bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical dorsal skin immersion in seawater induces apoptosis and proliferation in hairless mice
Authors: PAN Min Hong , JIANG Shao Jun , LIU Xiao Hong , RAO Qiu , ZHOU Zhi Yi , MA Heng Hui , ZHOU Xiao Jun
Published: September 2007

Recreational and occupational exposure to seawater (SW), have increased but the effect of SW on skin has not been elucidated. The purpose of present study was to assess the effects of SW immersion on the dorsal skin in hairless mice. Adult hairless mice were individually immersed in SW for 3 h, 6 h and 12 h; then, full‐thickness dorsal skin of 2 cm diameter was excised for pathological examination (light microscope), apoptosis detection (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated 2′‐deoxyuridine 5′‐triphosphate nick end labeling [TUNEL]) and proliferation index evaluation (immunohistochemistry). Normal and normal saline (NS)‐immersed skin were used as controls. Histological examination revealed that there were randomly distributed cell deaths, presenting cell shrinkage, condensation of nuclear chromatin and eosinophilic cytoplasm in the epidermis, and neutrophil infiltration in the dermis, after SW immersion. Moreover, TUNEL showed low levels of apoptosis in normal (9.07 ± 0.70%) and NS‐immersed skin (9.99 ± 1.22%). There was an apparent increase in the 6‐h and 12‐h SW immersed groups (29.90 ± 6.85%, P < 0.01; 45.46 ± 6.12%, P < 0.01, respectively). Ki‐67 antigen was located in the basal layer of the epidermis and hair follicles, the rates of Ki‐67‐positive cells were 7.90 ± 1.45% and 7.76 ± 1.52% in normal and NS‐immersed skin, respectively, and in the 12‐h SW immersed group, the rate of Ki‐67‐positive cells reached 23.85 ± 4.21% (threefold, P < 0.01). In each group, the rate of apoptosis was higher than that of proliferation. We conclude that SW immersion can cause time‐dependent apoptosis and proliferation in the epidermis, and the overall effect of SW immersion is injury to the epidermis.
Majocchi's granuloma of the face in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: GILL Meenu , SACHDEVA Bhavna , GILL Paramjeet S. , ARORA Brijbala , DEEP Antariksh , KARAN Jai
Published: September 2007

Majocchi's granuloma is a condition with chronic erythematous and indurated plaques that is a result of the rupture of a dermatophyte‐infected infundibulum as a result of trauma. It is frequently seen on the anterior aspect of the legs of women. Herein, we present a case of Majocchi's granuloma of face, a site rarely involved, in an immunocompetent patient. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological and mycological examination. Histological examination revealed hyphae and arthrospores in the hair follicles and in the dermis with a diffuse dermal infiltrate consisting of lymphoplasmacytic cells, and focal collections of epithelioid cells, neutrophils and mild interstitial edema. Mycological examination confirmed the presence of fungus, Trichophyton rubrum, and the diagnosis of Majocchi's granuloma of the face was made. No concrete predisposing factor was found to be associated with the occurrence of the lesions on the face. However, the history of prolonged veiling of the face by a cloth by the patient, perhaps contributing to the occurrence of lesions on face, is a point of dubious significance.
Diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage as a fatal complication of Schönlein–Henoch purpura
Authors: USUI Keiko , OCHIAI Toyoko , MUTO Ritsuko , ABE Ikuko , AIKAWA Miwa , KIKUSHIMA Kimio , NAGAO Ken
Published: September 2007

We report a case of a 69‐year‐old man with Schönlein–Henoch purpura who developed diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. He complained of dyspnea and hemoptysis while he was treated with steroids for gastroenteropathy associated with Schönlein–Henoch purpura. The drop in his hemoglobin levels and diffuse ground‐glass opacity at all levels of the lung fields on chest computed tomography were a significant clue to diagnosis. Despite pulse therapy, no clinical improvement of the lung was achieved, and he died on the 36th day after the admission. Although the combination of the corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents is normally recommended, diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage could become a fatal complication in elderly Schönlein–Henoch patients.
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum‐like papillary dermal elastolysis developed in early middle age
Authors: BYUN Ji‐Yeon , DO Mi‐Ok , KIM Seong‐Hyun , CHOI Hae‐Young , MYUNG Ki‐Bum , CHOI You‐Won
Published: September 2007

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum‐like papillary dermal elastolysis is a rare acquired elastolytic disorder characterized by papules that resemble pseudoxanthoma elasticum, and it typically affects elderly women. Histopathological examination shows atrophic epidermis and band‐like loss of elastic tissue in the papillary dermis. The pathogenesis is assumed to be related to intrinsic aging because it affects elderly people and shows the loss of elastic tissue. We report a case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum‐like papillary dermal elastolysis in early middle age presenting typical clinical and histopathological findings. The patient was a 41‐year‐old woman who had had her lesions for 10 years. We propose that younger patients, hitherto unknown, can be affected by this disorder and suggest that mechanisms other than intrinsic aging are involved in its pathogenesis.
Intraperitoneal photodynamic therapy for an ovarian cancer ascite model in Fischer 344 rat using hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether
Authors: Song Kun , Kong Beihua , Li Li , Yang Qifeng , Wei Yongqing , Qu Xun
Published: September 2007

With limited treatment options, intraperitoneal spread of ovarian cancer is a common problem leading to high morbidity. Intraperitoneal photodynamic therapy combined with debulking surgery to treat residual disease is an alternative choice for clinicians. Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) is a promising second‐generation photosensitizer developed in China. Our study was designed to investigate the phototoxicity of HMME on ovarian cancer. NuTu‐19, a cell line derived from adenocarcinoma of Fischer 344 rat, and its allogeneic graft ascites tumor model was used in this study. HMME was confirmed to be localized in cytolysosome, and HMME‐based photosensitization induced direct necrosis as well as mitochondria damage. The photocytotoxicity of HMME was both light‐ and drug dose‐dependent and no significant dark cytotoxicity was observed in NuTu‐19 cells. With the ascite tumor‐bearing Fischer 344 rat model, HMME‐based intraperitoneal photodynamic therapy was proved to be useful in improving the prognosis of ovarian cancer. Thus, this study provides evidence that HMME‐based photodynamic therapy is an effective adjuvant therapy for ovarian cancer. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1959–1964)
Structural changes and airway remodelling in occupational asthma at a mean interval of 14 years after cessation of exposure
Authors: Sumi Y. , Foley S. , Daigle S. , L'Archevêque J. , Olivenstein R. , Letuvé S. , Malo J.‐L. , Hamid Q.
Published: September 2007

Background
Occupational asthma (OA) may cause alterations of airways with inflammation and remodelling after cessation of exposure. Although the long‐term clinical, functional and induced sputum sequelae have been examined in workers removed from exposure, the long‐term pathological outcomes are unknown.

Objective
We aimed to investigate whether airway inflammation and remodelling were present in bronchial biopsies of subjects with prior OA but without evidence of persisting asthma at a mean interval of 14 years after cessation of exposure.

Methods
Ten clinically and functionally asymptomatic subjects with a prior diagnosis of OA were recruited and underwent bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial biopsy. Comparisons were made with biopsies from normal control subjects. Epithelial detachment, epithelial metaplasia, mucous gland and airway smooth muscle (ASM) areas as well as the distance between the epithelium and ASM were measured by image analysis. The amount of collagen present was assessed by van Gieson staining. The numbers of TGF‐β1‐ and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)‐positive cells were evaluated by specific immunostaining.

Results
Statistically significant increases were found in the numbers of TGF‐β1‐ and ECP‐positive cells and in the amount of subepithelial fibrosis present in the biopsies of subjects with prior OA compared with control biopsies. The distance between the epithelium and ASM was significantly reduced in the OA group. Increases in epithelial metaplasia, ASM mass, mucous gland numbers, collagen deposition and eosinophilia in the OA group were not statistically significant. There was no evidence of ongoing inflammation in the group with prior OA as assessed by the number of T lymphocytes present.

Conclusion
Some aspects of airway inflammation and remodelling persist in subjects with prior OA long after cessation of exposure even in the absence of clinical, sputum and functional abnormalities. These findings are relevant to the assessment of long‐term sequelae in subjects with OA when reviewed after cessation of exposure.
Migration is associated with lower total, but not free testosterone levels in South Asian men
Authors: Heald A. H. , Patel J. , Anderson S. G. , Vyas A. , Rudenski A. , Hughes E. , Panja N. C. , Ullah A. , Prabhakaran D. , Reddy S. , Durrington P. , Gibson J. M. , Laing I. , Bhatnagar D. , Cruickshank J. K.
Published: September 2007

Objective  Serum testosterone measurement is an integral part of the endocrine assessment of men. Little is known about its variation in relation to migration. We examined within a South Asian group the effect of migration to the UK on androgen levels.

Design  Circulating testosterone and SHBG concentrations were measured in 97 Gujarati men resident in India and in 79 men from the same villages of origin living in Birmingham, UK. Free testosterone was calculated by Vermeulen's method. Insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐S) was determined from paired fasting plasma intact insulin and glucose values.

Results  Circulating testosterone was significantly lower in UK Gujarati men (17·2 nmol/l [15·7–18·7]) vs. Indian Gujarati men (21·7 [20·0–23·5]) (P = 0·0002) (age‐adjusted median [95% CI]). There was no difference by migration status in circulating free testosterone. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were lower in UK migrants (16·8 nmol/l [15·5–18·1]) than in nonmigrants (21·9 nmol/l [20·5–23·3]) (P < 0·0001). Testosterone level correlated positively with insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐S) (ρ 0·16, P = 0·04). In multivariate analysis, total testosterone was independently and positively associated with logSHBG (normalized beta (β) = 0·29, P = 0·002) and independently and negatively with waist circumference (β = –0·19, P = 0·04), in a model also including height, age, migration status, leptin and fasting insulin.

Conclusion  Lower circulating testosterone in UK Gujarati men and its association with markers of insulin sensitivity suggest a profound influence of body composition change with migration on testosterone levels. The lower SHBG in this group restores parity in free testosterone. Account should be taken of SHBG in interpreting testosterone levels in men, as well as in women.
Cystic neoplasms of the exocrine pancreas
Authors: Campbell F , Azadeh B
Published: September 2007

The increasing use of radiological imaging has led to greater detection of small and asymptomatic cystic lesions of the pancreas. Most are resectable, but not all are neoplastic. This review provides an update on the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, pathogenesis and management of cystic neoplasms of the exocrine pancreas. These include the serous, the mucinous cystic, the intraductal papillary mucinous and the solid pseudopapillary neoplasms. Recently reported variants are described and very rare cystic variants of other pancreatic epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms are briefly mentioned.
Antigen receptor V‐segment usage in mucosal T cells
Authors: Edwards A. G. , Weale A. R. , Denny A. J. , Edwards K. J. , Helps C. R. , Lear P. A. , Bailey M.
Published: September 2007

In the accepted model of lymphocyte intestinal homing, naïve T cells recirculate via organized lymphoid tissues, whilst induced effector/memory cells home to the intestinal mucosa. In order to assess the T‐cell‐receptor repertoire in the intestine and gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), spectratyping was performed on the proximal and the distal intestine, spleen and mesenteric lymph node tissue from six PVG rats. The products were analysed with an automated sequencer and statistical analyses were performed with hierarchical cluster analysis. This demonstrated the presence of a restricted T‐cell repertoire in the small intestine compared with that in the mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen. It also demonstrated marked differences in repertoire between individual, fully inbred rats maintained under apparently identical conditions in the same cage and fed identical diets. In addition, this work demonstrated marked differences between repertoires in the proximal and the distal intestine. Such marked differences are likely to reflect the end result of increasing divergence over time produced by relatively subtle effects of environment and antigenic load. Equally, marked differences in repertoire between small intestinal segments within individual rats indicate selective recruitment or retention of specific clones, presumably antigen‐driven.
Novel infection strategies of Colletotrichum acutatum on ripe blueberry fruit
Authors: Wharton P. S. , Schilder A. C.
Published: September 2007

The infection and colonization process of Colletotrichum acutatum on ripe blueberry fruit from two cultivars with different susceptibility to anthracnose were examined using light and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Ripe fruit from susceptible cv. Jersey and resistant cv. Elliott were drop‐inoculated with a conidial suspension of C. acutatum, and epidermal peels were evaluated at selected times after inoculation and incubation. Results from pre‐penetration studies demonstrated that there were significant differences in the rate of formation of melanized appressoria between the two cultivars, with the rate of formation being faster in the susceptible one. In both cultivars, penetration by the pathogen occurred via appressoria 48 h post‐inoculation (hpi). However, in the susceptible cv. Jersey, C. acutatum then adopted an intracellular hemibiotrophic‐like infection strategy, whereas in the resistant cv. Elliott subcuticular intramural‐like infection occurred. In cv. Jersey by 108 hpi, intracellular growth of the pathogen led to the formation of numerous acervuli, with orange conidial masses. By 120 hpi, the conidial masses had coalesced covering the entire inoculated area. In cv. Elliott, acervuli were not seen until 144 hpi and contained few conidia. These results demonstrate for the first time the ability of C. acutatum to adopt a different infection and colonization strategy depending on the susceptibility of the host tissue being colonized.
Characterization of a vector‐non‐transmissible isolate of Tomato spotted wilt virus
Authors: Naidu R. A. , Sherwood J. L. , Deom C. M.
Published: September 2007

The characteristics of a thrips‐non‐transmissible isolate of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), designated TSWV‐M, were compared with those of a thrips‐transmissible isolate, designated TSWV‐T. TSWV‐M showed a narrower host range than TSWV‐T. Adult thrips failed to transmit TSWV‐M, although the vector acquired the virus during the larval stages. TSWV‐M was detected by RT‐PCR in adult thrips bodies, but not in thrips heads, suggesting that loss of thrips transmissibility was the result of the absence of virus in adult thrips salivary glands. Whereas N (nucleoprotein), NSs (non‐structural protein) and GC (the C‐terminal portion of the glycoprotein precursor protein) were present in similar amounts in leaf tissue from TSWV‐M‐ or TSWV‐T‐infected plants, GN (the N‐terminal portion of the glycoprotein precursor protein) was present at much lower amounts in TSWV‐M‐ than in TSWV‐T‐infected plants. SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting analysis of TSWV‐M and TSWV‐T virion preparations with GN‐ and GC‐specific antibodies revealed similar amounts of the GN and GC glycoproteins in TSWV‐T virions, but lower amounts of GN than GC in TSWV‐M virions. This resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the GN/GC ratio in TSWV‐M virions. In affinoblots, the GC and GN glycoproteins of TSWV‐M exhibited weak binding with lectins showing affinity for N‐linked oligosaccharide structures. Sequence analysis of M RNA (medium segment of the TSMV genome) revealed no deletions or frameshift mutations in the GN/GC precursor of TSWV‐M. However, five amino acid changes were detected in the GN/GC precursor. A single, relatively conservative amino acid substitution (V→I) was observed in the NSm protein. Sequence analysis of S RNA (small portion of the TSMV genome) revealed a large intergenic region with no changes in the N protein and with three amino acid changes in the NSs protein.
Quantification of viable cells of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis using a DNA binding dye and a real‐time PCR assay
Authors: Luo L. X. , Walters C. , Bolkan H. , Liu X. L. , Li J. Q.
Published: September 2007

Viable cells of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (CMM), the causal agent of bacterial canker of tomato, were discriminated from the dead cells by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), after the bacterial solution was treated with the DNA binding dye ethidium monoazide (EMA). The primers and TaqMan probe, based on the 16S‐23S rDNA spacer sequences, were highly specific for CMM at the subspecies level. The detection limit of the direct real‐time PCR was 103 colony forming units per mL (cfu mL−1) in samples and with an apparent sensitivity of 2 cfu of target cells in PCR reaction solution. Application of this method allows for selective quantification of viable cells of CMM and facilitates monitoring the pathogen in tomato seeds.
Isozyme analysis of Plasmopara halstedii using cellulose‐acetate gel electrophoresis
Authors: Komjáti H. , Bakonyi J. , Spring O. , Virányi F.
Published: September 2007

Isozyme analysis by cellulose‐acetate gel electrophoresis was used for the first time on Plasmopara halstedii, the causal agent of sunflower downy mildew. Forty‐five isolates originating from sunflower, cocklebur and Helianthus × laetiflorus were used, comprising 10 field isolates and 35 single‐spore lines of an additional 30 field isolates representing 10 different virulence phenotypes. Sixteen isozyme systems were analysed, of which three, isocitrate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and phosphoglucomutase, resulted in clear, reproducible banding patterns and revealed some polymorphism among the isolates. Phosphoglucomutase differentiated two groups among the isolates collected from cultivated sunflower, while the other enzymes were polymorphic between isolates from the different hosts. Polymorphisms were not related to virulence phenotype.
Estimating the germination dynamics of Plasmopara viticola oospores using hydro‐thermal time
Authors: Rossi V. , Caffi T. , Bugiani R. , Spanna F. , Valle D. Della
Published: September 2007

The effects of environmental conditions on the variability in germination dynamics of Plasmopara viticola oospores were studied from 1999 to 2003. The germination course was determined indirectly as the relative infection incidence (RII) occurring on grape leaf discs kept in contact with oospores sampled from a vineyard between March and July. The time elapsed between 1 January and the infection occurrence was expressed as physiological time, using four methods: (i) sums of daily temperatures > 8°C; (ii) hourly temperatures > 10°C; (iii) sums of hourly rates from a temperature‐dependent function; or (iv) sums of these rates in hours with a rain or vapour pressure deficit ≤ 4·5 hPa (hydro‐thermal time, HT). An equation of Gompertz in the form RII = exp[−a · exp(−b · HT)] produced an accurate fit for both separate years (R2 = 0·97 to 0·99) and pooled data (R2 = 0·89), as well as a good accuracy in cross‐estimating new data (r between observed and cross‐estimated data were between 0·93 and 0·99, P < 0·0001). It also accounted for a great part of the variability in oospore germination between years and both between and within sampling periods. Therefore, the equation of Gompertz (with a = 15·9 ± 2·63 and b = 0·653 ± 0·034) calculated over hydro‐thermal time, a physiological time accounting for the effects of both temperature and moisture, produced a consistent modelling of the general relationships between the germination dynamics of a population of P. viticola oospores and weather conditions. It represents the relative density of the seasonal oospores that should have produced sporangia when they have experienced favourable conditions for germination.
Seventeen novel alleles add to the already extensive KIR3DL3 diversity
Authors: Hou L. , Chen M. , Steiner N. K. , Belle I. , Turino C. , Ng J. , Hurley C. K.
Published: September 2007

Exons 2–9 of KIR3DL3 alleles were characterized by genomic DNA sequencing in two families and in 78 bone marrow transplant samples. Several strategies were used to isolate single alleles for characterization and to resolve alternative allele combinations. We describe 17 novel 3DL3 alleles carried by 30 individuals. Compared with the most closely matched alleles, the new alleles differ by from one to three nucleotides and from zero to three amino acids. The majority of the substitutions were shared with other 3DL3 alleles although three novel polymorphic codons, 151 (exon 4), 327 (exon 7) and 352 (exon 9), are described. Of the 36 different 3DL3 alleles detected in the transplant population, the three most common alleles accounting for 47% of the total were KIR3DL3*00101 (13.5%), KIR3DL3*003 (21.2%) and KIR3DL3*00901 (12.2%).
Identification of novel HLA‐G subtype, HLA‐G*0109, by sequencing in the Korean population
Authors: Kang H. , Yun H.‐S. , Song M.‐Y. , Lee J.‐K. , Kwack K.
Published: September 2007

We identified the novel human leukocyte antigen‐G*0109 allele in the Korean population by direct sequencing. This allele has a single‐nucleotide substitution at nucleotide residue 547 in codon 159 that results in an amino acid change from tyrosine to histidine.
A novel HLA‐Cw*05 allele, Cw*0517
Authors: Endres R. O. , Redman H. , Baumbach A. , Capper J.
Published: September 2007

This report describes the discovery and characterization of the HLA‐Cw*0517 allele.
Influence of seasonal timing on thermal ecology and thermal reaction norm evolution in Wyeomyia smithii
Authors: RAGLAND G. J. , KINGSOLVER J. G.
Published: September 2007

Evolutionary changes in the seasonal timing of life‐history events can alter a population's exposure to seasonally variable environmental factors. We illustrate this principle in Wyeomyia smithii by showing that: (1) geographic divergence in diapause timing reduces differences among populations in the thermal habitat experienced by nondiapause stages; and (2) the thermal habitat of the growing season is more divergent at high compared with low temperatures with respect to daily mean temperatures. Geographic variation in thermal reaction norms for development time was greater in a warm compared with a cool rearing treatment, mirroring the geographic trend in daily mean temperature. Geographic variation in body size was unrelated to geographic temperature variation, but was also unrelated to development time or fecundity. Our results suggest that proper interpretation of geographic trends may often require detailed knowledge of life‐history timing.
Female mate choice across mating stages and between sequential mates in flour beetles
Authors: FEDINA T. Y. , LEWIS S. M.
Published: September 2007

Few studies have examined how female premating choice correlates with the outcome of copulatory and post‐copulatory processes. It has been shown that polyandrous Tribolium castaneum females discriminate among males before mating based on olfactory cues, and also exert cryptic choice during mating through several mechanisms. This study tested whether a male’s relative attractiveness predicted his insemination success during copulation. Bioassays with male olfactory cues were used to rank two males as more and less attractive to females; each female was then mated to either her more attractive male followed by less attractive male, or vice versa. Dissections immediately after second copulations revealed a significantly higher percent of successful inseminations for females that remated with more attractive males compared with those that remated with less attractive males. These results indicate that cryptic female choice during copulation reinforces precopulatory female choice in T. castaneum, and suggest that females could use cryptic choice to trade up to more attractive males, possibly gaining better phenotypic or genetic quality of sires.
Language, identity and representation: Occupation and occupational therapy in acute settings
Authors: Wilding Clare , Whiteford Gail
Published: September 2007

Aim:  This article presents findings from a participatory action research study into the experience and use of occupation, theory and evidence in the everyday practice of a group of occupational therapists working in a large metropolitan hospital delivering a range of acute services, in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods and findings:  Narrative data gathered from 11 individual interviews and 10 group discussions were analysed through numerous iterative cycles to explore research issues and evaluate research actions. This article discusses why the participating occupational therapists chose to change the language they used to describe their practice from a focus on ‘function’ to a focus on ‘occupation’. This change improved the therapists’ levels of confidence, strengthened their professional identities and provided for a sense of renewed empowerment within the organisation.

Conclusions:  The findings suggest that occupational therapists in acute settings can utilise language more effectively to augment their ability to promote the vital and unique contribution that occupational therapy has to make. Such small, yet powerful changes can empower occupational therapists to address long‐standing dilemmas of representation and enable transformative practices.
The development of expertise in paediatric rehabilitation therapists: The roles of motivation, openness to experience, and types of caseload experience
Authors: King Gillian , Currie Melissa , Bartlett Doreen J. , Strachan Deborah , Tucker Mary Ann , Willoughby Colleen
Published: September 2007

Background/aim:  A transdisciplinary approach was taken to study the nature of variables associated with the development of expertise in 71 paediatric rehabilitation therapists (i.e. physical, occupational, speech, behavioural, and recreational therapists).

Methods:  Six groups of practising therapists were identified based on expertise status (novice, intermediate, and expert, as determined by a multifaceted assessment battery), and their level of clinical experience (10 years or less, more than 10 years). Scores for these six therapist groups were examined on three variables generally considered to be associated with the development of expertise — motivation, openness to experience (as defined by the critical‐thinking dispositions of truth‐seeking, open‐mindedness, and cognitive maturity), and features of their clinical caseload experience (i.e. breadth of experience as measured by number of different client age groups worked with, the complexity of clients’ needs, and experience in delivering services to adolescents, school‐age children, preschoolers, and infants).

Results:  Low‐experience experts (‘young stars’) had the highest motivation, truth‐seeking, and open‐mindedness scores of all groups, the highest percentage of clients with complex service needs, and were more likely to work with adolescents.

Conclusions:  The major differences between therapists who attain expertise quickly versus those who remain novices after many years of experience appear to be motivation and complexity of work experiences. Implications for supporting the development of expertise in practising therapists are discussed.
Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? Making sense of results from randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lannin Natasha , Webster Beverley
Published: September 2007

Background:  Reading and interpreting results from research can be challenging. Many therapists read the abstract and discussion but confess to bypassing the results section of journal articles.

Methods:  This paper discusses necessary steps to reading the results section of a published randomised controlled trial. Recent clinical trials are used as examples.

Results:  An ability to read and interpret the results section of a paper requires the therapist to consider whether the tests conducted are appropriate, the results reported are accurate and the conclusions drawn by the authors are appropriate. Estimates of treatment effect sizes can be calculated by the therapist and used to determine if the effect of treatment is likely to be large enough to be “clinically worthwhile”.

Conclusions:  The ability to extract meaningful statistical information from clinical trials is a fundamental skill that will enhance therapists’ knowledge and understanding of evidence‐based practice.
Predischarge occupational therapy home assessment visits: Towards an evidence base
Authors: Harris Sally , James Erica , Snow Pamela
Published: September 2007

Background/aim:  Predischarge home assessment visits are a commonly accepted, but little researched, aspect of occupational therapy practice. The aim of this research was to systematically investigate current predischarge occupational therapy home assessment visit practices in a rehabilitation ward of a regional Australian hospital.

Methods:  A retrospective chart audit was conducted over a 7‐month time period and included 227 patients discharged from the inpatient rehabilitation ward at the study hospital.

Results:  Fifty‐five per cent of patients in the study sample received home assessment visits. At least one recommendation for change was made as a result of the visit for 99% of those patients receiving visits. A total of 139 visits were completed and resulted in 1179 recommendations for change. The median number of recommendations made for the home assessment visits was 10 (range 0–33). The most common types of recommendations, timing of visits, persons present during the visit and documentation of visits were also investigated.

Conclusion:  Although occupational therapy home assessment visits are routinely completed, there is limited research available to provide evidence‐based guidelines relating to predischarge occupational therapy home assessment visit practices. Recommendations for future practice and areas for further research into occupational therapy home assessment visits are discussed.
Development of the Activity Card Sort — Australia
Authors: Packer Tanya L. , Boshoff Kobie , DeJonge Desleigh
Published: September 2007

Aims:  To develop the Activity Card Sort (ACS) — Australia as a tool to measure participation in activities of daily living for older adults.

Methods:  Secondary data analysis of activity diaries of older Australians in Brisbane and Adelaide were utilised for item generation. Survey of older adults and cluster analysis was used for item selection and determination of domains for the ACS‐Australia.

Results:  The final ACS‐Australia is comprised of 82 activity items, falling under the three domains of household activities, social/educational activities and leisure activities.

Conclusions:  The ACS‐Australia has robust properties, wide application and provides a culturally relevant tool to measure participation of older Australians, thus will facilitate rigorous clinical and population‐based research.
Recent trends in patient characteristics and therapeutic choices for interstitial cystitis: Analysis of 282 Japanese patients
Authors: Ito Takaaki , Ueda Tomohiro , Honma Yukio , Takei Mineo
Published: September 2007

Objectives:  We investigated the characteristics of recent male and female patients diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC), then investigated which therapy was chosen by the attending urologist.

Methods:  Materials were 282 IC patients diagnosed and treated during the past 3 years (sampling from Japanese IC database). Gender, age, medical history and predominant symptoms were investigated. In addition, we investigated the interval before a diagnosis was established. In laboratory findings, we investigated voided volume, urinalysis findings and cystoscopic findings. Regarding therapy, we investigated which therapy was chosen as the first line.

Results:  The gender ratio was about 1.0:5.6 (male : female). Regarding age distribution, patients in their 60s were the most frequent (65 cases, 31.3%). The interval before diagnosis of IC was 36.5 months on average (1–360 months). Regarding medical history, intrapelvic surgery was the most common and repeated urinary tract infection was next. The most frequent symptom was urinary frequency (295 cases, 98.3%). Urinary urgency was noted in 186 cases (62%) and supra‐pubic pain was noted in 125 cases (41.6%). The once voided volume was 104.3 mL on average (50–200 mL). The most common cystoscopic finding was glomerulation (158 cases). Ulcer was present in only 19 cases. The most widely carried out therapy was hydrodistension (208 cases, 67.9%). Oral suplatast tosilate (197 cases, 65.6%), antihistamine (77 cases, 25.6%) and intravesical dimethylsulfoxide (69 cases, 23%) followed.

Conclusions:  Regarding characteristics, the age distribution was older than other countries. The most frequent symptom was urinary frequency. Oral suplatast tosilate was one of the popular therapies in Japan.
Overexpression of p27kip1 in urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Fu Ting‐Ying , Tu Ming‐Shium , Tseng Hui‐Hwa , Wang Jyh‐Seng
Published: September 2007

Objectives:  Cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) complexes have important regulatory roles during cell cycle progression and can be used as prognostic markers in various kinds of malignant tumors. This study investigated the expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p53, Rb, p27kip1, and cyclin D1 by immunostains in bladder tumors, especially urothelial papilloma, papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential, and low and high grade urothelial carcinoma, to see if their expression is associated with classification or grading of the urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma.

Method:  Nuclear expression of PCNA, p53, Rb, p27kip1, and cyclin D1 was determined immunohistochemically in a series of 89 urinary bladder tumor specimens, including 13 papilloma, 15 urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential, 17 low grade urothelial carcinoma, and 44 high grade urothelial carcinoma. The results of immunoreactivity were analyzed with respect to the associations with tumor grade.

Results:  Eighty‐two percent (38/45) of the p27kip1 positive tumors were urothelial carcinoma, and the percentage of the p27kip1 positivity was higher with increasing grade of the urothelial carcinoma (P = 0.011). A tendency of higher percentage of positive p53 immunoreactivity was noted in the urothelial carcinoma (P = 0.053). There was no significant difference in cyclinD1, Rb and PCNA expression between benign, low malignant potential and urothelial carcinoma.

Conclusion:  We first noted an overexpression of p27kip1 in urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma. The result indicates that some urothelial carcinomas may tolerate this inhibitor of cell cycle progression.
Expression of aquaporin 3 in the human prostate
Authors: Wang Jianbo , Tanji Nozomu , Kikugawa Tadahiko , Shudou Masachika , Song Xishuang , Yokoyama Masayoshi
Published: September 2007

Objective:  Aquaporins (AQPs) function as selective pores allowing water, glycerol and other small solutes to pass through the cell membrane. The present study investigated the expression and localization of AQP3 in the human prostate.

Methods:  Three human prostate cancer cell lines (DU‐145, LNCaP and PC‐3) and one normal human prostate cell line (PNT1A) were used in this study. Clinical materials from patients with prostate cancer were also used. AQP3 mRNA and protein expression were examined using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical methods.

Results:  Aquaporin 3 mRNA was expressed in normal and cancerous prostate cells. Moreover, the expression of AQP3 mRNA was seen in both normal and cancerous epithelia of human prostate tissues, but not in the mesenchyme. In the normal epithelia of the prostate, localization was limited to cell membranes, particularly the basolateral membranes. However, the expression of AQP3 protein in the cancer epithelia was not observed on the cell membranes.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that water‐channel protein may be involved in the preservation of cellular character in the human prostate and prostate cancer is associated with an alteration of water‐transporting mechanisms. Changes in the localization of AQP3 in cancer cells may result from tumorigenesis.
Fatigue assessment and fatigue life calculation of quenched and tempered SAE 4140 steel based on stress–strain hysteresis, temperature and electrical resistance measurements
Authors: STARKE P. , WALTHER F. , EIFLER D.
Published: September 2007

In this paper, mechanical stress–strain‐hysteresis, temperature and electrical resistance measurements are performed for the detailed characterization of the fatigue behaviour of quenched and tempered SAE 4140 steel used for many applications in the automotive industry. Stress‐controlled load increase and constant amplitude tests (CATs) were carried out at ambient temperature on servo‐hydraulic testing systems. The applied measurement methods depend on deformation‐induced changes of the microstructure in the bulk material and represent the actual fatigue state. The plastic strain amplitude, the change in temperature and the change in electrical resistance can be equally used for an assessment of baseline fatigue properties in generalized cyclic deformation curves as well as in generalized Morrow and Coffin–Manson curves. On the basis of comprehensive experimental fatigue data, the physically based fatigue life calculation method ‘PHYBAL’ based on the generalized Basquin equation was developed. S–N (Woehler) curves calculated with ‘PHYBAL’ using data from only three fatigue tests agree very well with the conventionally determined ones.
Prevalence of highly host‐specific cyanophages in the estuarine environment
Authors: Wang Kui , Chen Feng
Published: September 2007

Cyanophages that infect coastal and oceanic Synechococcus have been studied extensively. However, no cyanophages infecting estuarine Synechococcus have been reported. In this study, seven cyanophages (three podoviruses, three siphoviruses and one myovirus) isolated from four estuarine Synechococcus strains were characterized in terms of their morphology, host range, growth and genetic features. All the podoviruses and siphoviruses were highly host specific. For the first time, the photosynthesis gene (psbA) was found in two podoviruses infecting estuarine Synechococcus. However, the psbA gene was not detected in the three siphoviruses. The psbA sequences from the two Synechococcus podoviruses clustered with some environmental psbA sequences, forming a unique cluster distantly related to previous known psbA clusters. Our results suggest that the psbA among Synechococcus podoviruses may evolve independently from the psbA of Synechococcus myoviruses. All three estuarine Synechococcus podoviruses contained the DNA polymerase (pol) gene, and clustered with other podoviruses that infect oceanic Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, suggesting that the DNA pol is conserved among marine picocyanobacterial podoviruses. Prevalence of host‐specific cyanophages in the estuary suggests that Synechococcus and their phages in the estuarine ecosystem may develop a host–phage relationship different from what have been found in the open ocean.
Leadership in R&D Projects
Authors: Grosse Diana
Published: September 2007

This article describes the results of an empirical study regarding a suitable style of R&D project leadership, especially what tasks project leaders should perform by themselves and what tasks they should delegate, what personal characteristics they should be endowed with and what kind of relationships they should have with their team. Fifty interviews were held in German institutions short‐listed for an award for their innovative products by the Saxon government. In contrast to the assumption of the Social Identity Theory, in these institutions good R&D project leaders are not the ‘prototype’ of their team, but successfully balance the interests of the company and the R&D project team.
The role of extended families in childcare and protection: the case of rural China
Authors: Shang Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2007

This article focuses on a traditional system of protecting orphaned children in rural areas in Southern China. It examines the role of extended families in supporting orphans and the division of labour between the family and the state when it comes to financial and caring responsibilities in child protection. The research finds that orphans are effectively supported and protected by the traditional system of family care and protection. However, the traditional system faces challenges and financial difficulties in terms of bearing the costs of education and healthcare for orphaned children. To protect children adequately, intervention by the modern welfare state is urgently needed in China.
Correcting misconceptions about the development of social work in China: a response to Hutchings and Taylor
Authors: Jia Cunfu
Published: September 2007

Hutchings and Taylor, in their article entitled ‘Defining the profession? Exploring an international definition of social work in the China context’[International Journal of Social Welfare 16: 381–389], no doubt had good intentions in offering their account of the development of social work in China, as the opening and concluding sections of the article show. Within the text, however, their critique of contemporary social work in China is, in my opinion, unfair in relation to, among other things, (i) the undemocratic nature of the Chinese political system, which they say hinders the development of social work in China; (ii) the ideology of the Communist Party, the government, and traditional Chinese culture, which they say are at odds with Western social work's value system and methodology; thus concluding that (iii) it is doubtful whether social work development in China could integrate with that of the international community. In this response, I comment on (i) the information base of the authors; (ii) the disconnection between their conceptualisation and historical facts; and (iii) their use of the international definition of social work.
Methodological Issues in Inclusive Intellectual Disability Research: A Health Promotion Needs Assessment of People Attending Irish Disability Services
Authors: Boland M. , Daly L. , Staines A.
Published: September 2007

Background  This paper describes a novel combination of inclusive methods to evaluate health and health promotion needs of service users (clients) with intellectual disability. Sixty centres provide disability services to over 900 clients with intellectual disability in the East Coast Area Health Board region of Ireland (population approximately 325 000). This is the first known triangulated large‐scale approach to inclusive needs assessment of clients using regional disability services in Ireland.

Method  The research included interviewer‐directed surveys of 247 clients with intellectual disability (or advocates) and 180 clients with physical/sensory disability; focus groups for clients, service providers and carers; and a postal survey for centre managers. Modification of existing surveys was required for people with intellectual disability.

Results  Fifty‐six of 60 (93.3%) centres participated. The response rate at the client level was 98.8% (3/250 refusals). Health behaviours, likes and dislikes were well described by clients and advocates. Clients identified the need for more creative therapy, physical activity, relaxation therapy and social activities. Service providers and carers emphasized more the need for speech and language therapy, counselling, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

Conclusions  Inclusive research methods can produce useful outcome measures of the health promotion needs of those with disability. Triangulation is valuable, where clients, carers and service providers are all involved in the research process.
Mixtures of papermill biosolids and pig slurry improve soil quality and growth of hybrid poplar
Authors: Lteif A. , Whalen J. K. , Bradley R. L. , Camiré C.
Published: September 2007

Hybrid poplar plantations in Quebec, Canada, are generally established on marginal agricultural lands characterized by low pH and low inherent soil fertility. Here, we tested the hypothesis that two potential organic fertilizer (OF) sources, papermill biosolids (PBs) and liquid pig slurry (LPS), would improve soil quality and the growth performance of hybrid poplars (Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoides), especially if applied in mixtures rather than separately. The fertilizer treatments included an unfertilized control, inorganic fertilizer (IF) (calcium ammonium nitrate and triple superphosphate) and OFs (PBs alone, LPS alone and two combinations of PBs and LPS) applied at two rates. Fertilizers were broadcast within 1 m of tree trunks and unincorporated, to prevent damage to tree roots. Hybrid poplar growth was the greatest in plots fertilized with a combination of PBs and LPS, suggesting that the two OFs complemented themselves and/or interacted to improve soil nutritional quality. PBs were the most efficient at raising soil pH, providing plant‐available Ca and increasing nitrification rates over the long term, whereas LPS provided more readily available NO3‐N, P and K. Applied together, PBs and LPS interacted to provide more extractable P and mineralizable NH4‐N than when applied separately. OFs increased soil biological activity, notably basal respiration, microbial biomass, metabolic quotient and mineral N production rates. Community‐level catabolic profiles of the extractable soil microflora in plots with OFs differed significantly from the control and IF treatments. This implies that surface‐applied OFs may induce fundamental changes to the diversity and composition of microbial communities in the underlying rooting zone. Although this study has shown beneficial effects of OF mixtures on soil quality and hybrid poplar growth, further research should focus on their possible environmental impacts.
Regression‐Based Tests of the Market Pricing of Accounting Numbers: The Mishkin Test and Ordinary Least Squares
Authors: KRAFT ARTHUR , LEONE ANDREW J. , WASLEY CHARLES E.
Published: September 2007

The test developed in Mishkin [1983] (hereafter, MT) is widely used to test the rational pricing of accounting numbers. However, contrary to the perception in the accounting literature, the exclusion of variables from the MT's forecasting and pricing equations leads to an omitted variables problem that affects inferences about the rational pricing of accounting variables. Only if the omitted variables are rationally priced is their exclusion irrelevant. Failure to recognize this issue leads accounting researchers to employ the MT without appreciating how omitted variables affect the inferences they draw. We demonstrate that when additional explanatory variables are included in the MT, the rational pricing of accruals is not rejected. That is, the accrual anomaly documented in Sloan [1996] vanishes when additional explanatory variables are incorporated into the MT. We also show that in accounting research settings, where samples are large, ordinary least squares (OLS) is equivalent to the MT. As a result, accounting researchers should consider using OLS or be more explicit about the exact advantages of the MT over OLS in their research setting.