bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in the pathogenesis of canine leishmaniosis: epidemiologic and diagnostic implications
Authors: Saridomichelakis Manolis N.
Published: December 2009

Canine leishmaniosis caused byLeishmania infantum(Syn.L. chagasi) is an important zoonosis with a complex pathogenesis. Parasite transmission occurs via female sandflies that inject promastigotes into the skin of the host. The interaction between the parasite and skin immune system is influenced by the repeated infectious bites and the simultaneous intradermal injection of sandfly saliva. Amastigotes are transported via infected macrophages to the regional lymph nodes and finally dissemination may occur. The outcome of the infection depends on host factors (genetic background, cell‐mediated and humoral immune response, cytokine milieu, concurrent diseases) and parasite virulence. Resistance may be breed‐associated; it is characterized by low to undetectable antibody production and effective cell‐mediated immunity, and is orchestrated by cytokines such as interleukin‐2, interferon‐gamma and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha. Susceptibility may be genetically determined or acquired (advanced age, concurrent diseases); in these dogs, parasite multiplication goes unrestricted and overproduction of specific and nonspecific antibodies occurs, leading to multiple organ pathology. Resistance or susceptibility is not an all‐or‐nothing phenomenon and many intermediate phenotypes may be found. From a diagnostic point of view, although clinical cases are readily identified using microscopy and serology, investigation should not stop at this point and an extensive search for underlying diseases is advised, especially in aged dogs. Conversely, microscopy and conventional serology are frequently negative in asymptomatic infected dogs; to identify such dogs, polymerase chain reaction, evaluation of cutaneous delayed‐type hypersensitivity,in vitrolymphocyte proliferation test toLeishmaniaantigen, and Western blotting may be employed.
Colonization and infection of the human host by staphylococci: adhesion, survival and immune evasion
Authors: Foster Timothy J.
Published: December 2009

The natural habitat of Staphylococcus aureus in humans is the moist squamous epithelium of the anterior nares. Several bacterial surface proteins are implicated in promoting adhesion to desquamated epithelial cells. Clumping factor B (ClfB) and iron‐regulated surface determinant A both promote nasal colonization in rodent models, and in the case of ClfB, humans. One of the ligands involved in adhesion is cytokeratin 10. Reduction in nasal colonization can be achieved by active and passive immunization. S. aureus is well endowed with secreted and surface components that compromise innate immune responses, particularly the function of neutrophils. S. aureus secretes proteins that reduce migration of neutrophils from the bloodstream to the site of infection by impeding diapedesis and receptors for chemotactic molecules. Several secreted proteins interfere with complement C3 and C5 convertases, thus reducing the level of C3b opsonin and the chemotactic peptide C5a. Host proteases are recruited to the cell surface to enhance destruction of opsonic C3b and IgG. Surface components ClfA, protein A and polysaccharide capsule compromise the recognition of opsonins on the bacterial cell surface. If engulfed by neutrophils the intracellular bacterium can resist reactive oxygen intermediates, nitric oxide radicals, defensin peptides and bactericidal proteins. A prior infection by S. aureus does not induce complete protective immunity. This could be due to immunosuppression caused by expression of superantigen proteins that disrupt normal activation of T cells and B cells during antigen presentation. By studying the molecular pathogenesis of S. aureus infections markers might be found for investigating S. pseudintermedius infections of dogs.
The Staphylococcus intermedius group of bacterial pathogens: species re‐classification, pathogenesis and the emergence of meticillin resistance
Authors: Ross Fitzgerald J.
Published: December 2009

Staphylococcus intermedius has been long regarded as the common cause of pyoderma in dogs and other animals. Despite its clinical importance, our understanding of the population genetics and pathogenesis of S. intermedius is limited. This review summarizes recent studies which have explored the genetic diversity of S. intermedius isolates resulting in a re‐classification of the species and the identification of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius as the common canine pyoderma pathogen. Also discussed will be the recent identification and spread of meticillin‐resistant strains of S. pseudintermedius in the context of their molecular evolution. While our understanding of S. pseudintermedius pathogenesis is very limited, it is hoped that current genome sequencing studies will result in fresh impetus for studies of disease pathogenesis and for the design of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of canine pyoderma.
Use of the D‐dimer assay for diagnosing thrombosis in cases of canine cutaneous vasculitis
Authors: Rosser Edmund J.
Published: December 2009

The objectives of this study were to measure D‐dimer concentrations and assess their value in diagnosis of thrombosis in three groups of dogs; (i) dogs with cutaneous vasculitis without histopathological evidence of thrombosis; (ii) dogs with cutaneous vasculitis with histopathological evidence of thrombosis; and (iii) pruritic dogs with erythematous skin and underlying allergic skin disease. D‐dimer test results were reported as negative at <250 ng/mL, and positive at ≥250 ng/mL. Ten dogs with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and/or cutaneous adverse food reaction were enrolled in the study, and the D‐dimer results were <250 ng/mL (eight dogs) and 250–500 ng/mL (two dogs). Twenty‐six dogs with a diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitis had blood samples submitted for D‐dimer analysis at the time of the initial submission of skin biopsies and results were: 15 had cutaneous vessel thrombi present with a D‐dimer of >500–1000 ng/mL (14 dogs) and >1000 ng/mL (one dog); 11 dogs had no histological evidence of thrombi with a D‐dimer of <250 ng/mL (four dogs), 250–500 ng/mL (three dogs) and >500–1000 ng/mL (four dogs). However, two of four dogs with a D‐dimer of >500–1000 ng/mL without histological evidence of thrombi developed necrotic skin lesions over the next 24–48 h. In conclusion, a D‐dimer >500 ng/mL is strong evidence to support the current presence or subsequent development of cutaneous vessel thrombosis, and a D‐dimer of <500 ng/mL correlates well with the absence of cutaneous vessel thrombi and necrotic skin lesions. No dogs with histopathological evidence of thrombi had a false‐negative D‐dimer.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of filaggrin polyclonal antibody in atopic and normal beagles
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Samuelson Don , Harrington Lisa
Published: December 2009

In human atopic dermatitis (AD), impairments in skin barrier function are emphasized and hypothesized to increase risk of allergic sensitization. Filaggrins, crucial proteins for keratinization, are decreased in lesional and nonlesional human atopic skin. As canine AD shares numerous similarities with the human counterpart, this study aimed to evaluate a polyclonal antibody against human filaggrin in atopic beagles sensitized to house dust mites (HDM) and normal healthy dogs. The effects of HDM exposure on immunostaining and clinical signs were evaluated in both groups. Positive immunohistochemical staining with anti‐filaggrin antibody was evaluated both objectively and subjectively by two blinded investigators. Pearson correlation test showed significant correlation between objective and subjective scores, both at baseline and after allergen exposure (r = 0.80; P = 0.0017 and r = 0.75; P = 0.013 respectively). Analysis of variance showed significant effect of time (P = 0.01) with immunostaining being higher in baseline samples than after HDM exposure. It also showed a significant group × time interaction (P = 0.02) with immunostaining not changing significantly over time in atopic dogs, while decreasing in normal dogs after HDM exposure. An independent t‐test showed that, at baseline, atopic beagles had significantly less positive immunostaining than controls (P = 0.009) and that, after HDM exposure, there was no significant difference between groups. No correlation existed between clinical scores and immunostaining. In atopic dogs immunostaining was characterized by faint granular staining, while normal samples showed discrete intense staining. Moreover, immunostaining was present in all epidermal layers in many samples, suggesting cross‐reactivity of the antibody used with other epidermal proteins besides filaggrin.
Comparison of two dermoscopic techniques in the diagnosis of clinically atypical pigmented skin lesions and melanoma: seven‐point and three‐point checklists
Authors: Gereli Muge Celebi , Onsun Nahide , Atilganoglu Ulviye , Demirkesen Cuyan
Published: December 2009

Background  Over the past decade, many dermoscopic criteria and algorithmic methods have been developed for the early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma.

Objective  To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the seven‐point and three‐point checklist methods in a series of dermoscopic images. The diagnostic value of dermoscopic criteria was also determined on the basis of their frequency.

Methods  Forty‐eight preoperative dermoscopic images of histopathologically proven melanoma lesions and 48 preoperative dermoscopic images of clinically atypical but histopathologically proven nonmelanoma pigmented skin lesions were reviewed retrospectively. The seven‐point and three‐point checklist methods were used to assess each lesion. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows 15.0, descriptive statistical tests, and screening tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results  The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the seven‐point checklist method were 87.50%, 16.17%, 51.22%, and 57.14%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the three‐point checklist method were 89.58%, 31.25%, 56.58%, and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion  The three‐point checklist was observed to be a superior screening test. The seven‐point checklist provided a more detailed analysis, especially for thin melanomas. In comparison with the seven‐point method, the three‐point method may be useful for less experienced observers when they need to obtain greater diagnostic accuracy.
Differential expression of ezrin in epithelial skin tumors: cytoplasmic ezrin immunoreactivity in squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Park Hye‐Rim , Min Soo Kee , Min Kwangseon , Jun Sun‐Young , Seo Jinwon , Kim Kwang Ho , Choi Jaewook
Published: December 2009

Background  Ezrin is a cytoskeleton linker protein that is actively involved in regulating the growth and metastatic capacity of cancer cells. The purpose of the study was to assess the expression pattern of ezrin in normal skin and various epithelial neoplasms.

Methods  We used immunohistochemical techniques to examine the expression of ezrin in paraffin‐embedded tissues of squamous cell carcinoma (n = 23), basal cell carcinoma (n = 10), Bowen’s disease (n = 10), actinic keratosis (n = 10), keratoacanthoma (n = 9), seborrheic keratosis (n = 5), psoriasis vulgaris (n = 5), and normal control skin (n = 5).

Results  In Bowen’s disease, actinic keratosis, keratoacanthoma, and seborrheic keratosis, ezrin was dominantly expressed in the cell membrane except for the cornified layer. In squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) specimens, the percentage of ezrin‐positive cells was increased compared with Bowen’s disease, actinic keratosis, keratoacanthoma, and seborrheic keratosis. Especially in SCC samples, ezrin expression was markedly expressed in the cytoplasm. In addition, there was a correlation between the pattern of ezrin expression and tumor differentiation in SCC. Basal cell carcinoma showed intense and diffuse staining especially in the solid growth pattern.

Conclusions  Our findings suggest that dysregulation of ezrin may be important in the development of cutaneous epithelial malignancies and tumor grade. We suggest that the cytoplasmic localization of ezrin may be useful in the diagnosis of skin SCC.
Severe aphthous stomatitis associated with oral calcineurin and mTOR inhibitors
Authors: Habib Nancy , Salaro Cristina , Al‐Ghaithi Khalid , Phelps Robert G. , Saggar Sarika , Cohen Steven R.
Published: December 2009

Background  Aphthous stomatitis, a common mucocutaneous disorder, is a well accepted complication of sirolimus therapy. This association has been reported less frequently with tacrolimus.

Case  We present an 11‐year old male with Budd‐Chiari syndrome who experienced profound worsening of chronic aphthous ulcers after immunosuppressive therapy was changed from tacrolimus to sirolimus.

Conclusion  Since these drugs are used widely in the pediatric transplantation population, this report serves to heighten awareness of this debilitating phenomenon, and to stress the importance of exercising caution when sirolimus and tacrolimus are administered in combination to pediatric patients.
Pest insect immigration warning by an atmospheric dispersion model, weather radars and traps
Authors: Leskinen M. , Markkula I. , Koistinen J. , Pylkkö P. , Ooperi S. , Siljamo P. , Ojanen H. , Raiskio S. , Tiilikkala K.
Published: December 2009

In an experimental set‐up in and around Helsinki, Finland (60°N, 25°E), we have detected pest insect immigration using weather radars and insect traps in the field. This study was part of a project to develop a system to give warning of a possible arrival of long‐range migrant insect pests. Bird‐cherry aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, and diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, were found on the ground following migrations in warm airstreams at the end of May 2007. This migration episode was successfully forecast by the meteorologists in the project team. For the summer 2008, we developed a pest insect immigration alarm system based on SILAM, a Finnish Meteorological Institute atmospheric dispersion model. The first important pest insect immigration occurred in late June, bringing bird‐cherry aphids. Our alarm system correctly produced a warning of this immigration. We studied the migration path in the observed events in 2007 and 2008 with the help of the atmospheric dispersion model. Weather radars frequently showed rain echo over the area, but there was also a lot of echoes originating from the migrating insects. Using the polarimetric weather radar in Helsinki, we could differentiate insects from other sources of echoes. Insects were common in layers below 1 km, and were observed up to height of about 2.5 km. Using Doppler weather radars we were able to observe the speed and direction of the migration. The experiment showed that an atmospheric dispersion model is an effective tool for predicting the movement of airborne migrants. The alarm system would work still better, if the sources of the immigrants were known in more detail. In addition, the very simple modelling of airborne migration should be refined. Weather radars, and especially polarimetric systems, are able to detect insect migrations and reveal details of the phenomenon not obtainable by other means.
Comparison of fesoterodine and tolterodine extended release for the treatment of overactive bladder: a head‐to‐head placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Herschorn Sender , Swift Steven , Guan Zhonghong , Carlsson Martin , Morrow Jon D. , Brodsky Marina , Gong Jason
Published: December 2009

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of fesoterodine 8 mg with tolterodine extended‐release (ER) 4 mg and placebo in a randomized clinical trial of patients with an overactive bladder (OAB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this 12‐week double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial, eligible patients reported OAB symptoms for ≥3 months and recorded ≥8 voids and ≥1 urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episode per 24 h in 3‐day bladder diaries at baseline. Patients were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to fesoterodine (4 mg for 1 week then 8 mg for 11 weeks); tolterodine ER 4 mg; or placebo (with sham dose escalation for tolterodine ER and placebo). Endpoints were changes from baseline to week 12 in UUI episodes (primary endpoint), total and nocturnal voids, urgency episodes, severe urgency episodes, and frequency‐urgency sum per 24 h; mean voided volume per void (MVV); and the OAB questionnaire (OAB‐q), Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and Urgency Perception Scale (UPS). Safety and tolerability were assessed and summarized over the 12‐week study period.

RESULTS

Fesoterodine (636 patients) significantly improved UUI episodes at week 12 (primary endpoint) compared with tolterodine ER (641 patients; P = 0.017) and placebo (313 patients; P < 0.001). Fesoterodine also produced significantly greater improvements than tolterodine ER in MVV (P = 0.005). Fesoterodine significantly improved all diary endpoints compared with placebo (P < 0.001), except for nocturnal voids (P = 0.327). Tolterodine ER significantly improved all diary endpoints vs placebo (P < 0.001), except for nocturnal voids (P = 0.506) and MVV (P = 0.103). Diary dry rates (the proportion of patients reporting no UUI episodes at endpoint among those with one or more UUI episodes at baseline) were significantly higher with fesoterodine (64%) than with tolterodine ER (57%; P = 0.015) and placebo (45%; P < 0.001). Improvements in PPBC, UPS and OAB‐q scale and domain scores at week 12 were all significantly better with fesoterodine than placebo (all P < 0.001) and tolterodine ER (all P < 0.05) except for the OAB‐q Sleep domain vs tolterodine ER (P = 0.081). Dry mouth and constipation rates were 28% and 5% in the fesoterodine group, 16% and 4% in the tolterodine ER group, and 6% and 3% with placebo, respectively. Discontinuations due to treatment‐emergent adverse events were 6%, 4% and 2% in the fesoterodine, tolterodine ER, and placebo groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In patients with OAB, fesoterodine 8 mg showed superior efficacy over tolterodine ER 4 mg and placebo in reducing UUI episodes (primary endpoint) and in improving most patient‐reported outcome measures. Both active treatments were well tolerated.
Long‐term changes in blood pressure following orlistat and sibutramine treatment: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Johansson K. , Sundström J. , Neovius K. , Rössner S. , Neovius M.
Published: December 2009

Previous meta‐analyses investigating blood pressure effects of anti‐obesity drugs have included studies using non‐licensed doses, but not data from head‐to‐head studies. Furthermore, although diabetes is an important comorbidity in obesity, variation in blood pressure effects across diabetes status has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to estimate the effects on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of orlistat and sibutramine. Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane controlled trials register and reference lists of identified articles from 1990 to February 2009 were searched. All placebo‐controlled randomized controlled trials of 12‐month duration or randomized head‐to‐head studies of any duration on adults using standard doses were included. Studies/study arms were excluded if they only evaluated weight maintenance after weight loss. Randomized controlled trials were identified, subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and reviewed. Random effects models were used for assessment of weighted mean differences. Eighteen placebo‐controlled (12 orlistat, 5540 patients; 6 sibutramine, 1495 patients) and four head‐to‐head trials (348 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Three orlistat and three sibutramine studies examined overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), as did two head‐to‐head trials. Mean baseline SBP ranged from 119 to 153 mmHg, and mean DBP from 69 to 98 mmHg. Overall, the placebo‐controlled SBP change was −1.9 (95% CI; −2.7, −1.1) mmHg for orlistat, and 0.5 (−1.1, 2.1) mmHg for sibutramine. The corresponding values for DBP were −1.5 (−2.2, −0.8) and 1.7 (0.7, 2.6). Compared with patients without diabetes, diabetic patients treated with orlistat experienced smaller and non‐significant reductions of SBP (−0.9; −2.6, 0.7 vs. −2.2; −3.0, −1.3) and DBP (−1.0; −2.4, 0.3 vs. −1.6; −2.4, −0.8). For sibutramine, higher on‐treatment elevations in SBP (1.6; −1.3, 4.5 vs. 0.1; −1.8, 2.0) and DBP (2.4; 0.6, 4.1 vs. 1.4; 0.3, 2.5) were seen in patients with vs. without diabetes. In head‐to‐head trials, the overall differences between sibutramine and orlistat were small and non‐significant for both SBP (1.0; −2.3, 4.3) and DBP (−0.2; −2.9, 2.5). In conclusion, in the studies using approved sibutramine doses, the drug caused significant elevations in DBP, while the overall SBP effect was near null. Moreover, absence of a blood pressure‐lowering effect of orlistat ad a higher DBP elevation by sibutramine were observed for persons with diabetes. Head‐to‐head studies indicated that an indirect comparison of placebo‐adjusted blood pressure effects may overestimate the adverse effects associated with sibutramine, but these studies were small, of shorter duration and of lower quality.
Mirrors of Wales – Life Story as National Metaphor: Case Studies of R. J. Derfel (1824–1905) and Huw T. Edwards (1892–1970)
Authors: WARD PAUL , WRIGHT MARTIN
Published: December 2009

The public representation of the lives of individuals forms part of a long literary tradition and biography has often had a didactic purpose. Frequently the purpose was to use life stories as national metaphors, to instil ideas of how nations should behave. In this way, individuals acted as mirrors of the nation. This article examines two case studies in Wales: R. J. Derfel, nineteenth‐century socialist, and Huw T. Edwards, twentieth‐century trade unionist and Labour politician turned nationalist. It does so in order to explore how their life stories were constructed, by them and others, as representative of Welsh national experience. It considers responses to such acts of contrivance, by the press and the people, in order to investigate the cultural mentalities of Welsh society in which the biographies were read and consumed.
Wnt/β‐catenin signalling regulates cardiomyogenesis via GATA transcription factors
Authors: Martin Jennifer , Afouda Boni A. , Hoppler Stefan
Published: December 2009

A functioning heart muscle is required continuously throughout life. During embryonic development the heart muscle tissue differentiates from mesoderm that has heart‐forming potential. Heart‐forming potential in the embryonic mesoderm is regulated by pro‐cardiogenic transcription factors, such as members of the GATA and NK‐2 transcription factor families. Subsequent heart muscle differentiation involves the expression of cytoskeletal proteins, including myosins and troponins. Different Wnt signalling pathways have various functions in heart development. So‐called ‘canonical’ (Wnt/β‐catenin‐mediated) signalling has a conserved role in vertebrate heart development, regulating and restricting heart development and subsequent heart muscle differentiation. Here we investigated the way in which Wnt/β‐catenin signalling functionally interacts with the GATA family of pro‐cardiogenic transcription factors to regulate subsequent heart muscle differentiation. We used whole Xenopus embryos as an accessible experimental model system for vertebrate heart development. Our experiments confirmed that activation of Wnt signalling results in reduced gata gene expression, as well as reduced gene expression of other pro‐cardiogenic transcription factors and heart muscle differentiation markers. Remarkably, we discovered that when GATA function is experimentally restored, the expression of other pro‐cardiogenic transcription factors and heart muscle differentiation markers is rescued. These findings, obtained from whole‐embryo experiments, show that Wnt signalling regulates heart development at the level of GATA factors, confirming earlier results from tissue‐culture experiments. Furthermore, our rescue experiments in Xenopus embryos revealed differences in functional activity between the various GATA transcription factors involved in heart development. We discovered that GATA4 is more efficient at reinstating the gene expression of other pro‐cardiogenic transcription factors, whereas GATA6 is more potent at promoting the expression of genes associated with terminal heart muscle differentiation. In conclusion, our findings show that the inhibition of heart development by Wnt/β‐catenin signalling during organogenesis is mediated by the loss of expression of GATA pro‐cardiogenic transcription factors and reveal functional differences between those GATA factors in heart development.
Plant sphingolipids: decoding the enigma of the Sphinx
Authors: Pata Mickael O. , Hannun Yusuf A. , Ng Carl K‐Y.
Published: December 2009

Sphingolipids are a ubiquitous class of lipids present in a variety of organisms including eukaryotes and bacteria. In the last two decades, research has focused on characterizing the individual species of this complex family of lipids, which has led to a new field of research called ‘sphingolipidomics’. There are at least 500 (and perhaps thousands of) different molecular species of sphingolipids in cells, and in Arabidopsis alone it has been reported that there are at least 168 different sphingolipids. Plant sphingolipids can be divided into four classes: glycosyl inositol phosphoceramides (GIPCs), glycosylceramides, ceramides, and free long‐chain bases (LCBs). Numerous enzymes involved in plant sphingolipid metabolism have now been cloned and characterized, and, in general, there is broad conservation in the way in which sphingolipids are metabolized in animals, yeast and plants. Here, we review the diversity of sphingolipids reported in the literature, some of the recent advances in our understanding of sphingolipid metabolism in plants, and the physiological roles that sphingolipids and sphingolipid metabolites play in plant physiology.

Contents

Summary
611

I.
Introduction
611

II.
Ceramide metabolism
613

III.
Physiological functions of plant sphingolipid classes
622

IV.
Conclusion
626

Acknowledgements
627

References
627
Formation and stability of oxygen‐rich bubbles that shape photosynthetic mats
Authors: BOSAK T. , BUSH J. W. M. , FLYNN M. R. , LIANG B. , ONO S. , PETROFF A. P. , SIM M. S.
Published: December 2009

Gas release in photic‐zone microbialites can lead to preservable morphological biosignatures. Here, we investigate the formation and stability of oxygen‐rich bubbles enmeshed by filamentous cyanobacteria. Sub‐millimetric and millimetric bubbles can be stable for weeks and even months. During this time, lithifying organic‐rich laminae surrounding the bubbles can preserve the shape of bubbles. Cm‐scale unstable bubbles support the growth of centimetric tubular towers with distinctly laminated mineralized walls. In environments that enable high photosynthetic rates, only small stable bubbles will be enclosed by a dense microbial mesh, while in deep waters extensive microbial mesh will cover even larger photosynthetic bubbles, increasing their preservation potential. Stable photosynthetic bubbles may be preserved as sub‐millimeter and millimeter‐diameter features with nearly circular cross‐sections in the crests of some Proterozoic conical stromatolites, while centrimetric tubes formed around unstable bubbles provide a model for the formation of tubular carbonate microbialites that are not markedly depleted in 13C.
Activation syndrome caused by paroxetine in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: KIMURA Takemi , YUUKI Seiji , KUGA Masatoshi , HAYASHIDA Hideki , FURUKAWA Hitomi , TAKAMATSU Junichi
Published: December 2009

Activation syndrome is a severe adverse effect caused by antidepressants. It is more frequently induced by paroxetine than by other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, there have been no descriptions of demented patients with activation syndrome derived from paroxetine. Herein, we report on three cases of dementia with Lewy bodies who suffered from activation syndrome induced by paroxetine. These symptoms rapidly disappeared following discontinuation of paroxetine. The present cases lead us to speculate that paroxetine is injurious to patients with dementia with Lewy bodies.
Edge‐roundness of boulders of Torridonian Sandstone (northwest Scotland): applications for relative dating and implications for warm and cold climate weathering rates
Authors: KIRKBRIDE MARTIN P. , BELL CARA M.
Published: December 2009

Kirkbride, M.P. & Bell, C.M. 2009: Edge‐roundness of boulders of Torridonian Sandstone (northwest Scotland): applications for relative dating and implications for warm and cold climate weathering rates. Boreas, 10.1111/j. 1502‐3885.2009.00131.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

The relative ages of late Quaternary morainic and rock avalanche deposits on Late Precambrian Torridonian Sandstone are determined from the characteristic edge‐roundness of constituent boulders. Because weathering of sandstone is manifest as edge‐rounding by granular disintegration, a relative chronology can be derived by measuring the effective radii of curvature of a sample of boulder edges. Thirteen samples totalling 597 individual boulder edges fall into two statistically distinct groups. Moraines of inferred Younger Dryas age (12.9–11.5 kyr BP) are distinguished from moraines of the Wester Ross Re‐advance (≤14.0 kyr BP). One moraine previously assumed to be of Younger Dryas age is reassigned to the older group. The method allows spatial extrapolation of deposit ages from dated sites where lithological and sampling criteria are met. Calculated rates of edge‐rounding imply that granular disintegration was several times more rapid during cold stadial climates than during the Holocene. Used as a proxy for boulder ‘erosion rate’, this indicates that surface loss of grains in glacial climates exceeds that during interglacials by a factor of 2–5, with implications for the calculation of exposure ages from cosmogenic nuclides.
Biodiversity Conservation in Agricultural Landscapes: Challenges and Opportunities of Coffee Agroforests in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: GARCIA CLAUDE A. , BHAGWAT SHONIL A. , GHAZOUL JABOURY , NATH CHERYL D. , NANAYA KONERIRA M. , KUSHALAPPA CHEPUDIRA G. , RAGHURAMULU YENUGULA , NASI ROBERT , VAAST PHILIPPE
Published: December 2009

Abstract: The new approaches advocated by the conservation community to integrate conservation and livelihood development now explicitly address landscape mosaics composed of agricultural and forested land rather than only protected areas and largely intact forests. We refer specifically to a call byHarvey et al. (2008)to develop a new approach based on six strategies to integrate biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods in Mesoamerican landscape mosaics. We examined the applicability of this proposal to the coffee agroforests of the Western Ghats, India. Of the six strategies, only one directly addresses livelihood conditions. Their approach has a clear emphasis on conservation and, as currently formulated risks repeating the failures of past integrated conservation and development projects. It fails to place the aspirations of farmers at the core of the agenda. Thus, although we acknowledge and share the broad vision and many of the ideas proposed by this approach, we urge more balanced priority setting by emphasizing people as much as biodiversity through a careful consideration of local livelihood needs and aspirations.
Alginate‐encapsulated HepG2 Cells in a Fluidized Bed Bioreactor Maintain Function in Human Liver Failure Plasma
Authors: Coward Sam M. , Legallais Cécile , David Bertrand , Thomas Michael , Foo Ying , Mavri‐Damelin Demetra , Hodgson Humphrey J. , Selden Clare
Published: December 2009

Alginate‐encapsulated HepG2 cells cultured in microgravity have the potential to serve as the cellular component of a bioartificial liver. This study investigates their performance in normal and liver failure (LF) human plasma over 6–8 h in a fluidized bed bioreactor. After 8 days of microgravity culture, beads containing 1.5 × 109 cells were perfused for up to 8 h at 48 mL/min with 300 mL of plasma. After exposure to 90% LF plasma, vital dye staining showed maintained cell viability, while a 7% increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity indicated minimal cell damage. Glucose consumption, lactate production, and a 4.3‐fold linear increase in alpha‐fetoprotein levels were observed. Detoxificatory function was demonstrated by quantification of bilirubin conjugation, urea synthesis, and Cyp450 1A activity. These data show that in LF plasma, alginate‐encapsulated HepG2 cells can maintain viability, and metabolic, synthetic, and detoxificatory activities, indicating that the system can be scaled‐up to form the biological component of a bioartificial liver.
Hyperlipidemia: a new therapeutic target for diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Vincent Andrea M. , Hinder Lucy M. , Pop‐Busui Rodica , Feldman Eva L.
Published: December 2009

Abstract Emerging data establish dyslipidemia as a significant contributor to the development of diabetic neuropathy. In this review, we discuss how separate metabolic imbalances, including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, converge on mechanisms leading to oxidative stress in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons. We conclude with suggestions for novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse diabetes‐induced nerve degeneration.
Effects of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel agonists and antagonists on slowly adapting type II mechanoreceptors in the rat sinus hair follicle
Authors: Cahusac Peter M.B.
Published: December 2009

Abstract The possible functional role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels was investigated by testing various TRP agonists and antagonists in an isolated rat sinus hair follicle preparation. Extracellular recordings from slowly adapting type II mechanoreceptor units were made. The antagonist capsazepine depressed spontaneous and mechanically evoked activity, with an IC50 of 82 µM. In one‐third of units, capsazepine caused a selective depression of mechanically evoked firing, such that the existing spontaneous firing was interrupted by an absence of activity during the mechanical stimulus. The broad spectrum TRP blocker ruthenium red (30 µM) had inconsistent effects, although in some units a delayed onset (following wash) bursting and paroxysmal firing ensued. The agonist icilin (50–100 µM) had an excitatory effect on spontaneous firing, and (‐)‐menthol (200 µM) had inconsistent effects. Cinnamaldehyde (1–2 mM) depressed all types of activity equally, mechanically evoked and spontaneous. Camphor (0.5–2 mM) also depressed all types of activity, although it had a preferential effect on spontaneous activity. Capsaicin (1–10 µM) and allyl isothiocyanate (50–100 µM) had no clear effects. These results rule out any role for TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels in mechanotransduction processes of slowly adapting type II mechanoreceptors.
Recurrences, vaccinations and long‐term symptoms in GBS and CIDP
Authors: Kuitwaard Krista , Bos‐Eyssen Martine E. , Blomkwist‐Markens Patricia H. , Van Doorn Pieter A.
Published: December 2009

Abstract We determined the frequency of recurrent Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), whether vaccinations led to recurrences of GBS or an increase of disability in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and we assessed the prevalence of pain, fatigue and the impact on quality of life after GBS and CIDP. Additionally, we assessed the presence of common auto‐immune disorders. Four hundred and sixty‐one members of the Dutch society of neuromuscular disorders received a questionnaire. Two hundred and forty‐five GBS and seventy‐six CIDP patients were included (response rate 70%). Nine patients had a confirmed recurrent GBS, and two patients had experienced both GBS and CIDP. Common auto‐immune diseases were reported in 9% of GBS and 5% of CIDP patients. None of the 106 GBS patients who received a flu vaccination (range 1–37 times, total 775 vaccinations) reported a recurrence thereafter. Five out of twenty‐four CIDP patients who received a flu vaccination (range 1–17 times) reported an increase in symptoms. Pain or severe fatigue was reported in about 70% of patients after the diagnosis of GBS (median 10 years) or after onset of CIDP (median 6 years), and quality of life was significantly reduced. Flu vaccinations seem relatively safe. GBS and CIDP patients often experience pain, fatigue and a reduced quality of life for many years after the diagnosis.
Alternative Pretreatment Modalities with a Self‐Adhesive System to Promote Dentin/Alloy Shear Bond Strength
Authors: El‐Guindy Jylan , Selim Mohamed , El‐Agroudi Mona
Published: December 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate alternative pretreatment modalities to enhance the dentin/alloy shear bond strength using a self‐etch adhesive system.

Material and Methods: Ninety discs were fabricated and divided into three groups (n = 30). The discs of the first group were cast in gold palladium (Au‐Pd); those of the second group were cast in palladium silver alloy (Pd‐Ag); the discs of third group were cast in nickel chromium alloy (Ni‐Cr). Each group was further divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the dentin pretreatment used to lute the discs. Subgroup U (no pre‐treatment): Rely X Unicem resin cement. Subgroup GU: G‐Bond then Rely X Unicem. Subgroup ZU: Zinc‐Zeolite pretreatment then Rely X Unicem. Shear bond strength was determined using a compressive mode of force applied at the dentin/alloy interface using a monobevelled chisel‐shaped metallic rod. Data were collected and statistically analyzed to assess the effect of alloy type, pretreatment modality, and their interactions on the shear bond strength. Scanning electron microscopic examination (1000×) at the dentin/resin interface was performed. Two‐way ANOVA was used in testing significance for the effect of pretreatment, alloy, and their interaction. Duncan's post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison between the means when the ANOVA test was significant. The significance level was set at p≤ 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 15.0®.

Results: Regarding the pretreatment modality, the mean shear bond strength and 95% CI of subgroups ZU (18.00 MPa; 16.8 to 19.2) and GU (16.91 MPa; 15.4 to 18.4) were significantly higher than subgroup U (12.81 MPa; 11.4 to 14.2). Regarding the alloy type, the mean shear bond strength and 95% CI of Ni‐Cr groups (18.39 MPa; 16.9 to 19.9) were significantly higher than Au‐Pd (15.33 MPa; 13.8 to 16.8) and Pd‐Ag (13.99 MPa; 12.3 to 15.7).

Conclusions: Pretreatment of dentin with G‐Bond and Zinc Zeolite improved the dentin/alloy shear bond strength. Base metal alloys provided superior bond strength values with any adhesive modality compared to noble alloys. Treatment of the dentin surface prior to the application of a self‐adhesive system is of great importance to enhancement of the dentin/alloy bond strength.
Implant‐Supported Obturator Overdenture for Extensive Maxillary Resection Patient: A Clinical Report
Authors: Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Leles José Luiz Rodrigues , Souza Carlos de Paula , Martins Rafael Ragonezi , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco
Published: December 2009

This clinical report presents an implant‐retained obturator overdenture solution for a Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index Class IV maxillectomy patient with a large oronasal communication and severe facial asymmetry, loss of upper lip and midfacial support, severe impairment of mastication, deglutition, phonetics, and speech intelligibility. Due to insufficient bone support to provide satisfactory zygomaticus implant anchorage, conventional implants were placed in the body of the left zygomatic arch and in the right maxillary tuberosity. Using a modified impression technique, a cobalt‐chromium alloy framework with three overdenture attachments was constructed to retain a complete maxillary obturator. Patient‐reported functional and quality of life measure outcomes were dramatically improved after treatment and at the two‐year follow‐up.
Echocardiographic Detection of Atrial Septal Defects: The Forgotten View
Authors: Luckie Matthew , Buckley Helen , Khattar Rajdeep
Published: December 2009

The right parasternal view is conventionally used to assess the aortic valve and the ascending aorta. We describe two cases in which the right parasternal view was helpful in assessment of the interatrial septum and the detection of atrial septal defects (ASD), including one case in which this view confirmed the presence of a defect not seen in any other echocardiographic view. Use of the right parasternal view should be considered for assessment of the interatrial septum, particularly when there is a high index of suspicion for an atrial septal defect but no defect is seen on conventional views. It should also be used to exclude the possibility of multiple defects even when an ASD is visualized using conventional imaging planes. (Echocardiography 2010;27:97‐99)
Career Persistence in Baccalaureate‐Prepared Acute Care Nurses
Authors: Hodges Helen F. , Troyan Patricia J. , Keeley Ann C.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To explain how baccalaureate‐prepared acute care nurses understand, adapt to, and negotiate challenge and change in acute care settings in the context of social and structural features and consequently develop career persistence there.

Design: Grounded theory method based on the research of Strauss and Corbin.

Methods: A research team conducted open‐ended interviews with a theoretic sample of 19 new and experienced baccalaureate‐prepared (BSN) nurses in the southeast United States during 2007 and 2008 until saturation was achieved. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Constant comparative method was used to analyze data to three increasingly abstract levels culminating in theory emergence. A diagram was developed to better understand relationships and processes.

Findings: A central category, building professional resilience, emerged as the central social process with three core processes of verifying fit, stage setting, and optimizing the environment contributing to career persistence in acute care. Core processes include skills and practices nurses have learned to negotiate changing acute care environments while sustaining patient advocacy. Definitions, properties, and dimensions of each were established.

Conclusions: The study offers a systematic framework for understanding and promoting career persistence for acute care nurses. Findings broaden theories of resilience to the unique settings of acute care nursing and further extend theoretical understanding of the nursing shortage and market issues of supply and demand.

Clinical Relevance: A middle range theory of professional resilience and career persistence makes visible skills and practices acute‐care nurses use to weather continuous change and challenge in health care. Teachable practices can be integrated into nursing education and staff development to improve professional career longevity of experienced nurses at the bedside.
A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality Between Pregnant and Nonpregnant Taiwanese Women
Authors: Ko Shu‐Hua , Chang Shu‐Chen , Chen Chung‐Hey
Published: December 2009

Purpose: This study explored (a) differences in sleep quality, depression, and stress among second‐ and third‐trimester pregnant and nonpregnant women, and (b) relationships among depression, stress, and sleep quality of pregnant women in Taiwan.

Design: Cross‐sectional.

Methods: A convenience sample of 150 second‐trimester and 150 third‐trimester pregnant women was recruited from two medical centers in Taiwan. A comparison group of 300 nonpregnant women was recruited by the acquaintance technique. Data were collected from October 2006 to September 2007 using a demographic form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale.

Findings: The prevalence of poor sleepers (PSQI score>5) was 60.0% for second‐ and third‐trimester pregnant women and 48.0% for nonpregnant women. After controlling for significant covariates, pregnant women reported worse global sleep quality, habitual sleep efficiency, and sleep disturbances than nonpregnant women, and poorer sleep quality and sleep latency were most prevalent during their third trimester. A high prevalence of antenatal depression (27.3% to 36.0%) was found in pregnant women, depressed women had worse sleep quality than nondepressed women in all groups, and stress affected sleep quality in pregnant women but not in nonpregnant women.

Conclusions: This cross‐sectional study provides preliminary evidence that pregnant women suffer significantly more poor sleep quality than nonpregnant women, and that sleep quality of pregnant women was related to stress and depression.

Clinical Relevance: Evaluation for sleep quality and depression should be part of routine prenatal check‐ups. Information on women's sleep quality, stress, and depressive status can be used to individualize interventions for pregnancy‐associated sleep disorder.
Conceptualization and Measurement of Coping During Adolescence: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Garcia Carolyn
Published: December 2009

Purpose:The purpose of this review was to examine the conceptualization and measurement of coping in adolescent research.

Design:A review of the literature published and abstracted in four scientific databases was undertaken between July 2008 and June 2009 with the following key words: adolescent(s), cope/coping, stress(ors), and adaptation/psychological.

Methods:A total of 367 articles were initially identified, and review of published abstracts yielded 104 empirical articles to retrieve and examine more closely for inclusion. Criteria for inclusion in the review were that the study (a) measured coping, (b) presented original data, (c) primarily targeted adolescent participants, (d) was reported in English, and (e) was published between 1998 and June 2009. Fifty‐nine subsequent articles were organized using a matrix approach that facilitated cross‐study comparisons of purpose, sample, and dependent variables.

Findings:Fewer than half of the studies reviewed included a specific statement defining coping. Instead, many authors described coping in the context of stress response by identifying particular types or ways of coping or naming specific coping strategies used. The theoretical frameworks guiding examination of coping varied across studies. A range of measures, congruent with adolescent developmental processes, were used to assess adolescent coping. A wide range of stress‐related risks or conditions were examined, including psychological stressors such as eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and depression; physical stressors such as chronic illness, HIV infection, sports participation, violence, or sexual abuse; familial stressors such as domestic violence or interparental conflict; social stressors such as romantic relationships or difficulties in settings such as school, prison, or a homeless shelter; and societal stressors such as discrimination.

Conclusions:Coping is an important construct in understanding how adolescents react to the extensive stressors and adjustments they experience. Coping is a complex construct yet worthy of examination because it can be a critical point of intervention in the health trajectory of adolescents and young people. Research is needed to advance the conceptualization and measurement of adolescent coping such that interpretation of findings across studies is enhanced. In this way, future research, including interventions targeting coping, will work synergistically to advance the science and adolescent well‐being.

Clinical Relevance:Nursing and other healthcare providers working with adolescents understand the need for interventions that promote use of healthy coping strategies and minimize unhealthy coping. Findings from this study demonstrate the state of coping conceptualization and measurement in adolescent research and indicate a need for research that will advance the science and improve the usefulness of adolescent coping data.