bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dicer‐related drh‐3 gene functions in germ‐line development by maintenance of chromosomal integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nakamura Masaharu , Ando Rumi , Nakazawa Taro , Yudazono Takuro , Tsutsumi Naoko , Hatanaka Naoki , Ohgake Toshiyasu , Hanaoka Fumio , Eki Toshihiko
Published: September 2007

In the course of systematic RNA interference (RNAi)‐based screens with helicase‐like genes in Caenorhabditis elegans, we have identified the drh‐3(D2005.5) gene as a candidate gene for protection against X‐ray irradiation. This gene encodes a novel RNA helicase‐like protein that is similar to two nematode Dicer‐related helicases (DRH). Here, we have showed the increased expression of drh‐3 transcripts during maturation of larvae to adults, and characterized the phenotype of drh‐3‐interferred nematodes using feeding RNAi method. RNAi‐mediated depletion of the drh‐3 transcripts caused embryonic lethality of F1 progeny and temperature‐sensitive reproductive capacity but did not affect the nematode life span. F1 progeny from drh‐3(RNAi) animals exhibited increased lethality after X‐ray irradiation or exposure to camptothecin. In drh‐3(RNAi) worms, aggregated chromosomes were observed in diakinesis oocyte nuclei. In developing early zygotic embryos from drh‐3(RNAi) worms, abnormally segregated chromosomes were observed and embryonic development was largely arrested at the mid‐stages of embryogenesis. Finally, examination of checkpoint responses in mitotic germ cells with regards to replication arrest by hydroxyurea and X‐ray‐induced DNA damage suggested that both checkpoints function normally under these genotoxic stress conditions. Taken together, these results indicate that the drh‐3 gene is essential for the development of germ‐lines by maintaining chromosomal integrity in C. elegans.
Pax6 transcription factor is required for the interkinetic nuclear movement of neuroepithelial cells
Authors: Tamai Hiroshi , Shinohara Hiroshi , Miyata Takaki , Saito Kanako , Nishizawa Yuji , Nomura Tadashi , Osumi Noriko
Published: September 2007

The mammalian cerebral cortex develops from proliferative neuroepithelial cells that exhibit a cell cycle‐dependent nuclear movement (interkinetic nuclear migration; INM). Pax6 transcription factor plays pivotal roles in various aspects of corticogenesis. From live observation using cultured cortical slices from the Pax6 mutant rat, we identified the premature descent of S phase cells, the unsteady ascent or descent of G2 phase cells, and ectopic cell division within the basal side of the ventricular zone (VZ). The centrosome normally stayed at the most apical side, apart from the nucleus, in the neuroepithelial cell during the S to G2 phase, while the Pax6 mutant showed unstable movement of the centrosome associated with an abnormal INM. Our results suggest the possibility that Pax6 regulates the INM by stabilizing the centrosome at the apical side.
Radioactive synoviorthesis for the treatment of haemophilic synovitis
Authors: RODRIGUEZ‐MERCHAN E. C. , QUINTANA M. , DE LA CORTE‐RODRIGUEZ H. , COYA J.
Published: September 2007

Summary.  Radioactive synoviorthesis, with 90Y (knees) and 186Rh (elbows and ankles) is a highly effective procedure that decreases both the frequency and the severity of recurrent intra‐articular bleeds related to joint synovitis. The procedure should be performed as soon as possible to minimize the degree of articular cartilage damage, which based on many studies is irreversible. It can also be used in patients with inhibitors. On average, radioactive synoviorthesis has a 75–80% satisfactory outcome in the long‐term. From the clinical standpoint, such efficacy can be measured by the decrease in the number of haemarthroses, with complete cessation for several years in some cases. One should bear in mind that in 20–25% of cases, radioactive synoviorthesis fails to control haemarthroses. In such cases, it can be repeated. Personal experience and the general recommendation among orthopaedic surgeons and haematologists is that when three early consecutive radioactive synoviortheses (repeated every three months) fail to halt synovitis, a surgical synovectomy (open or by arthroscopy) should be immediately considered.
Demographic response of snake‐necked turtles correlates with indigenous harvest and feral pig predation in tropical northern Australia
Authors: FORDHAM DAMIEN A. , GEORGES ARTHUR , BROOK BARRY W.
Published: September 2007

Species that mature late, experience high levels of survival and have long generation times are more vulnerable to chronic increases in mortality than species with higher fecundity and more rapid turnover of generations.

Many chelonians have low hatchling survival, slow growth, delayed sexual maturity and high subadult and adult survival. This constrains their ability to respond quickly to increases in adult mortality from harvesting or habitat alteration. In contrast, the northern snake‐necked turtle Chelodina rugosa (Ogilby 1890) is fast‐growing, early maturing and highly fecund relative to other turtles, and may be resilient to increased mortality.

Here we provide correlative evidence spanning six study sites and three field seasons, indicating that C. rugosa is able to compensate demographically to conditions of relatively low subadult and adult survival, caused by pig Sus scrofa (Linnaeus 1758) predation and customary harvesting by humans.

Recruitment and age specific fecundity tended to be greater in sites with low adult and subadult survival (and thus reduced densities of large turtles), owing to higher juvenile survival, a smaller size at onset of maturity and faster post‐maturity growth.

These patterns are consistent with compensatory density‐dependent responses, and as such challenge the generality that high subadult and adult survival is crucial for achieving long‐term population stability in long‐lived vertebrates such as chelonians.

We posit that long‐lived species with ‘fast’ recruitment and a capacity for a compensatory demographic response, similar to C. rugosa, may be able to persist in the face of occasional or sustained adult harvest without inevitably threatening population viability.
Enhancing online collaborative argumentation through question elaboration and goal instructions
Authors: Golanics J.D. , Nussbaum E.M.
Published: September 2007

Abstract  Computer‐supported collaborative argumentation can improve understanding and problem‐solving skills. This study uses WebCT to explore the improvement of argumentation in asynchronous, web‐based discussions through goal instructions, which are statements at the end of a discussion prompt indicating what students should achieve. In a previous study (Nussbaum 2005), the goal instruction ‘generate as many reasons as possible’ resulted in more balanced argumentation in an online environment. This study attempts to replicate this finding. It also examines the role of prior attitudes, knowledge and interest, and also the effect of elaborating on possible lines of reasoning in the question prompt. The goal instruction to generate as many reasons as possible (goal/no goal) was crossed with question elaboration (elaborated/unelaborated question) in a 2 × 2 randomized design using 131 undergraduates. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to complete the attitude survey before discussion. Results indicated that, when prior knowledge was controlled, the reason goal instruction positively affected argument development and opposing view exploration, but only for high‐issue knowledge students. The sheer volume of notes created by the online environment may have caused cognitive overload for low‐issue knowledge students. Question elaboration promoted balanced argumentation for all students, but especially those with low knowledge.
Computer support of effective peer assessment in an undergraduate programming class
Authors: Sitthiworachart J. , Joy M.
Published: September 2007

Abstract Active learning is considered by many academics as an important and effective learning strategy. Assessment is integrated in learning as a tool for learning, but traditional assessment methods often encourage surface learning (passive learning) rather than deep learning (active learning). Peer assessment is a method of motivating students, involving students discussing, marking and providing feedback on other students' work, and is one of the successful approaches which can be used to enhance deep learning. Students are required to think critically about what they are learning during the peer assessment process. Tutors' marking is usually accepted as reliable, but student peers' marking in a peer assessment process is suspect. As part of a study investigating whether peer assessment can be an accurate assessment method in a computer programming course, a novel web‐based peer assessment tool has been developed. In this paper, we describe the tool and report the results of evaluating the tool through experiments involving large programming classes. The results suggest that computer‐mediated peer assessment is a valuable assessment approach which promotes active learning and is an accurate assessment method in a programming course.
Sharing life with a gluten‐intolerant person – the perspective of close relatives
Authors: Sverker A. , Östlund G. , Hallert C. , Hensing G.
Published: September 2007

Background  Several studies indicate the importance of social support in the case of chronic disease.

Aim  The aim was to explore dilemmas experienced by close relatives living with a person suffering from coeliac disease, and to describe the strategies they used to deal with these dilemmas.

Methods  Twenty‐three informants were interviewed. A systematic inductive qualitative method, the critical incident technique was used.

Results  Disease‐related worries included having bad conscience about not being affected by the disease, experiencing anxiety and witnessing the vulnerability of the affected relative in social situations. Dilemmas related to manage daily life were connected with increased domestic work, restricted freedom of action and the diseased person’s preferential right of interpretation of health risks associated with the coeliac disease and deviations from the diet restrictions. Dilemmas related to disturbances in social life, concerned lack of information, knowledge and understanding. Different strategies were described to manage daily life.

Conclusions  Close relatives experienced a variety of dilemmas that affected the situation of the whole family. The role of relatives in handling the coeliac disease with the diseased person in the everyday life might be underestimated, and to provide relatives with better knowledge regarding the disease might improve the situation also for patients.
TEM characterization of precipitates in the segregated regions of a low‐carbon, low‐manganese, titanium‐added steel
Authors: AMINORROAYA SIMA , DIPPENAAR RIAN
Published: September 2007

A concentric solidification technique has been employed to simulate sulphide precipitation at the centreline of a continuously cast low‐carbon, low‐manganese, titanium‐added steel slab. Selected precipitates were identified using transmission electron microscopy following sample preparation by focused ion beam milling techniques. FeTiS2 and hexagonal MnS containing iron atoms form in close proximity to each other in super‐saturated areas of the concentrically solidified sample. The presence of FeTiS2 precipitates in low‐carbon steel has been verified for the first time, and the crystal structure determined by electron diffraction analysis as a trigonal CdI2‐type with a P3 m1 space group and lattice parameters of a= 0.341 nm and c= 0.569 nm.
Topology of the mammalian cell via cryo‐FIB etching
Authors: MCGEOCH J. E. M.
Published: September 2007

Mapping of a mammalian cell down to a feature size of 20–30 nm in 3D is a goal that will answer many questions concerning the connectivity (topology) of a Eukaryotic cell's traffic routes. These routes are defined and separated from one another by the protein‐impregnated lipid membrane barrier of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We trace the routes from outside a live flash frozen buccal epithelial cell via gold (Au) labelled pores in the plasma membrane to the ER below and then through the cell as isosurfaces in 3D maps. The outer tubular ER with three‐way branching changes to a sheet‐like ER nearer the nucleus, and the cytoplasmic space between the ER membranes continues as a volume into the nuclear interior via the nuclear pores. We find some evidence that the last layer of the cytoplasmic ER membrane, also termed the outer nuclear membrane, has discrete gaps, so the ER lumen in these areas is continuous with the nuclear luminal domain and further, the inner nuclear membrane has small protrusions into the nucleus. The routes were established in live, unstained, unfixed, cells etched with a pAmp current of a focused ion beam (cryo‐FIB) dual beam electron microscope, at −150°C, 1e‐4Pa, and confirmed at 37°C in lipid‐dye stained cells. The cryo‐FIB etch of a cuboid of 2D planes, and its reconstruction into many 3D maps, takes only hours, facilitating the execution of experiments with comparative conditions in a few days.
Comparison of quantitative methods for cell‐shape analysis
Authors: PINCUS Z. , THERIOT J. A.
Published: September 2007

Morphology is an important large‐scale manifestation of the global organizational and physiological state of cells, and is commonly used as a qualitative or quantitative measure of the outcome of various assays. Here we evaluate several different basic representations of cell shape – binary masks, distance maps and polygonal outlines – and different subsequent encodings of those representations – Fourier and Zernike decompositions, and the principal and independent components analyses – to determine which are best at capturing biologically important shape variation. We find that principal components analysis of two‐dimensional shapes represented as outlines provide measures of morphology which are quantitative, biologically meaningful, human interpretable and work well across a range of cell types and parameter settings.
Oblique incidence reflection imaging of live cells: improving contrast and image quality with an objective mask
Authors: LANDRY S. , DeGAGNE L. H. , McGHEE P. L. , KEELER W. J.
Published: September 2007

Dry 40× and 60× microscope objectives were fitted with opaque black masks in order to eliminate reflection and scattering of light off the objective front lens assembly during oblique incidence reflection (OIR) microscopy. The reflection and scattering are shown to induce background glare that leads to degradation in the quality of the OIR images. Mask prototypes were designed and machined to snap onto the spring‐loaded retractable front lens assembly of each objective. OIR images of live cells and normalized intensity line profiles are used to demonstrate that, if these alterations to the housing of the objective are implemented, background glare is significantly reduced with the 60× objective, and virtually eliminated with the 40× objective.
Equine recurrent airway obstruction does not alter airway muscarinic acetylcholine receptor expression and subtype distribution
Authors: ABRAHAM G. , KOTTKE C. , UNGEMACH F. R.
Published: September 2007

In recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) or heaves, bronchospasm has been attributed to enhanced cholinergic activity. However, the expression and function of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) and their signaling components are not yet known. Thus, we examined the expression, subtype distribution and postreceptor signaling pathways of mAChR in the peripheral lung, bronchial and tracheal epithelia with the underlying smooth muscle from nine horses with RAO and 11 healthy control horses. In RAO horses, no significant segment‐dependent alteration in mAChR density and subtype distribution (assessed by [N‐methyl‐3H]‐scopolamine binding; ([3H]‐NMS)), was found, except a trend in receptor down‐regulation in some peripheral parts of the lung. The total number of high mAChR binding sites (assessed by carbachol‐displacement experiments in the presence or absence of guanosine 5′‐triphosphate) was not changed in RAO, suggesting that the functional coupling of mAChR to the corresponding G‐proteins is intact. The M2‐mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase (AC) as well as the M3‐receptor‐Gq/11‐phospholipase C (PLC) activity was not different between RAO and control airway tissues. In conclusion, in equine RAO airways, mAChR expression and function were not altered, and thus appear not to account for the enhanced cholinergic activity in RAO.
Characterization of cytochrome P450‐mediated drug metabolism in cats
Authors: SHAH S. S. , SANDA S. , REGMI N. L. , SASAKI K. , SHIMODA M.
Published: September 2007

In this study we examined activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A, 2C, 2D and 3A using hepatic microsomes from five male and five female cats. CYP1A, 2C, 2D and 3A activities were referred by ethoxyresorufinO‐deethylation (EROD), tolbutamide hydroxylation (TBH), bufuralol 1′‐hydroxylation (BLH) and midazolam 1′‐ and 4‐hydroxylation respectively. The anti‐rat CYP1A2 and CYP3A2 serum significantly inhibited EROD and midazolam 1′‐ and 4‐hydroxylation, suggesting that EROD and midazolam 1′‐ and 4‐hydroxylation were catalysed by CYP1A and 3A in cats respectively. Quinidine inhibited BLH in cats microsomes at quite low concentrations, suggesting that BLH was catalysed by CYP2D in cats. Tolbutamide hydroxylation activities were negligible in hepatic microsomes from both male and female cats, suggesting CYP2C activities of cats are extremely low. This suggests that CYP2C substrates should be carefully administered to cats. Although there is no sexual difference in CYP1A activities, there are differences in CYP2D and 3A activities of cats. CYP2D activities were higher (3‐fold), but CYP3A activities were lower (one‐fifth) in female cats. These results might suggest that CYP2D and 3A substrates should be prescribed for male and female cats using different dosage regimen.
Birdsong and anthropogenic noise: implications and applications for conservation
Authors: SLABBEKOORN HANS , RIPMEESTER ERWIN A. P
Published: September 2007

The dramatic increase in human activities all over the world has caused, on an evolutionary time scale, a sudden rise in especially low‐pitched noise levels. Ambient noise may be detrimental to birds through direct stress, masking of predator arrival or associated alarm calls, and by interference of acoustic signals in general. Two of the most important functions of avian acoustic signals are territory defence and mate attraction. Both of these functions are hampered when signal efficiency is reduced through rising noise levels, resulting in direct negative fitness consequences. Many bird species are less abundant near highways and studies are becoming available on reduced reproductive success in noisy territories. Urbanization typically leads to homogenization of bird communities over large geographical ranges. We review current evidence for whether and how anthropogenic noise plays a role in these patterns of decline in diversity and density. We also provide details of a case study on great tits (Parus major), a successful urban species. Great tits show features that other species may lack and make them unsuitable for city life. We hypothesize that behavioural plasticity in singing behaviour may allow species more time to adapt to human‐altered environments and we address the potential for microevolutionary changes and urban speciation in European blackbirds (Turdus merula). We conclude by providing an overview of mitigating measures available to abate noise levels that are degrading bird breeding areas. Bird conservationists probably gain most by realizing that birds and humans often benefit from the same or only slightly modified measures.
High genetic diversity and population differentiation in Boechera fecunda, a rare relative of Arabidopsis
Authors: SONG BAO‐HUA , MITCHELL‐OLDS THOMAS
Published: September 2007

Conservation of endangered species becomes a critical issue with the increasing rates of extinction. In this study, we use 13 microsatellite loci and 27 single‐copy nuclear loci to investigate the population genetics of Boechera fecunda, a rare relative of Arabidopsis thaliana, known from only 21 populations in Montana. We investigated levels of genetic diversity and population structure in comparison to its widespread congener, Boechera stricta, which shares similar life history and mating system. Despite its rarity, B. fecunda had levels of genetic diversity similar to B. stricta for both microsatellites and nucleotide polymorphism. Populations of B. fecunda are highly differentiated, with a majority of genetic diversity existing among populations (FST = 0.57). Differences in molecular diversity and allele frequencies between western and eastern population groups suggest they experienced very different evolutionary histories.
Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes: still many secrets of a hidden life
Authors: Alano Pietro
Published: September 2007

Sexual differentiation and parasite transmission are intimately linked in the life cycle of malaria parasites. The specialized cells providing this crucial link are the Plasmodium gametocytes. These are formed in the vertebrate host and are programmed to mature into gametes emerging from the erythrocytes in the midgut of a blood‐feeding mosquito. The ensuing fusion into a zygote establishes parasite infection in the insect vector. Although key mechanisms of gametogenesis and fertilization are becoming progressively clear, the fundamental biology of gametocyte formation still presents open questions, some of which are specific to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Developmental commitment to sexual differentiation, regulation of stage‐specific gene expression, the profound molecular and cellular changes accompanying gametocyte specialization, the requirement for tissue‐specific sequestration in P. falciparum gametocytogenesis are proposed here as areas for future investigation. The epidemiological relevance of parasite transmission from humans to mosquito in the spread of malaria and of Plasmodium drug resistance genes indicates that understanding molecular mechanisms of gametocyte formation is highly relevant to design strategies able to interfere with the transmission of this disease.
A comparison of autonomic function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and in healthy controls
Authors: Ganguli S. C. , Kamath M. V. , Redmond K. , Chen Y. , Irvine E. J. , Collins S. M. , Tougas G.
Published: September 2007

Abstract  We evaluated autonomic function, symptoms and psychological parameters in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD) and matched controls to assess whether UC patients have greater basal sympathetic autonomic activity. Outpatients with UC (n = 15), CD (n = 13) and healthy controls (n = 28) underwent spectral analysis of heart rate variability to assess cardiac autonomic function, a methacholine challenge to assess cholinergic pulmonary responsiveness, and questionnaires assessing disease severity, anxiety and depression. UC but not CD patients had greater sympathetic activity than controls with increased absolute (6600 vs 5884; P = 0.04) and relative (62.8%vs 54.8%; P = 0.02) low frequency areas. This was not because of increased overall autonomic nervous system (ANS) activation and was independent of disease activity. In UC patients, trait (personality‐related) anxiety correlated strongly with disease symptoms (R = 0.84; P < 0.001) and quality of life (R = −0.81; P < 0.001) while situational (state) anxiety did not. In CD patients, ANS measures were similar to controls and disease activity was unrelated to psychological measures. Cholinergic pulmonary responsiveness was normal in both UC and CD patients. UC patients have an increased sympathetic ANS activity which is independent of symptom severity. In these patients symptom severity is strongly associated with measures of personality related (but not current) anxiety.
Circadian patterns of gastric electrical and mechanical activity in dogs
Authors: Aviv R. , Policker S. , Brody F. , Bitton O. , Haddad W. , Kliger A. , Sanmiguel C. P. , Soffer E. E.
Published: September 2007

Abstract  Gastric motor function assessment, in humans and animals, is typically performed for short recording periods. The aim of this article was to monitor gastric electrical and motor activity in the antrum and fundus simultaneously, for long periods, using a new implantable system. Ten dogs were implanted with fundic and antral electrodes for assessment of impedance and electrical activity. Dogs were studied while in cages, for periods of 22–26 h. From late evening and until feeding on the next day, slow wave (SW) rhythm demonstrated a distinct pattern of intermittent pauses (mean duration = 22.8 ±4.1 s) that delineated groups of SW’s. Phasic increases in fundic tone were seen mostly in association with SW pauses, and were highly correlated with antral contractions, R2 = 0.652, P < 0.05. The SW rate (events per minute) in the postprandial period, fasting and night time was 4.2 ± 0.2, 5 ± 0.2 and 4.7 ± 0.3, respectively, P < 0.05 postprandial vs other periods. Antral and fundic mechanical activities were highly correlated during fasting, particularly at night. This novel method of prolonged gastric recording provides valuable data on the mechanical and electrical activity of the stomach, not feasible by current methods of recording. During fasting, fundic and antral motor activities are highly correlated and are associated with periodic pauses in electrical activity.
Mature monomeric forms of Hop stunt viroid resist RNA silencing in transgenic plants
Authors: Gómez G. , Pallás V.
Published: September 2007

Viroids, small non‐coding pathogenic RNAs, are able to induce RNA silencing, a phenomenon that has been associated with the pathogenesis and evolution of these small RNAs. It has been recently suggested that viroids may resist this plant defense mechanism. However, the simultaneous degradation of non‐replicating full‐length viroid RNA, and the resistance of mature forms of viroids to RNA silencing, have not been experimentally demonstrated. Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants expressing a dimeric form of Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) that have the capability to cleave and circularize this viroid RNA were used to address this question. A reporter construct, consisting of a full‐length HSVd RNA fused to GFP‐mRNA, was agroinfiltrated in these plants and its expression was suppressed. Interestingly, both circular and linear HSVd molecules were stable and able to traffic through grafts in these restrictive conditions, indicating that the mature forms of HSVd are able, in some way, to resist the RNA‐silencing mechanism. The observation that a full‐length HSVd RNA fused to GFP‐mRNA, but not circular and/or linear viroid forms, was fully susceptible to RNA degradation strongly suggests that structures adopted by the free mature monomer protect the pathogenesis‐associated forms of the viroid from RNA silencing.
Vitiligo: the historical curse of depigmentation
Authors: Millington George W. M. , Levell Nick J.
Published: September 2007

Vitiligo has been mentioned in the tomes of every major religion, with its first description dating back more than 3000 years, to the earliest Vedic and Egyptian texts. Despite this ancient recognition, confusion with disorders such as leprosy has been a problem throughout the ages. This has lead to the stigmatization of vitiligo sufferers. This is a social problem that is still widespread in some, but not all, parts of the world. The ancients also practiced phototherapy for vitiligo. This practice only became common in the Western world with development of psoralen plus ultraviolet A and later ultraviolet B phototherapy in the latter half of the 20th century. In this article, the history of vitiligo up until the end of the 20th century is outlined, covering medical, scientific, and social aspects.
Change in pattern of skin disease in Kaduna, north‐central Nigeria
Authors: Yahya Husain
Published: September 2007

Background  We report our experience on the pattern of skin disease in Kaduna, north‐central Nigeria over a 6‐year period, and compare it with a similar survey conducted in the same area 30 years ago and with surveys from Nigeria and from other parts of Africa.

Methods  The medical records of new patients attending the dermatology outpatient clinics of Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital and Habbat Medical Center from March 2000 to December 2005 were retrieved. Demographic data (age and sex) and the diagnoses of skin disease were extracted and analyzed.

Results  A total of 5982 cases was seen. Forty‐nine per cent were males and 51% were females. One‐third of the patients were aged under 20 years, and three quarters were aged below 40 years. Eczematous dermatitis was the most common skin disorder seen, making up 35% of cases, and had replaced dermatophyte infections and scabies, which were the most dominant skin diseases 30 years previously (now constituting 6% and 1.4% of cases, respectively). Atopic dermatitis had more than doubled in frequency (13.8% vs. 5.2%), and contact dermatitis had tripled in frequency (5.8% vs. 1.8%). Acne vulgaris (6.7%), pigmentary disorders (3.9%), urticaria (3.6%), papular urticaria (3.6%), hair disorders (3.3%), lichen simplex chronicus (3%), viral warts (2.9%), and drug eruptions (2.7%) had also increased. Human immunodeficiency virus‐related skin disease constituted 4.3% of cases, with pruritic papular eruption being the most common condition.

Conclusion  These changes in skin disease can be attributed mainly to an increase in urbanization and improved socio‐economic conditions.
Wade's histoid leprosy: three clinical presentations
Authors: Pereyra Susana B. , Danielo Cristián A. , Ponssa Gustavo J. , Consigli Javier E. , Papa Mariana B. , Ghirardi Graciela
Published: September 2007

Wade's histoid leprosy is a rare form of multibacillary leprosy with distinctive characteristics which were first described in patients treated with a short course of sulfones. Wade's histoid leprosy may occur as a relapse, in the setting of sulfone resistance, or may present de novo. We report the clinical, histologic, immunologic, and bacteriologic features of three adult male patients with this rare variant of lepromatous leprosy as the initial presentation of the disease, observed in the Dermatology Department of Hospital Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina between 1999 and 2003. Two of the three patients were from an endemic leprosy area. All patients presented with a number of erythematous to brownish gray, firm but elastic nodules involving mainly the extremities, which responded to treatment for multibacillary leprosy without reactional episodes.
The effect of eflornithine 13.9% cream on the bother and discomfort due to hirsutism*
Authors: Jackson Joseph , Caro J. Jaime , Caro Graciela , Garfield Frances , Huber Ferdinand , Zhou Wenjiong , Lin Chen‐Sheng , Shander Douglas , Schrode Kathy ,   the Eflornithine HCl Study Group
Published: September 2007

Although unwanted facial hair often leads to anxiety and avoidance of social situations, evaluation of treatment outcomes in clinical trials has relied largely on measures external to the patient such as the extent of hair growth or an expert physician's assessment, neglecting to include patient reported outcomes (PRO). To assess the level of bother caused by a dermatological condition (hirsutism) and changes brought on by treatment, the instrument ESTEEM was developed by expanding the Bother Assessment in Skin Conditions (BASC) scale to six questions to cover the discomfort felt in four social situations and bother due to removing facial hair. Each question elicits responses on a visual analog scale. Women participating in two randomized clinical trials evaluated a new treatment (eflornithine 13.9% cream). Analyses examined the level of bother at each visit, the changes with treatment, the correlations with the Physician's Global Assessment, and the effect size. Hirsutism bothers patients considerably. The mean for overall bother was 89% and the mean discomfort in social situations exceeded 80% in nearly all cases. Treatment led to significant reductions in bother on all six items with effect sizes ranging from 0.46 to 1.62. Eflornithine is an effective treatment for unwanted facial hair in women, as reported by the patients. ESTEEM addresses the specific concerns of women with hirsutism.
After discontinuation of calcineurin inhibitors, tapering of mycophenolate mofetil further impairs donor‐directed cytotoxicity
Authors: Van Besouw Nicole M , Van De Wetering Jacqueline , Van Der Mast Barbara J , De Kuiper Ronella , Baan Carla C , Weimar Willem
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Recently, we described a significant decrease in donor‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte precursor frequency (CTLpf) after discontinuation of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), while the proliferative capacity in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), and the number of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) producing cells (pc) in Elispot remained unchanged.

Methods:  We tested T‐cell reactivity in CNI free patients with stable renal graft function, on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or azathioprine (AZA) plus prednisone, who were tapered to 50% of their MMF or AZA dose.

Results:  Furthermore, tapering of the MMF or AZA dose resulted in a decrease of donor‐reactive CTLpf in all patients with detectable CTLpf. Detectable numbers decreased from a median of 32 to 8 CTLp/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). No effect on third‐party reactive CTLpf was found, while the T‐cell reactivity to donor and third‐party cells as tested in MLC and in IFN‐γ Elispot was not affected either by tapering of immunosuppression. Third‐party reactivity was significantly higher than donor‐specific reactivity in all tests. A control group showed no changes in any of the in vitro assays.

Conclusion:  Both withdrawal of CNI and tapering of MMF or AZA dose decreases the donor‐specific CTLpf. Our data suggest that reduction of immunosuppression results in a specific decrease of donor‐directed cytotoxic capacity of immunocompetent cells, while their proliferation and cytokine production capacity remained unchanged. Immunosuppression hinders development of cytotoxic non‐responsiveness.
Activities of Antioxidative Enzymes, Sulphur Assimilation, Photosynthetic Activity and Growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Cultivars Differing in Yield Potential Under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Khan N. A. , Samiullah  , Singh S. , Nazar R.
Published: September 2007

The increasing concentration of cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soil has resulted in crop productivity loss. The activation of the antioxidative enzyme system and its synergy with sulphur assimilation may be required as one of the mechanisms for the alleviation of the effects of Cd. In the present study the activities of antioxidative enzymes and sulphur assimilation were studied in Cd‐treated wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars to assess their involvement in determining yield potential. The cultivar WH542 (low yielding type) accumulated Cd to a greater amount in both root and leaf, and also exhibited higher contents of H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and the activity of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) than cultivar PBW343 (high yielding type). The activities of other antioxidative enzymes, catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) and glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9), activity of ATP‐sulfurylase (EC 2.7.7.4), sulphur content, photosynthetic, growth and yield characteristics were higher in PBW343 than in WH542 in Cd treatment compared to the control. The results suggest that the efficient functioning of enzymes of the antioxidative system and sulphur assimilation helped in alleviating the effects of Cd in PBW343, protected photosynthetic ability and maintained high yielding potential of the cultivar.
Interactions of Cucumis myriocarpus, Lippia javanica and Ricinus communis Organic Amendments on Suppression of Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Mashela P. W. , Mphosi M. S. , Shimelis H. , Mokgalong N. M.
Published: September 2007

Interactions of wild cucumber (Cucumis myriocarpus) fruits, fever tea (Lippia javanica) leaves and castor bean (Ricinus communis) fruits on suppression of the root‐knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and improving tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) productivity were tested using the ground leaching technology (GLT). The eight treatments of the three‐factor factorial trial were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 10 replicates. Nematode numbers were inoculated at either 6500 or 6800 juveniles per plant and amendments were each applied to equally provide a total of 6 g per plant. Second‐order interactions significantly decreased final nematode numbers, but increased tomato fruit yield, dry shoot weight and plant height. Results of the study demonstrated that combining the three plant materials served well as a bionematicide with fertilizer effect on tomato production using the GLT.
Partial Molecular Characterization of Some Grapevine fanleaf virus Isolates from North‐east of Iran
Authors: Pourrahim R. , Farzadfar S. H. , Golnaraghi A. R. , Ahoonmanesh A.
Published: September 2007

Five isolates of Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) collected from two viticultural regions in the north‐east of Iran were characterized based on coat protein (CP) gene sequences. The CP gene of all isolates was amplified by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using its specific primers, yielding a 1500‐bp amplicon. The nucleotide sequences for these isolates were obtained and compared with the CPI region of seven isolates from north‐west Iran and also with some other exotic GFLV‐CP sequences available in the GenBank. Analysis of our data revealed that the north‐east Iranian sequences have 83.7–87.5% of homology with the CPI regions of exotic GFLV isolates, and 83.0–87.1% homology with other isolates from north‐west Iran. High nucleotide homology (98.6–100%) was found among the GFLV isolates sequences obtained in this study. The deduced proteins obtained for our five isolates were 92.0–96.0% identical to other sequences. The generated phylogenetic tree revealed a clustering of GFLV isolates distributed over the world in one branch, and the Iranian isolates in other branches.
Occupational performance modification and personal change among clients receiving rehabilitation services for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Dubouloz Claire‐Jehanne , Vallerand Josée , Laporte Diane , Ashe Brenda , Hall Martha
Published: September 2007

Background:  A client's personal process of change is recognised as an important element in the rehabilitation process that may affect the acceptance and outcome of recommended occupational therapy self‐management interventions. Recent research has examined the transformative process of changing underlying values, beliefs, feelings and knowledge, collectively known as meaning perspectives, in clients receiving rehabilitation for various chronic conditions.

Aim/methods:  This article presents the findings of a Grounded Theory Qualitative retrospective study of 10 adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis receiving occupational therapy to modify their daily living environment and activities to maximise the quality of life and occupational performance. They were interviewed twice in a semidirected manner.

Results:  Two personal change processes were identified for two different courses of the illness: progressive adaptation during a course of gradual steady development of symptoms without remission, and complex adaptation that led to transformation during a course of acute development of symptoms with periods of remission.

Conclusion:  Implications for more effective and efficient occupational therapy interventions are suggested.
Paediatric medulloblastoma: Patterns of care and radiotherapy quality assurance in Australia
Authors: Ahern V , Koh E‐S , Gebski V , Sathiyaseelan Y
Published: September 2007

The purpose of this study was to document how children in Australia with medulloblastoma are being treated and to evaluate the quality of radiotherapy (RT) delivered. The Radiotherapy Database of the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology and Oncology Group was used to identify 46 children with medulloblastoma younger than the age of 15 years treated with radical intent by craniospinal irradiation between 1997 and 1999 inclusively. Twenty‐six patients had completely resected disease without evidence of disease spread. Of these, 16 patients received a craniospinal RT dose of <25 Gy in addition to chemotherapy. RT treatment immobilization methods varied, as did planning methods. RT dose to critical structures was recorded on treatment plans for only 15% of patients. The average systematic error in shield placement at the posterior orbit was 5.2 mm, and two‐thirds of patients were ‘overshielded’ at this site. Adequate coverage of the distal end of the thecal sac was achieved in fewer than 50% of on‐treatment verification films for 21 of 45 patients. With a reduction in RT dose to the craniospinal axis for paediatric medulloblastoma, greater attention is needed for patient immobilization, documentation of RT dose to critical structures and the placement and reproducibility of shielding.
Preparing to sit the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Radiologists Faculty of Radiation Oncology Fellowship Part 2 examination: The value of a workshop including practice and feedback
Authors: Bydder S , Bloomfield L , Dally M , Harris P , Dorset L , Semmens J
Published: September 2007

A workshop has been held annually to help prepare candidates to sit the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Radiologists Part 2 Faculty of Radiation Oncology examination. This study examined the value of such a course and its component parts and assessed attendees’ learning environments. We collected detailed information from participants before and after the training workshop in 2005. A specific feature of this workshop included the use of an examination technique feedback form to facilitate the provision of systematic and comprehensive feedback to individual candidates after mock examination. Participants completed course evaluation forms and a learning environment survey. There were 22 candidate participants. The course and its components of this course were perceived very positively – including the examination technique feedback forms and written advice. Only three of the 24 questions regarding the registrars learning environment had less than 80% favourable responses – two of these questions related to workload. The course design described seems reasonably satisfactory in that it included the components ranked most highly by candidates. We also identified a number of variations that may be useful for future workshops. Although learning environments were generally good, we identified a perceived problem with workloads affecting a significant number of registrars.
Mothers of pre‐school children talk about childhood overweight and obesity: The Weight of Opinion study
Authors: Pagnini Deanna L , Wilkenfeld Rachel L , King Lesley A , Booth Michael L , Booth Susan L
Published: September 2007

Aim: To investigate the perceptions of parents of young children aged 2–5 years regarding childhood overweight and obesity.

Methods: Parents with children in seven pre‐schools and long day‐care centres from diverse socio‐economic areas across metropolitan Sydney and one rural area were recruited for focus groups. Focus group transcripts were analysed using content analysis.

Results: Providing food was an emotional issue for the mothers in this study. They were more concerned about their young children being underweight than overweight, and this increased their stress around children’s eating. Food treats were perceived as entitlements. Mothers did believe that they were responsible for their children’s eating, but acknowledged the influence of other environmental factors related to food retail and marketing. Practical and safety issues limited opportunities for their children to be physically active beyond the formal child‐care setting. Parents had practical suggestions for solutions to some of the barriers they experienced, and wanted support for their role.

Conclusions: The emotional intensity of the mothers’ perceptions about their children’s eating and weight status suggests that interventions, including communications, need to go beyond information and engage with parents’ emotions. Some food concerns were actually related to broader parenting issues and indicate the potential value for interventions to focus on behavioural parenting techniques. Preventive interventions need to acknowledge the issues faced by parents and support their role directly, such as through making healthy and active behaviours easily available, and indirectly, through providing local services, including early childhood services.
Quality of life assessment in a sample of patients affected by Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Caliandro Pietro , Grugni Graziano , Padua Luca , Kodra Yllka , Tonali Pietro , Gargantini Luigi , Ragusa Letizia , Crinò Antonino , Taruscio Domenica
Published: September 2007

Aim:  The goals of this study are to investigate the quality of life of Prader–Willi syndrome patients and to evaluate the relationship between quality of life and the clinical picture.

Methods:  We performed a multicentric study on 40 consecutive patients with Prader–Willi syndrome. Quality of life was evaluated through the Short Form‐36 and the Child Health Questionnaire‐Parent Form‐50 according to the age of patients.

Results:  In patients older than 14 years old, quality of life is intensely impaired both in mental and physical aspects. Weight at the moment of the observation, birthweight and facial features are the main variables that influence quality of life. In patients who are 14 years old or younger, the Family Activity and Physical scores are lower for those patients with characteristic facial features and in patients with decreased fetal movement or infantile lethargy. Self‐esteem is lower in patients with a higher Mini Mental Score.

Conclusions:  Physical and mental aspects of quality of life are impaired in Prader–Willi patients, weight is the clinical finding which mainly influences negatively the physical aspects of quality of life. However, weight does not cause mental problems. These are mainly due to the presence of characteristic facial features. Interestingly, a high birthweight is associated with less impairment of the mental aspects of quality of life.