bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Tale of Two Leaders: Leadership and Cultural Change at the New Zealand Treasury
Authors: Wallis Joe
Published: February 2010

Differences in the transformational leadership exercised at the New Zealand Treasury (NZT) by two Secretaries – Henry Lang (1969‐1973) and Graham Scott (1986‐1996) – are related to differences in their paradigmatic situation rather than a shift away from a serial loyalist public service bargain that caused both to direct their leadership initiatives toward developing and maintaining the trust successive finance ministers placed in NZT advisors. Thus while Lang's leadership was directed toward expanding the reporting role of the NZT to the limits of what could be expected under a relatively stable market failure policy paradigm, the subsequent erosion of the authority of this paradigm meant that, under Scott's leadership, the NZT reinvented itself to avoid implication in a failure to contribute to the policy leadership required to advance a coherent reform strategy.
MARKET POWER, PRICE ADJUSTMENT, AND INFLATION*
Authors: Head Allen , Kumar Alok , Lapham Beverly
Published: February 2010

We study a monetary search economy in which endogenous fluctuations in market power driven by changes in consumers' search intensity determine the extent of price adjustment to movements in productivity and the money growth rate. A calibrated version of the economy exhibits countercyclical fluctuations in markups and is consistent with the observed incomplete response of nominal prices to cost movements associated with productivity fluctuations and to changes in the money growth rate. Furthermore, a higher average rate of inflation results in a lower average markup and increases the sensitivity of prices to fluctuations in either productivity or money growth.
FIRST IN VILLAGE OR SECOND IN ROME?*
Authors: Damiano Ettore , Li Hao , Suen Wing
Published: February 2010

Though individuals prefer high‐quality peers, there are advantages to being high up in the pecking order within a group. In this environment, sorting of agents yields an overlapping interval structure in the type space. Segregation and mixing coexist in a stable equilibrium. With transfers, this equilibrium corresponds to a competitive equilibrium where agents bid for relative positions and entails less segregation than the efficient allocation. More egalitarianism within organizations induces greater segregation across organizations, but can improve the allocation efficiency. Since competition is most intense for intermediate talent, effective personnel policies differ systematically between high‐quality and low‐quality organizations.
Pemphigus, analysis of 155 patients
Authors: Mimouni D , Bar H , Gdalevich M , Katzenelson V , David M
Published: February 2010

Background  Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease. In the last 20 years, immunomodulatory agents have been added to the therapeutic armamentarium. Only few recent studies have evaluated the long‐term outcome of pemphigus and possible prognostic parameters in a large group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyse the course and prognostic factors of pemphigus in patients followed from 1976 to 2004.

Patients and methods  The study group consisted of 155 patients attending the pemphigus clinic of a major tertiary‐care medical centre. Background, clinical and treatment data were derived from the patient files and telephone contact. Statistical analysis was performed with Pearson correlation, Fisher exact test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results  Age < 40 years at disease onset, Sephardic Jewish origin, and mucosal involvement at diagnosis and high number of relapses were found to be independent prognostic factors of poor outcome. A long (> 1 year) primary remission was a good prognostic factor. During the 26‐year study period, 16 patients died. None of the deaths was directly related to either the disease or a complication of treatment.

Conclusions  The course and outcome of pemphigus are worse in patients who are young at diagnosis (< 40 years) or of Sephardic Jewish origin. Mucosal involvement at diagnosis and poor response to treatment also predict poor outcome. The mortality rate of pemphigus is apparently lower than reported in the literature, perhaps because of the contemporary use of adjuvant immunomodulatory therapeutic agents.
Epidemiology of vitiligo, associated autoimmune diseases and audiological abnormalities: Ankara study of 80 patients in Turkey
Authors: Akay BN , Bozkir M , Anadolu Y , Gullu S
Published: February 2010

Background  Recent clinical studies suggest that the pathogenetic mechanisms of vitiligo could be of systemic origin as vitiligo is associated with auditory abnormalities as well as other autoimmune disorders.

Objectives  To investigate clinical, genetic characteristics and laboratory findings of vitiligo as well as auditory abnormalities and the association of the disease with the other autoimmune disorders.

Materials and methods  From January to December 2008, we collected‐data from 80 vitiligo patients to establish the clinical and epidemiological profile of vitiligo in Turkey.

Results  Thirty patients were men and 50 were women, with a mean age of 37 years and a mean onset age of 10 years. Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common type, followed by focal, acrofacial, segmental and universal types. Forty‐four (55%) patients had an associated autoimmune disease. These associated diseases were Hashimoto thyroiditis in 25, alopecia areata in 10, pernicious anaemia in seven and diabetes mellitus in two patients. Statistically significant changes in human leukocyte antigen in patients with vitiligo were HLA A24,‐30, B63, CW6, DR15, DR51, DQ5,‐6. Auditory problems were observed in 37.7% patients. Nine of the 20 patients showed unilateral minimal hearing loss (>30 dB), while the other 11 demonstrated bilateral hearing loss (>30 dB) over a large range of frequencies (2000–8000 Hz).

Conclusion  Our study demonstrates that vitiligo is a part of systemic autoimmune process. Audiological examination should be performed in all patients for auditory problems which are commonly presented as hypoacusis.
Invasive cervical cancer audit: why cancers developed in a high‐risk population with an organised screening programme
Authors: Herbert A , Anshu  , Culora G , Dunsmore H , Gupta SS , Holdsworth G , Kubba AA , McLean E , Sim J , Raju KS
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Herbert A, Anshu, Culora G, Dunsmore H, Gupta S, Holdsworth G, Kubba A, McLean E, Sim J, Raju K. Invasive cervical cancer audit: why cancers developed in a high‐risk population with an organised screening programme. BJOG 2010;

Objectives  To investigate why invasive cervical cancers developed in a high‐risk urban population with an established screening programme and to place cancers in the context of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN) diagnosed during the same period of time.

Study design  Observational study of CIN2+ (CGIN, CIN3 and CIN2) and invasive cervical cancer diagnosed at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in 1999–01, 2002–04 and 2005–07 and audit of screening histories of women with invasive cancer analysed according to route to diagnosis, histological type and International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) stage.

Results  There were 133 invasive cancers, 53 CGIN, 1502 CIN3 and 1472 CIN2. Screen‐detected cancers in asymptomatic women comprised 48.9% of cancers and were successively more likely to be in younger age groups (P = 0.03); all except one were stage IA or IB1. Screen‐detected IA cancers were more likely (P < 0.001) to be in women screened within 0.5–5.0 years (80.5%) than screen‐detected fully invasive (58.3%) or symptomatic cancers (35.3%). Seventy‐one (53.4%) women had been screened within 0.5–5.0 years; 11 had negative cytology within 0.5–3.5 years and two tests within 10 years. The other 60 had negative tests less frequently or had previous abnormal cytology, colposcopy or treatment. Potentially avoidable factors were often multiple, including false‐negative cytology, high‐grade cytology reported as low‐grade and lapses in attendance either for routine or repeat screening, or for colposcopy or treatment.

Conclusion  While often potentially avoidable, cancers in previously screened women tended to be early stage, detected by cytology and rare when compared with high‐grade CIN.
Prolonged activation of ERK triggers glutamate‐induced apoptosis of astrocytes: neuroprotective effect of FK506
Authors: Szydlowska Kinga , Gozdz Agata , Dabrowski Michal , Zawadzka Malgorzata , Kaminska Bozena
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 904–918.

Although, astrocytes are more resistant than neurons to ischemic injury, astrocyte death has been demonstrated in animal models of brain ischemia. Astrocytes death after ischemia/reperfusion may strongly affect neuronal survival because of the absence of their trophic and metabolic support to neurons, and astrocytic glutamate uptake. Early signals involved in astrocytes death are poorly understood. We demonstrated enhanced and mostly cytoplasmic activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) during glutamate‐induced apoptosis of cultured astrocytes. Treatment with UO126, inhibitor of MEK1, threo‐beta‐benzyloxyaspartic acid, glutamate transporter inhibitor, and FK506, a cytoprotective drug prevented ERK activation and glutamate‐induced apoptosis. Over‐expression of ERK dual specificity phosphatases 5 and 6 reduced apoptosis in transfected astrocytes. Prolonged ERK1/2 activation was observed in ischemic brain: in the nucleus and cytoplasm of astrocytes in the cerebral cortex, and exclusively in the cytoplasm of astrocytes in the striatum. Global gene expression profiling in the cortex revealed that FK506 blocks middle cerebral artery occlusion‐induced expression of numerous genes associated with ERK signaling pathway and apoptosis. The results demonstrate a pro‐apoptotic role of sustained activation of ERK1/2 signaling in glutamate‐induced death of astrocytes and the ability of FK506 to block both ERK activation and astrocytic cell death in vitro and in ischemic brains.
DJ‐1 forms complexes with mutant SOD1 and ameliorates its toxicity
Authors: Yamashita Satoshi , Mori Akira , Kimura En , Mita Shuji , Maeda Yasushi , Hirano Teruyuki , Uchino Makoto
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 860–870.

Mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which could be attributed to the toxic properties of the misfolded protein, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. DJ‐1 – a causative agent of familial Parkinson’s disease PARK7 – is responsible for inducing antioxidative reaction. In this study, we showed the up‐regulation of DJ‐1 protein levels in mutant SOD1 transgenic mice through the lifespan were observed in the motor neurons. We demonstrated biochemically DJ‐1 formed complexes with mutant SOD1 in the cell lysates. Furthermore, DJ‐1 over‐expression resulted in increased cell viability and reduced cell toxicity in mutant SOD1‐transfected neuronal cells, because of improvement in apoptotic pathway and reduction in oxidative stress levels. We also evaluated DJ‐1 levels in CSF collected from sporadic ALS patients and controls subjects. The CSF DJ‐1 levels were significantly higher in patients with sporadic ALS than in control subjects. These results show that DJ‐1 may be associated with sporadic and familial ALS pathogenesis. Therefore, insight into the effects of DJ‐1 on mutant SOD1‐mediated toxicity may provide a therapeutic advance for the treatment of motor neuron degeneration in ALS.
Combined Effect of Notches and Fibre Orientation on Fatigue Behaviour of Short Fibre Reinforced Polyamide
Authors: Bernasconi A. , Cosmi F. , Zappa E.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  The combined effect of notches and fibre orientation on static and fatigue strength of short glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6 was studied using notched specimens that, by proper design of the mould, could be injection moulded through gates of two different sizes and locations. The results showed that the values of the tensile and fatigue notch factors for a particular geometry were strongly influenced by varying the way specimens were injected. A new experimental method was applied to investigate whether the observed differences in mechanical behaviour of specimens having the same geometry were caused by different fibre orientation distributions. Synchrotron light micro‐tomography allowed for visualisation of local fibre orientation at notches and the obtained images of the internal structure of the samples were subsequently analyzed by a global morphological parameter, the Mean Intercept Length. Results were also discussed in light of the full displacement field measured by Digital Image Correlation.
Buckling Study of Steel Open Circular Cylindrical Shells in Pure Bending
Authors: Joniak S. , Magnucki K. , Szyc W.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  The subject of the study are open circular cylindrical thin shells with two edges supported and two edges free. The elastic buckling and limit load of these shells in pure bending state are investigated. The study includes simple analytical description, numerical analysis with the use of the Finite Element Method (FEM), and laboratory tests for shells. The results of these three investigation methods are compared and presented in figures. The critical load and limit load for these shells are described in detail. Moreover, an analytical formula of critical stresses for open circular cylindrical thin shells in pure bending state is proposed. The main goal of the paper is comparison of the results of critical load values obtained by analytical, numerical (FEM), and experimental methods.
An integrative approach to study and promote natural hazards adaptive capacity: a case study of two flood‐prone communities in Puerto Rico
Authors: LÓPEZ‐MARRERO TANIA
Published: February 2010

The risk and vulnerability literature emphasises the importance of increasing the adaptive capacity to natural hazards of exposed populations. This paper analyses the strategies of adjustment implemented by members of two flood‐prone communities in Puerto Rico, and discusses how the adoption of these strategies and other factors could influence future adaptive capacity and vulnerability to floods. Semi‐structured interviews with community members from different resource endowment groups were used to elicit the resources behind the process of adjustment along with additional factors that could influence future adaptive capacity, including their perceptions of risks related to floods. The analysis revealed how access to resources – including material, economic and human resources – has facilitated living with floods in these communities; although not everyone has been able to adapt in the same way. Past actions, along with public responses being undertaken in the area (i.e. flood control project and upstream structural modifications) appear to be reducing flood‐risk perceptions and promoting a false sense of security among community members, irrespective of resource endowment group. For that reason, developing ways to increase awareness about future flood potential and making clear the need for complementary non‐structural strategies is imperative. In short, the research findings emphasise that access to resources and cognitive factors are important determinants of adaptive capacity. Hence, both should be taken into account while developing practical strategies towards increasing adaptive capacity and reducing vulnerability to floods specifically, and to other natural hazards in general.
Navigability and the improvement of the river Thames, 1605–1815
Authors: OLIVER STUART
Published: February 2010

Through ‘improvement’ the Thames was subjected to a bureaucratic regime of engineered discipline that was brought into effect by the early nineteenth century. Over recent years, rivers have been explained with reference to their materiality and their social identity, and the Thames of the past can perhaps best be understood as a discursively produced materiality. In the medieval and early‐modern periods, the Thames was perceived as a gift or as a burden by those who used it, its socioecology administered by a series of overlapping administrations. From the seventeenth century it was administered and re‐engineered by regulating organisations – in particular by the Corporation of London, the Oxford Authority, and the Commissioners of the Thames – that established a comprehensive system of locks as part of creating an improved river. The new socioecological order of the Thames provided an engineered resolution to the conflicting uses of the river by the milling and barging industries, and enabled an accommodation to be reached with the new canals. It represented the work of the ‘hidden geography’ that had expressed itself in the remaking of the river in accordance with the requirements of capital.
Protocols, particularities, and problematising Indigenous ‘engagement’ in community‐based environmental management in settled Australia
Authors: CARTER JENNIFER
Published: February 2010

Many Aboriginal Australians in regional and urban Australia hold attachments to their homelands that have been compromised by policies of removal and dispossession. Government agencies and community groups have ‘protocols’ for engaging with Aboriginal communities, but these protocols have been transferred from remote parts of Australia where land tenure and rights are relatively secure and people can readily claim their community of belonging. The efficacy and applicability of engagement protocols are rarely evaluated, and have not been evaluated with respect to the differing tenure regimes of settled Australia under which rights to land and its resources remain contested and unfolding. This paper describes research conducted in three study areas of regional Australia, where resource management practitioners apply projects according to engagement protocols transferred from remote Australia. Analysis of government and community‐based documents, and interviews with agency staff and Aboriginal people, identifies that genuine participation, cultural awareness, agreement‐making, appropriate representation and the unique place‐based factors affecting engagement remain key barriers to effective engagement with Aboriginal people by institutions in urbanising Australia. In particular, appropriate representation and a need for place‐based approaches emerge as critical to engagement in settled Australia. This paper recommends that engagement be considered as a multi‐layered approach in which generic ‘engagement’ threads are selected and re‐selected in different combinations to suit contexts, places and purposes. Thus each place‐based engagement initiative is not readily typified at the local scale, but taken together, make up a regional mosaic of different engagement structures and processes.
Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in MIS 3 – Introduction
Authors: WOHLFARTH BARBARA , NÄSLUND JENS‐OVE
Published: February 2010

Wohlfarth, B. & Näslund, J.‐O. 2010 (April): Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in MIS 3 – Introduction. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 325–327. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00151.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.
Private Practice of Prosthodontists: Current Conditions of Practice in the United States
Authors: Nash Kent D. , Pfeifer David L. , Sadowsky Steven J. , Carrier David D.
Published: February 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine data and results from the 2008 Survey of Prosthodontists. Survey results are used to examine current trends and characteristics of prosthodontists in private practice.

Materials and Methods: Characteristics of prosthodontists and conditions of private practice are based on surveys conducted in 2002, 2005, and 2008 sponsored by the American College of Prosthodontists. Survey results are used to estimate several characteristics including age, gender, number of patient visits, hours in the practice, employment of staff, referral sources, and financial conditions (gross receipts, expenses of the practice, and net income of prosthodontists).

Results: The average age of a private‐practicing prosthodontist reached 51 years in 2007; 12.3 is the number of years in the current practice; and most prosthodontists (71%) are solo private practitioners. The average amount of time per week by prosthodontists in the practice averaged 36.1 hours, and prosthodontists treated an average of 44.1 patient visits per week. The largest source of patient referrals is the patient themselves. The largest percentage of a prosthodontist's treatment time is spent rendering procedures in fixed prosthodontics, but this percentage has declined since 2001. In 2007, the average gross billings of a practicing prosthodontist reached $805,675; average total practice expenses were $518,255; the mean net earnings of practitioners were $268,930.

Conclusion: In 2007, prosthodontists in private practice paid out about $1.4 billion in practice expenses to provide $2.2 billion dollars in prosthodontic care. Based on survey results from 2007 and the previous 6 years, specialization in prosthodontic care continues to be an economically attractive and productive healthcare profession in the United States.
The History of Articulators: The Contributions of Rudolph L. Hanau and his Company—Part I
Authors: Engelmeier Robert L. , Belles Donald M. , Starcke Edgar N.
Published: February 2010

This article is a historical review of the last decade of Rudolph Hanau's life. It covers his introduction to dentistry and explores his prolific articulator designs and contributions to the prosthodontic literature.
Use of Vacuum‐Formed Templates to Guide Tooth Preparation and Insertion of Interim Restorations
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Lal Kunal
Published: February 2010

Ideal tooth preparation and interim prostheses are critical to a predictable esthetic and functional outcome in the treatment of full‐mouth‐fixed restorations. During the treatment stages, multiple procedures need to be considered for a successful and predictable outcome. These include the parallel preparation of multiple abutment teeth followed by the relining of the interim prostheses. The purpose of this article is to describe a technique to simplify tooth preparation and facilitate subsequent insertion of a complete‐arch‐fixed interim prosthesis using vacuum‐formed templates.
Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Pulmonary Vein Leiomayosarcoma: A Review and Survival Analysis
Authors: Serati Ali Reza , Namazi Mohammad Hassan , Nejad Behrang Kazemi , Varedi Peyman , Movahed Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2010

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:210‐214)
Primary Angiosarcoma of the Pulmonary Trunk Mimicking Pulmonary Thromboembolism
Authors: Kim Ji Bak , Kim Seong Hwan , Lim Sang Yup , Roh Seung Young , Cho Goo‐Yeong , Song Hye Jong , Park Silvia , Lee Jeeyun , Kim Seok Jin
Published: February 2010

We present a case of primary angiosarcoma of the pulmonary trunk that was initially misdiagnosed as a subacute massive pulmonary thromboembolism in a 26‐year‐old woman. This is an extremely rare disease that is usually indistinguishable from acute or chronic thromboembolic disease of the pulmonary arteries because the clinical and radiologic findings of pulmonary artery angiosarcoma are similar to those of pulmonary thromboembolism. Although the incidence of pulmonary artery angiosarcoma is very low, our case demonstrates that this disease entity should be included in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism, especially in patients who do not respond to anticoagulant therapy or present with no identifiable source of thromboembolic events.

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:E23‐E26)
Prognostic Value of Tissue Doppler‐Derived E/e′ on Early Morbid Events after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Groban Leanne , Sanders David M. , Houle Timothy T. , Antonio Benjamin L. , Ntuen Edi C. , Zvara David A. , Kon Neal D. , Kincaid Edward H.
Published: February 2010

Background: The tissue Doppler‐derived surrogate for left ventricular diastolic pressure, E/e′, has been used to prognosticate outcome in a variety of cardiovascular conditions. In this study, we determined the relationship of intraoperative E/e′ to the use of inotropic support, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of intensive care unit stay (ICU‐LOS), and total hospital stay (H‐LOS) in patients requiring cardiac surgery. The records of 245 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed to obtain 205 patients who had intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography examinations prior to coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valvular surgery. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to analyze the relation between intraoperative E/e′ or LVEF and early postoperative morbidity (H‐LOS, ICU‐LOS, and MV) and the probability that a patient would require inotropic support. With adjustments for other predictors (female gender, hypertension, diabetes, history of myocardial infarction, emergency surgery, renal failure, procedure type, and length of aortic cross‐clamp time), an elevated E/e′ ratio (≥8) was significantly associated with an increased ICU‐LOS (49 versus 41 median h, P = 0.037) and need for inotropic support (P = 0.002) while baseline LVEF was associated with inotropic support alone (P < 0.0001). These data suggest that the tissue Doppler‐derived index of left ventricular diastolic filling pressure may be a useful indicator for predicting early morbid events after cardiac surgery, and may even provide additional information from that of baseline LVEF. Further, patients with elevated preoperative E/e′ may need more careful peri‐ and postoperative management than those patients with E/e′ <8. (Echocardiography 2010;27:131‐138)
Accidental Hanging Deaths in Children in Konya, Turkey Between 1998 and 2007*
Authors: Dogan Kamil H. , Demirci Serafettin , Erkol Zerrin , Gulmen Mete K.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  In general, hanging cases are the result of suicide, and accidental and homicidal hanging cases are rarely seen. This study retrospectively investigated 4571 death examinations and autopsies that were performed at The Konya Branch of the Forensic Medicine Council (Turkey) between 1998 and 2007; hanging was involved in 201 (6.5%) of the cases. There were a total of 13 accidental hanging cases, where 12 of these involved children. In seven of the cases, the accidental hanging involved a scarf that wraps around swing‐like cradles and is intended to prevent infants from falling down. It was concluded that accidental hanging deaths can be reduced by replacing swing‐like cradles with cribs that are designed for children, removing ropes in and around the house, and preventing children from reaching and/or playing with rope‐like objects.
Multiple Self‐Inflicted Stab Wounds to Neck, Chest and Abdomen as a Unique Manner of Suicide
Authors: Kaliszan Michał , Kernbach‐Wighton Gerhard , BouHaidar Ralph
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  This is a case report of a 30‐year‐old man found dead in his flat lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds over the body, surrounded by an extensive volume of blood. Examination of the scene of death showed a secure flat, locked from inside. A blood‐stained knife was present close to the body and two unstained notes left on the sofa at the locus. A small plastic bag containing white powder (which following toxicological examinations appeared to be cocaine) and an almost full bottle of beer were present on a table. Autopsy revealed more than 40 stab wounds to neck, chest, and abdomen arranged in isolated groups within which the wounds showed similar directions and had a transverse orientation. Together with hesitation marks located on the neck and wrists these characteristics allowed to interpret this case as a suicide.
Shooting Through Clothing in Firearm Suicides
Authors: Hejna Petr , Šafr Miroslav
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  There is a longstanding empirical rule that people who commit suicide rarely shoot through their clothing, but rather put it aside to expose the nude skin. Signs of shots through clothing have always been considered suspicious, raising presumptions of the presence of an abettor. Our report, based on a retrospective study of fatal suicidal firearm injuries from the years 1980 to 2007, points out that suicide victims only rarely remove clothing from the site of the future entry wound. The report covered 43 cases with fatal gunshot wounds in the area of the thorax, with only four persons (9%) removing the clothing present in the area of the subsequent self‐inflicted wound. Defects present on the clothing of a victim cannot, therefore, be understood as an absolute criterion for disproving the possibility of suicide, and nor do they necessarily indicate an unfortunate accident or homicide. If, however, the suicide victim removes the clothing from the area of the future wound, then this is almost always an indication of suicide.
Risk factors predicting onset and persistence of subthreshold expression of bipolar psychopathology among youth from the community
Authors: Tijssen M. J. A. , Van Os J. , Wittchen H. U. , Lieb R. , Beesdo K. , Wichers M.
Published: February 2010

Tijssen MJA, Van Os J, Wittchen HU, Lieb R, Beesdo K, Wichers M. Risk factors predicting onset and persistence of subthreshold expression of bipolar psychopathology among youth from the community

Objective:  To examine factors increasing the risk for onset and persistence of subthreshold mania and depression.

Method:  In a prospective cohort community study, the association between risk factors [a family history of mood disorders, trauma, substance use, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and temperamental/personality traits] and onset of manic/depressive symptoms was determined in 705 adolescents. The interaction between baseline risk factors and baseline symptoms in predicting 8‐year follow‐up symptoms was used to model the impact of risk factors on persistence.

Results:  Onset of manic symptoms was associated with cannabis use and novelty seeking (NS), but NS predicted a transitory course. Onset of depressive symptoms was associated with a family history of depression. ADHD and harm avoidance (HA) were associated with persistence of depressive symptoms, while trauma and a family history of depression predicted a transitory course.

Conclusion:  Different risk factors may operate during onset and persistence of subthreshold mania and depression. The differential associations found for mania and depression dimensions suggest partly different underlying mechanisms.
Experience of trauma and conversion to psychosis in an ultra‐high‐risk (prodromal) group
Authors: Bechdolf A. , Thompson A. , Nelson B. , Cotton S. , Simmons M. B. , Amminger G. P. , Leicester S. , Francey S. M. , McNab C. , Krstev H. , Sidis A. , McGorry P. D. , Yung A. R.
Published: February 2010

Bechdolf A, Thompson A, Nelson B, Cotton S, Simmons MB, Amminger GP, Leicester S, Francey SM, McNab C, Krstev H, Sidis A, McGorry PD, Yung AR. Experience of trauma and conversion to psychosis in an ultra‐high‐risk (prodromal) group.

Objective:  We aimed to replicate a recent finding of high prevalence of trauma history in patients at ‘ultra‐high risk’ (UHR) of psychotic disorder and to investigate whether trauma predicts conversion to psychosis in this population.

Method:  A consecutive sample of UHR patients was assessed. History of trauma was accessed with the General Trauma Questionnaire. Cox regression models were used to explore relationship between conversion to psychosis and trauma.

Results:  Of 92 UHR patients nearly 70% had experienced a traumatic event and 21.7% developed psychosis during follow‐up (mean 615 days). Patients who had experienced a sexual trauma (36%) were significantly more likely to convert to first‐episode psychosis (OR 2.96) after controlling for meeting multiple UHR intake groups.

Conclusion:  UHR patients have a high prevalence of history of trauma. Previous sexual trauma may be a predictor of onset of psychotic disorder in this population.
Expression profiles of ProEx C and Ki67 in squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin and their relationship with human papillomavirus genotypes
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández Marta , Conesa‐Zamora Pablo , García‐Solano José , Corbalán‐Vélez Raúl , Martínez‐Barba Enrique , Pérez‐Guillermo Miguel
Published: February 2010

Background: ProExC is a new marker for identification of precursor lesions of cervical carcinoma. Its utility in noncervical squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) such as Bowen's disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK) where human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role has not been elucidated. Our aim was to ascertain the immunohistochemical features and clinical utility of ProExC in SCCIS of the skin.

Methods: HPV presence was tested in SCCIS (38 BD and 7 AK) using GP5+/6+ and Short PCR fragment (SPF) primers and subsequently genotyped. Histopathologic sections were stained for ProExC and Ki67. A set of non‐neoplastic skin proliferative lesions were included for immunohistochemical evaluation [14 psoriasis (PS) and 6 psoriasiform dermatitis (PSD)].

Results: HPV was detected in 18.9% BD. ProExC and Ki67 in the whole epidermis thickness was observed in 86.5 and 37.1% BD, respectively (p < 0.0001). ProExC and Ki67 were restricted to the lower third of the epidermis in PS and PSD.

Conclusions: ProExC expression is not associated with HPV in SCCIS of the skin. Proliferating cells are better delineated in SCCIS by ProExC which may be useful to assess the extent of these lesions. Different immunohistochemical profiles seen in neoplasic and non‐neoplastic skin lesions suggest diverse alteration of cell‐cycle kinetics.

Sánchez‐Hernández M, Conesa‐Zamora P, García‐Solano J, Corbalán‐Vélez R, Martínez‐Barba E, Pérez‐Guillermo M. Expression profiles of ProEx C and Ki67 in squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin and their relationship with human papillomavirus genotypes.
Enzymes involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid to eicosanoids in the skin of atopic dogs
Authors: Schlotter Yvette M. , Riemers Frank M. , Rutten Victor P.M.G. , Knol Edward F. , Willemse Ton
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Enzymes involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid to eicosanoids in the skin of atopic dogs. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e317–e319.

Abstract:  Canine atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disease, shares characteristics with its human counterpart. To get insight into the role of enzymes involved in production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), potent inflammatory mediators originating from membrane‐derived arachidonic acid (AA), expression of genes encoding these enzymes and receptors was quantified by qPCR in non‐lesional and lesional skin from atopic dogs and in healthy skin. Significantly higher mRNA expression of the key enzymes 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO), 5‐LO activating protein (FLAP), leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) and prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES‐1) and their receptors (PGE receptors 2 and 3) were observed. Being responsible for elevated levels of metabolites of the 3‐series prostaglandins and the 5‐series leukotrienes these enzymes may be interesting targets for therapy that should result in amelioration of clinical signs in canine atopic dermatitis.
Effectiveness of cross polarized light and fluorescence diagnosis for detection of sub‐clinical and clinical actinic keratosis during imiquimod treatment
Authors: Ortonne Jean‐Paul , Gupta Girish , Ortonne Nicolas , Duteil Luc , Queille Catherine , Mallefet Pascal
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Effectiveness of cross polarized light and fluorescence diagnosis for detection of sub‐clinical and clinical actinic keratosis during imiquimod treatment. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 641–647.

Background:  During treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) lesions with imiquimod sub‐clinical lesions often become visible. It is, however, unclear whether these sub‐clinical lesions would be detectable beforehand.

Objective:  The aim of this pilot study was to compare two techniques, cross polarized light photography (CPL) and fluorescence diagnosis (FD) using methyllevulinic acid and illumination with Wood’s lamp for their ability to detect sub‐clinical lesions. These findings were also compared with biopsy results taken before and after treatment with imiquimod 5% cream or vehicle.

Methodology:  Twelve patients with at least five clinically visible AK lesions in a single contiguous 20 cm2 area on the head were recruited. Patient eligibility was determined at the screening visit, when they were randomized to treatment. The randomization was 3:1, active to vehicle (nine treated with imiquimod, three with vehicle cream) for a total duration of 24 weeks (six clinic visits). Patients were assessed for baseline AK lesion counts (clinical and sub‐clinical) at the screening visit and final counts at week 20.

Results:  The number of clinically observed AK lesions was significantly lower at week 12 and week 20 compared with baseline following imiquimod treatment versus vehicle. The number of counted lesions were significantly higher using the CPL method compared with clinical counting with imiquimod treatment at baseline (8.3 ± 3.4 vs 5.8 ± 1.3; P = 0.027) and week 20 (4.8 ± 2.4 vs 3.0 ± 1.7; P = 0.02) but not in the vehicle group. The FD lesion counting method did not show a significant increase in the number of detected lesions compared with clinical analysis in the imiquimod and placebo groups but when comparisons were performed using pooled data (treatments and visits combined) the results were significant.

Conclusion:  The number of sub‐clinical and clinical AK lesions detected during treatment with imiquimod can be better demonstrated using the methods of CPL and FD, but statistical significance was reached only using the CPL method. This is only a preliminary study with a small number of patients and as a result it is difficult to conclude both statistical and clinical significance. However, results were encouraging and indicate that larger studies are needed to demonstrate the relevance of these two new methods for improved detection of clinical and especially sub‐clinical AK lesions.
Reproducible pattern of microRNA in normal human skin
Authors: Holst Line Marie , Kaczkowski Bogumil , Gniadecki Robert
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Reproducible pattern of microRNA in normal human skin. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e201–e205.

Abstract:  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis via specific targeting of messenger RNA (mRNA). Aberrant mRNA expression contributes to pathological processes such as carcinogenesis. To take advantage of miRNA profiling in skin disease it is essential to investigate miRNA expression pattern in normal human skin. Here we investigated miRNA expression profiles from skin biopsies of 8 healthy volunteers taken from sun protected and mildly photo damaged skin using the modified protocol for miRNA extraction. We were able to show a constant pattern of miRNA expression between different individuals. We did not find any significant differences in miRNA expression between sun protected and mildly photodamaged skin. These results may be valuable for future design of studies on miRNA expression in skin disease.
Akt inhibition up‐regulates MMP1 through a CCN2‐dependent pathway in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Bujor Andreea M. , Nakerakanti Sashidar , Morris Erin , Hant Faye N. , Trojanowska Maria
Published: February 2010

Please cite this article as: Akt inhibition up‐regulates MMP1 through a CCN2‐dependent pathway in human dermal fibroblasts. Experimental Dermatology 2010.

Abstract:  Akt is a key signalling molecule that was found to be down‐regulated in chronic wounds. Akt blockade has dual antifibrotic effects in human dermal fibroblasts, by up‐regulating matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) and down‐regulating collagen gene expression (J Invest Dermatol 2008: 128: 1906). The aim of this study was to gain additional insights into the mechanism of MMP1 up‐regulation following Akt blockade. As previous studies showed that CCN2 can be a positive regulator of MMP1, we examined the effects of Akt inhibition on CCN2 expression. Akt blockade using a specific pharmacological inhibitor and Akt siRNA resulted in a significant up‐regulation of CCN2, which correlated with the increase in MMP1. The MMP1 up‐regulation following Akt blockade was partially suppressed by CCN2 siRNA, suggesting that CCN2 is contributing to this effect. Additional experiments showed that CCN2 induces phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Ets1 and c‐Jun. Consistent with the stimulatory role of ERK1/2/Ets1 in the expression of MMP1, the ERK1/2 inhibitor UO126 prevented the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Ets1 and completely abrogated the induction of MMP1 after CCN2 overexpression, while having no effect on c‐Jun activation. Taken together these results establish CCN2 as a key regulator of MMP1 induction via activation of the ERK1/2/Ets1 pathway. Down‐regulation of Akt signalling leads to inappropriate activation of the CCN2/MMP1 pathway that may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic wounds. Coordinate expression of CCN2, Akt and MMP1 could be important for normal wound healing to occur. Thus, targeting these specific proteins may represent a promising approach to the therapy of dysregulated wound healing.
Clinics of coeliac disease in children in the 2000s
Authors: Savilahti E , Kolho K‐L , Westerholm‐Ormio M , Verkasalo M
Published: February 2010

Objective:  To describe the clinical picture of patients with coeliac disease (CD) and the change in its presentation over the past decades.

Study design:  Patients with CD were identified and clinical data collected from hospital records over a 6‐year period (2000–2005).

Results:  Altogether 197 patients aged 0.6–15.9 (mean 7.2) years were identified. They were found amongst the child population served by the hospital, the mean number of children at age 0.5–16 years was 268 000 during 2000–2005. The presenting symptom amongst the youngest patients (<3 years) was chronic diarrhoea (in 67%), and amongst older patients, abdominal pain. At the time of diagnosis, growth was severely retarded (height <2 SD for age) in 6.6%; mean height was −0.06 SD and weight + 1% for height. After diet treatment for a mean of 6 months, both height and weight increased significantly. Anaemia and iron deficiency were present in 25% and 43% of patients respectively. Intraepithelial T‐cell receptor gamma/delta cells were pathologic in all 150 specimens studied.

Conclusions:  The presentation of CD depends on age. Even when we found six times more patients than during years 1976–1985 in the same hospital, published data on the prevalence of CD suggest that we found only a small minority of children with CD.
Transcriptional expression and gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases in Henoch–Schonlein purpura
Authors: Mahajan N , Bisht D , Dhawan V , Singh S , Minz RW
Published: February 2010

Aim:  Accelerated extracellular matrix breakdown caused by the increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been implicated in several rheumatological disorders and systemic vasculitides, especially Takayasu’s arteritis and Kawasaki disease. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of MMPs in Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP), an acute type of systemic vasculitis in children.

Methods:  We studied the activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in the sera using gelatin zymography and the transcriptional expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR in 20 patients with HSP in acute and convalescent phase and in 20 healthy children, who were siblings of the subjects with same age group.

Results:  All 20 children with HSP showed increased levels of serum activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in acute phase as compared with their convalescent phase [MMP‐2 (p > 0.05); MMP‐9 (p > 0.05)] and their control counterparts [MMP‐2 (p < 0.001); MMP‐9 (p < 0.001)]. Similarly, transcriptional expression of MMPs was found to be higher in the acute phase of HSP than in convalescent phase [MMP‐2 (p < 0.05); MMP‐9 (p < 0.001)] and in their healthy controls [MMP‐2 (p < 0.001); MMP‐9 (p < 0.01)].

Conclusion:  The presence of excessive transcriptional expression and gelatinolytic activity of MMPs may be downstream to the actual aetiopathogenetic factors.
Microwave Dielectric Properties of (Mg1−xNix)2TiO4(x=0.02–0.1) Ceramics
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Liang , Ho Cheng‐En
Published: February 2010

Low‐loss ceramics in the system (Mg1−xNix)2TiO4(x=0.02–0.1) have been prepared using the conventional solid‐state ceramic route. The formation of (Mg1−xNix)2TiO4(x=0.02–0.1) solid solutions was confirmed by the EDX analysis and the lattice parameters measured, which linearly varied from Mg2TiO4(a=b=c=8.4410 Å) to (Mg0.9Ni0.1)2TiO4(a=b=c=8.4335 Å). The X‐ray diffraction analysis also confirmed the coexistence of a cubic‐structured (Mg1−xNix)2TiO4and an ilmenite‐structured second phase (Mg1−xNix)TiO3. By increasingx, not only could theQ×fof the (Mg1−xNix)2TiO4solid solution be considerably increased from 150,000 GHz atx=0 to a maximum 238,000 GHz atx=0.05, the highest ɛr∼16.43 could also be obtained simultaneously. This was mainly due to the uniform grain morphology and the highest density of the specimen. A good combination of microwave dielectric properties (ɛr∼16.43,Q×f∼238,000 GHz at 9.8 GHz, and τf∼−55 ppm/°C) can be achieved for a specimen using (Mg0.95Ni0.05)2TiO4sintered at 1400°C for 4 h.
Corns in dogs; signalment, possible aetiology and response to surgical treatment
Authors: Guilliard M. J. , Segboer I. , Shearer D. H.
Published: February 2010

Objectives: To describe the signalment and response to surgical treatment, and to propose aetiopathogenetic mechanisms for the development of paw pad corns in dogs.

Methods: A combined retrospective and prospective study was conducted on 30 dogs that presented with paw pad corns. The age, breed and gender of the dogs, together with anatomical positions of the corns were recorded. Surgical treatments involved either excision (n=27) or distal digital ostectomy (n=3). The minimum follow‐up period was one year.

Results: The age at presentation was from two to 15 years. All the breeds in this study were either greyhounds or sighthounds. Males were over‐represented. Ninety percent of the corns were found in the digital pads of digits three and four, and 90% were found in the thoracic limbs. The evidence suggests a mechanical aetiology or foreign body penetration. Long‐term response to surgical excision resulted in a recurrence rate of more than 50% (n=27). Distal digital ostectomy gave good results in selective cases (n=3).

Clinical Significance: Corns can cause severe chronic lameness in greyhounds and related breeds. Long‐term response to surgical treatments is disappointing but it is recommended as an initial treatment as it can be curative.
High performance work system and collective OCB: a collective social exchange perspective
Authors: Gong Yaping , Chang Song , Cheung Siu‐Yin
Published: February 2010

Despite an increasing number of studies showing a positive relationship between collective organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and unit or organisational performance, relatively little is known about the antecedents of collective OCB. In this study, we developed a collective social exchange approach to collective OCB. We hypothesised that a high performance work system (HPWS) is positively related to collective OCB through collective affective commitment (AC). We obtained data on HPWS, collective AC and collective OCB, all at the middle management group level, from 454 firms in China. Empirical results support the hypotheses.