bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sartorius Muscle Contracture in a German Shepherd Dog
Authors: SPADARI ALESSANDRO , SPINELLA GIUSEPPE , MORINI MARIA , ROMAGNOLI NOEMI , VALENTINI SIMONA
Published: January 2008

Objective— To report sartorius muscle contracture in a dog.

Study Design— Case report.

Animals— A 5‐year‐old, male, German Shepherd dog.

Methods— After a 2‐month history of right hindlimb lameness was treated by tenectomy of the caudal sartorius muscle for sartorius muscle contracture.

Results— One month after surgery there was complete remission of clinical signs; however, after 12 months, there was partial reunion of sartorius caudal belly and onset of gracilis muscle contracture.

Conclusions— Contracture of the sartorius muscle in dogs is seemingly rare and similar to gracilis muscle contracture with which it may be confused. Differentiation requires knowledge of muscular anatomy, careful palpation, and surgical inspection.

Clinical Relevance— Sartorius muscle contracture can be treated by tenectomy or removal of contracted muscle tissue, however, long‐term outcome suggests the need to develop approaches that prevent recurrence caused by scarring of transected tissues.
Intracorporeal Suture Closure of the Internal Inguinal and Vaginal Rings in Foals and Horses
Authors: CARON JOHN P. , BRAKENHOFF JEFFREY
Published: January 2008

Objective—To report a technique for repair or prevention of inguinal hernia in horses using intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings.

Study Design—Case series.

Animals—Foals (n=6) and geldings (n=2).

Methods—After selection of a peri‐umbilical telescope portal, instrument portals were made unilaterally or bilaterally, as needed. Herniated viscera was reduced, castration (foals) or spermatic cord remnant transection at the internal inguinal ring (adults) performed, and then simple interrupted intracorporeal sutures of synthetic absorbable suture material were used to close the internal inguinal and vaginal rings.

Results—There was no recurrence of inguinal hernia. Postoperative morbidity was minimal and cosmetic outcome was comparable to that achieved with conventional, open techniques.

Conclusion—Laparoscopic, primary closure of the internal inguinal ring by use of intracorporeal sutures provides a secure barrier to herniation and costs considerably less than using endoscopic staples.

Clinical Relevance—Laparoscopic suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings provides safe and effective repair of inguinal hernia in horses.
School Engagement Trajectories and Their Differential Predictive Relations to Dropout
Authors: Janosz Michel , Archambault Isabelle , Morizot Julien , Pagani Linda S.
Published: February 2008

Although most theories draw upon the construct of school engagement in their conceptualization of the dropout process, research addressing its hypothesized prospective relation with dropout remains scarce and does not account for the academic and social heterogeneity of students who leave school prematurely. This study explores the reality of different life‐course pathways of school engagement and their predictive relations to dropout. Using an accelerated longitudinal design, we used growth mixture modeling to generate seven distinct trajectories of school engagement with 12‐ to 16‐year‐old students (N = 13,300). A vast majority of students were classified into three stable trajectories, distinguishing themselves at moderate to very high levels of school engagement. We refer to these as developmentally normative pathways in light of their frequent occurrence and stability. Although regrouping only one‐tenth of participants, four other nonnormative (or unexpected pathways) accounted for the vast majority of dropouts. Dropout risk was closely linked with unstable pathways of school engagement. We conclude by debating the delicate investment balance between universal strategies and more selective and differentiated strategies to prevent dropout. We also discuss the need to better understand why, within normative trajectories, some students with high levels of school engagement drop out of school.
Causes and Consequences of Unexpected Educational Transitions in Switzerland
Authors: Neuenschwander Markus P. , Garrett Jessica L.
Published: February 2008

The present study examines transition patterns of Swiss secondary and tertiary school students. Switzerland's highly canalized education system allows us to test how tracking affects person–environment fit of students for students who choose a normative versus unexpected downward transition pattern. In addition, we investigate how self‐efficacy expectations and personal values affect an unexpected transition choice. Results indicate that students with strong expectancies and personal values can oppose institutional norms and chart their own academic course; however, these students are less likely to perceive a good fit between their own interests and competencies and institutional demands after the transition. Our findings underscore the importance of developmentally appropriate educational environments and systems permeable enough to adapt to developing students' changing interests.
Exceptions to High School Dropout Predictions in a Low‐Income Sample: Do Adults Make a Difference?
Authors: Englund Michelle M. , Egeland Byron , Collins W. Andrew
Published: February 2008

Adult–child relationship factors were examined to determine whether they differentiated between individuals who follow expected versus unexpected educational pathways. Low‐income participants (96 men, 83 women) in the United States were followed from birth through age 23. Individuals were identified who followed expected versus unexpected pathways to high school graduation or dropping out based on academic achievement and behavioral problems. Patterns of parental involvement in school were significantly different between expected dropouts and unexpected graduates in middle childhood. In contrast, expected graduates had higher levels of parent involvement in middle childhood, more supportive parent–child relationships in early adolescence, and higher levels of social competence with adults than unexpected dropouts.
Managing Supplier Involvement in New Product Development: A Multiple‐Case Study*
Authors: Van Echtelt Ferrie E. A. , Wynstra Finn , Van Weele Arjan J. , Duysters Geert
Published: January 2008

Existing studies of supplier involvement in new product development have mainly focused on project‐related short‐term processes and success factors. This study validates and extends an existing exploratory framework, which comprises both long‐term strategic processes and short‐term operational processes that are related to supplier involvement. The empirical validation is based on a multiple‐case study of supplier collaborations at a manufacturer in the copier and printer industry. The analysis of eight cases of supplier involvement reveals that the results of supplier–manufacturer collaborations and the associated issues and problems can best be explained by the patterns in the extent to which the manufacturer manages supplier involvement in the short term and the long term. The results of this study reveal that the initial framework is helpful in understanding why certain collaborations are not effectively managed yet conclude that the existing analytical distinction among four different management areas does not sufficiently reflect empirical reality. This leads to the reconceptualization and further detailing of the framework. Instead of four managerial areas, this study proposes to distinguish between the strategic management arena and the operational management arena. The strategic management arena contains processes that together provide long‐term, strategic direction and operational support for project teams adopting supplier involvement. These processes also contribute to building up a supplier base that can meet current and future technology and capability needs. The operational management arena contains processes that are aimed at planning, managing, and evaluating the actual collaborations in a specific development project. The results of this study suggest that success of involving suppliers in product development is reflected by the firm's ability to capture both short‐ and long‐term benefits. If companies spend most of their time on operational management in development projects, they will fail to use the leverage effect of planning and preparing such involvement through strategic management activities. Also, they will not be sufficiently able to capture possible long‐term technology and learning benefits that may spin off from individual projects. Long‐term collaboration benefits can only be captured if a company can build long‐term relationships with key suppliers, with which it builds learning routines and ensures that the capability sets of both parties are aligned and remain useful for future joint projects.
Ulnar Artery as Access Site for Cardiac Catheterization: Anatomical Considerations
Authors: VASSILEV DOBRIN , SMILKOVA DIANA , GIL ROBERT
Published: January 2008

Transradial approach to coronary angiography and angioplasty has been widely accepted in the last few years. As an alternative approach from the forearm, with some potential advantages, we decided to test the transulnar approach as a first‐choice strategy.

Methods and Results: Transulnar approach was tried in 131 patients. In 29 patients there was no palpable ulnar artery or Allen test was negative. From the remaining 92 patients we performed successful coronary angiography and angioplasties in 59 patients (64% success rate in those who had palpable artery). The most frequent reason for access site failure (54.5% of all failed procedures) was inability to introduce wire despite good arterial flow. We found that the ulnar artery was not the largest artery of the forearm (mean diameter 2.76 ± 0.08 mm compared with radial artery 3.11 ± 0.12 mm) and had relatively frequent anatomical anomalies—11.9%. There were no major local complications, with very few minor complications. Spasm frequency was 13.6%, which is higher than that reported for transradial studies.

Conclusions: Transulnar artery approach is feasible for cardiac catheterization: however, it has higher access site failure rates in an unselected patient population. It could be used as an alternative option in selected patients, but operators must be prepared to overcome frequent anatomical anomalies and spasm.
Molecular Data and Phylogeny of Nosema Infecting Lepidopteran Forest Defoliators in the Genera Choristoneura and Malacosoma
Authors: KYEI‐POKU GEORGE , GAUTHIER DEBBIE , VAN FRANKENHUYZEN KEES
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Nosema isolates from five lepidopteran forest defoliators, Nosema fumiferanae from spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana; a Nosema sp. from jack pine budworm, Choristoneura pinus pinus and western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis (Nosema sp. CPP and Nosema sp. CO, respectively); Nosema thomsoni from large aspen tortrix, Choristoneura conflictana; and Nosema disstriae, from the forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria were compared based on their small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences. Four of the species sequenced, N. fumiferanae, Nosema sp. CPP, Nosema sp. CO, and N. disstriae have a high SSU rDNA sequence identity (0.6%–1.5%) and are members of the “true Nosema” clade. They all showed the reverse arrangement of the (large subunit [LSU]–internal transcribed spacer [ITS]–SSU) of the rRNA gene. The fifth species, N. thomsoni has the usual (SSU–ITS–LSU) arrangement and is not a member of this clade showing only an 82% sequence similarity. We speculate, therefore, that a genetic reversal may have occurred in the common ancestor to the “true Nosema” clade. Although, the mechanism for rearrangement of the rRNA gene subunits is not known we provide a possible explanation for the localization. N. fumiferanae, Nosema sp. CPP, and Nosema sp. CO clustered together on the inferred phylogenetic tree. The high sequence similarities, the reverse arrangement in the rRNA gene subunits, and the phylogenetic clustering suggest that these three species are closely related but separate species.
The evolution of labour law: Calibrating and comparing regulatory regimes
Authors: DEAKIN Simon , LELE Priya , SIEMS Mathias
Published: January 2008

Using a newly‐created data set which measures legal change over time, the authors present evidence on the evolution of labour law in France, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. Their analysis casts light on the claim that “legal origin” affects the content of labour law regimes. While some divergence between common law and civil law countries is found at the aggregate level, a more complex picture emerges from consideration of specific areas of labour law. The authors discuss the potential significance of this relatively new measurement‐based approach to understanding the forces that shape the evolution of labour law.
Intermittent child employment and its implications for estimates of child labour
Authors: LEVISON Deborah , HOEK Jasper , LAM David , DURYEA Suzanne
Published: January 2008

Using longitudinal data from urban Brazil, the authors track the employment patterns of thousands of children aged 10‐16 during four months of their lives in the 1980s and 1990s. The proportion of children who work at some point during a four‐month period is substantially higher than the fraction observed working in any single month. The authors calculate an intermittency multiplier to summarize the difference between employment rates in one reference week vs. four reference weeks over a four‐month period. They conclude that intermittent employment is a crucial characteristic of child labour which must be recognized to capture levels of child employment adequately and identify child workers.
European employment models under pressure to change
Authors: BOSCH Gerhard , RUBERY Jill , LEHNDORFF Steffen
Published: January 2008

“National employment models” comprise the whole range of institutions that determine labour supply, utilization and demand in different countries. Based on a study of existing typologies of these models, this article explores their workings and their capacity to survive pressures for change. It compares different models’attempts to safeguard decent working conditions in the face of product‐market deregulation and rising employment rates of women and older workers. It concludes that it is becoming increasingly difficult for European nation states to reform their employment models from within and argues for more emphasis on positive integration policies at the European level.
Characteristics of adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and past conduct disorder
Authors: Dowson J. H.
Published: January 2008

Objective:  DSM‐IV Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid with DSM‐IV conduct disorder (CD) in childhood/adolescence has been proposed as a ‘distinct subtype’. The present study investigated subsequent psychopathological characteristics of this proposed subtype in adults.

Method:  Questionnaires were completed by 71 adults (mean age 29.6 years) with ADHD and their informants.

Results:  The 39 subjects with a history of past CD, when compared with the remaining subjects, were associated with significantly increased ratings of aspects of ADHD‐related impulsivity, with features of all three DSM‐IV ‘Clusters’ of personality disorders (PDs) (in particular of ‘Cluster B’ PDs) and with other psychopathology. Also, there were significant correlations between the number of endorsed past CD criteria and various self‐ratings of psychopathology.

Conclusion:  The results indicate the psychopathological characteristics of adults with a history of the proposed ‘ADHD with CD’ subtype. The findings are relevant to future studies of ADHD subtypes in adults.
Procuration and identification of bacteria in paraffin‐embedded liver tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma by laser‐assisted microdissection technique
Authors: TIAN XUE‐FEI , FAN XUE‐GONG , ZHANG YAN , HUANG YAN , DAI HONG , YING RUO‐SU
Published: January 2008

This study was aimed at procuring directly and identifying the bacteria which had been found in paraffin‐embedded liver tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. In our previous studies, Helicobacter spp. had been detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and observed by histology in the liver tissues of HCC patients but had never been cultured successfully. To obtain and identify the uncultured bacteria, laser microdissection and pressure catapulting (LMPC) techniques were applied. Following microdissection from the liver tissue sections, these bacteria were examined by PCR using Helicobacter genus‐specific 16S rRNA primers and sequence analysis. Amplified products of 16S rRNA were positive in all six microdissected samples with bacteria, and showed 99%–100% similarity with Helicobacter pylori by sequence analysis. Another H. pylori‐specific 26 kDa gene (encoding one 26 kDa protein as H. pylori‐specific antigen) was also tested by PCR. Four of six samples were positive. Therefore, Helicobacter spp. detected by PCR in the liver tissues of HCC patients in our previous studies are actually the bacteria observed by histology and identified as H. pylori by further sequence analysis. The laser‐assisted microdissection technique can be extensively applied for identification of bacteria in tissue samples in bacteriology research.
Feasible identification of Staphylococcus epidermidis using desferrioxamine and fosfomycin disks
Authors: ANTUNES ANA LÚCIA SOUZA , SECCHI CARINA , REITER KELI CRISTINE , PEREZ LEANDRO REUS RODRIGUES , FREITAS ANA LÚCIA PEIXOTO DE , D'AZEVEDO PEDRO ALVES
Published: January 2008

Coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS) have emerged as predominant pathogens in hospital‐acquired infections, as well as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance, increasing the necessity of developing reliable methods for identification of the most frequent species. The aim of this study was to propose a simplified method for identification of Staphylococcus epidermidis. A total of 490 isolates of CoNS were identified by Bannerman's method. Taking into account distinct approaches for identification of S. epidermidis, among CoNS, we proposed the use of only two disks: desferrioxamine for the initial trial, and fosfomycin to match the final identification. Of the 320 isolates susceptible to desferrioxamine, Bannerman's method identified 238 S. epidermidis and 73 S. hominis, while we achieved identification of 239 S. epidermidis and 76 S. hominis. Compared to Bannerman's method, the method proposed here obtained a sensitivity of 99.5%, and had a positive predictor value of 99.2%. We also used a genotypic method for identification of S. epidermidis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the tuf gene. In conclusion, the method proposed here has proved to be useful for the identification of S. epidermidis, the most frequent species of CoNS isolated from blood cultures in clinical microbiology laboratories.
Genetic alterations of the Cdx2 gene in gastric cancer
Authors: SONG JAE HWI , KIM CHANG JAE , CHO YONG GU , CHAE HIUN SUK , CAO ZHANG , NAM SUK WOO , LEE JUNG YOUNG , PARK WON SANG
Published: January 2008

Gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia are generally considered precancerous lesions of the stomach; Cdx2 plays an important role in intestinal metaplasia and gastric carcinogenesis. To elucidate the potential etiological role of the Cdx2 gene in gastric carcinogenesis, we analyzed genetic mutations and allelic loss in the Cdx2 gene of 95 sporadic gastric cancers. We found two somatic missense mutations in the Cdx2 gene, P63L in exon 1 and E204K in exon 2, encoding the caudal‐like protein activation region (codon 13–180) and the homeobox domain (codon 188–243) of the gene, in the gastric cancers. In addition, 9 (25.0%) of 36 informative cases showed allelic loss at D13S220 and/or D13S260. In 11 cases with a genetic alteration, Cdx2 nuclear staining was observed only in 8 cases of gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia. Loss or reduced expression of the Cdx2 gene in cancer cells was found in two cases with a somatic mutation and in three cases with LOH. Interestingly, all of the cases were intestinal‐type gastric cancers. Thus, these results suggest that genetic alterations of the Cdx2 gene may contribute to the loss of Cdx2 expression and to the development of gastric cancer, especially in the intestinal‐type.
Fungal infections after haematology unit renovation: evidence of clinical, environmental and economical impact
Authors: Araujo Ricardo , Carneiro Ana , Costa‐Oliveira Sofia , Pina‐Vaz Cidalia , Rodrigues Acacio Gonçalves , Guimaraes Jose Eduardo
Published: January 2008

Objective and methods:  The Haemato‐Oncology Unit, Hospital S. Joao, suffered extensive refurbishing intervention in order to adapt for autotransplant patients. Eight new individual rooms with central HEPA filtration system were built. All patients admitted in the department during 14 months prior to and 14 months after renovation works were enrolled. A total of 403 admissions were considered and a detailed analysis of all patients with fungal infections, air quality and antifungal consumption were evaluated in order to study clinical, environmental and economical impact after unit renovation.

Results:  Patients with acute myeloid leukaemia submitted to induction treatment were the most susceptible to acquisition of fungal infections. Fungal infections were reduced after installation of HEPA filters in individual rooms, particularly proven and probable fungal infections. No patients were diagnosed with proven or probable mould infection in the period after the unit renovation and no deaths were registered among patients with the diagnosis of possible fungal infection. Considering the group of patients diagnosed with fungal infection, the average of hospitalization was reduced 3 d in the latter period. The new high‐protected rooms showed a reduction of 50% and 95% of airborne fungi, respectively in the first week and after the second week. The consumption of voriconazole and caspofungin was reduced, respectively, 66% and 59% and the final cost with antifungal therapy was reduced by 17.4%.

Conclusions:  Autotransplant patients may be under higher risk of infection, however, the installation of high‐protective measures may efficiently prevent fungal infections in these patients. Renovation of haematology unit resulted in major clinical, environmental and economical improvements. The definition of reference values for airborne agents in hospital facilities remains urgent.
SNX1 Defines an Early Endosomal Recycling Exit for Sortilin and Mannose 6‐Phosphate Receptors
Authors: Mari Muriel , Bujny Miriam V. , Zeuschner Dagmar , Geerts Willie J. C. , Griffith Janice , Petersen Claus M. , Cullen Pete J. , Klumperman Judith , Geuze Hans J.
Published: January 2008

Mannose‐6‐phosphate receptors (MPRs) transport lysosomal hydrolases from the trans Golgi network (TGN) to endosomes. Recently, the multi‐ligand receptor sortilin has also been implicated in this transport, but the transport carriers involved herein have not been identified. By quantitative immuno‐electron microscopy, we localized endogenous sortilin of HepG2 cells predominantly to the TGN and endosomes. In the TGN, sortilin colocalized with MPRs in the same clathrin‐coated vesicles. In endosomes, sortilin and MPRs concentrated in sorting nexin 1 (SNX1)‐positive buds and vesicles. SNX1 depletion by small interfering RNA resulted in decreased pools of sortilin in the TGN and an increase in lysosomal degradation. These data indicate that sortilin and MPRs recycle to the TGN in SNX1‐dependent carriers, which we named endosome‐to‐TGN transport carriers (ETCs). Notably, ETCs emerge from early endosomes (EE), lack recycling plasma membrane proteins and by three‐dimensional electron tomography exhibit unique structural features. Hence, ETCs are distinct from hitherto described EE‐derived membranes involved in recycling. Our data emphasize an important role of EEs in recycling to the TGN and indicate that different, specialized exit events occur on the same EE vacuole.
Different Microtubule Motors Move Early and Late Endocytic Compartments
Authors: Loubéry Sylvain , Wilhelm Claire , Hurbain Ilse , Neveu Sophie , Louvard Daniel , Coudrier Evelyne
Published: January 2008

Important progress has been made during the past decade in the identification of molecular motors required in the distribution of early and late endosomes and the proper trafficking along the endocytic pathway. There is little direct evidence, however, that these motors drive movement of the endosomes. To evaluate the contributions of kinesin‐1, dynein and kinesin‐2 to the movement of early and late endosomes along microtubules, we made use of a cytosol‐free motility assay using magnetically isolated early and late endosomes as well as biochemical analyses and live‐cell imaging. By making use of specific antibodies, we confirmed that kinesin‐1 and dynein move early endosomes and we found that kinesin‐2 moves both early and late endosomes in the cell‐free assay. Unexpectedly, dynein did not move late endosomes in the cell‐free assay. We provide evidence from disruption of dynein function and latrunculin A treatment, suggesting that dynein regulates late endosome movement indirectly, possibly through a mechanism involving the actin cytoskeleton. These data provide new insights into the complex regulation of endosomes’ motility and suggest that dynein is not the major motor required to move late endosomes toward the minus end of microtubules.
Altered Composition and Secretion of Lysosome‐Derived Compartments in Dictyostelium AP‐3 Mutant Cells
Authors: Charette Steve J. , Cosson Pierre
Published: January 2008

Genetic alteration of the adaptor protein (AP)‐3 complex is responsible for the type 2 Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome, a lysosomal storage disease similar to the Chediak–Higashi syndrome (CHS). AP‐3 presumably participates in the biogenesis of late endosomal compartments and may also be critical for the regulated secretion of lysosomes by specialized cells. Here, Dictyostelium discoideum cells defective for the μ3 subunit of the AP‐3 complex were used and their phenotype analyzed. In μ3 mutant cells, endosomal maturation and lysosome secretion were markedly slower than that in wild‐type cells. This phenotype is similar to that reported previously in lvsB mutant cells where the ortholog of the LYST gene, involved in CHS, is mutated. Detailed analysis revealed however significant differences between these two isogenic mutant cells: in lvsB mutant cells, the primary defect is an inefficient biogenesis of otherwise normal secretory lysosomes, while in μ3 mutant cells, the biogenesis and also the composition and the fusion properties of secretory lysosomes are affected. These results suggest that in D. discoideum, AP‐3 controls both the efficiency and the specificity of postlysosome maturation, which represent two critical elements in the control of lysosome secretion.
Development of spinocellular carcinoma in a long‐lasting and therapy resistant venous ulcer – two case studies
Authors: Reich‐Schupke Stefanie , Altmeyer Peter , Kreuter Alexander , Stücker Markus
Published: January 2008

Background: While squamous cell carcinoma can primarily cause a leg ulcer, the malignant transformation of a primary venous leg ulcer to squamous cell carcinoma is rarer.

Patients: Two women with longstanding venous legs ulcer are presented. Both had diverse conservative, interventional and surgical therapies for both chronic venous insufficiency and their ulcers. These led to shortterm or intermittent closure of the ulcer with recurrence. In view of the only short intervals between the last surgical treatment and the again fulminant and fast progressive relapse, biopsies were taken from the ulcer base and border, revealing squamous cell carcinoma.After conservative surgical measures failed, both women required amputation.

Conclusions: In long‐standing venous ulcers, malignant transformation should be considered especially in a fulminant or rapidly relapsing course after a surgical treatment. Biopsies should be taken to verify diagnosis and lead to correct therapy.
A single‐center open‐label long‐term comparison of tacrolimus ointment and topical corticosteroids for treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Neumann Ella , Amtage Dorothee , Bruckner‐Tuderman Leena , Mockenhaupt Maja
Published: January 2008

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic or recurrent inflammatory skin disease that often requires treatment over years. According to its severity, atopic dermatitis is often managed with use of emollients, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors or systemic agents. This long‐term study compares the efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment with topical corticosteroids as standard therapy in patients with moderate atopic dermatitis.

Patients and methods: 50 patients were enrolled. They were allocated to treatment groups by the investigator (tacrolimus group or standard group), and followed over a period of six to twenty months. Efficacy was evaluated by the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI), the percentage of affected body surface area, and the score of Rajka and Langeland. In addition, ointment usage was documented and analyzed.

Results: The improvement of the skin condition was statistically significant in both groups. The comparison of the two groups, however, did not show a statistically significant advantage of one or the other treatment. Ointment usage was slightly higher in the standard group.

Conclusions: The efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was confirmed. In terms of emollient usage, no regular pattern could be demonstrated.
Coronary artery stenosis in asymptomatic child after arterial switch operation: detection by transthoracic colour‐flow doppler echocardiography
Authors: Aburawi Elhadi Hussein , Carlsson Marcus , Berg Ansgar
Published: January 2008

Arterial switch operation (ASO) has become the definitive anatomical correction for transposition of great arteries (TGA). Left coronary artery (LCA) ostial stenosis was detected by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) as a flame like colour flow diastolic signal and coronary flow reserve (CFR) was low, 1.3. It was treated successfully by a drug‐eluted stent. These findings could be diagnostic for coronary ostial stenosis.

Conclusion: Coronary artery stenosis can be detected with colour Doppler echocardiography. Assessment of CFR provides information of the physiological significance of the coronary stenosis.
Standardized bench method for evaluating the efficacy of phototherapy devices
Authors: Vreman HJ , Wong RJ , Murdock JR , Stevenson DK
Published: January 2008

Aim: As phototherapy (PT) devices employ a variety of broadband light sources, we developed and tested a standardized bench method for evaluating the efficacy of some devices.

Methods: To evaluate efficacy, we quantified the in vitro photodegradation rate (expressed as t1/2) of unconjugated bilirubin in solution at 37°C during exposure to a given light source at its mean delivered irradiance to the 2D body surface area (BSA) of newborn models. Reproducibility (between‐day variation) of the method was determined at irradiance levels from 10 to 70 μW/cm2/nm on three different days.

Results: Between‐day t1/2 measurements had coefficients of variation from 3% to 10%. When t1/2 values were normalized to the exposable 2D horizontal BSA, halogen lamp devices, without and with fiberoptics, were least effective (t1/2= 60–108 min and 100–126 min for preterm and term models, respectively). Fluorescent tube devices had t1/2= 19–78 min and 25–78 min, for preterm and term models, respectively. Light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based devices yielded the shortest t1/2 values (16–24 min) for preterm and term newborn models.

Conclusions: We demonstrated the applicability of the method through the determination of the efficacy of several commercially available PT devices. This standardized method is reproducible and effectively evaluates the relative in vitro efficacy of various devices and may guide further in vitro and in vivo evaluations of devices.
The Necessity of Design
Authors: Bindig Todd S.
Published: January 2008

In Jeff McMahan's The Ethics of Killing, an example involving a congenitally retarded child and a dog of similar cognitive ability is used to attempt to show that arguments about the potential to manifest traits are morally irrelevant to the abortion debate. McMahan argues that our intuition to enhance the child rather than the dog may be irrational. I explain that the only way to maintain common-sense ethics and strongly held intuitions about function and dysfunction is to accept a theory of design and to think, not in terms of “species” but, in terms of kinds of things that are designed to function in specific ways, where the failure of an individual of the kind to manifest characteristic functions is indicative of a privation rather than evidence that the individual is not – or not yet – a member of that kind and thus not as morally significant as members of the kind.
Exemplary Intentions Two English Dominican Hagiographers in the Thirteenth Century and the Preaching through exempla
Authors: Sobecki Sebastian
Published: January 2008

The exemplum is a short edifying tale that uses a historical person's positive or negative character traits to make a moral point. Its homiletic suitability ensured the genre's widespread use throughout premodern Europe. Not only were exempla effective preaching instruments on which a travelling friar could rely, but they also were extremely elastic in their application. A closer look at two late thirteenth-century English texts, Ralph Bocking's Latin Life of St Richard of Chichester (Vita sancti Ricardi) and the Life of St Dominic in the anonymous South English Legendary, a Middle English cycle of saints' lives, will explore two original ways in which mendicant hagiographers attempt to conceal and yet betray their intentions through their choice of hagiographic exempla. The first, I argue, petitions the patron, Isabella of Arundel, for a gift to the Order of Preachers, whereas the second text shows evidence of having been composed by a Dominican friar.
“Whoever understands this …”: On translating the Proslogion
Authors: Logan Ian
Published: January 2008

In this paper I seek to address the question of the interpretation and translation of the Proslogion and to understand why the text of this major work is repeatedly mistranslated. Having identified the various strands in the interpretative tradition and taken as my paradigm case an analysis of a passage from Proslogion, 4, I suggest that the reason for the errors to be found in the various attempts at translating this passage is to be found in the fact that the translators are influenced by the interpretative tradition and translate in accordance with it, even when this leads to ‘obvious’ mistranslation. I ask whether there can be a definitive interpretation and translation of the Proslogion, and answer this question in the negative, primarily because important elements of Anselm's thought are not available to us. Nevertheless, I suggest that it is possible to avoid errors of interpretation and translation by remaining within the constraints of the text. Finally, I attempt to lay some ground rules for those readers who are interested in an accurate reading of the Proslogion.
Fortune and the Sinner: Chaucer, Gower, Lydgate and Malory's Morte Darthur
Authors: Corrie Marilyn
Published: January 2008

Criticism has debated the causes of the fall of the Round Table in Malory's Morte Darthur. While Malory's protagonists have been blamed for some of the disasters that befall them, other factors have been implicated as well. Arthur's dream of Fortune's Wheel on the eve of his climactic battle with Mordred has been thought to show that metaphysical forces over which human beings have no control bear some blame in the king's destruction. This interpretation makes the Morte discrepant with other canonical late‐medieval English texts that contemplate Fortune's role in men's suffering. As is well known, in Troilus and Criseyde and The Knight's Tale, Chaucer undermines the tendency of his pagan characters to blame what happens to them on Fortune. Both texts suggest that their protagonists determine their own fates, an idea that was impressed on Chaucer when he translated Boethius's De consolatione philosophiae. In Chaucer's Monk's Tale, Fortune is often (if not always) the agent of a fate that her victim has determined through sinfulness. In the prologue of the roughly contemporary Confessio Amantis, John Gower also claims that Fortune serves the fate that people have earned through the moral qualities of their deeds. The same idea is propounded in John Lydgate's Fall of Princes, although recent criticism has argued that certain narratives in this text contradict the claims that Lydgate makes for them. The article argues that we might, in fact, see a continuity between Fortune's role in the Morte and the role that is ascribed to her in the writings of Chaucer, Gower and Lydgate. Malory's work is usually said to have little in common with these writings, but future research might probe ways in which it does share their concerns and ideas.
Of Matter and Meter: Environmental Form in Coleridge's ‘Effusion 35’ and ‘The Eolian Harp’
Authors: Morton Timothy
Published: January 2008

In this essay, Timothy Morton explores ecological ways of reading Coleridge's poem ‘Effusion 35’, which he revised as ‘The Eolian Harp’. Previous criticism (such as M. H. Abrams's) has suggested that the Aeolian harp is a way of thinking about relationships between humans and nature, but how precisely should we define these? And do these definitions have anything to do with artistic form (as well as content)? Morton demonstrates that Coleridge conducts an experiment in environmental form, for which the Aeolian harp (or wind harp) provides a key. This popular household gadget was common in the eighteenth century, and several poets had written about it, notably James Thomson. Coleridge innovated in poetic form by making the Aeolian harp a figure for automation, and for the monitoring and recording of environmental processes. The poem thus anticipates, in an imaginary way, contemporary cultures of sound recording and reproduction. Using Marx, Morton demonstrates how the poem organizes meaning in a radically democratic way. ‘Effusion 35’ and ‘The Eolian Harp’ ultimately open our minds to the possibility of ‘ecology without nature’– a deconstructive, open‐minded idea of ecology.
Interactions of elongation factor EF‐P with the Escherichia coli ribosome
Authors: Aoki Hiroyuki , Xu John , Emili Andrew , Chosay John G. , Golshani Ashkan , Ganoza M. Clelia
Published: January 2008

EF‐P (eubacterial elongation factor P) is a highly conserved protein essential for protein synthesis. We report that EF‐P protects 16S rRNA near the G526 streptomycin and the S12 and mRNA binding sites (30S T‐site). EF‐P also protects domain V of the 23S rRNA proximal to the A‐site (50S T‐site) and more strongly the A‐site of 70S ribosomes. We suggest that EF‐P: (a) may play a role in translational fidelity and (b) prevents entry of fMet–tRNA into the A‐site enabling it to bind to the 50S P‐site. We also report that EF‐P promotes a ribosome‐dependent accommodation of fMet–tRNA into the 70S P‐site.
Non‐hydrolytic functions of acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Greenfield Susan A. , Zimmermann Martina , Bond Cherie E.
Published: January 2008

This review explores the possibility that acetylcholinesterase may play a pivotal, non‐hydrolytic role in neurodegeneration. More specifically, C‐terminal sequences of acetylcholinesterase may act as signalling molecules in key brain regions characteristically vulnerable to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and motor neuron disease.
Australasian emergency physicians: A learning and educational needs analysis. Part One: Background and methodology. Profile of FACEM
Authors: Dent Andrew W , Asadpour Ali , Weiland Tracey J , Paltridge Debbie
Published: January 2008

Objective:  Fellows of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM) have opportunities to participate in a range of continuing professional development activities. To inform FACEM and assist those involved in planning continuing professional development interventions for FACEM, we undertook a learning needs analysis of emergency physicians.

Method:  Exploratory study using survey methodology. Following questionnaire development by iterative feedback with emergency physicians and researchers, a mailed survey was distributed to all FACEM. The survey comprised eight items on work and demographic characteristics of FACEM, and 194 items on attitudes to existing learning opportunities, barriers to learning, and perceived learning needs and preferences.

Results:  Fifty‐eight percent (503/854) of all FACEM surveyed responded to the questionnaire, almost half of whom attained their FACEM after year 2000. The sample comprised mostly males (72.8%) with mean age of the sample 41.6 years, similar to ACEM database. Most respondents reported working in ACEM accredited hospitals (89%), major referral hospitals (54%), and practiced on both children and adults (78%). FACEM reported working on average 26.7 clinical hours per week with those at private hospitals working a greater proportion of clinical hours than other hospital types.

Conclusion:  As the first of six related reports, this paper documents the methodology used, including questionnaire development, and provides the demographics of responding FACEM, including the clinical and non‐clinical hours worked and type of hospital of principal employment.
Australasian emergency physicians: A learning and educational needs analysis. Part Two: Confidence of FACEM for tasks and skills
Authors: Paltridge Debbie , Dent Andrew W , Weiland Tracey J
Published: January 2008

Objective:  To determine the degree of confidence perceived by Fellows of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine for a variety of procedural, patient management, educational and research skills, and tasks that may be required of them.

Method:  Mailed survey with Likert scales and grouped qualitative responses.

Results:  More than 90% of emergency physicians (EP) feel usually or always confident of their skills for peripheral vascular access, procedural sedation, fluid resuscitation, tube thoracostomy, managing patients with altered conscious state, cardiac emergencies, behavioural disturbance, and interpreting acid base and other blood tests. Less than 50% felt confident performing surgical airways, ED ultrasound, managing neonatal emergencies or interpreting MRI. Of non‐clinical skills, while most EP were confident of their ability to write references, debrief staff, lead group tutorials and prepare slides, a minority felt usually or always confident about budgeting and finance, preparing submissions, dealing with the media, appearing in court or marking examination papers. Whilst nearly 75% were confident about the information technology skills required of them for clinical practice, less than 25% of EP felt confident about conducting research and less than 15% were confident applying or interpreting statistics.

Conclusion:  This information may assist in the planning of future educational interventions for EP.
Delayed recognition of excess mortality in West Timor
Authors: Bradt David A , Drummond Christina M
Published: January 2008

Introduction:  In September 1999, militia‐initiated violence in East Timor forced the displacement of approximately 290 000 persons to West Timor in Indonesia. Whereas the security and health status of the East Timorese in East Timor had been well‐monitored, by contrast, the health status of 150 000 refugees in approximately 200 camps in West Timor was essentially unknown. The death of a child during transfer from a refugee camp there to a United Nations transit camp prompted further investigation.

Methods:  The present study population was the largest West Timorese camp of 14 088 refugees. Despite security constraints, a rapid epidemiological assessment was undertaken. Retrospective analysis of camp mortality data, key informant interviews and environmental assessment were included.

Results:  A crude mortality rate of 2.3/10 000/day and an under 5 year mortality rate of 10.3/10 000/day were found. Environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, water quality and vector control were inadequate. International aid agencies provided medical care with variable case definitions, no treatment protocols, non‐standard treatment practices, inappropriate antibiotic use, variable referral practices and no secondary prevention. Syndromic diagnoses of causes of dealth guided recommendations for interventions. Follow‐up reports indicated that excess camp mortality was eliminated within a month.

Conclusions:  All conflict‐affected populations must have an ongoing examination of essential health data to identify urgent unmet needs, guide appropriate health interventions and monitor progress. Sentinel health events must be promptly reported and investigated. Syndromic diagnoses are useful in targeting life‐saving public health interventions. All humanitarian health assistance must have transparency, technical supervision and peer review to ensure compliance with minimum standards.
‘Watered down’ renal colic: Using tap water mixed with blood to simulate macroscopic haematuria
Authors: Ting Joseph
Published: January 2008

Renal colic is a frequent presentation to the emergency department. Although most cases are genuine, up to 0.6% of cases are factitious, representing attempts to procure parenteral narcotic medication or rarely, to attain unnecessary investigation or invasive treatment. Urethral catherization has been recommended to procure an untampered urine sample, but is viewed as invasive. Calculi analysis has no relevance to acute management. We report a case of factitious renal colic which was definitively proven to be so using sample biochemistry to confirm a tap water sample contaminated with blood. This is diagnostically useful if tap water or normal saline is used to produce an alleged urine sample.
Endovascular treatment of an acute left middle cerebral artery >6 h post stroke in a patient presenting with dysphasia and dense right hemiplegia
Authors: Chan Kenny , Cordato Dennis J , Kehdi Elias E , Schlaphoff Glen , McDougall Alan
Published: January 2008

This paper describes the case of a 32‐year‐old man presenting with dense right hemiplegia and global aphasia caused by an acute left middle cerebral artery infarct that underwent successful endovascular therapy after being determined ineligible for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. Clot traversion and balloon disruption followed by intra‐arterial Alteplase resulted in successful re‐canalization of his middle cerebral artery at 7 h 30 min. At 3 months post stroke, the patient had moderately severe expressive dysphasia but was mobilizing independently with normal right upper and lower limb strength. In conclusion, the 3 month outcome suggests that the therapeutic time window for endovascular therapy might exceed 6 h post stroke.