bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment of a leg ulcer occurring in a rheumatoid arthritis patient under leflunomide therapy
Authors: Knab J , Goos M , Dissemond J
Published: March 2005

Objective  We report the case of a leg ulcer in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient under treatment with leflunomide, discuss the influence of the drug on the aetiopathogenesis of the ulcer and describe its successful treatment.

Case summary  A 68‐year‐old woman with a 12‐year history of RA developed a leg ulcer after 4 months of leflunomide treatment. Other ulcerogenic factors were ruled out. There were some clinical hints for rheumatoid vasculitis. The ulcer was resistant to ambulant conservative phase adapted wound bed preparation and a split skin transplantation failed. After omission of leflunomide and washout procedure with cholestyramine a second split skin transplantation resulted in complete healing.

Discussion  Leflunomide inhibits the division of activated T cells and thus inhibits among others the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the adhesion of cells to the endothelium. These mechanisms may partly explain the possible influence of leflunomide on the perpetuation of the ulcer. Until now, occurrence of vasculitis and leg ulcers has been described in one case each for the novel immunomodulator leflunomide. No successful treatment of a leg ulcer under leflunomide has been described yet. Omission of leflunomide and a washout treatment in our case led to a complete healing. This may indicate a critical role of leflunomide in the maintenance of this slow healing ulcer.

Conclusions  An association between leflunomide intake, occurrence of leg ulcers in RA patients and delayed wound healing should be considered.
Tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of severe facial plaque psoriasis
Authors: Kroft EBM , Erceg A , Maimets K , Vissers W , Van Der Valk PGM , Van De Kerkhof PCM
Published: March 2005

Recently, tacrolimus ointment has proved to be effective and well tolerated in patients with facial psoriasis. A few months ago we had the opportunity to treat a patient with tacrolimus ointment who had severe and recalcitrant plaque psoriasis of the face. This present case illustrates the impressive improvement of facial plaque psoriasis following 5 months of treatment with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice a day. Significant improvement of facial plaque psoriasis was seen after 1 month and complete clearance after 5 months of therapy. Based on the available literature and illustrated by the present case we may conclude that tacrolimus ointment 0.1% can be recommended as a first‐line treatment for facial psoriasis.
Ultraviolet A dosimetry in photopatch test centres in Europe
Authors: Moseley H
Published: March 2005

Objective  The aim of the study was to investigate the state of ultraviolet (UV) A dosimetry in photopatch testing centres in Europe.

Background  It has been acknowledged that a widespread disparity exists in the way photopatch testing is carried out in different countries throughout Europe. This prompted the formation of a European taskforce that developed a consensus methodology. One issue that was not addressed directly was that of UVA dosimetry, which clearly impacts on the consistency of the clinical results.

Study design  Ten UV meters from photopatch test centres throughout Europe were set up at a reproducible position from a photopatch test light source containing UVA fluorescent lamps and the irradiances were noted from each meter. One meter served as a reference meter with calibration carried out in an optical laboratory traceable to the National Physical Laboratory.

Results  The mean of all the measurements was 5.74 mW/cm2 with a SD of 0.36 mW/cm2. Expanded uncertainty at 95% confidence level was 12%.

Conclusions  It is desirable that meter calibration should have an accuracy of the order of ±10%. The variation in recorded values among the 10 meters investigated was within acceptable limits. The meter must be calibrated using a similar light source to that used in the phototest equipment, in this case a UVA fluorescence lamp.
MODULE TWO: INFORMED CONSENT
Authors: ANDANDA PAMELA
Published: March 2005

The objective of this module is to familiarise you with the concept of informed consent, its ethical basis, its elements, and typical problems that are encountered even by the most well intentioned researchers when trying to achieve genuine informed consent.
MODULE FIVE: IMPLEMENTATION OF ETHICS REVIEW
Authors: DHAI AMES
Published: March 2005

The objective of this module is to inform you on issues of concern for Research Ethics Committee members and investigators during the review process. The many guidelines on research ethics, including those from the South African Department of Health and the World Health Organisation, will be referred to extensively to educate you on the requirements of Research Ethics Committees. The evolution of the review process in South Africa will be detailed.
Migraine Prevention in Children and Adolescents: Results of an Open Study With a Special Butterbur Root Extract
Authors: Pothmann Raymund , Danesch Ulrich
Published: March 2005

Objective.—To explore the role of a special butterbur root extract for migraine prevention in children and adolescents with severe migraines.

Background.—Two randomized and placebo‐controlled trials with a total of 289 migraine patients have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of a special butterbur root extract in the reduction of migraine attacks in adults. We studied whether butterbur had the potential as an efficient and well‐tolerated migraine preventive in children and adolescents.

Design/Methods.—108 children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17 were included in a multicenter prospective open‐label study. Participants suffered from migraines diagnosed according to IHS classifications for at least 1 year. Patients were treated with 50 to 150 mg of the butterbur root extract depending on age for a period of 4 months. Treatment progression was recorded in migraine journals especially designed for children and adolescents.

Results.—77% of all patients reported a reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks of at least 50%. Attack frequency was reduced by 63%. 91% of patients felt substantially or at least slightly improved after 4 months of treatment. About 90% of each, doctors and patients, reported well‐being or even improved well‐being. Undesired effects (7.4%) included mostly eructation. No serious adverse events occurred and no adverse event caused a premature termination.

Conclusions.—The results and low rate of adverse events in this open prospective migraine prevention study in children and adolescents are similar to the results of two multicenter placebo‐controlled butterbur studies in adults. Butterbur root extract shows a potential as an effective and well‐tolerated migraine prophylaxis also for children and teenagers.
Surgical Management of Contact Point Headaches
Authors: Behin Fereidoon , Behin Babak , Behin Daniel , Baredes Soly
Published: March 2005

Introduction.—Contact point headaches are caused by contact between the nasal septum and the lateral nasal wall by a mechanism of referred pain involving the trigeminal nerve. Our goal was to investigate headaches caused by the contact between the septum and the superior turbinate or medial wall of the ethmoid sinuses and not the middle turbinate.

Materials and Methods.—A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent septoplasty and sinus surgery for headache. The total number of patients who opted for surgery was 23. Only 12 patients met the criteria of having a contact point between the septum and medial wall of the ethmoid sinus, or septum and superior turbinate, which were demonstrated via CT scan of the sinuses. These patients underwent surgical intervention in order to relieve the contact points.

Results.—According to the same pain questionnaire given pre‐ and postoperatively, 83% no longer complained of headaches, while 8% had significant relief. Forty‐one percent of our patients were previously diagnosed with migraines; 80% of these patients were successfully treated by surgery.

Discussions.—Contact point headaches and migraine without aura (MWOA) have similar symptoms (eg, photophobia, phonophobia, nausea and vomiting, pulsating nature). We believe contact point headaches should be considered in the patient with a diagnosis of MWOA headaches.
The impact of male‐to‐male sexual experience on risk profiles of blood donors
Authors: Sanchez Ana M. , Schreiber George B. , Nass Catharie C. , Glynn Simone , Kessler Debra , Hirschler Nora , Fridey Joy , Bethel James , Murphy Edward , Busch Michael P.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Men who have had sex with men (MSM) since 1977 are permanently deferred from donating blood. Excluding only men who engaged in male‐to‐male sex within either the prior 12 months or 5 years has been proposed. Little is known about infectious disease risks of MSM who donate blood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Weighted analyses of data from an anonymous mail survey of blood donors were conducted to examine the characteristics of men reporting male‐to‐male sex during specified time periods.

RESULTS: Of the 25,168 male respondents, 569 (2.4%) reported male‐to‐male sex, 280 (1.2%) since 1977. Compared to donors who did not report male‐to‐male sex, the prevalence of reactive screening test results was higher among donors who reported the practice within the past 5 years (≤12 months odds ratio [OR] 5.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6‐10.4; >12 months to 5 years, OR 7.1, 95% CI 1.2‐41.7); however, no significant difference was found for donors who last practiced male‐to‐male sex more than 5 years ago (>5 years‐after 1977, OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7‐2.6; 1977 or earlier, OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.7‐3.7). The prevalence of unreported deferrable risks (UDRs) other than male‐to‐male sex was significantly higher for all donors who reported male‐to‐male sex with ORs ranging from 3.1 to 18.9 (p ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found to support changing current policy to permit donations from men who practiced male‐to‐male sex within the past 5 years. For donors with a more remote history of male‐to‐male sex, the findings were equivocal. A better understanding of the association between male‐to‐male sex and other UDRs appears needed.
The specific power of parentage exclusion in a child's blood relatives
Authors: Wenk Robert E. , Gjertson David W. , Chiafari Francis A. , Houtz Terry
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: The impersonation of parent and child by two other blood relatives is an important problem in parentage analysis involving potential immigrants.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A statistic (AR) is proposed, based on the specific power of exclusion of paternity, which describes the ability of a child's test results to demonstrate evidence of nonparentage under the hypothesis that an ostensible parent is actually an older sibling. A case illustrates the value of AR: a woman and her two alleged children were typed at 3 variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci after 18 short tandem repeat (STR) loci initially showed strong evidence of the woman's maternity of one child and her exclusion from parentage of the second. AR and 1 − AR were calculated from the STR types of the first child.

RESULTS: The woman was excluded from maternity of both children with the additional VNTR tests. Given the 18 STR test findings of the first child, the probability was 12 percent that there would be no inconsistencies with parentage in a sibling pretending to be a parent.

CONCLUSION: The value 1 − AR, siblings not excluded from parentage, explains how a seemingly large number of examined loci can fail to reveal even one genetic inconsistency if two siblings have posed as parent and child. Approximately 25 STR loci appear necessary to achieve 95 percent confidence of detecting at least one genetic inconsistency indicative of nonparentage.
The quality of plasma collected by automated apheresis and of recovered plasma from leukodepleted whole blood
Authors: Runkel Stefan , Haubelt Hannelore , Hitzler Walter , Hellstern Peter
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: There exists a current lack of information about the composition of the different types of plasma. No direct comparisons between apheresis plasma (AP) and recovered plasma (RP) derived from in‐line–filtered whole blood (WB) have been published to date.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty AP units, 100 RP units from in‐line–filtered WB held for 3 hours at 20°C between donation and freezing, and an additional 100 RP units held for 15 hours at 20°C before freezing were analyzed for coagulation factors and inhibitors, total protein, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and hemostasis and proteolysis activation markers. The influence of twice freezing and thawing on clotting factors V, VIII, and XI was also examined.

RESULTS: AP contains substantially greater activities of factor (F) V, FVIII, F IX, and FXI than RP frozen within 3 hours after WB donation. Prolonged holding of RP at 20°C for more than 15 hours caused an additional reduction in FVIII, FXI, and protein S activities. Significantly greater levels of prothrombin fragments 1 and 2, platelet factor 4, and neutrophil elastase were found in RP compared with AP. IgG was lower in AP compared with RP. Twice freezing and thawing caused a marked drop in FV, FVIII, and FXI activity.

CONCLUSION: Higher FVIII and F IX potencies in AP compared with RP can be expected to result in greater yields when used for purification of these clotting factors. AP is presumably more efficient than RP for treating coagulopathies. RP, however, may contain higher IgG levels than AP.
Relevance of the HPA‐15 (Gov) polymorphism on CD109 in alloimmune thrombocytopenic syndromes
Authors: Ertel Katharina , Al‐Tawil Milad , Santoso Sentot , Kroll Hartmut
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Alloantibodies against the human platelet (PLT) alloantigen (HPA)‐15 system residing on CD109 can cause fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), posttransfusion purpura, and PLT transfusion refractoriness. The detection of antibodies against HPA‐15, however, is hampered by the variable low expression and instability of the CD109 molecule during preparation and storage.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study analyzed the occurrence of HPA‐15 alloantibodies in 1403 patients: 930 FNAIT and 473 polytransfused (PT) patients by modified monoclonal antibody specific immobilization of PLT antigens (MAIPA) assay with well‐defined phenotyped PLTs. A DNA typing technique was developed to confirm the phenotypes of PLT donors. B‐cell lines were established as sources of reference DNA.

RESULTS: Genotyping of 407 unrelated blood donors revealed the gene frequencies 0.512 and 0.488 for HPA‐15a and ‐15b, respectively. Based on the selection of PLTs expressing high amounts of CD109 on the surface (mean fluorescence intensity ratio 4‐5 on expression peak on Days 2‐4 after apheresis) antibody screening by the MAIPA assay was performed. In total, 16 (1.1%) HPA‐15 alloantibodies were found comprising four anti‐HPA‐15a and 12 anti‐HPA‐15b. Anti‐HPA‐15b without other PLT‐reactive antibodies were detectable in three serum samples of PT patients. The incidence of HPA‐15 alloimmunization in PT patients was significantly higher than in mothers with FNAIT (3.0% vs. 0.22%). In relation to all detected HPA‐specific antibodies, HPA‐15 is responsible for 6.2 percent of alloimmunizations.

CONCLUSION: These observations indicate that alloimmunization against HPA‐15 should be considered as a cause for immune thrombocytopenia, particularly in patients receiving multiple PLT transfusions.
Surface decoration of red blood cells with maleimidophenyl‐polyethylene glycol facilitated by thiolation with iminothiolane: an approach to mask A, B, and D antigens to generate universal red blood cells
Authors: Nacharaju Parimala , Boctor Fouad N. , Manjula Belur N. , Acharya Seetharama A.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: The surface decoration of red blood cells (RBCs) by polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains has been an approach developed to camouflage the blood group antigens from their antibodies. A PEGylation protocol, however, that can mask the antigens appropriately to inhibit the agglutination of RBCs with the respective antibodies is not available so far.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A new approach for PEGylation of RBC membrane proteins has been designed with thiolation‐mediated maleimide chemistry. The accessibility of the surface lysine residues of membrane proteins to bulky PEG reagents was increased by linking an extension arm carrying a thiol group.

RESULTS: RBCs have been PEGylated by thiolation‐mediated chemistry with maleimidophenyl‐PEG (Mal‐Phe‐PEG) reagents of different chain lengths. Mal‐Phe‐PEG‐5000 chains alone masked the most important antigens of the Rh system (C, c, E, e, and D) from their antibodies. The masking of the A and B antigens needed a combination of Mal‐Phe‐PEG‐5000 and Mal‐Phe‐PEG‐20000 chains to inhibit the agglutination of RBCs completely with anti‐A or anti‐B.

CONCLUSIONS: Thiolation‐mediated PEGylation of RBCs with Mal‐Phe‐PEG‐5000 and Mal‐Phe‐PEG‐20000 converts Group A Rh(D)+ and B Rh(D)+ RBCs into RBCs with serologic behavior comparable to Group O Rh(D)– RBCs that are considered as universal RBCs for transfusion.
The effects of non‐host plant essential oil volatiles on the behaviour of the pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus
Authors: Mauchline Alice L. , Osborne Juliet L. , Martin Andrew P. , Poppy Guy M. , Powell Wilf
Published: March 2005

The use of semiochemicals for manipulation of the pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) is being investigated for potential incorporation into a push‐pull control strategy for this pest, which damages oilseed rape, Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae), throughout Europe. The response of M. aeneus to non‐host plant volatiles was investigated in laboratory assays to establish whether they have any effect on host plant location behaviour. Two approaches were used. First a novel, moving‐air bioassay using air funnels was developed to compare the response of M. aeneus to several non‐host plant essential oils. The beetles avoided the host plant flowers in the presence of non‐host volatiles, suggesting that M. aeneus uses olfactory cues in host location and/or acceptance. The results were expressed as ‘repellency values’ in order to compare the effects of the different oils tested. Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia Miller) (Lamiaceae) essential oil gave the highest repellency value. In addition, a four‐arm olfactometer was used to investigate olfactory responses, as this technique eliminated the influence of host plant visual and contact cues. The attraction to host plant volatiles was reduced by the addition of non‐host plant volatiles, but in addition to masking the host plant volatiles, the non‐host volatiles were avoided when these were presented alone. This is encouraging for the potential use of non‐host plants within a push‐pull strategy to reduce the pest colonisation of crops. Further testing in more realistic semi‐field and field trials is underway.
Effects of Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab and Bt spray on Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Dutton Anna , Romeis Jörg , Bigler Franz
Published: March 2005

Various studies have been conducted to assess the damage caused by secondary lepidopteran pests to transgenic Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab. However, to date little is known on the effects of transgenic maize on Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a polyphagous herbivore which is considered a pest in Mediterranean maize growing areas. Here we present results on the effects of Bt maize (Bt‐11) and Bt spray (Dipel) on the various life stage parameters of this herbivore. We further assess the expression of Cry1Ab in different leaves and leaf parts in maize at a given plant growth stage, and determine whether the feeding damage of 3rd instar S. littoralis is influenced by Bt toxin expression. Contrary to previous literature reporting that S. littoralis is not sensitive to Bt Cry1Ab toxin, our results show that insects fed on either transgenic or Bt sprayed plants were negatively affected. Young S. littoralis larvae (1st and 2nd instars) were found to be the most sensitive to the Bt toxin. This was represented by a higher mortality and a slower developmental time of larvae maintained on transgenic or sprayed plants when compared to insects maintained on control plants. Moreover, Bt maize had a stronger and prolonged detrimental effect on insects when compared to Bt spray in maize. This was revealed by the fact that insects maintained on transgenic plants from 3rd instar to pupation took longer to reach adult emergence compared to insects that were maintained on sprayed plants. This was likely due to the continuous exposure of insects to the toxin when kept on transgenic maize. ELISA results showed a variation in the amount of Bt toxin among different leaf sections in transgenic maize at a given plant growth stage. These differences in Bt toxin were primarily found in the youngest leaf of growing plants. Although the lowest amounts of Bt toxin were detected in the growing leaf section of young leaves, this difference did not appear to influence the feeding behavior of 3rd instar S. littoralis.
Effects of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) isolates, host plants, and temperature on survival, size, and development time of Frankliniella fusca
Authors: Stumpf Christof F. , Kennedy George G.
Published: March 2005

The effects of different isolates of the tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV), host plants, and temperatures on Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), the most important vector of TSWV in North Carolina, were measured in the laboratory. Thrips were reared at either 18.3, 23.9, or 29.4 °C until adult eclosion on excised leaves of Datura stramonium L. or Emilia sonchifolia (L.). Plants were either infected with the TSWV isolates CFL or RG2, or left uninfected (control). The results revealed a positive relationship between larval survival and temperature, regardless of host plant or TSWV isolate. Both survival to adult and percentage transmission of TSWV by F. fusca were significantly affected by the interaction between host plant and TSWV isolate. The consequence of this interaction was that the cohort‐based percentage transmission from infected E. sonchifolia plants for CFL was 1.3‐fold greater than that of RG2, whereas the percentage transmission from infected D. stramonium plants for RG2 was twice that of CFL. Both host plant and TSWV isolates showed significant effects on thrips development time to adult and head capsule width of adult thrips, as well as on the incidence of thrips infection with TSWV. The infection status of these thrips was determined by ELISA for the NSs viral protein. Infected thrips reared on infected host foliage took longer to develop to adult and were smaller than non‐infected thrips which had also been reared on infected host foliage, demonstrating a direct effect of the TSWV on thrips. However, non‐infected thrips reared on non‐infected leaves took longer to develop than non‐infected thrips reared on infected leaves, suggesting an effect of the plant tissue on thrips. In addition, adult thrips reared on TSWV‐infected D. stramonium at 29.4 °C developed smaller head capsules than thrips developing on infected foliage at lower temperatures and on non‐infected leaves of D. stramonium or E. sonchifolia. Both TSWV isolates and host plants differentially affected females more than males. In conclusion, both the infection of thrips by TSWV and TSWV‐mediated changes in host plant quality were found to have significant biological effects on F. fusca.
Bioefficacy and mode‐of‐action of aglaroxin A from Aglaia elaeagnoidea (syn. A. roxburghiana) against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura
Authors: Koul Opender , Singh Gurmeet , Singh Rajwinder , Multani J.S.
Published: March 2005

The bioefficacy of aglaroxin A from Aglaia elaeagnoidea (syn. A. roxburghiana) was assessed using the gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), and Asian armyworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The compound exhibited strong growth inhibition in a diet bioassay, with 0.67 p.p.m: and 0.78 p.p.m. of the compound reducing growth by 50% in H. armigera and S. litura neonate larvae, respectively, whereas a growth inhibition of 95% was achieved at 2.36 p.p.m: and 2.41 p.p.m., respectively; this was comparable to azadirachtin treatments used as a control. Aglaroxin A was toxic to various stadia. Nutritional analysis revealed the antifeedant properties of the compound; however, nutritional indices indicated that the reduction in growth of the larvae was not entirely due to starvation, but partly due to the toxic effects of the ingested compound. This was further confirmed in topical treatments. When relative growth rate was plotted against relative consumption rate, the growth efficiency of larvae fed on a diet containing aglaroxin A was significantly less than that of control larvae. These results further indicate that aglaroxin A acts as both antifeedant and chronic toxin. Morphologically deformed or partially pupated insects were obtained after 5th instar larvae were treated with aglaroxin A. Such developmental inhibition during ecdysis was not due to depletion of the moulting hormone, as treated larvae, when provided with exogenous 20‐hydroxyecdysone, did not show any recovery from the effect. However, it is obvious from the present findings that aglaroxin A activity does not absolutely follow the pattern of azadirachtin or the more related compound rocaglamide known in lepidopterans.
Bilateral intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma of the mandible: report of a case with lung metastases at first clinical presentation
Authors: Capodiferro S , Scully C , Lacaita MG , Lo Muzio L , Maiorano E , Favic G
Published: March 2005

Objective:  Malignant epithelial tumours arising in the jaws are very rare. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) represents approximately 7.5% of all carcinomas and only a few cases of intraosseous (central) ACC have been reported in the literature.

Materials:  The salient clinico‐pathological features of a case of ACC, bilaterally occurring in the mandible of a young caucasian woman who also had lung metastases are reported to appropriately characterize such unusual lesions and discriminate them from other tumours that more commonly affect the mandible.

Results:  The patient presented with a painful swelling of the right retro‐molar area and paraesthesia of the ipsilateral lower lip and radiological investigations disclosed bilateral radiolucent lesions of the mandible with unequivocal signs of malignancy but without intra‐lesional calcifications or association with teeth roots or cystic component. Conventional histological examination disclosed typical ACC with solid and cribriform growth patterns and extensive infiltration of the adjacent tissues.

Conclusions:  The diagnosis of intraosseous malignant salivary gland type neoplasms is very difficult in view of their rarity and lack of specific signs and mainly achieved after histological examination and complete clinico‐radiological work up. As surgical treatment of the patient was not indicated, due to extensive neoplastic disease, the patient is being controlled with multimodal treatment, including chemo‐ and radiotherapy and is alive with persistent disease 3 years after the original diagnosis.
The effects of chewing areca/betel quid with and without cigarette smoking on oral submucous fibrosis and oral mucosal lesions
Authors: Yang Y‐H , Lien Y‐C , Ho P‐S , Chen C‐H , Chang JSF , Cheng T‐C , Shieh T‐Y
Published: March 2005

Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of areca/betel quid chewing with or without cigarette smoking on oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and other oral mucosal lesions.

Methods:  A stratified case–control study was designed. There were in total 102 patients with oral mucosal lesions or OSF (confirmed pathologically) in the case group. OSF (n = 62) and oral mucosal lesions (n = 62) in 102 subjects were separately analyzed for men and women investigating their risks.

Results:  For OSF, people with both smoking and chewing habits had a statistically significant odds ratio (OR) 8.68 (95% CI = 1.87, 40.23). For the group of people with chewing habit only and without any lifetime cigarette smoking habit, the OR was 4.51 (95% CI = 1.20, 16.94). For other oral mucosal lesions, people with mixed habits and chewing only had also significant risks (OR = 8.37 and 3.95, respectively). For both OSF and other oral lesions, the ORs of mixed habits and chewing only were both higher in women than in men.

Conclusions:  The areca/betel quid used in Taiwan does not contain any tobacco product. The only way of areca/betel quid could synergize with any tobacco product is through cigarette smoking. A statistically significant association with oral mucosal lesions and OSF was still found in the group of areca/betel quid chewing only.
The effects of acute and chronic lithium treatment on rat submandibular salivation
Authors: Popović J , Kršljak E , Grbović L , Stojić D
Published: March 2005

Objective:  Acute and chronic actions of lithium on salivation induced by agonists associated with receptor‐linked hydrolysis of membrane inositol phospholipids (carbachol and phenylephrine) and by agonist linked to activation of adenylate cyclase (isoproterenol) were investigated.

Material and methods:  In anaesthetized rats, submandibular salivation induced by intravenous injection of carbachol, phenylephrine and isoproterenol, was measured and expressed as volume of fluid (μl) elicited per 100 mg wet weight of each gland per minute. The experiments were repeated after acute and chronic treatment of lithium (7 mg kg−1). The results were analysed with unpaired t‐test.

Results:  Chronic, but not acute lithium treatment significantly decreases carbachol‐ and phenylephrine‐induced salivation while isoproterenol‐induced salivation was not changed neither after acute nor after chronic administration of lithium.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that hyposalivation during chronic lithium therapy could be mediated by alterations in the phosphatidylinositol cycle and a consequent lack of inositol after agonist stimulation.
Number 1 Epithelial biology
Authors: Scully C , Bagan J‐V , Black M , Carrozzo M , Eisen D , Escudier M , Farthing P , Kuffer R , Lo Muzio L , Mignogna M , Porter SR
Published: March 2005

The oral mucous membrane has features similar to skin but also differs in several ways. This paper reviews the aspects of epithelial biology necessary for an understanding of the vesiculoerosive disorders.
Tai Chi in Australia: acceptable and effective approach to improve balance and mobility in older people?
Authors: Hill Keith , Choi Whanseok , Smith Robyn , Condron Joanna
Published: March 2005

Objective:  To evaluate the effects of 24 form Tai Chi Quan (TCQ) on balance and related measures, and factors associated with participation in the program.

Methods:  Twenty‐three older subjects (mean age 71.0 years, SD 5.6 years) commenced the three times weekly 1 h TCQ sessions. Subjects were measured on balance (Functional Reach, Step Test), gait (velocity, double support phase duration), activity level, leg muscle strength, and the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) before and following the 3 month program. Participants also completed a survey investigating participation and perceived benefit of the program.

Results:  Nineteen participants completed the program, averaging attendance at 68% of classes. There was significant improvement in balance (Step Test, P < 0.01) and non‐significant improvement in gait double support duration (P = 0.04), Functional Reach (P = 0.04) and activity level (P = 0.06). Most participants incorporated some home practice as well as the formal program, and reported both the physical (balance) components and remembering sequences of movements as the most challenging aspects of the program.

Conclusions: Twenty‐four form TCQ is a practical form of exercise for older people that improves dynamic balance performance.
Cohousing for older people: housing innovation in the Netherlands and Denmark
Authors: Bamford Greg
Published: March 2005

Objective:  The aim of this paper is to elucidate cohousing for older people.

Method:  The research is based on a literature review and interviews (in English) with residents of seven schemes in the Netherlands and Denmark, a social housing organisation and several researchers in the field (in 1995 and 2002).

Results and Conclusions:  Cohousing for older people is now well established in its countries of origin – Denmark and the Netherlands – as a way for older people to live in their own house or unit, with a self‐chosen group of other older people as neighbours, with shared space and facilities they collectively determine or control. As more such housing is built and occupied it has become easier to choose and assess this option. It remains to be seen how widespread its appeal will be, but cohousing for older people is now a valued housing niche.
Prior heavy exercise eliminates slow component and reduces efficiency during submaximal exercise in humans
Authors: Sahlin K. , Sørensen J. B. , Gladden L. B. , Rossiter H. B. , Pedersen P. K.
Published: March 2005

We investigated the hypothesis that the pulmonary oxygen uptake slow component is related to a progressive increase in muscle lactate concentration and that prior heavy exercise (PHE) with pronounced acidosis alters kinetics and reduces work efficiency. Subjects (n= 9) cycled at 75% of the peak for 10 min before (CON) and after (AC) PHE. was measured continuously (breath‐by‐breath) and muscle biopsies were obtained prior to and after 3 and 10 min of exercise. Muscle lactate concentration was stable between 3 and 10 min of exercise but was 2‐ to 3‐fold higher during AC (P < 0.05 versus CON). Acetylcarnitine (ACn) concentration was 6‐fold higher prior to AC and remained higher during exercise. Phosphocreatine (PCr) concentration was similar prior to exercise but the decrease was 2‐fold greater during AC than during CON. The time constant for the initial kinetics (phase II) was similar but the asymptote was 14% higher during AC. The slow increase in between 3 and 10 min of exercise during CON (+7.9 ± 0.2%) was not correlated with muscle or blood lactate levels. PHE eliminated the slow increase in and reduced gross exercise efficiency during AC. It is concluded that the slow component cannot be explained by a progressive acidosis because both muscle and blood lactate levels remained stable during CON. We suggest that both the slow component during CON and the reduced gross efficiency during AC are related to impaired contractility of the working fibres and the necessity to recruit additional motor units. Despite a pronounced stockpiling of ACn during AC, initial kinetics were not affected by PHE and PCr concentration decreased to a lower plateau. The discrepancy with previous studies, where initial oxidative ATP generation appears to be limited by acetyl group availability, might relate to remaining fatiguing effects of PHE.
Effective computer use in physics education
Authors: Bork Alfred M.
Published: March 2005

The computer is a relatively new device in teaching physics. Experience is necessary to determine how it can be used in the most effective way. This paper oulines a variety of uses which have proved successful with physics students at the University of California, Irvine. The types of usage are (1) diagnostic remedial, (2) games, (3) interactive proofs, (4) alternate mathematical paths, and (5) controllable universes.
Comparison of two theories of optical acitivity
Authors: Peterson R. M.
Published: March 2005

It is demonstrated that the theories of optical activity given by Born and Post are exactly equivalent, in spite of their totally different physical basis.
Energy and the environment
Authors: Crawley G. M. , Haynes S. K.
Published: March 2005

We have for several years offered a course entitled ’’Energy and the Environment’’ that is quantitative where necessary, is aimed at the general student, and surveys systematically the whole energy problem and its social, political, economic, and moral implications. The course is perhaps unique in combining all these characteristics with the use of outside experts whose contributions are closely integrated with the thread of the course as a whole.
ESP: Teaching ’’scientific method’’ by counterexample
Authors: Blatt S. L.
Published: March 2005

Increasing the students’ understanding of the methods of science is often one of the goals of an introductory course in physics for nonscientists. To supplement the examples arising directly from the usual subject matter and to stimulate clearer thought concerning the nature of scientific inquiry, discussion of some subjects which have a surface resemblance to science is proposed. The history of research into extrasensory perception appears to be ideal as such a counterexample, allowing for explicit comparisons which illuminate the subject of methodology in science while maintaining high student interest. Lecture suggestions, including demonstrations, are discussed.
Aging in gravitational fields
Authors: Dreitlein Joseph , Frazzini John
Published: March 2005

A heuristic derivation of aging in a gravitational field is given. Simple properties of Keplerian motion are used to obtain explicit expressions for the time lapse difference of two identical clocks in free fall which part and then meet again.
On teaching the lack of simultaneity
Authors: Huggins Elisha R.
Published: March 2005

A lecture demonstration–thought experiment is described that has been effective in teaching the concept of the lack of simultaneity in introductory physics courses. The demonstration experiment can be used for studying the relationship between simultaneity and causality and as a conceptual device for analyzing the lack of simultaneity in special relativity thought experiments.
Research projects involving inner city high school students
Authors: Lord A. E.
Published: March 2005

An account is given of some research projects undertaken by inner city high school students in the Physics Department at Drexel University during the last four years. The students, from low income families, are sponsored by the Neighborhood Youth Corps (which was established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964) with the hope that they will gain worthwhile work experience. Individual projects have included measurement of noise levels around the University, frequency analysis of impulsive sounds, effect of water content on Young’s modulus of various woods, effect of sulfuric acid exposure on the mechanical properties of wood, and the effect of air pollution, in the form of SO2, on the mechanical properties of wet wood. This latter project is being pursued vigorously; new and interesting results appear to be emanating from these particular studies. The article ends with the author’s feelings and conclusions about such a program, gained from four years of experience.
On the Stark effect of the plane rotator
Authors: Johnston George L. , Sposito Garrison
Published: March 2005

The Stark effect of the plane rotator is a pedagogically appealing problem for undergraduate courses on quantum mechanics and, accordingly, has appeared in a number of textbooks as an application of bound-state perturbation theory. Despite this fact and the apparent simplicity of the problem, all of the published accounts of it are erroneous in that they employ nondegenerate perturbation theory and present incorrect expressions for the perturbed eigenvalues and eigenstates. In this paper the problem is given a new treatment, based upon a simple analysis of symmetry features and a careful application of degenerate perturbation theory. The major shortcomings of previous discussions are pointed out and correct expressions are derived, to second order, for the perturbed state vectors and energy levels. The lifting of the twofold degeneracy of the mth unperturbed excitation energy in the 2mth order of perturbation theory is demonstrated. Finally, a comparison of the correct perturbation-theoretic results with the exact solution of the problem shows the two to be in identical correspondence.
Bose–Einstein condensation in a one-dimensional system due to an attractive-δ impurity center
Authors: Ioriatti L. C. , Rosa S. Goulart , Hipólito O.
Published: March 2005

The thermodynamic behavior of the one-dimensional Bose-gas–attractive-δ impurity system is studied in this paper. The system is shown to undergo the Bose–Einstein condensation and the cause of the phase transition is attributed to the bound state introduced by the impurity in the free-particle energy spectrum. The condensed phase is composed of particles captured by the impurity, forming a drop of particles well localized in space. This gives to the Bose–Einstein condensation in this system the appearance of the ordinary vapor–liquid phase transition. The expression for the pressure is obtained and is plotted as a function of the temperature and the system length. The shapes of the isothermal curves reinforce the interpretation of a vapor–liquid transition. The evaluation of the heat capacity at constant length shows the existence of a finite discontinuity at the transition temperature.
On the use of symbols to represent quantities, properties, and adjectives encountered in physics
Authors: Hoffer Abraham
Published: March 2005

In order to spare the beginning student the task of extracting the meaning of a symbol from the context in which it is used, a scheme is suggested in which the letter–symbols of the Latin alphabet alone, together with superscript and subscript notation, are sufficient to provide a unique representation for almost any concept encountered in physics.
Fast Fourier transform: An introduction with some minicomputer experiments
Authors: Higgins R. J.
Published: March 2005

The Cooley–Tukey fast Fourier transform (FFT) has had an extraordinary impact on the computation of Fourier transforms. A tutorial account is given of how the algorithm works and of its relationship to the more familiar continuous Fourier transform and Fourier series. Some pitfalls associated with sampled data over a finite window are outlined. Several examples are given illustrating how the FFT is useful as a teaching tool to introduce the subtleties of spectral analysis of sampled data by interactive minicomputer experiments. A bibliography to the literature is given.
The uncertainty principle and the spectral width of a laser beam
Authors: Weichel Hugo
Published: March 2005

The uncertainty principle is used to derive the ultimate spectral width of the laser beam. The resulting expression is the Schawlow–Townes formula. The derivation is simple and can readily be incorporated into an introductory course on lasers. The derivation can also be used in a modern physics course to illustrate the usefulness of the uncertainty principle.
Complex Doppler effect in dispersive media
Authors: Berger H.
Published: March 2005

A one-to-one correspondence is demonstrated for Doppler shifted frequencies measured in different inertial reference frames. This result is reconciled with frequency splitting encountered in the complex Doppler effect. The analysis emphasizes the concept that it is not always sufficient to describe the Doppler effect for plane waves in homogeneous, isotropic, dispersive media by using only the conventional frequency equation ω=γ (ω′+v⋅k′). These ideas are illustrated in detail for the case of the cold plasma where the extra Doppler frequencies are given specific physical interpretations.
Determination of gravitational acceleration g using a uniform circular motion
Authors: Klostergaard Henry
Published: March 2005

A lead sphere is suspended on a fishline attached to the vertical shaft of an electric motor which forces the sphere into uniform circular motion, making a conical pendulum. A mathematical treatment which considers the tension in the fishline and the gravitational force and their geometry reveals a critical length for the fishline. Using a length in excess of the critical allows a measurement of a distance which, when multiplied by the square of the angular velocity, gives g. Results agreeing to better than 1% with the accepted value of g are easily obtained. The equipment is inexpensive. The experiment is presented for demonstration purposes primarily, but can be expanded in scope to be a laboratory experiment.
Evaluation of methods of instruction and procedures for assigning students to methods
Authors: Ott Mary Diederich
Published: March 2005

This report is concerned with the evaluation of two methods of instruction and the two procedures for assigning students to these methods, which were used in a physics course at Cornell University. The report analyzes student achievement and student attitudes.
On the gravitational instability of an infinite homogeneous medium
Authors: Zahn Markus
Published: March 2005

The simple example of the gravitational instability of an infinite homogeneous medium first examined by Jeans is treated within the framework of Newtonian mechanics. The special case of a self-gravitating, isothermal ideal gas is considered as an example to illustrate subtle errors in past work.
Teacher education and the implementation of elementary science curricula
Authors: McDermott Lillian C.
Published: March 2005

A program is described to prepare in-service elementary school teachers in the subject matter and reasoning skills needed to teach science as a process of inquiry. Included is a procedure for introducing experience-oriented curricula into the schools. Selected teachers are prepared in a university physics department to serve, under close supervision, as instructors for their colleagues. The program has yielded results with implications for what physics departments should provide for elementary school teachers. Intellectual difficulties encountered by the teachers are discussed that have a bearing not only on successful implementation of school science programs but on physics education in general.
Course on lasers for undergraduate students
Authors: O’Shea D. C. , Callen W. R. , Rhodes W. T.
Published: March 2005

As the laser is incorporated into more and more systems in our technology, there is a growing need for undergraduate courses detailing the nature of the laser, its uses and limitations. In this paper we report on a junior–senior level course on lasers and their applications, developed jointly by faculty of the Schools of Physics and Electrical Engineering during the past four years. An outline of the course is given and some novel features of the course are discussed. A number of demonstrations that we have found useful are also discussed. Finally, an indication of student response is provided, along with some conclusions of our own.
Goethe’s theory of color and scientific intuition
Authors: Zajonc Arthur G.
Published: March 2005

A summary of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s color studies is presented with special attention paid to his ’’method.’’ It is proposed that the act of accurate qualitative observation creates the capability in the observer for an intuitive understanding of the physical laws underlying the phenomena under observation. The use of such a method as a basis for laboratory instruction is discussed.
Inadequacy of the gyromagnetic theorem
Authors: Siegel Howard P.
Published: March 2005

The gyromagnetic theorem of classic Maxwell theory states that, if the particles of a system have a uniform ratio of charge to mass, then the ratio of the system’s magnetic moment to its angular momentum, divided by the ratio of its total charge to twice the total mass, is exactly unity. It has long been recognized that, if the particles move at relativistic velocities, this is no longer true. It is shown in addition to this that, if the particles move at nonrelativistic velocities but the material source is very condensed, the contributions of the electromagnetic field to the system mass–energy and angular momentum raise the gyromagnetic ratio from unity to 3/2.