bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vad kan tidigare forskning säga om kvaliteten i idéburen välfärd?
Authors: Larsson Ola Segnestam , Jutterström Mats
Published: March 2024

Kvalitet är ett centralt begrepp inom välfärden. Det behövs för att kunna be-döma och jämföra värdet av en välfärdstjänst, och det utgör en grund för verksamhetsutveckling hos organisationer som tillhandahåller sådana tjäns-ter. Men hur definieras, mäts och jämförs då kvalitet av välfärdstjänster? I denna artikel analyserar vi forskning om kvalitet i de välfärdstjänster som idéburna organisationer tillhandahåller, en grupp av organisationer som ofta glöms bort i den allmänna debatten i Sverige. Forskningsöversikten visar att det finns få tydliga definitioner av kvalitet, och att forskningen främst ba-serats på studier av äldre- och omsorgsboenden. Det förekommer också ett stort antal sätt att mäta, analysera och jämföra kvalitet. Vidare är det relativt sällan som patienter, brukare och klienter avgör kvaliteten. I stället baseras forskningen på offentliga register och återkommande kontroller av andra mått. Knappt hälften av artiklarna redovisar entydigt positiva relatio-ner mellan kvalitet, civilsamhälle och välfärd, och då utifrån jämförelser med antingen offentliga eller privata organisationer, eller med båda. Artikeln av-slutas med några förslag till framtida forskning.
Innovation som särart och mervärde i idéburen välfärd
Authors: Lindberg Malin
Published: March 2024

Innovation är ett förväntat mervärde i idéburen välfärd, i betydelsen av ny-tänkande sätt att möta behov och utmaningar i det svenska välfärdssyste-met. I denna artikel presenteras en studie av dokument från offentliga och idéburna aktörer för att bringa klarhet i sådana förväntningar. Där framhålls idéburna förlagor till nutida välfärdstjänster som hemtjänst och barnavårds-centraler, samt förväntningar om fortsatta idéburna initiativ för att möta be-hov som förbisetts av offentliga och kommersiella aktörer. Det föreslås bland annat reserverat deltagande i upphandlingar och valfrihetssystem, vilket kan underlätta för idéburna aktörer att fungera både som innovatör/föregångare och som komplement/ersättning till offentlig välfärdsverksamhet. Däremot är det mer osäkert om det skapar tillräckligt goda förutsättningar för att tillva-rata de sociala mål och medel som ligger till grund för innovation som särart och mervärde i idéburen välfärd.
Historiku i veprave të letërsisë së vjetër Shqipe, një premisë e rëndësishme në trajtimin analitik e njohës të tyre
Authors: Paci Evalda
Published: March 2024

Në këtë trajtesë sintetike nënvizojmë rëndësinë e njohjes së thelluar të rrethanave të përvijimit apo inicimit të veprave të letërsisë së vjetër shqipe, të lidhura ngushtë dhe me institucione të shtypshkrimit në areale të caktuara të zhvillimeve kulturore në Evropë. Një argument i tillë ka tërhequr vëmendjen e studiuesve të teksteve të vjetra shqipe, të orientuar prej kohësh dhe ndaj plotësimit të kontekstit historik të realizimit të veprave të letërsisë shqipe të shekujve XVI-XVII. Në një kohë të afërt me realizimin e këtyre veprave themelohen apo konsolidohen ente të shtypshkrimit dhe vatra të editorisë në arealin italik, fakt që sheh të përfshirë dhe autorët e tyre, në veçanti përpilues doracakësh apo fjalorë, tek të cilët mund të gjurmohet dhe e shprehur njohja e hallkave hierarkike të lejimit për shtyp. Autoritete të lejimit për shtyp marrin një rëndësi të shtuar në vitet e dekadat që pasojnë përmbylljen e punimeve të Koncilit të Trentit (1545-1563), duke u gjendur të përmendur dhe në tekstet hyrëse të veprave të sipërcituara. Prania e roli i tyre shënon ndjeshëm dhe historinë e veprave të letërsisë kishtare në gjuhën shqipe, të realizuara në shekullin XVI e më tej.
Aktivitetet e Institutit të Historisë “Ali Hadri”-Prishtinë, gjatë vitit 2016
Authors: Peli Teuta
Published: March 2024

Instituti i Historisë “Ali Hadri”-Prishtinë, në bashkëpunim me Instituti Albanologjik të Prishtinës dhe Shoqatën e të Burgosurve Politikë të Kosovës, më 29 shkurt dhe 1 mars 2016, organizuan në Prishtinë Konferencën Shkencore: “Veprimtaria atdhetare dhe intelektuale e Adem Demaçit”, për nderë të 80-vjetorit të lindjes së atdhetarit Adem Demaçi. Në këtë Konferencë me kumtesa u paraqitën studiues nga Kosova, Shqipëria dhe Maqedonia, të cilët trajtuan veprimtarinë atdhetare e intelektuale, të Adem Demaçit, duke përfshirë kontributin e tij në jetën politike, në fushën e letërsisë si dhe atë humanitare etj. Organizimi i Konferencë Shkencore: “Veprimtaria atdhetare dhe intelektuale e Adem Demaçit”, u mbështet nga Ministria e Drejtësisë.
The Affective Turn in Animal Ethics
Authors: Acampora Ralph
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT This article argues that rationalism no longer rules the field of animal ethics – an “affective turn” has occurred in a significant space of the field. The article first looks at exemplary rationalists for contrast, and then moves on to survey several leading affective theories: Donovan’s feminist care ethic, Acampora’s corporal compassion, Gruen’s entangled empathy, and Aaltola’s varieties of empathy. Aaltola’s criticisms of Acampora are reviewed and rebutted. Finally, the conclusion indicates what is positive about the contributions of affective theory to animal ethics.
Il sublime delle stenelle. Riflessioni sull’estetica del whalewatching
Authors: Cravero Riccardo
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT The present article applies some classical categories developed by the early modern tradition of philosophical aesthetics to an area of inquiry that has only recently been studied extensively by contemporary aesthetics. Here I propose to consider the practice of whalewatching as an aesthetic practice, having its specific aesthetic features and peculiarities. To do so, I will cross three very different traditions: the early modern tradition represented by the theorists of the Sublime as an aesthetic category of relevance, developed by many authors in the XVIII century and here presented via the reconstruction of Remo Bodei, the pragmatist, experience-centered aesthetics of John Dewey and the more contemporary, mostly Anglo-American, studies on animal aesthetics as a distinct topic. The discussion of the traditions mentioned is aimed at providing a theoretical framework not only valuable for an analysis of the aesthetic nature of the practice of whalewatching, but also to propose a new category of aesthetic experience, that I call here animal sublime.
Advocating for a Political Vegan Feminism: A Rebuttal to Val Plumwood and Donna Haraway’s Criticisms of Ethical Veganism
Authors: Feltrin Andrea Natan
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT This paper highlights the vital connection between intersectional ecofeminism and veganism as profound ethical and political practices. It critically engages with the ideas of feminist philosophers Val Plumwood and Donna Haraway, revealing how their contributions, while significant in critical animal studies and ecological philosophies, inadvertently allow continued exploitation of non-human animals, especially for food. Drawing from neo-materialist feminism and recent developments in political veganism, this paper underscores the ethical and ecological imperatives for an intersectional and radical veganism. This approach seeks to deconstruct biopolitical structures upholding non-human oppression, envisioning liberation for sentient beings and ecological restoration. It argues that the boundaries between ecofeminism, veganism, and multispecies justice should blur to dismantle systems rooted in human exceptionalism and ensure non-human animals are not treated as mere tools. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a holistic approach to non-human liberation, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen the bonds between ecofeminism and veganism. This union challenges prevailing biopolitical systems and paves the way forgenuine liberation for all sentient beings, both human and non-human.
Animal Ethics and the Problem of Direct Conflict: Why Current Theories Can’t Offer Solutions
Authors: Turner Carla
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT Contemporary theories on animal ethics, particularly utilitarian and deontological accounts, can provide clear answers to questions of how animals should be considered ethically when humans and animals have different interests at stake. However, both accounts are unable to provide solutions in cases where both parties have a similar basic interest at stake; for example in direct, unavoidable conflicts for the same food, land or resources, seen when elephants destroy crops, baboons raid farms etc. By exploring Singer’s utilitarian view and Regan’s deontological accounts in detail, I will demonstrate that these approaches cannot solve conflicts of this kind since both parties are weighted equally. This will serve to highlight the importance of reconceptualising animal ethics in terms of an ethically relevant quality that can be held in degrees, and that an individual can have more or less of.
USING LETTERPRESS PROOF MACHINES IN PRINT MAKING
Authors: İpek Alper Raif
Published: March 2024

Johannes Gutenberg's development of the movable type and printing press in Europe in the 15th century led to a technical and cultural revolution. Taking proofs of works to be printed has been an ongoing practice since these early days of printing. Proofreading has become a method to prevent errors and obtain customer approval. While the first proofs were made on the printing machine, they were later made on simple hand presses, and in 1909, the first letterpress proof printing machine was developed by Robert Vandercook. With the integration of computers into design and printing, letterpress printing was replaced by offset printing. Letterpress proof press and machines that were out of use were adopted by artists, designers, and educational institutions in Europe and especially in USA. Thus, a new experimental, creative, educational, and artistic usage method was born. The transformation of the old letterpress proof presses, a quality system application in the pre-press process, into an art and education technique is a unique example. In Turkey, such a usage method does not yet exist. The aim of this study, which uses qualitative research methods, is to conduct the outputs in the field of printmaking with letterpress proof printing machines in the world, while making an examination of the technique from past to present, and to introduce this method and its machines, which do not exist in Turkey, and to guide those who are interested. The transformation of letterpress printing in the historical process, the artists, workshops, and institutions that produce and train in the field of printing making with letterpress proof printing machines were examined and exemplified. Literature research was conducted on the subject. In the conclusion section, an evaluation and recommendation were made.
On certain arithmetical products involving the divisors of an integer
Authors:   Babeș-Bolyai University, Sándor József
Published: March 2024

We study the arithmetical products $\prod d^{d}$, $\prod d^{\frac{1}{d}}$ and $\prod d^{\log d}$, where $d$ runs through the divisors of an integer $n>1.$
The ER tether VAPA is required for proper cell motility and anchors ER-PM contact sites to focal adhesions
Authors: Siegfried Hugo , Farkouh Georges , Le Borgne Rémi , Pioche-Durieu Catherine , De Azevedo Laplace Thaïs , Verraes Agathe , Daunas Lucien , Verbavatz Jean-Marc , Heuzé Mélina L
Published: March 2024

Cell motility processes highly depend on the membrane distribution of Phosphoinositides, giving rise to cytoskeleton reshaping and membrane trafficking events. Membrane contact sites serve as platforms for direct lipid exchange and calcium fluxes between two organelles. Here, we show that VAPA, an ER transmembrane contact site tether, plays a crucial role during cell motility. CaCo2 adenocarcinoma epithelial cells depleted for VAPA exhibit several collective and individual motility defects, disorganized actin cytoskeleton and altered protrusive activity. During migration, VAPA is required for the maintenance of PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P2 levels at the plasma membrane, but not for PI(4)P homeostasis in the Golgi and endosomal compartments. Importantly, we show that VAPA regulates the dynamics of focal adhesions (FA) through its MSP domain, is essential to stabilize and anchor ventral ER-PM contact sites to FA, and mediates microtubule-dependent FA disassembly. To conclude, our results reveal unknown functions for VAPA-mediated membrane contact sites during cell motility and provide a dynamic picture of ER-PM contact sites connection with FA mediated by VAPA.
Collaborative clinical reasoning: a scoping review
Authors: Lee Ching-Yi , Lai Hung-Yi , Lee Ching-Hsin , Chen Mi-Mi , Yau Sze-Yuen
Published: March 2024

Background

Collaborative clinical reasoning (CCR) among healthcare professionals is crucial for maximizing clinical outcomes and patient safety. This scoping review explores CCR to address the gap in understanding its definition, structure, and implications.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken to examine CCR related studies in healthcare. Medline, PsychInfo, SciVerse Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Inclusion criteria included full-text articles published between 2011 to 2020. Search terms included cooperative, collaborative, shared, team, collective, reasoning, problem solving, decision making, combined with clinical or medicine or medical, but excluded shared decision making.

Results

A total of 24 articles were identified in the review. The review reveals a growing interest in CCR, with 14 articles emphasizing the decision-making process, five using Multidisciplinary Team-Metric for the Observation of Decision Making (MDTs-MODe), three exploring CCR theory, and two focusing on the problem-solving process. Communication, trust, and team dynamics emerge as key influencers in healthcare decision-making. Notably, only two articles provide specific CCR definitions.

Conclusions

While decision-making processes dominate CCR studies, a notable gap exists in defining and structuring CCR. Explicit theoretical frameworks, such as those proposed by Blondon et al. and Kiesewetter et al., are crucial for advancing research and understanding CCR dynamics within collaborative teams. This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of CCR research, revealing a growing interest and diversity in the field. The review emphasizes the need for explicit theoretical frameworks, citing Blondon et al. and Kiesewetter et al. The broader landscape of interprofessional collaboration and clinical reasoning requires exploration.
Evaluation of Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Activities of Three Vegetables (Heinsia crinata, Justicia insularis and Lasianthera africana) Using Allium cepa Test
Authors: Ikechukwu Emmanuella Chinyere , Agu Peace Nwachukwu , Olumuji Hephzibah Boluwatito , Anagboso Martin Osita , Johnny Imoh Imeh , Okokon Jude Efiom , Ebong Nwakaego Omonigho
Published: March 2024

Heinsia crinata (Afzel.) G. Taylor (Rubiaceae), Justicia insularis T.  Anderson (Acanthaceae family) and Lasianthera africana. P.Beav (Stemonuraceae), which are used as vegetables in the preparation of soups and as medicine traditionally to treat various diseases by the Ibibios were investigated for genotoxic and cytotoxic effects using Allium cepa test. The effects of the leaf extracts on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa were investigated using onion bulbs exposed to 2.5 mg/mL, 5mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL concentrations of the extracts for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Tap water was used as a negative control and Methotrexate (0.1 mg/ml) was used as a positive control. There was statistically significant (p<0.05) inhibition of root growth depending on concentration by the extracts when compared with the negative control group. All the tested extracts were observed to have cytotoxic effects on cell division in A. cepa. The extracts induced chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei (MNC) formations in A. cepa root tip cells were significant (p<0.05) when compared with control group. The extracts treatment further induced cell death, ghost cells, cells membrane damage, and binucleated cells. These results suggest that the leaf extracts of Lasianthera africana, Heinsia crinata and Justicia insularis possess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa.
Exploring Gene Therapy Strategies for Cystic Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Review of CFTR Gene Mutations, Bioinformatics Analysis, and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Darwish Hassan S. , Almamri Hajer , Noone Manohar , Alhabsi Azher , Gibbons Una
Published: March 2024

Aim: This study aimed to identify the most promising gene therapy approach for treating patients with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Cystic fibrosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting malabsorption, malnutrition, and lung function. It results from genetic mutations in the CFTR gene,                   responsible for producing the CFTR protein, a channel for chloride ions. Existing research highlights lentiviral and adenoviral vectors as highly effective for gene therapy in cystic fibrosis patients.

Methods: The NCBI database, specifically GenBank, was utilized to extract the DNA sequence of the CFTR gene, including its accession number, amino acid count, and number of exons. FASTA format facilitated the retrieval of nucleotide sequences and the assessment of protein function. BLAST was employed to compare CFTR gene protein products between humans and Mus musculus (house mice). Gene therapy interventions were then applied to the animal model to ensure safety and efficacy.

Results: The CFTR gene's accession number is NC_000007.14, with a protein product comprising 1480 amino acids and 27 exons. The gene is located on chromosome 7. Importantly, the house mouse was found to possess the same gene as humans.

Conclusion: Utilizing adenoviral and lentiviral vectors emerges as a safe and effective gene therapy approach, mitigating complications associated with cystic fibrosis.
Knowledge of a multidisciplinary team about palliative care: quasi-experimental study / Conhecimento de uma equipe multiprofissional sobre cuidados paliativos: estudo quase experimental
Authors: Aguiar da Silva Luana Criciele , Rieth Benetti Eliane Raquel , Coser Janaina , Almeida da Silva João Luis , Colet Christiane de Fatima , Bernat Kolankiewicz Adriane Cristina
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento da equipe multiprofissional de uma unidade clínica hospitalar, antes e depois de ações educativas sobre cuidados paliativos. Método: estudo quase experimental, tipo “antes e depois”, em que não há aleatoriedade na seleção da população e o grupo controle são os participantes que sofreram a intervenção. Resultados: houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas respostas acerca do melhor momento para iniciar Cuidados Paliativos (54,3% para 80% de respostas corretas após as ações educativas) após as ações educativas. Nenhum participante tinha formação específica na área. Conclusão: após este estudo, houve mudanças na prática clínica. A instituição iniciou capacitações para as equipes, reforçando a relevância de estudos relacionados ao tema e necessidade de investimento em educação permanente a fim de mudar a realidade do sistema de saúde.
Predictive indicators for thyroid cartilage involvement in carcinoma of the larynx seen on spiral computed tomography scans
Authors: Fernandes R , Gopalan P , Spyridakou C , Joseph G , Kumar M
Published: July 2006

Objectives: Recent studies have shown that the spiral computed tomography (CT) scan is a sensitive imaging modality for predicting neoplastic invasion of thyroid cartilage. The objectives of our study were: to assess the accuracy of pre-operative spiral CT in predicting thyroid cartilage involvement in patients with carcinoma of the larynx; and to elucidate the factors that would accurately indicate cartilage involvement.

Material and methods: Medical records, including spiral CT scans and pathological reports, were reviewed for 27 patients who had undergone laryngectomy in two major hospitals in south Wales. A consultant radiologist with special interest in cross-sectional imaging re-evaluated the scans to assess neoplastic involvement of the thyroid cartilage, based on definite, objective criteria. These criteria included: soft tissue asymmetry; loss of medullary space; spiky or irregular surface; distortion of cartilage framework; and abnormal soft tissue on both sides of the cartilage. The radiological findings were then correlated with the histopathological evidence of cartilage invasion by the tumour.

Results: Out of the 27 cases, 15 had evidence of histological invasion of thyroid cartilage. The most specific criterion to predict thyroid cartilage involvement was the presence of tumour on both sides of the cartilage (specificity of 91 per cent, sensitivity of 66 per cent). Combining two criteria increased both the sensitivity and the specificity to 86 and 91 per cent, respectively.
Multifocal bigerminal mature teratomas of the head and neck
Authors: Delides A , Sharifi F , Karagianni E , Stasinopoulou A , Helidonis E
Published: July 2006

Teratomas and dermoids or hairy polyps of the head and neck are rare congenital tumours, often confused and reported to appear as single masses, that may cause upper aerodigestive tract impairment. Their histological classification, origin and embryological basis of development have been a topic of debate in the past and recent literature.

We report a case of an infant presenting with a multifocal bigerminal teratoma in the nasopharynx and the neck, causing a deep neck infection, and discuss the unique clinicopathological aspects of this case.
Cricoid ossification mimicking an impacted foreign body
Authors: Wakisaka N , Miwa T , Yoshizaki T , Furukawa M
Published: July 2006

A 54-year-old man complained of severe throat pain and showed subglottic oedema on fibre-optic endoscopy with a distinctly narrowed subglottic space on anteroposterior radiography of the neck and dense linear opacity at the level of the cricoid cartilage on lateral plain radiography. These findings suggested a foreign body just posterior to the cricopharyngeus, but a computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a dense calcified ridge on the posterior lamina of the cricoid cartilage but no foreign body.

The patient improved symptomatically with systemic antibiotics and topical steroids, and gastrointestinal endoscopy did not detect any foreign body. This is a rare case of vertical ossification of the cricoid lamina masquerading as a foreign body.
Angina masquerading as sinusitis
Authors: Christoforidou A , Bridger M W
Published: July 2006

Facial pain of cardiac origin is rare. There are several references in the world literature to angina referred to the teeth and the mandible. This report describes a patient with facial pain which was thought to be of sinus origin and which was relieved by coronary stenting.
Delayed facial nerve palsy following tympano-mastoid surgery: incidence, aetiology and prognosis
Authors: Safdar A , Gendy S , Hilal A , Walshe P , Burns H
Published: July 2006

Objective: To establish the frequency of occurrence of delayed facial nerve paralysis following tympano-mastoid surgery in our department and to determine the aetiological factors and long term prognosis.

Setting: Tertiary care academic centre.

Materials and methods: A retrospective review of all patients who had undergone tympano-mastoid surgery in our department over the previous five years was carried out. A total of 219 patients were included in the study. Only two patients were identified as having delayed onset facial nerve palsy over this period of time. The patients' medical records were reviewed and the patients clinically assessed.

Results: The frequency of delayed onset facial nerve palsy following tympano-mastoid surgery in our series was 0.91 per cent. Facial weakness set in on day eight and day 14 in the two patients. Serological investigations in both patients revealed raised titres of immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG to varicella-zoster virus, confirming the presence of varicella-zoster infection. In our experience, the combined use of prednisone and acyclovir was an effective form of treatment for both patients, whose facial nerve function fully recovered within six months of onset.

Conclusion: The incidence of delayed facial nerve palsy following tympano-mastoid surgery is low. It can occur up to two weeks after the surgery. Our two cases confirm viral reactivation to be an important aetiological factor in the development of delayed onset facial nerve palsy. The overall prognosis for delayed facial nerve palsy following tympano-mastoid surgery appears to be good.
Electrotonic Transmission Within Pericyte‐Containing Retinal Microvessels
Authors: WU DAVID M. , MINAMI MASAHIRO , KAWAMURA HAJIME , PURO DONALD G.
Published: July 2006

Objective: Little is known about the electrotonic architecture of the pericyte‐containing retinal microvasculature. Here, the authors focus on the cell‐to‐cell transmission of hyperpolarization, which can induce abluminal pericytes to relax and lumens to dilate.

Methods: With perforated‐patch pipettes, the authors monitored the membrane potentials and ionic currents of pairs of pericytes located on freshly isolated rat retinal microvessels. Voltage changes were induced by administering electrical stimuli into pericytes, miniperfusing the KATP channel opener pinacidil, or using oxotremorine to activate chloride channels.

Results: Suggestive of extensive cell‐to‐cell communication, spontaneous voltage changes were strikingly similar in widely separated pericytes. In addition, injection of current into one of a pair of sampled pericytes always elicited a voltage response in the other sampled pericyte; the gap junction uncoupler, heptanol, blocked this transmission. In the dual recordings, hyperpolarization spreading from a current‐injected pericyte decayed ∼40% within 100 μ m. In contrast, pinacidil‐induced hyperpolarizations diminished by only ∼ 2% in 100 μ m. Depolarizations also appeared to spread with similar transmission efficacies.

Conclusions: Based on the experiments, the authors propose that key features of the electrotonic architecture of retinal microvessels include highly efficient cell‐to‐cell communication within the endothelium and relatively inefficient transmission at pericyte/endothelial junctions. Thus, the endothelium is likely to provide an efficient pathway that functionally links contractile pericytes and thereby, serves to coordinate the vasomotor response of a retinal capillary.
Recanalization of the Collecting Lymphatics in Rabbit Hind Leg
Authors: IKOMI FUMITAKA , YOKOYAMA YUMIKO , OGIWARA NAOKO , SASAKI KATSUNORI , MIZUNO RISUKE , OHHASHI TOSHIO
Published: July 2006

Objective: This study was designed to examine whether mature collecting lymphatics can regenerate in the adult tissue or not.

Materials and Methods: The X‐ray lymphograms were used to detect network of the collecting lymphatics in rabbit hind leg. Regeneration of the lymphatics was observed after surgical removal of the popliteal lymph node or a part of the popliteal afferent lymphatic. Structure and mechanical properties of the lymphatics were also examined by light and electron microscopes and in vitro functional experiments.

Results: One week after removal of the lymph node, only an afferent lymphatic and a deposit of the contrast medium at the popliteal region were observed. Four weeks after the removal, the connection of the afferent and efferent lymphatics at the popliteal region, and collateral lymphatics were present in the leg. Further, 4 weeks after 1‐mm excisions of a part of the lymphatic, recanalization was observed between the central and peripheral cut ends of the lymphatic but not after 3‐ and 10‐mm excisions. Endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells could be observed by electron microscope, and contractile proteins, and alpha‐smooth muscle actin SM1 and SM2 were immunofluorescently detected in both intact and the regenerated lymphatic walls. In both lymphatics, norepinephrine and acetylcholine induced dose‐dependent constriction and dilation of the vessels, respectively.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that mature collecting lymphatics are able to regenerate in the adult tissues.
Role of Platelets in Hypercholesterolemia‐Induced Leukocyte Recruitment and Arteriolar Dysfunction
Authors: STOKES KAREN Y. , CALAHAN LeSHANNA , RUSSELL JANICE M. , GURWARA SHELLY , GRANGER D. NEIL
Published: July 2006

Objective: To define the contribution of platelets, specifically platelet‐associated P‐selectin, to the altered venular and arteriolar responses induced by hypercholesterolemia.

Methods: Leukocyte and platelet recruitment in cremasteric venules, and endothelium‐dependent relaxation (EDR) in arterioles were determined using intravital videomicroscopy. Wild‐type (WT) mice were placed on a normal or high cholesterol diet. Hypercholesterolemic mice were treated with blocking antibodies against either P‐selectin or PSGL‐1, or were depleted of neutrophils (ANS) or platelets (APS). Bone marrow chimeras (P‐selectin deficiency in platelets, but not in endothelial cells) were produced by transplanting bone marrow from P‐selectin−/− into WT mice (P‐sel−/−→ WT).

Results: Hypercholesterolemia (HC) elicited the recruitment of adherent platelets and leukocytes in venules and an impaired EDR in arterioles. The exaggerated cell adhesion responses were absent in hypercholesterolemic mice treated with ANS, anti‐P‐selectin or anti‐PSGL‐1 antibodies and in P‐sel−/−→ WT chimeras. The hypercholesterolemia‐induced impairment of arteriolar EDR was significantly blunted in mice rendered either neutropenic or thrombocytopenic, and in P‐sel−/−→ WT chimeras.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that platelet‐associated P‐selectin contributes to the recruitment of leukocytes and platelets in venules of hypercholesterolemic mice and that the P‐selectin‐mediated adhesive interactions also contribute to the impaired arteriolar function induced by hypercholesterolemia.
Impact of Obesity on Coronary Microvascular Function in the Zucker Rat
Authors: PRAKASH RAJAN , MINTZ JAMES D. , STEPP DAVID W.
Published: July 2006

Objective: To test the hypothesis that vasomotor control is impaired in the coronary circulation of prediabetic obese (OZR) relative to lean Zucker rats (LZR).

Methods: Cardiac function was assessed with in vivo measures of cardiac output and microvascular structure and function was assessed in vitro using videomicroscopic techniques.

Results: OZR showed a marked hyperdynamic circulation with an increased cardiac output and elevated stroke volume. Contrary to the stated hypothesis, the authors found no diminution of vasodilator function and no augmentation of vasoconstriction. Indeed, dilation to acetylcholine was potentiated and vasoconstriction to endothelin was reduced in OZR compared to LZR. Structural characteristics of small coronary arteries were similar between LZR and OZR.

Conclusions: Taken together, these results indicate that obesity, as manifested in the prediabetic OZR, does not impair coronary vasomotor control. This lack of dysfunction in the presence of the same risk factors that affect other beds may reflect a reversal of vascular injury by the increased metabolism and coronary blood flow caused by hyperdynamic cardiac function early in obesity.
Shunting of the Microcirculation After Mesenteric Ischemia and Reperfusion Is a Function of Ischemia Time and Increases Mortality
Authors: LAUTERBACH MICHAEL , HORSTICK GEORG , PLUM NICOLA , WEILEMANN L. S. , MÜNZEL THOMAS , KEMPSKI OLIVER
Published: July 2006

Objective: Shunting of the microcirculation contributes to the pathology of sepsis and septic shock. The authors address the hypothesis that shunting of the microcirculation occurs after superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) and reperfusion, and explore functional consequences.

Methods: Spontaneously breathing animals (rats) (n = 30) underwent SMAO for 0 (controls), 30 (SMAO_30) or 60 min (SMAO_60) followed by reperfusion (4 h) with normal saline. Leukocyte–endothelial interactions in mesenteric venules were quantified in an exteriorized ileal loop using intravital microscopy. Abdominal blood flow was recorded continuously, and arterial blood gases were analyzed at intervals. The above groups were matched by comparable groups with continuous superior mesenteric artery blood flow measurements and without exteriorizing an ileal loop (controls*, SMAO_30*, SMAO_60*).

Results: Adherent leukocytes increased shortly after reperfusion in ischemia groups, and plateaued in these groups. Centerline velocity in the recorded venules was significantly reduced after reperfusion down to low‐flow/no‐flow in SMAO_60 as compared to SMAO_30 and controls, whereas perfusion of the SMA and ileal vessels persisted. The microcirculatory changes in SMAO_60 were accompanied by progressive metabolic acidosis, substantially larger volumes of intravenous fluids needed to support arterial blood pressure and significantly reduced survival (30%). SMA blood flow increased in relation to abdominal blood flow after reperfusion in SMAO_60*, and remained constant in SMAO_30* and controls*. Survival was 80% in SMAO_60*.

Conclusion: Shunting of the microcirculation can be observed after SMAO for 60 min and reperfusion, and contributes significantly to the pathology of mesenteric ischemia and poor outcome.
Trichloroethylene, Trichloroacetic Acid, and Dichloroacetic Acid: Do They Affect Eye Development in the Sprague-Dawley Rat?
Authors: Warren D. A. , Graeter L. J. , Channel S. R. , Eggers J. S. , Goodyear C. D. , MacMahon K. L. , Sudberry G. L. , Latendresse J. R. , Fisher J. W. , Baker W. H.
Published: July 2006

Maternal exposure to high doses of trichloroethylene (TCE) and its oxidative metabolites, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and dichloroacetic acid (DCA), has been implicated in eye malformations in fetal rats, primarily micro-/anophthalmia. Subsequent to a cardiac teratology study of these compounds ( Fisher et al. 2001 , Int. J. Toxicol. 20:257–267), their potential to induce ocular malformations was examined in a subset of the same experimental animals. Pregnant, Sprague-Dawley Crl:CDR BR rats were orally treated on gestation days (GDs) 6 to 15 with bolus doses of either TCE (500 mg/kg/day), TCA (300 mg/kg/day), DCA (300 mg/kg/day), or all- trans retinoic acid (RA; 15 mg/kg/day). The heads of GD 21 fetuses were not only examined grossly for external malformations, but were sectioned using a modified Wilson’s technique and subjected to computerized morphometry that allowed for the quantification of lens area, globe area, medial canthus distance, and interocular distance. Gross ocular malformations were essentially absent in all treatment groups except for the RA group in which 26% of fetuses exhibited micro-/anophthalmia. Using the litter as the experimental unit of analysis, lens area, globe area, and interocular distance were statistically significantly reduced in the DCA treatment group. Statistically significant reductions in lens and globe areas also occurred in the RA treatment group, all four ocular measures were reduced in the TCA treatment group but none significantly so, and TCE was without effect. Because DCA, TCA, and RA treatments were associated with significant reductions in fetal body weight (bw), data were also statistically analyzed after bw adjustment. Doing so dramatically altered the results of treatment group comparisons, but the severity of bw reduction and the degree of change in ocular measures did not always correlate. This suggests that bw reduction may not be an adequate explanation for all the changes observed in ocular measures. Thus, it is unclear whether DCA specifically disrupted ocular development even under these provocative exposure conditions. Clearly, however, if TCE is capable of disrupting ocular development in the Sprague-Dawley rat, a higher dose than that employed in the present study is required.
A Perspective on the Safety of Cosmetic Products: A Position Paper of The American Council on Science and Health
Authors: Ross Gilbert
Published: July 2006

Over the years, some activist groups have targeted cosmetics as possible human health threats, claiming that cosmetic ingredients are not adequately tested for safety and may pose risks to consumers. The groups allege that industry practices related to safety testing are flawed, that there is little government oversight, and that cosmetics contain cancer-causing chemicals and other toxicants. A critical review of the scientific data related to these claims indicates the following: (1) Industry has the primary responsibility to ensure that all ingredients, preservatives, and coformulants used in products are safe for their intended uses. (2) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulatory oversight of the cosmetic industry. Its authority includes the banning or restriction of ingredients for safety reasons. (3) The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an independent, scientific review board, critically evaluates chemical ingredients used in cosmetics and publishes the results of its findings in the peer-reviewed literature. (4) Health-related allegations about cosmetic ingredients are generally based on the results of high-dose laboratory testing in animals and have little relevance for humans. As true now as when Paracelsus said it in the 16th century, “It is the dose that makes the poison.” (5) The health-related allegations involving specific chemicals (e.g., phthalates, parabens, and 1,3-butadiene) fail to consider important scientific studies and recent regulatory conclusions about these chemicals, which have found that they are not hazardous. (6) Animal and human physiology differ in crucial ways, further invalidating simplistic attempts to extrapolate rodent testing to human health risks. The cosmetic industry should be encouraged to publish more of its toxicity studies and safety evaluations, which would aid in dispelling the uncertainty that some consumers have about cosmetic safety.
History of Toxicology and Allied Sciences: A Bibliographic Review and Guide to Suggested Readings
Authors: Stirling Dale A.
Published: July 2006

With roots extending to antiquity, toxicology is a profession that recognizes that the past is often prologue to the present. In that spirit, this article provides a comprehensive bibliographic overview of writings on the history of toxicology and allied sciences. These writings pertain to the evolution of toxicology, its various methods, concepts, and theories; as well as pioneers of the profession and the growth of professional toxicological organizations. It is not an exhaustive survey, but provides a thorough accounting of literature pertaining to the history of toxicology.
Safety Evaluation of ABELCET, an Amphotericin B Lipid Complex (ABLC): Toxicity Studies in Rats
Authors: Zhang Zhihua , Diener Robert M. , Lipman Jack M.
Published: July 2006

ABELCET (ABLC) is a widely used amphotericin B lipid complex formulation that is approved for use in the treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients who are refractory or intolerant of conventional amphotericin B (AmB). The safety profile of ABLC has been characterized in two acute and two repeat-dose toxicity studies in rats. The acute toxicity studies indicated that single intravenous doses of ABLC are at least 20 times less toxic than conventional amphotericin B doses without the lipid formulation, Fungizone. Intravenous doses of 0, 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg/day to groups of rats (10 to 15 rats/sex/group) for 31 days elicited no mortality or overt clinical signs of toxicity, whereas alternate intravenous/intraperitoneal doses (three each per week) for 6 months, produced one death in the control group, one in the intermediate-dose group, and two in the high-dose group. Clinical signs (predominantly piloerection and hunched posture at 10 mg/kg/day) were attributed to granulomatous inflammatory lesions in the abdominal wall, mesentery, and omentum, which were produced by the intraperitoneal injections of ABLC. Feed consumption and body weight gains decreased in high-dose male rats in the one-month study and were significantly lower in male rats at 3 and 10 mg/kg/day in the 6-month study. In contrast, water consumption increased in male and female rats in both studies. Trends of minimal to moderate, dose-related increases in relative kidney, liver and spleen weights, and histological evidence of hypertrophy and hyperplasia of reticuloendothelial cells in the liver and spleen and mild, dose-related impairment of renal function occurred in both the 1- and 6-month studies. Examination of high-dose rats following a recovery period of 28 days after completion of 31 days of dosing suggested that treatment-related changes were reversible. The observed changes for ABLC are similar to those for other amphotericin B lipid formulations, such as AmBisome (LAmB), except for the hepatoxicity, which was observed for LAmB, but not for ABLC.
The Effects of Natural Flavonoids on Lipoxygenase-Mediated Oxidation of Compounds with a Benzene Ring Structure—A New Possible Mechanism of Flavonoid Anti-Chemical Carcinogenesis and Other Toxicities
Authors: Hu Jianan , Huang Yun , Xiong Minru , Luo Shafei , Chen Yong , Li Yuanjian
Published: July 2006

Numerous studies have strongly suggested that flavonoids exhibit antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory properties, but the mechanism is still far from clear. In this study, the effect of natural flavonoid compounds, such as green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, and rutin on lipoxygenase-mediated co-oxidation of guaiacol, benzidine, paraphenylenediamine, and dimethoxybenzidine was investigated. Green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, and rutin can reduce the co-oxidation reaction speed of tested compounds mediated by soybean lipoxygenase and the production of oxidative products and free radical intermediates. Their median inhibition concentrations on guaiacol oxidation mediated by soybean lipoxygenase were 8.22 mg·L−1, 17.8 μmol·L−1, 41.5 μmol·L−1, and 46.3 μmol·L−1, respectively. These were all significantly lower than glutathione, dithiothreitol, butylated hydroxyanisole and gossypol. The data collected in this study suggest that flavonoids may have an anticarcinogenicity and antitoxicity effect through inhibition of oxidative activation.
Arsenite Increases Vasoconstrictor Reactivity in Rat Blood Vessels: Role of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Function
Authors: Bilszta Justin L. C. , Dusting Gregory J. , Jiang Fan
Published: July 2006

Arsenite has been shown to inhibit endothelium-dependent, nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation in vitro. This study investigated the effects of arsenite on vascular reactivity in vivo. Saline or sodium arsenite (6 mg kg−1) was administered intravenously in Wistar-Kyoto rats for 4 h. As compared to saline, arsenite significantly increased vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine in both rat isolated aorta and renal arteries examined in tissue bath. This change was diminished after preincubation of the tissues with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, which increased phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction to a similar extent as arsenite. In contrast, acetylcholine-induced vasodilation, mediated by nitric oxide in the aorta and by an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor in renal arteries, was not affected by arsenite. Arsenite induced expression of heat shock proteins Hsp72, Hsp32, and Hsp90, but endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression was not changed. The effects of arsenite on vasoreactivity were unlikely to be mediated by heat shock protein induction, because blockade of heat shock protein induction had little effect on the increased vasoconstriction in vessels from arsenite-treated animals. Our study suggests that in vivo arsenic treatment increases vasoconstrictor reactivity by compromising basal endothelial nitric oxide function, which is not caused by altered endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression.
Educational provision for children with specific speech and language difficulties: perspectives of speech and language therapy service managers
Authors: Dockrell Julie E. , Lindsay Geoff , Letchford Becky , Mackie Clare
Published: July 2006

Background: Children with specific speech and language difficulties (SSLD) pose a challenge to the education system, and to speech and language therapists who support them, as a result of their language needs and associated educational and social–behavioural difficulties. The development of inclusion raises questions regarding appropriate provision, whether the tradition of language units or full inclusion into mainstream schools.

Aims: To gather the views of speech and language therapy service managers in England and Wales regarding approaches to service delivery, terminology and decision‐making for educational provision, and the use of direct and indirect (consultancy) models of intervention.

Method & Procedures: The study reports on a national survey of speech and language therapy (SLT) services in England and Wales (129 respondents, 72.1% response rate) and interviews with 39 SLT service managers.

Outcomes & Results: Provision varied by age group with support to children in the mainstream common from pre‐school to the end of Key Stage 2 (up to 11 years), and to those in designated specialist provision, common at Key Stages 1/2 (ages 5–11 years), but less prevalent at Key Stages 3/4 (11–16 years). Decision‐making regarding provision was influenced by the lack of common terminology, with SSLD and specific language impairment (SLI) the most common, and criteria, including the use of the discrepancy model for defining SSLD. Practice was influenced by the difficulties in distinguishing children with SSLD from those with autistic spectrum disorder, and difficulties translating policies into practice.

Conclusions: The implications of the study are discussed with reference to SLT practice, including consultancy models, and the increasingly prevalent policy in local education authorities of inclusion of children with special educational needs.
Connecting stuttering measurement and management: II. Measures of cognition and affect
Authors: Susca Michael
Published: July 2006

Background: To the person who stutters, there are other experiences than the somatic ones of stuttered speech. These are experiences of cognition and affect: in other words, experiences of thought and emotion. For several reasons, it is quite difficult to determine and recommend core measures of cognition and affect for clinicians to consider using.

Aims: To catalogue some of the many instruments that may be regarded by clinicians as worthwhile for use in measuring cognition and affect in clinical practice.

Main Contribution: The presentation of measures of cognition and affect is organized according to those that have appeared in recent clinical trials of stuttering during roughly the last decade, and those that have not featured in clinical trials.

Conclusions: Measures that have featured in the clinical trials literature might be looked on favourably, along with those for whom there are more than one data source in support. The various measures from the discipline of clinical psychology generally fall into the latter category. The notions of cognition and affect emerge from the discipline of clinical psychology, and therefore it makes sense to look to that discipline for measures of those constructs. Seeking such tools outside the discipline of speech pathology, especially those with established reliability and validity, seems to hold potential in contributing to one's understanding of affective and cognitive functioning in people who stutter.