bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperative effect of roscovitine and irradiation targets angiogenesis and induces vascular destabilization in human breast carcinoma
Authors: Maggiorella L. , Aubel C. , Haton C. , Milliat F. , Connault E. , Opolon P. , Deutsch E. , Bourhis J.
Published: December 2008

Angiogenesis is considered as an essential process for tumour development and invasion. Previously, we demonstrated that cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibition by roscovitine induces a radiosensitization and a synergistic antitumoral effect in human carcinoma but its effect on the microenvironment and tumour angiogenesis remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of the combination roscovitine and ionizing radiation (IR) on normal cells in vitro and on tumour angiogenesis in MDA‐MB 231 tumour xenografts. We observed that the combination roscovitine and IR induced a marked reduction of angiogenic hot spot and microvascular density in comparison with IR or roscovitine treatments alone. The Ang‐2/Tie‐2 ratio was increased in presence of reduced vascular endothelial growth factor level suggesting vessel destabilization. In vitro, no radiosensitization effect of roscovitine was found in endothelial, fibroblast, and keratinocyte cells. IR potentiated the antiproliferative effect of roscovitine without inducing apoptosis in endothelial cells. Roscovitine decreased IR‐stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor secretion of MDA‐MB 231 and endothelial cells. A reduction in the endothelial cells invasion and the capillary‐like tube formation in Matrigel were observed following the combination roscovitine and IR. This combined treatment targets angiogenesis resulting in microvessel destabilization without inducing normal cell toxicity.
Do fatty acids help in overcoming reading difficulties? A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and carnosine supplementation on children with dyslexia
Authors: Kairaluoma L. , Närhi V. , Ahonen T. , Westerholm J. , Aro M.
Published: December 2008

Background  There are claims that dietary supplementation of unsaturated fatty acids could help children with dyslexia to overcome their reading problems. However, these claims have not yet been empirically tested.

Methods  This study was designed to test whether dietary supplementation was superior to placebo in treating reading, spelling or other reading‐related skills of children with dyslexia. The experimental group (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, n = 30) ate dietary supplements and the control group (placebo, n = 31) placebos during the 90‐day treatment period. The supplements contained omega‐3 fatty acid (ethyl‐EPA, 500 mg/day) and carnosine (400 mg/day). The groups were matched for reading skills, grade, gender, attention problems, intelligence and amount of special education. The literacy‐related skills of the two groups were assessed before and after the treatment period.

Results  No group differences were observed between EPA and placebo in measures of reading accuracy or speed, spelling, decoding fluency, arithmetical skills, reading‐related language skills, attention or behavioural problems.

Conclusion  The present findings do not support the hypothesis that omega‐3 fatty acid (ethyl‐EPA) or carnosine has a role in the treatment of reading and spelling problems in children with dyslexia.
Is parental coping associated with the level of function in children with physical disabilities?1
Authors: Cavallo S. , Feldman D. E. , Swaine B. , Meshefedjian G.
Published: December 2008

Objectives  The objectives of this study are: (1) to describe parental coping in a cohort of children with physical disabilities (PDs); (2) to determine whether the child's level of function is associated with parental coping; and (3) to explore whether socio‐demographic factors such as child's age, maternal education and family structure are associated with parental coping.

Methods  Parents of 150 children with PDs were interviewed after being referred to community rehabilitation services. They answered the following: the Coping Health Inventory for Parents, the Functional Independence Measure for children (WeeFIM) and a study questionnaire that addressed socio‐demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the association between level of function and other factors and parental coping.

Results  Mean (SD) age of the children was 40.9 (15.2) months and 64.7% were male. Parental coping scores, measured by the Coping Health Inventory for Parents, indicated that the parents in our study found seeking out social support from community resources useful. Parents of children with moderate to severe dysfunction in mobility (WeeFIM) found coping behaviours related to communicating with the healthcare professionals regarding their child's condition useful (β coefficient, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.37, 3.78). Greater perceived usefulness of maintaining social support through community resources was associated with lower maternal education, working parents and two‐parent families.

Conclusion  These findings underscore the importance of helping parents of children with PDs maintain social support. It is important to help parents understand their child's medical situation, especially those whose children have more severe mobility dysfunction.
Evaluating family‐centred service in paediatric oncology with the measure of processes of care (MPOC‐20)
Authors: Klassen A. F. , Dix D. , Cano S. J. , Papsdorf M. , Sung L. , Klaassen R. J.
Published: December 2008

Background In order to evaluate the family‐centeredness of paediatric oncology services, a psychometrically sound measure of family‐centred services is needed. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of the psychometric properties of the 20‐item Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC‐20) in parents of children undergoing treatment for cancer at five paediatric oncology centres in Canada.

Methods The sample included 411 parents (80% response rate). Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the best way to group the items into scales. Psychometric tests were used to examine data quality, targeting, internal consistency reliability, within‐scale construct validity and known‐groups validity.

Results Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors: a summary measure of family‐centred services and a scale measuring activities that meet parents' general informational needs. Scores spanned the entire scale range, floor and ceiling effects were low, and the sample distribution was not unduly skewed. Scales showed acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alphas ≥0.93). Known‐group hypotheses supported the scales' ability to differentiate between groups hypothesized to differ. Moderate effect sizes were found when MPOC‐20 scale scores for parents and for children with good quality of life were compared with those with poor quality of life.

Conclusions The MPOC‐20 is the only evaluated instrument currently available to measure family‐centred services in paediatric oncology. Paediatric cancer programmes can now use this tool to determine parental perception of the extent to which services are family‐centred.
Maternal parenting stress and its correlates in families with a young child with cerebral palsy
Authors: Glenn S. , Cunningham C. , Poole H. , Reeves D. , Weindling M.
Published: December 2008

Objective  To investigate factors predicting parenting stress in mothers of pre‐school children with cerebral palsy.

Method  Eighty mothers and children participated. Mothers completed the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the following measures of family functioning: family support, family cohesion and adaptability, coping strategies, family needs and locus of control. Children were assessed using the Griffiths Scales and the Gross Motor Function measure. The child's home environment was assessed using Home Observation for Measuring the Environment.

Results  Mothers had higher mean total PSI scores than the means for the typical sample; 43% had total PSI scores above the threshold for clinical assessment. Cluster analysis demonstrated five distinct clusters of families, more than half of whom were coping well. High stress items were role restriction, isolation and poor spouse support, and having a child who was perceived as less adaptable and more demanding. Lower stress items indicated that this sample of mothers found their children emotionally reinforcing and had close emotional bonds. Regression analysis showed that the factors most strongly related to parenting stress levels were high family needs, low family adaptability and cognitive impairment in the child.

Conclusions  The results confirmed the individuality of families, and that individual characteristics of coping and feeling in control, together with family support and cohesion, are associated with variation in amount of stress experienced in parenting a child with cerebral palsy.
Parenting, autonomy and self‐care of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Dashiff C. , Vance D. , Abdullatif H. , Wallander J.
Published: December 2008

Background  During adolescence diabetes creates a juncture of very complex disease management demands with developmental needs, including the striving of adolescents for greater autonomy. Parents' concerns and fears about the teen's diabetes self‐management abilities during this time can heighten parental attachment behaviour and affect the parents' ability to support autonomy development necessary for effective self‐care. Maternal parenting processes may be especially important for those adolescents who have Type 1 diabetes because mothers are the primary caregivers.

Purpose  Based on attachment theory, the aim was to test a model of the influence of mother–adolescent developmental conflict, maternal separation anxiety and maternal inhibition of autonomy and relatedness on cognitive autonomy and self‐care of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

Method  A total of 131 families with an adolescent, aged 11–15 years, contributed data annually across three waves. Mothers and adolescents completed paper‐and‐pencil measures and two interaction scenarios that were coded by trained staff from audio‐tapes. The adolescent also completed a structured interview and questionnaire to assess self‐care.

Results  Maternal separation anxiety when adolescents were 11–15 years of age directly predicted cognitive autonomy at 1‐year follow‐up, and that cognitive autonomy was directly related to self‐care 1 year later, but did not mediate between separation anxiety and self‐care.

Conclusions  Future investigation of the influence of separation anxiety of parents on adolescent autonomy development is warranted, as well as the contribution of autonomy development to diabetes self‐management behaviours of adolescents.
Deficits in motor co‐ordination and attention at 3 years of age predict motor deviations in 6.5‐year‐old children who needed neonatal intensive care
Authors: Hemgren E. , Persson K.
Published: December 2008

Background  A total of 189 children without major impairments who needed neonatal intensive care (NIC) were followed up at ages 3 and 6.5 years.

Aim  To determine the prevalence of different motor deviations at age 6.5 years and the co‐occurrence of attention deficits; also, to analyse the predictive ability of motor co‐ordination and attention assessments at age 3 years for motor deviations at 6.5 years.

Method  A combined assessment of motor performance and behaviour (CAMPB) was used at the 3‐year examination. The Test of Motor Impairment (TOMI) and the Motor‐Perceptual Development (MPU) were used together with the criteria of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM‐IV‐TR) to define motor deviations.

Results  At 6.5 years 64% of the children showed a motor deviation either as a delay according to MPU, a problem according to TOMI or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) according to DSM‐IV‐TR. Higher proportions of children with attention deficit (50%) were found in the DCD group. The predictive ability of CAMPB was analysed in two ways: when all children with either a co‐ordination or attention deficit, or both, at 3 years were considered to be at risk for motor deviations at 6.5 years, the sensitivity reached 78% and the specificity was 42%. But when only the 3 year olds with a combined deficit were considered to be at risk, the sensitivity was 37% and the specificity 89%; however, a positive predictive value of 86% was reached.

Conclusion  At 6.5 years of age a majority of NIC children with no major impairments showed motor deviations. To fulfil the DCD criteria in DSM‐IV‐TR, a strict definition of motor deviations is recommended. Attention deficits are more prevalent among children with DCD. Deficits in motor co‐ordination and/or attention in 3‐year‐old children are strong predictors of motor deviations and, especially, of DCD at 6.5 years of age.
Assistive devices and cerebral palsy: factors influencing the use of assistive devices at home by children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Huang I‐C. , Sugden D. , Beveridge S.
Published: December 2008

Background  There is a growing awareness of the significance of gaining insights into device users' needs in their everyday usage in order to maximize the potential of assistive device intervention. However, current studies in this field are likely to focus more upon adult users' or adult carers' perspectives and, accordingly, the opinions of young users seem to be overlooked. In order to take the gap into consideration, this study aimed to explore the usability of assistive devices at home by children with cerebral palsy and consider the underlying factors related to the device usage in this setting mainly from the children's perspectives.

Methods  Semi‐structured interviews were adopted as the main data collection instrument. A total of 30 participants were involved in the study, including 15 Taiwanese children with cerebral palsy and 15 mothers.

Results  The results showed a low frequency of device use at home by the participating children. Four factors leading to low device use at home were identified, including children's reluctance, mothers' perspectives, physical environmental barriers and device‐related barriers.

Conclusions  The results highlight the need, when considering the usability of assistive devices, to take into account three interactive factors, namely, the personal, device and environmental factors. They also demonstrate the importance of taking children's different developmental stages and unique personal experiences into consideration in understanding the influence of assistive device intervention for children with cerebral palsy.
Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: December 2008

.
 
Anttila H.,
Autti‐Rämö I.,
Suoranta J.,
Mäkelä M. &
Malmivaara A.
(
2008
)

,
8
,
14
.
 
DOI: 10.1186/1471‐2431‐8‐14
.

Aim  To assess the effectiveness of physical therapy (PT) interventions on functioning in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods  A search was made in Medline, Cinahl, PEDro and the Cochrane Library for the period from 1990 to February 2007. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PT interventions in children with diagnosed CP were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and extracted the data. The outcomes measured in the trials were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Results  Twenty‐two trials were identified. Eight intervention categories were distinguished. Four trials were of high methodological quality. Moderate evidence of effectiveness was established for two intervention categories: effectiveness of upper extremity treatments on attained goals and active supination, and of prehensile hand treatment and neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) or NDT twice a week on developmental status, and of constraint‐induced therapy on amount and quality of hand use. Moderate evidence of ineffectiveness was found of strength training on walking speed and stride length. Conflicting evidence was found for strength training on gross motor function. For the other intervention categories the evidence was limited because of low methodological quality and the statistically insignificant results of the studies.

Conclusion  Because of limitations in methodological quality and variations in population, interventions and outcomes, mostly limited evidence on the effectiveness of most PT interventions is available through RCTs. Moderate evidence was found for some effectiveness of upper extremity training. Well‐designed trials are needed especially for focused PT interventions.
Hygiene interventions for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection among childbearing women: systematic review
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: December 2008

.
 
Harvey J. &
Dennis C.‐L.
(
2008
)

,
63
,
440
–
450
.

Aim  This paper is a report of a systematic review to examine the effectiveness of preventive interventions to reduce congenital cytomegalovirus transmission and infection among women of childbearing age.

Background  Congenital cytomegalovirus has been identified as the leading infectious cause of damage to the growing fetus in developed countries, including Down's syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and spina bifida. Despite the prevalence and consequences of this infection, it has a low profile and pregnant mothers are often unaware of the risks and protective behaviours related to its transmission. Women with children in day care and nurses working with children are particularly at risk of acquiring the virus.

Data sources  A computerized literature search for papers up to 1 December 2007 was performed using MEDLINE (from 1950), EMBASE (from 1980) and CINAHL (from 1982).

Review methods  Both authors independently reviewed studies that met inclusion criteria and assigned a quality rating determined by the number of validity criteria met. Differences were discussed until consensus was reached.

Findings  Differences in hygiene behaviour changes were most statistically significant for pregnant, seronegative women. Although the methodological quality of the three included studies was not strong, seroconversion rates consistently decreased as cytomegalovirus education and support increased.

Conclusion  Nurses can act as preventive agents for cytomegalovirus infection through education about hygiene precautions during antenatal care and through preventive measures in the workplace. The review findings suggest that educational interventions in hygiene practices have the potential to be a feasible, large‐scale, primary prevention strategy.
Obesity in children. Part 2: prevention and management
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: December 2008

.
 
Kipping R. R.,
Jago R. &
Lawlor D. A.
(
2008
)

,
337
,
a1848
.
 
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.a1848
.

Summary points

Few obesity prevention interventions have been shown to be effective in children.

Comprehensive strategies that tackle diet and physical activity as well as providing psychosocial support and environmental change may help prevent obesity.

Community‐based interventions aimed at changing activity levels, dietary knowledge and eating behaviour may be useful but need evaluation for effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness.

Specialist treatment may include treatment with sibutramine or orlistat in children over 12 years of age, although long‐term studies are needed.

Surgery is recommended only in adolescents with extreme obesity, in limited circumstances, but the benefits need to be balanced against the possible side effects.
Valvular heart disease and the use of cabergoline for the treatment of prolactinoma
Authors: Herring Neil , Szmigielski Cezary , Becher Harald , Karavitaki Niki , Wass John A. H.
Published: December 2008

Objective  The use of high doses of the ergot‐derived dopamine agonist cabergoline (> 3 mg/day), especially with cumulative doses > 4000 mg, has been associated with an increase in cardiac valvular thickening and significant (moderate to severe) regurgitation. Whether lower doses commonly used in the treatment of prolactinomas (0·25–3 mg/week) are also associated with significant valvulopathy is controversial. The mitral valve tenting area, a subclinical index of leaflet stiffening, has also been correlated with the cumulative dose of cabergoline and severity of valvular regurgitation.

Design/patients/measurements  We performed transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on 50 prolactinoma patients (48% macroprolactinomas, 52% microprolactinomas, 30 male, 20 female, age 51·2 ± 2·2 years, mean ± SEM) who had been taking cabergoline for 6·6 ± 0·5 years (range 1–13 years) with cumulative doses of 443 ± 53 mg, to determine the prevalence of significant valvular thickening (> 0·5 cm) and regurgitation, and measured the mitral valve tenting area and height. The results were compared to those from age‐ and sex‐matched controls with normal left ventricular function.

Results  No significant valvular thickening or regurgitation of any valve was detected in the prolactinoma group and the prevalence of mild valvular regurgitation was not higher than in the case–control group. The mitral valve tenting area and height were not significantly greater than in the control group. There was no correlation between tenting area or height and cumulative cabergoline dose.

Conclusions  We found no evidence of increased mitral valve tenting area/height, valvular thickening or significant regurgitation with the long‐term administration of the commonly used doses of cabergoline to treat prolactinoma.
Characteristics and economic contribution of a developing recreational fishery in southern Angola
Authors: POTTS W. M. , CHILDS A.‐R. , SAUER W. H. H. , DUARTE A. D. C.
Published: December 2008

Abstract  The characteristics and contribution of a developing recreational fishery to the local, regional and national economy of Angola were evaluated in 2006. Annual angling effort was 13 435 h, while the estimated total catch of the three target species [leerfish, Lichia amia (L.), west coast dusky kob, Argyrosomus coronus (Griffiths & Heemstra) and shad, Pomatomus saltatrix (L.)], was 5913 fish with a mass of 27 975 kg. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) for all teleost species combined was 0.44 fish per angler h−1 and 2.08 kg per angler h−1. Total harvest of the three species was 576 fish with a total mass of 2221.6 kg. The total contribution of this recreational fishery (mostly anglers from South Africa) to the local economy was US$ 1007 per harvested fish and US$ 243 per harvested kg. This equated to a contribution to the local, regional and national economies of US$ 151 685, US$ 44 767 and US$ 344 364 respectively. Although the regional contribution was less than half of the national contribution, it was regionally significant when the low population density and the general absence of other formal sector employment opportunities are considered. As a result of the largely undisturbed nature of the southern Angolan coastline, the catch, effort and CPUE information was considered suitable as a baseline for a cost‐effective method of future fisheries monitoring in the region.
Survival and movement of hatchery‐reared red snapper on artificial habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: CHAPIN A. M. , SZEDLMAYER S. T. , PHELPS R. P.
Published: December 2008

Abstract  Hatchery‐reared age‐0 red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus (Poey), were released onto artificial habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. Fish showed 12.7% survival after 7 months on small habitats (0.86 m3) and 3.1% survival after 8 months on large habitats (3.9 m3). Emigration was estimated by the movement of fish to unstocked habitats and accounted for 76.8% of the total decline in abundance at release sites after 26 days. Fish showed higher survival and growth rates on small habitats (27.6% at 26 days; 0.33 mm day−1) compared with large habitats (13.2% at 34 days; 0.26 mm day−1), which may have been due to increased predation and competition on large habitats. Fish became evenly distributed among adjacent habitats 26 days after release, indicating that stocking densities at release habitats were above carrying capacities. These observations suggested that providing additional habitat around red snapper release sites would increase survival.
Indication of antagonistic interaction between climate change and erosion on plant species richness and soil properties in semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: GARCÍA‐FAYOS PATRICIO , BOCHET ESTHER
Published: December 2008

We analyzed the consequences of climate change and the increase in soil erosion, as well as their interaction on plant and soil properties in semiarid Mediterranean shrublands in Eastern Spain. Current models on drivers of biodiversity change predict an additive or synergistic interaction between drivers that will increase the negative effects of each one. We used a climatic gradient that reproduces the predicted climate changes in temperature and precipitation for the next 40 years of the wettest and coldest end of the gradient; we also compared flat areas with 20° steep hillslopes. We found that plant species richness and plant cover are negatively affected by climate change and soil erosion, which in turn negatively affects soil resistance to erosion, nutrient content and water holding capacity. We also found that plant species diversity correlates weakly with plant cover but strongly with soil properties related to fertility, water holding capacity and resistance to erosion. Conversely, these soil properties correlate weaker with plant species cover. The joint effect of climate change and soil erosion on plant species richness and soil characteristics is antagonistic. That is, the absolute magnitude of change is smaller than the sum of both effects. However, there is no interaction between climate change and soil erosion on plant cover and their effects fit the additive model. The differences in the interaction model between plant cover and species richness supports the view that several soil properties are more linked to the effect that particular plant species have on soil processes than to the quantity and quality of the plant cover and biomass they support. Our findings suggest that plant species richness is a better indicator than plant cover of ecosystems services related with soil development and protection to erosion in semiarid Mediterranean climates.
Soil carbon sequestrations by nitrogen fertilizer application, straw return and no‐tillage in China's cropland
Authors: LU FEI , WANG XIAOKE , HAN BING , OUYANG ZHIYUN , DUAN XIAONAN , ZHENG HUA , MIAO HONG
Published: December 2008

Soil as the largest global carbon pool has played a great role in sequestering the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Although global carbon sequestration potentials have been assessed since the 1980s, few investigations have been made on soil carbon sequestration (SCS) in China's cropland. China is a developing country and has a long history of agricultural activities. Estimation of SCS potentials in China's cropland is very important for assessing the potential measures to prevent the atmospheric carbon rise and predicting the atmospheric CO2 concentration in future. After review of the available results of the field experiments in China, relationships between SCS and nitrogen fertilizer application, straw return and no‐tillage (NT) practices were established for each of the four agricultural regions. According to the current agricultural practices and their future development, estimations were made on SCS by nitrogen fertilizer application, straw return and NT in China's cropland. In the current situation, nitrogen fertilizer application, straw return and zero tillage can sequester 5.96, 9.76 and 0.800 Tg C each year. Carbon sequestration potential will increase to 12.1 Tg C yr−1 if nitrogen is fertilized on experts' recommendations. The carbon sequestration potentials of straw return and NT can reach 34.4 and 4.60 Tg C yr−1 when these two techniques are further popularized. In these measures, straw return is the most promising one. Full popularization of straw return can reduce 5.3% of the CO2 emission from fossil fuel combustion in China in 1990, which meets the global mean CO2 reduction requested by the Kyoto Protocol (5.2%). In general, if more incentive policies can be elaborated and implemented, the SCS in China's cropland will be increased by about two times. So, popularization of the above‐mentioned agricultural measures for carbon sequestration can be considered as an effective tool to prevent the rapid rise of the atmospheric CO2 in China.
Comparison of gas use efficiency and treatment uniformity in a forest ecosystem exposed to elevated [CO2] using pure and prediluted free‐air CO2 enrichment technology
Authors: LEWIN KEITH F. , NAGY JOHN , ROBERT NETTLES W. , COOLEY DAVID M. , ROGERS ALISTAIR
Published: December 2008

A direct comparison of treatment uniformity and CO2 use of pure and prediluted free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) systems was conducted in a forest ecosystem. A vertical release pure CO2 fumigation system was superimposed on an existing prediluted CO2 fumigation system and operated on alternate days. The FACE system using prediluted CO2 fumigation technology exhibited less temporal and spatial variability than the pure CO2 fumigation system. The pure CO2 fumigation system tended to over‐fumigate the upwind portions of the plot and used 25% more CO2 than the prediluted CO2 fumigation system. The increased CO2 use by the pure CO2 system was exacerbated at low wind speeds. It is not clear if this phenomenon will also be observed in plots with smaller diameters and low‐stature vegetation.
Postfire carbon balance in boreal bogs of Alberta, Canada
Authors: WIEDER R. KELMAN , SCOTT KIMBERLI D. , KAMMINGA KATHERINE , VILE MELANIE A. , VITT DALE H. , BONE TIFFANY , XU BIN , BENSCOTER BRIAN W. , BHATTI JAGTAR S.
Published: December 2008

Boreal peatland ecosystems occupy about 3.5 million km2 of the earth's land surface and store between 250 and 455 Pg of carbon (C) as peat. While northern hemisphere boreal peatlands have functioned as net sinks for atmospheric C since the most recent deglaciation, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and most importantly wildfire, may compromise peatland C sinks. To examine the effects of fire on local and regional C sink strength, we focused on a 12 000 km2 region near Wabasca, AB, Canada, where ombrotrophic Sphagnum‐dominated bogs cover 2280 km2 that burn with a fire return interval of 123±26 years. We characterized annual C accumulation along a chronosequence of 10 bog sites, spanning 1–102 years‐since‐fire (in 2002). Immediately after fire, bogs represent a net C source of 8.9±8.4 mol m−2 yr−1. At about 13 years after fire, bogs switch from net C sources to net C sinks, mainly because of recovery of the moss and shrub layers. Subsequently, black spruce biomass accumulation contributes to the net C sink, with fine root biomass accumulation peaking at 34 years after fire and aboveground biomass and coarse root accumulation peaking at 74 years after fire. The overall C sink strength peaks at 18.4 mol C m−2 yr−1 at 75 years after fire. As the tree biomass accumulation rate declines, the net C sink decreases to about 10 mol C m−2 yr−1 at 100 years‐since‐fire. We estimate that across the Wabasca study region, bogs currently represent a C sink of 14.7±5.1 Gmol yr−1. A decrease in the fire return interval to 61 years with no change in air temperature would convert the region's bogs to a net C source. An increase in nonwinter air temperature of 2 °C would decrease the regional C sink to 6.8±2.3 Gmol yr−1. Under scenarios of predicted climate change, the current C sink status of Alberta bogs is likely to diminish to the point where these peatlands become net sources of atmospheric CO2‐C.
Evaluation of long‐chain alcohols and fatty acids, in combination with alkanes, as markers in the estimation of the composition of four herbages in mixtures
Authors: Lin L. J. , Luo H. L. , Wang H. , Zhang Y. J. , Shu B.
Published: December 2008

The objective of the study was to assess if long‐chain alcohols (alcohols) and long‐chain fatty acids (acids), along with long‐chain alkanes, could be useful as markers in estimating the composition of mixtures containing herbages found in the Inner Mongolia typical steppe in China. Four herbage species, Stipa daicalensis, Stipa grandis, Artemisia frigid and Cleistogenes squarrosa, were collected during the growing season to characterize the alcohol and acid profiles of these herbages. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to examine between‐species differences in terms of their patterns of alcohols, acids and alkanes. Results confirmed earlier studies that alcohols and acids with even‐numbered carbon chains were predominant and the total concentrations of alcohols or acids were generally higher than those obtained for alkanes. The results of PCA indicated that different marker types provided different discriminatory information. Alcohols and alkanes provided complementary discriminatory information, resulting in the clearest separation between the four species analysed. In choosing which markers to use, the results indicate that using more marker types does not always imply better estimates of the composition of mixtures.
Effects of different rates and timing of application of nitrogen as slurry and mineral fertilizer on yield of herbage and nitrate‐leaching potential of a maize/Italian ryegrass cropping system in north‐west Portugal
Authors: Trindade H. , Coutinho J. , Jarvis S. , Moreira N.
Published: December 2008

Efficient use of cattle‐slurry to avoid nitrogen (N) leaching and other losses is important in designing intensive dairy systems to minimize pollution of air and water. The response in dry‐matter (DM) yield of herbage and nitrate‐leaching potential to different rates and timing of application of N as cattle slurry and/or mineral fertilizer in a double‐cropping system producing maize (Zea mays L.) silage and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) was investigated in north‐west Portugal. Nine treatments with different rates and combinations of cattle slurry, and with or without mineral‐N fertilizer, applied at sowing and as a top‐dressing to both crops, were tested and measurements were made of DM yield of herbage, N concentration of herbage, uptake of N by herbage and amounts of residual soil nitrate‐N to a depth of 1 m, in a 3‐year experiment. Regression analysis showed that the application of 150 and 100 kg of available N ha−1 to maize and Italian ryegrass, respectively, resulted in 0·95 of maximum DM yields of herbage and 0·90 of maximum N uptake by herbage. Residual amounts of nitrate‐N in soil after maize ranged from 48 to 278 kg N ha−1 with an exponential increase in response to the amount of N applied; there were higher values of nitrate‐leaching potential when mineral‐N fertilizer was applied. The results suggest that it is possible in highly productive maize/Italian ryegrass systems to obtain high DM yields of herbage for maize silage and Italian ryegrass herbage with minimal leaching losses by using slurry exclusively at annual rates of up to 250 kg available N ha−1 (equivalent to 480 kg total N ha−1) in three applications.
Physical fitness in children with haemophilia and the effect of overweight
Authors: DOUMA‐VAN RIET D. C. M. , ENGELBERT R. H. H. , VAN GENDEREN FRANK R. , TER HORST‐DE RONDE MANON T. M. , DE GOEDE‐BOLDER ARJA , HARTMAN ANNELIES
Published: December 2008

Summary.  Although children with haemophilia are advised to participate in physical activities, their physical fitness has not been studied in a large group. In addition, children with haemophilia may be at increased risk for becoming overweight as a result of inactivity because of joint bleedings or because of overprotection. This study aimed to assess physical fitness (aerobic capacity), joint status, muscle strength, quality of life (QoL), self‐reported motor competence and also prevalence of overweight and its association with physical parameters. Weight and height were measured. Skin folds were measured unilaterally at biceps, triceps, subscapular and supra‐iliac sites. Aerobic capacity was determined on a cycle ergometer or with a 6‐min walk test (6MWT). Muscle strength and active range of motion of elbows, knees and ankle joints were measured. Self‐reported motor competence was measured with the ‘Competentie BelevingsSchaal voor Kinderen’. Joint pain was scored on a Visual Analogue Scale. The Haemo‐QoL Index was used to measure QoL. In 158 Dutch boys with haemophilia, with a mean age of 12.7 years (SD 2.9), normal aerobic capacity and muscle strength were found. Joint pain was reported by 16% of the participants. The prevalence of overweight (16%) was slightly increased when compared with healthy Dutch boys (13.5%). Being overweight had a negative association with the 6MWT and QoL. Dutch children with haemophilia have normal aerobic exercise capacity and muscle strength. The majority also has normal joint mobility. Prevalence of overweight is slightly increased.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy improves ESLD‐free survival in HIV‐HCV co‐infection
Authors: RAGNI M. V. , NALESNIK M. A. , SCHILLO R. , DANG Q.
Published: December 2008

Summary.  The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on progression to end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co‐infection remains controversial. We studied 157 HCV+ haemophilic men (85 HIV+ and 72 HIV−), on whom dates of HIV and HCV seroconversion and clinical outcomes were known. Time to ESLD was determined by Kaplan–Meier product‐limit methods and risk factors for ESLD progression were analysed by a Cox proportional hazards model. Among HIV+ men, ESLD was more common, 17 of 85 (20.0%) than in HIV−, eight of 72 (11.1%) and median ESLD‐free survival significantly shorter, P = 0.009, hazard ratio 3.00 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–7.08]. HAART treated HIV+ had longer ESLD‐free survival than HIV+ untreated, 30.3 vs. 20.0 years, P = 0.043, hazard ratio, 3.14 (95% CI: 1.27–7.08), comparable with survival in HIV− men, P = 0.13, hazard ratio 2.20 (95% CI: 0.76–2.35). Progression was unrelated to HAART toxicity (n = 0) or HCV antiviral therapy (n = 7). HIV+ HAART Rx and HIV− did not differ in HCV duration, age at ESLD, age at death or present, overall or AIDS mortality, all P > 0.05. These data suggest that HAART improves ESLD‐free survival, approaching that in HIV− men.
Side‐effects and venous access issues with immune tolerance therapy
Authors: CARCAO MANUEL D.
Published: December 2008

Summary.  Immune tolerance therapy (ITT) is the most effective approach to eradicate inhibitors in patients with haemophilia who develop high‐titre inhibitors. Yet ITT is associated with many adverse side‐effects. Rarely, adverse side‐effects arise from the various factor concentrates that patients on ITT receive or from adjuvant immunosuppressive agents used during ITT. Most adverse side‐effects of ITT are related to the need for frequent and repetitive venous access, which often results in the need for central venous access devices (CVAD). These devices greatly facilitate the ability to give repeated doses of factor concentrates to patients and are particularly useful in young children who often have small and poorly functioning peripheral veins. These devices can become infected, can malfunction or can lead to venous thrombosis. These complications, although rarely causing mortality, may lead to significant morbidity including the need to have the devices removed and new ones inserted. As well, such CVAD complications may lead to reduced effectiveness of ITT through interruptions in ITT.
Classification and management of chronic sialadenitis of the parotid gland
Authors: WANG S. , MARCHAL F. , ZOU Z. , ZHOU J. , QI S.
Published: December 2008

Summary Saliva has numerous oral functions and multiple functions in relation to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Chronic salivary hypofunction can lead to severe adverse health outcomes. Chronic sialadenitis is one of the major conditions that can cause salivary hypofunction. A correct diagnosis and management of chronic sialadenitis is essential for the recovery of salivary hypofunction. Chronic sialadenitis of the parotid gland is often seen in the clinic, sometimes also referred to as recurrent pyogenic parotitis, recurrent parotitis, non‐obstructive parotitis, sialadenitis or obstructive parotitis, among other terms. The literature describes several different classifications and denominations for chronic sialadenitis of the parotid gland. These various classifications and denominations complicate the definition and diagnostic criteria, and if chronic sialadenitis of the parotid gland can develop into Sjogren’s syndrome remains unclear. Treatment of this condition is also a challenging problem. Here, we review the presented classification and denomination of chronic sialadenitis of the parotid gland, proposing a classification based on the disease entities identified in a long‐term follow‐up investigation, and discuss the treatment principles for the condition.
Herpes simplex virus: a histopathologic study of the depth of herpetic wounds
Authors: Patel Asha R. , Romanelli Paolo , Roberts Brenda , Kirsner Robert S.
Published: December 2008

Background  Herpes is a prevalent, infectious disease that can occur anywhere on the body; it is found primarily on the face and genitalia. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) are the DNA viruses that cause human herpes. Clinically, HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infections produce lesions generally located on the mucocutaneous junctions of the face and genitalia. At times, vesicular lesions may ulcerate, leaving recalcitrant wounds that are challenging to treat. Until now, the basis of treatment has been related to the eradication of the viral infection. Little attention has focused on the consequence of the viral infection and the resulting wounds, specifically whether this represents an epidermal or dermal injury.

Methods  Using 10 herpetic lesions from different individuals, we studied the depth of the injury via routine hematoxylin and eosin stains, as well as periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and type IV collagen stains, which demonstrate the presence of the basement membrane.

Results  In all cases, we found an inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis and selective disruption of the basement membrane.

Conclusion  This suggests that herpetic lesions involve the dermis and are best classified as partial‐thickness wounds.
Polymerase chain reaction compared to other laboratory findings and to clinical evaluation in the diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria skin infection
Authors: Abdalla Cristina Martinez Zugaib , De Oliveira Zilda Najjar Prado , Sotto Mirian N. , Leite Kátia Ramos Moreira , Canavez Flávio Canellas , De Carvalho Cláudia Muraro
Published: December 2008

Background   Cutaneous tuberculosis has re‐emerged in the last 15 years together with the higher incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis and multidrug resistance. The choice for a single diagnostic tool among the many available today is a challenge. Our objective was to compare polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with other exams in the diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria skin infection.

Methods   PCR and a set of five different exams were performed in 32 patients (34 samples of paraffin‐embedded tissue) evaluated for 3 years in a university hospital, considering the response to mycobacterial infection treatment as a positive case.

Results   PCR was the most sensitive (88%) and specific (83%) exam. Culture, immunohistochemistry and acid‐fast bacilli were not in agreement with clinical response to treatment.

Conclusions   Although PCR is a useful tool, careful clinical exam is still the gold standard for the evaluation and treatment of cutaneous tuberculosis and mycobacteria skin infection.
Autochthonous leprosy in metropolitan France presenting with a diffuse infiltration of the face and febrile illness
Authors: Ezzedine Khaled , Malvy Denis , Beylot Claire , Longy‐Boursier Maïté
Published: December 2008

Leprosy is now considered in Western Europe as a strictly imported disease.

A case of presumed locally acquired diffuse lepromatous leprosy was observed in a native‐Portuguese woman living in France who developed an acute febrile presentation with extensive cutaneous signs.
Efficacy and safety of tarcrolimus cream 0.1% in the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Xu Ai‐E. , Zhang Di‐Min , Wei Xiao‐Dong , Huang Bo , Lu Liang‐Jun
Published: December 2008

Background  Vitiligo is an acquired, pigmentary skin disorder which is disfiguring and difficult to treat. Phototherapy and application of topical corticosteroids are most commonly prescribed. However, these therapies are often not effective and use of corticosteroids on the face may lead to cutaneous atrophy, telangiectasia, and ocular complications.

Objective  We sought to assess the efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of vitiligo.

Methods  A prospective pilot study was performed of 30 patients with vitiligo. Patients were treated with tacrolimus ointment for at least 4 months. Clinical responses were documented during clinic visits, and by pretacrolimus and post‐tacrolimus photography.

Results  Twenty‐five (83.3%) patients showed some repigmentation at the end of 4 months. Patients with vitiligo for more than 5 years also responded well to tacrolimus ointment. Repigmentation in active vitiligo was superior to that in stable vitiligo. 80% of patients with segmental vitiligo of the head and neck showed some response to tacrolimus, but there was no statistical significance between segmental and vulgaris vitiligo. The mean percentage of repigmentation on the head and neck was greater than that on the trunk and extremities. Four patients initially experienced burning on application.

Conclusions  Topical tacrolimus ointment is an effective and well‐tolerated alternative therapy for vitiligo especially involving the head and neck.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with visceral leishmaniasis in a case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Authors: Pourahmad Morteza , Hooshmand Farhang , Rahiminejad Masood
Published: December 2008

Introduction  Leishmania/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection is emerging as an increasingly frequent and extremely serious new disease. Although many reports have described the association of visceral leishmaniasis and AIDS, cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with AIDS is very uncommon.

Case summary   We describe a case of visceral leishmaniasis/HIV coinfection associated with cutaneous Leishman body‐positive lesions in a patient from Jahrom, a city in Fars province in Iran.

Conclusion   Our case demonstrated that it is better to evaluate the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in patients who present with cutaneous leishmaniasis and HIV infection.