bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histochemical Study of Mast Cell Changes and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Urticaria Pigmentosa
Authors: El-Aal Hassan Abd , Boseila Abd El-Wahed , Bayoomy Wagih K. , Salem Sayed Zaki
Published: November 2009

Five cases of urticaria pigmentosa in patients of different ages and of both sexes were studied for mast cell changes and alkaline phosphatase activity. It has been found that mast cells were very rich in the enzyme as indicated by the black colour after the Gomori’s stain.
Magnesium Content of the Hair in Alopecia areata atopica
Authors: Cotton D.W.K. , Porters J.E. , Spruit D.
Published: November 2009

The magnesium content of hair from alopecia areata atopica patients, from nonatopic dermatological patients and from normal controls has been studied using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The two groups of patients had lower means and ranges than did the normal subjects, but the overlap was considerable. It is suggested that the lower levels found in the patients may be due to the nonspecific ‘metabolic cost’ of the skin diseases.
Transepidermal Elimination of Traumatically Altered Collagen
Authors: Delacrétaz J. , Gattlen J.M.
Published: November 2009

Three cases of transepidermal elimination of traumatically altered collagen, including a case of ‘collagénome perforant verruciforme’ (CPV), are reported. On the basis of our own observations and on the data of the literature, CPV and reactive perforating collagenosis are considered as related, but different entities.
Epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria with Junctional Blistering in an Adult
Authors: Hashimoto I. , Schnyder U.W. , Anton-Lamprecht I.
Published: November 2009

A 38-year-old patient with epidermolysis bullosa is described, in whom junctional blister formation is revealed by electron microscopy. Clinical and ultrastructural differences from the recessive dystrophic type (Hallopeau-Siemens) and from the lethal type (Herlitz) of epidermolysis bullosa are discussed in detail.
Familial Syringoma
Authors: Yesudian Patrick , Thambiah Arthur
Published: November 2009

Syringoma occurring in two siblings in a South Indian family is reported. A familial occurrence of such an uncommon tumour is of considerable interest and might indicate a genetic influence in its causation.
High Faecal Calprotectin Levels in Healthy, Exclusively Breast-Fed Infants
Authors: Savino Francesco , Castagno Emanuele , Calabrese Roberto , Viola Serena , Oggero Roberto , Miniero Roberto
Published: November 2009

Background: Faecal calprotectin has been proposed as a sensitive marker for gastrointestinal inflammation in children and adults. High levels have been reported in healthy newborns and during the first months of life; the effect of the kind of feeding on the calprotectin concentration in stools is controversial. Objective: To evaluate faecal calprotectin values in healthy, exclusively breast-fed (BF) or formula-fed (FF) infants. Methods: Stool samples were obtained from 74 healthy infants (39 exclusively BF and 35 exclusively FF) with a median age of 51 days (range 13–90). Exclusion criteria were acute infections and treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. Stool samples were stored at –20°C until they were analysed, and the faecal calprotectin concentration was detected using a commercial quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassay (Calprest; Eurospital SpA, Trieste, Italy). Results: The median faecal calprotectin concentration was significantly higher in BF infants (555.00 µg/g, range 122.5–2,000.0 µg/g) than in FF ones (206.60 µg/g, range 31.2–797.6 µg/g) (p < 0.001). We observed a significantly higher median stool frequency in BF infants than in FF ones (p < 0.001), but multiple regression analysis (independent variables: kind of feeding and stool frequency; dependent variable: calprotectin) showed a significant coefficient for the kind of feeding, but not for stool frequency (p = 0.937). Conclusions: Our findings show that the kind of feeding influences the faecal calprotectin concentration, with higher values in healthy exclusively BF infants than in FF ones. Our study does not allow us to clearly identify the reason for our finding; this could be due to hormones (such as ghrelin and leptin), cytokines and other immunostimulating and growth factors (such as epidermal growth factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) in human milk, which contribute to the development of the gastrointestinal immune system. Further investigations are needed to better clarify the mechanism underlying the relationship between feeding and faecal calprotectin levels in young infants.
Human Frequency-Following Response to Speech-Like Sounds: Correlates of Off-Frequency Masking
Authors: Krishnan Ananthanarayan , Agrawal Smita
Published: November 2009

Off-frequency masking of the second formant by energy at the first formant has been shown to influence both identification and discrimination of the second formant in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners. While both excitatory spread and two-tone suppression have been implicated in this simultaneous masking, their relative contribution has been shown to depend on both the level of the masker and the frequency separation between the probe and the masker. Off-frequency masking effects were evaluated in 10 normal-hearing human adults using the frequency-following response (FFR) to two two-tone approximations of vowel stimuli (/a/ and /u/). In the first experiment, the masking effect of F1 on F2 was evaluated by attenuating the level of F1 relative to a fixed F2 level. In the second experiment, the masking effect was evaluated by increasing the frequency separation between F1 and F2 using F2 frequency as the variable. Results revealed that both attenuation of the F1 level, and increasing the frequency separation between F1 and F2 increased the magnitude of the FFR component at F2. These results are consistent with a release from off-frequency masking. Given that the results presented here are for high signal and masker levels and for relatively smaller frequency separation between the masker and the probe, it is possible that both suppression and excitatory spread contributed to the masking effects observed in our data.
Auditory Perception in Individuals with Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Rance Gary , Corben Louise , Barker Elizabeth , Carew Peter , Chisari Donella , Rogers Meghan , Dowell Richard , Jamaluddin Saiful , Bryson Rochelle , Delatycki Martin B.
Published: November 2009

Introduction: Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited ataxia with a range of progressive features including axonal degeneration of sensory nerves. The aim of this study was to investigate auditory perception in affected individuals. Methods: Fourteen subjects with genetically defined FRDA participated. Two control groups, one consisting of healthy, normally hearing individuals and another comprised of subjects with sensorineural hearing loss, were also assessed. Auditory processing was evaluated using structured tasks designed to reveal the listeners’ ability to perceive temporal and spectral cues. Findings were then correlated with open-set speech understanding. Results: Nine of 14 individuals with FRDA showed evidence of auditory processing disorder. Gap and amplitude modulation detection levels in these subjects were significantly elevated, indicating impaired encoding of rapid signal changes. Electrophysiologic findings (auditory brainstem response, ABR) also reflected disrupted neural activity. Speech understanding was significantly affected in these listeners and the degree of disruption was related to temporal processing ability. Speech analyses indicated that timing cues (notably consonant voice onset time and vowel duration) were most affected. Conclusion: The results suggest that auditory pathway abnormality is a relatively common consequence of FRDA. Regular auditory evaluation should therefore be part of the management regime for all affected individuals. This assessment should include both ABR testing, which can provide insights into the degree to which auditory neural activity is disrupted, and some functional measure of hearing capacity such as speech perception assessment, which can quantify the disorder and provide a basis for intervention.
Prevalence of Symptomatic Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease in Iceland: A Study of a Well-Defined Population
Authors: Guðmundsson Bjarni , Ólafsson Elías , Jakobsson Finnbogi , Lúðvígsson Pétur
Published: November 2009

Background/Aim: To determine the prevalence and clinical spectrum of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) in Iceland. Methods: We identified all individuals with symptomatic CMT, based on information from all practicing neurologists, both neurophysiology laboratories and the only neurology department in the country. The diagnosis was based on clinical features and neurophysiological testing. DNA testing was regarded as confirmatory. Results: We identified 37 individuals in 18 families, which were not linked by identifying 5 generations of ancestors. The point prevalence (January 1, 2007) for all CMT subtypes in Iceland was 12.0/105, 10.1/105 for CMT1 and 2.0/105 for CMT2. The clinical features include lower limb weakness (95%), impaired gait (68%), decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes (86%), pes cavus (70%) and hammer toes (46%). Clinical symptoms were similar for the 2 main CMT subtypes. Conclusion: We report the prevalence and clinical spectrum of CMT, which is comparable to the results of other prevalence studies, in a well-defined, total population sample.
Diurnal Variation in Onset of Hemorrhagic Stroke Is Independent of Risk Factor Status: Takashima Stroke Registry
Authors: Turin Tanvir Chowdhury , Kita Yoshikuni , Rumana Nahid , Takashima Naoyuki , Ichikawa Masaharu , Sugihara Hideki , Morita Yutaka , Hirose Kunihiko , Murakami Yoshitaka , Miura Katsuyuki , Okayama Akira , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Abbott Robert D. , Ueshima Hirotsugu
Published: November 2009

Background: We examined the circadian periodicity of hemorrhagic stroke onset to identify any existing specific pattern and its relationship with conventional stroke risk factors using 14-year stroke registration data. Methods: Data were obtained from the Takashima Stroke Registry, which covers a stable population of approx. 55,000 in Takashima County in central Japan. Out of 499 registered first-ever hemorrhagic stroke events during 1990–2003, there were 429 (186 men, 243 women) events with classifiable onset time. Hemorrhagic stroke incidence was categorized as occurring at night (midnight to 6 a.m.), morning (6 a.m. to noon), afternoon (noon to 6 p.m.) or evening (6 p.m. to midnight). The OR (with 95% CI) of having a stroke in the morning, afternoon or evening were calculated, with night serving as reference. Results: There was significant diurnal variation in hemorrhagic stroke incidence (p < 0.001). The proportion of hemorrhagic strokes was highest in the morning (36.1%, 95% CI: 31.7–40.8) and lowest in the night (11.9%, 95% CI: 9.1–15.3). An excess stroke incidence in the morning was observed in both genders, in subjects <65 years and ≧65 years, and in both intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. A second surge was also observed during the later part of the day. The higher daytime risk persisted after adjusting for age, gender, and risk factors. Conclusion: In the examination of circadian variation of hemorrhagic stroke onset, a 2-peak temporal distribution was observed, which was independent of conventional risk factors.
Apolipoprotein E Genotype Modifies the Association between Midlife Lung Function and Cognitive Function in Old Age
Authors: Giltay Erik J. , Nissinen Aulikki , Giampaoli Simona , Kromhout Daan
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Because poor lung function may be a risk factor for cognitive decline, we aimed to test the association of respiratory function with cognitive function and dementia later in life, as well as potential effect modification by APOE ε4 carrier status. Methods: In a prospective population-based cohort study, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow were measured around 1965 in 857 men aged 45–64 years (394 from Finland, 208 from The Netherlands, and 255 from Italy). The Mini-Mental State Examination scores around 1990, 1995 and 2000 were analyzed using multilevel regression models and the Clinical Dementia Rating score around 1990 using multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results: Midlife lung function was positively associated with cognitive function in old age in APOE ε4 non-carriers, but not in carriers (p < 0.05 for interaction). In Finland and Italy, 18.6% had questionable to mild dementia and 2.8% moderate to severe dementia after 25 years of follow-up. Dementia was inversely related to midlife lung function in APOE ε4 non-carriers, but not in carriers (p < 0.05 for interaction). Conclusions: Small lung volumes were prospectively associated with an increased risk for poor cognitive function and dementia in non-carriers of the APOE ε4 gene.
Efficacy of Convective-Controlled Double High-Flux Hemodiafiltration versus On-Line Hemodiafiltration: 1-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Susantitaphong Paweena , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Katavetin Pisut , Townamchai Natavudh , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam-Ong Somchai
Published: November 2009

Background: A recent cross-sectional study demonstrated that convective-controlled double high-flux hemodiafiltration (CC-HDF) could yield equivalent removal of small and middle molecule uremic toxins to on-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF). Methods: The present study was conducted to compare the 1-year efficacy between CC-HDF (n = 10) and OL-HDF (n = 16) in chronic hemodialysis patients undergoing thrice weekly high-flux hemodialysis for at least 6 months. Results: When compared with baseline (high-flux hemodialysis), 1-year treatment with both HDF modes had comparable efficacy in significantly lowering serum pre-dialysis β2-microglobulin (β2m) levels (p < 0.05) and significantly enhancing greater urea reduction ratio (p < 0.05). Both HDF modes could comparably maintain the hematology profile, calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and nutritional status according to the K-DOQI guidelines. Conclusion: CC-HDF can provide equivalent 1-year efficacy to OL-HDF and would be an effective alternative mode to OL-HDF.
Gestational Age-Dependent Repair Kinetics of Microsurgical Defects in Monolayers of Human Amniocytes
Authors: Devlieger R. , Gratacós E. , Verbist L. , Pijnenborg R. , Deprest J.
Published: November 2009

Objectives: There is paucity of data on the capacity of fetal membranes to repair surgical defects following trauma. We aimed at developing an in vitro model using monolayers of human amnion epithelial cells to study fetal membrane healing. Methods: Term (n = 6) and preterm (n = 3) fetal membranes were collected at caesarean section. The amnion was digested twice in a trypsin solution. Amniocytes were seeded (250,000–750,000/ml) and incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 and 21 or 5% O2. A microsurgical injury was made centrally in the monolayers and the cultures were incubated for 48 h. Every 6 h, slides were fixed and immunohistochemical staining was performed to quantify proliferation at the site of the defect and centrally in the monolayer. The closure rate was evaluated by measuring the defect size every 6 h. Results: The closure rate of the defects was higher in preterm versus term cultures. Proliferation was significantly higher in the defect zone versus the peripheral zone, and also higher in the preterm group. Conclusion: We describe a new model for the study of fetal membrane healing and observed gestational age-dependent repair capacity of the amnion.
Effect of Smoking Cessation on Visually Evoked Cerebral Blood Flow Response in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Boms Neta , Yonai Yaniv , Molnar Sandor , Rosengarten Bernhard , Bornstein Natan M. , Csiba Laszlo , Olah Laszlo
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: In our previous study, impaired visually evoked flow velocity response was demonstrated in young chronic smokers. Our aim was to study whether impaired cerebrovascular reactivity is reversible 6–18 months after smoking cessation. Methods: Flow velocity changes, evoked by visual stimulus, were recorded in the posterior cerebral arteries in 15 smokers, 15 former smokers and 15 nonsmokers. The stimulation protocol consisted of 10 cycles with a resting phase of 20 s (baseline) and a stimulating phase of 40 s for each cycle. Relative changes of flow velocity were expressed in relation to baseline. Breath holding index, visual evoked potential and intima-media thickness were also examined. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed marked difference in the flow velocity time courses between the 3 groups (p < 0.01). The flow response was significantly worse in former smokers than in nonsmokers (p < 0.002), however, no significant difference was found between former and current smokers (p = 0.0556). Conclusion: This is the first transcranial Doppler study demonstrating long-term impairment of visually evoked cerebrovascular response after smoking cessation. These findings indicate that the impairment of neurovascular coupling caused by smoking is due to structural changes of the vessels, rather than acute effect of smoking.
Differences in Lesion Severity and Cellular Composition between in vivo Assessed Upstream and Downstream Sides of Human Symptomatic Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Fagerberg Björn , Ryndel Mikael , Kjelldahl Josefin , Akyürek Levent M. , Rosengren Lars , Karlström Lars , Bergström Göran , Olson Fredrik J.
Published: November 2009

Background: The heterogeneous structure of carotid atherosclerotic plaques may be better understood if it is related to blood flow variations, influencing gene expression and cellular functions. Upstream of the maximum stenosis there is laminar blood flow and high shear stress, downstream there is turbulence and low shear stress. We studied if these variations were associated with differences in plaque morphology and composition between sites located up- and downstream of the maximum stenosis in symptomatic carotid plaques. Methods: Patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis were examined with magnetic resonance angiography to localize the maximum stenosis in-vivo, prior to endarterectomy. In 41 endarterectomized specimens, transverse tissue sections prepared up- and downstream of the maximum stenosis were compared using histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Results: The location of maximum stenosis relative the carotid bifurcation varied considerably between plaques. Compared with the downstream side, the upstream side of the stenosis had higher incidence of severe lesions with cap rupture and intraplaque hemorrhage, more macrophages, less smooth muscle cells and more collagen. Conclusions: The up- and downstream sides of symptomatic carotid plaques differed in plaque morphology and composition. This implies that the intraplaque location of sampling sites may be a confounding factor in studies of atherosclerotic plaques.
Transglutaminase 2 Deficiency Decreases Plaque Fibrosis and Increases Plaque Inflammation in Apolipoprotein-E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Van Herck Jozef L. , Schrijvers Dorien M. , De Meyer Guido R.Y. , Martinet Wim , Van Hove Cor E. , Bult Hidde , Vrints Christiaan J. , Herman Arnold G.
Published: November 2009

Aim: Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is important for the deposition and stability of the extracellular matrix via effects on cross-linking of matrix proteins and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of TG2 deficiency on the composi- tion of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)–/– mice were crossbred with TG2–/– mice to obtain ApoE–/–TG2–/– mice. ApoE–/– and ApoE–/–TG2–/– mice were fed a Western-type diet for 16 or 30 weeks to determine the effect of TG2 deficiency on early and advanced atherosclerosis, respectively. Results: Atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE–/–TG2–/– mice showed decreased cross-linking of matrix proteins, as well as decreased nuclear staining for phospho-Smad2/-Smad3, indicative of decreased TGFβ activity. Compared to ApoE–/– mice, plaque area was decreased by 45 and 48% in ApoE–/–TG2–/– mice after 16 and 30 weeks, respectively. Sirius red staining showed a significant decrease in collagen content in early and advanced atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE–/–TG2–/– mice. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in macrophages in advanced atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE–/–TG2–/– mice. Conclusion: TG2 deficiency resulted in a decreased collagen content and increased inflammation, which are features of a more unstable plaque.
White Matter Lesions and Lacunar Infarcts Are Independently and Differently Associated with Brain Atrophy: The SMART-MR Study
Authors: Appelman Auke P.A. , Vincken Koen L. , van der Graaf Yolanda , Vlek Anne L.M. , Witkamp Theo D. , Mali Willem P.T.M. , Geerlings Mirjam I.
Published: November 2009

Objective: To investigate the independent association of white matter lesions (WML) and lacunar infarcts (LI) with measures of global brain atrophy on MRI. Methods: Within the SMART-MR study, a cohort study among patients with manifest arterial disease, cross-sectional analyses were performed in 840 patients (mean age 58 ± 10 years, 80% male) without cortical, large subcortical or infratentorial infarcts. Brain segmentation was used to quantify volumes of brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid and WML. Total brain volume, ventricular volume and cortical gray matter volume were divided by intracranial volume to obtain brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), ventricular fraction (VF) and cortical gray matter fraction (GMF). Location and number of infarcts were rated visually. Results: Mean ± SD BPF was 79.3 ± 2.8%, mean ± SD VF was 2.01 ± 0.95%, and mean ± SD GMF was 36.6 ± 3.3%. Linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, vascular risk factors, intima media thickness and LI showed that in patients with moderate to severe WML (upper quartile) BPF was lower (–0.51%; 95% CI –0.93 to –0.08%), VF was higher (0.48%; 95% CI 0.31–0.65%) and GMF was lower (–1.48%; 95% CI –2.07 to –0.88%) than in patients with few WML (lower quartile). Presence of LI was associated with lower BPF (–0.52%; 95% CI –0.96 to –0.07%) and higher VF (0.25%; 95% CI 0.07–0.42%), but not with GMF, independent of WML and other potential confounders. Conclusion: WML are associated with total, subcortical and cortical brain atrophy, whereas LI are associated with total and subcortical atrophy, but not with cortical atrophy, suggesting an independent role for WML and LI in the pathogenesis of brain atrophy.
Day-90 Acute Ischemic Stroke Outcomes Can Be Derived from Early Functional Activity Level
Authors: Ovbiagele Bruce , Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: November 2009

Background: The time point generally recognized as most appropriate to assess final functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke is 3 months. However, identifying earlier reliable prognostic time points may allay patient anxiety about the recovery process, enable assignment of outcome in patients lost to follow-up, and provide earlier and more readily available options for clinical outcome assessment in adaptive design and proof of concept studies. We assessed whether day-7/10 functional outcome predicted day-90 functional outcome among acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods: The NINDS-tPA Study database was analyzed. Global disability was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Spearman correlation evaluated the association of day-7/10 versus day-90 mRS, and observed agreement was computed using the weighted κ agreement, both unadjusted and adjusted by multivariable ordinal logistic modeling for demographic and clinical variables known to influence stroke outcomes. Results: 581 subjects (93%) were alive at 7–10 days. There was strong correlation between mRS score at day 7/10 and day 90 (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001), and the weighted κ agreement was 0.82 (p < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, day-7/10 day mRS was independently and strongly associated with day-90 mRS, while among other baseline variables, only baseline NIH Stroke Scale score (per unit increase) and a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) were significantly associated with a worse day-90 mRS. Conclusions: Global disability status 1 week after an index ischemic stroke strongly predicts final 3-month disability outcome. Functioning at 1 week, supplemented by initial stroke severity and CHF history information, may provide an early outcome guide useful for patient and family counseling.
Is Pretreatment with Beta-Blockers Beneficial in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome?
Authors: Cuculi F. , Radovanovic D. , Pedrazzini G. , Regli M. , Urban P. , Stauffer J.C. , Erne P.
Published: November 2009

Objectives: The role of β-blockers in the treatment of hypertension is discussed controversially and the data showing a clear benefit in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) were obtained in the thrombolysis era. The goal of this study was to analyze the role of pretreatment with β-blockers in patients with ACS. Methods: Using data from the Acute Myocardial Infarction in Switzerland (AMIS Plus) registry, we analyzed outcomes of patients with β-blocker pretreatment in whom they were continued during hospitalization (group A), those without β-blocker pretreatment but with administration after admission (group B) and those who never received them (group C). Major adverse cardiac events defined as composed endpoint of re-infarction and stroke (during hospitalization) and/or in-hospital death were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 24,709 patients were included in the study (6,234 in group A, 12,344 in group B, 6,131 in group C). Patients of group B were younger compared to patients of group A and C (62.5, 67.6 and 68.4, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, odds ratio for major adverse cardiac events was 0.59 (CI 0.47–0.74) for group A and 0.66 (CI 0.55–0.83) for group B, while group C was taken as a reference. Conclusions: β-Blocker therapy is beneficial in ACS and they should be started in those who are not pretreated and continued in stable patients who had been on chronic β-blocker therapy before.
Penetration of Drugs through the Skin
Authors: Stoughton Richard B.
Published: November 2009

Various methods for measuring percutaneous absorption are discussed with particular reference to glucocorticosteroids. Increasing concentrations of steroids in a given formulation will yield a decreasing percent of amount penetrating and a corresponding proportionate decrease in biologic activity. The formulation can shift the relationships of concentration to penetration and to biologic activity. The use of bioassay methods to detect penetration of antibiotics has been applied to find an active topical antibiotic for treatment of acne vulgaris.
Comparative Study of Triamcinolone Acetonide and Hydrocortisone 17-Butyrate in Rosacea with Special Regard to the Rebound Phenomenon
Authors: Go M.J.Th.H. , Wuite J.
Published: November 2009

The clinical efficacy and the rebound phenomenon were studied in a left-right double-blind trial comparing triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and hydrocortisone 17-butyrate (HC 17-B, Locoid®). The trial comprised 19 patients with rosacea-like dermatitis of whom 7 did not receive treatment and 12 were pretreated with betamethasone valerate (BMV). Tetracycline was given all the time as additional treatment. Clinically there was no significant difference between TA and HC 17-B. No rebound phenomenon was observed. If corticosteroids are to be used at all in rosacea or rosacea-like dermatitis, preference is given to HC 17-B.
‘Listen to me when I have something to say’: students’ participation in research for sustainable school improvement
Authors: Bergmark Ulrika , Kostenius Catrine
Published: November 2009

This article focuses on student participation in the research process as a contribution to school improvement. The specific aim of this article was to explore students’ participation in different phases of a research process and discuss how their participation can contribute to school improvement. Based on a life-world phenomenological ontology, we used two research and development projects — Full of Value and Arctic Children — to shed light on participation in research. When doing research together with students, we have been inspired by Participatory Appreciative Action Research (PAAR). The methods used in the projects were open writing, group reflection, drawings, and exhibition discussions. This research showed that students were able to explore and express their lived experiences of behaviour and well-being in school, and how this was linked to positive change. We found students trustworthy, capable, and competent, enriching the process of school improvement.
Serum-dependent transcriptional networks identify distinct functional roles for H-Ras and N-Ras during initial stages of the cell cycle
Authors: Castellano Esther , Guerrero Carmen , Núñez Alejandro , De Las Rivas Javier , Santos Eugenio
Published: November 2009

Background

Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we compared transcriptional profiles corresponding to the initial cell cycle stages of mouse fibroblasts lacking the small GTPases H-Ras and/or N-Ras with those of matching, wild-type controls.

Results

Serum-starved wild-type and knockout ras fibroblasts had very similar transcriptional profiles, indicating that H-Ras and N-Ras do not significantly control transcriptional responses to serum deprivation stress. In contrast, genomic disruption of H-ras or N-ras, individually or in combination, determined specific differential gene expression profiles in response to post-starvation stimulation with serum for 1 hour (G0/G1 transition) or 8 hours (mid-G1 progression). The absence of N-Ras caused significantly higher changes than the absence of H-Ras in the wave of transcriptional activation linked to G0/G1 transition. In contrast, the absence of H-Ras affected the profile of the transcriptional wave detected during G1 progression more strongly than did the absence of N-Ras. H-Ras was predominantly functionally associated with growth and proliferation, whereas N-Ras had a closer link to the regulation of development, the cell cycle, immunomodulation and apoptosis. Mechanistic analysis indicated that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1) mediates the regulatory effect of N-Ras on defense and immunity, whereas the pro-apoptotic effects of N-Ras are mediated through ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling.

Conclusions

Our observations confirm the notion of an absolute requirement for different peaks of Ras activity during the initial stages of the cell cycle and document the functional specificity of H-Ras and N-Ras during those processes.
Folate Receptor Mediated Targeted Delivery of Porphyrin Photosensitizer
Authors: Li Donghong , Wang Dong , Diao Junlin , Liu Jianchang
Published: November 2009

A folate–porphyrin conjugate 1 has been synthesized and characterized. The cellular uptake of conjugate 1 by Hela cells was about 35 times higher than that of precursor porphyrin 3 after 24 h of incubation and can be inhibited competitively by free folic acid. Moreover, conjugate 1 exhibited much lower dark cytotoxicity against Hela cells in vitro but significant photocytotoxicity with 86.4% cell growth inhibition ratio after irradiation.
H2 Production over Ni/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst Prepared by a Homogeneous Precipitation Method Using Urea for Direct Internal Reforming (DIR) in a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC)
Authors: Roh Hyun-Seog , Jung Youshick , Koo Kee Young , Jung Un Ho , Seo Yong-Seog , Yoon Wang Lai
Published: November 2009

Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts (Ni content = 52 wt %) have been designed by a homogeneous precipitation method using urea as a precipitation agent for direct internal reforming in a molten carbonate fuel cell. Concentrations of precursor and urea have been systematically varied to develop highly active and KOH-resistant catalyst. Compared with the commercial catalyst, the developed catalyst exhibits strong stability against KOH as well as very high activity.
A Novel Tridentate-N,N,S Iminothiolate Ligand That Leads to the Formation of S-Bridged Dinickel(II) and Tetracobalt(III) Structures
Authors: Igashira-Kamiyama Asako , Saito Masayuki , Konno Takumi
Published: November 2009

Treatment of dicyandiamide, 2-aminoethanethiol hydrochloride, and NiCl2·6H2O in water gave an S-bridged dinickel(II) complex, [Ni2(L)2]Cl2 ([1]Cl2), which contains novel tridentate-N,N,S iminothiolate ligands with a biguanide moiety (L−). Another S-bridged complex containing L−, [Co{Co(L)2}3]6+ ([2]Cl6), which has the first example of a hexol S-bridged structure, was obtained by the stepwise reaction of [1]Cl2 with Na4edta and CoCl2·6H2O in water.
Auditory, Visual, and Auditory-Visual Speech Perception by Individuals With Cochlear Implants Versus Individuals With Hearing Aids
Authors: Most Tova , Rothem Hilla , Luntz Michal
Published: November 2009

The Researchers evaluated the contribution of cochlear implants (CIs) to speech perception by a sample of prelingually deaf individuals implanted after age 8 years. This group was compared with a group with profound hearing impairment (HA-P), and with a group with severe hearing impairment (HA-S), both of which used hearing aids. Words and sentences were presented to the auditory channel alone, the visual channel alone, and the combined auditory-visual channel. Some of the results indicated better performance of the CI group than the HA-P group, thus indicating the advantage of CIs over hearing aids for "late" implantees, especially under difficult listening conditions. In addition, all participants relied on visual information under difficult auditory conditions. These last outcomes suggest that intervention with CI users should include exposure to visual as well as auditory information and should emphasize auditory-visual integration.
The Social Network Map as an Instrument for Identifying Social Relations in Deaf Research and Practice
Authors: Hintermair Manfred
Published: November 2009

Social Support has shown itself to be an important factor in many areas in regard to mental health development and conservation. Numerous empirical findings also document its significance in various areas of research into deafness. Questionnaires are only one means of gathering information when we are trying to gain access to the social networks of deaf and hard of hearing people, their families, and relatives. The social network map is an approach that provides qualitative access to insights into social relationships and has proven, in conjunction with a qualitative interview, to be a useful tool in allowing a more detailed description and in-depth understanding of the processes of both social support and stress. The special strength of the social network map lies in the combination of visualizing social relationships and reflecting them in an interpersonal dialogue. This article describes how to go about creating a network map and illustrates this with an example of a mother of a multi-handicapped, deaf child. It concludes with a discussion of the opportunities that the use of a social network map offers as well as its potential limitations.
Children With Cochlear Implants: A Review of Demographics and Communication Outcomes
Authors: Belzner Kate A. , Seal Brenda C.
Published: November 2009

Children with severe to profound hearing loss in the United States are diverse in their racial-ethnic backgrounds, comorbid disabilities, socioeconomic levels, and communication modalities. The present article addresses demographic variables and communication outcomes of children with cochlear implants by means of a review of longitudinal studies published from 2000 through 2007. Information gathered from these reports reflects several trends over the years. Chi-square testing, however, revealed that two large samples chosen from the review failed to conform to an expected population profile for demographic diversity. This literature review and synthesis provides a body of evidence that should be useful for cochlear implant educators, clinicians, and researchers in determining the relevance of previous outcomes to individuals and groups who differ from those reported, and in devising suggestions for increased efforts to represent children of diverse backgrounds in investigations of implant outcomes.
Universal Lessons Learned by a Gastroenterologist From a Deaf and Mute Patient: The Importance of Nonverbal Communication and Establishing Patient Rapport and Trust
Authors: Cappell Mitchell S.
Published: November 2009

Deaf and Mute patients may require minimal extra attention to establish trust and allay anxieties before minor medical maneuvers such as rectal examination. An extreme case is reported of the consequences from failure to accomplish this. A generally cooperative deaf and mute patient struggled and suffered a rectal tear and perforation during enema insertion that required emergency colorectal surgery; his nurse had failed to establish a trusting relationship before enema insertion. Ironically, the patient's physician had earlier easily performed digital rectal examination, a similar medical maneuver, with patient cooperation after establishing patient rapport. This report demonstrates the importance of treating individuals with disabilities like everyone else in addressing anxieties before medical maneuvers. The health care worker has the same responsibility of calming the patient, whether deaf or not; the sole difference is that communication between deaf and hearing requires greater skill and patience.
Service-Learning: Recentering the Deaf Community in Interpreter Education
Authors: Shaw Sherry , Roberson Len
Published: November 2009

The Concept of recentering the Deaf community in interpreter education stems from the recent discussion of program evolution away from stakeholders and into academia highlighted by Monikowski and Peterson (2005). The University of North Florida, in the initial stages of developing a B.S. degree and M.Ed. concentration in ASL/English Interpreting, responded by developing stand-alone courses in service-learning, with hopes of prioritizing the needs of the Deaf community in curriculum development. The program was implemented in fall 2007, and the first cohort of students completed its second course in service-learning in fall 2008. Elements of the new program that indicate its progress toward recentering include an overview of service-learning as pedagogy in action, the distinction of service-learning from practicum and internship, implementation of the new courses, and the merging of the program's strategic plan with the university's commitment to community-based transformational learning.
Gesture and Gesturality in the Dionysiaca of Nonnus
Authors: Miguélez-Cavero Laura
Published: November 2009

This study examines Nonnus’ use of gestures in the Dionysiaca, in particular those related to power (supplication, obeisance, dragging of the defeated), spectacles (mainly the pantomime), grief, and love. The first impression is that they enhance the visuality of the poem, a central late antique proposal, but Nonnus also exploited them thoroughly to enrich the texture of his poem. The gestures in the Dionysiaca are reminiscent of those occurring in other literary works (Homer, as well as imperial authors), rhetorical treatises, and the visual arts, thus weaving a net that combines tradition and modernity. They also were used to reflect changes in genre, for example, a dramatic passage called for dramatic gestures, and were intended to induce a passionate reaction to the poem in contemporary readers, who could mirror the passionate gestures of the inner audiences .
Patronage Performance and Social Strategy in the Letters of Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrrhus
Authors: Schor Adam M.
Published: November 2009

Patronage played a central part in late Roman social life, but as a process of social interaction it was complicated. To explore these complexities, this study follows some sociologists in treating patronage interactions as carefully planned performances. Theodoret's letters of appeal feature the bishop-author playing advocate for various clients before a range of elite audiences. The letters reveal tactics employed to win audience sympathy by signaling common ground, whether through social status, classical culture, or Christian faith. The letters also reveal methods to entice generosity by distancing clients and advocates from the audience and inviting audience members to close the gaps. Multi-letter appeals show signs of careful stage direction, involving several performers and audiences. Most appeals indicate a concern to protect relations even when audiences were unresponsive. Theodoret's patronage performances pursued short-term goals of mediating the distribution of favors. At the same time, they were part of a larger social strategy, to build a network of protective contacts and to find a sense of elite inclusion. Theodoret's patronage performances gave him a measure of social success, but they could not persist amid accusations from doctrinal rivals, who forced the bishop-patron into less flattering roles.
Refuse, Filth, and Excrement in the Homilies of John Chrysostom
Authors: Leyerle Blake
Published: November 2009

The writings of John Chrysostom contain many references to excrement and other kinds of refuse. This study collates the information he offers on urban sanitation and examines his rhetorical use of the language of filth. This aversive language occurs primarily not in his fulminations against Jews or Jewish-Christian interaction, but in his attacks on traditional Greco-Roman practices. He mobilizes disgust in order to deter his congregation from pursuing or admiring elite behaviors. Defilement is for him a moral category, but the power of his rhetoric springs directly from the brutal facts of urban waste that he details.
Anastasius, Justinian, and the Pagans: A Tale of Two Law Codes and a Papyrus
Authors: Corcoran Simon
Published: November 2009

P. Oxy. XV 1814 provides the most direct evidence for the contents of the First Edition of the Justinian Code (the Novus Codex of 529). Providing the basis for a comparison with the Second Edition (the Codex repetitae praelectionis of 534), it reveals how in the later edition material was added, removed, replaced, and relocated. In particular, the papyrus throws light on imperial policy toward the pagans from its presentation of material under CJ 1.11 (On Pagans, Sacrifices, and Temples). Thus CJ 2 1.11.9 = CJ 1 1.11.10 is shown to have been issued by Anastasius, a fact often overlooked by scholars, because it is not reflected in Krüger's standard Code edition. It is argued here that a convincing context for this anti-pagan measure can be found in the aftermath of the Brytae riots of 502. The traditional association between CJ 2 1.11.10 and the ending of pagan philosophical teaching in Athens is affirmed, with the law dated to the late summer/autumn of 529, coinciding with Tribonian taking control of legal policy. Finally, it is in the detailed anti-pagan measures of CJ 2 1.11.10 that the reasons for the deletion of CJ 1 1.11.1 (absent from the Second Edition) can be found. This mysterious constitution should not be associated with Constantine's missing law against sacrifice, but was probably a measure protective of pagans in some way and so most likely a private rescript of a pre-Christian emperor deriving from the Gregorian Code
"I Was a Boy with Power to Talk" ( Conf . 1.8.13): Augustine and Ancient Theories of Language Acquisition
Authors: Toom Tarmo
Published: November 2009

This study compares Augustine's remarks on language acquisition in the Confessions with those of Stoics, Epicureans, and Pyrrhonists and assesses the similarities and differences of the respective accounts. It studies a specific issue in Augustine's philosophy of language, language acquisition, which so far and in connection with ancient theories has received only passing attention .
Embodied Images: Christian Response and Destruction in Late Antique Egypt
Authors: Kristensen Troels Myrup
Published: November 2009

The Christian destruction of pagan images in Late Antiquity frequently has been regarded as a mindless aspect of religious intolerance. A closer study of the phenomenon, as observed through the extant historical and archaeological sources from Egypt, however, suggests a more complex modus operandi in Christian responses to pagan images that is furthermore revelatory of contemporary conceptions of religious imagery. This study argues that Christian responses are best understood through a particular conception of embodied images, that is, that they possessed qualities of the human body. In spite of Christian authors claiming otherwise, bodies in stone were linked to flesh and blood bodies through the destructive practices that were undertaken to counteract the powers believed to dwell in pagan images. These practices included burning and selective destruction of body parts to negate the bodily qualities of an image. The responses of Christian image-breakers in Egypt are interpreted here with reference to both contemporary methods of punishment (of human bodies) and older traditions of visual practices particularly pertinent to Egyptian culture.
Fatherhood in Confessional Poetry: One Facet of Men’s Autobiographical Writing
Authors: Glaser Brian Brodhead
Published: November 2009

Recent scholarship on confessional poetry has focussed for the most part on either the relationship of this work to feminine experience and questions of gender and sexuality for women on the one hand or the problems involved in assessing the poetry’s artistic merit on the other. This essay argues that Robert Lowell and W.D. Snodgrass can be read for the light their work casts on one facet of masculine experience: fatherhood. Setting poems by each poet which are either about or addressed to their daughters in the context of both earlier poetry of a similar kind and contemporary theories of fatherhood, the essay argues that a common feature in both poets’ work—loneliness—shows something worth noticing about Cold War masculinity and illustrates the value of reading autobiographical poetry without foregrounding questions of artistic merit.
Roger Prim, Gentleman: Gender, Pragmatism, and the Strange Career of John Crowe Ransom
Authors: Mikkelsen Ann
Published: November 2009

John Crowe Ransom’s early and mid-career writings on gender as well as the nature of the aesthetic object are both intimated related and more complicated than critics previously have acknowledged. Ransom’s early poetry, which often depicts strained and anxiety-ridden relationships between men and women, anticipates the strangely gendered rhetoric the critic later employs to engage with the pragmatic aesthetics of John Dewey. Illuminating Ransom’s longstanding intellectual engagement with the century’s pre-eminent social scientist as well as the more egalitarian aspects of the poet’s reflections on the roles of women in modern society, this essay corrects recent truisms concerning the New Critics while revealing the extent to which Ransom’s work contains the seeds of its own undoing by subsequent generations of critics.
Beyond “Authenticity”: Migration and the Epistemology of “Voice” in Mary Prince’s History of Mary Prince and Maryse Condé’s I, Tituba
Authors: Simmons K. Merinda
Published: November 2009

In “Beyond ‘Authenticity’: Migration and the Epistemology of ‘Voice’ in Mary Prince’s History of Mary Prince and Maryse Condé’s I, Tituba ,” I suggest that the idea of “authenticity,” often deployed in feminist and postcolonial readings of women’s narratives, is too narrow a construct to be as productive in literary scholarship as it has been assumed. A parallel claim is that Mary Prince’s 1831 slave narrative offers a historical precedent and maintains a contemporary textual precedent in 20 th -century diasporic texts like Maryse Condé’s 1986 neo-slave narrative I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem . In both of these narratives, “authenticity” is obscured as migration and travel profoundly shape women’s identity politics. Much of the scholarly criticism that surrounds these texts, however, often presents both Prince and Tituba as independent, speaking subjects, each with a “true voice.” Such criticism, while well-intended in its attempt to offer and recuperate liberating presentations of women’s “voices,” maintains singular and limited understandings of a monolithic “black” or “female” experience.