influence. The present studies reveal the nonconscious influence that olfactory cues can have on thinking and doing.
When Asking “Why” Does Not Hurt Distinguishing Rumination From Reflective Processing of Negative Emotions
Authors: Kross Ethan , Ayduk Ozlem , Mischel Walter
Published: April 2006

Two experiments examined the psychological operations that enable individuals to process negative emotions and experiences without increasing negative affect. In Study 1, type of self-perspective (self-immersed vs. self-distanced) and type of emotional focus (what vs. why) were experimentally manipulated following the recall of an anger-eliciting interpersonal experience. A why focus on emotions from a self-distanced perspective (distanced-why strategy) was expected to enable “cool,” reflective processing of emotions, in which individuals can focus on their experience without reactivating excessive “hot” negative affect. Findings were consistent with this hypothesis. Study 2 replicated these findings and furthermore demonstrated that (a) the degree to which individuals construe their recalled experience in abstract versus concrete terms mediates the effect of the distanced-why strategy and (b) the status of the recalled experience (resolved vs. unresolved) does not moderate the effectiveness of the distanced-why strategy. These findings help disentangle the mechanisms that may allow adaptive working through from those that lead to rumination.
Neuroimaging the Serial Position Curve
Authors: Talmi Deborah , Grady Cheryl L. , Goshen-Gottstein Yonatan , Moscovitch Morris
Published: April 2006

Neuroimaging data could help clarify the longstanding dispute between dual-store and single-store models of the serial position curve. Dual-store models assume that retrieval from late positions is dependent on short-term memory (STM), whereas retrieval from early positions is dependent on long-term memory (LTM). Single-store models, however, assume that retrieval processes for early and late items are similar, but that early items are more difficult to discriminate than late items. The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine this question. Ten young adults were scanned while they recognized items from early or late serial positions. Recognition of early items uniquely activated brain areas traditionally associated with LTM, namely, regions within the hippocampal memory system. None of these areas was activated for retrieval of late items. These results indicate differential use of LTM retrieval processes, and therefore support dual-store models over single-store models.
ONTOTHEOLOGICAL TURNINGS? MARION, LACOSTE AND LEVINAS ON THE DECENTRING OF MODERN SUBJECTIVITY
Authors: SCHRIJVERS JOERI
Published: April 2006

In this article, Schrijvers examines the decentering of the modern subject at issue in the thought of Emmanuel Levinas, Jean‐Luc Marion, and Jean‐Yves Lacoste from the perspective of ontotheology. Schrijvers contends that in both Marion's and Lacoste's phenomenology an unexpected return to the subject‐object distinction occurs, and asks whether a simple reversal of the subject‐object distinction suffices to break out of the ontotheological scheme. In a second move, Levinas’ account of a “relation without relation” is developed as a solution to the problem perceived in the works of Marion and Lacoste. Via a critique of Levinas, Schrijvers suggests that what is at stake in reversing the subject‐object distinction entails less an “overcoming” of ontotheology and more a matter of comporting oneself towards it in an appropriate way.
The role of neutrophils in injury and repair following muscle stretch
Authors: Toumi Hechmi , F’guyer Sleem , Best Thomas M.
Published: April 2006

Stretch injury to the myotendinous junction is a common problem in competitive athletes and those involved in regular physical activity. The major risk factor for recurrent injury appears to be the primary injury itself. Physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and athletes alike continue to search for optimal treatment and prevention strategies. Acute inflammation is regarded as the body's generalized protective response to tissue injury. An especially important and unexplored aspect of inflammation following injury is the role of inflammatory cells in extending injury and possibly directing muscle repair. It has been suggested that the inflammatory reaction, although it typically represents a reaction to damage and necrosis, may even bring about some local damage of its own and therefore increase the possibility for scarring and fibrosis. Limiting certain aspects of inflammation may theoretically reduce muscle damage as well as signals for muscle scarring. Here we focus on the role of neutrophils in injury and repair of stretch‐injured skeletal muscle. A minimally invasive model that generates a reproducible injury to rabbit skeletal muscle is presented. We present a plausible theory that neutrophil‐derived oxidants resulting from the initial stretch injury are responsible for extending the damage. An anti‐CD11b antibody that blocks the neutrophil's respiratory burst is employed to reduce myofibre damage. An intriguing area that is currently being explored in our laboratory and others is the potential role for neutrophils to contribute to muscle growth and repair. It may be possible that neutrophils facilitate muscle repair through removal of tissue debris as well as by activation of satellite cells. Recent and ongoing investigations point to interleukin‐6 as a possible key cytokine in muscle inflammation and repair. Studies to elucidate a clearer understanding of this possibility will be reviewed.
How nutrition and exercise maintain the human musculoskeletal mass
Authors: Wackerhage Henning , Rennie Michael J.
Published: April 2006

In this article we review some of our recent work concerning the effects of nutrition and exercise on protein synthesis and signal transduction in human musculoskeletal tissues. A great deal of new information is being generated by the application of recently refined techniques for measuring protein turnover. The field remains one that is largely descriptive but increasingly we are beginning to discern mechanisms underlying lean tissue maintenance, growth and wasting especially as multidisciplinary tools are applied to its study. Several types of exercise and nutrition are potent stimuli for protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. By contrast, collagen in the extracellular matrix in muscle and tendon appears to be mechanically but not nutritionally sensitive. The rates of collagen turnover in a variety of tissues are sufficiently high to account for a sizeable proportion of whole body protein turnover. One of the most recent surprises is the high turnover rate of human bone collagen and its anabolic response to feeding. As our understanding of the normal physiology of these processes advances, we become better able to construct testable hypotheses concerning the effects of ageing and disease on the musculoskeletal mass. Current evidence suggests that one of the major problems with loss of muscle during ageing is an inability of the tissue to respond adequately to increased availability of nutrients.
Extracellular matrix adaptation of tendon and skeletal muscle to exercise
Authors: Kjær Michael , Magnusson Peter , Krogsgaard Michael , Møller Jens Boysen , Olesen Jens , Heinemeier Katja , Hansen Mette , Haraldsson Bjarki , Koskinen Satu , Esmarck Birgitte , Langberg Henning
Published: April 2006

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues enables linking to other tissues, and plays a key role in force transmission and tissue structure maintenance in tendons, ligaments, bone and muscle. ECM turnover is influenced by physical activity, and both collagen synthesis and metalloprotease activity increase with mechanical loading. This can be shown by determining propeptide and proteinase activity by microdialysis, as well as by verifying the incorporation of infused stable isotope amino acids in biopsies. Local tissue expression and release of growth factors for ECM such as IGF‐1, TGF‐beta and IL‐6 is enhanced following exercise. For tendons, metabolic activity (e.g. detected by positron emission tomography scanning), circulatory responses (e.g. as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy and dye dilution) and collagen turnover are markedly increased after exercise. Tendon blood flow is regulated by cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)‐mediated pathways, and glucose uptake is regulated by specific pathways in tendons that differ from those in skeletal muscle. Chronic loading in the form of physical training leads both to increased collagen turnover as well as to some degree of net collagen synthesis. These changes modify the mechanical properties and the viscoelastic characteristics of the tissue, decrease its stress‐susceptibility and probably make it more load‐resistant. The mechanical properties of tendon fascicles vary within a given human tendon, and even show gender differences. The latter is supported by findings of gender‐related differences in the activation of collagen synthesis with exercise. These findings may provide the basis for understanding tissue overloading and injury in both tendons and skeletal muscle.
Vitamin C allergy of the delayed type
Authors: Metz J. , Hundertmark U. , Pevny I.
Published: April 2006

A case of vitamin C allergy of the delayed type is reported. Eczematous skin lesions appeared during normal uptake of the vitamin C contained in food. After a vitamin C‐free diet, the skin lesions disappeared. Patch tests and an oral exposure with vitamin C gave positive reactions.

This observation of vitamin C allergy is compared with previous published cases.
Allergic contact dermatitis from methylisothiocyanate in soil disinfectants*
Authors: Richter G.
Published: April 2006

Observations on nine patients with occupational dermatitis from methylisothiocyanate (MITC) lead to the following conclusions:

MITC causes primarily a toxic dermatitis, but as a strong sensitizer it induces sensitization as well.

Cross reactions between MITC and benzylisothiocyanate, the active agent of Sulbentin antimycotics. were not seen.

In one patient a MITC acid burn on one foot and leg caused systemic poisoning from absorption with reversible damage to the liver parenchyma.
Causes of chromate dermatitis in Poland*
Authors: Rudzki Edward , Kozlowska Anna
Published: April 2006

A series of 250 consecutive patients with dermatitis and positive patch tests to chromate was divided into three groups: nonoccupational dermatitis (94), occupational dermatitis caused by chromate (132) and occupational dermatitis caused by allergens other than chromate (24). Only 17.2 % of patients did not report harmful effects from chromium‐tanned leather. Shoes were most often not tolerated. The role of matches in the development of chromate dermatitis is discussed. Observations on ash, household detergents, textiles, wood, tattooing, cement, galvanizing solutions, printer's ink, welding fumes, corrosion inhibitors and oils are described as causes of chromate dermatitis in Poland, as well as the localization of dermatitis and relevance of patch lest reactions.
B‐type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of heart failure in the emergency department
Authors: Chircop Robert , Jelinek George A
Published: April 2006

B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increasingly being used as a diagnostic marker in the diagnosis of heart failure. Here we evaluate the evidence base for its utility in the ED. Clinical trials suggest that it is more accurate than clinical acumen especially when emergency physicians have diagnostic problems. BNP appears more accurate than any clinical findings or radiological signs. In conjunction with considered clinical judgement, knowledge of its limitations and variable cut‐off points, BNP can be of considerable utility to the emergency physician.
Gene action for surrogate traits of water‐use efficiency and harvest index in peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Lal Chuni , Hariprasanna K. , Rathnakumar A.L. , Gor H.K. , Chikani B.M.
Published: April 2006

Low peanut productivity in the semi‐arid tropics is attributed mainly to drought caused by low and erratic rainfall. Genetic improvement in water‐use efficiency (WUE) could potentially lead to improved yield under limited moisture availability. In peanut, WUE is correlated with SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), specific leaf area (SLA), and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C). These traits can be used as surrogates for selecting for WUE. Partitioning of assimilates as measured by the harvest index (HI) has the greatest effect on pod yield. To improve these traits for tailoring peanut genotypes well matched for water‐limited conditions, a good knowledge of genetic systems controlling the expression of these traits is essential. This study was undertaken to work out the gene action for the surrogates of WUE and HI in a 6 × 6 full diallel mating design. Two of the studied surrogates (SCMR and Δ13C) for WUE were found to be under the influence of both additive and nonadditive gene effects with preponderance of the former. SLA and HI were controlled by genes that are mainly additive in nature. Selection for these traits can be effective in the early generations. Maternal effects observed for SLA and Δ13C are suggestive of the crucial role of selection of female parent in improvement of these traits. The parental lines, TMV 2 NLM (for SCMR, SLA and Δ13C) and ICGV 86031 (for SCMR and SLA), were found to be good general combiners each for more than one character. TAG 24 and Chico (for HI) and CSMG 84‐1 (for SLA) were the other good general combiners.
EFFICACY OF PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS FOR LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES INACTIVATION AND CONTROL IN HORCHATA
Authors: SELMA M.V. , SALMERÓN M.C. , VALERO M. , FERNÁNDEZ P.S.
Published: April 2006

Although Listeria monocytogenes is readily destroyed by thermal treatment, the factor that makes it particularly difficult to control in nonpasteurized foods is its ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures. In heat‐sensitive products, nonthermal technologies such as pulsed electric fields (PEF) as part of hurdle technology could minimize the presence of foodborne pathogens. The influence of PEF‐treatment conditions, inoculum size and substrate conditions on the inactivation and recovery of L. monocytogenes in a traditional low‐acid, vegetable beverage was investigated. The combined effect of PEF, low temperature (5C) and low inoculum level contributed to slow down the recovery of sublethally injured cells. However, at 12 or 16C, this elongation of the lag phases after PEF treatment observed for low inoculum levels of cells was not achieved. Therefore, to prevent the development of L. monocytogenes in low‐acid products by PEF, it may be necessary to combine it with low refrigeration temperatures during distribution and storage, as well as to achieve a very low initial contamination by pathogens in the raw ingredients.
Mechanism of Action and Structural Requirements of Constrained Peptide Inhibitors of RGS Proteins
Authors: Roof Rebecca A. , Jin Yafei , Roman David L. , Sunahara Roger K. , Ishii Masaru , Mosberg Henry I. , Neubig Richard R.
Published: April 2006

Regulators of G‐protein signaling (RGS) accelerate guanine triphosphate hydrolysis by Gα‐subunits and profoundly inhibit signaling by G protein‐coupled receptors. The distinct expression patterns and pathophysiologic regulation of RGS proteins suggest that inhibitors may have therapeutic potential. We previously reported the design of a constrained peptide inhibitor of RGS4 (1:Ac‐Val‐Lys‐[Cys‐Thr‐Gly‐Ile‐Cys]‐Glu‐NH2, S‐S) based on the structure of the Gαi switch 1 region but its mechanism of action was not established. In the present study, we show that 1 inhibits RGS4 by mimicking and competing for binding with the switch 1 region of Gαi and that peptide 1 shows selectivity for RGS4 and RGS8 versus RGS7. Structure–activity relationships of analogs related to 1 are described that illustrate key features for RGS inhibition. Finally, we demonstrate activity of the methylene dithioether‐bridged peptide inhibitor, 2, to modulate muscarinic receptor‐regulated potassium currents in atrial myocytes. These data support the proposed mechanism of action of peptide RGS inhibitors, demonstrate their action in native cells, and provide a starting point for the design of RGS inhibitor drugs.
Core Level Spectra of Hafnium and Hafnium Nitride (HfN0.9) by XPS
Authors: Arranz A. , Palacio C.
Published: April 2006

The principal core level XPS spectra of hafnium and hafnium nitride (HfN0.9) samples are presented comparatively. The hafnium nitride thin film has been grown by 3 keV nitrogen implantation up to saturation of metallic hafnium.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Studies of Oxidized and Reduced CeO2(111) Surfaces
Authors: Engelhard Mark , Azad Samina , Peden C.H.F. , Thevuthasan S.
Published: April 2006

We have studied the electronic structure of oxidized and reduced CeO2(111) surfaces using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The 50 nm thick CeO2(111) film was grown on a YSZ(111) substrate using oxygen plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (OPA-MBE). This film has been characterized using in situ (RHEED) reflection high energy electron diffraction and ex situ x-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). The lattice mismatch between CeO2(111) and YSZ(111) is less than 5% and yields a flat surface that is comprised of an equivalent number of Ce4+ and O2− ions. Oxidation with O2 at 773 K under UHV conditions was sufficient to fully oxidize the CeO2(111). Surface reduction was carried out by annealing in UHV at 973 K. Ceria is a technologically important metal oxide with many interesting catalytic properties. The most common use of ceria is in the treatement of automobile exhaust gases, primarily due to its oxygen strorage capacity (OSC), which allows reduction of NO as well as oxidation of CO in the catalytic converter. In a reducing atmosphere cerium ions shift from Ce4+ to Ce3+ whereas under oxidizing conditions they shift from Ce3+ to Ce4+, and the charge compensation is facilitated by oxygen vacancies that are produced on the reduced surface. In this study we have have used x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the electronic states of in situ oxidized and reduced CeO2(111).
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Contributes to Colitis Development but Not to Host Defense during
Citrobacter rodentium
Infection in Mice
Authors: Khan Mohammed A. , Ma Caixia , Knodler Leigh A. , Valdez Yanet , Rosenberger Carrie M. , Deng Wanyin , Finlay B. Brett , Vallance Bruce A.
Published: April 2006

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) are noninvasive bacterial pathogens that infect their hosts' intestinal epithelium, causing severe diarrheal disease. These infections also cause intestinal inflammation, although the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response, as well as its potential role in host defense, are unclear. Since these bacteria are gram-negative, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the innate receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide may contribute to the host response; however, the role of TLR4 in the gastrointestinal tract is poorly understood, and its impact has yet to be tested against this family of enteric bacterial pathogens. Since EPEC and EHEC are human specific, we infected mice with
Citrobacter rodentium
, a mouse-adapted attaching and effacing (A/E) bacterium that infects colonic epithelial cells, causing colitis and epithelial hyperplasia, using a similar array of virulence proteins as EPEC and EHEC. We demonstrated that
C. rodentium
activates TLR4 and rapidly induced NF-κB nuclear translocation in host cells in a partially TLR4-dependent manner. Infection of TLR4-deficient mice revealed that TLR4-dependent responses mediate much of the inflammation and tissue pathology seen during infection, including the induction of the chemokines MIP-2 and MCP-1, as well as the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils into the infected intestine. Surprisingly, spread of
C. rodentium
through the colon was delayed in TLR4-deficient mice, whereas the duration of the infection was unaffected, indicating that TLR4-mediated responses against this A/E pathogen are not host protective and are ultimately maladaptive to the host, contributing to both the morbidity and the pathology seen during infection.
The
Helicobacter pylori cag
Pathogenicity Island Protein CagN Is a Bacterial Membrane-Associated Protein That Is Processed at Its C Terminus
Authors: Bourzac Kevin M. , Satkamp Laura A. , Guillemin Karen
Published: April 2006

Helicobacter pylori
infects nearly half the world's population and is associated with a spectrum of gastric maladies. Infections with cytotoxin-associated gene pathogenicity island (
cag
PAI)-containing strains are associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer. The
cag
PAI contains genes encoding a type IV secretion system (T4SS) and a delivered effector, CagA, that becomes tyrosine phosphorylated upon delivery into host cells and initiates changes in cell signaling. Although some
cag
PAI genes have been shown to be required for CagA delivery, a subset of which are homologues of T4SS genes from
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
, the majority have no known function or homologues. We have performed a detailed investigation of one such
cag
PAI protein, CagN, which is encoded by the gene HP0538. Our results show that CagN is not delivered into host cells and instead is associated with the bacterial membrane. We demonstrate that CagN is cleaved at its C terminus by a mechanism that is independent of other
cag
PAI proteins. Finally, we show that a Δ
cagN
mutant is not impaired in its ability to deliver CagA to gastric epithelial cells and initiate cell elongation.