bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of a faces version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale
Authors: HOWARD KAREN E. , FREEMAN RUTH
Published: May 2007

Background.  A new version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS) was formed by adding a faces rating scale to the original numeric form.

Aims.  To describe the psychometric properties of the faces version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDASf), and to provide normative data for dental anxiety for children using the MCDASf.

Design.  To determine the test–retest reliability, 287 schoolchildren aged 8–10 years completed the MCDASf on two separate occasions 17 weeks apart. To determine the criterion validity, 207 schoolchildren aged 10–12 years completed the MCDASf and the CFSS‐DS at the same sitting. Construct validity was assessed using a cohort of 206 consecutive child dental patients and their parents.

Results.  The MCDASf showed good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.80) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82). The MCDASf significantly correlated with the CFSS‐DS (r = 0.80, P < 0.001). Dental anxiety assessed using the MCDASf was related to the dmft (t = −2.17, P = 0.03), DMFT (t = −4.19, P < 0.001), and dental general anaesthetic experience (t = −4.46, P < 0.01). The mean MCDASf score for the normative sample (n = 475) was 19.81 (95% CI: 19.20, 20.43).

Conclusions.  The MCDASf is a reliable and valid measure of dental anxiety in children aged 8–12 years.
Using a pheromone lure survey to establish the native and potential distribution of an invasive Lepidopteran, Uraba lugens
Authors: KRITICOS DARREN J. , POTTER KARINA J. B. , ALEXANDER NEIL S. , GIBB ANDY R. , SUCKLING D. MAX
Published: May 2007

When invasive species are first detected in a new environment there is often a demand for information about the potential for the organism to spread and create impacts. Uraba lugens (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) is an Australian native moth that has invaded New Zealand in what are presumed to be two separate episodes. After U. lugens was found in Auckland in 2001 a climex™ model was prepared to gauge the potential for the moth to spread and inflict damage in New Zealand. Inconsistencies in fitting model parameters to the then known native distribution, indicated that the known native distribution was probably incomplete, and that the unknown part of its range was critical for defining its likely range limits in New Zealand.

A synthetic sex pheromone trapping survey was used to ascertain the altitudinal and upper rainfall range limits of U. lugens in part of its native range in Australia. The survey extended the known range of U. lugens into higher‐altitude and higher‐rainfall zones of Tasmania. We used the expanded distribution information to refine a climex model, and to project the climate suitability for U. lugens with particular emphasis on New Zealand.

The projected climatic suitability of New Zealand indicates that the area likely to be at risk of invasion by U. lugens is considerably more extensive than was indicated from its historical distribution records in Australia. It now includes all the eucalypt forestry areas. Similarly, the global potential distribution covers the major eucalypt forestry regions of the world.

The minimum heat sum necessary to complete a generation for U. lugens that was associated with its range limits was considerably lower than that predicted by average development rates gained from constant temperature and daylength studies. Possible explanations for this anomaly are discussed.

Synthesis and applications. The lack of suitable data on the distribution of organisms is perhaps the single most common challenge for ecological climate modellers. Trapping along climatic gradients with a synthetic pheromone lure offers a cheap, rapid means of ascertaining the climatic distribution of suitable high profile insects.
Do handheld devices facilitate face‐to‐face collaboration? Handheld devices with large shared display groupware to facilitate group interactions
Authors: Liu C.‐C. , Kao L.‐C.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  One‐to‐one computing environments change and improve classroom dynamics as individual students can bring handheld devices fitted with wireless communication capabilities into the classrooms. However, the screens of handheld devices, being designed for individual‐user mobile application, limit promotion of interaction among groups of learners. This study proposes a design of classrooms that incorporates personal workspace and public workspace. Students use handheld devices as private workspace and work with peers on public workspace with shared displays through their handheld devices. Experiments confirmed that students with only handheld devices did not demonstrate expected participation ratios and actively interact with group members. The proposed shared display groupware promoted shared understanding of the workspace and increased awareness of partner actions. Collaboration was enhanced by creating the opportunity for students to use handheld devices to perform ideal communication patterns and avoiding ineffective communication patterns.
Enriching spaces in practice‐based education to support collaboration while mobile: the case of teacher education
Authors: Morken E.M. , Divitini M. , Haugaløkken O.K.
Published: May 2007

Abstract Practice‐based education is gaining a growing popularity in fields as diverse as, for example, software engineering, pedagogy and medical studies. In practice‐based education learning takes place across different learning arenas and requires cooperation among all the actors involved in the learning process. However, mobility of students across these arenas impact deeply on cooperation patterns, and therefore on the learning process. In this paper we investigate the usage of shared display systems to promote cooperation among students in practice‐based education. Our focus is on teacher education and the paper is based on our experiences with the teacher education programme at our university. Based on our observations of students out in practice, we discuss the importance of common spaces and the role of bulletin boards of different types. We then define high‐level requirements for a shared display system to support practice‐based education and we illustrate the main concepts with a demonstrator. Strengths and weaknesses of our approach are pointed out through an evaluation of the demonstrator.
Innovative socio‐technical environments in support of distributed intelligence and lifelong learning
Authors: Fischer G. , Konomi S.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Individual, unaided human abilities are constrained. Media have helped us to transcend boundaries in thinking, working, learning and collaborating by supporting distributed intelligence. Wireless and mobile technologies provide new opportunities for creating novel socio‐technical environments and thereby empowering humans, but not without potential pitfalls. We explore these opportunities and pitfalls from a lifelong‐learning perspective and discuss how wireless and mobile technologies can influence and change conceptual frameworks such as the relationship between planning and situated action, context awareness, human attention, distances in collaborative design activities, and the trade‐off between tools for living and tools for learning. The impact of wireless and mobile technologies is illustrated with our research projects, which focus on moving ‘computing off the desktop’ by ‘going small, large, and everywhere’. Specific examples include human‐centred public transportation systems, collaborative design, and information sharing with smart physical objects.
Clinical performance of a self‐etching and a total‐etch adhesive system – 2‐year results
Authors: BEKES K. , BOECKLER L. , GERNHARDT C. R. , SCHALLER H.‐G.
Published: May 2007

Summary  The purpose of this controlled prospective clinical study was to compare the clinical performance of the self‐etching adhesive system AdheSE and the established total‐etch adhesive system Excite in classes I and II cavities for a period of 2 years. Fifty patients participated in this study. Each received two restorations, one with AdheSE, one with Excite by one calibrated, non‐blinded operator. The resin composite used to restore the teeth was Tetric Ceram HB. One calibrated, blinded clinician re‐evaluated the restorations at baseline, after 6, 12 and 24 months after placement using the modified Ryge criteria. For this, vitality, post‐operative sensitivity, visible marginal irregularity, marginal discolouration, secondary caries, surface texture, anatomic form and filling defect were considered. After 2 years, 67 restorations were reviewed in 34 patients. None of the teeth showed signs of secondary caries. Two teeth, one of each group, had to receive endodontic treatment because of pulp inflammation. All other teeth remained vital. Slight marginal discolourations were observed in six AdheSE restorations and three Excite restorations. These restorations were scored as Beta. After 2 years, an overall clinical success rate, summing up all the Alpha and Beta scores, of 97% was found, viewing both adhesive systems together. Statistic analysis using log‐rank test showed no statistic differences in the overall survival rate between the two materials tested within the observation period. It can be concluded that both adhesive systems tested demonstrated very good clinical performance in the restoration of classes I and II cavities at the end of 2 years.
Effects of removing Cynodon dactylon from a recently abandoned agricultural field
Authors: MAU‐CRIMMINS T M
Published: May 2007

An understanding of ecosystem response to the removal of a dominant non‐native species is critical for planning control or eradication efforts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of recently abandoned agricultural fields in south‐eastern Arizona, USA to the removal of Cynodon dactylon, a dominant perennial rhizomatous grass. C. dactylon was removed from treatment plots using glyphosate herbicide. Repeated application of glyphosate to C. dactylon did have a significant impact on the cover of C. dactylon and in the community composition of the treated plots. However, patterns observed in this study were similar in both control and treated plots, suggesting that the response of the system to the removal of C. dactylon was nested within larger changes the entire system was experiencing during the time of the study. The short‐term, dynamic response to herbicide treatment seemed to be mediated by the amount and timing of precipitation. Additionally, though C. dactylon removal via herbicide treatment was effective, undesired effects including increases in other non‐native, noxious species were observed. The results demonstrate that control of C. dactylon would likely be possible and cost‐effective for this site. However, removing C. dactylon apparently created conditions conducive for other opportunistic species to increase. The decision to undertake a large‐scale eradication effort should weigh the benefits of C. dactylon removal against the potential increase in other undesirable species.
Spartina invasion in China: implications for invasive species management and future research
Authors: AN S Q , GU B H , ZHOU C F , WANG Z S , DENG Z F , ZHI Y B , LI H L , CHEN L , YU D H , LIU Y H
Published: May 2007

Four species of Spartina (Spartina anglica, S. alterniflora, S. patens and S. cynosuroides) have been introduced to China, but currently only the first three are present and only the first two successfully reproduce on the Chinese coast. Spartina anglica and S. alterniflora were introduced to China from England in 1963 and from the United States in 1979, respectively. Today, S. alterniflora has expanded its coverage to more than 112 000 ha and S. anglica has declined to <50 ha. This is compared with only 260 ha of S. alterniflora and over 36 000 ha of S. anglica in 1985. The fates of Chinese Spartina, with dramatic expansion of S. alterniflora and significant decline of S. anglica, were different from those in other locations throughout the world. Factors affecting the growth of the two naturalized Spartina species in China include differences in artificial plantation strategy, impacts of tideland reclamation, species competition ability and genetic diversity. Several methods for Spartina control in China, such as harvesting, herbicide application and freshwater irrigation, have been developed, but more research is needed to verify their effectiveness.
Vertical distribution, size and composition of the weed seedbank under various tillage and herbicide treatments in a sequence of industrial crops
Authors: VASILEIADIS V P , FROUD‐WILLIAMS R J , ELEFTHEROHORINOS I G
Published: May 2007

Investigations were conducted during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 growing seasons in northern Greece to evaluate effects of tillage regime (mouldboard plough, chisel plough and rotary tiller), cropping sequence (continuous cotton, cotton–sugar beet rotation and continuous tobacco) and herbicide treatment on weed seedbank dynamics. Amaranthus spp. and Portulaca oleracea were the most abundant species, ranging from 76% to 89% of total weed seeds found in 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil depths during the 3 years. With the mouldboard plough, 48% and 52% of the weed seedbank was found in the 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil horizons, while approximately 60% was concentrated in the upper 15 cm soil horizon for chisel plough and rotary tillage. Mouldboard ploughing significantly buried more Echinochloa crus‐galli seeds in the 15–30 cm soil horizon compared with the other tillage regimes. Total seedbank (0–30 cm) of P. oleracea was significantly reduced in cotton–sugar beet rotation compared with cotton and tobacco monocultures, while the opposite occurred for E. crus‐galli. Total seed densities of most annual broad‐leaved weed species (Amaranthus spp., P. oleracea, Solanum nigrum) and E. crus‐galli were lower in herbicide treated than in untreated plots. The results suggest that in light textured soils, conventional tillage with herbicide use gradually reduces seed density of small seeded weed species in the top 15 cm over several years. In contrast, crop rotation with the early established sugar beet favours spring‐germinating grass weed species, but also prevents establishment of summer‐germinating weed species by the early developing crop canopy.
Can the occurrence of Senecio jacobaea be influenced by management practice?
Authors: SUTER M , SIEGRIST‐MAAG S , CONNOLLY J , LÜSCHER A
Published: May 2007

Senecio jacobaea is a poisonous weed in grasslands of various countries (e.g. Great Britain, New Zealand, Central European states) and the further spread of the species into farmland must be prevented. To assess the influence of management practice and site conditions on the occurrence of S. jacobaea, we conducted a survey in the northern and central part of Switzerland. Botanical assessments were carried out on grassland plots with S. jacobaea occurrence and on neighbour plots without S. jacobaea. For these plots, we analysed the soil nutrients and the details of management practice, such as type and intensity of management and fertiliser application. The most important factors influencing the occurrence of S. jacobaea were related to management: There was a high risk for the occurrence of the species on parcels with low nitrogen fertilisation, continuous‐extensive grazing (set stocking) and a very open sward. Senecio jacobaea was not present in intensively managed meadows cut more than twice per year. As an exception, with a high propagule pressure from the vicinity, S. jacobaea was also found in intensively grazed pastures and in meadows of moderate management intensity (two cuts). We conclude that long‐term control of S. jacobaea can best be achieved by avoiding sward damage and by preventing the species’ seed formation in the pasture and local vicinity.
Development and validation of an electronic version of the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Juniper E. F. , Riis B. , Juniper B. A.
Published: May 2007

Background:  As clinicians and pharmaceutical companies move from paper versions of health status questionnaires to electronic versions, it cannot be assumed that adaptations to other media will produce valid data.

Aims:  The aims of this study were to (1) adapt the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire [RQLQ(S); standardized version], for the Palm Treo 650, (2) test the device for ease and accuracy of understanding and (3) examine the validity of the electronic version by comparing it with the original paper version of the RQLQ(S).

Methods:  Seventy adults with current rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms completed the electronic and paper versions of the RQLQ(S). They were randomized to complete either the paper or the electronic version first. After a 2‐h break, they completed the other version.

Results:  Concordance between paper and electronic versions for the overall RQLQ(S) score was acceptable with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.95 and there was no evidence of bias (P = 0.13). Concordance for the seven individual domains ranged from 0.86 to 0.94. A small but significant bias was observed in the activity and sleep domains (P = 0.02). Completion times were quicker with paper (4.1 vs 4.9 min, P < 0.0001). About 51% of patients preferred electronic, 17% preferred paper and 31% had no preference.

Conclusions:  This electronic version of the RQLQ(S) was easy for patients to use and the concordance between paper and this version on the Palm Treo 650 provides evidence of the validity of this electronic version.
Desloratadine improves quality of life and symptom severity in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Pradalier A. , Neukirch C. , Dreyfus I. , Devillier P.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Desloratadine is associated with decreased signs and symptoms and improved nasal airflow in multiple clinical trials in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). The effect of desloratadine on quality of life (QOL) in AR has not been widely reported to date. We compared the effects of desloratadine and placebo on QOL in seasonal AR using validated, disease‐specific measures.

Methods:  This was a multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group study of desloratadine 5 mg or placebo daily for 2 weeks in patients with symptomatic seasonal AR. QOL was assessed at baseline and at day 14 using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). AR signs/symptoms and the global response to therapy were measured at baseline and at day 14; signs/symptoms were also rated AM/PM in patient diaries. Adverse events (AE) were recorded.

Results:  Overall 234 patients received desloratadine and 249 received placebo. At day 14 desloratadine was associated with a significantly larger improvement from baseline in the mean total RQLQ score vs placebo (P = 0.0003). Desloratadine also led to significant improvements from baseline in all RQLQ sub‐domains (P ≤ 0.043). At day 14 significant decreases from baseline were noted in the desloratadine group for total nasal (P = 0.0003), total non‐nasal (P = 0.001) and total symptoms scores (P = 0.0001). Morning AR symptoms were significantly decreased in the desloratadine group after 1 day of treatment. Desloratadine was well tolerated, with an AE rate similar to placebo.

Conclusion:  Significant reductions in signs and symptoms of AR with desloratadine treatment were accompanied by improved disease‐specific QOL measures.
Xylazine Premedication does not Modify the Onset and Duration of Cisatracurium Blockade in Anaesthetized Dogs
Authors: Kariman A. , Shahabeddin M.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of xylazine as premedication on the onset time and duration of cisatracurium neuromuscular blockade in anaesthetized dogs. This study was carried out on 12 healthy dogs aged 0.5–6 years and weighing 9–26 kg undergoing various elective surgical procedures. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups of t (test) and c (control), with six dogs each. In group t, premedication was conducted using acepromazine maleate 0.3 mg kg−1 and xylazine 0.3 mg kg−1 and in group c only acepromazine (same dose) was injected intramuscularly 20 min before general anaesthesia. After induction with thiopental, anaesthesia was maintained with halothane in oxygen to deliver an end‐tidal halothane concentration of 1.1%. Neuromuscular blockade was induced with cisatracurium 0.2 mg kg−1 and monitored using the train‐of‐four (TOF) stimulation pattern applied at the ulnar nerve. The onset time of cisatracurium blockade was 195 ± 85.44 s in test and 153.3 ± 38.16 s in control group. The duration of neuromuscular blockade was 24.8 ± 4.79 min in t and 28.3 ± 5.46 min in the c group. Statistical analysis of the data showed no significant difference between groups in terms of onset and duration of neuromuscular blockade.
Haematology, Blood Chemistry and Urine Parameters of Free‐Ranging Plains Viscachas (Lagostomus maximus) in Argentina Determined by Use of a Portable Blood Analyser (i‐STAT®) and Conventional Laboratory Methods
Authors: Wenker C. J. , Hunziker D. , Lopez J. , Oppliger H. , Forrer R. , Lutz H.
Published: May 2007

Haematology, blood chemistry and urine values were determined for 44 adult free‐ranging plains viscachas (Lagostomus maximus; Rodentia, Chinchillidae) in their pampas habitat in central Argentina. The study animals were captured in the wild and anaesthetized with a ketamine–xylazine combination for physical examination and sampling. Blood was obtained by venipuncture of the saphenous vein. Results for many of the blood parameters fall within the reference ranges for pet chinchillas. Differentiation of white blood cells revealed a predominantly neutrophil count for plains viscachas, while chinchillas have predominantly lymphocytes. Mean values for blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and sodium were higher than the upper limit of the reference range for pet chinchillas. The results of seven analytes (haematocrit, haemoglobin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, chloride) were compared by using both a portable blood analyser (i‐STAT®) in the field and conventional laboratory methods. In general, correlation and agreement between the two methods were low for most parameters.
Genotyping Glycogen Storage Disease Type II and Type V in Cattle Reared in the Czech Republic
Authors: Čítek J. , ŘEhout V. , Večerek L. , Hájková J.
Published: May 2007

Genotyping was carried out for glycogen storage disease type II and type V in seven cattle breeds. The analysis was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) method. In the breeds analysed [Charolais, Czech Spotted (Czech Simmental), Belgian Blue, Limousine, Blonde d'Aquitaine, Aberdeen Angus, and Beef Simmental sires reared in the Czech Republic], the recessive allele was not found in thePYGM(phosphorylase glycogen, muscle) responsible for the glycogen storage disease type V. In the same panel, the recessive allele in exon 7, exon 9 and exon 13 of theGAA(glucosidase alpha, acid), causing the glycogen storage disease type II was not found. Therefore, we have not revealed the recessives outside previous reported breeds. The knowledge of the breed‐specific occurrence of inherited disorders facilitates focusing and reduces the costs of detecting the heterozygous carriers of recessive inherited disorders.
Ultrastructural Findings in Porcine Hearts After Extracorporeal Long‐term Preservation with a Modified Langendorff Perfusion System
Authors: Aupperle H. , Garbade J. , Ullmann C. , Krautz C. , Barten M. J. , Dhein S. , Schoon H.‐A. , Gummert F. J.
Published: May 2007

Preserved ultrastructure is an important precondition for functional regeneration after heart transplantation. We investigated the effectiveness of a newly developed modified Langendorff system in extracorporeal heart perfusion. (Experiment I) Cardioplegia and cold ischaemia were performed in six pigs. Hearts were connected to a modified Langendorff system, and perfused with leucocyte depleted autologous blood. (Experiment II) The untreated hearts of three healthy pigs served as controls. Forty‐seven myocardial biopsies at different timepoints (I: n = 29, II: n = 18) were investigated by transmission electronmicroscopy. Cardioplegia/hypothermia (I) induced mild‐to‐moderate mitochondrial swelling, mild myofibrillar degeneration in cardiomyocytes and moderate endothelial oedema. After 4 h reperfusion cardiomyocytes showed moderate myofibrillar and mild sarcolemmal damage. Moderate endothelial degeneration, mild interstitial oedema and haemorrhages appeared. Untreated hearts (II) showed severely damaged mitochondria and nuclei after 30 min while the myofibrillar structure remained unaffected until 4 h later. This is a promising model for extracorporeal heart perfusion. However, ultrastructural findings indicated that some necessary modifications to prevent cellular damages during reperfusion were needed.
Use of infliximab in pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Hewitt Daniel , Tait Clare
Published: May 2007

A 57‐year‐old man, with a 2‐year history of Crohn's disease, presented with a rapidly progressive abdominal ulcer. It was clinically and histologically consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum but it did not respond to either high‐dose oral prednisolone or intravenous hydrocortisone. Infliximab resulted in an early, dramatic and sustained improvement. His bowel symptoms, which flared a few weeks prior to the onset of pyoderma gangrenosum, only partially improved. Despite six infliximab infusions, the inflammatory bowel disease is poorly controlled, whereas the pyoderma gangrenosum remains healed.
Sweet's syndrome associated with cellulitis
Authors: Dinh Hope , Murugasu Anand , Gin Douglas
Published: May 2007

A 38‐year‐old woman developed an acute, painful cutaneous eruption on her lower legs, neck, chest and fingers while receiving a number of oral and intravenous antibiotics for left leg cellulitis caused by trauma. Clinically and histopathologically, she was diagnosed with Sweet's syndrome with typical pseudovesicular skin changes in conjunction with erythema nodosum‐like lesions on her lower legs. She responded quickly to oral prednisolone. We propose Staphylococcal cellulitis as a cause of Sweet's syndrome.
Heterozygous prothrombin gene mutation associated with livedoid vasculopathy
Authors: Anavekar Namrata S , Kelly Robert
Published: May 2007

A 53‐year‐old woman presented with a chronic history of recurrent, painful ulcers, predominantly involving her lower legs. Both her clinical picture and histopathological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of livedoid vasculopathy, although she did have unusual findings of deep tender nodules and the presence of lesions over her elbows. Multiple investigations were undertaken, the only abnormality being a heterozygous mutation of the prothrombin G2021A gene. Although various coagulopathic states have been associated with livedoid vasculopathy, the finding of an associated prothrombin gene mutation is quite rare. Warfarin has ameliorated the clinical course when anti‐inflammatory drugs and other anticoagulants were unhelpful.
Rapid onset bilateral palmar keratoderma in a psoriasis patient wearing orthopaedic hand splints
Authors: Ooi Colin G , Gordon Lynette A , Marshman Gillian
Published: May 2007

A 37‐year‐old man with a history of chronic stable plaque psoriasis fractured both hands during a fall on his outstretched hands. Ten days later, following surgery and the application of tight fitting orthopaedic hand splints, the splints were removed because of a 7‐day history of painful and pruritic palms. It was evident that the injury to his hands and the firm application of his splints had resulted in a dramatic flare of his psoriasis. This manifested in two clinical forms that he had not developed previously. He had a strikingly symmetrical palmar keratoderma that had köbnerized maximally in the regions where the splints apposed his palms firmly. In addition, he had pustular psoriasis affecting the fingertips of both hands. After removal of the splints he responded to a combination of oral acitretin, and 6% coal tar and 6% salicylic acid in aqueous cream applied topically.
Collision tumour of trichofolliculoma and basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Boran Cetin , Parlak Ali Haydar , Erkol Hayri
Published: May 2007

A 52‐year‐old woman presented with a 2‐year history of a reddish nodule on the right nasolabial sulcus. Histopathological examination revealed that the nodule was composed of trichofolliculoma and basal cell carcinoma. There was no transitional zone between the two neoplasms. The diagnosis was made as a collision tumour of trichofolliculoma and basal cell carcinoma.
Helicobacter pylori and mitogen‐activated protein kinases regulate the cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells
Authors: Ding Song‐Ze , Smith Michael F , Goldberg Joanna B
Published: May 2007

Background and Aims:  Helicobacter pylori infection activates mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the relationship between H. pylori infection and MAPK signaling in controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis is not clear, nor has the role of MAPK on the gastric epithelial cell cycle and proliferation been established. Therefore, we investigated the effects of H. pylori infection and MAPK inhibition on these processes.

Methods:  Gastric epithelial cell lines (AGS and MKN45) were infected with H. pylori and/or treated with MAPK inhibitors. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Cell cycle proteins and proliferation were monitored by western blot and cell count, respectively.

Results:  Infection with H. pylori resulted in dose‐dependent MAPK activation, cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. The effect of H. pylori and MAPK at various cell cycle checkpoints was noted: MEK1/2 and p38 inhibition increased H. pylori‐induced cell cycle G1 arrest, while JNK inhibition reduced G1 arrest. MEK1/2 inhibition increased p21, p27 and cyclin E and JNK inhibition additionally increased cyclin D1 expression. Both inhibitors decreased cell proliferation. All inhibitors enhanced apoptosis after H. pylori infection. We also detected MAPK cross‐talk in AGS cells: p38 and JNK inhibitors increased ERK activation. The p38 inhibitor increased JNK and the MEK1/2 inhibitor decreased JNK activation only during H. pylori infection.

Conclusions:  These results suggest H. pylori and MAPK differentially regulate the cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells. The imbalance between H. pylori infection and MAPK activation likely contributes to the H. pylori‐induced pathogenesis.
Modified allele‐specific primer–polymerase chain reaction method for analysis of susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori strains to clarithromycin
Authors: Furuta Takahisa , Soya Yoshihiro , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Shirai Naohito , Nakamura Akiko , Kodaira Chise , Nishino Masafumi , Okuda Masumi , Okimoto Tadayoshi , Murakami Kazunari , Fujioka Toshio , Hishida Akira
Published: May 2007

Background and Aim:  Most clarithromycin‐resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori have a mutation from adenine (A) to guanine (G) at position 2142 or 2143 of the 23S rRNA gene. Our aim in this study was to develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assay that could determine these mutations in a single reaction tube.

Methods:  We designed the forward primer FP2143G and the reverse primer RP2142G, which specifically anneal with the 2143G‐ and 2142G‐mutated sequences, respectively, of the 23S rRNA gene of H. pylori. We also designed the forward primer FP‐1 and reverse primer RP‐1 upstream and downstream from the positions 2142 and 2143, respectively, to distinguish the wild‐type A2142G and A2143G mutations from each other by amplicon sizes. DNA was extracted from 292 gastric tissue samples positive for rapid urease test, and the DNA underwent the PCR reaction. The results were compared with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for clarithromycin.

Results:  Helicobacter pylori strains with A2142G, A2143G and wild type could be distinguished by amplicon sizes by a single PCR reaction. The genotyping results were correlated well with the MIC values for clarithromycin. The median MIC for clarithromycin of the wild‐type strains was <0.015 μg/mL. Those of strains with 2142G or 2143G were ≥1.0 μg/mL.

Conclusion:  Our new PCR‐based assay for 23S rRNA mutations of H. pylori is a useful method for detecting clarithromycin‐resistant strains of H. pylori easily.
Reference values of diffusing capacity of non‐smoking Chinese in Hong Kong
Authors: IP Mary S.M. , LAM Wai‐Kei , LAI Agnes Y.K. , KO Fanny W.S. , LAU Arthur C.W. , LING Sai‐On , CHAN Johnny W.M. , CHAN‐YEUNG Moira M.W.
Published: May 2007

Background and objective:  This study was conducted to define normal reference values and lower limits of normal (LLN) for single‐breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) and DLco per unit of alveolar volume (Kco) for Chinese adults in Hong Kong.

Methods:  Healthy non‐smoking men and women aged 18–80 years were recruited by random digit dialling. DLco and Kco were measured according to American Thoracic Society standards. Reference equations were obtained by multiple linear regression; LLN were derived by distribution‐free method for estimation of age‐related centiles.

Results:  Tests from 568 subjects (259 men, 309 women) were analysed. DLco declined with age in both genders, and increased with height and the interaction term of height and age in men and women, respectively. Considering Hb values did not improve the reference equations. Kco declined with age and increased with weight in both genders, while height and its interaction term with age were additional determinants in women. The reference DLco was lower than some Caucasian values, and was only explained partially by a smaller body size and alveolar volume in Chinese. The distribution‐free method yielded better overall approximation to the fifth percentile compared with the traditional method of determining LLN.

Conclusions:  The equations for reference values and LLN of diffusing capacity derived in this study are of clinical relevance to Chinese subjects.
Four faces of a parapneumonic effusion: Pathophysiology and varied radiographic presentations
Authors: HEIDECKER Jay , SAHN Steven A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  We report a patient methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia who developed fluid collections in three spaces in the thorax, the pleural space, the pericardial space, and a pre‐existing bulla, in addition to mediastinal oedema. We discuss the universal pathogenesis for the development of these fluid collections and the explanation for the most common presentation being a parapneumonic effusion.
Virtual bronchoscopy aids management of lung cancer
Authors: OKIMASA Seiji , SHIBATA Satoshi , AWAYA Yoshikazu , NAGAO Yukiyasu , MURAKAMI Isao , SHIGETO Eriko
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The development of CT scanning has been beneficial for clinical medicine. In this case, virtual bronchoscopy (VB) was of clinical benefit. A 71‐year‐old woman with suspected lung cancer in the upper left lobe remained undiagnosed after investigation at another hospital. VB was used to confirm the location of the tumour, which facilitated an appropriate trans‐bronchial lung biopsy being performed. The volume‐rendering technique yielded information regarding an arterial anomaly, allowing high‐quality and safe medical treatment to be provided. VB assists navigation in bronchoscopy, and the volume‐rendering technique is effective in finding congenital anomalies of the vessels during preoperative assessment.
Adjuvant effect of vitamin A on recurrent lower urinary tract infections
Authors: YILMAZ AYGEN , BAHAT ELIF , YILMAZ GULSUN GULAY , HASANOGLU ALEV , AKMAN SEMA , GUVEN AYFER GUR
Published: May 2007

Background: The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the effects of vitamin A supplementation on recurrent lower urinary tract infections (RUTI).

Methods: Twenty‐four patients with non‐complicated RUTI were included in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study. Twelve patients received a single dose of 200 000 IU vitamin A in addition to antimicrobial therapy. Patient and control groups (each containing 12 patients) were followed for up to 1 year and were evaluated for eradication and frequency of lower urinary tract infections (UTI). Serum levels of vitamin A and β‐carotene were determined periodically.

Results: During the first 6 months follow‐up period the infection rate of the vitamin A‐supplemented group reduced from 3.58 to 0.75 per 6 months, and in the subsequent 6 months the infection rate was 1.75 per 6 months. These values were calculated as 2.75, 2.83 and 2.66, respectively, in the placebo group.

Conclusion: Vitamin A supplementation may have an adjuvant effect on the treatment of RUTI.
Low‐dose methylprednisolone pulse therapy in Chinese children with steroid resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: CHANG JEI‐WEN , YANG LING‐YU , WANG HSIN‐HUI
Published: May 2007

Background: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a primary glomerular disease that usually progresses to renal failure. Although high‐dose pulse methylprednisolone therapy (PMT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of steroid‐resistant FSGS, adverse effects have caused parents to hesitate in approving the treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate whether low‐dose PMT based protocol for treatment of young children with steroid resistant FSGS would effectively induce remission of proteinuria and prevent the progression of renal insufficiency.

Methods: This is a retrospective study. The authors treated eight children with steroid‐resistant FSGS with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse 10 mg/kg per day for three consecutive days weekly for 8 weeks. Partial responders were treated with the addition of chlorambucil or cyclosporine (CsA) and four fortnightly and eight monthly pulses of high‐dose PMT (30 mg/kg per day).

Results: Of the eight patients, six attained complete remission initially. The median urinary protein excretion in 24 h decreased from 4.25 to 0.39 g following 8 weeks of low dose (P = 0.012). Marked decrease in urinary protein‐creatinine ratio was noted soon after treatment (P = 0.012). There was a significant increase in serum albumin level after treatment compared to the pretreatment condition (median, 3.35 vs 4.1 mg/dL, P = 0.018). Five of the eight patients remained in complete remission, and one of the eight patients relapsed during follow up. Relapse responded to repeated treatments of PMT and cyclosporine. The two patients with partial remission initially progressed to renal insufficiency in one patient and end‐stage renal disease in the other patient.

Conclusions: Low‐dose PMT caused a significant decrease in the proteinuria of Chinese children with steroid‐resistant FSGS with a low frequency of intolerance.
Montelukast decreased exhaled nitric oxide in children with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: HUNG CHIH‐HSING , HUA YI‐MING , HSU WAN‐TING , LAI YUAN‐SHENG , YANG KUENDER D , JONG YUH‐JYH , CHU YU‐TE
Published: May 2007

Background: Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a simple and noninvasive method for assessment of inflammatory airway diseases. eNO is elevated in adolescent patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and related to bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oral loratadine, montelukast, nasal budesonide or nasal sodium cromoglycate could reduce airway inflammation as indicated by decrease of eNO in children with perennial allergic rhinitis as demonstrated by eNO levels.

Methods: A randomized and investigator‐blinded study was conducted in a hospital‐based outpatient clinic. Children with perennial allergic rhinitis were divided into four groups and treated by loratadine, loratadine with nasal sodium cromoglycate, loratadine with oral montelukast, and loratadine with nasal budesonide, respectively. Allergic rhinitis scores, eNO and peak expiratory flow were measured before and 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment.

Results: Results showed that eNO in children with perennial allergic rhinitis was reduced by nasal budesonide and oral montelukast within 2 weeks (24.56 ± 14.42 vs 18.42 ± 12.48, P < 0.001, in budesonide group; 27.81 ± 13.4 vs 19.09 ± 10.45, P < 0.001, in montelukast group), but not in the loratadine and cromoglycate groups. In contrast, loratadine or sodium cromoglycate also did not decrease eNO levels although they could decrease the symptom scores.

Conclusions: It was concluded that four common treatment modalities could effectively release symptom scores, but decrease of airway inflammation as determined by decrease of eNO might be only achieved by nasal budesonide and montelukast, but not nasal sodium cromoglycate and loratadine. Children with perennial allergic rhinitis with high eNO levels may require oral montelukast or nasal budesonide treatment to prevent airway hyperresponsiveness.
Clinical and epidemiologic features of invasive group A streptococcal infections in children
Authors: MULLA ZUBER D
Published: May 2007

Background: Invasive group A streptococcal infection (IGASI) is a disease of public health importance. The clinical epidemiology of IGASI in children has not been studied extensively in Florida, USA. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiologic features of children hospitalized for IGASI in Florida, USA, during a 4‐year period.

Methods: Data from a previous retrospective cohort study of IGASI were analyzed. The study subjects were children and adults who had been hospitalized throughout Florida for IGASI between 1996 and 2000 and reported to the Florida Department of Health. A total of 25 patients who were 0 to 17 years of age were identified and included in the current pediatric case series.

Results: The median age at the time of admission was 4 years (range, 0.05–17 years). A total of 14 cases (56%) were boys. In total, 18 of the pediatric patients had group A streptococcal bacteremia and three children were diagnosed with group A streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis. Various antibiotic regimens were used. A total of 33% (7/21) of the patients received clindamycin during their hospital stay. Data on mortality were available for 23 pediatric IGASI cases and 205 adult IGASI cases. The mortality rate was 4.4% in children as compared to 19.5% in adults (Fisher’s two‐sided P = 0.087).

Conclusions: The low case‐fatality in children was consistent with other pediatric series of IGASI.
In vitro production of bilirubin photoisomers by light irradiation using neoBLUE
Authors: OKADA HITOSHI , ABE TAE , ETOH YOKO , YOSHINO SHUJI , KATO IKUKO , IWAKI TAKUMA , OKUBO KENSUKE , YASUDA SANEYUKI , KAWADA KOU , KUSAKA TAKASHI , NAMBA MASANORI , NISHIDA TOMOKO , IMAI TADASHI , ISOBE KENICHI , ITOH SUSUMU
Published: May 2007

Background: The light‐emitting diode is used as one of the new light sources for phototherapy. NeoBLUE (Atom Medical, Tokyo, Japan) incorporates blue light‐emitting diodes for the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The authors compared the in vitro efficacy of neoBLUE with conventional phototherapy devices.

Methods: The three light devices used included neoBLUE and two conventional phototherapy devices with six blue–white (BW) or six green (GR) fluorescent tubes. A bilirubin/human serum albumin solution (15 mg/dL) in 200 × 300 mm elliptical bag was irradiated with each three light device. The average light intensity of neoBLUE, BW and GR was 22.5, 10.2 and 2.6 μW/cm2 per nm, respectively, for the irradiated area. Bilirubin photoisomers and native bilirubin were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results: In neoBLUE, BW and GR, the respective production rate of cyclobilirubin was 6.0, 3.7 and 3.9 × 10−2 mg/dL/min, and the respective (4Z, 15E)‐bilirubin/(4Z, 15Z)‐bilirubin ratio after irradiation was 0.44, 0.33 and 0.12; the (4Z, 15Z)‐bilirubin reduction rate at 20 min after irradiation was 60, 68 and 82%, respectively. The reduction rate of (4Z, 15Z)‐bilirubin correlated with the (4Z, 15E)‐bilirubin/(4Z, 15Z)‐bilirubin ratio.

Conclusion: Phototherapy using the neoBLUE under high level may be clinically more effective than therapy using the conventional light source from the results of the production rate of cyclobilirubin.
Side‐effects of long‐term prostaglandin E1 treatment in neonates
Authors: TÁLOSI GYULA , KATONA MÁRTA , TÚRI SÁNDOR
Published: May 2007

Background: In some neonates suffering from ductus arteriosus dependent congenital heart defect, a Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) therapy longer than 2 weeks may be needed. However, PGE1 analogue compounds may produce several adverse effects.

Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed the data of nine patients who underwent a PGE1 treatment lasting longer than 14 days.

Results: The leukocyte count of the patients remained high throughout the treatment period, and the proportion of neutrophils was over 50%. Transient feeding difficulty and abdominal distension, and possible signs of gastric‐outlet obstruction, were observed in two cases. In the case of three patients, cortical hyperostosis developed after different cumulative doses (1584, 3384 and 4320 μg/kg). Significant correlations were found between the doses of PGE1 and serum K+ levels (r=−0.770, P < 0.05) and between the blood standard bicarbonate levels and PGE1 doses (r= 0.889, P < 0.01). Bartter syndrome‐like condition developed in those three patients who received the largest cumulative doses.

Conclusions: Fluid‐electrolyte parameters must be controlled frequently in the case of each patient treated with PGE1 for longer than 2 weeks. Although the dose, the length of the therapy and individual susceptibility may be equally important, fluid‐electrolyte disturbances and the development of pseudo‐Bartter syndrome seem to be more dose‐dependent than cortical hyperostosis.
Touching their lives: North Western Mental Health’s approach to practice development in aged mental health
Authors: Fortune Tracy , Ryan Rob , Farrell Janet , Garlick Robyn
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  The ongoing development of mental health practice is an important issue for consumers, carers, and clinicians. This paper outlines a practice development project undertaken by North Western Mental Health. The aim of the project was to assist nurses and direct care staff working in a residential facility to provide individualized, sensitive, therapeutic, and responsive care for long‐term clients with severe mental illness. A clinical nurse educator was engaged to help facilitate changes to both attitudes and practices in a specialist environment catering to those with psychiatric, cognitive, and physical health concerns. The project identified institutionalized routines and practices that were entrenched within the setting and, with support and guidance from a clinical nurse educator, encouraged enhancement of clients’ experience and choice. Nurses’ clinical reasoning skills were also extended through this process. The project encouraged all staff to develop and maintain an awareness of residents’ experience of receiving care in a potentially disempowering environment. In particular, nurses were challenged to consider how nursing, realized to its full potential, can touch the lives of residents and families.
Technology in nursing scholarship: Use of citation reference managers
Authors: Smith Cheryl M. , Baker Bradford
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Nurses, especially those in academia, feel the pressure to publish but have a limited time to write. One of the more time‐consuming and frustrating tasks of research, and subsequent publications, is the collection and organization of accurate citations of sources of information. The purpose of this article is to discuss three types of citation reference managers (personal bibliographic software) and how their use can provide consistency and accuracy in recording all the information needed for the research and writing process. The advantages and disadvantages of three software programs, EndNote, Reference Manager, and ProCite, are discussed. These three software products have a variety of options that can be used in personal data management to assist researchers in becoming published authors.