bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of social‐emotional problems among young children in foster care
Authors: Jee Sandra H. , Conn Anne‐Marie , Szilagyi Peter G. , Blumkin Aaron , Baldwin Constance D. , Szilagyi Moira A.
Published: September 2010

Background:  Little is known about how best to implement behavioral screening recommendations in practice, especially for children in foster care, who are at risk for having social‐emotional problems. Two validated screening tools are recommended for use with young children: the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional (ASQ‐SE) identifies emotional problems, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) identifies general developmental delays in five domains, including personal‐social problems. The current study examined: (1) whether systematic use of a social‐emotional screening tool improves the detection rate of social‐emotional problems, compared to reliance on clinical judgment; (2) the relative effectiveness of two validated instruments to screen for social‐emotional problems; and (3) the patterns of social‐emotional problems among children in foster care.

Methods:  We used retrospective chart review of children in foster care ages 6 months to 5.5 years: 192 children before and 159 after screening implementation, to measure detection rates for social‐emotional problems among children. The ASQ‐SE and the ASQ were used in multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine associations between children with social‐emotional problems.

Results:  Use of the screening tool identified 24% of the children as having a social‐emotional problem, while provider surveillance detected 4%. We identified significantly more children with social‐emotional problems using the ASQ‐SE than using the ASQ, and agreement between the instruments ranged from 56% to 75%, when data were stratified by age group. Multivariable modeling showed that preschool children were more likely to have a social‐emotional problem than toddlers and infants (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.1–10.8).

Conclusions:  Systematic screening using the ASQ‐SE increased the detection rate for social‐emotional problems among young children in foster care, compared to provider surveillance and the ASQ. A specific social‐emotional screening tool appears to detect children with psychosocial concerns who would not be detected with a broader developmental screening tool.
Plant responses to low [CO2] of the past
Authors: Gerhart Laci M. , Ward Joy K.
Published: September 2010

During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 18 000–20 000 yr ago) and previous glacial periods, atmospheric [CO2] dropped to 180–190 ppm, which is among the lowest concentrations that occurred during the evolution of land plants. Modern atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) are more than twice those of the LGM and 45% higher than pre‐industrial concentrations. Since CO2 is the carbon source for photosynthesis, lower carbon availability during glacial periods likely had a major impact on plant productivity and evolution. From the studies highlighted here, it is clear that the influence of low [CO2] transcends several scales, ranging from physiological effects on individual plants to changes in ecosystem functioning, and may have even influenced the development of early human cultures (via the timing of agriculture). Through low‐[CO2] studies, we have determined a baseline for plant response to minimal [CO2] that occurred during the evolution of land plants. Moreover, an increased understanding of plant responses to low [CO2] contributes to our knowledge of how natural global change factors in the past may continue to influence plant responses to future anthropogenic changes. Future work, however, should focus more on the evolutionary responses of plants to changing [CO2] in order to account for the potentially large effects of genetic change.

Contents

Summary
674

I.
Introduction
675

II.
The case for low‐[CO2] studies
675

III.
Experimental approaches for reducing [CO2]
677

IV.
Early low‐[CO2] studies
679

V.
Low‐[CO2] effects on the individual plant
680

VI.
Low [CO2] and plant evolution
683

VII.
Interactions of low [CO2] with other factors
687

VIII.
Low‐[CO2] effects on community composition
689

IX.
Low‐[CO2] effects on the ecosystem
689

X.
Low‐[CO2] effects on early human societies
690

XI.
Conclusions
691

Acknowledgemnts
692

References
692
Do pregnancies with pre‐eclampsia have smaller placentas? A population study of 317 688 pregnancies with and without growth restriction in the offspring
Authors: Eskild A , Vatten LJ
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: Eskild A, Vatten L. Do pregnancies with pre‐eclampsia have smaller placentas? A population study of 317 688 pregnancies with and without growth restriction in the offspring. BJOG 2010;117:1521–1526.

Objective  To study whether placental weight is related to pre‐eclampsia risk, independent of offspring birthweight.

Design  Registry study.

Setting  Medical Birth Registry of Norway.

Population  All singleton pregnancies in Norway from 1999 to 2004, 317 688 births.

Methods  Placental weight was grouped into deciles of placental weight z‐scores. The proportion of pregnancies in each placental weight decile was calculated by maternal pre‐eclampsia status for pregnancies with and without small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) offspring.

Main outcome measures  Pre‐eclampsia risk (proportions and odds ratios) according to placental weight.

Results  In pregnancies with SGA offspring, approximately 60% of pregnancies were in the lowest decile of placental weight, 59.9% in pregnancies with and 61.4% in pregnancies without pre‐eclampsia. Pregnancies without SGA offspring were evenly distributed across placental weight deciles, but were slightly higher in the lowest (9.5% versus 8.5%) and highest (11.9% versus 10.2%) deciles in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies compared with pregnancies without pre‐eclampsia. A weak U‐shaped association of placental weight with pre‐eclampsia was also estimated as odds ratios in pregnancies with SGA, but not without SGA, in the offspring.

Conclusions  Placental weight is linked to the offspring’s birthweight, but is not clearly associated with pre‐eclampsia risk, suggesting that placental weight is not a useful indicator for the placental dysfunction in pre‐eclampsia.
AGING AND THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Authors: DOCHERTY J. R.
Published: September 2010

What has preceeded has been largely a listing of contradictory data: what follows is an attempt to gleam a pattern from all of this. In general, responsiveness is either reduced or unchanged by aging; reduced responsiveness has been demonstrated most frequently for cardiac β‐adrenoreceptors, cardiac muscarinic receptors, vascular β‐adrenoreceptors and vascular α2‐adrenoreceptors. A reduced ability of the amine uptake system has been demonstrated in some but not all studies: any reduction in re‐uptake would tend to potentiate the effects of NA and counteract the reduced receptor responsiveness (orvice versa). This may explain why the most consistent cardiovascular alteration reported in the elderly is an increased plasma NA. While there are clinical reports that β‐blockers and converting enzyme inhibitors are less effective in elderly hypertensives at lowering blood pressure, this may reflect more the pathological development of hypertension with time rather than a true aging phenomenon. Overall, it appears that resting function of the cardiovascular system is near normal in the aged, but since the mode of control is somewhat altered, in particular with a blunted baroreflex, perturbations in the system produced by drugs may cause a higher incidence of adverse effects.
ELECTRICAL FIELD STIMULATION IN CEREBRAL AND PERIPHERAL ARTERIES: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE CONTRACTILE RESPONSE
Authors: HARDEBO J. E. , HANKO J. , KÅHRSTRÖM J. , OWMAN C.
Published: September 2010

Electrical field stimulation with recording of isometric contractionin vitrowas carried out on small circular segments of pial arteries, in comparison with peripheral arteries from several regions of rat, rabbit, cow, cat, dog and man.

It was found that tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐resistant contractions were obtained more readily in pial arteries of various species, including man, than in peripheral arteries of similar size. In fact, it was not possible to obtain a purely neurogenic response — without a TTX‐resistant change in tone — in any pial vessels tested.

The stimulation parameters that induced TTX‐resistant contraction in pial arteries were similar to those weak parameters that could reveal a purely neurogenic response in certain other arteries, such as rabbit central ear artery and rabbit and feline mesenteric arteries. In these arteries, release of noradrenaline (NA) onto postjunctional α‐adrenoreceptors was found to be fully responsible for the contraction. The contractile response could be considerably potentiated by blockade of neuronal and extraneuronal uptake, prejunctional α‐receptor blockade, and 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP)‐induced enhancement of transmitter release. Addition of compounds to prevent oxidation of released NA (EDTA by its ability to bind metal ions, and ascorbic acid‐glutathione, which prevents formation of free radicals) did not enhance the neurogenic response.

However, not even under any of these conditions was it possible to reveal a purely neurogenic response in cerebral arteries. Only TTX‐resistant contractions, likely to be due to direct smooth muscle activation, were obtained. The explanation may be morphological differences related to myogenic propagation, probably together with poorly sensitive α‐adrenoreceptors, in these pial arteries. The situation was further complicated by the fading of the TTX‐resistant contraction which often occurred upon repeated stimulation.

Therefore, acceptance ofpartialblockade by TTX as a criterion for a neurogenic response in cerebral vessels, as by several previous investigators, may lead to misinterpretation of the true nature of the response. Hence, when studying neurogenic mechanismsin vitroin these arteries, parameters other than vascular tone should be recorded in conjunction with electrical field stimulation, such as registration of junction potentials and measurements of released transmitter.
VASCULAR RESPONSES TO INTRALUMINAL ACETYLCHOLINE IN ISOLATED, PERFUSED CANINE AND SIMIAN BASILAR ARTERIES
Authors: CHIBA S. , ITOH N. , TSUJI T.
Published: September 2010

ACh usually induced biphasic vascular responses, i.e. an initial vasodilation followed by a secondary constriction, in isolated and perfused basilar arteries from the dog.

In dog vessels the vasoconstriction induced by ACh was not modified by treatment with phentolamine, at dose levels which suppressed noradrenaline‐induced constriction, but was completely blocked by atropine. The dilation to ACh was also blocked by atropine. Physostigmine caused a potentiation of both ACh‐induced dilator and constrictor responses.

In dogs, ACh‐induced constrictor responses were markedly potentiated, and the vasodilatation was slightly but insignificantly enhanced after treatment with intraluminal saponin which removed the endothelia of the arteries.

In basilar arteries from monkeys, ACh usually induced a monophasic vasoconstriction in non‐treated preparations.

In monkey vessels, ACh‐induced vasoconstriction was markedly potentiated and frequently vasodilatation appeared after intraluminal saponin treatment.

From these results, it is concluded that ACh has primary vasoconstrictor and vasodilator properties in canine and simian cerebral basilar arteries.
AUTORADIOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE FOR A HETEROGENEOUS DISTRIBUTION OF α1‐ ADRENORECEPTORS LABELLED BY [3H] PRAZOSIN IN RAT, DOG AND HUMAN KIDNEY
Authors: STEPHENSON JENNIFER A. , SUMMERS R. J.
Published: September 2010

The selective αradrenoreceptor antagonist radioligand [3H] prazosin has been used to localize α1adrenoreceptors in slide mounted sections of rat, dog and human kidney.

The biochemical characteristics of [3H] prazosin binding to rat kidney sections were examined and found to be saturable, reversible, stereoselective, with a KDof 0.12 nM and Bmaxof 6.72 ± 0.2 fmoles/section.

3H Ultrofilm images of [3H] prazosin binding to rat, dog, and human kidney revealed binding to the vasculature but in the rat additional receptors were confined to the renal cortex.

In the rat kidney autoradiography using emulsion coated coverslips showed that binding in the renal cortex was largely to proximal tubules.

In all three species the autoradiographic studies support a role for α1‐adrenoreceptors in control of renal blood flow. In the rat the location of α1‐adrenoreceptors suggests that they can also have an important influence on fluid and electrolyte balance, gluconeogenesis and production of prostanoids.
PROSTAGLANDIN D2 (PGD2) POTENTIATES CHOLINERGIC RESPONSIVENESS IN GUINEA‐PIG TRACHEA
Authors: OMINI C. , BRUNELLI G. , DAFFONCHIO LUISA , MAPP CRISTINA , FABBRI L. , BERTI F.
Published: September 2010

PGD2 dose dependently potentiated the parasympathetic‐induced contraction in guinea‐pig trachea in vitro. This phenomenon was much more evident in ovalbumin‐sensitized guinea‐pig trachea.

Indomethacin pretreatment enhanced the capacity of PGD2 to potentiate cholinergic‐induced contraction in normal but not in ovalbumin‐sensitized guinea‐pig.

PGD2 shifted to the left the curve of the exogenous acetylcholine‐induced contraction in guinea‐pig trachea, indicating a postsynaptic site of action of PGD2.

These data suggest a role of PGD2 in the genesis of hyperreactivity of tracheal smooth muscles, particularly in a model of pulmonary anaphylaxis.
β2‐ADRENORECEPTOR BINDING SITES IN CIRCULAR AND LONGITUDINAL MYOMETRIAL LAYERS OF THE VIRGIN GUINEA‐PIG: THE INFLUENCE OF OVARIAN STEROIDS
Authors: PENNEFATHER JOCELYN N. , MOLENAAR P.
Published: September 2010

Membranes prepared from both circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the uteri of two groups of virgin adult guinea‐pigs were used to study the influence of ovarian steroids upon β‐adrenoreceptor binding sites. Animals were (i) treated for 14 days with oestradiol cypionate, beginning on day 9–10 of the oestrous cycle; or (ii) treated as in (i) and in addition, with progesterone for the last four days of oestradiol administration.

(‐)‐[125I]‐iodocyanopindolol ([125I]‐CYP) was used to determine the numbers and characteristics of β‐adrenoreceptor bnding sites in the four membrane preparations. In all cases, binding displayed characteristics of a saturable bimolecular reaction; the estimates of receptor site density (BMax; 0.26‐0.33 pmol g−1 wet weight) were similar in all four preparations, as were those of binding affinity KD; 18–31 pmol 1−1).

The mean negative logarithms of apparent dissociation constants (pKD) for the inhibition of specific [125I]‐CYP binding by ICI118, 551 (β2‐adrenoreceptor selective antagonist) ranged from 8.4 to 8.6; and those for L 643, 717‐01J10 (pradrenoreceptor selective antagonist) were 5.7‐6.2. Thus the [125I]‐CYP binding sites in all four membrane preparations displayed the characteristics expected of homogeneous populations of adrenoreceptors of the β2‐subtype. The pKD values for isoprenaline were also similar in each type of membrane preparation (5.8‐6.0).

It is concluded that the clearcut differences in the contractile responsiveness, to adrenoreceptor agonists, of the circular and longitudinal myometrial preparations from oestrogen‐treated guinea‐pigs are not due to differences in the numbers, subtype or binding affinities of β‐adrenoreceptor binding sites. Moreover, enhancement of the inhibitory potencies of β‐adrenoreceptor agonists, in preparations of longitudinal myometrium from oestrogen‐primed guinea‐pigs treated with progesterone, is not due to an effect of progesterone upon β‐adrenoreceptor binding sites.
A promiscuous mating system in the Blue Bird of Paradise Paradisaea rudolphi
Authors: PRUETT‐JONES S. G. , PRUETT‐JONES M. A.
Published: September 2010

We studied nesting behaviour, spatial dispersion of display areas and home range dynamics in the Blue Bird of Paradise Paradisaea rudolphi. We found that (1) females carried out nesting duties alone; (2) males displayed from solitary and dispersed sites; (3) female home ranges overlapped, and (4) males had access to and displayed to numerous females. These data suggest a promiscuous mating system in the Blue Bird of Paradise and resolve earlier controversy over this issue.
Competition for food between Neotropical vultures in forest
Authors: HOUSTON DAVID C.
Published: September 2010

Carcasses were provided at a gallery forest site in Venezuela to compare the feeding methods of four vulture species. Turkey Vultures or Lesser Yellow‐headed Vultures were always the first species to arrive. Black Vultures were most likely to arrive at large carcasses or those in open situations and were the only species to form large feeding groups. King Vultures were equally likely to arrive at small or large carcasses. There were marked differences in feeding technique, food selection, rate of feeding and bill morphology between Turkey, Black and King Vultures, and the level of aggression between species was low compared to intra‐specific aggression.
Network Externalities, Demand Inertia and Dynamic Pricing in an Experimental Oligopoly Market*
Authors: BAYER RALPH‐C. , CHAN MICKEY
Published: September 2010

This paper analyses dynamic pricing in markets with network externalities. Network externalities imply demand inertia, because the size of a network increases the usefulness of the product for consumers. Because past sales increase current demand, firms have an incentive to set low introductory prices to be able to increase prices as their networks grow. However, in reality we observe decreasing prices. This could be due to other factors dominating the network effects. We use an experimental duopoly market with demand inertia to isolate the effect of network externalities. We find that experimental prices are consistent with real world observations rather than with theoretical predictions.
Does Raising the Minimum Wage Help the Poor?*
Authors: LEIGH ANDREW
Published: September 2010

What is the impact of raising the minimum wage on family incomes? Using data from the 1994–1995 to 2002–2003 Survey of Income and Housing, the characteristics of low‐wage workers are analysed. Those who earn near‐minimum wages are disproportionately female, unmarried and young, without postschool qualifications and overseas born. About one‐third of near‐minimum‐wage workers are the sole worker in their household. Due to low labour force participation rates in the poorest households, minimum‐wage workers are most likely to be in middle‐income households. Under plausible parameters for the effect of minimum wages on hourly wages and employment, it appears unlikely that raising the minimum wage will significantly lower family income inequality.
A Conversation with Warren Hogan*
Authors: LODEWIJKS JOHN
Published: September 2010

Warren Hogan is an influential and colourful Australian economist who contributed substantially to the economics profession in this country and to public life more generally as senior advisor to business and government. A prolific researcher, mentor to innumerable students, Hogan was Professor of Economics for about 30 years at the University of Sydney. This is an edited transcript of an interview that provides insights into his career and the role of economists and some pithy comments on the changing nature of universities.
KMUP‐3 attenuates ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction through eNOS enhancement and restoration of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 balance
Authors: Liu Chung‐Pin , Yeh Jwu‐Lai , Wu Bin‐Nan , Chai Chee‐Yin , Chen Ing‐Jun , Lai Wen‐Ter
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previously, 7‐[2‐[4‐(4‐nitrobenzene)piperazinyl]ethyl]‐1, 3‐dimethylxanthine (KMUP‐3) has been shown to induce aortic smooth muscle relaxation through KATP channel opening and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enhancement. We further investigated whether KMUP‐3 protects against myocardial remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI), and whether KMUP‐3 increases the expression of eNOS in MI rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups: MI (n= 10), MI + KMUP‐3 group (n= 10) and sham group (n= 10). MI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. After recovery, the MI + KMUP‐3 group received KMUP‐3 (0.3 mg·kg−1·day−1) infusion for 4 weeks, while the MI and sham group received vehicle only. To further confirm that the effect of KMUP‐3 is dependent on eNOS, KMUP‐3 was applied in the culture of transforming growth factor‐β‐stimulated human cardiac fibroblasts.

KEY RESULTS KMUP‐3 treatment attenuated cardiac hypertrophy post‐MI and improved cardiac function. The fibrotic area was reduced by KMUP‐3 both in central‐, peri‐ and non‐infarction areas. KMUP‐3 enhanced the expression of eNOS and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1), but reduced matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) expression. In vitro, the activities of KMUP‐3 were blocked by pretreatment with the eNOS inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The KATP channel opener KMUP‐3 preserved cardiac function after MI by enhancing the expression of eNOS. In addition, KMUP‐3 restored the myocardial MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 balance and attenuated ventricular remodelling by an eNOS‐dependent mechanism.
Biochemical characterization of a strictly specific beta‐galactosidase from the digestive juice of the palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum larvae
Authors: YAPI Désiré Y. A. , NIAMKE Sebastien L. , KOUAME Lucien P.
Published: September 2010

A beta‐galactosidase from the digestive juice of the palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum L. larvae was purified by chromatography on ion exchange, gel filtration, and hydrophobic interaction columns. The preparation was shown to be homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel. Beta‐galactosidase was a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of 62 kDa based on its mobility in sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 60 kDa based on gel filtration. Maximal enzyme activity occurred at 55°C and pH 5.0. The purified beta‐galactosidase was stable at 37°C and its pH stability was in the range of 4.6–6.0. Beta‐galactosidase was highly specific for the beta‐d‐galactosyl residue and beta‐(1‐4) linkage. The catalytic efficiency (Vmax/Km) values for p‐nitrophenyl‐beta‐d‐galactopyranoside, beta‐d‐galactosyl(1‐4)‐d‐glucose (lactose), beta‐d‐galactosyl(1‐4)‐d‐galactose and beta‐d‐galactosyl(1‐4)‐beta‐d‐galactosyl(1‐4)‐d‐glucose were, respectively, 72.95, 10.97, 20.74 and 12.73. 5,5‐Dithio‐bis(2‐nitrobenzoate) and sodium dodecyl sulfate inhibited completely the beta‐galactosidase activity. The enzyme was capable of catalyzing transgalactosylation reactions. The yield of galactosylation of 2‐phenylethanol (43%), catalyzed by the beta‐galactosidase in the presence of lactose as galactosyl donor, is higher than those reported previously with conventional sources of beta‐galactosidases. In addition, the optimum pH is different for the hydrolysis (pH 5.0) and transgalactosylation reactions (pH 6.0).
Impact of artificial photoperiodism on the colony development of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris
Authors: AMIN Md Ruhul , SUH Sang Jae , KWON Yong Jung
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the effect of the photoperiodic regimes 0 h light : 24 h dark (LD 0:24), LD 8:16, LD 16:8 and LD 24:0 at 28°C and 50% Relative Humidity (RH) on the colony development of hibernated (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 months) bumblebee queens. The queens which had hibernated for 3.0 months and which were reared in a LD 8:16 photoperiod showed the highest rate of colony initiation (88.2%), colony foundation (67.6%) and progeny queen production (38.2%). The photoperiod LD 8:16 also produced the shortest period of colony initiation and colony foundation. The highest number of sexual males (171.2 ± 12.2) and queens (91.2 ± 9.9) were produced in the colonies when 3.5 and 3.0 month hibernated queens were kept in an LD 8:16 photoperiod. The results show that light regime and hibernation duration affect colony characteristics of Bombus terrestris.
Systematic position ofPyloetis mimosae(Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), with redescriptions of the adults and immature stages
Authors: MIYAMOTO Yasuyuki , HUANG Guo‐Hua , HIROWATARI Toshiya
Published: September 2010

Morphological characters of adults and immature stages ofPyloetis mimosae(Stainton 1859) are redescribed mainly on the basis of material collected from seed pods ofLeucaena leucocephala(Lem.) in the Ryukyus, Japan. Although the systematic position of this species in the family Tineidae has been problematic, we conclude that it should be placed in the subfamily Erechthiinae based on morphological characters.Pyloetis mimosaeis newly recorded from Japan.
Systematic and morphological studies of the genus Chaetopleurophora Schmitz (Diptera: Phoridae) occurring in Japan
Authors: NAKAYAMA Hiroto
Published: September 2010

Japanese species of the genus Chaetopleurophora are reviewed. All belong to the C. erythronota group. The following three species from Japan are described: C. rhomboidea sp. nov., C. pygidialis Schmitz and C. dividua sp. nov. The male and female genitalia are studied and further examples of unique characters of the genus including asymmetric features are added. The male aedeagus of the genus is illustrated for the first time. The aedeagus of the species treated in this study consists of only two components, the inner core plate and the outer jacket plate. The jacket plate wraps sinistrally around the core plate. The combination of the core plate and the jacket plate forms complex, asymmetric features of the aedeagus in the Phoridae. The structure around the genital opening in the female genitalia protrudes posteriorly under the segment IX + X, and shows asymmetric features in C. rhomboidea sp. nov. with a bilaterally different degree of sclerotization, shifted genital opening to the right side and a membranous ribbon just on the left side. In addition, C. dividua sp. nov. is different from most of the species in the C. erythronota group, and very closely related to C. multiseriata (known in North America) in the male and female genitalia, wing venation and bristle formation on the scutellum. It is suggested that C. dividua sp. nov. forms a monophyletic group with C. multiseriata and the related species.
Host range expansion by Rhopalomyia yomogicola (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from a native to an alien species of Artemisia (Asteraceae) in Japan
Authors: NOHARA Machiko , GANAHA Tomoko , UECHI Nami , SATO Shinsuke , YUKAWA Junichi
Published: September 2010

In 2001, subconical galls were found on the leaves of an alien Artemisia species (Asteraceae) in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. These galls were quite similar to those induced by Rhopalomyia yomogicola (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on Artemisia princeps, Artemisia montana, and Artemisia japonica in Japan. The morphological features of the pupal head and molecular sequencing data indicated that the gall midge from the alien Artemisia was identical to R. yomogicola. Usually, galling insects do not expand readily their host range to alien plants, but R. yomogicola is considered to have expanded its host range to the alien Artemisia by its multivoltine life history trait and oligophagous habit across two different botanical sections of the genus Artemisia. Adult abdominal tergites and sternites and immature stages of R. yomogicola are described for the first time and detailed biological information is presented.
Helicobacter pylori Infection may be Implicated in the Topography and Geographic Variation of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers in the Taihang Mountain High‐Risk Region in Northern China
Authors: Wen Denggui , Zhang Nan , Shan Baoen , Wang Shijie
Published: September 2010

Backgrounds:  Helicobacter pylori infection is prevalent in China. Chronic infection of the bacterial not only causes distal stomach cancer, but also confers risk to gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. Because H. pylori infection is inversely associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma, globally the infection rate is significantly correlated with the ratio of squamous carcinoma to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. These agree with the topography of upper gastrointestinal cancer observed in the Taihang Mountain high‐risk region where both gastric cardia and non‐cardia adenocarcinoma coincide with esophageal squamous cancer, but with almost no distal esophageal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, as altitude increases from plain to mountains, we observed progressively increasing incidence rates of gastric adenocarcinomas in recent years in the region. Because H. pylori infection is a definite carcinogen to gastric adenocarcinoma and is more prevalent in the mountain than in plain areas due to undeveloped living conditions, the observation gives the impression as though H. pylori infection is implicated.

Aims:  This article aims to note the role of H. pylori infection in upper gastrointestinal cancer in the Taihang Mountain high‐risk region in northern China.

Materials and Methods:  First the unique topography and geographic variation of upper gastrointestinal cancer in the region is described to indicate a possible role of H. pylori infection, then we review studies on prevalence of H. pylori infection in the high‐risk region and describe difference in socioeconomic development and water hygiene between the plains and the mountains as related to the prevalence of H. pylori infection.

Results:  Coincidence of gastric cancer in the region and a progressively increasing rate of the cancer from the plain towards the mountains indicate H. pylori infection may be implicated in upper gastrointestinal cancer.

Conclusion:  International collaboration is needed to study H. pylori and upper gastrointestinal cancer in the region when rapid industrialization is just beginning.
Lead Pellet Ingestion in First Nation Cree of the Western James Bay Region of Northern Ontario, Canada: Implications for a Nontoxic Shot Alternative
Authors: Tsuji Leonard J.S. , Nieboer Evert
Published: September 2010

Subsistence hunting for Cree of the western James Bay region of northern Ontario, Canada, is a way of life. In this study, it is shown that ∼15% of the radiographic charts examined had evidence of pellets contained in the gastrointestinal system, intraluminally, and/or in the appendix. It is assumed that the consumption of wildgame with lead shot embedded in the tissue was the source of the pellets. Because the presence of lead shot in the human gastrointestinal tract appears to increase the body burden of lead and considerable evidence is available on the occurrence of lead poisoning in waterfowl due to the ingestion of lead pellets,it is suggested that the use of lead shot should be discontinued nationwide in Canada. Although bismuth/tin shot has been growing in appeal because of several recent waterfowl studies demonstrating its nontoxic nature, caution is advised because of the uncertainty about the toxicity of bismuth in humans, especially when consumed as whole pellets or fragments in wildmeats. We maintain that the nontoxic alternative of choice at this time is steel shot.
Factors Affecting Fecal Coliform Concentrations in Water and in Sediment at Various Geographical Locations on Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Seyfried Patricia L. , Choi Bernard C.K. , Zhou Rosa H.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

This study surveyed 10 different geographical locations on Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada, and compared the levels of water quality indicators throughout an 11‐week period in the summer of 1994. Of the four indicator microorganisms studied (fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, fecal streptococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), fecal coliforms/E. coli appeared to be the most sensitive to changes in the surrounding environment. Fecal coliforms and E. coli were deemed to be good indicators of the relationship between human health and ecosystem health. A number of environmental variables were found to affect fecal coliform/E. coli concentrations in water and in sediment, including location, objective measure of fetch values (indicating the amount of water exchange), wind velocity, wave action, percentage of organic carbon in sediment (which is related to fetch), and boat number (again related to fetch). No effect on the indicator microorganism concentration was observed for week number, number of swimmers, number of cottages, water temperature, and rainfall.
Childhood Epileptic Encephalopathy with Diffuse Slow Spike‐Waves (otherwise known as “Petit Mal Variant”) or Lennox Syndrome
Authors: GASTAUT H. , ROGER J. , SOULAYROL R. , TASSINARI C. A. , RÉGIS H. , DRAVET C. , BERNARD R. , PINSARD N. , SAINT‐JEAN M.
Published: September 2010

Les auteurs fournissent la description d'une variété très grave d‘épilepsie de l'enfant qui est rebelle à la thérapeutique et qui se caractérise par la triade symptomatique suivante: (1) crises épileptiques généralisées fréquentes, le plus souvent à type de crises toniques ou d'absences variantes de petit mal; (2) déficit intellectuel souvent grave; (3) décharges électroencéphalographiques intercritiques de pointes‐ondes lentes diffuses répétées de façon pseudo‐rythmique à 1.5–2.5 c/s. Un pareil tableau diffère peu de celui fourni par Lennox et col. il y a une quinzaine d'années. La contribution personnelle des auteurs se limite donc à préciser certaines données séméiologiques, cliniques aussi bien qu’électroencéphalographiques, et à fournir des considérations d'ordre diagnostique, étiologique, thérapeutique et physiopathogénique à propos de cette affection qu'ils proposent d'appeler: “Encéphalopathie épileptique de l'enfant avec pointes‐ondes lentes diffuses” ou “Syndrome de Lennox”.
A Multifactorial Approach to Understanding Fall Risk in Older People
Authors: Delbaere Kim , Close Jacqueline C.T. , Heim Jörg , Sachdev Perminder S. , Brodaty Henry , Slavin Melissa J. , Kochan Nicole A. , Lord Stephen R.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE: To identify the interrelationships and discriminatory value of a broad range of objectively measured explanatory risk factors for falls.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 12‐month follow‐up period.

SETTING: Community sample.

PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred community‐dwelling people aged 70 to 90.

MEASUREMENTS: All participants underwent assessments on medical, disability, physical, cognitive, and psychological measures. Fallers were defined as people who had at least one injurious fall or at least two noninjurious falls during a 12‐month follow‐up period.

RESULTS: Univariate regression analyses identified the following fall risk factors: disability, poor performance on physical tests, depressive symptoms, poor executive function, concern about falling, and previous falls. Classification and regression tree analysis revealed that balance‐related impairments were critical predictors of falls. In those with good balance, disability and exercise levels influenced future fall risk—people in the lowest and the highest exercise tertiles were at greater risk. In those with impaired balance, different risk factors predicted greater fall risk—poor executive function, poor dynamic balance, and low exercise levels. Absolute risks for falls ranged from 11% in those with no risk factors to 54% in the highest‐risk group.

CONCLUSIONS: A classification and regression tree approach highlighted interrelationships and discriminatory value of important explanatory fall risk factors. The information may prove useful in clinical settings to assist in tailoring interventions to maximize the potential benefit of falls prevention strategies.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Combined with Exercise Improves Muscle Strength and Physical Function in Frail Older Women
Authors: Kenny Anne M. , Boxer Rebecca S. , Kleppinger Alison , Brindisi Jennifer , Feinn Richard , Burleson Joseph A.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) combined with exercise on bone mass, strength, and physical function in older, frail women.

DESIGN: Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial.

SETTING: A major medical institution.

PARTICIPANTS: Ninety‐nine women (mean age 76.6 ± 6.0) with low sulfated DHEA (DHEAS) levels, low bone mass, and frailty.

INTERVENTION: Participants received 50 mg/d DHEA or placebo for 6 months; all received calcium and cholecalciferol. Women participated in 90‐minute twice‐weekly exercise regimens.

MEASUREMENTS: Hormone levels, bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, body composition, upper and lower extremity strength, physical performance.

RESULTS: Eighty‐seven women (88%) completed 6 months. There were no significant changes in BMD or bone turnover markers. DHEA supplementation resulted in gains in lower extremity strength (from 459 ± 121 N to 484 ± 147 N; P=.01). There was also improvement in Short Physical Performance Battery score, a composite score that focuses on lower extremity function, in those taking DHEA (from 10.1 ± 1.8 to 10.7 ± 1.9; P=.02). There were significant changes in all hormone levels, including DHEAS, estradiol, estrone, and testosterone, and a decline in sex hormone‐binding globulin levels in those taking DHEA.

CONCLUSION: DHEA supplementation improved lower extremity strength and function in older, frail women involved in a gentle exercise program of chair aerobics or yoga. No changes were found in BMD either due to small sample size, short duration of study or no effect. The physical function findings are promising and require further evaluation as frail women are at high risk for falls and fracture.
Changes in Drug Use and Out‐of‐Pocket Costs Associated with Medicare Part D Implementation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Polinski Jennifer M. , Kilabuk Elaine , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Brennan Troyen , Shrank William H.
Published: September 2010

Medicare Part D was implemented 4 years ago. Despite the fact that public‐use Part D data were unavailable until late 2008, researchers have used alternate data to examine the effect of Part D on drug use and out‐of‐pocket costs. In a systematic review of Medline from 2006 to October 2009, the literature about drug use and costs after implementation and during the transition period and coverage gap was summarized. Studies presenting original results regarding drug use and costs after Part D implementation were included. Case reports and series and simulation studies were excluded. Of 552 originally identified articles, 26 met selection criteria: 13 regarding the overall effect of Part D in the year(s) after implementation, seven describing the Part D transition period, and six concerning the coverage gap. Part D implementation was associated with a 6% to 13% increase in drug use and a 13% to 18% decrease in patient costs. The transition period was associated with no significant changes in use or costs for elderly dual‐eligible beneficiaries, but effects in other populations were mixed. Entry into the coverage gap was associated with a 9% to 16% decrease in drug use and increases in costs of up to 89%. In summary, studies examining disparate data regarding the implementation of Part D found consistent positive effects on drug use and costs but revealed unfavorable trends in the coverage gap. The effect of the Part D transition period remains unclear. Although public‐use data will validate these results, policymakers can use the existing evidence to inform changes and enhancements to Part D immediately.
Community Physician Education in Geriatrics: Applying the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders Model with a Multisite Primary Care Group
Authors: Warshaw Gregg A. , Modawal Arvind , Kues John , Moore Irene , Margolin Gordon , Sehgal Mandi , Mueller Stephen , Cluxton Robert
Published: September 2010

Providing practicing physicians with effective education that leads to better patient outcomes remains challenging. In 2003, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine developed a comprehensive program to enhance practicing physician geriatric medicine education based on the Assessing the Care of Vulnerable Elders model. The program was implemented with a large, multisite primary care group based in the greater Cincinnati area and was designed to increase physicians' clinical skills and assist them in implementing new office and system strategies that could improve the quality of care for their older patients. Four topic areas were chosen: medication management, falls and mobility, urinary incontinence, and dementia. A multifaceted physician education program was developed for each topic area, with lunch‐time, in‐office, geriatrician‐led presentations as the primary intervention. Over a 4‐year period (2004–2007), more than 60 physicians in 16 primary care practices attended 107 teaching sessions. The value of the presentation content, quality of the presentations, and perception of meeting the primary care physicians' (PCPs') educational needs were each rated at 3.8 or above (4=excellent). Between 80% and 92% of the PCPs planned to make a change in their practice behavior as a result of the training, but only two offices initiated formal quality improvement projects. During the teaching sessions, the PCPs were provided with screening tools to identify “at risk” patients, assessment chart templates, and community resource and patient education materials. The application of a modified version of the ACOVE model to reach a large group of primary care physicians is possible and may be one strategy to improve the assessment and management of geriatric syndromes.
Challenges and Opportunities for Developing and Implementing Incentives to Improve Health‐Related Behaviors in Older Adults
Authors: Klein Eran , Karlawish Jason
Published: September 2010

There is growing interest in using patient‐directed incentives to change health‐related behaviors. Advocates of incentive programs have proposed an ambitious research agenda for moving patient incentive programs forward. The unique cognitive and psychological features of older adults, however, present a challenge to this agenda. In particular, age‐related changes in emotional regulation, executive function, and cognitive capacities, and a preference for collaborative decision‐making raise questions about the suitability of these programs, particularly the structure of current financial incentives, for older adults. Differences in decision‐making in older adults need to be accounted for in the design and implementation of financial incentive programs. Financial incentive programs adjusted to characteristics of older adult populations may be more likely to improve the lives of older persons and the economic success of programs that serve them.
Can Magnetoencephalography Aid Epilepsy Surgery?
Authors: Knowlton Robert C.
Published: September 2010

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) has a long history of development for the application of epilepsy. Technical and clinical validation of spike source estimation has been demonstrated in most partial epilepsies. The question that needs to be clarified concerns clinical value: Do identification and localization of epileptiform discharges play an important role in the determination of epilepsy localization for surgery? EEG is the mainstay in the investigation of seizure disorders and will remain so because it alone possesses the attribute of long-term recordings that can capture seizures. In contrast, MEG has the unique capability of nearly instantaneous high-resolution recording, with detection sensitivity and spike localization precision beyond that of EEG. Do these distinctions matter from a clinical standpoint?
Levetiracetam Efficacy in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy: Long Suspected and Now Confirmed in Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Abou-Khalil Bassel W.
Published: September 2010

Placebo-Controlled Study of Levetiracetam in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy. Berkovic SF, Knowlton RC, Leroy RF, Schiemann J, Falter U; On behalf of the Levetiracetam N01057 Study Group. Neurology. 2007;68 [Epub ahead of print].

Objective

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive levetiracetam in patients with uncontrolled generalized tonicclonic (GTC) seizures associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGE).

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study enrolled adults and children (4 to 65 years) with IGE experiencing 3 GTC seizures during the 8-week baseline period (4-week retrospective and 4-week prospective), despite receiving stable doses of one or two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Patients were randomized to levetiracetam (target dose 3,000 mg/day for adults; 60 mg/kg/day for children) or placebo and a 4-week titration period was followed by a 20-week evaluation period.

Results

Of 229 patients screened, 164 were randomized (levetiracetam, n = 80; placebo, n = 84). Levetiracetam produced a greater mean reduction in GTC seizure frequency per week over the treatment period (56.5%) than placebo (28.2%; p = 0.004). The percentage of patients who had 50% reduction of GTC seizure frequency per week (responders) during the treatment period was 72.2% for levetiracetam and 45.2% for placebo ( p < 0.001; OR 3.28; 95% CI 1.68 to 6.38). During the first 2-week treatment 64.6% of patients on levetiracetam and 45.2% on placebo ( p = 0.018) were classified as responders. During the evaluation period the percent of patients free of GTC seizures (34.2% vs 10.7%; p < 0.001) and all seizure types (24.1% vs 8.3%; p = 0.009) was greater for levetiracetam than placebo. Levetiracetam was well tolerated with 1.3% of patients discontinuing therapy due to adverse events vs 4.8% on placebo.

Conclusion

Adjunctive levetiracetam is an effective and well-tolerated antiepileptic drug for treating generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies.
Gene Expression in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Janigro Damir
Published: September 2010

Gene Expression in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Is Consistent with Increased Release of Glutamate by Astrocytes. Lee TS, Mane S, Eid T, Zhao H, Lin A, Guan HZ, Kim JH, Schweitzer J, King-Stevens D, Weber P, Spencer SS, Spencer DD, de Lanerolle NC. Mol Med . 2007;13( 1 2 ):1–13. Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) often have a shrunken hippocampus that is known to be the location in which seizures originate. The role of the sclerotic hippocampus in the causation and maintenance of seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has remained incompletely understood despite extensive neuropathological investigations of this substrate. To gain new insights and develop new testable hypotheses on the role of sclerosis in the pathophysiology of TLE, the differential gene expression profile was studied. To this end, DNA microarray analysis was used to compare gene expression profiles in sclerotic and non-sclerotic hippocampi surgically removed from TLE patients. Sclerotic hippocampi had transcriptional signatures that were different from non-sclerotic hippocampi. The differentially expressed gene set in sclerotic hippocampi revealed changes in several molecular signaling pathways, which included the increased expression of genes associated with astrocyte structure (glial fibrillary acidic protein, ezrin-moesin-radixin, palladin), calcium regulation (S100 calcium binding protein beta, chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4) and blood-brain barrier function (Aquaaporin 4, Chemokine (C-C- motif) ligand 2, Chemokine (C-C- motif) ligand 3, Plectin 1, intermediate filament binding protein 55kDa) and inflammatory responses. Immunohistochemical localization studies show that there is altered distribution of the gene-associated proteins in astrocytes from sclerotic foci compared with non-sclerotic foci. It is hypothesized that the astrocytes in sclerotic tissue have activated molecular pathways that could lead to enhanced release of glutamate by these cells. Such glutamate release may excite surrounding neurons and elicit seizure activity.