bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persuasive Writing in Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Authors: Nippold Marilyn A. , Ward-Lonergan Jeannene M. , Fanning Jessica L. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose:Persuasive writing is a demanding task that requires the use of complex language to analyze, discuss, and resolve controversies in a way that is clear, convincing, and considerate of diverse points of view. This investigation examined selected aspects of later language development in the context of persuasive writing. The purpose of the study was to obtain current information that could be used to design collaborative instruction involving speech-language pathologists and classroom teachers. In schools today, these professionals often work closely together to facilitate students’ language development, including their ability to write persuasively.Method:Persuasive writing was investigated in typically developing children, adolescents, and adults (N=180) whose mean ages were 11, 17, and 24 years, respectively. Each participant wrote an essay on the controversial topic of animals being trained to perform in circuses. Following this, the essays were examined in detail, focusing on selected aspects of syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic development.Results:Performance improved in each of these domains during the years between childhood and adulthood. Age-related changes included gradual increases in essay length; mean length of utterance; relative clause production; and the use of literate words, including adverbial conjuncts (e.g.,typically, however, finally), abstract nouns (e.g.,longevity, respect, kindness), and metalinguistic and metacognitive verbs (e.g.,reflect, argue, disagree). In addition, older writers produced a greater number of different reasons in their essays and were more likely to acknowledge diverse points of view as compared to younger writers, thereby evidencing greater flexibility of thought.Clinical Implications:The study offers useful implications for speech-language pathologists and classroom teachers working together to improve students’ persuasive writing skills. Suggestions are offered for ways to accomplish this by focusing on key aspects of later language development in the areas of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
A Clinical Method for the Detection and Quantification of Quick Respiratory Hyperkinesia
Authors: Hixon Thomas J. , Hoit Jeannette D. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose
Quick respiratory hyperkinesia can be difficult to detect with the naked eye. A clinical method is described for the detection and quantification of quick respiratory hyperkinesia.

Method
Flow at the airway opening is sensed during spontaneous apnea (rest), voluntary breath holding (postural fixation), and voluntary volume displacement (intentional movement). The method is designed to reveal quick respiratory hyperkinesia independent of the function of the larynx and/or upper airway. Theory underlying the method is discussed, and a protocol is offered for clinical use.

Conclusions
This method may be useful to neurologists, pulmonologists, and speech-language pathologists. Because it depends on nonspeech observations, its application to speech and/or voice production must be inferred.
Listener Perception of Respiratory-Induced Voice Tremor
Authors: Farinella Kimberly A. , Hixon Thomas J. , Hoit Jeannette D. , Story Brad H. , Jones Patricia A. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the relation of respiratory oscillation to the perception of voice tremor.

Method
Forced oscillation of the respiratory system was used to simulate variations in alveolar pressure such as are characteristic of voice tremor of respiratory origin. Five healthy men served as speakers, and 6 clinically experienced women served as listeners. Speakers produced utterances while forced sinusoidal pressure changes were applied to the surface of the respiratory system. Utterances included vowels and sentences produced using usual loudness, pitch, quality, and rate, and vowels produced using different loudness, pitch, and quality. Perceptual tasks included detection threshold for voice tremor and pair comparison judgments in which listeners identified the sample with the greater magnitude of voice tremor.

Results

The mean detection threshold for voice tremor was 1.37 cmH
2
O (
SD
= 0.47) for vowel utterances and 2.16 cmH
2
O (
SD
= 1.52) for sentence utterances. Tremor magnitude was judged to be different for vowel and sentence utterances, but not for different vowels. Results revealed differential effects for loudness, pitch, and quality.

Conclusions
These findings offer implications for the evaluation and management of voice tremor of respiratory causation.
Healthcare-Associated Myiasis: Prevention and Intervention
Authors: Sherman Ronald A. , Roselle Gary , Bills Carol , Danko Linda H. , Eldridge Noel 
Published: April 2006

AbstractHealthcare-associated myiasis (maggot infestation) can have complications that go well beyond the medical consequences of the infestation for patients, their families, and facilities. Prevention of healthcare-associated myiasis requires effort on two fronts: minimizing patient risk factors and reducing fly populations in the healthcare environment. If myiasis occurs, intervention must be swift, thorough, and interdisciplinary. The first priority always is the well-being of the patient. Preservation and identification of the maggots can help determine the likely timing and circumstances that led to the infestation. Conditions favoring the infestation must be identified and then corrected. Free and rapid communication must be promoted. A single designated knowledgeable spokesperson to communicate with the patient, employees, and, as needed, the media will reduce mis-communication and hasten mitigation. Following the guidelines presented in this document, healthcare facilities should be able to reduce the likelihood of healthcare-associated myiasis and effectively intervene when such events occur.
Preparing for Pandemic Influenza: Should Hospitals Stockpile Oseltamivir?
Authors: Cinti Sandro , Chenoweth Carol , Monto Arnold S. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Asia has reignited concerns about an influenza pandemic. It is clear that influenza vaccine will be in short supply (or nonexistent) early in an influenza pandemic. Without vaccine, the role of antiviral agents, especially oseltamivir, in treatment and prophylaxis is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the government cannot possibly stockpile enough oseltamivir to provide long-term prophylaxis or treatment for every healthcare worker in the United States. We think that hospitals should consider stockpiling oseltamivir, and we provide a strategy for doing so at a reasonable cost.
Influenza Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers in a University Children's Hospital
Authors: Tapiainen Terhi , Bär Gurli , Schaad Urs B. , Heininger Ulrich 
Published: April 2006

AbstractObjectives:To evaluate the attitudes of pediatric healthcare workers (HCWs) toward influenza vaccination and to increase their rate of immunization.Methods:A survey was conducted among pediatric HCWs using an anonymous questionnaire. Survey results were used to design an intervention to increase the immunization rate of staff. Immunization rates before (2003-2004) and after (2004-2005) intervention were assessed using immunization clinic records.Setting:A university children's hospital in Switzerland.Interventions:(1) An informational letter based on misconceptions noted in the survey, (2) educational conversations with head nurses, (3) more “walk-in” immunization clinics, and (4) a direct offer of influenza immunization on the wards.Results:Among vaccine nonrecipients, doubts about the efficacy and necessity of influenza immunization were prevalent and more often reported by nurses than physicians (75% vs 41%, P = .002; and 55% vs 23%, P = .001, respectively). Physicians more often than nurses reported lack of time as a reason for not receiving influenza vaccination (23% vs 5%, P = .01). After intervention, the immunization rate of HCWs increased from 19% to 24% (P = .03). The immunization rate of physicians increased from 43% to 64% (P = .004). No change was noted among nurses (13% vs 14%) and other HCWs (16% vs 16%).Conclusions:Misconceptions about influenza vaccination were prevalent among pediatric staff, particularly nurses. Active promotion and educational efforts were successful in increasing the immunization rate of physicians but not nurses and other HCWs.
Awake fibrecapnic intubation: a novel technique for intubation in head and neck cancer patients with a difficult airway*
Authors: Huitink J. M. , Buitelaar D. R. , Schutte P. F. E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAwake fibreoptic intubation is the gold standard for difficult airway management but failures are reported in the literature in up to 13% of cases. In case of failure, a tracheotomy is often indicated. We describe a novel technique for intubation in head and neck cancer patients with a difficult airway that we call awake fibrecapnic intubation. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of this technique. We studied prospectively 15 consecutive intubations in head and neck cancer patients before diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedures. After topical anaesthesia, a fibrescope was introduced into the pharynx. Spontaneous respiration was maintained in all patients. Through the suction channel of the fibrescope a special suction catheter was advanced into the airway for carbon dioxide measurements. When four capnograms were obtained, the fibrescope was railroaded over the catheter and after identification of tracheal rings, a tracheal tube was placed. Tracheal intubation was successful in all patients without bleeding or complications, with a median (range) time to intubation of 3 (2–15) min. Identification of the vocal cords and glottis was difficult in four patients due to extensive anatomical abnormalities or poor visibility; even in these patients, a capnogram was obtained within 4 s.
Effects of smoking on cardiopulmonary baroreceptor activation and peripheral vascular resistance
Authors: Arosio E. , De Marchi S. , Rigoni A. , Prior M. , Lechi A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPatients and Methods  We studied 16 healthy smokers and 16 nonsmokers acting as controls. We subjected smokers and nonsmokers to cardiopulmonary baroreceptor stimulation by studying forearm and common carotid haemodynamic and sympathovagal balance. Smokers repeated the tests after smoking one cigarette. Smokers and controls were subjected to passive elevation of the legs and the trunk in a horizontal position with pressure monitoring and measurement of the calibre and flow in the brachial and common carotid arteries using a colourDoppler ultrasound. We calculated forearm resistance and carotid wall tension. We also studied R‐R variability, calculating the ratio between low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) R‐R interval variability.Results  During stimulation diastolic blood pressure values decreased in controls and in smokers at rest. After smoking one cigarette, smokers showed an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as in the heart rate during stimulation. Humeral artery increased the calibre during stimulation in both groups; after cigarette smoking the calibre declined throughout the study phases. Forearm resistance decreased in both groups during stimulation at rest, but increased after cigarette smoking. The LF/HF ratio decreased during stimulation in both groups, and it increased at rest after smoking. Carotid diameter did not change in either group, and wall tension increased in smokers after smoking one cigarette.Conclusions  Smoking one cigarette increases resistance, impairs baroreflex and increases carotid wall tension in mild smokers. These findings may explain the higher rate of a cardiovascular event in smokers.
The specific JNK inhibitor SP600125 targets tumour necrosis factor‐α production and epithelial cell apoptosis in acute murine colitis
Authors: Assi Kiran , Pillai Rex , Gómez‐Muñoz Antonio , Owen David , Salh Baljinder 
Published: April 2006

SummaryStress‐activated protein kinases (SAPKs) are activated in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recently it has been demonstrated that p38MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein kinase) inhibition using SB203580 is effective in reducing disease in both dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced and 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS)‐induced murine colitides, underscoring the importance of this pathway in gastrointestinal inflammation. However, the contribution of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in intestinal inflammation is unknown. Based on the known involvement of JNK in tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) expression and in mediating the effects of oxidant stress, we hypothesized that JNK inhibition would also affect colitis. Our studies in mice with DSS‐induced colitis treated with the JNK inhibitor SP600125, indicate that there is a significant reduction in wasting as well as a significant reduction in histological damage scores. Both total colonic and mesenteric lymphocyte CD3/CD28‐stimulated TNF‐α levels were dramatically reduced under the same circumstances. This was associated with a reduction in JNK protein expression and activity, as well as a reduction in AP‐1 DNA binding with SP600125. Interestingly, there were no apparent changes in either p38MAPK or p42/44ERKs. Immunofluorescence of the colon for the active form of JNK revealed a prominent signal arising from the infiltrating inflammatory cells. SP600125 reduced this as well as, specifically, macrophage infiltration. Strikingly, we also demonstrate reduced epithelial cell apoptosis in response to treatment with SP600125. We conclude that specific inhibition of JNK is beneficial in the DSS model of colitis, and may be of value in human IBD.
Photomaximization test for identifying photoallergic contact sensitizers
Authors: Kaidbey Kays H. , Kligman Albert M. 
Published: April 2006

The photomaximization procedure was designed to identify topical photocontact sensitizers following the format of the maximization test for contact sensitizers. The test agent is applied for 24 hours followed by exposure to three Minimal Erythema Doses (MED) of solar simulated radiation twice weekly for 3 weeks (six exposures) in a panel of 25 white Caucasoids.The subjects are challenged 2 weeks later with 4.0 J/cm2 of long‐wave ultraviolet radiation (UV‐A).Photocontact sensitization was induced to 3,3′,4′,5‐tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCSA); dibromosalicylanilide (DBS) but not to tribromosalicylanilide unless the latter was contaminated with DBS. Jadit and bithionol were weak photoallergens. The highest rate of sensitization was given by 6‐methylcoumarin, a widely used synthetic fragrance. Hexachlorophene and trichlorocarbanilide were negative.
Within‐population variation in hybridisation and transgene transfer between wild Brassica rapa and Brassica napus in the UK
Authors: Pallett D.W. , Huang L. , Cooper J.I. , Wang H. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSeveral studies in Europe and North America have shown that cultivated Brassica napus will readily hybridise with wild Brassica rapa but at widely different frequencies. To understand the implications of this phenomenon with regard to transgene flow, we examined the rate at which cultivated B. napus cv. Westar containing a capsid (coat protein, CP)‐coding sequence from Turnip mosaic virus (Potyvirus) hybridised under glasshouse conditions with wild B. rapa from Culham, in Oxfordshire, UK. We found that the hybridisation rate, as judged using simple sequence repeat (SSR)‐PCR and primer oligonucleotides specific for either the C or the A genomes in progeny from individual crosses varied from 5% to 100%. In hybrids (F1 progeny), transgene transfer was always observed (inferred by SSR‐PCR) when hybrids were detected. Our observations revealed a hitherto unrecorded source of variability in transgene flow to wild UK B. rapa.
DETECTION OF VIBRIO ALGINOLYTICUS AND VIBRIO PARAHAEMOLYTICUS IN SHELLFISH SAMPLES USING COLLAGENASE‐TARGETED MULTIPLEX‐PCR
Authors: DI PINTO ANGELA , CICCARESE GIUSEPPINA , FONTANAROSA MARIA , TERIO VALENTINA , TANTILLO GIUSEPPINA 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT The increase of Vibrio infections especially associated with the consumption of contaminated seafood and fish underlines the necessity of an efficient monitoring system for Vibrio spp. supported by appropriate detection tools both in food products and in clinical samples. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the reliability of the collagenase‐targeted multiplex‐polymerase chain reaction (m‐PCR) for the detection of Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shellfish samples enriched in alkaline peptone water (APW). The coupling of a pre‐enrichment phase of the samples with the specificity of the PCR‐based assay was applied successfully to the detection of V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus, demonstrating that collagenase‐target m‐PCR may be used as a valid molecular target to discriminate the three Vibrio species.
Leishmania donovaniRequires Functional Cdc42 and Rac1 To Prevent Phagosomal Maturation
Authors: Lerm M. , Holm Å. , Seiron Å. , Särndahl E. , Magnusson K.-E. , Rasmusson B. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTLeishmania donovanipromastigotes survive inside macrophage phagosomes by inhibiting phagosomal maturation. The main surface glycoconjugate on promastigotes, lipophosphoglycan (LPG), is crucial for survival and mediates the formation of a protective shell of F-actin around the phagosome. Previous studies have demonstrated that this effect involves inhibition of protein kinase Cα. The present study shows that functional Cdc42 and Rac1 are required for the formation of F-actin aroundL. donovaniphagosomes. Moreover, we present data showing that phagosomes containing LPG-defectiveL. donovani, which is unable to induce F-actin accumulation, display both elevated levels of periphagosomal F-actin and impaired phagosomal maturation in macrophages with permanently active forms of Cdc42 and Rac1. We conclude thatL. donovaniengages Cdc42 and Rac1 to build up a protective coat of F-actin around its phagosome to prevent phagosomal maturation.
Signal Transduction Mechanism Involved inClostridium perfringensAlpha-Toxin-Induced Superoxide Anion Generation in Rabbit Neutrophils
Authors: Oda Masataka , Ikari Syusuke , Matsuno Takayuki , Morimune Yuka , Nagahama Masahiro , Sakurai Jun 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTClostridium perfringensalpha-toxin induces the generation of superoxide anion (O2−) via production of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DG) in rabbit neutrophils. The mechanism of the generation, however, remains poorly understood. Here we report a novel mechanism for the toxin-induced production of O2−in rabbit neutrophils. Treatment of the cells with the toxin resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of a protein of about 140 kDa. The protein reacted with anti-TrkA (nerve growth factor high-affinity receptor) antibody and bound nerve growth factor. Anti-TrkA antibody inhibited the production of O2−and binding of the toxin to the protein. The toxin induced phosphorylation of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1). K252a, an inhibitor of TrkA receptor, and LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), reduced the toxin-induced production of O2−and phosphorylation of PDK1, but not the formation of DG. These inhibitors inhibited the toxin-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase C θ (PKCθ). U73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, and pertussis toxin inhibited the toxin-induced generation of O2−and formation of DG, but not the phosphorylation of PDK1. These observations show that the toxin independently induces production of DG through activation of endogenous PLC and phosphorylation of PDK1 via the TrkA receptor signaling pathway and that these events synergistically activate PKCθ in stimulating an increase in O2−. In addition, we show the participation of mitogen-activated protein kinase-associated signaling events via activation of PKCθ in the toxin-induced generation of O2−.
Deletion of theMycobacterium tuberculosisResuscitation-Promoting Factor Rv1009 Gene Results in Delayed Reactivation from Chronic Tuberculosis
Authors: Tufariello JoAnn M. , Mi Kaixia , Xu Jiayong , Manabe Yukari C. , Kesavan Anup K. , Drumm Joshua , Tanaka Kathryn , Jacobs William R. , Chan John 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTApproximately one-third of the human population is latently infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis, comprising a critical reservoir for disease reactivation. Despite the importance of latency in maintainingM. tuberculosisin the human population, little is known about the mycobacterial factors that regulate persistence and reactivation. Previous in vitro studies have implicated a family of five relatedM. tuberculosisproteins, called resuscitation promoting factors (Rpfs), in regulating mycobacterial growth. We studied the in vivo role ofM. tuberculosis rpfgenes in an established mouse model ofM. tuberculosispersistence and reactivation. After an aerosol infection with theM. tuberculosisErdman wild type (Erdman) or single-deletionrpfmutants to establish chronic infections in mice, reactivation was induced by administration of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor aminoguanidine. Of the fiverpfdeletion mutants tested, one (ΔRv1009) exhibited a delayed reactivation phenotype, manifested by delayed postreactivation growth kinetics and prolonged median survival times among infected animals. Immunophenotypic analysis suggested differences in pulmonary B-cell responses between Erdman- and ΔRv1009-infected mice at advanced stages of reactivation. Analysis ofrpfgene expression in the lungs of Erdman-infected mice revealed that relative expression of four of the fiverpf-like genes was diminished at late times following reactivation, when bacterial numbers had increased substantially, suggesting thatrpfgene expression may be regulated in a growth phase-dependent manner. To our knowledge, ΔRv1009 is the firstM. tuberculosismutant to have a specific defect in reactivation without accompanying growth defects in vitro or during acute infection in vivo.
Role for RpoS but Not RelA ofLegionella pneumophilain Modulation of Phagosome Biogenesis and Adaptation to the Phagosomal Microenvironment
Authors: Abu-Zant Alaeddin , Asare Rexford , Graham James E. , Abu Kwaik Yousef 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThe induction of virulence traits byLegionella pneumophilaat the post-exponential phase has been proposed to be triggered by the stringent response mediated by RelA, which triggers RpoS. We show thatL. pneumophila rpoSbut notrelAis required for early intracellular survival and replication within human monocyte-derived macrophages andAcanthamoeba polyphaga. In addition,L. pneumophila rpoSbut notrelAis required for expression of the pore-forming activity. We provide evidence that RpoS plays a role in the modulation of phagosome biogenesis and in adaptation to the phagosomal microenvironment. Thus, there is no functional link between the stringent response and RpoS in the pathogenesis ofL. pneumophila.
Evidence that the BBA68 Protein (BbCRASP-1) of the Lyme Disease Spirochetes Does Not Contribute to Factor H-Mediated Immune Evasion in Humans and Other Animals
Authors: McDowell John V. , Hovis Kelley M. , Zhang Hongming , Tran Emily , Lankford Justin , Marconi R. T. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTBBA68 (BbCRASP-1) of the Lyme disease spirochetes binds human factor H (FH) and FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1). Here we assess transcription of the BBA68 gene and production of BBA68 in infected mice and humans using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR and immunoblotting. The species specificity of FH binding to BBA68 was also tested. The data suggest that BBA68 does not play an important role in immune evasion in animals.