bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interactive Effects of Psychological Contract Breach and Organizational Politics on Perceived Organizational Support: Evidence from Two Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Kiewitz Christian , Restubog Simon Lloyd D. , Zagenczyk Thomas , Hochwarter Wayne
Published: February 2009

abstract

We explore the effects of the social context on the relationship between psychological contract breach (PCB) and perceived organizational support (POS) in two studies. We build on the premise that psychological contract breach (i.e. the organization's failure to fulfil the obligations employees believe they are owed) signals to employees that they are not cared for and valued by the organization (i.e. reduces POS). In support, a longitudinal study of 310 employees shows that PCB at Time 1 explains significant variance in POS at Time 2 (beyond that explained by POS at Time 1). Building on this result, we advance the argument that employees' perceptions of organizational politics serve as a heuristic for the overall benevolent or malevolent character of the organization and its agents. Accordingly, we expect that when employees perceive PCB and high levels of organizational politics, they will be more likely to hold the organization responsible for PCB and thus report lower levels of POS in response to breach. This line of reasoning received support in a second study of 146 employees which showed that perceptions of organizational politics moderate the PCB–POS relationship. Our results suggest that the social context in which psychological contract breaches occur matters and that managers should consider the organization's perceived political landscape when anticipating how employees will respond to broken promises.
The development of change blindness: children's attentional priorities whilst viewing naturalistic scenes
Authors: Fletcher‐Watson S. , Collis J.M. , Findlay J.M. , Leekam S.R.
Published: February 2009

Change blindness describes the surprising difficulty of detecting large changes in visual scenes when changes occur during a visual disruption. In order to study the developmental course of this phenomenon, a modified version of the flicker paradigm, based on
Rensink, O’Regan & Clark (1997), was given to three groups of children aged 6–12 years and to a group of adults. This paradigm tested the ability to detect single colour, presence/absence and location changes of both high and low semantic importance in a complex scene. Semantically important changes were detected more quickly and accurately than less semantically important changes, by all age groups, indicating that children had the same attentional priorities as adults. Older children achieved more efficient and accurate detection of changes than younger children and reached almost adult level at 10–12 years old. These improvements parallel age‐related developments in attention and visual perception.
Young children separate multiple pretend worlds
Authors: Skolnick Weisberg Deena , Bloom Paul
Published: February 2009

Each fictional world that adults create has its own distinct properties, separating it from other fictional worlds. Here we explore whether this separation also exists for young children's pretend game worlds. Studies 1 and 1A set up two simultaneous games and encouraged children to create appropriate pretend identities for coloured blocks. When prompted with a situation that required the use of a Game 1 object in Game 2, 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds were reluctant to move pretend objects between games, even when the alternative‐world object was explicitly highlighted as a possible choice. Study 2 found the same effect when the two game worlds were presented sequentially. This suggests that, even for young children, multiple pretend game worlds are kept psychologically separate.
Development of urban planning guidelines for improving emergency response capacities in seismic areas of Iran
Authors: Hosseini Kambod Amini , Jafari Mohammad Kazem , Hosseini Maziar , Mansouri Babak , Hosseinioon Solmaz
Published: February 2009

This paper presents the results of research carried out to improve emergency response activities in earthquake‐prone areas of Iran. The research concentrated on emergency response operations, emergency medical care, emergency transportation, and evacuation—the most important issues after an earthquake with regard to saving the lives of victims. For each topic, some guidelines and criteria are presented for enhancing emergency response activities, based on evaluations of experience of strong earthquakes that have occurred over the past two decades in Iran, notably Manjil (1990), Bam (2003), Firouz Abad‐Kojour (2004), Zarand (2005) and Broujerd (2006). These guidelines and criteria are applicable to other national contexts, especially countries with similar seismic and social conditions as Iran. The results of this study should be incorporated into comprehensive plans to ensure sustainable development or reconstruction of cities as well as to augment the efficiency of emergency response after an earthquake.
COBRA: Compression of the Basis for PCA Represented Animations
Authors: Váša L. , Skala V.
Published: February 2009

In this paper, we present an extension of dynamic mesh compression techniques based on PCA. Such representation allows very compact representation of moving 3D surfaces; however, it requires some side information to be transmitted along with the main data. The biggest part of this information is the PCA basis, and since the data can be encoded very efficiently, the size of the basis cannot be neglected when considering the overall performance of a compression algorithm.

We present a new work in this area, as none of the papers about PCA based compression really addresses this issue. We will show that for an efficient and accurate encoding there are better choices than even sophisticated algorithms such as LPC.

We will present results showing that our approach can reduce the size of the basis by 90% with respect to direct encoding, which can lead to approximately 25% increase of performance of the compression algorithm without any significant loss of accuracy. Such improvement moves the performance of the PCA encoder beyond the performance of current state of the art dynamic mesh compression algorithms, such as the recently adopted MPEG standard, FAMC.
From Clampdown to Limited Empowerment: Soft Law in the Calibration and Regulation of Religious Conduct in Singapore
Authors: TAN EUGENE K. B.
Published: February 2009

The focus of Singapore's response to terrorism post 9/11 has been to reach out to the “moderate, mainstream” Muslims as a bulwark against societal implosion. This article examines the broad‐based endeavor toward “religious moderation.” While coercive draconian legislation remain the mainstay against extremists and radicals, the mobilization of soft law, aspirational norms, and values are consciously woven into the state's endeavors to enhance society's resilience and cohesion. They also seek to regulate religious conduct at a time when the state wishes to entrench secularism as a cornerstone of the governance of a multi‐racial, multireligious society. Rights and regulation are not antithetical to each other; they are integral to the entire process of managing sociopolitical risks that presents a real danger of an incivility spiral in which distrust, fear, and suspicion conspire toward societal breakdown.
The Takeover Directive: Is a Little Regulation Better Than No Regulation?
Authors: Clarke Blanaid
Published: February 2009

This article examines Directive 2004/25/EC on Takeover Bids through a regulatory lens in order to determine its effectiveness as a regulatory mechanism. A central regulatory problem for European legislators is to determine the optimal balance between harmonisation and diversity, and the directive reflects the balance which was struck. The article questions whether the resulting ‘light regulatory touch’ may have jeopardised the existing efficient self‐regulatory regime which operates in the UK (the largest European takeover market), while simultaneously undermining the directive's goal of facilitating takeovers and yielding a level playing field.
‘One Commixture of Light’: Rethinking some Modern Uses and Critiques of Gregory of Nazianzus on the Unity and Equality of the Divine Persons
Authors: FULFORD BEN
Published: February 2009

Gregory of Nazianzus' doctrine of the Trinity is both a constructive source and an object of critique for Leonardo Boff's account of the Trinity. I argue that Gregory's account of the unity of the Trinity in the monarchy of the Father does not entail the ontological subordination of Son and Spirit nor otherwise obviate the equality of the divine persons. On Gregory's account, the unity and equality of the divine persons is bound up with that of their distinct identities in the very particular modes in which they relate to one another: a unity transcending all human commonality. By contrast, Boff's theology of the Trinity seems to elide the real distinction between God and creatures and erode the differences between the divine persons, so subverting the social programme he derives from his doctrine.
Nation‐building in post‐colonial nation‐states: the cases of Tanzania and Fiji
Authors: Larson Erik , Aminzade Ron
Published: February 2009

Building on our comparative research about policies and politics of redress in Tanzania and Fiji, we identify and explore nation‐building in post‐colonial ethnically and racially divided states. The historical legacies of colonial and post‐colonial state formation give rise to two issues. The problem of national identity arises from the need of post‐colonial states to overcome legacies of colonial racial formations that created strong elements of group identification. With independence, nation‐states face competing pressures to address enduring inequality but also to respond to political mobilisation, both of which may be grounded in group identities. The dilemma of democratic legitimacy derives from the competing pressures of nation‐states to follow global norms of behaviour while responding to the domestic electorate. In such instances, states may be judged on different, incompatible criteria. Because national identity did not grow in tandem with the administrative apparatus of the state in these societies, the state may become spoils for political victors, prolonging existing divisions. Overcoming these problems will require enlightened leadership, both domestically and internationally.
Paradoxes of community‐building: community control in the global economy
Authors: DeFilippis James
Published: February 2009

This article is about the potential and limits of community control and development (community‐building) in the developed world, but most of the references are to the USA. There is a paradox in the contemporary political economy. As the level of the social, political and economic relationships at which communities and cities are embedded has become increasingly globalised – and thereby remote from people in cities and communities – there has been a substantial turn towards the community level as the domain and level at which social, political and economic problems should be solved. The article explores this paradox, beginning with a detailed explanation of contemporary political economy – the increasing economic globalisation existing side by side with political devolution at the community level. This is followed by a discussion of the growth of community‐based organisations in the USA, their activities and their histories. From there, the article shifts gears to critique the theories of community that guide most mainstream practices. The article ends with a discussion of alternative forms of community organising and development that lead towards greater community control in the context of capital mobility and economic globalisation.
Resistance to globalisation: the view from the periphery of the world economy
Authors: Drainville André C.
Published: February 2009

Social forces at the core of the world economy were sheltered from world‐ordering processes for more than a century before being abruptly exposed in the current phase of globalisation. In this context, resistance appears as a new political movement, with its own finalities and tactics, and a proper – if insubstantial – subject of reference (the “we” who are part of the anti‐globalisation movement everywhere). Another world is possible, but to make it happen we must use proper politics. At the periphery, social forces have always constituted themselves in their meeting with world order. “We”, whoever we may be, have been there before. Against this history, current resistance is not defined by the political form it now may be taking or the subject on whose behalf a different world order is now envisioned or argued for, but in relation to how other social forces at other moments have defined their connection to world order. Informed by these complementary perspectives, we can better understand the depth of present resistance to neo‐liberal globalisation, and think about ways to marshal its transformative potential.
Lessons about nation‐building and civil society
Authors: McCall George J.
Published: February 2009

The concepts “nation‐building” and “civil society” have extensive roots in positive social theory, but both have been reborn as important prescriptive concepts in the context of foreign aid. Even as a normative concept, the term “civil society” means quite different things, as at least four models can be distinguished in the foreign aid context. More to the point, today's normative notions of nation‐building also vary, seemingly by the model of civil society that is being used. However it is construed, nation‐building faces serious problems that are both external and internal to those efforts. Externally, there is a problem of scale, as globalisation tends to outflank nation‐building; internally, the result of civil interactions do not always facilitate nation‐building efforts.
Globalisation and the politics of negative pluralism
Authors: Apter David E.
Published: February 2009

Using Africa as an example, the author suggests how globalisation in the form of innovative and capitalist intensive technology marginalises labour while creating a technically informed elite. The division between them represent social cleavages based on high risk and functional polarisation, both of which lead to divisive rather than mediating forms of pluralism. In such instances interests become elevated to principles, particularly around parochial affiliations, loyalties and jurisdictions, not to speak of propensities to violence.
The changing landscape of European liberty and security: the mid‐term report of the CHALLENGE project
Authors: Bigo Didier , Carrera Sergio , Guild Elspeth , Walker R.B.J.
Published: February 2009

The article offers a critical assessment of the liberties of citizens and others living in the EU and the way in which they are affected by the proliferation of discourses about insecurity, and government and transnational agencies practices of reassurance, protection and coercion enacted in the name of the safety of citizen or their collective security, in which information about their identity is exchanged through new techniques of surveillance and control. It analyses first the apparent radicalisationisation of specific forms of transnational political violence and its effects on liberal policies. Next it assesses the threat assessments produced through technologies of risk management and the development of new technologies of surveillance. Third it describes the changing forms taken by the logic of suspicion and practices of exception and derogation, especially in relation to established understandings of the rule of law, to the multidimensional and continuous reframing of the enemy. It then discusses the impact of this on the rights and freedoms of citizens and foreigners, and finally it assesses the relation between the internal and external impact of illiberal practices, especially in the context of transatlantic relations but also of an increasingly interconnected world order, and the place of the EU in this world.
To PE or not to PE: A P3‐like ERP component reflecting the processing of response errors
Authors: Ridderinkhof K. Richard , Ramautar Jennifer R. , Wijnen Jasper G.
Published: February 2009

ERP studies have highlighted several electrocortical components that can be observed when people make errors. We propose that the PE reflects processes functionally similar to those reflected in the P3 and that the PE and P3 should covary. We speculate that these processes refer to the motivational significance of rare target stimuli in case of the P3 and of salient performance errors in case of the PE. Here we investigated whether PE amplitude after errors in a Simon task is correlated specifically to varying target–target intervals in a visual oddball task, a factor known to parametrically affect P3 amplitude. The amplitude of the PE, but not the NE, was observed to covary with the effect of target–target interval on P3 amplitude. The specificity of this novel finding supports the notion that the PE and P3 reflect similar neurocognitive processes as possibly involved in the conscious processing of motivationally significant events.
Microsaccadic inhibition and P300 enhancement in a visual oddball task
Authors: Valsecchi Matteo , Dimigen Olaf , Kliegl Reinhold , Sommer Werner , Turatto Massimo
Published: February 2009

It has recently been demonstrated that the presentation of visual oddballs induces a prolonged inhibition of microsaccades. The amplitude of the P300 component in event‐related potentials (ERPs) has been shown to be sensitive to the category (target vs. nontarget) of the eliciting stimulus, its overall probability, and the preceding stimulus sequence. In the present study we further specify the functional underpinnings of the prolonged microsaccadic inhibition in the visual oddball task, showing that the stimulus category, the frequency of a stimulus, and the preceding stimulus sequence influence microsaccade rate. Furthermore, by co‐recording ERPs and eye movements, we were able to demonstrate that, despite being largely sensitive to the same experimental manipulation, the amplitude of P300 and the microsaccadic inhibition predict each other only weakly.
The heart contracts to reward: Monetary incentives and preejection period
Authors: Richter Michael , Gendolla Guido H. E.
Published: February 2009

Wright's (1996) integration of motivational intensity theory (Brehm & Self, 1989) and Obrist's (1981) active coping approach predict that cardiovascular reactivity in active coping depends on the importance of success when task difficulty is unclear. Despite the support for this perspective, one of the basic hypotheses—the mediation of these effects by beta‐adrenergic activity—has not been tested yet. To close this gap, participants worked on a delayed‐matching‐to‐sample task and could earn either 1, 15, or 30 Swiss Francs for a successful performance. Results showed that preejection period reactivity—an indicator of beta‐adrenergic impact on the heart—increased with increasing incentive value. Thus, this experiment closes a gap in the support of Wright's model by demonstrating that beta‐adrenergic reactivity is associated with incentive value under conditions of unclear difficulty.
Rosiglitazone acts as a neuroprotectant in retinal cells via up‐regulation of sestrin‐1 and SOD‐2
Authors: Doonan Francesca , Wallace Deborah M. , O’Driscoll Carolyn , Cotter Thomas G.
Published: February 2009

Rosiglitazone is a member of the thiazolidinedione family of synthetic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) agonists. It is a selective ligand of the PPARγ subtype and functions by regulating the transcription of insulin‐responsive genes. A screen of FDA‐approved compounds identified rosiglitazone as a novel anti‐apoptotic agent in retinal cells both in vitro and in vivo, functioning as a neuroprotectant in response to oxidative and calcium stress. We have found that the likely mechanism of action is via increased protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD‐2) and sestrin‐1, boosting antioxidant defences. Transcription of both genes appears to be mediated by PPARγ as their up‐regulation is reversed by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 and proliferator hormone response elements were found in the putative promoter regions of mouse SOD‐2 and sestrin‐1. However, further investigation revealed that p53 expression was also induced in response to rosiglitazone and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirm that it is a bona fide target of PPARγ. Furthermore, inhibition of p53 partially blocks the observed increase in SOD‐2 and sestrin‐1 expression indicating that p53 expression is upstream of both antioxidants. We conclude that rosiglitazone may increase cell survival in retinal diseases and potentially other neuronal diseases in which oxidative stress is a key factor.
Interaction of the amyloid imaging tracer FDDNP with hallmark Alzheimer’s disease pathologies
Authors: Thompson Paul W. , Ye Liang , Morgenstern Jennifer L. , Sue Lucia , Beach Thomas G. , Judd Duncan J. , Shipley Nicholas J. , Libri Vincenzo , Lockhart Andrew
Published: February 2009

The distinctive cortical uptake of the tracer 18F‐FDDNP (2‐(1‐{6‐[(2‐fluoroethyl(methyl)amino]‐2‐naphthyl}ethylidene)malononitrile) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is believed to be because of its binding to both neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and highly fibrillar senile plaques. We therefore investigated the binding of a tracer concentration of 3H‐FDDNP to brain sections containing AD hallmark pathologies. Semi‐adjacent sections were labelled with 3H‐PIB (Pittsburgh compound‐B, 2‐[4′‐(methylamino)phenyl]‐6‐hydroxybenzothiazole) and 14C‐SB13 (4‐N‐methylamino‐4′‐hydroxystilbene) for comparison. Neocortical sections containing widespread senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid angiopathy, produced a sparse and weak labelling following incubation with 3H‐FDDNP. Furthermore, in sections containing NFTs, there was no overt labelling of the pathology by 3H‐FDDNP. In contrast, sections labelled with 3H‐PIB displayed extensive labelling of diffuse plaques, classical plaques, cerebrovascular amyloid angiopathy and NFTs. 14C‐SB13 produced a broadly similar binding pattern to PIB. Radioligand binding assays employing in vitro generated amyloid‐β peptide fibrils demonstrated a ∼10‐fold reduced affinity for 3H‐FDDNP (85.0 ± 2.0 nM) compared with 3H‐PIB (8.5 ± 1.3 nM). These data provide an alternative mechanistic explanation for the observed low cortical uptake of 18F‐FDDNP in AD; in that the ligand is only weakly retained by the hallmark neuropathology because of its low affinity for amyloid structures.
The case for the development of novel analgesic agents targeting both fatty acid amide hydrolase and either cyclooxygenase or TRPV1
Authors: Fowler CJ , Naidu PS , Lichtman A , Onnis V
Published: February 2009

Mandarin translation of abstract

Although the dominant approach to drug development is the design of compounds selective for a given target, compounds targeting more than one biological process may have superior efficacy, or alternatively a better safety profile than standard selective compounds. Here, this possibility has been explored with respect to the endocannabinoid system and pain. Compounds inhibiting the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), by increasing local endocannabinoid tone, produce potentially useful effects in models of inflammatory and possibly neuropathic pain. Local increases in levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide potentiate the actions of cyclooxygenase inhibitors, raising the possibility that compounds inhibiting both FAAH and cyclooxygenase can be as effective as non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs but with a reduced cyclooxygenase inhibitory ‘load’. An ibuprofen analogue active in models of visceral pain and with FAAH and cyclooxygenase inhibitory properties has been identified. Another approach, built in to the experimental analgesic compoundN‐arachidonoylserotonin, is the combination of FAAH inhibitory and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 antagonist properties. Although finding the right balance of actions upon the two targets is a key to success, it is hoped that dual‐action compounds of the types illustrated in this review will prove to be useful analgesic drugs.

Mandarin translation of abstract
Emerging strategies for exploiting cannabinoid receptor agonists as medicines
Authors: Pertwee Roger G
Published: February 2009

Mandarin translation of abstract

Medicines that activate cannabinoid CB1and CB2receptor are already in the clinic. These are Cesamet®(nabilone), Marinol®(dronabinol; Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol) and Sativex®(Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol with cannabidiol). The first two of these medicines can be prescribed to reduce chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting. Marinol®can also be prescribed to stimulate appetite, while Sativex®is prescribed for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain in adults with multiple sclerosis and as an adjunctive analgesic treatment for adult patients with advanced cancer. One challenge now is to identify additional therapeutic targets for cannabinoid receptor agonists, and a number of potential clinical applications for such agonists are mentioned in this review. A second challenge is to develop strategies that will improve the efficacy and/or the benefit‐to‐risk ratio of a cannabinoid receptor agonist. This review focuses on five strategies that have the potential to meet either or both of these objectives. These are strategies that involve: (i) targeting cannabinoid receptors located outside the blood‐brain barrier; (ii) targeting cannabinoid receptors expressed by a particular tissue; (iii) targeting up‐regulated cannabinoid receptors; (iv) targeting cannabinoid CB2receptors; or (v) ‘multi‐targeting’. Preclinical data that justify additional research directed at evaluating the clinical importance of each of these strategies are also discussed.

Mandarin translation of abstract
Activation of muscarinic receptors elicits inotropic responses in ventricular muscle from rats with heart failure through myosin light chain phosphorylation
Authors: Hussain RI , Qvigstad E , Birkeland JAK , Eikemo H , Glende A , Sjaastad I , Skomedal T , Osnes JB , Levy FO , Krobert KA
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: Muscarinic stimulation increases myofilament Ca2+sensitivity with no apparent inotropic response in normal rat myocardium. Increased myofilament Ca2+sensitivity is a molecular mechanism promoting increased contractility in failing cardiac tissue. Thus, muscarinic receptor activation could elicit inotropic responses in ventricular myocardium from rats with heart failure, through increasing phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC).

Experimental approach: Contractile force was measured in left ventricular papillary muscles from male Wistar rats, 6 weeks after left coronary artery ligation or sham surgery. Muscles were also frozen, and MLC‐2 phosphorylation level was quantified.

Key results: Carbachol (10 µmol·L−1) evoked a positive inotropic response only in muscles from rats with heart failure approximating 36% of that elicited by 1 µmol·L−1isoproterenol (20 ± 1.5% and 56 ± 6.1% above basal respectively). Carbachol‐evoked inotropic responses did not correlate with infarction size but did correlate with increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure, heart weight/body weight ratio and lung weight, primary indicators of the severity of heart failure. Only muscarinic receptor antagonists selective for M2receptors antagonized carbachol‐mediated inotropic effects with the expected potency. Carbachol‐evoked inotropic responses and increase in phosphorylated MLC‐2 were attenuated by MLC kinase (ML‐9) and Rho‐kinase inhibition (Y‐27632), and inotropic responses were abolished byPertussistoxin pretreatment.

Conclusion and implications: In failing ventricular muscle, muscarinic receptor activation, most likely via M2receptors, provides inotropic support by increasing MLC phosphorylation and consequently, myofilament Ca2+sensitivity. Enhancement of myofilament Ca2+sensitivity, representing a less energy‐demanding mechanism of inotropic support may be particularly advantageous in failing hearts.

Mandarin translation of abstract
Epigallocatechin‐gallate modulates chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis in human cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Lang Molly , Henson Roger , Braconi Chiara , Patel Tushar
Published: February 2009

Background: Green tea polyphenols are chemopreventive in several cancer models but their use as adjunctive therapeutic agents for cancer is unknown.

Aims: Cholangiocarcinomas respond poorly to chemotherapeutic agents and our aims were to assess the utility of green tea polyphenols as adjuncts to chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma.

Materials and Methods: We assessed the effect of purified green tea catechins on chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis in KMCH, CC‐LP‐1 and Mz‐ChA‐1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells, and on chemosensitivity of Mz‐ChA‐1 cell xenografts in nude mice.

Results: Epigallocatechin‐gallate (EGCG), but not the structurally related catechin epigallocatechin, sensitized cells to apoptosis induced by gemcitabine (GEM), mitomycin C or 5‐fluorouracil in vitro. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cytosolic cytochrome c expression and apoptosis were increased in cells incubated with EGCG and GEM compared with either agent alone. Furthermore, EGCG decreased in vivo growth and increased the sensitivity to GEM of Mz‐ChA‐1 cell xenografts in nude mice.

Conclusions: The green tea polyphenol EGCG sensitizes human cholangiocarcinoma cells to chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis and warrants evaluation as an adjunct to chemotherapy for the treatment of human cholangiocarcinoma.
The Course of Life of Patients with Childhood Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Brenninkmeijer Elian E. A. , Legierse Catharina M. , Sillevis Smitt J. Henk , Last Bob F. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Bos Jan D.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Atopic dermatitis mainly covers the period of infancy to adulthood, an important period in the development of an individual. The impairment of quality of life and the psychological wellbeing of children with atopic dermatitis have been well documented but so far no data exist about the impact of atopic dermatitis in childhood on fulfilling age‐specific developmental tasks and achieving developmental milestones during this period, referred to as the course of life. The aims of this study were to: (i) assess the course of life and define the disease‐related consequences in young adult patients with childhood atopic dermatitis and (ii) determine whether the severity of atopic dermatitis is predictive for the course of life, the disease‐related consequences and quality of life later in life. Adult patients who grew up with atopic dermatitis were asked to complete a medical history questionnaire, the Skindex‐29, the “course of life” questionnaire and a subjective disease‐specific questionnaire. Patients with severe atopic dermatitis in childhood showed a significant delayed social development in their course of life. The results of the disease‐specific questionnaire demonstrated remarkable high percentages of psycho‐social consequences and physical discomfort caused by atopic dermatitis in childhood. Patients showed a severely negative impact of atopic dermatitis on their current quality of life. This is the first study that applied the “course of life” questionnaire in atopic dermatitis. More insight in the course of life, disease‐specific consequences and quality of life of atopic dermatitis is of high importance, especially in case of severe atopic dermatitis.
Three Years of Italian Experience of an Educational Program for Parents of Young Children Affected by Atopic Dermatitis: Improving Knowledge Produces Lower Anxiety Levels in Parents of Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Ricci Giampaolo , Bendandi Barbara , Aiazzi Rosalba , Patrizi Annalisa , Masi Massimo
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  The chronic course of atopic dermatitis is a problem for children and their families: it can be extremely disabling, and may cause psychologic problems for both child and family. As atopic dermatitis affects 10% of the pediatric population, pediatricians and dermatologists spend much time on the treatment of this disease, which requires a multidisciplinary approach. To improve the quality of life of children and families affected by atopic dermatitis we have offered an educational program to the parents of young children affected by the disease. The program consists of six meetings at weekly intervals involving a pediatric allergist, a dermatologist, and a psychologist. Our experience has been positive. This type of program may help to improve the quality of life of families with children affected by atopic dermatitis. Lower levels of anxiety were observed among parents at the end of the program. We believe that educational programs of this type, in association with conventional treatment, can be useful in the long term management of the disease. They may be considered to improve the quality of life of the family and children and to create more interaction and compliance between physicians, parents, and children.
Chanarin‐Dorfman Syndrome: Clinical Features of a Rare Lipid Metabolism Disorder
Authors: Selimoglu Mukadder Ayse , Esrefoglu Mukaddes , Gul Mehmet , Gungor Serdal , Yildirim Cigdem , Seyhan Muammer
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Chanarin‐Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a very rare neutral lipid metabolism disorder with multisystem involvement. In order to not underdiagnose the cases, screening of lipid vacuoles in neutrophils from peripheral blood smears in patients with ichthyosiform erythroderma is needed. Few case reports revealing ultrastructural findings of skin and especially liver in that disorder were observed. Here we discuss clinical and electron microscopic findings of two siblings with CDS.
Farber Disease in a Newborn
Authors: Sana Chaouki , Larbi Elarqam , Samir Atmani , Abdelhak Bouharrou , Mustapha Hida
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Farber disease is a rare lysosomal storage disease characterized by a clinical triad including painful joint deformity, subcutaneous nodules and hoarseness, due to progressive granulomatous inflammation. We report the case of an early presentation on a female infant who manifested typical signs 1 week after birth.
Pancreatic Panniculitis Caused by l‐Asparaginase Induced Acute Pancreatitis in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Chiewchengchol Direkrit , Wananukul Siriwan , Noppakun Nopadon
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Panniculitis caused by l‐asparaginase induced acute pancreatitis is an unusual condition. We report a case of a 7‐year‐old Thai boy with underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed pancreatic panniculitis caused by l‐asparaginase administration. During the second week of induction chemotherapy, the patient developed acute pancreatitis with septic shock. Two weeks later he developed multiple subcutaneous nodules on the abdominal wall. Skin excisional biopsy showed the typical histopathological features of pancreatic panniculitis. Acute pancreatitis improved after 3 weeks of conservative treatment. The skin lesions resolved spontaneously within 1 month.
Simultaneous Lichen Striatus in Siblings along the Same Blaschko Line
Authors: Racette Andrew J. , Adams Amy D. , Kessler Stephen E.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Lichen striatus (LS) is an asymptomatic, spontaneously resolving linear dermatosis consisting of 2 to 4 mm flat topped papules following the lines of Blaschko. Two siblings presented with a simultaneous occurrence of LS along the same Blaschko line of the left upper extremity. Only four other cases of a simultaneous occurrence of LS in related siblings have been reported, but none of these have occurred in the same extremity. Although 10 years have passed since the last case report of this unique concurrent familial eruption, few discoveries have been made regarding its etiology. Several theories have been proposed including environmental agents, cutaneous injury, viral infection, hypersensitivity, and genetic predisposition. These theories are discussed along with retrotransposons, a possible new explanation for the pathogenesis of this and other Blaschko line disorders.
Lower Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Disabling Pansclerotic Morphea of Childhood
Authors: Petrov Ivaylo , Gantcheva Mary , Miteva Ljubka , Vassileva Snejina , Pramatarov Kyrill
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Disabling pansclerotic morphea of childhood (DPMC) is an aggressive form of cutaneous scleroderma that involves all layers of the skin, extending through the dermis and subcutaneous tissues to involve muscle, tendon, and even bone. As DPMC is extremely rare, its association with skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rarer still. To our knowledge there are only two cases of SCC in patients with DPMC that developed within areas of chronic skin ulceration. We report the first case of lower lip squamous cell carcinoma arising in a young woman with DPMC and discuss the carcinogenic pathway that may have led to its occurrence.
Multiple Pilomatricomas and Gliomatosis Cerebri—A New Association?
Authors: Wachter‐Giner Tina , Bieber Imke , Warmuth‐Metz Monika , Bröcker Eva‐B. , Hamm Henning
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Pilomatricomas are benign skin tumors originating from hair follicle matrix cells. In 2% to 3.5% of cases they occur in multiplicity and then may be associated with genetic diseases, such as myotonic dystrophy Curschmann–Steinert, familial adenomatous polyposis (Gardner syndrome), and Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome. A 15‐year‐old boy treated with temozolomide and oxcarbazepine for gliomatosis cerebri with symptomatic epilepsy developed four firm cutaneous nodules on his face and right upper arm in the course of 1 year. All four tumors were excised under local anesthesia. Histological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of pilomatricomas. This is the first published case of a patient suffering from gliomatosis cerebri and developing multiple pilomatricomas. Whether this observation represents a new association or is a mere coincidence cannot be clarified at present.
Large Congenital Melanotic Nevi in an Extremity with Neurocutaneous Melanocytosis
Authors: Becher Oren J. , Souweidane Mark , Lavi Ehud , Kramer Kim , Lis Eric , Marghoob Ashfaq A. , Khakoo Yasmin
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  A 14‐day‐old boy presented with a large congenital melanocytic nevus over his left thigh with approximately 17 satellite nevi distributed over the rest of his skin surface. Six weeks later, he developed generalized tonic–clonic seizures and additional satellite nevi became apparent (n > 20). A subsequent brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated right temporal T1 hyperintense signal abnormality. At 4 months of age the patient underwent a lumbar puncture that was normal without evidence of melanocytes or tumor. Nevertheless, a few days later he underwent resection of his right medial temporal lesion which demonstrated melanocytosis in the temporal lobe as well as melanocytosis in subependymal areas in other parts of the brain and ventricles, confirming the suspected diagnosis of neurocutaneous melanocytosis. Our case supports previous studies that conclude that the number of satellite nevi is a greater predictor of neurocutaneous melanocytosis than is the location of large congenital melanocytic nevus. In our case, cerebrospinal fluid studies were not reliable even in the face of florid neurocutaneous melanocytosis involving the leptomeninges and ventricles.
Macular Arteritis Mimicking Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis in a 6‐Year‐Old Caucasian Girl
Authors: BUCKTHAL‐MCCUIN JILL , MUTASIM DIYA F.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  A 6‐year‐old Caucasian girl presented with a 4‐month history of a mildly pruritic, brown and pink, focally petechial macules on the posterior aspect of her left leg, clinically consistent with a pigmented purpuric dermatosis. Biopsy, however, revealed lymphocytic inflammation with occlusion of the lumen of a small artery at the dermal–subcutaneous junction, characteristic of macular arteritis. This is a recently described entity that is not known to be associated with systemic disease, and remains stable over years without treatment. So far, it has not been reported in a Caucasian patient. We review the clinical and histologic features, as well as the laboratory evaluation of this case, and the previously reported cases.
Café au lait macules and Cerebro‐Oculo‐Facio‐Skeletal Syndrome: A Novel Association
Authors: TWEDE JAMES VERNAL , DIFAZIO MARK
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Cerebro‐oculo‐facio‐skeletal (COFS) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a wide range of dysmorphic features, including profound microcephaly, mental retardation, hyperkinesis, failure to thrive, and orthopedic abnormalities (1). It is a heterogeneous syndrome, and a number of variant cases have been reported. We report a patient with the features of COFS, with associated widespread hyperpigmented patches.
May the Gender of a Parent Influence Assessment of Health‐Related Quality of Life, Family Impact and Severity of Atopic Dermatitis in Children?
Authors: CHERNYSHOV P. V.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Despite it is well known that atopic dermatitis has severe negative impact on child’s and family life there is little information concerning gender influence on health‐related quality of life assessment. We did not find any statistically significant gender differences in assessment of the Infant’s Dermatitis Quality of Life Index and the Dermatitis Family Impact and its separate items. Our results showed that choice of parent who should fill in the Infant’s Dermatitis Quality of Life Index and the Dermatitis Family Impact cannot significantly influence the results of clinical studies, but inside couples spouses could have alternative view, which is not associated with gender.
Traumatic Amputation of a Supernumerary Digit: A 16‐Year‐Old Boy’s Perspective of Suture Ligation
Authors: HARTZELL TRISTAN L. , TAYLOR HELENA
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Traditionally, the duplicated digit in an infant with polydactyly is managed by suture ligation and the digit is allowed to auto‐amputate. However, painful neuromas may result from this commonly used technique and sharp excision has been suggested as a superior alternative. We present a case of a 16‐year‐old male who requested revascularization after a traumatic partial amputation of a supernumerary digit on his left hand. He requested revascularization because suture ligation of a duplicated digit on his right hand as an infant had resulted in a neuroma and considerable pain.
Multiple Inflamed Nevi in a Child with Oculocutaneous Albinism: What Lessons can be Learned?
Authors: HON KAM‐LUN ELLIS , CHING GARY KA‐WAI , KWOK TUNG AUDREY , CHOI PAUL CHEUNG LUNG
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  We report a 12‐year‐old girl with oculocutaneous albinism who developed nonitchy and nontender erythematous spots. A skin biopsy specimen of one of the spots confirmed that the lesion was an inflamed melanocytic nevus. We emphasize the atypical presentation of nevi in individuals with albinism.
An Infant with Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau: Successful Treatment with Thalidomide and UVB Therapy
Authors: KISZEWSKI ANA ELISA , DE VILLA DAMIÊ , SCHEIBEL ILÓITE , RICACHNEVSKY NELSON
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau is a rare, chronic, recurrent disorder classified as a form of pustular psoriasis, and most cases affect one or two digits. It tends to be resistant to both topical and systemic treatments for psoriasis. We present an infant with Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau affecting nineteen nails, with an excellent response to the combination of thalidomide and ultraviolet B phototherapy.
Orofacial Granulomatosis due to Tuberculosis
Authors: RAMESH V.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Tuberculosis in a girl with typical features of orofacial granulomatosis is described. The importance of early suspicion and treatment to prevent disfigurement is emphasized.
Papulolinear Collagenoma with Arborizing Arrangement: Report of a Case
Authors: LO LI‐KAI , TSAI TSENG‐FANG , CHEN YU‐FU , HUNG CHI‐MING , KO WANG‐CHENG
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Connective tissue nevi of collagen type are now classified in four major subtypes. In addition to the clinicopathological features of papulolinear collagenoma, which is considered as a variant of isolated collagen harmatoma, the case we present has a unique arborizing pattern.
Primary Cutaneous T‐Cell Lymphoma Following Organ Transplantation in a 16‐Year‐Old Boy
Authors: AMIN AHMAD , BURKHART CRAIG , GROBEN PAMELA , MORRELL DEAN S.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressant therapy are at risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders. Although rare, there have been reported cases of primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma occurring in this population. We present a pediatric patient who developed cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma with mycosis fungoides histology after liver transplantation.
A Novel Glycine Mutation in the Col7a1 Gene Leading to Dominant Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa with Intra‐Familial Phenotypical Heterogeneity
Authors: RIEDL ELISABETH , KLAUSEGGER ALFRED , BAUER JOHANN W. , FOEDINGER DAGMAR , KITTLER HARALD
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) represents a group of inherited skin disorders characterized by sublamina densa blister formation. We resent the case of a 16‐year old girl with DEB, who had a 10‐year‐history of recurrent pruritic skin lesions. Despite misleading biopsy results, the correct diagnosis was suspected by examination of other family members. Finally, mutational analysis revealed a novel glycine substitution mutation in the COL7A1 gene in three affected family members.
Lichen Planopilaris Noted During Etanercept Therapy in a Child with Severe Psoriasis
Authors: ABBASI NAHEED R. , ORLOW SETH J.
Published: February 2009

Letters to the Editor are welcomed for publication (subject to editing). Letters must be signed by all authors, and must not exceed two pages of text including references. Letters should not duplicate material submitted or published in other journals. Prepublication proofs will not be provided.
Applicant Considerations Associated with Selection of an Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Authors: Laskey Sara , Cydulka Rita K.
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  The primary objective of this study was to assess variables that residency applicants ranked as influential in making residency choices. The secondary objective was to determine if residents were satisfied with their residency choices.

Methods:  A secondary analysis was performed on a cohort database from a stratified, random sampling of 322 emergency medicine (EM) residents collected in 1996–1998 and 2001–2004 from the American Board of Emergency Medicine Longitudinal Study on Emergency Medicine Residents (ABEM LSEMR). Residents rated the importance of 18 items in response to the question, “How much did each of the following factors influence your choice of residency program location?” The degree to which residents’ programs met prior expectations and the levels of satisfaction with residency programs were also assessed. All analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics.

Results:  Three‐hundred twenty‐two residents participated in the survey. Residents considered the following to be the most important variables: institutional reputation, hospital facilities, program director reputation, and spousal influence. Several geographic and gender differences were noted. Ninety percent (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86% to 93%) of residents surveyed in their final year answered that the residency program met or exceeded expectations. Seventy‐nine percent (95% CI = 76% to 82%) of residents identified themselves as “highly satisfied” with their residency choice.

Conclusions:  The most influential factors in residency choice are institutional and residency director reputation and hospital facilities. Personal issues, such as recreational opportunities and spousal opinion, are also important, but are less influential. Significant geographic differences affecting residency choices exist, as do minor gender differences. A majority of residents were highly satisfied overall with their residency choices.