bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients’ experiences of everyday life after lung transplantation
Authors: Thomsen Doris , Jensen Birte Østergaard
Published: July 2009

Aim.  To investigate the experiences of everyday life after lung transplantation of patients with previous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background.  Compared with patients being transplanted due to other indications, those with COPD prior to lung transplantation report more problems in the form of shortness of breath, fatigue, sexual problems, insomnia and increased appetite. In addition, they are often faced with problems returning to normal working life. How these problems influence the patient’s everyday life is unknown.

Design.  An exploratory qualitative study.

Methods.  Ten COPD patients (five females and five males) aged 51–69 and more than six months post transplantation, were interviewed using of a semi‐structured interview guide. All interviews were taperecorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings.  The analysis revealed four themes of experience: a second chance; an ordinary life without chronic rejection; even minor daily activities take time with chronic rejection; and need for support and knowledge that were considered important by the participants for their situation and daily life.

Conclusions.  This is the first study describing the experiences of everyday life after lung transplantation of patients with COPD prior to surgery. The findings highlight the importance of addressing these patients’ experiences of gratitude, positive life orientation and informational needs in relation to everyday life.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals should be aware of the kind of problems both women and men may experience a long time after the lung transplantation. They constitute a basic knowledge of a patient’s everyday life that is important when planning individual counselling and rehabilitation.
Integrating technology in the classroom: a visual conceptualization of teachers' knowledge, goals and beliefs
Authors: Chen F.‐H. , Looi C.‐K. , Chen W.
Published: July 2009

Abstract  In this paper, we devise a diagrammatic conceptualization to describe and represent the complex interplay of a teacher's knowledge (K), goals (G) and beliefs (B) in leveraging technology effectively in the classroom. The degree of coherency between the KGB region and the affordances of the technology serves as an indicator of the teachers' developmental progression through the initiation, implementation and maturation phases of using technology in the classroom. In our study, two teachers with differing knowledge, goals and beliefs are studied as they integrated GroupScribbles technology in their classroom lessons over a period of 1 year. Our findings reveal that the transition between the teacher's developmental states (as indicated by coherency diagrams) is nonlinear, and thus the importance of ensuring high coherency right at the initiation stage. Support for the teacher from other teachers and researchers remains an important factor in developing the teacher's competency to leverage the technology successfully. The stability of the KGB region further ensures smooth progression of the teacher's effective integration of technology in the classroom.
The experiences of carers in Taiwanese culture who have long‐term schizophrenia in their families: a phenomenological study
Authors: HUANG X.‐Y. , HUNG B.‐J. , SUN F. K. , LIN J.‐D. , CHEN C.‐C.
Published: July 2009

Accessible summary

Carers in families with long‐term schizophrenia in Taiwanese culture are suffering several burdens, such as burdens of caring and emotional burdens.

Strategies of coping, cognitive and religious coping strategies were used by carers in order to cope with their burdens.

The awareness of such traditional cultural values would help people to provide care in a culturally sensitive manner.

Schizophrenia is a severe illness with little hope of recovery and requires long‐term care. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of carers who live with someone with long‐term schizophrenia, within the cultural context of Taiwan. The study was conducted in a community setting in central Taiwan. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of carers. Purposive sampling was used by selecting the carers who were close relatives of the clients, had lived with the clients for at least 1 year and bore most of the responsibilities. Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted to collect the data and narratives were analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) seven‐step method. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 10 carers. Three themes and eight sub‐themes were identified: burdens of caring (helping clients' illness, lack of professional support and family conflicts), emotional burdens (sadness, worry and fear) and strategies of coping (cognitive and religious coping strategies). Our study supported the importance for nurses to understand the cultural aspects of mental illness, particularly the widespread cultural beliefs and patterns of help seeking behaviours, in order to provide culturally sensitive health care.
Neofusicoccum eucalyptorum, a Eucalyptus pathogen, on native Myrtaceae in Uruguay
Authors: Pérez C. A. , Wingfield M. J. , Slippers B. , Altier N. A. , Blanchette R. A.
Published: July 2009

Neofusicoccum eucalyptorum is a canker‐associated fungus apparently highly specialized on Eucalyptus. However, in surveys of the microbial population inhabiting native Myrtaceae in Uruguay, fungal cultures resembling N. eucalyptorum were isolated. The possible occurrence of N. eucalyptorum on hosts other than Eucalyptus prompted further investigation. Several surveys were conducted throughout Uruguay to obtain samples from native forests, focusing primarily on species in the Myrtaceae. Fungal identification was based on morphology and confirmed using comparison sequences for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rDNA operon. Pathogenicity was evaluated by inoculating plants of a Eucalyptus grandis clone. Morphological and molecular identification confirmed the occurrence of N. eucalyptorum on Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Myrceugenia glaucescens and Myrrhinium atropurpureum var. octandrum. This is the first report of N. eucalyptorum occurring in hosts other than Eucalyptus. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the ability of this species to produce cankers on E. grandis. This study provides information that will assist breeding programmes in attempts to obtain disease‐resistant Eucalyptus plantations and it also suggests that a Eucalyptus pathogen could have moved to native trees in Uruguay.
Modelling the effect of cuticular crack surface area and inoculum density on the probability of nectarine fruit infection by Monilinia laxa
Authors: Gibert C. , Chadœuf J. , Nicot P. , Vercambre G. , Génard M. , Lescourret F.
Published: July 2009

The effects of cuticular crack surface area and inoculum density on the infection of nectarine fruits by conidia of Monilinia laxa were studied using artificial inoculations with conidial suspensions and dry airborne conidia during the 2004 and 2005 seasons, respectively. Additionally, the effect of ambient humidity on fruit infection was evaluated in the 2005 experiment. An exploratory analysis indicated that (i) ambient humidity did not significantly explain the observed variability of data, but that (ii) the incidence of fruit infection increased both with increasing inoculum density and increasing surface area of cuticular cracks. The product of these two variables represented the inoculum dose in the cracks, and was used as a predictor of fruit infection in the model. Natural infection in the orchard was observed to increase throughout the season in both 2004 and 2005. The relationship between the probability of fruit infection by M. laxa and the artificially inoculated dose in the cuticular cracks was well described by a logistic regression model once natural inoculum density was taken into account (pseudo R2 = 65%). This function could be helpful for estimating the risk of fruit infection at harvest based on fruit size and natural inoculum density.
Feline perforating dermatitis resembling human reactive perforating collagenosis: clinicopathological findings and outcome in four cases
Authors: Albanese Francesco , Tieghi Chiara , De Rosa Luigi , Colombo Silvia , Abramo Francesca
Published: July 2009

The clinicopathological findings of perforating dermatitis in two young and two adult cats are described. In all cases, the lesions were characterized by single or multiple papules and plaques, 0.5–3.0 cm in diameter, each containing a central, firm, exophytic, cone‐shaped, yellow‐orange keratotic plug, tightly adherent to the underlying skin. Removal of the protruding material was associated with bleeding and left the ulcerated surface exposed. In one case, the lesions showed a linear configuration and identical lesions occurred on the suture sites following biopsy. Histopathologically, the diagnosis was straightforward because of the presence of vertically orientated collagen bundles extruded from ulcerated, concave‐shaped invaginations of the skin. In two cases, vitamin C administration failed to resolve the disease. In two cases, methyl‐prednisolone acetate was used to manage relapsing episodes and vitamin C helped to reduce glucocorticoid requirements. In one case, treatment with methyl‐prednisolone acetate only appeared to be curative. The fourth case was lost to follow‐up immediately after the diagnosis.
Canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma with vesiculobullous lesions resembling human bullous mycosis fungoides
Authors: Bizikova Petra , Linder Keith E. , Suter Steven E. , Van Wettere Arnaud J. , Olivry Thierry
Published: July 2009

The broad spectrum of clinical signs in canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma mimics many inflammatory skin diseases and is a diagnostic challenge. A 13‐year‐old‐male castrated golden retriever crossbred dog presented with multifocal flaccid bullae evolving into deep erosions. A shearing force applied to the skin at the periphery of the erosions caused the epidermis to further slide off the dermis suggesting intraepidermal or subepidermal separation. Systemic signs consisted of profound weight loss and marked respiratory distress. Histologically, the superficial and deep dermis were infiltrated by large, CD3‐positive neoplastic lymphocytes and mild epitheliotropism involved the deep epidermis, hair follicle walls and epitrichial sweat glands. There was partial loss of the stratum basale. Bullous lesions consisted of large dermoepidermal and intraepidermal clefts that contained loose accumulations of neutrophils mixed with fewer neoplastic cells in proteinaceous fluid. The lifted epidermis was often devitalized and bordered by hydropic degeneration and partial epidermal collapse. Similar neoplastic lymphocytes formed small masses in the lungs associated with broncho‐invasion. Clonal rearrangement analysis of antigen receptor genes in samples from skin and lung lesions using primers specific for canine T‐cell receptor gamma (TCRγ) produced a single‐sized amplicon of identical sequence, indicating that both lesions resulted from the expansion of the same neoplastic T‐cell population. Macroscopic vesiculobullous lesions with devitalization of the lesional epidermis should be included in the broad spectrum of clinical signs presented by canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma.
Sporotrichosis: a retrospective evaluation of 23 cases seen in northern California (1987–2007)
Authors: Crothers Samantha L. , White Stephen D. , Ihrke Peter J. , Affolter Verena K.
Published: July 2009

Sporotrichosis is an uncommon to rare cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis of animals and humans caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Twenty‐three mammalian cases of sporotrichosis examined between 1987 and 2007 at the University of California, Davis – Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, were retrospectively evaluated with regard to the historical, clinical, diagnostic and treatment findings. Cats were the most common species affected (n = 14). In addition, sporotrichosis was diagnosed in four dogs, four horses and a donkey. Six of 23 cases were diagnosed with the localized cutaneous form of sporotrichosis (four cats, one dog, one horse), 10 with the cutaneous‐lymphatic form (four cats, two dogs, three horses and a donkey), and seven with the disseminated form (six cats, one dog). Two of 23 cases did not have skin lesions at the time of diagnosis (one cat, one dog). The most common mode of diagnosis was demonstration of S. schenckii on histopathological evaluation of tissue. In contrast with most previously described sporotrichosis infections in cats, few to no fungal organisms were seen in histopathological samples (haematoxylin and eosin and special stains) in five of the 14 cats. Treatments received included itraconazole (12 cats, one dog), ketoconazole (three dogs), fluconazole (one cat, one donkey), sodium iodide (four horses, one cat) and potassium iodide (one cat, one horse, one donkey). The prognosis for successful treatment was good in all species. Fluconazole was successful in inducing resolution of the cutaneous lesions and controlling the infection in one cat with disseminated sporotrichosis.
Scarring alopecia: clinical and pathologic study of 54 African‐American women
Authors: Borovicka Judy H. , Thomas Lorna , Prince Carol , Mehregan Darius R.
Published: July 2009

Background  Cicatricial or scarring alopecia results in the destruction of hair follicles and is a significant cosmetic concern in African‐American women.

Objective  To correlate the clinical examination and histologic findings in African‐American women with scarring alopecia with a history of hairstyling practices.

Methods  We reviewed retrospectively the medical records and scalp biopsy specimens of 54 women with scarring alopecia. Patients were selected from two dermatologic practices in the Detroit Metropolitan area.

Results  Alopecia commonly presents in patients who use a variety of traumatic haircare techniques, including chemical and physical straighteners, traction, braiding, hair extensions, hair gluing, and chemical curls. Histologic findings are centered around the follicular infundibulum with a lymphocytic infiltrate and perifollicular fibrosis.

Conclusion  Traumatic hairstyling techniques are common in African‐American women, and all result in a similar picture of a peri‐infundibular lymphocytic infiltrate and fibrosis, leading to alopecia.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of oral procyanidin with vitamins A, C, E for melasma among Filipino women
Authors: Handog Evangeline B. , Galang Dulce Amor Vivan F. , De Leon‐Godinez Maria Azirrel , Chan Gertrude P.
Published: July 2009

Background  Melasma is a common, acquired, symmetric hypermelanosis characterized by irregular brown to gray–brown macules on the cheeks, forehead, nasal bridge, cutaneous part of the upper lip, mandible, and the upper arms. Few trials have been conducted regarding the potential benefits of oral procyanidin in melasma.

Aim  To assess the safety and efficacy of oral procyanidin + vitamins A, C, E among Filipino patients with epidermal melasma.

Methods  A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial lasting 8 weeks, involving 60 adult female volunteers with bilateral epidermal melasma, Fitzpatrick skin types III–V, was conducted at the Section of Dermatology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines. Patients received either the test drug or placebo, twice daily with meals. Changes in pigmentation were measured using a mexameter, the melasma area and severity index (MASI), and a global evaluation by the patient and investigator. Safety evaluations were performed at each follow‐up visit.

Results  Fifty‐six patients completed the trial. Mexameter results demonstrated a significant decrease in the degree of pigmentation in the left malar (165.85 ± 70.909) and right malar (161.33 ± 61.824) regions (P < 0.0001). MASI scores showed a significant improvement in the left malar (2.4862 ± 1.67816) and right malar (1.8889 ± 1.67110) regions (P = 0.001). Procyanidin + vitamins A, C, E proved to be safe and well tolerated, with minimal adverse events.

Conclusions  In this 8‐week trial period, oral procyanidin + vitamins A, C, E proved to be safe and effective among Filipino women with epidermal melasma.
Changes in growth kinetics of stamen filaments cause inefficient pollination in massugu2, an auxin insensitive, dominant mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tashiro Satoko , Tian Chang‐en , Watahiki Masaaki K. , Yamamoto Kotaro T.
Published: July 2009

We investigated the physiological and molecular basis of lower fecundity of massugu2 (msg2), which is a dominant mutant of an auxin primary response gene, IAA19, in Arabidopsis thaliana. By measuring the length of all stamens and pistils in inflorescences and the reference growth rate of pistils, we constructed growth curves of pistils and stamens between stages 12 and 15 of flower development. Pistil growth was found to consist of a single exponential growth, while stamen growth consisted of three exponential phases. During the second exponential phase, the growth rate of stamen filaments was ∼10 times greater than the growth rates in the other two phases. Consequently, stamens whose growth was initially retarded grew longer than the pistil, putting pollen grains on the stigma. msg2‐1 stamens, on the other hand, exhibited a less obvious growth increase, resulting in less frequent contact between anthers and stigma. MSG2 was expressed in the stamen filaments and its expression almost coincided with the second growth phase. Stamen filaments appeared to elongate by cell elongation rather than cell division in the epidermal cell file. Considering that MSG2 is likely to be a direct target of the auxin F‐box receptors, MSG2 may be one of the master genes that control the transient growth increase of stamen filaments.
Cutaneous aspergillosis in a lung transplant recipient
Authors: Ramos A. , Ussetti P. , Laporta R. , Lázaro M.T. , Sánchez‐Romero I.
Published: July 2009

Abstract: Organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for Aspergillus infections. Cutaneous aspergillosis (CA) occurs less frequently and is poorly characterized. The case of a lung transplant recipient with CA is presented. Six months after transplantation, 3 painful skin nodules appeared, with 1 each in the right calf, left arm, and upper back. Exudate from the leg nodule yielded Aspergillus fumigatus. Computed tomography of the chest showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, but <1 cm in size. The case could be the result of Aspergillus dissemination from a hypothetical asymptomatic pulmonary infection. The lack of lung radiological signs could be related to prophylactic treatment with inhaled liposomal amphotericin B, which could have prevented clinically evident Aspergillus lung infection. The patient was treated with voriconazole, which was maintained for 3 months. The patient recovered completely.
A molecular phylogeny of minivets (Passeriformes: Campephagidae: Pericrocotus): implications for biogeography and convergent plumage evolution
Authors: Jønsson Knud A. , Irestedt Martin , Ericson Per G. P. , Fjeldså Jon
Published: July 2009

Jønsson, K. A., Irestedt, M., Ericson, P. G. P. & Fjeldså, J. (2009). A molecular phylogeny of minivets (Passeriformes: Campephagidae: Pericrocotus): implications for biogeography and convergent plumage evolution.—Zoologica Scripta, 39, 1–8.

Minivets are conspicuous and mostly intensely colourful birds inhabiting wooded environments in tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia and temperate East Asia. We present a robust phylogeny of the group based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA data including all 12 recognized species and also many subspecies representing disjunct populations in the Oriental mainland and in Indonesia. The study indicates that minivets radiated within mainland Asia and dispersed to the Indonesian archipelago. We also demonstrate that in accordance with studies on other bird groups, plumage characters are highly plastic and that the diversity of plumage patterns and colouration represents an example of convergent evolution.
The 12th Man?: Refereeing Bias in English and German Soccer
Authors: Buraimo Babatunde , Forrest David , Simmons Robert
Published: July 2009

The paper investigates potential bias in awards of player disciplinary sanctions, in the form of cautions (yellow cards) and dismissals (red cards) by referees in the English Premier League and the German Bundesliga. Previous studies of behaviour of soccer referees have not adequately incorporated within-game information. Descriptive statistics from our samples clearly show that home teams receive fewer yellow and red cards than away teams. These differences may be wrongly interpreted as evidence of bias where the modeller has failed to include within-game events such as goals scored and recent cards issued. What appears as referee favouritism may actually be excessive and illegal aggressive behaviour by players in teams that are behind in score. We deal with these issues by using a minute-by-minute bivariate probit analysis of yellow and red cards issued in games over six seasons in the two leagues. The significance of a variable to denote the difference in score at the time of sanction suggests that foul play that is induced by a losing position is an important influence on the award of yellow and red cards. Controlling for various pre-game and within-game variables, we find evidence that is indicative of home team favouritism induced by crowd pressure: in Germany home teams with running tracks in their stadia attract more yellow and red cards than teams playing in stadia with less distance between the crowd and the pitch. Separating the competing teams in matches by favourite and underdog status, as perceived by the betting market, yields further evidence, this time for both leagues, that the source of home teams receiving fewer cards is not just that they are disproportionately often the favoured team and disproportionately ahead in score. Thus there is evidence that is consistent with pure referee bias in relative treatments of home and away teams.
Exploring Sequences: A Graphical Tool Based on Multi-Dimensional Scaling
Authors: Piccarreta Raffaella , Lior Orna
Published: July 2009

Sequence analysis has become one of the most used and discussed tools to describe life course trajectories. We introduce a new tool for the graphical exploratory analysis of sequences. Our plots combine standard sequence plots with the results that are provided by multi-dimensional scaling. We apply our procedure to describe work and family careers of Israeli women by using data from the Israel Social Mobility Survey. We first focus on some preliminary choices relative to the definition of the sequences: the age span, the length of the sequences and the set of states registered in each time period. We then describe how our plots can be used to gain insights about the main features of sequences and about the relationships between sequences and external information.
English Acquisition and Japanese Language Maintenance Among Japanese‐American Youth
Authors: Kawamura Sayaka , Goza Franklin
Published: July 2009

Despite the growing number of Japanese speaking immigrants in the United States and the pronounced linguistic dissimilarity between Japanese and English, few studies have examined English proficiency levels or Japanese language maintenance. We use 2000 data from the 5 per cent IPUMS file to examine English proficiency and language maintenance among first‐, second‐, and third‐or higher‐ generation Japanese immigrant youth in the United States. Before presenting multivariate results for our dependent variables, descriptive statistics are presented detailing numerous significant differences within and across generations. Furthermore, the second‐generation is divided into subgroups based on each parent’s birthplace. This study also contrasts the results of Japanese‐Americans with those of Korean‐Americans, speakers of another language very distinct from English, in an attempt to ground the significance of our findings. Findings provide support for many of the hypotheses advanced. They also reveal that our regression models generally did a much better job explaining English acquisition among Japanese‐Americans than Korean‐Americans.
Refugees: On the Economics of Political Migration
Authors: Schaeffer Peter
Published: July 2009

Unless literally forced to leave, prospective refugees have a choice between staying and flight, subject to constraints, particularly the willingness of a country to grant asylum. Although all options may be unpleasant, they nonetheless represent alternatives amenable to economic analysis. The incentive to flee is a function of threat severity and credibility, and the attractiveness of available safe havens. The theoretical analysis suggests that restrictive asylum policies have little impact on demand for asylum, except in the interplay with other factors, such as costs of flight and retribution against unsuccessful refugees. While the case of bogus refugees has received much attention in the popular literature, this article shows that threatened individuals may choose emigration instead of flight if there are repercussions associated with refugee status. The article also analyzes the case of bogus refugees.
The Human Capital Characteristics and Household Living Standards of Returning International Migrants in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Thomas Kevin J. A.
Published: July 2009

Africa’s experience with return migration is not new. However, few empirical studies have examined the social and economic characteristics of returning migrants within the continent. In this study, the human capital endowments and household living standards of returning migrants in Uganda and South Africa are examined using recently available data. The study compares returnees in both countries with immigrants as well as the native‐born population with no international migration experience. It also investigates how factors such as previous country of residence, year of arrival, and other demographic factors predict levels of education and living standards among returning migrants. In Uganda, the results show that recently arrived returning migrants had better educational endowments than both immigrants and non‐migrants. Migrants who returned to Uganda following the fall of Idi Amin’s regime had the lowest educational levels and lowest living standards compared to other returnees. Furthermore, the results indicate that previous residence in countries in the West was associated with four additional years of schooling while returning migrants arriving from other African countries had the lowest levels of schooling among returning migrants. In South Africa, the study finds that returnees arriving almost immediately following the end of Apartheid had the highest levels of education compared to either immigrants or non‐migrants. Returnees on average also had the highest household living standards in South Africa. Among South African immigrants, the results indicate that those arriving towards the end of the century had lower educational endowments compared to immigrants who arrived in the country two to four years after the end of Apartheid.
The Role of Support Networks in the Initial Stages of Integration: The Case of West African Newcomers in the Netherlands
Authors: Chelpi‐den Hamer Magali , Mazzucato Valentina
Published: July 2009

This study focuses on the role of support networks in West African migration to the Netherlands. The authors examine the interactions of non‐State support groups with West African newcomers and explore the nature, scope and function of support. What type of support networks do respondents rely on, under which circumstances, and for how long? What is the scope of support? Is it to be taken for granted? What alternatives are there for those left out of the loop? The findings suggest that support is mainly punctual, in response to a specific need, and for a limited period of time. It is not to be taken for granted, as support groups have limited capacities, and protect themselves from excessive demands. They play a significant role in providing assistance to migrants, yet this role should not be overestimated.
A Social Representations Approach To The Communication Between Different Spheres: An Analysis Of The Impacts Of Two Discursive Formats
Authors: BATEL SUSANA , CASTRO PAULA
Published: July 2009

This paper discusses the potential of the notions of reification and consensualization as developed by the theory of social representations as analytical tools for addressing the communication between the lay and scientific spheres. Social Representations Theory started by offering an over‐sharp distinction between the reified and the consensual universes of which science and common sense, respectively, were presented as paradigmatic. This paper, however, suggests that the notions of consensual and reified can be considered as describing two distinct communicative formats: reification implying the use of arguments which establish prescriptions for representations and action, and consensualization relying on arguments which recognize the heterogeneity of representation and action. We illustrate this proposal through the analysis of a case in which the expert and the lay spheres of a Lisbon neighborhood opposed each other regarding the new laws of public participation in community matters. This analysis showed how reification and consensualization can be used as discursive formats by both spheres. The implications of the use of reification and consensualization and how they may depend on several power resources and have different impacts on social change are discussed.
Disseminated Varicella Zoster Virus in an Immunized Child as the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome‐defining Illness
Authors: Chilek Katherine , Routhouska Shannon , Tamburro Joan
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Varicella zoster virus (VZV) immunization aids in the prevention of future VZV infections in immunocompetent patients; however, severely immunocompromised patients remain at increased risk of VZV infection. We report a case of a 10‐year‐old boy previously immunized to Varicella who presented with herpes zoster with hematogenous dissemination as the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome‐defining illness. Disseminated VZV is more commonly seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals with more advanced disease, as was the case with our patient. Disseminated VZV infection in a previously immunized child should raise suspicion for underlying immunosuppression.
IL‐6 Levels in Migraine Patients Receiving Topiramate
Authors: Koçer Abdulkadir , Memişoğullari Ramazan , Domaç Fusun Mayda , İlhan Atilla , Koçer Emel , Okuyucu Şefika , Özdemir Burcu , Yüksel Hatice
Published: July 2009

There is considerable evidence suggesting that cytokines play important roles in pain and in mediating neurovascular inflammation associated with migraine headaches. Although consensus exists to recommend topiramate (TPM) for migraine prevention, the mechanism of action in this regard is unknown. We measured serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels in 66 migraine patients. Of these patients, 23 (34.9%) were taking TPM for migraine, and 43 (65.1%) were not. The IL‐6 levels were compared with those of healthy controls without migraine, from the population living in the same region. The mean IL‐6 levels in migraine patients taking TPM and patients who did not were 67.06 ± 92.09 pg/mL and 44.09 ± 59.19 pg/mL, respectively (P > 0.05). The IL‐6 levels were higher in the patients taking TPM. The IL‐6 level in the controls was 8.60 ± 7.36 pg/mL, which was significantly lower than the patient group using TPM (P = 0.001). Our results show that, although IL‐6 may be involved in pain induction or inflammatory mechanisms of migraine attacks, the serum IL‐6 level was not reduced in migraine patients receiving TPM therapy. In conclusion, we found high IL‐6 levels in migraine patients both with and without TPM therapy, suggesting that high IL‐6 levels during pain‐free periods could be a conditioning factor, making patients more vulnerable to pain attacks in chronic migraine. Further studies investigating the possible mechanism of TPM in migraine are needed.
A novel immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer by intravesical immobilization of GM‐CSF
Authors: Hu Zhiming , Tan Wanlong , Zhang Lin , Liang Zhongkun , Xu Cuixiang , Su Hua , Lu Jianxin , Gao Jimin
Published: July 2009

In situ gene therapy with granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) was demonstrated to successfully inhibit tumour cell growth in a mouse orthotopic bladder cancer model, but suffered from several disadvantages, such as limited efficiency for gene delivery, low expression efficiency of the transgene and the safety concern resulting from viral vector. In order to address the limits, a novel immunotherapy was developed attentively through immobilization of streptavidin‐tagged bioactive GM‐CSF on the biotinylated mucosal surface of bladder wall on the basis of both the unique property of streptavidin (SA) to bind rapidly and almost irreversibly to any biotin‐linked molecule and the outstanding ability of biotin to be incorporated easily into the proteins on the cell surface. The mouse orthotopic model of MB49 bladder cancer was used to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the novel immunotherapy performed twice a week for 3 weeks. Briefly, 1 day after intravesical implantation of 1 × 106 MB49 tumour cells in C57BL/6 mouse, 100 μl of 1 mg/ml NHS‐PEO4‐biotin was instilled and allowed to incubate in the bladder for 30 min., followed by intravesical instillation of 100 μl of 0.15 mg/ml SA‐GM‐CSF bifunctional fusion protein and incubation for 1 hr. SA‐GM‐CSF fusion protein was shown to be immobilized efficiently and durably on the biotinylated mucosal surface of bladder wall. The bladder cancer incidence was dramatically decreased from 100% in the control group to 37.5% in the SA‐GM‐CSF group. Importantly, 70% of the SA‐GM‐CSF‐cured mice were protected against a second intravesical wild‐type MB49 tumour challenge, indicating that an effective anti‐tumour immunity was generated against MB49 bladder cancer. Thus, the novel immunotherapy may be an attractive therapeutic alternative and should be evaluated in bladder cancer patients.
Parameters of oligonucleotide‐mediated gene modification in mouse ES cells
Authors: Aarts Marieke , te Riele Hein
Published: July 2009

Gene targeting by single‐stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ssODNs) is emerging as a powerful tool for the introduction of subtle gene modifications in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and the generation of mutant mice. Here, we have studied the role of ssODN composition, transcription and replication of the target locus, and DNA repair pathways to gain more insight into the parameters governing ssODN‐mediated gene targeting in mouse ES cells. We demonstrated that unmodified ssODNs of 35–40 nt were most efficient in correcting a chromosomally integrated mutant neomycin reporter gene. Addition of chemical modifications did not further enhance the efficacy of these ssODNs. The observed strand bias was not affected by transcriptional activity and may rather be caused by the different accessibility of the DNA strands during DNA replication. Consistently, targeting frequencies were enhanced when cells were treated with hydroxyurea to reduce the rate of replication fork progression. Transient down‐regulation of various DNA repair genes by RNAi had no effect on the targeting frequency. Taken together, our data suggest that ssODN‐mediated gene targeting occurs within the context of a replication fork. This implies that any given genomic sequence, irrespective of transcriptional status, should be amenable to ssODN‐mediated gene targeting. The ability of ES cells to differentiate into various cell types after ssODN‐mediated gene targeting may offer opportunities for future therapeutic applications.
Membrane‐bound HSP70‐engineered myeloma cell‐derived exosomes stimulate more efficient CD8+ CTL‐ and NK‐mediated antitumour immunity than exosomes released from heat‐shocked tumour cells expressing cytoplasmic HSP70
Authors: Xie Yufeng , Bai Ou , Zhang Haifeng , Yuan Jinying , Zong Sam , Chibbar Rajni , Slattery Karen , Qureshi Mabood , Wei Yangdou , Deng Yulin , Xiang Jim
Published: July 2009

Exosomes (EXO) derived from tumour cells have been used to stimulate antitumour immune responses, but only resulting in prophylatic immunity. Tumour‐derived heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) molecules are molecular chaperones with a broad repertoire of tumour antigen peptides capable of stimulating dendritic cell (DC) maturation and T‐cell immune responses. To enhance EXO‐based antitumour immunity, we generated an engineered myeloma cell line J558HSP expressing endogenous P1A tumour antigen and transgenic form of membrane‐bound HSP70 and heat‐shocked J558HS expressing cytoplasmic HSP70, and purified EXOHSP and EXOHS from J558HSP and J558HS tumour cell culture supernatants by ultracentrifugation. We found that EXOHSP were able to more efficiently stimulate maturation of DCs with up‐regulation of Iab, CD40, CD80 and inflammatory cytokines than EXOHS after overnight incubation of immature bone‐marrow‐derived DCs (5 × 106 cells) with EXO (100 μg), respectively. We also i.v. immunized BALB/c mice with EXO (30 μg/mouse) and assessed P1A‐specific T‐cell responses after immunization. We demonstrate that EXOHSP are able to stimulate type 1 CD4+ helper T (Th1) cell responses, and more efficient P1A‐specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and antitumour immunity than EXOHS. In addition, we further elucidate that EXOHSP‐stimulated antitumour immunity is mediated by both P1A‐specific CD8+ CTL and non‐P1A‐specific natural killer (NK) responses. Therefore, membrane‐bound HSP70‐expressing tumour cell‐released EXO may represent a more effective EXO‐based vaccine in induction of antitumour immunity.
Paste‐like inorganic bone matrix: preclinical testing of a prototype preparation in the porcine calvaria
Authors: Busenlechner Dieter , Tangl Stefan , Fitzl Christine , Bernhart Thomas , Gruber Reinhard , Watzek Georg
Published: July 2009

Objective: To evaluate the osteoconductive properties and the volume stability of an injectable paste‐like inorganic bone matrix (PBM) in porcine calvaria defects.

Material and methods: We created six circumferential defects in the calvaria of 12 adult iberico pigs. The defects were filled with either PBM, Bio‐Oss® of different particle size, carrier alone, or left empty. PBM was composed of Bio‐Oss® with a particle size ranging from 250 to 500 μm and a hydrogel‐carrier of carboxymethylcellulose and collagen. After 6 and 12 weeks of healing, the animals were sacrificed and undecalcified ground sections were prepared and subjected to histologic and histomorphometric analysis. To quantify the osteoconductive properties of PBM, bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) in the defect area was determined. To determine the volume stability, bone substitute volume per tissue volume (BSV/TV) was measured.

Results: After 6 weeks, PBM particles in the center of the defect were surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, which was later replaced by bone. BV/TV in the PBM group increased from 29.7±12.7% (minimum 12.2%, maximum 43.7%) after 6 weeks to 43.9±14.9% (minimum 27.8%, maximum 63.9%) after 12 weeks (Mann–Whitney test; P=0.6). According to the Friedman test, BV/TV in groups containing Bio‐Oss® of different particle sizes, the carrier and the empty defects was similar to the results obtained with PBM (6 weeks P=0.8; 12 weeks P=0.22). BSV/TV in the PBM group was stable over time, with 10.1±9% (minimum 3.3%, maximum 27.6%) and 16.5±12.9% (minimum 1%, maximum 32.7%), after 6 and 12 weeks, respectively (P=0.72). BSV/TV in the PBM group was comparable to the results obtained with the Bio‐Oss® particles of different sizes (Friedman test; 6 weeks P=0.0503; 12 weeks P=0.56).

Conclusions: The results of this preclinical study showed that the PBM is osteoconductive and maintains the augmented volume, similar to commercial Bio‐Oss®. These data suggest that the osteoconductive properties of Bio‐Oss® are maintained at the smaller particle size and in the presence of the carrier.
Structural recognition of an optimized substrate for the ephrin family of receptor tyrosine kinases
Authors: Davis Tara L. , Walker John R. , Allali‐Hassani Abdellah , Parker Sirlester A. , Turk Benjamin E. , Dhe‐Paganon Sirano
Published: July 2009

Ephrin receptor tyrosine kinase A3 (EphA3, EC 2.7.10.1) is a member of a unique branch of the kinome in which downstream signaling occurs in both ligand‐ and receptor‐expressing cells. Consequently, the ephrins and ephrin receptor tyrosine kinases often mediate processes involving cell–cell contact, including cellular adhesion or repulsion, developmental remodeling and neuronal mapping. The receptor is also frequently overexpressed in invasive cancers, including breast, small‐cell lung and gastrointestinal cancers. However, little is known about direct substrates of EphA3 kinase and no chemical probes are available. Using a library approach, we found a short peptide sequence that is a good substrate for EphA3 and is suitable for co‐crystallization studies. Complex structures show multiple contacts between kinase and substrates; in particular, two residues undergo conformational changes and by mutation are found to be important for substrate binding and turnover. In addition, a difference in catalytic efficiency between EPH kinase family members is observed. These results provide insight into the mechanism of substrate binding to these developmentally integral enzymes.
Human Exposure to Triclosan via Toothpaste does not change CYP3A4 Activity or Plasma Concentrations of Thyroid Hormones
Authors: Allmyr Mats , Panagiotidis Georgios , Sparve Erik , Diczfalusy Ulf , Sandborgh‐Englund Gunilla
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Triclosan is an antibacterial compound commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products for everyday use. As previously shown, triclosan is found in the plasma, urine and milk from large parts of different human populations. Recent studies have revealed that triclosan is able to activate the human pregnane X receptor in vitro and thus possibly affecting metabolism of drugs in humans via the induction of CYP3A4. Besides, triclosan has been shown to affect thyroid hormonal levels in rats in vivo. In the present study, we investigated if an everyday exposure to triclosan via triclosan‐containing toothpaste for 14 days in 12 adult humans caused an increase in plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol, indicative of CYP3A4 induction, and/or alterations in thyroid hormonal status. The plasma triclosan concentrations increased from 0.009–0.81 ng/g to 26–296 ng/g (ranges) upon exposure. Despite this, there were no significant changes in plasma levels of either plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol or thyroid hormones during the exposure. This indicates that the normal use of triclosan‐containing toothpaste is not likely to alter metabolism of drugs via CYP3A4 induction or cause adverse events because of thyroid disturbances in humans.
Failure Waves and their Possible Roles in Determining Penetration Resistance of Glass
Authors: Bless Stephan J.
Published: July 2009

1
High‐velocity impact can produce failure waves in glass. Failure waves limit the speed at which a glass target can become comminuted. The resulting time dependence of strength is likely to influence resistance to ballistic penetration.
KERNEL EXTRACTION AND MACHINE EFFICIENCY IN DEHULLING PARBOILED AFRICAN BREADFRUIT (TRECULIA AFRICANA DECNE) WHOLE SEEDS
Authors: NWABUEZE T.U.
Published: July 2009

Parboiling and dehulling are two closely associated primary operations preceding African breadfruit (Treculia africana) seed kernel extraction and subsequent utilization in any food form. Three process variable conditions for parboiling the seeds (quantity of parboiled seeds, parboiling temperature and parboiling time) for dehulling and kernel extraction were investigated using a central composite design. The objectives of the research were to maximize kernel and extraction yields and dehulling and machine efficiencies through process variable combinations. Maximum kernel mass (91.33%) was obtained at the center point process combination (12 kg, 80C and 13 min, respectively). Extraction yield and total recovered wastes were 94.08 and 7.31%, while dehulling and machine efficiencies were 72.62 and 96.97%, respectively. Models developed by response surface analysis for these responses ranged from 62 to 93%. Temperature effects on kernel mass, extraction yield and total wastes were both linear and quadratic.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Dehulling operation, to a great extent, is dependent on parboiling process conditions. This research located the optimum combination of process variables that would lead to maximum kernel yield and machine efficiency using second‐order central composite design and response surface analysis. It also reported the ability of locally fabricated power‐driven commercial attrition mill, designed for grinding cereals and grain‐legumes, to thresh and dehull parboiled African breadfruit whole seeds. Because the seeds are extracted,parboiled and dehulled before their utilization in any food form, information obtained in this research would be needful not only to processors of African breadfruit seeds, but also to those processing grain‐legumes and other seeds requiring dehulling process before conversion into any food form.
Validity and reliability testing of the Oulu patient classification: instrument within primary health care for the older people
Authors: Frilund Marianne , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: July 2009

Aim.  The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of The Oulu Patient Classification (OPC) instrument to see whether the instrument that has been developed for hospital care is valid and useful within primary health care for older people.

Background.  Although different patient classification instruments have been under development since the 1960s, this is still a very important research area today.

Method.  Inter‐rater reliability testing of the OPC instrument was undertaken. The inter‐rater reliability was tested through parallel classification (n = 1722). Validity testing was conducted as an expert validation of the manual for the OPC instrument, using a questionnaire during June and July of 2005 (n = 61).

Results.  The inter‐rater reliability testing achieved over 70% consensus, Cohen’s Kappa showed a strong consensus for OPC classifications (0.65). The reliability measured with Cronbach’s Alpha was also acceptable.

Conclusion.  The results show that the OPC instrument provides a good overview of the patient’s care needs and is a reliable instrument within primary health care for older people.
Revision of the genus Coproptilia Snellen, with description of a new species from the Philippines (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae)
Authors: PARK Kyu‐Tek
Published: July 2009

Coproptilia Snellen is revised, with description of C. tawiensis sp. nov. from the Philippines (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae). At the same time, a lectotype of the type species of the genus, C. glebicolorella Snellen, is designated from the two syntypes collected from West Java. Photographs of adults for three known species of the genus and the male genitalia for the type species and new species are provided, with the forewing venation and tergites of the abdomen of the new species.