Intervention of Inflammatory Monocyte Activity Limits Dermal Fibrosis.

Monocytes and monocyte-derived cells are important players in the initiation, progression, and resolution of inflammatory skin reactions. As inflammation is a prerequisite for fibrosis development, we focused on the role of monocytes in cutaneous fibrosis, the clinical hallmark of patients suffering from systemic sclerosis. Investigating the function of monocytes in reactive oxygen species-induced dermal fibrosis, we observed that early monocyte depletion partially reduced disease severity.

[Subclinical alveolar echinococcosis in a dog initially showing clinical features of leptospirosis].

A 3.5-year-old male Labrador retriever dog showed a short history of illness characterized by vomiting, apathy, and fever. Ultrasonographically, large nodular liver masses of high echogenicity were noted in both left and right liver lobes.

Emotional connection and integration: dominant themes among undergraduate nursing students using a virtual community.

The use of virtual communities is an emerging pedagogical application that enhances student learning in nursing education. This study involved a sample of 40 undergraduate students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program using The Neighborhood as a teaching application across the curriculum. The students were followed over three successive semesters.

Early student outcomes associated with a virtual community for learning.

Virtual communities represent a new and innovative approach to learning within nursing education. Because this is an emerging trend, little is known about the use of virtual communities and the impact on students and their learning. This article reports the results of a study designed to assess the initial perceived benefits of using a virtual community known as The Neighborhood in a single undergraduate baccalaureate nursing program during the first few years following development.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in First Nations preschool children in Alberta: implications for BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine withdrawal.

Background: On April 1, 2004, BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin), a tuberculosis (TB) control vaccine, was discontinued in all but four high-risk communities in Alberta. To confirm the safety of vaccine withdrawal, and for future planning, the annual risk of infection (ARI) was determined in preschool First Nations children.

Methods: First Nations children born into reserve communities in Alberta between April 1, 1998 and March 31, 2004, and still living on reserve in 2004-2005, were identified.

Chemical basis for host selection byHemileuca oliviae : Role of tannins in preference of C4 grasses.

When provided a choice between grass species with C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathways, larvae of range caterpillar,Hemileuca oliviae Cockerell, selected C4 grasses. The basis for host selection was examined by conducting analyses of moisture, crude protein, total available carbohydrate, sucrose, glucose, astringency, condensed tannin, silica, and pubescence of 14 grass species, and correlating host plant chemical characteristics with host preference. Most of the variation in host preference was explained by tannin characteristics (astringency and condensed tannin); C3 grass species had significantly higher tannin levels than C4 species.