bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Osmoregulation in Renal Medulla
Authors: Beck Franz-X. , Dörge Adolf , Thurau Klaus
Published: November 2008

Cells of the renal medulla adapt osmotically to varying external electrolyte concentrations mainly by changing the intracellular content of small organic osmoeffectors (osmolytes) such as sorbitol, inositol and trimethylamines. This implies that despite extreme variations in extracellular tonicity the intracellular concentrations of monovalent electrolytes are stabilized at levels optimal for enzyme function and cell metabolism. In contrast to inorganic electrolytes these organic osmolytes are metabolically neutral and thus do not affect cell metabolism. In addition, some of these organic osmoeffectors, the trimethylamine compounds, are known to counteract the deleterious effects of high urea concentrations (prevailing in antidiuresis) on structure and function of cell proteins.
Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Development of Atherosclerotic Lesions in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Zhao Xia , Jin Hongfang , Wei Hongling , Li Wei , Bu Dingfang , Tang Xiuying , Ren Yali , Tang Chaoshu , Du Junbao
Published: November 2008

Objective—

We explored the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) on atherosclerotic progression, particularly on intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in apolipoprotein-E knockout (apoE
−/−
) mice and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Methods and Results—

ApoE
−/−
mice were treated with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) or DL-propargylglycine (PPG); HUVECs were pretreated with NaHS. Compared with control mice, apoE
−/−
mice showed decreased plasma H
2
S level and aortic H
2
S production but increased plasma ICAM-1 and aortic ICAM-1 protein and mRNA. Compared with apoE
−/−
mice, apoE
−/−
+NaHS mice showed increased plasma H
2
S level, but decreased size of atherosclerotic plaque and plasma and aortic ICAM-1 levels, whereas apoE
−/−
+PPG mice showed decreased plasma H
2
S level but enlarged plaque size and increased plasma and aortic ICAM-1 levels. NaHS suppressed ICAM-1 expression in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α–treated HUVECs. NaHS inhibited IκB degradation and NF-κB nuclear translocation in HUVECs treated with TNF-α.

Conclusions—

The vascular CSE/H
2
S pathway was disturbed in apoE
−/−
mice. H
2
S exerted an antiatherogenic effect and inhibited ICAM-1 expression in apoE
−/−
mice. H
2
S inhibited ICAM-1 expression in TNF-α-induced HUVECs via the NF-κB pathway.
Sonographic Evaluation of Hemorrhagic Transformation and Arterial Recanalization in Acute Hemispheric Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Seidel Günter , Cangür Hakan , Albers Thomas , Burgemeister Anna , Meyer-Wiethe Karsten
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

We conducted this prospective study to evaluate the time course of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and arterial recanalization in the early phase of ischemic stroke using transcranial sonography (TCS).

Methods—

Fifty-five patients with acute ischemic hemispheric stroke <32 hours after symptom onset were studied. A 2-MHz sector probe was used to evaluate brain tissue by TCS and basal cerebral arteries by transcranial color-coded sonography. Follow-up investigations were performed up to 6 days. Lesion size and localization were determined by cranial computed tomography.

Results—

Of 20 patients with HT, 18 displayed by computed tomography could be identified by TCS. In 1 patient, TCS provided a wrong positive result, and in another 2 patients with small cortical HT, a wrong negative result was provided (sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 97.4%). HT was detected in the first 60 hours after symptom onset in 62.5% of patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator in comparison to 33.3% without thrombolysis. Recanalization of middle cerebral artery occurred earlier in tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients compared to those without tissue plasminogen activator treatment (in the first 60 hours after symptom onset: 78.5% vs 50.0%, respectively;
P
=0.34). There was a significant time difference between middle cerebral artery recanalization and HT occurrence (n=13, median time interval: 20 vs 60 hours;
P
=0.035).

Conclusions—

Transcranial ultrasound is a useful bedside method to depict and closely monitor HT in patients with acute hemispheric stroke. The strong influence of tissue plasminogen activator treatment on HT could be demonstrated. HT development is dependent on the time of artery recanalization.
Is Ischemic Stroke Risk Related to Folate Status or Other Nutrients Correlated With Folate Intake?
Authors: Weng Lu-Chen , Yeh Wen-Ting , Bai Chyi-Huey , Chen Hsin-Jen , Chuang Shao-Yuan , Chang Hsing-Yi , Lin Bi-Fong , Chen Kuan-Ju , Pan Wen-Harn
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Folate status was inversely associated with plasma homocysteine concentration, a potential risk factor of cardiovascular disease. However, it is uncertain whether folate is causally associated with risk of ischemic stroke (IS). We aimed to examine the association between IS incidence and folate intake, biochemical folate status, and folate associated nutrients.

Methods—

Information on baseline characteristics and food frequency questionnaire was collected in 1990 to 1993 and included for analyses data from 1772 adults over 40 years, who were free of stroke and cancer at baseline from the CardioVascular Disease risk FACtor Two-township Study. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to relate baseline nutrient status with IS event.

Results—

Over an average of 10.6 years of follow-up, 132 incident IS events were documented. Low folate intake (1st and 2nd quartiles) was significantly and independently associated with increased IS risk (HR=1.61; 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.48 and HR=1.82; 95% CI: 1.20 to 2.76) compared with those in the 3rd and 4th quartile combined, whereas no association was observed for plasma folate concentration. On the other hand, several nutrients correlated with dietary folate: vitamin B2, potassium, iron, vitamin A of plant origin, calcium were also associated with IS risk in an inverse linear manner with HR ranging from 1.5 to 1.9 for the first quartile.

Conclusions—

The protective association of dietary folate on IS risk may be in part through that of other correlated nutrients or other dietary components.
The Re-assertion of the British Empire in Southeast Asia
Authors: Elkins Caroline
Published: November 2008

Bayly and Harper's Forgotten Wars examines the interrelated events, individuals, and ideologies involved in Britain's re-conquest of Southeast Asia after World War II, as well as its authoritarian attempts to shape the postwar landscape there and to re-assert its political and moral authority in a rapidly shifting global context. British imperial violence and authoritarianism were more pronounced in Southeast Asia during the postwar era than commonly acknowledged. Hence, issues of morality, objectivity, and methodology acquire a new relevance concerning the literature about the end of the British Empire.
The Musical Experience through the Lens of Embodiment
Authors: Corness Greg
Published: November 2008

The author addresses the impression that digital media is diminishing the engagement of the body in our musical experience. Combining theories from the disciplines of philosophy and psychology, he constructs a framework for examining the experience of listening to music. A link between research in mirror neurons and the act of perception, as described by Merleau-Ponty, is used to demonstrate the role of embodiment in the listening experience. While acknowledging that hearing and viewing a musical performance do not provide the same musical experience, he aims to demonstrate how our embodied existence ensures the body's engagement in any musical experience.
Phorbol ester–induced PKCϵ down-modulation sensitizes AML cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and cell differentiation
Authors: Gobbi Giuliana , Mirandola Prisco , Carubbi Cecilia , Micheloni Cristina , Malinverno Chiara , Lunghi Paolo , Bonati Antonio , Vitale Marco
Published: November 2008

Despite the relevant therapeutic progresses made in these last 2 decades, the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains poor. Phorbol esters are used at very low concentrations as differentiating agents in the therapy of myeloid leukemias. Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), in turn, is a death ligand that spares normal cells and is therefore currently under clinical trials for cancer therapy. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that TRAIL is also involved in nonapoptotic functions, like cell differentiation. PKCϵ is differentially modulated along normal hematopoiesis, and its levels modulate the response of hematopoietic precursors to TRAIL. Here, we investigated the effects of the combination of phorbol esters (phorbol ester 4-β-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate [PDBu]) and TRAIL in the survival/differentiation of AML cells. We demonstrate here that PDBu sensitizes primary AML cells to both the apoptogenic and the differentiative effects of TRAIL via PKCϵ down-modulation, without affecting TRAIL receptor surface expression. We believe that the use of TRAIL in combination with phorbol esters (or possibly more specific PKCϵ down-modulators) might represent a significative improvement of our therapeutic arsenal against AML.
Group I introns and associated homing endonuclease genes reveals a clinal structure for Porphyra spiralis var. amplifolia (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) along the Eastern coast of South America
Authors: Milstein Daniela , Oliveira Mariana C , Martins Felipe M , Matioli Sergio R
Published: November 2008

Background

Group I introns are found in the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) of some species of the genus Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta). Size polymorphisms in group I introns has been interpreted as the result of the degeneration of homing endonuclease genes (HEG) inserted in peripheral loops of intron paired elements. In this study, intron size polymorphisms were characterized for different Porphyra spiralis var. amplifolia (PSA) populations on the Southern Brazilian coast, and were used to infer genetic relationships and genetic structure of these PSA populations, in addition to cox2-3 and rbcL-S regions. Introns of different sizes were tested qualitatively for in vitro self-splicing.

Results

Five intron size polymorphisms within 17 haplotypes were obtained from 80 individuals representing eight localities along the distribution of PSA in the Eastern coast of South America. In order to infer genetic structure and genetic relationships of PSA, these polymorphisms and haplotypes were used as markers for pairwise Fst analyses, Mantel's test and median joining network. The five cox2-3 haplotypes and the unique rbcL-S haplotype were used as markers for summary statistics, neutrality tests Tajima's D and Fu's Fs and for median joining network analyses. An event of demographic expansion from a population with low effective number, followed by a pattern of isolation by distance was obtained for PSA populations with the three analyses. In vitro experiments have shown that introns of different lengths were able to self-splice from pre-RNA transcripts.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that degenerated HEGs are reminiscent of the presence of a full-length and functional HEG, once fixed for PSA populations. The cline of HEG degeneration determined the pattern of isolation by distance. Analyses with the other markers indicated an event of demographic expansion from a population with low effective number. The different degrees of degeneration of the HEG do not refrain intron self-splicing. To our knowledge, this was the first study to address intraspecific evolutionary history of a nuclear group I intron; to use nuclear, mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA for population level analyses of Porphyra; and intron size polymorphism as a marker for population genetics.
The transcriptomic signature of fasting murine liver
Authors: Sokolović Milka , Sokolović Aleksandar , Wehkamp Diederik , van Themaat Emiel Ver Loren , de Waart Dirk R , Gilhuijs-Pederson Lisa A , Nikolsky Yuri , van Kampen Antoine HC , Hakvoort Theodorus BM , Lamers Wouter H
Published: November 2008

Background

The contribution of individual organs to the whole-body adaptive response to fasting has not been established. Hence, gene-expression profiling, pathway, network and gene-set enrichment analysis and immunohistochemistry were carried out on mouse liver after 0, 12, 24 and 72 hours of fasting.

Results

Liver wet weight had declined ~44, ~5, ~11 and ~10% per day after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of fasting, respectively. Liver structure and metabolic zonation were preserved. Supervised hierarchical clustering showed separation between the fed, 12–24 h-fasted and 72 h-fasted conditions. Expression profiling and pathway analysis revealed that genes involved in amino-acid, lipid, carbohydrate and energy metabolism responded most significantly to fasting, that the response peaked at 24 hours, and had largely abated by 72 hours. The strong induction of the urea cycle, in combination with increased expression of enzymes of the tricarboxylic-acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, indicated a strong stimulation of amino-acid oxidation peaking at 24 hours. At this time point, fatty-acid oxidation and ketone-body formation were also induced. The induction of genes involved in the unfolded-protein response underscored the cell stress due to enhanced energy metabolism. The continuous high expression of enzymes of the urea cycle, malate-aspartate shuttle, and the gluconeogenic enzyme Pepck and the re-appearance of glycogen in the pericentral hepatocytes indicate that amino-acid oxidation yields to glucose and glycogen synthesis during prolonged fasting.

Conclusion

The changes in liver gene expression during fasting indicate that, in the mouse, energy production predominates during early fasting and that glucose production and glycogen synthesis become predominant during prolonged fasting.
Fatal congenital Chagas' disease in a non-endemic area: a case report
Authors: Flores-Chávez María , Faez Yamile , Olalla José M , Cruz Israel , Gárate Teresa , Rodríguez Mercedes , Blanc Pilar , Cañavate Carmen
Published: November 2008

The early diagnosis of congenital Chagas' disease is very important if infected newborns, whether symptomatic or not, are to receive adequate treatment. This paper describes the complications arising in the diagnosis of a newborn with fatal congenital Chagas' disease in Spain, a non-endemic area where visceral leishmaniasis is present.
Arthritogenic T cell epitope in glucose-6-phosphate isomerase-induced arthritis
Authors: Iwanami Keiichi , Matsumoto Isao , Tanaka Yoko , Inoue Asuka , Goto Daisuke , Ito Satoshi , Tsutsumi Akito , Sumida Takayuki
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Arthritis induced by immunisation with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) in DBA/1 mice was proven to be T helper (Th) 17 dependent. We undertook this study to identify GPI-specific T cell epitopes in DBA/1 mice (H-2q) and investigate the mechanisms of arthritis generation.

Methods

For epitope mapping, the binding motif of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (I-Aq) from DBA/1 mice was identified from the amino acid sequence of T cell epitopes and candidate peptides of T cell epitopes in GPI-induced arthritis were synthesised. Human GPI-primed CD4+ T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were co-cultured with each synthetic peptide and the cytokine production was measured by ELISA to identify the major epitopes. Synthetic peptides were immunised in DBA/1 mice to investigate whether arthritis could be induced by peptides. After immunisation with the major epitope, anti-interleukin (IL) 17 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was injected to monitor arthritis score. To investigate the mechanisms of arthritis induced by a major epitope, cross-reactivity to mouse GPI peptide was analysed by flow cytometry and anti-GPI antibodies were measured by ELISA. Deposition of anti-GPI antibodies on the cartilage surface was detected by immunohistology.

Results

We selected 32 types of peptides as core sequences from the human GPI 558 amino acid sequence, which binds the binding motif, and synthesised 25 kinds of 20-mer peptides for screening, each containing the core sequence at its centre. By epitope mapping, human GPI325–339 was found to induce interferon (IFN) γ and IL-17 production most prominently. Immunisation with human GPI325–339 could induce polyarthritis similar to arthritis induced by human GPI protein, and administration of anti-IL-17 mAb significantly ameliorated arthritis (p < 0.01). Th17 cells primed with human GPI325–339 cross-reacted with mouse GPI325–339, and led B cells to produce anti-mouse GPI antibodies, which were deposited on cartilage surface.

Conclusions

Human GPI325–339 was identified as a major epitope in GPI-induced arthritis, and proved to have the potential to induce polyarthritis. Understanding the pathological mechanism of arthritis induced by an immune reaction to a single short peptide could help elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of autoimmune arthritis.
Strain-Specific Differences in the Mechanisms of Progesterone Regulation of Murine Mammary Gland Development
Authors: Aupperlee Mark D. , Drolet Alexis A. , Durairaj Srinivasan , Wang Weizhong , Schwartz Richard C. , Haslam Sandra Z.
Published: November 2008

Progesterone (P) is required for normal mammary gland development, and is implicated in the etiology of mammary cancer in rodents and humans. We analyzed mammary gland developmental responses to P and estrogen (E) in two strains of mice (BALB/c and C57BL/6) that exhibit differences in ductal development at sexual maturity and alveologenesis during pregnancy. C57BL/6 mice exhibited reduced proliferative and morphological responses to P. Analysis of known mediators of sidebranching and alveologenesis revealed that reduced P-induced expression of P receptor isoform B and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), as well as altered expression and regulation of cyclin D1, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β, and the downstream effectors of RANKL, nuclear Id2 and p21, contribute significantly to the reduced P responsiveness of the C57BL/6 mammary gland. In contrast, E responsiveness was greater in C57BL/6 than in BALB/c glands. E may play a compensatory role in C57BL/6 alveologenesis through its effect on the induction and activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a, a known regulator of RANKL. These observations suggest that in human populations with heterogeneous genetic backgrounds, individuals may respond differentially to the same hormone. Thus, genetic diversity may have a role in determining the effects of P in normal mammary development and tumorigenesis.

Reduced progesterone-induced expression of progesterone receptor and RANKL, altered expression and regulation of C/EBPβ, and of the downstream effectors of RANKL, nuclear Id2 and p21, contribute significantly to the reduced progesterone-responsiveness of the C57BL/6 mammary gland compared to the BALB/c gland.
Less is more: specification of the germline by transcriptional repression
Authors: Nakamura Akira , Seydoux Geraldine
Published: November 2008

In animals, the germline is the only lineage that transmits genetic information to the next generation. Although the founder cells of this lineage are specified differently in invertebrates and vertebrates, recent studies have shown that germline specification in C. elegans, Drosophila and mouse depends on the global inhibition of mRNA transcription. Different strategies are used in each organism, but remarkably most target the same two processes: transcriptional elongation and chromatin remodeling. This convergence suggests that a repressed genome is essential to preserve the unique developmental potential of the germline.
miRNAs are essential for survival and differentiation of newborn neurons but not for expansion of neural progenitors during early neurogenesis in the mouse embryonic neocortex
Authors: De Pietri Tonelli Davide , Pulvers Jeremy N. , Haffner Christiane , Murchison Elizabeth P. , Hannon Gregory J. , Huttner Wieland B.
Published: November 2008

Neurogenesis during the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex involves a switch of neural stem and progenitor cells from proliferation to differentiation. To explore the possible role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in this process, we conditionally ablated Dicer in the developing mouse neocortex using Emx1-Cre, which is specifically expressed in the dorsal telencephalon as early as embryonic day (E) 9.5. Dicer ablation in neuroepithelial cells, which are the primary neural stem and progenitor cells,and in the neurons derived from them, was evident from E10.5 onwards, as ascertained by the depletion of the normally abundant miRNAs miR-9and miR-124. Dicer ablation resulted in massive hypotrophy of the postnatal cortex and death of the mice shortly after weaning. Analysis of the cytoarchitecture of the Dicer-ablated cortex revealed a marked reduction in radial thickness starting at E13.5, and defective cortical layering postnatally. Whereas the former was due to neuronal apoptosis starting at E12.5, which was the earliest detectable phenotype, the latter reflected dramatic impairment of neuronal differentiation. Remarkably, the primary target cells of Dicer ablation, the neuroepithelial cells, and the neurogenic progenitors derived from them, were unaffected by miRNA depletion with regard to cell cycle progression, cell division, differentiation and viability during the early stage of neurogenesis, and only underwent apoptosis starting at E14.5. Our results support the emerging concept that progenitors are less dependent on miRNAs than their differentiated progeny, and raise interesting perspectives as to the expansion of somatic stem cells.
The taming of the Desperate Housewives : A stylistic analysis of CCTV’s Dub of the serial
Authors: Zhong Yong
Published: November 2008

Dubbing is the norm in re-editing imported foreign screen programming in China. Yet the practice has been rarely critiqued. In this context, I have undertaken a stylistic analysis of a dubbed Chinese edition of
Desperate Housewives
, which was screened by China Central Television (CCTV) soon after its US release. This paper discusses the analysis and the ensuing findings. The paper presents a number of examples extracted from the original script, accompanied by the CCTV translation plus back translation of the program. I begin the paper by providing information about the CCTV edition of
Desperate Housewives
, focusing on its poor reception by the viewers. This is followed by a discussion of the four prominent translation strategies used in the CCTV rendition, which I have identified on the basis of the stylistic analysis. The strategies include being maximal, being literal, being logical and being sanitary. I then proceed to a critique of the four strategies. I argue that the use of the strategies is intended to serve two specific objectives. (1) Accomplishing the difficult task of translating the program from English into Chinese and from American culture into Chinese culture. (2) Taming the desperate language acts of the characters. It will be argued, however, that the use of the strategies prevents the foreign (i.e., articulation of the desperation of suburban American housewives) from coming through to the Chinese audience, which I believe contributes to the viewers’ disenchantment with the program.
Gliotypic Neural Stem Cells Transiently Adopt Tumorigenic Properties During Normal Differentiation
Authors: Walton Noah M. , Snyder Gregory E. , Park Donghyun , Kobeissy Firas , Scheffler Bjorn , Steindler Dennis A.
Published: November 2008

An increasing body of evidence suggests that astrocytic gliomas of the central nervous system may be derived from gliotypic neural stem cells. To date, the study of these tumors, particularly the identification of originating cellular population(s), has been frustrated by technical difficulties in accessing the native niche of stem cells. To identify any hallmark signs of cancer in neural stem cells or their progeny, we cultured subventricular zone-derived tissue in a unique in vitro model that temporally and phenotypically recapitulates adult neurogenesis. Contrary to some reports, we found undifferentiated neural stem cells possess few characteristics, suggesting prototumorigenic potential. However, when induced to differentiate, neural stem cells give rise to intermediate progenitors that transiently exhibit multiple glioma characteristics, including aneuploidy, loss of growth-contact inhibition, alterations in cell cycle, and growth factor insensitivity. Further examination of progenitor populations revealed a subset of cells defined by the aberrant expression of (the pathological glioma marker) class III β-tubulin that exhibit intrinsic parental properties of gliomas, including multilineage differentiation and continued proliferation in the absence of a complex cellular regulatory environment. As tumorigenic characteristics in progenitor cells normally disappear with the generation of mature progeny, this suggests that developmentally intermediate progenitor cells, rather than neural stem cells, may be the origin of so-called “stem cell-derived” tumors.
Analysis of the oestrogen response in an angiomyolipoma derived xenograft model
Authors: Clements Debbie , Asprey Sarah L , McCulloch Thomas A , Morris Theresa A , Watson Susan A , Johnson Simon R
Published: November 2008

Angiomyolipomas are benign mesenchymal tumours of smooth muscle, blood vessels and fat which occur sporadically or associated with tuberous sclerosis and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare cystic lung disease. Angiomyolipoma and LAM are caused by loss of function of either the tuberous sclerosis-1 or -2 genes resulting in activation of p70S6kinase (S6K1) and uncontrolled cellular proliferation. LAM and angiomyolipoma can be exacerbated by oestrogens but how this occurs is not understood. To address this question, we created a xenograft tumour system in nude mice using immortalised angiomyolipoma cells. Angiomyolipoma xenografts had active S6K1, p38, p42/44 MAPK and Akt; they grew more rapidly and had greater Akt phosphorylation after oestrogen treatment of tumour-bearing mice. Transcriptional profiling showed oestrogen induced 300 genes including extracellular matrix proteins, proteases, cell cycle regulatory proteins and growth factors including platelet derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C). Biologically active PDGF-C was produced by primary angiomyolipoma cells in culture and PDGF-C protein was present in the neoplastic smooth muscle cells of 5/5 human angiomyolipoma and 4/5 LAM tissues examined by immunohistochemistry. These findings suggest that the response to oestrogen in this model is mediated by activation of Akt and transcriptional events. This model may prove useful for studying the biology and effect of drugs on angiomyolipoma and diseases related to TSC.
Effect of Surface Treatments and Aging in Water on Bond Strength to Zirconia
Authors: Lindgren J. , Smeds J. , Sjögren G.
Published: November 2008

Clinical Relevance

Air abrasion and pretreatment with a metal primer seem to be an appropriate method for improving the bond strength of RelyX Unicem resin composite cement to hot isostatic pressed yttrium-oxide partially stabilized zirconia.
Sociopsychiatric Study of Schizophrenia: The Follow-Up
Authors: Krupinski J. , Stoller A. , Meredith Eva
Published: November 2008

SYNOPSIS A one-year follow-up of 127 schizophrenic patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals in 1968–69, who had spent at least three months in the community during the year following their admission, revealed that regular taking of medication is the most crucial single factor leading to improvement in the psychiatric status of the patient, regardless of whether he was living in a positive or a negative environment. No difference was found between family of origin and nuclear family, but family setting tended to influence either improvement or deterioration of the patient, whilst patients living in a non-family setting remained predominantly unchanged. The progress of southern European patients was poorer than all the others, independently of their family setting and medication.
Bridge over Troubled Water: An Interventive Method in Cases of Maternal Deprivation
Authors: Schechter Marshall D.
Published: November 2008

An interventive approach is presented utilizing aspects of learning theory and psychoanalytic theory regarding object relations, which achieved positive results with three women with subsequent direct observable effects on the symptomatology of their children. It appeared that the method was able to interrupt a vicious cycle of maternal deprivation effecting change in the affective lives of each mother and in the ability to learn in each child.
Malaysian Child Psychiatric Practice: A Pragmatic and Rational Approach
Authors: Leng Yeoh Kim , Ong Susan B. Y.
Published: November 2008

A pragmatic and rational approach to the management of five child psychiatric cases in Malaysia is briefly reviewed. The significance of sociocultural factors in treating these cases within the context of a rapidly developing plural society is emphasized. The implications of overemphasis on educational and material achievements are noted.
Hints on Passing Post-Graduate Clinical and Oral Examinations in Psychiatry
Authors: McConville Brian
Published: November 2008

On the basis of the author's experience as an examiner in psychiatry for the Royal College of Physicians in Canada, and following some ‘mock-oral” evaluations while on sabbatical in New Zealand, some suggestions are made about passing post-graduate clinical and oral examinations in psychiatry.
Alcohol Problems among Women Working in the Home: Prevalence and Predictors
Authors: Chetwynd S. Jane , Pearson Verna
Published: November 2008

A sample of 655 women was contacted whilst attending general practitioners' surgeries and questioned on numerous health and social matters. Follow-up interviews were held a year later in the women's homes and information on drinking behaviour and problems with drinking obtained. Almost 15% of the sample could be classified as problem drinkers on the basis of their responses to a ‘problems with drinking’ scale. Seven major variables were identified as being associated with problem drinking amongst these women. These included familial history of heavy drinking, depression, stress level, major life changes, reported alcohol consumption, usual type of leisure activities and abuse of substances such as coffee and tobacco which can result in dependency. Likelihood of problem drinking increased substantially with the number of adverse factors reported. It was concluded that knowledge of these factors would help the general practitioner in the identification of women with alcohol problems.
Cultural Perceptions of the Mentally Ill: Australian and Papua New Guinean High School Youth
Authors: Callan Victor J. , Wilks Jeffrey , Forsyth Stewart
Published: November 2008

One hundred and thirty-three (76 male, 57 female) Papua New Guinean (PNG) and 144 (93 male, 51 female) Australian high school students completed a series of structured and open-ended measures on attitudes to the mentally ill, especially opinions about the nature of mental illness, characteristics of the mentally ill, and treatment. Both groups of students suggested hereditary and environmental causes, with PNG students citing more often witchcraft and sorcery. Australian students generally presented more favourable attitudes to mental illness, in that they were more willing to work with or marry the mentally ill. PNG students, however, were more likely to highlight the disruptive, violent behaviour of the long long and possibly held a much narrower view of the types of persons labelled mentally ill.
The Concept of Stress
Authors: Tennant Christopher , Langeluddecke Pauline , Byrne Don
Published: November 2008

Any notion or concept of stress should fulfil the following requirements. First, the definition should be readily communicable both to professionals and the community at large. Second, the concept should be readily converted into constructs which are suitable for research. In this latter regard it is easier to present and discuss a stress model. This model differentiates a number of factors which, although interdependent, are conceptually distinct. By adequately discriminating between these factors, operational criteria may be defined and a systematic assessment of the effects of stress will be facilitated. A model is thus presented which describes the stress process.
Biological Psychiatry
Authors: Parker Gordon
Published: November 2008

Late in 1985 several thousand psychiatrists attended the Fourth World Congress of Biological Psychiatry in Philadelphia and heard several speakers claim that biological psychiatry had at last established its credibility. To some, this appeared an ambit claim but, to many, biological psychiatry was clearly the new Zeitgeist to be embraced. While post-congress triste may have reduced the infatuation for many, it is clear that biological psychiatry is entering a major growth phase.
Effects of Cholinergic Enhancement Therapies on Memory Function in Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Jorm Anthony F.
Published: November 2008

A quantitative analysis of the literature on cholinergic enhancement of memory function in Alzheimer's disease showed that such therapies do have an effect if dosages are individualised. Treatments that combine a precursor with an anticholinesterase, however, appear to be the most promising for clinically useful results. The number of studies that have evaluated this combination treatment is small, but the present analysis indicates that further clinical trials would be most worthwhile.
Inadequate Provision for Electoconvulsive Therapy in the New South Wales Mental Health Act 1983
Authors: Durham James
Published: November 2008

Division 2 of Part X of the NSW Mental Health Act 1983 lays down a set of conditions which must be satisfied before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be given. These provisions are too restrictive and would deny ECT to a considerable proportion of the patients who are most likely to benefit from it. For many of them it would be the only effective treatment. Principles which should govern the authorisation of ECT are proposed.
Use of an Amytal Interview in the Management of Factitious Deaf Mutism
Authors: Marriage K. , Govorchin M. , George P. , Dilworth C.
Published: November 2008

We describe the case of a young woman presenting with deaf mutism and self-damaging behaviour. We emphasize the active investigation of psychological and physical symptoms, combined with gradual and gentle confrontation in a supportive setting.
Whither Adolescent Psychiatry?
Authors: Adler Robert
Published: November 2008

Recent articles by McGorry [1] and Patton [2] raise a number of issues in relation to the place of adolescent psychiatry in our psychiatric services as a whole. McGorry outlines the model being developed in the newly formed Centre For Young People's Mental Health and concludes that the model ‘is favoured by the increasing trend towards the co-location of adolescent and adult mental health services. It may be that the nexus of adolescent and adult services is relatively more important in a service delivery sense than die historical nexus between child and adolescent services, …’ (p. 247). Patton, by contrast, argues ‘An epidemiological case for a separate adolescent psychiatry?’ based on a review of the history of child psychiatry and the epidemiology of adolescent psychiatric disorder. The issues raised by both authors are very important and merit lively debate and careful consideration before the outcome advocated by either is actively pursued.
National Advocacy in Mental Health: What is a Balanced and Effective Approach?
Authors: Plant David
Published: November 2008

The national perspective on mental health which is evident in the National Mental Health Strategy was a long time coming. It is a perspective which arose as a consequence of long term and concerted lobbying from many non-government and professional sources and is in large part, a response to the interest taken by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
Representation, inference, and transcendent encoding in neurocognitive networks of the human brain
Authors: Mesulam Marsel
Published: November 2008

The anatomical basis of conscious experience has traditionally been linked to sensory‐fugal (inward) pathways that convey sensory information to progressively “higher” association cortices. Current thinking is emphasizing the importance of sensory‐petal pathways that run in the opposite (outward) direction. According to emerging views, many aspects of cognition may represent an iterative neural dialogue between sensory‐fugal connections, which reflect the physical nature of ambient events, and sensory‐petal connections, which infer the nature of the stimulus based on empirical accounts of past experience. These reciprocal pathways, embedded within the internally generated oscillations of the brain, are further modulated by top‐down projections from high‐order association cortices, most prominently located in prefrontal cortex. This set of top‐down projections has the capacity to transcend experience‐based representations and to insert internally generated priorities into the interpretation of ongoing events. The characteristically human capacity for resisting stimulus‐bound responses and favoring novel interpretations may be linked to the influence of these top‐down projections. The reciprocal sensory‐processing pathways and their top‐down modulations collectively define the conscious interpretation of experience. Ann Neurol 2008;64:367–378
Arterial complications associated with cardiac catheterization in pediatric patients with a previous history of kawasaki disease
Authors: Gurofsky Rebecca C. , Sabharwal Tarun , Manlhiot Cedric , Redington Andrew N. , Benson Lee N. , Chahal Nita , McCrindle Brian W.
Published: November 2008

Objectives: To determine whether patients with Kawasaki Disease (KD) undergoing percutaneous catheter angiography were at increased risk of arterial complications at the point of arterial access compared to patients with structural heart abnormalities, but normal vessels. Background: Systemic arterial damage can occur as a result of KD. Methods: Medical histories of all patients with KD undergoing percutaneous catheter angiography at The Hospital for Sick Children between January 1990 and August 2008 were reviewed. Results: A total of 44 patients with KD underwent 82 catheter procedures. Of these, 3 were associated with important arterial complications (2 males; age: 4 months, 3 and 17 years). All patients who experienced complications had multiple large and/or giant coronary artery aneurysms and two were within 3 months of the acute phase of KD. All patients developed pseudoaneurysms of the femoral artery which had been utilized for catheter access. All pseudoaneurysms were treated with ultrasound‐guided thrombin injection and compression, and resolved with no long‐term complications. One patient also developed a substantial arteriovenous fistula of the femoral circulation which had to be surgically repaired with no permanent sequela. Odds for arterial complications in patients with KD were 10.4 times greater (95%CI: 3.2–33.8) than that noted for the general pediatric cardiac catheterization population (3.6% vs. 0.4%, P < 0.0001) which indicates higher risk associated with arterial access in patients with KD. Conclusions: Greater care in obtaining arterial access for angiography is warranted, especially in the first month directly following the acute phase, possibly related to systemic arterial damage associated with KD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Facile Preparation of Highly Luminescent InP Nanocrystals by a Solvothermal Route.
Authors: Li Chunliang , Ando Masanori , Murase Norio
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Commensurate Polymorph of Ln4AlCu2B9O23 (Ln: Lu, Ho) and Refinement of Cu2Al6B4O17.
Authors: Plachinda P. A. , Belokoneva E. L.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Ag9I3(SeO4)2 (IO3)2 — Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Ionic Conductivity.
Authors: Pitzschke Dragan , Curda Jan , Cakmak Gueliz , Jansen Martin
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient and Green Tetrahydropyranylation and Deprotection of Alcohols and Phenols by Using Activated Carbon Supported Sulfuric Acid.
Authors: Yang Jin Hui , Zhang Xuan , Liu Wan Yi
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Zinc(0)/Dimethylformamide‐Mediated Synthesis of Symmetrical Carboxylic Anhydrides from Acid Chlorides.
Authors: Serieys Audrey , Botuha Candice , Chemla Fabrice , Ferreira Franck , Perez‐Luna Alejandro
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Sulfur Ylides. Part 15. Intramolecular Cyclization of New Keto‐Stabilized Sulfur Bis‐ylide.
Authors: Galin F. Z. , Sakhautdinov I. M. , Khalikov I. G. , Lakeev S. N. , Maidanova I. O. , Fatykhov A. A.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Carbonylation of Alkyl and Aryl Indium Reagents with CO under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Zhao Yingsheng , Jin Liqun , Li Peng , Lei Aiwen
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Reduction in Post‐Prandial Hyperglycemic Excursion Through α‐Glucosidase Inhibition by β‐Acetamido Carbonyl Compounds.
Authors: Tiwari Ashok K. , Kumbhare Ravindra M. , Agawane Sachin B. , Ali Amtul Z. , Kumar K. Vijay
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 7a‐Substituted Hajos—Wiechert Ketone Analogues.
Authors: Kennedy Jason W. J. , Vietrich Sophia , Weinmann Hilmar , Brittain Dominic E. A.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Reactivity of 3‐(2‐Chloroalkyl)‐2,2‐dihaloaziridines.
Authors: Shinkevich Ekaterina Yu. , Tehrani Kourosch Abbaspour , Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Novikov Mikhail S.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Vicarious Silylative Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction: A Vinylogous Extension.
Authors: Curti Claudio , Sartori Andrea , Battistini Lucia , Rassu Gloria , Burreddu Paola , Zanardi Franca , Casiraghi Giovanni
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Oxidation of 2‐(Arylsulfenyl)pyrroles.
Authors: Thompson Alison , Garabatos‐Perera Jose R. , Gillis H. Martin
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Indium Triflate Mediated Synthesis of meso‐Substituted Porphyrins.
Authors: Smith Brendan M. , Kean Suzanna D. , Wyatt Mark F. , Graham Andrew E.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 1H‐Isoindoles by Iodoamination of 2‐Vinylbenzylidenamines.
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Horiuchi Mai , Tanmatsu Miyuki , Konishi Hisatoshi
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Palladium‐Catalyzed C‐3 Arylation of Free (NH)‐Indoles with Aryl Bromides under Ligandless Conditions.
Authors: Bellina Fabio , Benelli Francesca , Rossi Renzo
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Switchable Reactivity of Acylated α,β‐Dehydroamino Ester in the Friedel—Crafts Alkylation of Indoles by Changing the Lewis Acid.
Authors: Angelini Elena , Balsamini Cesarino , Bartoccini Francesca , Lucarini Simone , Piersanti Giovanni
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.