bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REP code: defining bacterial identity in extragenic space
Authors: Tobes Raquel , Ramos Juan‐Luis
Published: January 2005

Through the analysis of 57 bacterial genomes we have detected repetitive extragenic palindromic DNA sequences (REPs) in 11 species. For a sequence to be considered as REP, the following criteria should be met: (i) It should be extragenic, (ii) palindromic, (iii) of a length between 21 and 65 bases and (iv) should constitute more than 0.5% of the total extragenic space. Species‐specific REPs have been found in human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Neisseria meningitidis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Rickettsia conorii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the soil bacteria Deinococcus radiodurans, Pseudomonas putida and Sinorhizobium meliloti.
Seasonal and substrate preferences of fungi colonizing leaves in streams: traditional versus molecular evidence
Authors: Nikolcheva Liliya G. , Bärlocher Felix
Published: January 2005

Aquatic hyphomycetes are the main fungal decomposers of plant litter in streams. We compared the importance of substrate (three leaf species, wood) and season on fungal colonization. Substrates were exposed for 12 4‐week periods. After recovery, mass loss, fungal biomass and release of conidia by aquatic hyphomycetes were measured. Fungal communities were characterized by counting and identifying released conidia and by extracting and amplifying fungal DNA (ITS2), which was subdivided into phylotypes by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP). Mass loss, fungal biomass and reproduction were positively correlated with stream temperature. Conidial diversity was highest between May and September. Numbers of different phylotypes were more stable. Principal coordinate analyses (PCO) and canonical analyses of principal coordinates (CAP) of presence/absence data (DGGE bands, T‐RFLP peaks and conidial species) showed a clear seasonal trend (P≤ 0.002) but no substrate effect (P≥ 0.88). Season was also a significant factor when proportional similarities of conidial communities or relative intensities of DGGE bands were evaluated (P≤ 0.003). Substrate was a significant factor determining DGGE band intensities (P = 0.002), but did not significantly affect conidial communities (P = 0.50). Both traditional and molecular techniques suggest that strict exclusion of fungi by substrate type is rare, and that presence of different species or phylotypes is governed by season. Biomasses of the various taxa (based on DGGE band intensities) were related to substrate type.
Isolation and properties of a pure bacterial strain capable of fluorobenzene degradation as sole carbon and energy source
Authors: Carvalho M. F. , Ferreira Jorge R. , Pacheco C. C. , De Marco P. , Castro P. M. L.
Published: January 2005

A pure bacterial strain capable of aerobic biodegradation of fluorobenzene (FB) as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated by selective enrichment from sediments collected from a polluted site. 16S rRNA and fatty acid analyses support that strain F11 belongs to a novel genus within the α‐2 subgroup of the Proteobacteria, possibly within a new clade related to the order Rhizobiales. In batch cultures, growth of strain F11 on FB led to stoichiometric release of fluoride ion. Maximum experimental growth rate of 0.04 h−1 was obtained at FB concentration of 0.4 mM. Growth kinetics were described by the Luong model. An inhibitory effect with increasing FB concentrations was observed, with no growth occurring at concentrations higher than 3.9 mM. Strain F11 was shown to be able to use a range of other organic compounds, including other fluorinated compounds such as 2‐fluorobenzoate, 4‐fluorobenzoate and 4‐fluorophenol. To our knowledge, this is the first time biodegradation of FB, as the sole carbon and energy source, by a pure bacterium has been reported.
Orbitotomy for retrobulbar malignant fibrous histiocytoma in a dog
Authors: Lassaline Mary E. , Gelatt Kirk N. , Brooks Dennis E. , Ellison Gary W.
Published: January 2005

A retrobulbar malignant fibrous histiocytoma was diagnosed in a 12‐year‐old castrated male Keeshond dog. The mass was excised with a lateral orbitotomy and zygomatic arch resection. Vision was preserved in the affected eye, and no recurrence was noted up to 10 months postoperatively. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma originates from primitive mesenchymal stem cells. The malignant fibrous histiocytoma seen in our patient was most consistent with the storiform–pleomorphic variant, given the storiform arrangement of spindle cells, the presence of histiocytoid cells, and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, without giant cells. The metastatic potential of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in general, and the storiform variant in particular, is unknown. Seventeen months later the dog was presented to the referring veterinarian with anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss and bilateral purulent nasal exudates. The dog was euthanized without necropsy.
Canine ocular onchocerciasis in the United States: two new cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Zarfoss Mitzi K. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Eberhard Mark L. , Schmidt Kristiane S.
Published: January 2005

Since 1991, 53 cases of canine ocular onchocerciasis have been reported in the literature worldwide, 43 of these were from Greece, five from Hungary, and five from the western United States. Information on the histopathologic features of canine ocular onchocerciasis is limited. We describe the histopathologic features of canine ocular onchocerciasis in two dogs from California that presented clinically with firm episcleral nodules and uveitis unilaterally. Pertinent literature and pathogenesis are reviewed; recognizable clinical features and treatment are discussed. The cases presented were diagnosed via histopathology of the enucleated globes and episcleral granulomas at the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW). Positive identification of adultOnchocercawithin episcleral granulomas was made based on light‐microscopy features. Histopathologic examination of both globes revealed episcleral parasites surrounded by granulomas containing few to moderate numbers of eosinophils. Other sequelae, in both cases, included lymphoplasmacytic uveitis, preiridal fibrovascular membranes, peripheral anterior synechiae, retinal degeneration, and optic nerve head cupping. Both male and female worms were present, as werein uteromicrofilariae in both cases. Worms in both cases were tentatively identified asOnchocerca lienalis. Ocular onchocerciasis should be a differential consideration in cases of canine conjunctival nodules or periorbital swelling, particularly in dogs from the western United States.
Microvasculature of the hamster eye: scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Ninomiya Hiroyoshi , Inomata Tomo
Published: January 2005

The architecture of the retina, choroid and anterior eye segment was investigated in 12 Syrian hamsters using scanning electron micrographs of methylmethacrylate corrosion casts. The hamster eye receives its primary blood supply from the long posterior ciliary artery, which directly enters the optic nerve head, and divides into three branches: the central retinal artery and medial and lateral long posterior ciliary arteries. In the retina the central retinal artery divides into six radiating branches. Retinal arterioles form a slender and long course to capillaries. Retinal capillaries are extremely thin in diameter and form a sparse capillary network. The choroid is supplied by the long posterior ciliary arteries. Choroidal arterioles exhibit a thick and short course to the choriocapillaris. The choriocapillaris is thick and sinusoid‐like, forming a dense network in the choroid. The ciliary body, iris and bulbar conjunctiva are supplied by the anterior ciliary arteries, which are branches of the long posterior ciliary arteries. Capillaries supplying the anterior margin of the ciliary process are large in diameter with an irregular bore, forming a thoroughfare channel draining blood in the ciliary arterioles into the pars plana vessels. Blood from the retina is drained by the central retinal veins. Venules from the anterior eye segment empty into the vortex veins via the pars plana vessels. Venous blood from the choroid is drained only by vortex veins via the choroidal veins. The functional significance of the vascular architecture and species differences are discussed.
Zygomatic gland adenoma in a dog: histochemical and immunohistochemical evaluation
Authors: Giudice Chiara , Marco Rondena , Mirko Radice , Luca Mertel , Giorgio Cammarata
Published: January 2005

Orbital epithelial tumors in dogs are rare and most frequently malignant. Distinguishing their origin from the lacrimal or zygomatic gland is often challenging and is based mostly on tumor location. A case of adenoma involving the orbit in a 13‐year‐old, female, standard Schnauzer is reported. Histologically, the neoplasm was characterized by nests and cords of epithelial cells mostly forming small glandular structures. The origin of the tumor from the zygomatic gland was determined by histochemical characteristics (alcian blue pH 1 positive staining) of a small remnant of normal gland included within the tumor capsule. The benign nature of our finding was confirmed by follow‐up information: 2 years after complete surgical removal of the mass no tumor recurrence or metastases was recorded.
An immunohistochemical study of uveodermatologic syndrome in two Japanese Akita dogs
Authors: Carter Wallace J. , Crispin Sheila M. , Gould David J. , Day Michael J.
Published: January 2005

Materials Ocular and cutaneous tissues from two Japanese Akita dogs with uveodermatologic syndrome (UVD) were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis.

Results Light microscopic examination of the globes confirmed the presence of panuveitis of different severity in each case. The infiltrate was primarily granulomatous with prominent perivascular lymphoid aggregates. Melanophages were present throughout the affected areas, and there were scattered plasma cells. Immunohistochemistry using CD79a, CD3, MAC387 and MHC class II markers indicated that there were relatively few T lymphocytes and that most lymphocytes were of the B‐cell lineage. The two skin biopsies examined also appeared to represent different stages of cutaneous pathology. The biopsy from one case was consistent with the reported features of skin lesions of canine UVD syndrome, including granulomatous dermatitis with extensive T‐cell infiltration extending into the epidermis. In contrast, the skin lesion from the second case showed less inflammation, more pigmentary incontinence and evidence of dermal fibrosis. There was no immunoglobulin or complement deposition at any level within the cutaneous or ocular lesions.

Conclusions The findings of these two cases suggest that the skin lesions of these two dogs with UVD syndrome were mediated by T cells and macrophages (Th1 immunity), whereas the ocular lesions were more consistent with a B cell and macrophage response (Th2 immunity). This is, however, a preliminary investigation and these features may not be the same for all cases of UVD syndrome.
Cytologic findings, and feline herpesvirus DNA andChlamydophila felisantigen detection rates in normal cats and cats with conjunctival and corneal lesions
Authors: Volopich Sabine , Benetka Viviane , Schwendenwein Ilse , Möstl Karin , Sommerfeld‐Stur Irene , Nell Barbara
Published: January 2005

Samples were collected from 36 cats with feline herpesvirus (FHV‐1)‐related ocular disease (conjunctivitis, epithelial or stromal keratitis, or corneal sequestration), and 17 cats without ocular changes. Corneoconjunctival swabs, scrapings and biopsies were tested in various combinations for presence of FHV‐1 DNA using single round (sr) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR (nPCR). Additional swabs from the inferior conjunctival fornix were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay forChlamydophila felisantigen. Cytologic evaluation was carried out on conjunctival (cats with conjunctivitis) and corneal (cats with keratitis) cytobrush preparations. FHV‐1 DNA was detected by PCR in 14 (39%) cats with ocular disease and 1 (6%) of the control group. Agreement between srPCR and nPCR results was significant (P < 0.01). FHV‐1 DNA was detected in 3/7 cats with conjunctivitis, 5/6 cats with epithelial keratitis, 3/11 cats with stromal keratitis, and 3/12 cats with corneal sequestration. There was a significant association (P = 0.0027) between viral presence and epithelial keratitis. However, no significant association was found between viral presence and conjunctivitis (P = 0.059), stromal keratitis (P = 0.15), or corneal sequestration (P = 0.18). With respect to FHV‐1 DNA detection, intersample agreement was significant (P < 0.03). No sampling technique seemed more likely than another to harvest detectable viral DNA, except for cats with corneal sequestrum in which viral DNA was not detected using corneoconjunctival swabs. FHV‐1 DNA was detected in 6/9 samples with intranuclear inclusion bodies and in 6/7 cats with eosinophils on cytologic examination. All samples tested negative forC. felisantigen.
Survey of bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
Authors: Prado Marilena R. , Rocha Marcos F. G. , Brito Érika H. S. , Girão Marília D. , Monteiro André J. , Teixeira Maria F. S. , Sidrim José J. C.
Published: January 2005

Objective The ocular microflora in dogs has not been established in north‐east Brazil. Thus, the main aim of this research was to determine the bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.

Animals studied This study included 60 healthy dogs, 15 dogs with unilateral corneal ulcer, and three dogs with bilateral corneal ulcers.

Procedure Samples were taken by a calibrated platinum loop (1 µL) placed directly onto the conjunctival sac and on sterile blood agar. The clinical specimens were incubated at 37 °C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2for 48 h.

Results Of the 120 samples from healthy dogs, only 47 (39%) had positive culture for bacteria, while all of the specimens from eyes with corneal ulcer were positive for bacterial growth. The group of dogs with corneal ulcer had a higher (P < 0.05) number of colony‐forming units (CFU) per plate than the group of healthy animals. Of the 59 isolates from healthy eyes, only nine (15.3%) had more than 50 CFU per plate, while in the group of dogs with corneal ulcer, 23 (62.2%) of the 37 isolates presented more than 50 CFU per plate. In both groups Gram‐positive bacteria (86.5%) predominated over Gram‐negative (13.5%).Staphylococcusspp. was the most frequently isolated genus andS. intermediuspredominated in both groups.

Conclusion The results of our study are directly applicable to initiate rational, preventive and therapeutic measures with greater accuracy in dogs with corneal ulcer.
The effect of topical pimecrolimus on keratoconjunctivitis sicca and chronic superficial keratitis in dogs: results from an exploratory study
Authors: Nell Barbara , Walde Ingo , Billich Andreas , Vit Peter , Meingassner Josef G.
Published: January 2005

Objective Pimecrolimus is an ascomycin derivative that interferes selectively with the activation of T cells and mast cells and inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines. This study evaluated the efficacy of an experimental ophthalmic formulation of pimecrolimus in treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) in dogs.

Animals and procedures Eight dogs with KCS and six with CSK were included. The dogs were of various breeds, suffered from chronic conditions, and had been pretreated unsuccessfully. The affected eyes were treated with 1 drop of an experimental, corn oil‐based pimecrolimus 1% formulation three times a day. Parameters evaluated included Schirmer tear test (STT), ocular discharge, conjunctival inflammation, corneal inflammatory cell infiltrate and scarring, and comfort level.

Results The effect of pimecrolimus 1% was pronounced (increase in STT values to higher than 4 mm/min, no signs of inflammation) or moderate (increase in STT values of 3–4 mm/min, mild signs of corneal/conjunctival inflammation) in a total of 6/8 animals with KCS. In 4/6 animals with CSK, the effect was either pronounced (total regression of fibrovascular infiltration into the cornea, no corneal scarring) or moderate (distinct regression of pannus, mild corneal scarring). The response to treatment was unsatisfactory in four of 14 animals.

Conclusion Results of this exploratory study suggest that topical 1% pimecrolimus may be a new effective treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca and chronic superficial keratitis in dogs.
Mining Association Rules in Spatio‐Temporal Data: An Analysis of Urban Socioeconomic and Land Cover Change
Authors: Mennis Jeremy , Liu Jun Wei
Published: January 2005

This research demonstrates the application of association rule mining to spatio‐temporal data. Association rule mining seeks to discover associations among transactions encoded in a database. An association rule takes the form A→B where A (the antecedent) and B (the consequent) are sets of predicates. A spatio‐temporal association rule occurs when there is a spatio‐temporal relationship in the antecedent or consequent of the rule. As a case study, association rule mining is used to explore the spatial and temporal relationships among a set of variables that characterize socioeconomic and land cover change in the Denver, Colorado, USA region from 1970–1990. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)‐based data pre‐processing is used to integrate diverse data sets, extract spatio‐temporal relationships, classify numeric data into ordinal categories, and encode spatio‐temporal relationship data in tabular format for use by conventional (non‐spatio‐temporal) association rule mining software. Multiple level association rule mining is supported by the development of a hierarchical classification scheme (concept hierarchy) for each variable. Further research in spatio‐temporal association rule mining should address issues of data integration, data classification, the representation and calculation of spatial relationships, and strategies for finding ‘interesting’ rules.
The Visualisation of Uncertainty for Spatially Referenced Census Data Using Hierarchical Tessellations
Authors: Kardos Julian , Benwell George , Moore Antoni
Published: January 2005

This paper explains why it is vital to account for uncertainty when utilising socioeco‐nomic data in a GIS, focusing on a novel and intuitive method to visually represent the uncertainty. In common with other data, it is not possible to know exactly how far from the truth socioeconomic data are. Therefore, when such data are used in a decision‐making environment an approximate measure given for correctness of data is an essential component. This is illustrated, using choropleth mapping techniques on census data as an example. Both attribute and spatial uncertainty are considered, with Monte Carlo statistical simulations being used to model attribute uncertainty. An appropriate visualisation technique to manage certain choropleth issues and uncer‐tainty in census type data is introduced, catering for attribute and spatial uncertainty simultaneously. This is done using the output from hierarchical spatial data structures, in particular the region quadtree and the HoR (Hexagon or Rhombus) quadtree. The variable cell size of these structures expresses uncertainty, with larger cell size indicating large uncertainty, and vice versa. This technique is illustrated using the New Zealand 2001 census data, and the TRUST (The Representation of Uncertainty using Scale‐unspecific Tessellations) software suite, designed to show spatial and attribute uncertainty whilst simultaneously displaying the original data.
Frontier Technology, Absorptive Capacity and Distance*
Authors: Kneller Richard
Published: January 2005

Recent literature on international technology diffusion has demonstrated the positive effect in foreign country productivity on the domestic economy. Using a sample of Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) manufacturing industries we search for evidence that the effect of this foreign technology varies according to the level of absorptive capacity and physical distance. We find evidence that both help to explain differences in the level of productivity across countries, but that absorptive capacity is quantitatively more important. Physical distance had a greater effect at the start of the time period and in industries in which trade is local and technology is high‐tech.
Entrepreneurship and Post‐socialist Growth*
Authors: Berkowitz Daniel , DeJong David N.
Published: January 2005

We use a rich regional data set to obtain a statistical characterization of the relationship between entrepreneurial activity and economic growth within post‐Soviet Russia. Russia is a useful laboratory for evaluating links between entrepreneurial activity and growth because of the striking variation in initial conditions, the adoption of policy reforms, and entrepreneurial activity observed across its large number of regions in the early stages of transition. Russia has also experienced striking regional variation in subsequent growth. Conditional on variations in initial conditions and policy reform measures, regional entrepreneurial activity exhibits a statistically and quantitatively significant relationship with subsequent economic growth.
Analysis of Labour Participation Behaviour of Korean Women with Dynamic Probit and Conditional Logit*
Authors: Lee Myoung‐Jae , Tae Yoon‐Hee
Published: January 2005

We analyse the dynamic labour participation behaviour of Korean women. State dependence under unobserved heterogeneity is considered, where the heterogeneity may be unrelated, pseudo‐related, or arbitrarily related to regressors. Three minor methodological contributions are made: interaction terms with lagged response are allowed in dynamic conditional logit; a three‐stage algorithm for dynamic probit is proposed; and treating the initial response as fixed is shown to be ill‐advised. The state dependence is about 0.6 ×  SD(error), higher for the married or junior college‐educated, and lower for women in their twenties and thirties. While education increases participation, college education has negative effects for women in their forties or above. Marriage has a high negative short‐term effect but a positive long‐term effect.
Analysing Misleading Discrete Responses: A Logit Model Based on Misclassified Data*
Authors: Caudill Steven B. , Mixon Franklin G.
Published: January 2005

This study presents an alternative to direct questioning and randomized response approaches to obtain survey information about sensitive issues. The approach used here is based on a logit model that can be used when survey data on the dependent variable are misclassified. The method is applied to a direct survey of undergraduate cheating behaviour. Student responses may not always be truthful. In particular, a student claiming to be a non‐cheater may actually be a cheater. The results indicate that the incidence of cheating in our sample is approximately 70% rather than the self‐reported value of 51%.
Giant nevus lipomatosus superficialis with multiple folliculosebaceous cystic hamartomas and dermoid cysts
Authors: Brasanac D , Boricic I
Published: January 2005

Nevus lipomatosus superficialis (NLS) is a rare benign condition characterized by papules and nodules usually in the pelvic and sacral areas, with ectopic mature adipose tissue reaching the superficial dermis. We report the case of a 47‐year‐old female with large NLS in the sacral region that had been present since birth and, after an asymptomatic course for most of the time, became associated with episodes of mild pain that prompted the patient to look for medical help. After a complete resection of the cerebriform plaque, measuring 23 cm in diameter, histopathological examination revealed typical NLS architecture in as yet undescribed association with multiple folliculosebaceous cystic hamartomas (FCHs) and dermoid cysts.
Reiter syndrome accompanied by Terry nail
Authors: Coskun BK , Saral Y , Ozturk P , Coskun N
Published: January 2005

We present a case of Reiter syndrome (RS) associated with Terry nail in a 32‐year‐old male patient who also had subungual keratosis and onycholysis. The case had all the characteristic findings of complete RS including urethritis, conjunctivitis, arthritis and skin lesions, and based on these findings a clinical diagnosis was established. The patient complained of milky‐white coloured leakage that was more frequent in the mornings, and dysuria. Urinary analysis revealed leucocytes and erythrocytes. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values were high. The case was considered as RS due to gonococcic urethritis. However, there was no growth in the culture. Self‐report of the patient revealed that he had had continued symptoms and 9 months after the development of RS he developed Terry nail. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of RS associated with Terry nail.
Novel pharmacological approaches in the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Schleyer V , Landthaler M , Szeimies R‐M
Published: January 2005

Progress in the understanding of psoriasis as a T‐cell mediated inflammatory disease has led to the development of new immunomodulatory therapies. Currently the main focus is on the so‐called biologics (or biological agents), including fusion proteins, monoclonal antibodies, cytokines and selective receptors. They mainly target single steps in the complex cascade of humoral and cellular inflammatory immunomechanisms that finally lead to the accelerated growth of epidermal and vascular cells in the psoriatic lesions. The most promising and advanced biological agents are discussed along with their influence on the critical pathophysiological steps in psoriasis, including depletion of T cells, blockade of initial T‐cell activation and T‐cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, blockade of costimulatory signals and T‐cell proliferative signals as well as restoration of the T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 balance by diminishing type 1 cytokines and administration of type 2 cytokines. In addition to the biological agents, further development of ‘classical’ dermatological therapies, such as retinoids, or the discovery of new indications for non‐dermatological agents contribute to the novel pharmacological approaches in the treatment of psoriasis.
An amalgam tattoo on the oral mucosa related to a dental prosthesis
Authors: Martín JM , Nagore E , Cremades A , Botella‐Estrada R , Sanmartín O , Sevila A , Requena C , Serra‐Guillén C , Guillén C
Published: January 2005

A 60‐year‐old woman presented with a pigmented lesion on the upper left gingival mucosa of 2 years duration. The lesion was in an area where a dental metallic prosthesis had been inserted into a nearby tooth several years earlier. A biopsy of the affected mucosa showed aggregates of pigmented granules varying in size in the dermis, extracellular matrix and within macrophages; these did not stain with melanin stains. The diagnosis was consistent with an amalgam tattoo.
Ofuji papuloerythroderma evolving to cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Martínez‐Barranca ML , Muñoz‐Pérez MA , García‐Morales I , Fernández‐Crehuet JL , Segura J , Camacho F
Published: January 2005

Ofuji papuloerythroderma is an uncommon entity of unknown aetiology, characterized by a pruritic eruption of widespread, red–brown, flat papules that leads to spare skin folds. A number of cases have been described associated with tumour pathology, mainly cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. We report a new case of Ofuji papuloerythroderma evolving to cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma in an 85‐year‐old woman who had been previously diagnosed with papuloerythroderma 7 years previously.
Atypical presentations of pityriasis rosea: case presentations
Authors: Chuh A , Zawar V , Lee A
Published: January 2005

Atypical cases of pityriasis rosea (PR) are fairly common and less readily recognized than typical eruptions. We present four patients for whom we believe atypical PR is the most likely diagnosis. A 33‐year‐old man had purpuric lesions bilaterally on the legs with classical rash on the trunk. A 28‐year‐old woman had intensely pruritic and urticarial lesions. A 10‐year‐old girl had hundreds of small papular lesions 1–3 mm in size. A pregnant woman aged 26 had oral haemorrhagic ulcers with classical PR eruption on her trunk. The oral ulcers erupted and remitted at the same time as the generalized eruption. We reviewed the literature and proposed a classification based on rash morphology, rash size, rash distribution, number of lesions, site of lesions, severity of symptoms and course of the eruption. We believe that it is difficult to make a clear division to define typical and atypical PR, and that it is important not to ascribe any unusual or atypical skin eruption with PR unless other dermatoses have been excluded.
Allergic contact dermatitis in children
Authors: Fernández Vozmediano JM , Armario Hita JC
Published: January 2005

Introduction  Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is equally as likely in infancy as in adulthood, and represents 20% of all cases of dermatitis in children. Its true prevalence and incidence are, however, unknown.

Materials and methods  We have conducted a retrospective study over 10 years of a group of patients aged 15 years or less, with clinical suspicion of ACD. Patch tests were performed in accordance with the standards of the GEIDC.

Results  The study covered 96 patients with a mean age of 10.57 ± 0.67 years. The zones most frequently affected by eczemas were those of diffuse distribution (28% of patients) and of the hands (27%). We found at least one positive response in 52% of the cases. The most frequent allergens were thiomersal (21%), mercury (19%) and nickel (18%). We have found a statistically significant association between age of less than 15 years and positive response to thiomersal [P < 0.01; OR: 8.5 with confidence interval (CI) 95%: 5.08 < odds ratio (OR) < 14.20] and mercury (P < 0.01; OR: 4.38 with CI 95%: 3.02 < OR < 6.33).

Conclusions  With increasing age, nickel takes the place of the mercurials as the principal allergen.
Brivudin compared with famciclovir in the treatment of herpes zoster: effects in acute disease and chronic pain in immunocompetent patients. A randomized, double‐blind, multinational study
Authors: Wassilew SW
Published: January 2005

Objective  This was a double‐blind, randomized multicentre trial comparing efficacy and safety of brivudin (125 mg, once a day) and famciclovir (250 mg, three times a day), both given orally for 7 days, in the treatment of herpes zoster.

Methods  A total of 2027 immunocompetent zoster patients ≥ 50 years with zoster‐related pain at presentation were included. Outcome measures embraced prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), defined as at least moderate pain 3 months after treatment initiation, duration of PHN, prevalence and duration of zoster‐associated pain (ZAP), duration of vesicle formation and rash healing.

Results  The prevalence of PHN at month 3 was 11.3% with brivudin and 9.6% with famciclovir [per‐protocol (PP) population]. Equivalence of the two drugs could be demonstrated (P = 0.01, PP and intention‐to‐treat analysis). The median duration of PHN was 46.5 days with brivudin and 58 days with famciclovir (P = 0.54, PP analysis). Prevalence and duration of ZAP did not differ significantly between treatment groups. The prevalence of PHN was higher in patients ≥ 65 years (brivudin: 16.4%, famciclovir: 16.4%), and in patients with severe rash (brivudin: 13.4%, famciclovir: 15.7%), without significant differences between treatment groups. In patients ≥ 65 years, median duration of PHN was shorter with brivudin than with famciclovir (39.5 vs. 57.5 days), although the difference was not statistically significant. The two drugs had equivalent efficacy in being able to accelerate the stop of vesicle formation, and lesion healing. Adverse events were similar in nature and prevalence among groups.

Conclusions  The study demonstrated equivalent efficacy of brivudin and famciclovir in the treatment of herpes zoster regarding the prevention of chronic pain and the resolution of signs and symptoms of acute herpes zoster. Compared with famciclovir, brivudin provides equivalent efficacy and safety at a more convenient once‐daily dose schedule.
Quality of life in vitiligo patients after treatment with long‐term narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy
Authors: Tjioe M , Otero ME , Van De Kerkhof PCM , Gerritsen MJP
Published: January 2005

Long‐term treatments for chronic diseases such as vitiligo need to be evaluated for their clinical efficacy. Assessment of the quality of life (QOL), however, may provide the most relevant information on the actual benefit for these patients. In this study we evaluated QOL after long‐term narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B for the treatment of vitiligo. All patients, with long‐term stable vitiligo vulgaris, who were treated at our clinic during the last 4 years received specifically for this study a designed QOL questionnaire, which included questions about general well‐being, camouflage and psychosocial aspects; 71.4% of the patients responded. Most patients indicated an improvement on a psychological level, but an increase in camouflaging. The present study shows that, after long‐term narrowband UVB phototherapy, skin appearance does not play a major role in the life of vitiligo patients, while well being only improved in a minority of patients.
Evaluation of extensive initial staging procedure in intermediate/high‐risk melanoma patients
Authors: Vereecken P , Laporte M , Petein M , Steels E , Heenen M
Published: January 2005

Introduction  Early diagnosis and treatment of metastases have been shown to improve overall survival of melanoma patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of extensive initial staging, including positron emission tomography (PET) scan on the management of melanoma patients.

Patients and methods  Forty‐three patients with intermediate/poor prognosis primary melanoma benefited from complementary excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLB) after clinical and paraclinical staging (computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance and whole body fluorodeoxyglucose PET scan).

Results  No systemic metastases were demonstrated, while the SLB procedure emphasized the presence of regional lymph node metastases in 10 patients as suggested by the PET scan in four patients (sensitivity of the PET scan 40%). These 10 patients with early diagnosed lymph node involvement benefited from early surgery and were included in adjuvant treatment protocols. A secondary primary cancer was fortuitously diagnosed and treated early in two patients.

Conclusions  The development of new adjuvant therapies and therapeutic procedures (specific and non‐specific immunotherapy, gamma‐knife radiosurgery, etc.) now raises the relevance of extensive staging in intermediate/poor prognosis melanoma patients. We confirm in our series that PET scan is not useful to detect micrometastasis and cannot replace SLB in initial regional staging. However, we show in our study that 12 of 43 patients were treated early or were included early in treatment protocols thanks to the extensive staging procedure. Nevertheless, it seems important to evaluate through larger prospective trials the real impact of these early diagnoses and new treatments on overall survival before defining new diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines.
Immunoglobulin, complement and epidermal transglutaminase deposition in the cutaneous vessels in dermatitis herpetiformis
Authors: Preisz K , Sárdy M , Horváth A , Kárpáti S
Published: January 2005

Background  Recently, epidermal transglutaminase (TG) has been identified within the papillary IgA granules in dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). Although IgA type autoantibodies to tissue and epidermal TGs are characteristic serological markers for DH, these antibodies do not bind to normal papillary skin structures.

Aims  To test the possibility of IgA immune complex precipitation within the vessel walls as a first step in the pathogenesis of skin symptoms, we analysed immunoglobulin, complement, and epidermal TG deposition along the vascular system of DH skin.

Methods  Punch biopsy specimen were taken from 116 DH patients’ skin, and evaluated for the presence of vascular immune precipitates by direct immunofluorescence. Skin samples from 16 DH patients were also studied for tissue and epidermal TGs.

Results  In 74 (64%) of the 116 DH skin studied, significant vascular staining accompanied the DH‐specific granular IgA fluorescence (IgA and C3 in 39 patients; IgA alone in 18; IgA, C3 and IgM together in five; IgM alone in 12). In most cases (92%), the precipitates were detected in the small vessels of the papillary dermis; however, a subpapillary vascular fluorescence was also observed in a few patients (8%). Skin IgA colocalized with epidermal TG in the vessel walls and within the scattered papillary peri‐ and intervascular DH bodies. Tissue TG did not colocalize either with the immunoglobulins or with the complement precipitates of the dermis. Furthermore, we could not detect keratinocyte TG in the DH bodies nor in the vessel walls.

Conclusions  These findings support possible immune complex precipitation in the vessel walls of DH skin and further confirm the significance of epidermal but not tissue TG in the pathomechanism of skin symptoms.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of itraconazole in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Nassiri‐Kashani M , Firooz A , Khamesipour A , Mojtahed F , Nilforoushzadeh M , Hejazi H , Bouzari N , Dowlati Y
Published: January 2005

Background  Several modalities have been used for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with various results. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown inhibitory effects of azole drugs on Leishmania parasites.

Objectives  To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral itraconazole in the treatment of CL caused by L. major.

Methods  A total of 200 patients with parasitologically confirmed CL with a duration of less than 45 days from a well known L. major endemic area were included in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. The patients received either itraconazole 200 mg daily (100 patients) or placebo (100 patients) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measures were clinical cure (complete re‐epithelization of all lesions) and parasitological cure at the end of the treatment.

Results  Eighty‐three patients in the itraconazole and 75 patients in the placebo group completed the treatment course. After 8 weeks of treatment, clinical cure was observed in 59% and 53% and parasitological cure was observed in 83% and 76% of patients in the itraconazole and placebo groups, respectively, which were not significantly different. There was no difference in the rate of adverse events.

Conclusions  An 8‐week course of oral itraconazole was not more effective than placebo in the treatment of CL.
Influence of the rate of contrast change on the quality of contrast sensitivity assessment: a comparison of three psychophysical methods
Authors: Nio Y. K. , Jansonius N. M. , Lamers P. , Mager A. , Zeinstra J. , Kooijman A. C.
Published: January 2005

Criterion‐free forced‐choice procedures for measuring contrast sensitivity with a cathode ray tube (CRT) have low within‐subject, intersubject, and test–retest variabilities, but a long test time compared with psychophysical methods that rely on the subject's criterion to determine threshold. Test time and variability of criterion‐dependent methods depend on the rate at which the contrast changes on the CRT display. This study compared two criterion‐dependent psychophysical methods for measuring contrast sensitivity (the method of increasing contrast and the von Békésy tracking method) with a criterion‐free two‐alternative forced‐choice procedure. A range of rates of contrast change was studied: 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 log unit s−1. Contrast sensitivity, within‐subject variability, intersubject variability, test–retest variability, and test time of the three methods were compared. The 2‐AFC procedure performed best with regard to within‐subject, intersubject, and test–retest variabilities. A time‐efficient alternative was the von Békésy tracking method at rates between 0.1 and 0.5 log unit s−1.
Reduction of artefact in scatter plots of spherocylindrical data
Authors: Harris W. F.
Published: January 2005

Round‐off of spherocylindrical powers, to multiples of 0.25 D (for example) in the case of sphere and cylinder, and 1 or 5° in the case of axis, represents a type of distortion of the data. The result can be artefacts in graphical representations, which can mislead the researcher. Lines and clusters can appear, some caused by moiré effects, which have no deeper significance. Furthermore artefacts can obscure meaningful information in the data including bimodality and other forms of departure from normality. A process called unrounding is described which largely eliminates these artefacts; each rounded power is replaced by a power chosen randomly from the powers that make up what is called the error cell of the rounded power.
Spatio‐temporal selectivity of loss of colour and luminance contrast sensitivity with multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis
Authors: Flanagan Patrick , Markulev Connie
Published: January 2005

Colour and luminance‐contrast thresholds were measured in the presence of dynamic Random Luminance‐contrast Masking (RLM) in individuals who had had past diagnoses of optic neuritis (ON) some of whom have progressed to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). To explore the spatio‐temporal selectivity of chromatic and luminance losses in MS/ON, thresholds were measured using three different sizes and modulation rates of the RLM displays: small checks modulating slowly, medium‐sized checks with moderate modulation and large checks modulating rapidly. The colour of the chromatic stimuli used were specified in a cone‐excitation space to measure relative impairments in red–green and blue–yellow chromatic channels. These observers showed chromatic thresholds along the L/(L + M) axis that were higher than those along the S‐cone axis for all display sizes/modulation rates and both red‐green and blue‐yellow colour thresholds were higher than luminance‐contrast thresholds. The principal change in thresholds with spatio‐temporal changes in the display was a reduction in thresholds for L/(L + M) and S‐cones with increasing check size and modulation rate. However, luminance contrast thresholds did not change with display size/rate. These results are consistent with MS/ON selectively affecting processing in colour pathways rather than in the magnocellular pathway, and that within the colour pathways neurones with opposed L‐ and M‐cone inputs are more damaged than colour‐opponent neurons with input from S‐cones.
Prospects for Mexican Civil Society
Authors: Merchant David , Rich Paul
Published: January 2005

The now much debated role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the ongoing democratization of Mexico involves global issues such as trust, social capital, and volunteerism. How applicable the work of Robert Putnam on civil society is to Latin America, and how central associationalism will be to Mexico's future are a focus of this study of the policies that may promote democratic consolidation and ameliorate Mexico's “civic deficit” in a time when the place of the state in Mexican society is being reexamined.
Mexican Intellectuals and Policy Alternation (2000–2004)
Authors: Bilbao Luis Ochoa
Published: January 2005

The political and intellectual landscape of Mexico has been changed by two dramatic events: a new democratic experience, with the triumph of Vicente Fox in the presidential elections of the year 2000; and the relevant role that intellectuals are playing in public opinion. Soon, the democratic experience turned from illusion to deception, basically because Mexican political culture still is authoritarian, and this is something Mexican intellectuals could not accept. Their critics point out that democracy in Mexico is as new as it is weak, and Fox's government has been attacked in the media as no other president in recent history.
Tourism and Policy in Preserving Minority Languages and Culture: The Cuetzalan Experience
Authors: Greathouse‐Amador Louisa M.
Published: January 2005

This article outlines the sociolinguistic environment in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico, and how the evolution of tourism influenced, in what appears to be a positive way, the preservation and maintenance of Nahuat, the language spoken by the Nahua Indians of this area. There are many remarkable consequences to this story, however, this article will concentrate on the principal movers, indigenous women, and how their proactive solution to economic hardship led to language preservation. With the focus on language usage, much of the community culture and traditions are recovered and revivified. This study focuses on the situation of a particular group of Nahua women who joined together and formed an economic cooperative to improve their very limited existence. Through diligent work with an implicit policy of self‐determination, they succeeded in organizing themselves into different work areas as well as investing time to educate themselves. A majority of the women began promoting tourism and in return tourism appears to have been a very important factor that motivated them to revive and maintain their language, culture, and traditions.
Opus Dei and Mexico: Civil but Sinister?
Authors: De Los Reyes Guillermo , Rich Paul
Published: January 2005

Are voluntary organizations an essential ingredient of democratization, and if so, does that include the vast number of voluntary organizations, such as the Opus Dei, which appear to be authoritarian in their internal affairs? Do groups whose goals and internal structure have little relationship to the nurturing of democracy nevertheless contribute to a democratic culture? Discussing such questions is one of the main burdens of this article, which on that respect is a contribution to the now‐growing volume of literature about political transition from authoritarianism to democracy. The problems presented by such groups as Opus Dei are an illustrative case in weighing the contributions of Latin American volunteerism to democratization. The Catholic Church has had a more than passing interest in which nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) would be successful in Mexico and which would not. It has encouraged some NGOs—Opus Dei being, we think, a strong case in point.