bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new Mio-Pliocene Chadian hominids enlighten Charles Darwin's 1871 prediction
Authors: Brunet Michel
Published: September 2010

The idea of an evolutionary sequence for humans is quite recent. Over the last 150 years, we have discovered unexpected ancestors, numerous close relatives and our deep evolutionary roots in Africa. In the last decade, three Late Miocene hominids have been described, two about 6 Ma (ArdipithecusandOrrorin) in East Africa and the third dated to about 7 Ma (Sahelanthropus)in Central Africa. The specimens are too few to propose definite relationship to other species, but clearly these belong to a new evolutive grade distinct fromAustralopithecusandHomo. Moreover, all of them were probably habitual bipeds and lived in woodlands, thus falsifying the savannah hypothesis of human origins. In light of all this recent knowledge, Charles Darwin predicted correctly in 1871 that Africa is the birthplace of humans, chimpanzees and our close relatives.
Spinopelvic pathways to bipedality: why no hominids ever relied on a bent-hip–bent-knee gait
Authors: Lovejoy C. Owen , McCollum Melanie A.
Published: September 2010

Until recently, the last common ancestor of African apes and humans was presumed to resemble living chimpanzees and bonobos. This was frequently extended to their locomotor pattern leading to the presumption that knuckle-walking was a likely ancestral pattern, requiring bipedality to have emerged as a modification of their bent-hip-bent-knee gait used during erect walking. Research on the development and anatomy of the vertebral column, coupled with new revelations from the fossil record (in particular,
Ardipithecus ramidus
), now demonstrate that these presumptions have been in error. Reassessment of the potential pathway to early hominid bipedality now reveals an entirely novel sequence of likely morphological events leading to the emergence of upright walking.
Inter‐organizational Collaboration and the Dynamics of Institutional Fields
Authors: Phillips Nelson , Lawrence Thomas B. , Hardy Cynthia
Published: September 2010

While many aspects of the collaborative process have been discussed in the management literature, the connection between collaboration and the dynamics of institutional fields has remained largely unconsidered. Yet, collaboration is an important arena for inter–organizational interaction and, therefore, a potentially important context for the process of structuration upon which institutional fields depend. In this paper, we argue that institutionalization and collaboration are interdependent; institutional fields provide the rules and resources upon which collaboration is constructed, while collaboration provides a context for the ongoing processes of structuration that sustain the institutional fields of the participants.
Toggling with Taylor: A Different Approach to Reading a Management Text*
Authors: Monin Nanette , Barry David , Monin D. John
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper identifies influential, but previously unrecognized, subtexts in the writings of Frederick Winslow Taylor. Working with analytical methods developed from reader‐response theories of literary criticism, we lookatthe words of the text as we share the standard meaning‐making of the management community, as well asthroughthe words of the text searching out the worldview that emerges from our particular reading of the subtext. We have described our approach to reading as ‘toggling’: that is, switching between reading text ‘rhetorically’ and reading it ‘philosophically’. We conclude that reader identification with textual voices may appear in philosophical as well as rhetorical reading outcomes – that Taylor's text may inveigle readers into accepting a moral worldview wrapped up in a seemingly rational argument – and that ‘toggling’ would empower management theory readers.
The Visible Hands of Hierarchy within the M‐Form: An Empirical Test of Corporate Parenting of Internal Product Exchanges*
Authors: Poppo Laura
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT In this paper, we dismiss the traditional contingency argument that corporate staff should have minimal involvement with the decisions that its divisions make, because predictability, which underlies this contingency logic, is erroneous for most large corporations at this time. We offer an alternative theory of corporate involvement for the M‐form: under unpredictable environments greater interdependence of corporate staff with divisional operating decisions may be necessary to create value for the corporation. Since corporate staff cannot be involved in all divisional affairs, we empirically explore when corporate involvement is most likely. Building on transaction cost economics and the strategy literature, we reason that corporate staff may selectively involve itself in business level strategy and operating decisions when product characteristics signal threats to effective inter‐divisional coordination as well as opportunities for value creation. To explore this topic, we surveyed corporate managers of Fortune 500 companies. The results suggest some initial support for our theoretical argument: corporate staff is more likely to involve itself in business‐level decisions for uncertain products. We further find that when corporate staff is responsible for the capital investments used for the divisional venture, it is more likely to guide and influence product strategy decisions and inter‐divisional conflicts. We do not find, however, consistent evidence that specialized assets or brand‐name reputation trigger corporate involvement. Implications and limitations are further discussed.
All in All, it’s Just Another Plaque on the Wall: The Incidence and Impact of the Investors in People Standard*
Authors: Hoque Kim
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT The Investors in People Standard was introduced in 1991 in order to provide a national benchmark of training and development activity. This article, using data from the 1998 Workplace Employee Relations Survey (Department for Trade and Industry, 1999), conducts five tests with regard to the incidence and impact of the Standard. The first test evaluates the types of workplace that have secured accreditation. The second and third tests compare the nature of training practice in accredited and non‐accredited workplaces, based on data from the WERS 98 main management survey and also the survey of employees. The fourth test evaluates the proportion of workplaces that have secured accreditation, yet are failing to engage in good practice. The final test evaluates the characteristics of workplaces that fall into this latter category. The results demonstrate considerable variation between different types of workplace with regard to the likelihood of accreditation having been secured. They also demonstrate that, on average, training practice is better in accredited workplaces than in non‐accredited workplaces, but a large minority of accredited workplaces are failing to engage in good practice. Among workplaces that have accreditation, smaller workplaces stand out in particular as failing to engage in good training practice.
Respect and nonviolence among recently sedentary Paliyan foragers
Authors: Gardner Peter M.
Published: September 2010

Contrary to expectations (e.g. Bender 1978; Draper 1975; Kent 1989; 1990; Rafferty 1985), Paliyan foragers in south India remain relatively nonviolent when becoming sedentary. First, I review fifteen factors which are thought by others to pertain to disputes among foragers. Second, Paliyan beliefs and practices are examined regarding respect for the individual, avoidance of disrespect, and ways of handling of disrespect when it occurs. Third, I compare conflicts and means for managing them in a forest‐oriented band and a Paliyan village settled for about 150 years. Settled Paliyans have a slightly lower per capita frequency of episodes of conflict; while their conflicts are more severe, they are rarely serious. Finally, Paliyan data are reviewed with reference to the fifteen causal factors, six of which help explain continued nonviolence. Successful Paliyan peace‐keeping may be due in part to both the multiplicity of their safeguards and the prevention of positive feedback. In the long run, however, altered treatment of children foreshadows change.
Patronage and ‘community’: the role of a Tamil ‘village’ festival in the integration of a town
Authors: Neve Geert De
Published: September 2010

Focusing on the festival of ‘village’ goddesses in two small towns in Tamilnadu, South India, the article investigates how the urban organization of temples and festivals reflects characteristics of the organization of similar festivals in villages, whilst at the same time the ‘acts of patronage’ of wealthy local industrialists increasingly shape the nature of the ‘community’ generated at festival and other times. Building on idioms of village community and pre‐colonial kingship models, industrialists are central to the formation of a sense of community which transcends the borders of caste and class. It is argued that the formation of community boundaries cannot be understood outside the context of the wider social and economic relationships and, in this case, the labour relations which lie at the heart of South Indian textile industries.
Art and the Re‐Presentation of the Past
Authors: Tilley Christopher , Hamilton Sue , Bender Barbara
Published: September 2010

This article considers conceptual links between producing installation art works in the present and interpreting prehistoric lifeworlds. We consider connections between the work of contemporary ‘landscape’, ‘environmental’ or ‘ecological’ artists and an on‐going landscape archaeology project centred on Leskernick Hill, Bodmin Moor in the south‐west of Britain. We argue that the production of art works in the present can be a powerful means of interpreting the past in the present. Both the practices of interpreting the past and producing art result in the production of something new that transforms our understanding of place and space resulting in the creation of new meaning. Art and archaeology can act together dialectically to produce a novel conceptualization of the past and produce a means of relating to the past that is considerably more than the sum of its parts.
FREIGHT, GATEWAYS AND MEGA‐URBAN REGIONS: THE LOGISTICAL INTEGRATION OF THE BOSTWASH CORRIDOR1
Authors: Rodrigue Jean‐Paul
Published: September 2010

The geography of freight transportation evolves at various scales, but it is increasingly acknowledged that freight flows occurring at the local level are a result of global and regional economic processes. Internationally, distribution networks have expanded, namely through the division of production, manufacturing and consumption. This has been accompanied by a growth of the quantity of freight being shipped as well as by a complication of supply and distribution chains. Most of the geography of freight at this scale is derived from strategic considerations where issues such as production and subcontracting planning and the choice of hubs and routes are considered for implementing global supply chains. Locally, many activities concerned with freight distribution have been modified with new transport terminals and distribution centres in response to growing consumption as well as from the imperatives of fragmented supply chains. From their traditional location around central areas with prevalent port and rail linkages, transport terminals and distribution centres have shifted to peripheral locations where road and airport linkages are more prevalent. The geography of freight at this scale is mainly derived from operational considerations aimed at servicing the requirements of local distribution with well‐known strategies such as just‐in‐time and door‐to‐door. This paper is concerned about the intermediate, or regional, scale of freight transportation with a specific emphasis on one of the largest urban region in the world; the Boston–Washington corridor (Bostwash). Transport corridors and urban regions represent the geographical scale of freight distribution where global and local distribution systems interact. They are the dominant spheres of production and consumption of freight distribution. Conceptual and empirical evidence to analyse the relationships between the geography of transport terminals, regional freight distribution and urban corridors is provided.
The design of patent pools: the determinants of licensing rules
Authors: Lerner Josh , Strojwas Marcin , Tirole Jean
Published: September 2010

Patent pools are an important but little‐studied economic institution. In this article, we first make a set of predictions about the licensing terms associated with patent pools. The theoretical framework predicts that (i) pools consisting of complementary patents are more likely to allow members to engage in independent licensing and (ii) the requirement that firms license patents to the pool (grantbacks) should be associated with pools that consist of complements and allow independent licensing. We then examine the terms of 63 pools, and show that licensing rules are consistent with these hypotheses.
Stock recommendation of an analyst who trades on own account
Authors: Ozerturk Saltuk
Published: September 2010

This article analyzes the provision of information acquisition and truthful reporting incentives to a financial analyst who can privately trade on own account. In a binary message and state space, I show that the analyst's reward scheme essentially provides him with a portfolio endowment traded in the market. Regardless of the true signal, the analyst issues the report that corresponds to the portfolio endowment with maximum market value, given security prices. The analyst's information acquisition incentive is driven only by private portfolio considerations: he acquires information only if he will be holding a large enough position in the stock he covers.
Strategic ex ante contracts: rent extraction and opportunity costs
Authors: Hua Xinyu
Published: September 2010

This article cosiders the possibility that a seller can contract with one uninformed buyer prior to an auction involving two potential buyers. The seller's optimal strategic ex ante contract more accurately reflects joint opportunity costs of the seller and the contracted buyer, and therefore extracts more rent from the entrant. Moreover, this ex ante contract mitigates the seller's ex post rent seeking vis‐à‐vis the contracted buyer. Accordingly, it may create more social welfare than the absence of ex ante contracts, depending upon the contracted buyer's financial constraint and the distributions of trade surplus. Implementation of the optimal strategic ex ante contract and policy implications are discussed.
Upfront payments and exclusion in downstream markets
Authors: Marx Leslie M. , Shaffer Greg
Published: September 2010

Although upfront payments are often observed in contracts between manufacturers and retailers, little is known about their competitive effects or the role retailers play in securing them. In this article, we consider a model in which two competing retailers make take‐it‐or‐leave‐it offers to a common manufacturer. We find that upfront payments are a feature of equilibrium contracts, and in all equilibria, only one retailer buys from the manufacturer. These findings support the claims of small manufacturers who argue that they are often unable to obtain widespread distribution for their products because of upfront payments.
Review: The Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance During Regular Low Density Lipoprotein Apheresis
Authors: Schettler Volker , Methe Heiko , Staschinsky Dirk , Schuff‐Werner Peter , Müller Gerhard Anton , Wieland Eberhard
Published: September 2010

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis is a safe procedure to treat severe hypercholestrolemia in patients with chronic heart disease (CHD). However, both hypercholesterolemia and extracorporeal treatment have been associated with oxidative stress. Even though LDL lowering has been proven to reduce CHD, the oxidative modification of LDL has been suggested to render these lipoproteins more atherogenic. It is therefore important to know whether LDL apheresis is safe with respect to oxidative stress including LDL oxidation. The contact of living cells such as leukocytes with artificial surfaces during extracorporeal treatment induces the liberation of various chemokines and cytokines as well as oxygen‐derived radicals also known as respiratory burst. These effects justify the consideration of leukocyte activation resulting from extracorporeal treatment as an inflammatory reaction. In extracorporeal circuits such as those used for hemodialysis, the release of oxygen radicals has been shown and depends on the fiber material used in the dialyzer membranes. Reactive oxygen radicals can interact with different cell components such as carbohydrates, DNA, proteins, and lipids. Antioxidants in the form of low molecular weight molecules such as glutathione or radical scavenging enzymes such as superoxide dismutase offer protection against the damaging effects of prooxidants. The disturbed balance between prooxidants and antioxidants is considered as oxidative stress. Therefore, either an increase in oxygen radical formation or a decrease of antioxidants will lead to oxidative stress. During LDL apheresis, a decrease of low molecular weight antioxidants has been reported. In contrast, we have observed an increase in plasma glutathione concentrations but no severe reduction in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in plasma, red cells, or granulocytes, which may explain the lack of plasma lipid peroxidation shown during this kind of extracorporeal treatment. In addition, LDL isolated at the end of apheresis procedures are more resistant to oxidation. These findings suggest that LDL apheresis is safe with respect to radical mediated injury.
Establishment and characterization of a new marine fish cell line derived from red‐spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara
Authors: Ou‐yang Z. L. , Huang X. H. , Huang E. Y. , Huang Y. H. , Gong J. , Sun J. J. , Qin Q. W.
Published: September 2010

A new marine fish cell line, EAGL, derived from the liver of red‐spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara was established and characterized. The cells multiplied well in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at temperatures between 25 and 30° C. The growth rate of this cell line increased as the proportion of FBS increased from 5 to 20% at 25° C, with maximum growth at the concentration of 15 or 20% FBS. Morphologically, the cells were epithelial‐like and the presence of pancytokeratin confirmed their epithelial origin. Chromosome analysis revealed that the modal chromosome number was 48. The susceptibility of the cell line to four fish viruses was tested. Significant cytopathic effect (CPE) was only observed in Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV)‐infected cells, and the virus replication was further confirmed by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and real‐time reverse‐transcription (RT)‐PCR assay. When the cells were transfected with pEGFP‐N3 plasmid, bright fluorescent signals were observed, suggesting that this cell line can be used for transgenic and genetic manipulation studies.
Occurrence of skeletal deformities and osteological development in red porgy Pagrus pagrus larvae cultured under different rearing techniques
Authors: Roo F. J. , Hernández‐Cruz C.‐M. , Socorro J.‐A. , Fernández‐Palacios H. , Izquierdo M.‐S.
Published: September 2010

The present study describes the osteological development and the occurrence of skeletal deformities in red porgy Pagrus pagrus larvae in relation to the intensification of the rearing system. Eggs obtained from natural spawning were cultured under two different rearing systems: intensive (100 eggs l−1) in 2000 l and semi‐intensive (mesocosm) system (5 eggs l−1) in 40 000 l conico‐cylindrical tanks. Fish samples were periodically collected along the development from hatching to juveniles at 95 days post hatching (dph). Osteological development, meristic counts and the presence of skeletal deformities were evaluated. Despite the external appearance of the juveniles being similar to wild standards, X‐ray studies revealed a high number of fish (semi‐intensive: 37·8%; intensive: 45·5%) with skeletal deformities. Regardless of the rearing system, no significant interaction was found between the per cent of the most common deformities, axial deviations (lordosis and presence of fused vertebrae). Cranial deformities and kyphosis incidences, however, were significantly higher in intensively cultured P. pagrus. Also, the fused vertebrae in these fish were located mainly in the caudal area instead of pre‐haemal area for semi‐intensively reared P. pagrus. Moreover, a significant interaction was found between the total number of vertebrae and the type of rearing system used; fish from the intensive system showing a higher number of fish with an extra vertebrae (10 abdominal + 15 caudal). Present results suggest a relationship among feeding sequence, osteological development and deformity incidence and location in P. pagrus larvae.
Hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita associated with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: ROH Mi Ryung , CHUNG Hye‐Jin , CHO Young‐Hun , CHUNG Kee Yang
Published: September 2010

Hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita (HLA) is an unusual condition which is characterized by subtle and progressive development of multiple, long, thin, unmedullated hairs (“lanugo hairs”) distributed preferentially on the face. Most cases are associated with malignant tumors1 or non‐malignant condition such as porphyria cutanea tarda, AIDS, anorexia nervosa, thyrotoxicosis, or secondary to topical or systemic drugs (e.g. cyclosporine, phenytoin, diazoxide, minoxidil).2 We have recently experienced a rare case of hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita associated with autoimmune hepatitis. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita associated with autoimmune hepatitis. Our observation expands the spectrum of diseases associated with this uncommon disorder.
Association of psoriasis‐like eruption and Kawasaki disease
Authors: MENNI Silvano , GUALANDRI Lorenzo , BOCCARDI Daniela , AGOSTONI Carlo , SALA Marco , RIVA Enrica
Published: September 2010

We report a case of a 3‐month‐old female baby showing clinical and hematological signs compatible with Kawasaki disease. A few days after the beginning of the specific therapy, the young patient developed asymptomatic erythematous plaques appearing on the trunk. The histology disclosed a psoriasic pattern. To the best of our knowledge, we describe the youngest baby in the published work developing a psoriasis during the course of Kawasaki disease.
Prospective study of clinical symptoms and skin test reactions in medical students exposed to formaldehyde gas
Authors: TAKAHASHI Sachiko , TSUJI Kazuhide , FUJII Kazuyasu , OKAZAKI Fusako , TAKIGAWA Tomoko , OHTSUKA Aiji , IWATSUKI Keiji
Published: September 2010

Previous investigators have reported the occurrence of both allergic and non‐allergic systemic complications due to exposure to formaldehyde gas. However, little is known about the pathogenic link between formaldehyde‐induced clinical symptoms and patch test results, or about the long‐term effects of formaldehyde exposure. In the present study, a questionnaire was administered to 143 medical students, and 60 of them were tested by patch test for formaldehyde at the beginning and end of a human anatomy laboratory course. Another group of 76 students who had finished the course 2–4 years previously were administered another questionnaire, and the patch test was carried out on 58 of them. The frequencies of skin irritation, eye soreness, lacrimation, eye fatigue, rhinorrhea, throat irritation, general fatigue and mood swings increased after repeated exposure. Two (3.3%) of 60 students became positive to 1% formaldehyde at the end of the anatomy course (one male with allergic hand dermatitis due to direct contact with formaldehyde, and one female with an atopic background with unbearable physical symptoms) while the remaining 58 showed a negative reaction throughout the study period. The vast majority of students complained of various non‐allergic, physical symptoms, and recovered from such symptoms without subsequent complications. No progression to multiple chemical sensitivity was found. Students with an episode of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis were susceptible to formaldehyde exposure, and developed mucocutaneous symptoms, probably due to the impaired barrier function and remodeling of the skin and mucosa.
Neonatal and infantile erythroderma: A clinical and follow‐up study of 42 cases
Authors: AL‐DHALIMI Muhsin A. A.
Published: September 2010

Erythroderma in neonates and infants is a frequently encountered problem in the daily practice of pediatric dermatology. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of various causes of this clinical entity, as well as which clinical and laboratory findings are useful in the differentiation of these causes, and to assess the evolution of this disease in this age group. Forty‐two patients with erythroderma under 1 year of age were included in this study. A follow‐up period of 3–5 years was completed. The study was performed in the Department of Dermatology, Al‐Sadr and Alhakeem teaching hospitals and a private section in Najaf governorate, Iraq during the period 1998–2006. The diagnosis was made at an average of 3 months after the onset of the disease. The underlying causes included seborrheic dermatitis in 21.4%, atopic dermatitis in 14.3%, different types of Ichthyoses in 31.5%, psoriasis in 4.7%, pityriasis rubra pilaris in 2.4%, Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in 7.14%, Netherton syndrome in 4.7%, immune deficiency syndromes in 4.8% and undetermined erythroderma in 9.5% of the patients. Of 29 cases, histopathological examination of skin biopsy showed non‐specific features in 58.7% and could confirm the diagnosis in 41.3% cases. The prognosis was poor with a mortality rate of 26.2% and severe dermatoses persisted in 60% of the survivors. It is difficult to make the etiological diagnosis of neonatal erythroderma from the first examination. Associated immune deficiency should be suspected if the condition associated with skin indurations, severe alopecia, failure to thrive and/or have infectious complications. The prognosis is poor especially in those with immune deficiency or a chronic persistent course.
Immunosuppressive effects of photodynamic therapy by topical aminolevulinic acid
Authors: HAYAMI Junji , OKAMOTO Hiroyuki , SUGIHARA Akira , HORIO Takeshi
Published: September 2010

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for inflammatory skin disorders as well as superficial skin cancers such as solar keratosis and Bowen's disease. Whether PDT with topical application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and exposure to visible light has a similar immunosuppressive action to ultraviolet phototherapy was investigated using a murine contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model. The number of epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) was decreased with their morphological changes 1 day after PDT with the minimal level at 5 days and gradual recovery thereafter. Conversely, the number of CD11c+ I‐A+ cells was significantly increased in the draining lymph nodes after PDT. This suggests that LC moved from PDT‐treated skin, resulting in the decrement of epidermal LC and migration to lymph nodes. CHS response to DNFB applied on the PDT‐treated skin with 20% ALA and 40 J/cm2 visible light was significantly suppressed (local immunosuppression). When mice were treated with 80 J/cm2 of PDT, CHS response to the antigen applied on untreated distant skin was also significantly suppressed (systemic immunosuppression). The locally or systemically immunosuppressed mice by PDT were attempted to sensitize again with DNFB on non‐treated skin, but elicitation responses were significantly suppressed. However, these mice were able to be sensitized with another hapten, oxasolone. Thus, a hapten‐specific immunological unresponsiveness (tolerance) was induced in mice by topical ALA‐PDT. These findings suggest that PDT has a potential immunological contribution to clinical efficacy for inflammatory diseases identical to ultraviolet phototherapies.
Psoriasis and the eye: Prevalence of eye disease in Singaporean Asian patients with psoriasis
Authors: CHANDRAN Nisha S. , GREAVES Malcolm , GAO Fei , LIM Laurence , CHENG Bob C. L.
Published: September 2010

There is little published data on the incidence of eye disease in Asian patients with psoriasis. We determined the frequency of ocular complications in Singaporean Asian patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and related these to extent and severity of psoriasis, family history, treatment and presence of arthritis. A cross‐sectional prevalence investigation was carried out in 100 patients who received a comprehensive eye examination. Psoriasis extent and severity was graded by the Lattice System Physician's Global Assessment (LS‐PGA). Two patients (four eyes) had uveitis, one of whom had psoriatic arthritis (2% incidence). Presence or absence of uveitis correlated with mean LS‐PGA scores. Sixty‐three patients had cataract unrelated to previous steroid or phototherapy treatment; in younger (<50 years) patients they were commoner than in those with higher (>5) LS‐PGA scores. Three eyes in two patients (2% prevalence) had glaucomatous optic neuropathy unrelated to previous treatment, and comparable with expected population frequency. These findings, although limited by lack of data from a comparable control population, suggest that eye complications are common in Asian patients with psoriasis and eye symptoms should be elicited during history taking. Besides signs and symptoms of eye disease, an LS‐PGA score of more than 5 should prompt referral for ophthalmological examination.
Nicolau syndrome aggravated by cold application after i.m. diclofenac
Authors: ŞENEL Engin , ADA Simin , GÜLEÇ Ayşe Tülin , ÇAĞLAR Barış
Published: September 2010

Nicolau syndrome is a rare but well‐recognized cutaneous adverse drug reaction at the site of i.m. injection of certain drugs. Clinically, it is characterized by severe pain immediately after the injection followed by an erythematous reticular patch that may result in a necrotic ulcer and scarring at the injection site. We describe a 60‐year‐old woman with a painful, violaceous, crusted plaque after i.m. diclofenac administration to her right buttock. She had applied an ice pack to this area immediately after the injection to relieve the pain without any benefit. A clinical diagnosis of Nicolau syndrome due to diclofenac injection was made, and reconstructive surgery of the wound was performed. Although diclofenac is a widely used non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, Nicolau syndrome following i.m. diclofenac injection has rarely been reported in the published work. Application of a cold compress was considered an aggravating factor in our patient.
Sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus infection in Europe: the way ahead?
Authors: Bingham JS , Barton SE , Stary A
Published: September 2010

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is increasing in Europe. The reasons for this are multifactorial but ease of travel is one of them. This is worrying in view of the established role of STIs in facilitating HIV transmission. Care of this group of infections is provided by a variety of doctors, often not following agreed guidelines. It is vital that doctors and their specialist societies engage in setting standards, in ensuring that STIs and HIV infection are moved up the healthcare agendas of all European countries and in making sure that access to care is rapid. Surveillance should be enhanced, interventions evaluated and the media engaged.
Rab7 is a critical mediator in vesicular transport of tyrosinase‐related protein 1 in melanocytes
Authors: HIDA Tokimasa , SOHMA Hitoshi , KOKAI Yasuo , KAWAKAMI Akinori , HIROSAKI Kuninori , OKURA Masae , TOSA Noriko , YAMASHITA Toshiharu , JIMBOW Kowichi
Published: September 2010

How melanosomal proteins such as enzymic proteins (tyrosinase and tyrosinase‐related proteins, Tyrps) and structural protein (gp100) are transported from Golgi to melanosomal compartments is not yet fully understood. A number of small GTPases have been found to be associated with melanosomes and we have identified one of them, Rab7, a regulator of vesicular transport, organelle motility, phospholipid signaling and cytosolic degradative machinery, as being involved in the transport of Tyrp1 from Golgi to stage I melanosomes. This study further characterizes the role of Rab7 as a regulator of differential sorting of melanosomal proteins in this process. Murine melanocytes were transiently transfected with a plasmid encoding either wild‐type (Rab7WT), constitutively active (Rab7Q67L) or dominant‐negative (Rab7N125I and Rab7T22N) Rab7. Through immunocytostaining and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we quantitatively compared the bio‐distribution of melanosomal proteins between Rab7WT‐expressing cells and mutant Rab7‐expressing cells. We also characterized their differential elimination from melanosomal compartments by Rab7 by utilizing a proteasome inhibitor, MG132. Our findings indicate that Rab7 plays an important role in differential sorting of tyrosinase, Tyrp1 and gp100 in early melanogenesis cascade, and that it is more specifically involved with Tyrp1 than tyrosinase and gp100 in the trafficking from Golgi to melanosomes and the specific exit from the degradative process.
Exon 87 skipping of the COL7A1 gene in dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: KOGA Hiroshi , HAMADA Takahiro , ISHII Norito , FUKUDA Shunpei , SAKAGUCHI Sachiko , NAKANO Hajime , TAMAI Katuto , SAWAMURA Daisuke , HASHIMOTO Takashi
Published: September 2010

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a rare, inherited, blistering disorder resulting from mutations in the COL7A1 gene, which encodes the anchoring fibrils, type VII collagen. We herein describe a further Japanese girl diagnosed with dominant DEB (DDEB). She had blisters sporadically and erosions healed with mild scarring and milia on the knees and pretibial regions. Severe pruritus was present at this time. Direct nucleotide sequencing of genomic DNA disclosed a heterozygous same splice‐site mutation c.6900G>A in the COL7A1, which causes in‐frame exon 87 skipping. So far, five different COL7A1 mutations leading to exon 87 skipping have been identified in rare forms of DEB: four DDEB pruriginosa and one pretibial DDEB. Therefore, a recent study suggested that exon 87 skipping in COL7A1 was related to the phenotype of DDEB pruriginosa. When she was 18 years old, however, the blister formation and pruritus markedly decreased. Therefore, her clinical symptoms were consistent to very mild DDEB but not to DDEB pruriginosa. Taken together, in‐frame exon 87 skipping through c.6900G>A mutation may account for the mild skin features, rather than DDEB pruriginosa, in the present case.
Prenatal methadone exposure, meconium biomarker concentrations and neonatal abstinence syndrome
Authors: Gray Teresa R. , Choo Robin E. , Concheiro Marta , Williams Erica , Elko Andrea , Jansson Lauren M. , Jones Hendreé E. , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: September 2010

Aims  Methadone is standard pharmacotherapy for opioid‐dependent pregnant women, yet the relationship between maternal methadone dose and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) severity is still unclear. This research evaluated whether quantification of fetal methadone and drug exposure via meconium would reflect maternal dose and predict neonatal outcomes.

Design  Prospective clinical study.

Setting  An urban drug treatment facility treating pregnant and post‐partum women and their children.

Participants  Forty‐nine opioid‐dependent pregnant women received 30–110 mg methadone daily.

Measurements  Maternal methadone dose, infant birth parameters and NAS assessments were extracted from medical records. Thrice‐weekly urine specimens were screened for opioids and cocaine. Newborn meconium specimens were quantified for methadone, opioid, cocaine and tobacco biomarkers.

Findings  There was no relationship between meconium methadone concentrations, presence of opioids, cocaine and/or tobacco in meconium, maternal methadone dose or NAS severity. Opioid and cocaine were also found in 36.7 and 38.8 of meconium specimens, respectively, and were associated with positive urine specimens in the third trimester. The presence of opioids other than methadone in meconium correlated with increased rates of preterm birth, longer infant hospital stays and decreased maternal time in drug treatment.

Conclusions  Methadone and its metabolite 2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) concentrations in meconium did not predict infant birth parameters or NAS severity. Prospective urine testing defined meconium drug detection windows for opiates and cocaine as 3 months, rather than the currently accepted 6 months. The presence of opioids in meconium could be used as a biomarker for infants at elevated risk in the newborn period.
Impacts of hydraulic engineering on the dynamics and production potential of floodplain fish populations in Bangladesh
Authors: HALLS A. S. , HOGGARTH D. D. , DEBNATH K.
Published: September 2010

Abstract The present paper examines the impact of hydraulic engineering on fish production potential in Bangladesh by comparing the population dynamics of six species sampled from floodplains inside and outside the Pabna Irrigation and Rural Development Project (PIRDP) during 1995 and 1996. All the sampled populations were dominated by a single cohort for most of the year. Recruitment occurred both inside and outside the flood control scheme, coinciding with floodplain inundation. The growth of all the six species was rapid and strongly seasonal, and all species reached sexual maturity by the end of their first year. With only one exception, growth rates, condition and fecundity were either significantly higher inside the scheme, or not significantly different between the two sampling locations. Differences in growth performance were explained by fish density. No significant differences between sampling locations were detected in the length at maturity (Lm50), spawning period or instantaneous total mortality rate (Z). Estimates of Z were very high for all six species ranging from Z = 3.2 year−1 to Z = 4.7 year−1, equivalent to only 4% and 1% survival year−1, respectively. It was concluded that the production potential of individual fish is at least as high inside as outside the PIRDP and that the 38–51% lower yields per unit area recorded inside the scheme reflect its partial inaccessibility to migrant species.
Types of bleeding seen during the first 30 months of life in children with severe haemophilia A and B
Authors: ONWUZURIKE N. , WARRIER I. , LUSHER J. M.
Published: September 2010

Summary. In view of excellent preservation of joint structure and function in Swedish patients started on primary prophylaxis at 1–2 years of age, it has recently been recommended that primary prophylaxis be considered optimal management for U.S. children with severe haemophilia (< 1% FVIII or FIX). In order to determine the age at which joint bleeding began, we reviewed (49) patients with severe haemophilia who were seen at our haemophilia centre for all bleeding episodes from birth on. Eight of the 49 children were first treated during the first few days of life for bleeding related to circumcision (6), spontaneous splenic rupture (1) or soft tissue haematoma (1). None had intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in the immediate neonatal period. Other bleeding episodes for which children were treated during the first 30 months of life included soft tissue haematoma (42 episodes), tongue and mouth bleeding (37 episodes), ICH (four children) or for surgery (five children). Joint bleeding occurred in 16/49 children with severe haemophilia. Four of the 16 had haemophilia B, while 13 had haemophilia A. A single episode of severe joint bleeding occurred in each of the five patients before 12 months of age. Eight patients had 12 episodes of joint bleeding between 12 and 18 months of age and three patients accounted for 15 episodes between 18 and 24 months of age. Three children had a total of four joint haemorrhages between 25 and 30 months, and 33/49 children did not have any joint bleeding before 30 months of age. It is noteworthy that two children had recurrent bleeding into the same joint. One with haemophilia A had recurrent bleeding into the knees (at 14, 18, 20, 21 months), while one with haemophilia B had recurrent bleeding into one ankle starting at age 16 months. It would thus seem appropriate to begin primary prophylaxis in children with severe haemophilia once joint bleeding has begun (one or two episodes), rather than at a standard age.
Hepatocellular failure from hepatitis C infection in two recipients of a single batch infusion of plasma‐derived blood products
Authors: DASANI H. , EVELY R. , HAMPTON K. K. , SABAH A. AL
Published: September 2010

We report two patients with mild inherited bleeding disorders who acquired hepatitis C infection after receiving single infusion of plasma‐derived concentrates prior to the introduction of donor screening and viral inactivation procedures. Both these patients became clinically jaundiced at the time of hepatitis C infection. Despite being HIV antibody negative, an absence of other risk factors of chronic liver disease and treatment with interferon, they progressed to hepatocellular failure in 5 and 12 years following seroconversion. The natural history of hepatitis C infection is still uncertain [1], although it is usually considered that hepatitis C infection progresses slowly, only resulting in clinically manifest liver disease after several decades. In view of the apparent rapidity of onset of liver damage in these two patients, we wonder if older age at time of infection, jaundice during the seroconversion illness or a mild coagulopathy with consequent infrequent exposure to blood products are adverse prognostic features.
An assessment of the plastic Thermafil obturation technique
Authors: GUTMANN J. L. , SAUNDERS W. P. , SAUNDERS E. M. , NGUYEN L.
Published: September 2010

Adaptation and placement of alpha‐phase gutta‐percha delivered with a plastic core‐carrier, Thermafil, was compared to the lateral condensation of gutta‐percha in a specific tooth model. Fifty‐one mandibular molar roots with separate canals, patent canal orifices and curvatures greater than 15 degrees were cleaned and shaped with K‐files and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite to a size 30 at the apex, and flared with Hedstrom flies to create a continuously tapering funnel preparation. Canals were randomly obturated with Sealapex root canal sealer and either alpha‐phase gutta‐percha on a plastic Thermafil carrier, or standard beta‐phase gutta‐percha with lateral condensation. Roots were radiographed from the proximal and evaluated by three examiners, based on established criteria for overall material adaptation, apical adaptation, and filling material extrusion. Thermafil provided a statistically significant better over‐alt canal obturation (P < 0.001), while, in the apical third, both techniques were not significantly different (P > 0.05). When the apical orifice was patent there was a significant propensity for the extrusion of filling materials beyond the apex (P < 0.001) with the Thermafil technique.
An assessment of the plastic Thermafil obturation technique
Authors: GUTMANN J. L. , SAUNDERS W. P. , SAUNDERSz E. M. , NGUYEN L.
Published: September 2010

The short‐ and long‐term apical seal of root canals obturated with softened alpha‐phase gutta‐percha on plastic core‐carriers, Thermafil, was compared to that of laterally condensed, cold gutta‐percha. Fifty‐one roots from mandibular molars with separate canals, patent canal orifices and curvatures greater than 15 degrees were cleaned and shaped with K‐files and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite to a size 30 at the apex, and flared with Hedstrom files to create a continuously tapering funnel preparation. Canals were randomly obturated with Sealapex root canal sealer and either alpha‐phase gutta‐percha on a plastic Thermafil carrier, or standard beta‐phase gutta‐percha with lateral condensation. Teeth were separated into three groups of 17 each and placed in black India ink for 24 h, 7 days or after 5 months storage in water. The teeth were demineralized, rendered transparent, and apical microleakage determined by the linear measurement of dye penetration. Significant differences in microleakage were noted between the 24 h and 5‐month Thermafil groups (P<0.05), 24‐h and 7‐day lateral condensation groups (P<0.05), and 24‐h and 5‐month lateral condensation groups (p<0.05). There were no significant difierencs between the two techniques at each time interval. It was concluded that both techniques demonstrated a significant increase in apical microleakage over a 5‐month period.
Tubular sclerosis rather than the smear layer impedes dye penetration into the dentine of endodontically instrumented root canals
Authors: Paqué F. , Luder H. U. , Sener B. , Zehnder M.
Published: September 2010

Aim  To evaluate the effect of different root canal irrigating regimes on dentine penetration of Patent Blue dye.

Methodology  Eighty extracted single‐rooted human mandibular premolar teeth with narrow root canals were prepared using ProFile instruments. After each instrument, canals were irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite. Subsequently, teeth were randomly assigned to receive a 10 mL rinse of aqueous 17% (w/v) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or tap water for 2 or 10 min, followed by a final rinse with a 2% Patent Blue dye solution for 2 or 10 min (eight groups, n = 10 teeth per group). Teeth were then horizontally sectioned 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apex. Sections were digitally photographed and dye penetration was calculated as percentage of total dentine area using NIH Image J. Values were compared using one‐way anova and Bonferroni correction with the alpha‐type error set at <0.05. Representative tooth sections from all groups were further analysed using scanning electron microscopy.

Results  No significant impact of irrigating protocols on dye penetration was found. Dye penetration was significantly (P < 0.001) greater in the coronal than middle, and in middle than in apical root thirds. When observed microscopically, irrigant penetration was independent of the presence of a smear layer, but was rather a function of tubular sclerosis.

Conclusions  Tubular sclerosis, a physiological phenomenon that starts in the third decade of life in the apical root region and advances coronally with age, was the main factor influencing penetrability of root dentine.