bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybridization dynamics of invasive cattail (Typhaceae) stands in the Western Great Lakes Region of North America: a molecular analysis
Authors: Travis Steven E. , Marburger Joy E. , Windels Steve , Kubátová Barbora
Published: November 2009

1. By increasing vigour and broadening ecological tolerances, hybridization between native and introduced species may serve as a primary driver of invasiveness.

2. Cattails (Typha,Typhaceae) are clonal wetland graminoids that are known to hybridize where anthropogenic influences have resulted in distributional overlap.

3. In order to gauge the relative performance of hybrid vs. pureTypha, we characterized hybridization and clonal growth where nativeTypha latifoliaand introducedTypha angustifoliaoccur together in the Western Great Lakes Region of North America.

4. Based on microsatellite markers, we documented F1hybrids as the most common class at five intensively sampled sites, constituting up to 90% of the genets and 99% of the ramets. Backcrosses to one or the other parent constituted 5–38% of the genets. PureT. latifoliawas rare and never constituted more than 12% of the genets.

5. F1hybrid genets achieved the highest mean ramet numbers at three sites, and were second in size only toT. angustifoliaat two sites; however, these differences were not significant based on site‐specific one‐wayanovas.

6. F1hybrids exhibited little height advantage over otherTyphaclasses, although there was a general tendency for hybrids in relatively mixed stands to be among the tallest genets in shallow water, but among the shortest genets in deeper water.

7. NativeT. latifoliawas found growing at the shallowest water depths at the only site where it was sufficiently abundant to be included in statistical comparisons.

8. Synthesis. The role of hybridization in plant invasions can be difficult to confirm in the absence of molecular data, particularly for clonal species where the boundaries separating individuals are otherwise difficult to discern. Here, we used molecular markers to document the prevalence and performance of hybrid genets in five invasiveTyphastands covering a broad area of the Western Great Lakes Region. We found an extremely high prevalence of F1hybrids within mixedTyphastands. This, coupled with the typically larger sizes of hybrid genets, suggests that hybrids are capable of outperforming otherTyphaspp. and that hybridization has played an influential role in the North American cattail invasion.
A conserved primary salt tolerance mechanism mediated by HKT transporters: a mechanism for sodium exclusion and maintenance of high K+/Na+ ratio in leaves during salinity stress
Authors: HAUSER FELIX , HORIE TOMOAKI
Published: November 2009

Increasing soil salinity is a serious threat to agricultural productions worldwide in the 21st century. Several essential Na+ transporters such as AtNHX1 and AtSOS1 function in Na+ tolerance under salinity stress in plants. Recently, evidence for a new primary salt tolerance mechanism has been reported, which is mediated by a class of HKT transporters both in dicots such as Arabidopsis and monocot crops such as rice and wheat. Here we present a review on vital physiological functions of HKT transporters including AtHKT1;1 and OsHKT1;5 in preventing shoot Na+ over‐accumulation by mediating Na+ exclusion from xylem vessels in the presence of a large amount of Na+ thereby protecting leaves from salinity stress. Findings of the HKT2 transporter sub‐family are also updated in this review. Subjects regarding function and regulation of HKT transporters, which need to be elucidated in future research, are discussed.
The EuroPrevall‐INCO surveys on the prevalence of food allergies in children from China, India and Russia: the study methodology
Authors: Wong G. W. K. , Mahesh P. A. , Ogorodova L. , Leung T. F. , Fedorova O. , Holla A. D. , Fernandez‐Rivas M. , Clare Mills E. N. , Kummeling I. , Van Ree R. , Yazdanbakhsh M. , Burney P.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Wong GWK, Mahesh PA, Ogorodova L, Leung TF, Fedorova O, Holla AD, Fernandez‐Rivas M, Clare Mills EN, Kummeling I, van Ree R, Yazdanbakhsh M, Burney P. The EuroPrevall‐INCO surveys on the prevalence of food allergies in children from China, India and Russia: the study methodology. Allergy 2010; 65: 385–390.

Background:  Very little is known regarding the global variations in the prevalence of food allergies. The EuroPrevall‐INCO project has been developed to evaluate the prevalence of food allergies in China, India and Russia using the standardized methodology of the EuroPrevall protocol used for studies in the European Union. The epidemiological surveys of the project were designed to estimate variations in the prevalence of food allergy and exposure to known or suspected risk factors for food allergy and to compare the data with different European countries.

Methods:  Random samples of primary schoolchildren were recruited from urban and rural regions of China, Russia and India for screening to ascertain possible adverse reactions to foods. Cases and controls were then selected to answer a detailed questionnaire designed to evaluate the possible risk factors of food allergies. Objective evidence of sensitisation including skin‐prick test and serum specific IgE measurement was also collected.

Results:  More than 37 000 children from the three participating countries have been screened. The response rates for the screening phase ranged from 83% to 95%. More than 3000 cases and controls were studied in the second phase of the study. Furthur confirmation of food allergies by double blind food challenge was conducted.

Conclusions:  This will be the first comparative study of the epidemiology of food allergies in China, India, and Russia using the same standardized methodology. The findings of these surveys will complement the data obtained from Europe and provide insights into the development of food allergy.
Application of the Cropping System Model (CSM)‐CROPGRO‐Soybean for Determining Optimum Management Strategies for Soybean in Tropical Environments
Authors: Banterng P. , Hoogenboom G. , Patanothai A. , Singh P. , Wani S. P. , Pathak P. , Tongpoonpol S. , Atichart S. , Srihaban P. , Buranaviriyakul S. , Jintrawet A. , Nguyen T. C.
Published: November 2009

The determination of optimum crop management practices for increasing soybean production can provide valuable information for strategic planning in the tropics. However, this process is time consuming and expensive. The use of a dynamic crop simulation model can be an alternative option to help estimate yield levels under various growing conditions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of the Cropping System Model (CSM)‐CROPGRO‐Soybean and to determine optimum management practices for soybean for growing conditions in the Phu Pha Man district, Thailand. Data from two soybean experiments that were conducted in 1991 at Chiang Mai University and in 2003 at Khon Kaen University were used to determine the cultivar coefficients for the cultivars CM 60 and SJ 5. The CSM‐CROPGRO‐Soybean model was evaluated with data from two experiments that were conducted at Chiang Mai University. The observed data sets from farmers’ fields located in the Phu Pha Man district were also used for model evaluation. Simulations for different management scenarios were conducted with soil property information for seven different soil series and historical weather data for the period 1972–2003 to predict the optimum crop management practices for soybean production in the Phu Pha Man district. The results of this study indicated that the cultivar coefficients of the two soybean cultivars resulted in simulated growth and development parameters that were in good agreement with almost all observed parameters. Model evaluation showed a good agreement between simulated and observed data for phenology and growth of soybean, and demonstrated the potential of the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Soybean model to simulate growth and yield for local environments, including farmers’ fields, in Thailand. The CSM‐CROPGRO‐Soybean simulations indicated that the optimum planting dates from June 15 to July 15 produced maximum soybean yield in a rainfed environment. However, the planting date December 15 produced the highest yield under quality irrigation. Soybean yield was slightly improved by applying nitrogen at a rate of 30 kg N ha−1 at planting. Soybean yield also improved when the plant density was increased from 20 to 40 plants m−2. The results from this study suggest that the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Soybean model can be a valuable tool in assisting with determining optimum management practices for soybean cropping systems in the Phu Pha Man district and might be applicable to other agricultural production areas in Thailand and southeast Asia.
Occurrence and Geographical Distribution of the ‘Torrado’ Disease in Spain
Authors: Alfaro‐Fernández Ana , Córdoba‐Sellés María Del Carmen , Juárez Miguel , Herrera‐Vásquez JoseÁngel , Sánchez‐Navarro JesúsÁngel , Cebrián María Del Carmen , Font María Isabel , Jordá Concepción
Published: November 2009

In surveys to determine the occurrence and distribution of the ‘torrado’ disease (Tomato torrado virus, ToTV) in the main Spanish tomato growing areas from 2001 to 2008, a total of 584 samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were collected from 92 greenhouses. The tests showed that 451 plants from 85 greenhouses of different areas were infected with ToTV. The majority of the positive samples showed typical symptoms of the disease. However, plants showing different symptoms of necrosis and even asymptomatic plants were infected with the virus. Co‐infection of ToTV with Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) occurred in a large number of samples (60.5%), and several samples were infected with other tomato‐infecting viruses, including Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Parietaria mottle virus (PMoV), Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Tomato apex necrosis virus (ToANV) was not detected in any of those samples with similar symptoms to those described for that virus. Additional tests revealed that (i) ToTV whitefly transmission is highly efficient and variety‐dependent in tomato plants, (ii) Datura stramonium is another solanaceous species susceptible to this virus and (iii) the tissue‐printing hybridization is a reliable technique which could facilitate the routine diagnosis and large‐scale analysis of ToTV.
Role of definitive radiotherapy in treating patients with inoperable Merkel cell carcinoma: The Westmead Hospital experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Koh Clare SL , Veness Michael J
Published: November 2009

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon aggressive primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with a propensity to spread to regional lymph nodes and distant sites. The head and neck is the commonest site for presentation (50–60%) and recent evidence suggests patients treated with excision (to achieve a negative microscopic margin) and adjuvant wide‐field radiotherapy (RTx) have an improved survival compared with surgery alone. Surgery is often not possible in elderly patients with multiple co‐morbidities and in patients with advanced lesions. Definitive RTx therefore remains an option in these inoperable patients, with data to report its benefit. We report the results of eight patients with inoperable MCC treated with RTx alone between 1993 and 2007 at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia, and also review the relevant literature on definitive RTx in the treatment of MCC. The median age at diagnosis was 82.5 years in five women and three men. All patients were Caucasian and none were immunosuppressed. Seven of eight patients were clinically node‐positive. The mean duration of follow up was 12 months. A median dose of 50 Gy was prescribed. Seven of eight patients with inoperable MCC achieved in‐field control, with most eventually relapsing distantly. Treatment‐related toxicity was acceptable. In keeping with our results, other studies also report high rates of in‐field locoregional control following RTx alone. These findings highlight the radioresponsiveness of advanced MCC and support a recommendation of moderate‐dose RTx alone in select cases. Lower‐dose palliative dose fractionation schedules (e.g. 25 Gy in five fractions) may be considered in patients of very poor performance status.
Childhood ocular rosacea: Considerations for diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Hong Esther , Fischer Gayle
Published: November 2009

Rosacea in children is not as well described as it is in adults. Ocular signs may be a dominant feature and some children with what has previously been called periorificial dermatitis may in fact have rosacea. We report three cases of paediatric ocular rosacea responding to prolonged treatment with oral erythromycin. Our cases demonstrate the close association of periorificial dermatitis with childhood rosacea, and highlight the importance of eye signs in its diagnostic criteria.
Chronic localized intravascular coagulation complicating multifocal venous malformations
Authors: Martin Linda K , Russell Susan , Wargon Orli
Published: November 2009

We present two female children aged 7 years with extensive multifocal venous malformations complicated by chronic localized intravascular coagulation. In both cases ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive venous malformations involving the skin, mucous membranes and pharynx, which were not apparent on clinical examination. Haematological investigations demonstrated persistent elevation of the D‐dimer, consistent with chronic localized intravascular coagulation. The course of one patient was complicated by the development of multiple painful thromboses at distant sites following percutaneous sclerotherapy. Persistent elevation of the D‐dimer occurring in association with large venous and veno‐lymphatic malformations has been termed chronic localized intravascular coagulation, and is thought to occur due to thrombosis at sites of stagnant blood flow within venous malformations. It is of clinical concern due to the potential for transformation into serious thrombohaemorrhagic coagulation disorders, including disseminated intravascular coagulation. While previously described in association with large segmental venous malformations, these cases demonstrate the occurrence of chronic localized intravascular coagulation as a complication of disseminated multifocal venous malformations.
Diagnosis of type I cryoglobulinaemia made through identifying crystals in the blood smear
Authors: Shirato Kyoko , Reid Catherine , Ibbetson Jan S , Hissaria Pravin , Shireen Sidhu
Published: November 2009

We report a case of type I cryoglobulinaemia in a 52‐year‐old man who presented with widespread cutaneous necrosis. The diagnosis could not be established early on, as repeated testing for cryoglobulin was negative despite a careful collection method. The diagnosis was made 1 year later, on an incidental full blood smear that revealed crystals, which is an uncommon way to diagnose this condition. We discuss the difficulties we faced in establishing the diagnosis and emphasise the need for repeat cryoglobulin testing in this clinical setting. In such cases, examination of a blood smear should be considered.
Rhinophyma: Carbon dioxide laser with computerized scanner is still an outstanding treatment
Authors: Lim Shueh‐Wei , Lim Shueh‐Wen , Bekhor Phillip
Published: November 2009

The cosmetic deformity produced by rhinophyma is characterized by nodular hypertrophy of the nasal skin. A retrospective review and analysis of nine consecutive patients with moderate and major rhinophyma treated with scanned carbon dioxide laser was performed. A particular method of continuous scanner use is described. This report demonstrates excellent cosmetic results and no major postoperative complications or recurrence of the condition after 1 year of follow up for seven patients. Two more patients had been followed up for 1 month at the time this paper was written. Scanned carbon dioxide laser is safe and highly effective treatment for rhinophyma.
Trichilemmal cyst with homogeneous blue pigmentation on dermoscopy
Authors: Gencoglan Gulsum , Karaarslan Isil Kilinc , Akalin Taner , Ozdemir Fezal
Published: November 2009

A 61‐year‐old woman was referred to our dermoscopy unit for a pigmented lesion that had been present on her left arm for 8 years. The patient did not notice any enlargement or change in colour. On dermoscopy, homogeneous blue pigmentation was seen. The lesion was excised with the pre‐operative diagnosis of melanoma, blue naevus and dermatofibroma. Histopathological examination showed a trichilemmal cyst in the mid‐dermis. Although homogeneous blue pigmentation on dermoscopy is the hallmark of blue naevus, it may be seen in metastatic melanoma and exceptionally in hemosiderotic and cellular types of dermatofibroma. Trichilemmal cyst should be borne in mind also in the dermoscopic differential diagnosis.
The burden of influenza in children under 5 years admitted to the Children's Hospital at Westmead in the winter of 2006
Authors: Iskander Mary , Kesson Alison , Dwyer Dominic , Rost Laura , Pym Margaret , Wang Han , McCaskill Mary , Booy Robert
Published: November 2009

Objective:  Active surveillance to determine influenza disease burden in children admitted to hospital with influenza‐like illness (ILI).

Methods:  A prospective hospital‐based cohort study conducted June–October 2006 in children <5 years hospitalised at The Children's Hospital at Westmead with ILI (fever and respiratory symptoms). Influenza and other viral infections were diagnosed either by antigen detection using immunofluorescence or nucleic acid amplification testing of nasopharyngeal aspirates. Data were collected using researcher‐administered questionnaires. Main outcome measures include proportion of hospitalisations with influenza, vaccination and treatment, risk factors for influenza and associated medical and social burdens.

Results:  Data on 275 children with ILI aged <5 years were analysed. Thirty‐one (11%) children with ILI had influenza (22 had influenza A and 9 had influenza B). Thirty‐five percent were under 6 months of age and 61% under 1 year. Twenty‐nine percent of children with influenza A were born prematurely. The mean duration of hospital stay for influenza was 2.8 days (95% confidence interval 2.1–3.4) and 26% had a lumbar puncture. Although 68% received intravenous antibiotics, only 3% (one case) was given an antiviral. Eighty‐four percent had visited their local doctor before admission and all came through the emergency department. On average, in one‐third (32%) of families of children with influenza a parent developed, ILI during admission or soon after hospital discharge resulted in an average of 3.2 days of work absenteeism. Only 3.5% (7/199) of children older than 6 months with ILI received any influenza vaccination.

Conclusions:  Both the burden of influenza in childhood morbidity and its social impact are substantial. There is considerable room for improvement in both the prevention and early recognition (trigger treatment with antivirals) of influenza. Our data will inform decisions regarding the value of a universal influenza vaccine programme.
Risperidone in the treatment of mixed state bipolar patients: Results from a 24‐week, multicenter, open‐label study in Korea
Authors: Woo Young Sup , Bahk Won‐Myong , Jon Duk‐In , Chung Sang‐Keun , Lee Sang‐Yeol , Ahn Yong Min , Pae Chi‐Un , Cho Hyun‐Sang , Kim Jeong‐Gee , Hwang Tae‐Yeon , Lee Hong‐Seok , Min Kyung Joon , Lee Kyung‐Uk , Yoon Bo‐Hyun
Published: November 2009

Aims:  The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of risperidone combined with mood stabilizers for treating bipolar mixed state.

Methods:  The present study was a 24‐week, open‐label, combination, prospective investigation of the efficacy of risperidone in combination with mood stabilizers. Risperidone (1–6 mg/day) was given in combination with mood stabilizers in flexible doses according to clinical response and tolerability for 114 patients in mixed or manic episode.

Results:  Forty‐four patients met our criteria for mixed state bipolar disorder and 70 met the criteria for pure mania. Mean age for the subjects was 39.0 ± 11.0 years and 55.3% were female. The combination of risperidone with mood stabilizers significantly improved the scores on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), 17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), 18‐item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS), and Clinical Global Impression Scale for use in bipolar illness Severity (CGI‐BP) at 24 weeks (P < 0.0001). Analysis of the YMRS, BPRS, GAS, and CGI‐BP scores showed significant improvement in both the manic and mixed groups. The rate of response in YMRS scores was 84.2% (n = 96) and the rate of YMRS remission was 77.2% (n = 88) at week 24 in the total population. Seventy‐four patients met both YMRS ≤ 12 and HAMD ≤ 7 at week 24 (64.9%). Risperidone was well tolerated, and adverse events were mostly mild.

Conclusion:  The combination of risperidone with mood stabilizers was an effective and safe treatment for manic symptoms and coexisting depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Atrial fibrillation and anticoagulation in a stroke unit population
Authors: Ahmad O. , Ahmad K. E. , Dear K. B. G. , Harvey I. , Hughes A. , Lueck C. J.
Published: November 2009

Background:  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important predisposing factor for ischaemic stroke. There is evidence to suggest that even in appropriate candidates warfarin therapy is underutilized. We assessed the prevalence of AF in an Australian stroke unit to determine the degree of undertreatment at presentation.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to our Stroke Unit between October 2004 and September 2006 was carried out. All patients with a diagnosis of AF, either new or old, were then selected from this group to determine the overall prevalence and anticoagulation status. Data regarding prior stroke, stroke severity and discharge anticoagulation status were also determined.

Results:  Data from a total of 500 patients were analysed. Our results showed that AF‐related strokes accounted for a large proportion (28%) of all admissions and were associated with a larger neurological deficit. Most patients (68%) with a prior diagnosis of AF without having obvious contraindications were either not anticoagulated or under‐anticoagulated when presenting with an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Conclusion:  Our results stress the importance of initiating and maintaining anticoagulation in patients with AF and without obvious contraindications to minimize the risk of subsequent stroke.
Pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy: two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Higton A. M. , Whale C. , Musk M. , Gabbay E.
Published: November 2009

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in pregnancy carries a mortality of 30–56%. There are few published data to guide clinicians in its management. Two pregnant women with severe PAH have been treated at Royal Perth Hospital with a successful result in both. Their presentation and management are described. We review the physiological changes in pregnancy, pathophysiology in PAH, and review the literature describing treatment of PAH in pregnancy.
Cancer in older people: a tale of two disciplines
Authors: Steer C. B. , Marx G. M. , Singhal N. , McJannett M. , Goldstein D. , Prowse R.
Published: November 2009

Management of cancer in the elderly presents an unprecedented challenge in Australia with the proportion of the population aged over 65 years set to double over the next four decades. Despite the complex healthcare needs of the older patient with cancer, there is currently little communication or cooperation between the fields of oncology and geriatrics. Improved interdisciplinary communication would facilitate care that is framed within current oncology practice while taking account of physiological age, complex comorbidities, risk of adverse events and pharmacological interactions as well as the implications of cognitive impairment on suitability for treatment and consent. An important first step has been taken towards the development of a strategic, focused and collaborative approach to the management of cancer in older people through a national interdisciplinary workshop convened by the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia in April 2008. Engagement and commitment of both oncology and geriatric disciplines is now critical to ensure that momentum is not lost in progressing this important and growing area of healthcare.
Comparative observation of freeze–thaw‐induced damage in pig, rabbit, and human corneal stroma
Authors: Oh Joo Youn , Kim Mee Kum , Lee Hyun Ju , Ko Jung Hwa , Wee Won Ryang , Lee Jin Hak
Published: November 2009

Objective  Although variations exist between species with respect to outcomes after cryopreservation, little is known about the differences in the susceptibility of the corneal stroma to cryoinjury. We performed this study to investigate freeze–thaw‐induced damage in keratocytes and collagen in rabbit, pig, and human corneas.

Animals studied  Rabbit, pig, and human.

Procedures  We prepared 250‐μm‐thick anterior stroma from rabbit, pig, and human corneas after scraping off the epithelium and endothelium. Each 250‐μm‐thick corneal stroma without epithelium was placed in a 50‐mL tube, frozen with liquid N2 for 15 min and taken out to thaw rapidly at 37 °C. This procedure of rapid freezing and thawing was repeated three times. Differences between the species with respect to cells and collagen structures were examined using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We orthotopically transplanted the pig and rabbit corneal transplants after the triple freeze–thaw cycle into rabbit eyes and evaluated graft survival.

Results  On gross examination, rabbit corneas became opaque after the triple freeze–thaw procedure, while pig and human corneas remained transparent. Histologically, keratocytes were apoptotic on TUNEL assay and TEM in rabbit, pig, and human corneas. Collagen fibrils were fragmented and the arrangement of collagen fibrils was severely disturbed in rabbit corneas on H&E staining and TEM; collagen was well preserved in pig and human corneas. Rabbit corneal stroma underwent autolysis after transplantation, whereas the pig corneal stroma remained clear for 1 month.

Conclusions  Our study showed that rabbit corneal stroma was more susceptible to freeze–thaw injury than pig and human corneas.
Establishing a reproducible method for the culture of primary equine corneal cells
Authors: Mathes Rachel L. , Dietrich Ursula M. , Krunkosky Thomas M. , Hurley David J. , Reber Adrian J.
Published: November 2009

Objective To establish a reproducible method for the culture of primary equine corneal epithelial cells, keratocytes, and endothelial cells and to describe each cell’s morphologic characteristics, immunocytochemical staining properties and conditions required for cryopreservation.

Procedures Corneas from eight horses recently euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study were collected aseptically and enzymatically separated into three individual layers for cell isolation. The cells were plated, grown in culture, and continued for several passages. Each cell type was characterized by morphology and immunocytochemical staining.

Results All three equine corneal cell types were successfully grown in culture. Cultured corneal endothelial cells were large, hexagonal cells with a moderate growth rate. Keratocytes were small, spindloid cells that grew rapidly. Epithelial cells had heterogenous morphology and grew slowly. The endothelial cells and keratocytes stained positive for vimentin and were morphologically distinguishable from one another. The epithelial cells stained positive for cytokeratin. Keratocytes and endothelial cells were able to be cryopreserved and recovered. The cryopreserved cells maintained their morphological and immunocytochemical features after cryopreservation and recovery.

Discussion This work establishes reproducible methods for isolation and culture of equine corneal keratocytes and endothelial cells. Cell morphology and cytoskeletal element expression for equine corneal epithelial cells, keratocytes, and endothelial cells are also described. This has not previously been reported for equine corneal cells. This report also demonstrates the ability to preserve equine keratocytes and endothelial cells for extended periods of time and utilize them long after the primary‐cell collection, a feature that has not been reported for veterinary corneal cell culture.
In vivoconfocal microscopy of the normal equine cornea and limbus
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , Scarlett Janet M.
Published: November 2009

Objective To describe morphologic features, pachymetry and endothelial cell density of the normal equine cornea and limbus byin vivoconfocal microscopy.

Animals studied Ten horses without ocular disease.

Procedure The central and peripheral corneas were examined with a modified Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II and Rostock Cornea Module using a combination of automated and manual image acquisition modes. Thickness measurements of various corneal layers were performed and endothelial cell density determined.

Results Images of the constituent cellular and noncellular elements of the corneal epithelium, stroma, endothelium, and limbus were acquired in all horses. Corneal stromal nerves, the subepithelial nerve plexus, and the sub‐basal nerve plexus were visualized. Cells with an appearance characteristic of Langerhans cells and corneal stromal dendritic cells were consistently detected in the corneal basal epithelium and anterior stroma, respectively. Median central total corneal thickness was 835 μm (range 725–920 μm) and median central corneal epithelial thickness was 131 μm (range 115–141 μm). Median central endothelial cell density was 3002 cells per mm2(range 2473–3581 cells per mm2).

Conclusions In vivocorneal confocal microscopy provides a noninvasive method of assessing normal equine corneal structure at the cellular level and is a precise technique for corneal sublayer pachymetry and cell density measurements. A resident population of presumed Langerhans cells and corneal stromal dendritic cells was detected in the normal equine cornea. The described techniques can be applied to diagnostic evaluation of corneal alternations associated with disease and have broad clinical and research applications in the horse.
Efficacy of lamellar resection, cryotherapy, and adjunctive grafting for the treatment of canine limbal melanoma
Authors: Featherstone Heidi J. , Renwick Peter , Heinrich Christine L. , Manning Sue
Published: November 2009

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and complication rate of partial lamellar resection followed by cryotherapy for the management of canine limbal melanoma.

Animals studied Fourteen dogs with unilateral canine limbal melanoma which were managed surgically by partial lamellar resection, cryotherapy (1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane) and an adjunctive graft procedure.

Methods The clinical records of dogs treated between June 1998 and June 2008 were reviewed. The signalment, approximate size and location of the melanoma, variation in surgical technique, recurrence rate, short‐term (< three months) and long‐term (> three months) complications were assessed. Follow‐up information was collected by patient re‐examination or telephone interview.

Results The mean age at diagnosis was 6.3 years, with a range from 3.2 to 12 years. Seven breeds were affected, including five cross‐breed dogs and four Golden Retrievers. The tumour involved the dorsal arc (from the dorsomedial to the ventrolateral quadrant) in 12 eyes and the ventral arc in two eyes. The size of the tumour ranged from 30 to 180 degrees of the limbal circumference. A double freeze‐thaw cycle of cryotherapy was performed in 7/14 eyes and a triple freeze‐thaw cycle in 7/14 eyes. An adjunctive conjunctival graft was performed in 13/14 eyes (free graft n = 3, posterior nictitans conjunctiva/cartilage n = 4, advancement graft n = 5, small intestinal submucosa/advancement graft n = 1) and a frozen homologous graft in 1/14 eyes. The duration of follow‐up ranged from 6 months to 8.5 years with a median of 2.1 years. Recurrence was not clinically detected in any of the 14 eyes. Early complications occurred in 8/14 eyes and included anterior uveitis (7/14), corneal ulceration (5/14), marked corneal granulation tissue at the graft margin (2/14), dyscoria (2/14), corneal lipidosis (1/14) and corneal oedema (1/14). Intra‐operative globe perforation had occurred in 5/7 eyes with anterior uveitis and 2/2 eyes with transient dyscoria. Late complications occurred in 3/14 eyes and included corneal lipidosis which was either mild (<2mm in diameter, 1/14) or marked (>1cm in diameter, 2/14). Marked lipidosis only occurred following the treatment of extensive limbal melanomas which involved approximately 50% of the limbal circumference.

Conclusions Surgical management comprising partial lamellar resection, cryotherapy and adjunctive graft placement is technically straightforward, minimally invasive, well tolerated and highly effective. Marked corneal lipidosis is most likely to occur as a post‐operative complication when the limbal melanoma is extensive.
Light and electron microscopic evaluation of canine corneal endothelium following CO2 photokeratotomy
Authors: Hoffman Allison , Ownby Charlotte , Lehenbauer Terry W. , Samuelson Don , Gilmour Margi , Bartels Kenneth
Published: November 2009

Objective  To determine using light and scanning electron microscopy if treatment with CO2 photokeratotomy alters the corneal endothelium in healthy dogs.

Procedure  Eight surgery laboratory dogs were determined to be free of ocular abnormalities. Under general anesthesia, the left eye of each dog was treated in a quadrant from 12 to 3 o’clock with the CO2 laser in a defocused mode. The right eye served as a control. There were four treatment groups, each with 2 dogs: group 1 (2 W, 0.1 J/s, 0.8 mm tip), group 2 (3 W, 0.3 J/s, 0.8 mm tip), group 3 (2 W, 0.04 J/s NovaScan), group 4 (3 W, 0.06 J/s, NovaScan). The 0.8 mm tip delivered a power density of 382 W/cm2 or 573 W/cm2, at 2 or 3 watts respectively. The NovaScan handpiece delivered a power density of 30 W/cm2 or 40 W/cm2, at 2 or 3 Watts respectively. Following euthanasia, right and left corneas including a 2‐mm scleral rim were harvested and fixed in commercial grade Karnovsky’s fixative. One piece of cornea was processed routinely, embedded in Embed 812 resin, sectioned at 1 um, stained with toluidine blue and evaluated with the light microscope. A separate piece of each cornea was routinely processed and examined with a JEOL 6400 scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 20 KV.

Results  No changes in endothelial cell morphology were detected by light microscopy in the sections examined. SEM indicated normal endothelial cell morphology in control eyes with presumed artifactual changes at the corneal free margin (4/8 eyes). Multiple punctate to linear regions of endothelial cell destruction were observed in 6/8 laser‐treated corneas. A significant increase in corneal thickness ranging from 1.90 to 37.28% was observed in all laser treated corneas. This increase in thickness correlated linearly with the degree of endothelial damage. Ultrastructural findings also correlated with postoperative clinical findings.

Conclusion  CO2 laser photokeratotomy alters corneal endothelial cell morphology and thickness.
Association of age and response to androgen‐deprivation therapy with or without radiotherapy for prostate cancer: data from CaPSURE
Authors: Aaronson David , Cowan Janet , Carroll Peter , Konety Badrinath
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the response to primary androgen‐deprivation therapy (PADT) and radiotherapy (RT) plus adjuvant ADT would be muted in older men, as their tumours might already be relatively androgen insensitive, because serum testosterone levels decline with increasing age.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor database, we conducted an observational study evaluating two groups of men treated for prostate cancer from 1995 to 2006. One group of 1748 men was treated with PADT and the second group of 612 men was treated with RT (external beam RT or brachytherapy) with neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant ADT. We tested whether age was a predictor of disease progression in the PADT group and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence in the RT + ADT group (Phoenix definition). Secondary outcomes were all cause (ACM) and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM).

RESULTS

In both univariate and multivariate analysis stratifying by clinical risk group, age (<65, 65–69, 70–74, and ≥75 years) was not associated with the risk of secondary treatment or PSA recurrence for the PADT and the RT + ADT groups, respectively. Age category had no relationship to increased ACM or PCSM for the RT + ADT group. However, for the PADT group the oldest category (>75 years) had an increased hazard ratio (2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.04–4.88; P = 0.02) for ACM, but a decreased ratio for PCSM (0.29, 0.21–0.42; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

If we assume that age is a valid proxy measure for free available testosterone levels, then these levels do not seem to affect the likelihood of response to ADT, either used alone or combined with RT.
Use of Doppler ultrasonography and rigid ureteroscopy for managing symptomatic ureteric stones during pregnancy
Authors: Elgamasy Abdelnaser , Elsherif Ashraf
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) and rigid ureteroscopy (RU) for managing symptomatic ureteric stones during pregnancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 15 pregnant women with persistent renal pain; all were assessed with conventional US followed by DUS in both kidneys.

RESULTS

The mean period of gestation at presentation was 25.5 weeks. Stones were found in the right side in 11 patients (73%), in the left in three (20%) while no stone was found in the remaining patient (7%). There was a significantly higher mean resistive index in all 15 obstructed kidneys than in the contralateral normal kidneys. RU was used in all patients, with removal of the stones and fixation of JJ stent. All patients improved after the procedure and completed pregnancy safely up to full‐term, except for premature labour in one patient.

CONCLUSION

DUS and RU are efficient for the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic ureteric stones during pregnancy.
Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of vaginal and paraurethral leiomyomas: can they be diagnosed before surgery?
Authors: Hubert Katherine C. , Remer Erick M. , Rackley Raymond R. , Goldman Howard B.
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Diagnostic (non‐consecutive) Level of Evidence 3b

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of vaginal and paraurethral leiomyomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with pathologically confirmed paraurethral and vaginal wall leiomyomas from January 2006 to August 2007 were reviewed. Patients with no preoperative MRI of the pelvis were excluded.

RESULTS

Five patients were identified; all had a firm, smooth, non‐tender, non‐fluctuant mass. MRI showed a well‐circumscribed shape, a homogeneous signal that was hypointense or isointense to muscle on T1‐ and hyperintense or isointense to muscle on T2‐weighted images, and uniform enhancement. In all cases, MRI excluded urethral diverticulae, and pathology showed leiomyoma, of which one had atypical features.

CONCLUSION

Paraurethral and vaginal wall leiomyomas can be identified before surgery with a reasonable degree of certainty, based on their clinical and MRI characteristics.
Structure, Agency and Ontological Confusion: A Response to Hay
Authors: Pleasants Nigel
Published: November 2009

Colin Hay's article ‘King Canute and the “Problem” of Structure and Agency’ aims to: (1) ‘gain an interesting political analytical purchase on a seemingly familiar tale’, and (2) ‘generate a series of valuable and more general insights into our understanding of the structure-agency relationship’. I argue that he fails on both counts.
Genetic risks and healthy choices: creating citizen‐consumers of genetic services through empowerment and facilitation
Authors: Harvey Alison
Published: November 2009

Genetic testing to identify susceptibility to a variety of common complex diseases is increasingly becoming available. In this article, focusing on the development of genetic susceptibility testing for diet‐related disease, I examine the emergence of direct‐to‐the‐consumer genetic testing services and the (re)configuration of healthcare provision, both within and outside the specialist genetics service, in the UK. I identify two key techniques within these practices: empowerment and facilitation. Using Foucauldian social theory, I show that empowerment and facilitation are being positioned as tools for the creation of citizen‐consumers who will make appropriate dietary choices, based on the results of their genetic analysis. Through these techniques, individuals are transformed into properly entrepreneurial citizens who will, through judicious choices, act to maximise their ‘vital capital’ (their health) and the capital of the social body. I argue that the user of these services is not purely an economic figure, making rational choices as a consumer, but that her configuration as a citizen‐consumer who avails herself of genetic information and services in a proper manner ensures that she is fit to contribute to the economic life of our present.
Measuring rates of word‐final nasal velarization: The effect of dialect contact on in‐group and out‐group exchanges1
Authors: Hernández José Esteban
Published: November 2009

Three Salvadoran corpora were used to analyze word‐final nasal variation in a situation of dialect contact. To determine the effect of ethnicity on the variation, two different interviewers, one an out‐group member and a speaker of Mexican Spanish, the other an in‐group member and a speaker of Salvadoran Spanish, interacted with Salvadorans, born or claiming family ties to San Sebastián, El Salvador, now living in the Holly Spring area of Houston. To explore the impact of the speech community, the same Mexican interviewer gathered data in Segundo Barrio, which – unlike Holly Spring – is an area of Houston where Mexicans are the overwhelming majority. The Houston data were compared to data gathered in situ in San Sebastián, the latter serving as the control group used to quantify possible modifications in the contact speech samples. The Houston data showed that Salvadorans interviewed by an in‐group member of the community produced higher rates of nasal velarization; their velarization rates closely matched the patterns characteristic of the non‐contact variety. In addition, Salvadorans in Holly Spring velarized more than their counterparts in Segundo Barrio. The Houston informants used lower frequencies of nasal velarization to out‐group interviewers, thus showing accommodation and producing linguistic patterns closer to those found in the contact Mexican variety.
Narrative of a Worker: Havatzelet Ingbar and the Atzmaout Textile Factory Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, 2000
Authors: Dahan‐Kalev Henriette
Published: November 2009

This article is about the struggle of a group of marginalized women who stood up for their rights, providing a dramatic lesson of courage and self‐empowerment. These women, who were workers in a textile factory in the remote town of Mitzpe Ramon in Israel, became its managers and owners. This article documents their groundbreaking experience and investigates some of the problems that arose during this period. The conclusion of this research is that the main knowledge and experience that is required from workers who become managers overnight is political rather than professional, economic or commercial. Moreover, the women learned that political knowledge cannot be replaced by accelerated courses in management, marketing and business administration. Finally, the women realized that the men with whom they interacted desired to see them return to the sewing machines as unprofessional workers, in traditional female roles.
Intersubjectivity: Towards a Dialogical Analysis
Authors: GILLESPIE ALEX , CORNISH FLORA
Published: November 2009

Intersubjectivity refers to the variety of possible relations between perspectives. It is indispensable for understanding human social behaviour. While theoretical work on intersubjectivity is relatively sophisticated, methodological approaches to studying intersubjectivity lag behind. Most methodologies assume that individuals are the unit of analysis. In order to research intersubjectivity, however, methodologies are needed that take relationships as the unit of analysis. The first aim of this article is to review existing methodologies for studying intersubjectivity. Four methodological approaches are reviewed: comparative self‐report, observing behaviour, analysing talk and ethnographic engagement. The second aim of the article is to introduce and contribute to the development of a dialogical method of analysis. The dialogical approach enables the study of intersubjectivity at different levels, as both implicit and explicit, and both within and between individuals and groups. The article concludes with suggestions for using the proposed method for researching intersubjectivity both within individuals and between individuals and groups.
Practitioner Review: Non‐pharmacological treatments for ADHD: A lifespan approach
Authors: Young Susan , Myanthi Amarasinghe J.
Published: November 2009

Background:  Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic and pervasive developmental disorder that is not restricted to the childhood years.

Methods:  This paper reviews non‐pharmacological interventions that are available at present for preschoolers, school‐age children, adolescents and adults.

Results:  The most appropriate intervention for preschoolers is parent training. For school‐age children with moderate impairments there is some evidence to suggest that group parent training programmes and classroom behavioural interventions may suffice as a first‐line treatment. For school‐age children with severe impairments, interventions are more appropriate when combined with stimulant medication (i.e., integrated treatment packages are likely to be more successful than ‘standalone’ treatments). Multimodal interventions seem to be best suited for middle school/adolescent children, which most likely reflects that these interventions usually integrate home and school treatment strategies and often include an element of social skills training. Stimulant medication is generally the first line of treatment for adults but CBT has also been found to be effective at addressing the complex needs of this population.

Conclusion:  Current research has largely ignored that ADHD is a developmental disorder that spans the preschool to adult years. Most studies focus on young school‐age children and outside of this age group there is a dearth of controlled trials that provide conclusive evidence. As children mature the mode and agent of intervention will shift to reflect the developmental needs and circumstances of the individual.