bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prioritizing conservation investments for mammal species globally
Authors: Wilson Kerrie A. , Evans Megan C. , Di Marco Moreno , Green David C. , Boitani Luigi , Possingham Hugh P. , Chiozza Federica , Rondinini Carlo
Published: August 2011

We need to set priorities for conservation because we cannot do everything, everywhere, at the same time. We determined priority areas for investment in threat abatement actions, in both a cost-effective and spatially and temporally explicit way, for the threatened mammals of the world. Our analysis presents the first fine-resolution prioritization analysis for mammals at a global scale that accounts for the risk of habitat loss, the actions required to abate this risk, the costs of these actions and the likelihood of investment success. We evaluated the likelihood of success of investments using information on the past frequency and duration of legislative effectiveness at a country scale. The establishment of new protected areas was the action receiving the greatest investment, while restoration was never chosen. The resolution of the analysis and the incorporation of likelihood of success made little difference to this result, but affected the spatial location of these investments.
Investing in evolutionary history: implementing a phylogenetic approach for mammal conservation
Authors: Collen Ben , Turvey Samuel T. , Waterman Carly , Meredith Helen M. R. , Kuhn Tyler S. , Baillie Jonathan E. M. , Isaac Nick J. B.
Published: August 2011

Under the impact of human activity, global extinction rates have risen a thousand times higher than shown in the fossil record. The resources available for conservation are insufficient to prevent the loss of much of the world's threatened biodiversity during this crisis. Conservation planners have been forced to prioritize their protective activities, in the context of great uncertainty. This has become known as ‘the agony of choice’. A range of methods have been proposed for prioritizing species for conservation attention; one of the most strongly supported is prioritizing those species that maximize phylogenetic distinctiveness (PD). We evaluate how a composite measure of extinction risk and phylogenetic isolation (EDGE) has been used to prioritize species according to their degree of unique evolutionary history (evolutionary distinctiveness, ED) weighted by conservation urgency (global endangerment, GE). We review PD-based approaches and provide an updated list of EDGE mammals using the 2010 IUCN Red List. We evaluate how robust this method is to changes in phylogenetic uncertainty, knowledge of taxonomy and extinction risk, and examine how mammalian species that rank highly in EDGE score are representative of the collective from which they are drawn.
The key elements of a comprehensive global mammal conservation strategy
Authors: Rondinini Carlo , Rodrigues Ana S. L. , Boitani Luigi
Published: August 2011

A global strategy is necessary to achieve the level of coordination, synergy and therefore optimization of resources to achieve the broad goal of conserving mammals worldwide. Key elements for the development of such a strategy include: an institutional subject that owns the strategy; broad conservation goals, quantitative targets derived from them and appropriate indicators; data on the distribution of species, their threats, the cost-effectiveness of conservation actions; and a set of methods for the identification of conservation priorities. Previous global mammal research investigated phylogeny, extinction risk, and the species and areas that should be regarded as global conservation priorities. This theme issue presents new key elements: an updated Red List Index, a new list of evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered species, new high-resolution mammal distribution models, a global connectivity analysis and scenarios of future mammal distribution based on climate and land-cover change. Area prioritization schemes account for mammalian phylogeny, governance and cost–benefit of measures to abate habitat loss. Three discussion papers lay the foundations for the development of a global unifying mammal conservation strategy, which should not be further deterred by the knowledge gaps still existing.
Reconciling global mammal prioritization schemes into a strategy
Authors: Rondinini Carlo , Boitani Luigi , Rodrigues Ana S. L. , Brooks Thomas M. , Pressey Robert L. , Visconti Piero , Baillie Jonathan E. M. , Baisero Daniele , Cabeza Mar , Crooks Kevin R. , Di Marco Moreno , Redford Kent H. , Andelman Sandy A. , Hoffmann Michael , Maiorano Luigi , Stuart Simon N. , Wilson Kerrie A.
Published: August 2011

The huge conservation interest that mammals attract and the large datasets that have been collected on them have propelled a diversity of global mammal prioritization schemes, but no comprehensive global mammal conservation strategy. We highlight some of the potential discrepancies between the schemes presented in this theme issue, including: conservation of species or areas, reactive and proactive conservation approaches, conservation knowledge and action, levels of aggregation of indicators of trend and scale issues. We propose that recently collected global mammal data and many of the mammal prioritization schemes now available could be incorporated into a comprehensive global strategy for the conservation of mammals. The task of developing such a strategy should be coordinated by asuper-partes, authoritative institution (e.g. the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN). The strategy would facilitate funding agencies, conservation organizations and national institutions to rapidly identify a number of short-term and long-term global conservation priorities, and act complementarily to achieve them.
Mapping and navigating mammalian conservation: from analysis to action
Authors: Redford Kent H. , Ray Justina C. , Boitani Luigi
Published: August 2011

Although mammals are often seen as important objects of human interest and affection, many are threatened with extinction. A range of efforts have been proposed and much work has been done to try to conserve mammals, but there is little overall understanding of what has worked and why. As a result, there is no global-scale, coordinated approach to conserving all mammals. Rather, conservation efforts are usually focused at jurisdictional levels where relevant legislation and policies are in force. To help build the framework for a global-scale approach, in this paper we review the many ways that have been proposed for conserving mammals. First, we examine the overall pattern of threat faced by mammals at the global level. Secondly, we look at the major structuring issues in prioritizing and planning mammal conservation, examining in particular the roles of values and scale and a set of approaches to conservation, each of which varies along a continuum. Finally, we lay out the steps necessary to move from planning to implementing mammalian conservation.
The future of terrestrial mammals in the Mediterranean basin under climate change
Authors: Maiorano Luigi , Falcucci Alessandra , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Psomas Achilleas , Pottier Julien , Baisero Daniele , Rondinini Carlo , Guisan Antoine , Boitani Luigi
Published: August 2011

The Mediterranean basin is considered a hotspot of biological diversity with a long history of modification of natural ecosystems by human activities, and is one of the regions that will face extensive changes in climate. For 181 terrestrial mammals (68% of all Mediterranean mammals), we used an ensemble forecasting approach to model the future (approx. 2100) potential distribution under climate change considering five climate change model outputs for two climate scenarios. Overall, a substantial number of Mediterranean mammals will be severely threatened by future climate change, particularly endemic species. Moreover, we found important changes in potential species richness owing to climate change, with some areas (e.g. montane region in central Italy) gaining species, while most of the region will be losing species (mainly Spain and North Africa). Existing protected areas (PAs) will probably be strongly influenced by climate change, with most PAs in Africa, the Middle East and Spain losing a substantial number of species, and those PAs gaining species (e.g. central Italy and southern France) will experience a substantial shift in species composition.
Occult Leydig Cell Tumour Presenting as Bilateral Gynaecomastia. Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Patel A. B. , Wilson L. , Rane A.
Published: August 2011

Gynaecomastia is the most common benign breast disorder in men. Among the various causes, testicular malignancies are an uncommon, life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. The case of a 28-year-old man is discussed, who presented with a 6-month history of painful bilateral gynaecomastia with no abnormality on clinical or biochemical examination. The patient's symptoms spontaneously resolved within 4 weeks. He then represented 10 years later with similar symptoms and an associated secondary hypogonadism. Ultrasound imaging revealed a clinically occult, hypoechoic mass in the left testis (Leydig cell tumour on histology). Clinical and hormonal findings normalized following surgical excision. This report underlines the importance in clinical practice of ultrasonographic evaluation of the testis, in all patients with gynaecomastia, despite unremarkable findings on physical examination.
The Occurrence of Acute Postoperative Confusion in Patients after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Osterbrink Jürgen , McDonough John P. , Ewers Andre , Mayer Herbert
Published: August 2011

This study quantified the occurrence of acute confusion in cardiac surgery patients at three German hospitals. A total of 867 patients, 22–91 years old, were examined each nursing shift postoperatively for 5 days for the presence of acute confusion using a modified version of the Glasgow Coma Scale and Confusion Rating Scale. The night shifts and the third postoperative day showed the most frequent periods of occurrence. Confusional state was noted in patients ranging from 10.5% for patients aged <70, to 40.7% for patients >80 years of age. Those found at increased risk were patients of increasing age and coexisting disease. Targeted nursing interventions for patients at increased risk of acute confusion may decrease this complication.
Use of the Appendix as Ureteral Substitute in a Patient with a Single Kidney Affected by Relapsing Upper Urinary Tract Carcinoma
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Zani Danilo , Dotti Paolo , Tralce Luigi , Simeone Claudio , Cunico Sergio C.
Published: August 2011

The treatment of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (UT-TCC) in single-kidney patients requires the radical removal of cancer, but also, when feasible, the preservation of the continuity of the urinary tract by various surgical techniques. In case of wide resections during ureteral surgery, a ureteral replacement could be advocated. In the literature, the cecal appendix has rarely been used as a ureteral substitute, moreover in benign pathological conditions, showing encouraging early results. The positive functional and oncological outcomes obtained after a lengthy follow-up in a single-kidney patient with UT-TCC treated by ureteral resection and appendix interposition confirm the viability of this surgical option.
Strategy for the Maximal Use of Native Arteriovenous Fistulae for Hemodialysis
Authors: Malovrh Marko
Published: August 2011

The long-term survival and quality of life of patients on hemodialysis is dependant on the adequacy of dialysis via an appropriately placed vascular access. The native arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) at the wrist is generally accepted as the vascular access of choice in hemodialysis patients due to its low complication and high patency rates. It has been shown beyond doubt that an optimally functioning AV fistula is a good prognostic factor of patient morbidity and mortality in the dialysis phase. Recent clinical practice guidelines recommend the creation of a vascular access (native fistula or synthetic graft) before the start of chronic hemodialysis therapy to prevent the need for complication-prone dialysis catheters. A multidisciplinary approach, including nephrologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, and nurses should improve the hemodialysis outcome by promoting the use of native AV fistulae. An important additional component of this program is the Doppler ultrasound for preoperative vascular mapping. This approach may be realized without unsuccessful surgical explorations, with a minimal early failure rate, and a high maturation, even in risk groups such as elderly and diabetic patients. Vascular access care is responsible for a significant proportion of health care costs in the first year of hemodialysis. These results also support clinical practice guidelines that recommend the preferential placement of a native fistula.
Pain in Down's Syndrome
Authors: Mafrica Federica , Schifilliti Daniela , Fodale Vincenzo
Published: August 2011

Pain is a homeostatic mechanism that intervenes to protect the organism from harmful stimuli that could damage its integrity. It is made up of two components: the sensory-discriminative component, which identifies the provenance and characteristics of the type of pain; and the affective-motivational component, on which emotional reflexes, following the painful sensation, depend.There is a system for pain control at an encephalic and spinal level, principally made up of the periaqueductal grey matter, the periventricular area, the nucleus raphe magnus, and the pain-inhibition complex situated in the posterior horns of the spinal cord. Through the activation of these pain-control systems, the nervous system suppresses the afference of pain signals. Endogenous opioids represent another analgesic system.In the course of various studies on pain transmission in Down patients, the reduced tolerance of pain and the incapacity to give a qualitative and quantitative description emerged in a powerful way. All of these aspects cause difficulty in evaluating pain. This is linked to several learning difficulties. However, it cannot be excluded that in these anomalies of pain perception, both the anatomical and the neurotransmitter alteration, typical of this syndrome, may hold a certain importance.This fact may have important clinical repercussions that could affect the choice of therapeutic and rehabilitative schemes for treatment of pathologies in which pain is the dominant symptom, such as postoperative pain. It could influence research on analgesics that are more suitable for these patients, the evaluation of the depth of analgesia during surgical operation, and ultimately, absence of obvious pain manifestations. In conclusion, alterations of the central nervous system, neurotransmitters, pain transmission, and all related problems should be considered in the management of pain in patients with Down's syndrome, especially by algologists and anesthesiologists.
Malignant Hypertension: Ocular Manifestations
Authors: Muñoz Silvia , Martín Nieves , Arruga Jorge
Published: August 2011

Malignant hypertension may be the first manifestation of systemic hypertension. We report a clinical case of a Caucasian 41-year-old man with no previous history of blood hypertension seen at casualty because of blurred vision. Fundus examination disclosed optic disk swelling, retinal hemorrhages and infarcts. The blood pressure was 220/130 mmHg. After the appropriate management of hypertension, optic disk and retinal edema resolved, leaving minor changes as mild optic disk pallor and hard exudates.
Biochemical Impedance on Intracellular Functions of Vitamin B12 in Chronic Toxigenic Mold Exposures
Authors: Anyanwu Ebere C. , Kanu Ijeoma
Published: August 2011

A majority of patients with neurological disorders with chronic exposures to toxigenic molds and mycotoxins has vitamin B12 deficiency that is unrelated to dietary insufficiency. Vitamin B12 is a source of coenzymes, and participates in intracellular recycling of methionine, and in methionine synthase reactions. The biochemical processes that lead to B12 depletion and deficiency are not fully understood. This paper examines and assesses various most likely biochemical reasons that could impede upon the normal intracellular functions of vitamin B12 that lead to neurological manifestations. By biochemical implications and derivations, it is most likely that mycotoxins interrupt the structure and function of vitamin B12 through reactive interference with the normal One-Carbon metabolism leading to the observed clinical neurological manifestations such as nerve damage and, demyelination, degeneration of PNS leading to paralysis, progressive peripheral neuropathy, and spinal degeneration.
Non-Traditional Management of the Neurogenic Bladder: Tissue Engineering and Neuromodulation
Authors: Lewis Jane M. , Cheng Earl Y.
Published: August 2011

Patients with spina bifida and a neurogenic bladder have traditionally been managed with clean intermittent catheterization and pharmacotherapy in order to treat abnormal bladder wall dynamics, protect the upper urinary tract from damage, and achieve urinary continence. However, some patients will fail this therapy and require surgical reconstruction in the form of bladder augmentation surgery using reconfigured intestine or stomach to increase the bladder capacity while reducing the internal storage pressure. Despite functional success of bladder augmentation in achieving a low pressure reservoir, there are several associated complications of this operation and patients do not have the ability to volitionally void. For these reasons, alternative treatments have been sought. Two exciting alternative approaches that are currently being investigated are tissue engineering and neuromodulation. Tissue engineering aims to create new bladder tissue for replacement purposes with both “seeded” and “unseeded” technology. Advances in the fields of nanotechnology and stem cell biology have further enhanced these tissue engineering technologies. Neuromodulation therapies directly address the root of the problem in patients with spina bifida and a neurogenic bladder, namely the abnormal relationship between the nerves and the bladder wall. These therapies include transurethral bladder electrostimulation, sacral neuromodulation, and neurosurgical techniques such as selective sacral rhizotomy and artificial somatic-autonomic reflex pathway construction. This review will discuss both tissue engineering techniques and neuromodulation therapies in more detail including rationale, experimental data, current status of clinical application, and future direction.
Effect of Lime, Humic Acid and Moisture Regime on the Availability of Zinc in Alfisol
Authors: Naik Sushanta Kumar , Das Dilip Kumar
Published: August 2011

Lime and humic acid application can play an important role in the availability of zinc in paddy soils. We conducted laboratory incubation experiments on a rice growing soil (Alfisol) to determine the effect of lime, humic acid and different moisture regimes on the availability of Zn. Addition of half doses of liming material (powdered lime stone) recorded highest values of DTPA-Zn followed by no lime and 100% of lime requirement throughout the incubation period. With the progress of incubation, DTPA-Zn increased slightly during the first week and then decreased thereafter. The highest DTPA-extractable Zn content of 2.85 mg/kg was found in the treatment Zn10L1/2at 7 days of incubation, showing 17.3 % increase in DTPA-Zn content over its corresponding treatment of Zn alone (Zn10L0). The DTPA-Zn concentration increased with the application of humic acid compared with no humic acid throughout 35 days of the incubation period and the peak value obtained was 3.12 mg/kg in the treatment Zn10 HA2 at 14 days after incubation, showing 50 % increase in Zn content over its corresponding treatment of Zn alone (Zn10HA0). The application of 0.2% humic acid compared with 0.1% resulted in greater increase in DTPA-Zn concentration in soil application. During the 35 days of incubation, highest values of DTPA-Zn were recorded in soil maintained at saturated compared to water logged conditions. However, under alternate wetting and drying condition the DTPA-Zn content gradually decreased up to 21 days and thereafter increased slowly.
Astrocytes Control Neuronal Excitability in the Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Fellin Tommaso , D'Ascenzo Marcello , Haydon Philip G.
Published: August 2011

Though accumulating evidence shows that the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) mediates some of the actions of extracellular glutamate after cocaine use, the cellular events underlying this action are poorly understood. In this review, we will discuss recent results showing that mGluR5 receptors are key regulators of astrocyte activity. Synaptic release of glutamate activates mGluR5 expressed in perisynaptic astrocytes and generates intense Ca2+signaling in these cells. Ca2+oscillations, in turn, trigger the release from astrocytes of the gliotransmitter glutamate, which modulates neuronal excitability by activating NMDA receptors. By integrating these results with the most recent evidence demonstrating the importance of astrocytes in the regulation of neuronal excitability, we propose that astrocytes are involved in mediating some of the mGluR5-dependent drug-induced behaviors.
Basic Concepts in G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Homo- and Heterodimerization
Authors: Franco Rafael , Casadó Vicent , Cortés Antoni , Ferrada Carla , Mallol Josefa , Woods Amina , Lluis Carme , Canela Enric I. , Ferré Sergi
Published: August 2011

Until recently, heptahelical G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were considered to be expressed as monomers on the cell surface of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. It is now becoming evident that this view must be overtly changed since these receptors can form homodimers, heterodimers, and higher-order oligomers on the plasma membrane. Here we discuss some of the basics and some new concepts of receptor homo- and heteromerization. Dimers-oligomers modify pharmacology, trafficking, and signaling of receptors. First of all, GPCR dimers must be considered as the main molecules that are targeted by neurotransmitters or by drugs. Thus, binding data must be fitted to dimer-based models. In these models, it is considered that the conformational changes transmitted within the dimer molecule lead to cooperativity. Cooperativity must be taken into account in the binding of agonists-antagonists-drugs and also in the binding of the so-called allosteric modulators. Cooperativity results from the intramolecular cross-talk in the homodimer. As an intramolecular cross-talk in the heterodimer, the binding of one neurotransmitter to one receptor often affects the binding of the second neurotransmitter to the partner receptor. Coactivation of the two receptors in a heterodimer can change completely the signaling pathway triggered by the neurotransmitter as well as the trafficking of the receptors. Heterodimer-specific drugs or dual drugs able to activate the two receptors in the heterodimer simultaneously emerge as novel and promising drugs for a variety of central nervous system (CNS) therapeutic applications.
Neurophysiological Endophenotypes, CNS Disinhibition, and Risk for Alcohol Dependence and Related Disorders
Authors: Porjesz Bernice , Rangaswamy Madhavi
Published: August 2011

Biological endophenotypes are more proximal to gene function than psychiatric diagnosis, providing a powerful strategy in searching for genes in psychiatric disorders. These intermediate phenotypes identify both affected and unaffected members of an affected family, including offspring at risk, providing a more direct connection with underlying biological vulnerability. The Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) has employed heritable neurophysiological features (i.e., brain oscillations) as endophenotypes, making it possible to identify susceptibility genes that may be difficult to detect with diagnosis alone. We found significant linkage and association between brain oscillations and genes involved with inhibitory neural networks (e.g.,GABRA2, CHRM2), including frontal networks that are deficient in individuals with alcohol dependence, impulsivity, and related disinhibitory disorders. We reported significant linkage and linkage disequilibrium for the beta frequency of the EEG andGABRA2, aGABAAreceptor gene on chromosome 4, which we found is also associated with diagnosis of alcohol dependence and related disorders. More recently, we found significant linkage and association withGABRA2and interhemispheric theta coherence. We also reported significant linkage and linkage disequilibrium between the theta and delta event-related oscillations underlying P3 to target stimuli andGABRA2, a cholinergic muscarinic receptor gene on chromosome 7, which we found is also associated with diagnosis of alcohol dependence and related disorders. Thus, the identification of genes important for the expression of the endophenotypes (brain oscillations) helps when identifying genes that increase the susceptibility for risk of alcohol dependence and related disorders. These findings underscore the utility of quantitative neurophysiological endophenotypes in the study of the genetics of complex disorders. We will present our recent genetic findings related to brain oscillations and Central Nervous System (CNS) disinhibition.
Influencing Holistic Health Policy
Authors: Bell Erica
Published: August 2011

Beliefs that health policy-making is an inherently ‘ideological’ or ‘irrational’ process appear to have worked to prevent researchers from developing better understandings of the kind of evidence that does work to influence policy. Without a model of policy-making that positions policy decision-makers as capable of being informed by specific forms of evidence that speak to policy contexts, it is difficult for research to begin to shape health policy. Recent years have seen the development of a research industry that focuses on developing and describing research approaches for shaping health and social services policy. This analysis paper offers a highly selective overview of generic features of policy-relevant research for holistic health. It aims to support efforts to develop better evidence for health policy by exploring elements of the genre of policy-relevant research, particularly as it applies to the challenges of holistic health policy-making. First, it offers a conceptual definition of holistic health policy-making, as well as research evidence for this kind of policy making, identifying some of the generic features of policy-relevant research. Second, it outlines some of the key practices for delivering sound evidence for health policy, in ways that highlight the salient differences between doing research for holistic health policy, and doing academic research in health. The paper concludes with directions for developing better evidence for holistic health policy-making that question the assumptions of quality which often inform elite funding agencies, calling for their diversification.
P-Body Components, microRNA Regulation, and Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Hillebrand Jens , Barbee Scott A. , Ramaswami Mani
Published: August 2011

What is the protein apparatus required for microRNA (miRNA) function and translational repression in neurons? This article reviews our recent work on Me31B, a conserved P-body protein present on Staufen-containing neuronal and maternal ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles, which is required for dendrite morphogenesis and miRNA functionin vivo. In addition, it provides new data to show that Me31B is present on and regulates formation of P-bodies in theDrosophilawing disc, where it has a general role in the regulation of miRNA function. While illuminating the function of this important RNA regulatory molecule, it also brings into focus a hypothesis of potentially broad significance. Namely, that P-body proteins may play important roles in regulation of dendrite-localized mRNAs and, thereby, in synaptic plasticity. A wide range of protein localization and early functional data support this hypothesis. We also discuss current knowledge of RNP particles that mediate translational repression and the implications of these findings for understanding translational control in neurons.
Depression after Delivery: Risk Factors, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations
Authors: Scrandis Debra A. , Sheikh Tehmina M. , Niazi Robina , Tonelli Leonardo H. , Postolache Teodor T.
Published: August 2011

Postpartum mood disorders can negatively affect women, their offspring, and their families when left untreated. The identification and treatment of postpartum depression remains problematic since health care providers may often not differentiate postpartum blues from depression onset. Recent studies found potentially new risk factors, etiologies, and treatments; thus, possibly improving the untreated postpartum depression rates. This integrated review examined several postpartum psychiatric disorders, postpartum blues, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and postpartum psychosis for current findings on prevalence, etiologies, risk factors, and postpartum depression treatments.
Cocaine and Sleep: Early Abstinence
Authors: Morgan Peter T. , Malison Robert T.
Published: August 2011

Compulsive cocaine use is associated with a profound dysregulation of sleep. Perhaps the result of chronic use, a significant deterioration in sleep is apparent over the first 3 weeks of abstinence, with no indication of recovery. Interestingly, the diminished sleep is not accompanied by subjective reports of poor or worsening sleep. Rather, subjective reports actuallyimproveover abstinence, while sleep-related cognitive performance declines. A mechanistic understanding of the apparent difference in objective and subjective measures is currently lacking. Here we review the relevant literature on cocaine use and sleep, and discuss the possible relevance of this sleep disturbance in relationship to the underlying disorder and its treatment.
Deconstruction of Vulnerability to Complex Diseases: Enhanced Effect Sizes and Power of Intermediate Phenotypes
Authors: Goldman David , Ducci Francesca
Published: August 2011

The deconstruction of vulnerability to complex disease with the help of intermediate phenotypes, including the heritable and disease-associated endophenotypes, is a legacy of Henri Begleiter. Systematic searches for genes influencing complex disorders, including bipolar disorder, have recently been completed using whole genome association (WGA), identifying a series of validated loci. Using this information, it is possible to compare effect sizes of disease loci discovered in very large samples to the effect sizes of replicated functional loci determining intermediate phenotypes that are of essential interest in psychiatric disorders. It is shown that the genes influencing intermediate phenotypes tend to have a larger effect size. Furthermore, the WGA results reveal that the number of loci of large effect size for complex diseases is limited, and yet multiple functional loci have already been identified for intermediate phenotypes relevant to psychiatric diseases, and without the benefit of WGA.
Effects of (±) 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Authors: McCann Una D. , Ricaurte George A.
Published: August 2011

Abuse of stimulant drugs invariably leads to a disruption in sleep-wake patterns by virtue of the arousing and sleep-preventing effects of these drugs. Certain stimulants, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), may also have the potential to produce persistent alterations in circadian regulation and sleep because they can be neurotoxic toward brain monoaminergic neurons involved in normal sleep regulation. In particular, MDMA has been found to damage brain serotonin (5-HT) neurons in a variety of animal species, including nonhuman primates, with growing evidence that humans are also susceptible to MDMA-induced brain 5-HT neurotoxicity. 5-HT is an important modulator of sleep and circadian rhythms and, therefore, individuals who sustain MDMA-induced 5-HT neurotoxicity may be at risk for developing chronic abnormalities in sleep and circadian patterns. In turn, such abnormalities could play a significant role in other alterations reported in abstinent in MDMA users (e.g., memory disturbance). This paper will review preclinical and clinical studies that have explored the effects of prior MDMA exposure on sleep, circadian activity, and the circadian pacemaker, and will highlight current gaps in knowledge and suggest areas for future research.
A Comprehensive Review of Quality of Life (QOL) Research in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Lee Britta M.
Published: August 2011

Published quality of life (QOL) studies in Hong Kong indexed in the major databases were reviewed. Several observations are highlighted from this review. First, most of the published studies were empirical studies involving data collection. Second, there are more micro studies utilizing individual QOL indices than macro studies using societal indicators. Third, most studies addressed personal well-being, followed by studies on family well-being and societal well-being. Fourth, the studies were predominantly quantitative in nature. Fifth, most of the studies were based on adults and comparatively fewer studies were based on children and adolescents. Sixth, most studies were based on populations with special needs, followed by studies based on the general population, helping professionals, and caregivers. Seventh, most studies used measures of QOL rather than developed QOL measures. Finally, QOL data in Hong Kong were seldom compared with those in other places. The gaps on QOL studies in Hong Kong and future research directions are discussed.
Treatment of Lowland Frogs From the Spawn Stage with Homeopathically Prepared Thyroxin (10-30)
Authors: Graunke Helmut , Endler P. Christian , Scherer-Pongratz Waltraud , Spranger Heinz , Frass Michael , Lothaller Harald
Published: August 2011

The influence of a highly diluted agitated, i.e. homeopathically prepared thyroxin solution (10-30, final concentration in the basin water 10-35parts by weight after the first application) on metamorphosis in lowland Rana temporaria from the spawn stage on was studied. The treatment with homeopathically prepared thyroxin solution (10-30) starts at the frogspawn stage. It represents a tool to learn more about the previously standardized amphibian model, where the thyroxin solution was applied from the two- legged stage on only. Lowland frogs were pretreated by immersing spawn in an aqueous molecular thyroxin dilution (10-8parts by weight). In later stages of development (2 to 4 legged), this has been found to speed up metamorphosis by around 15%. In accordance with the homeopathic idea of detoxication or cure, hyperstimulated animals (spawn or, in subsequence, larvae) were treated either with thyroxin that had been highly diluted and agitated in successive steps, i.e. homeopathically prepared (10-30), or analogously prepared blank solution (water). Development was monitored by documenting the number of animals that had entered the four-legged stage. It has been found that animals treated with the test solution metamorphosed more slowly than the control animals, i.e. the effect of the homeopathically prepared thyroxin was opposed to the usual effect of molecular thyroxin. The number of test animals that reached the 4- legged stage at defined points in time was slightly smaller in the group treated with homeopathically prepared thyroxin at some, but not at all points in time, compared to control. The results in this study sustain the previous multi researcher findings that highly diluted homeopathically prepared thyroxin is able to slow down metamorphosis ofRana temporaria.
Swimming and Persons with Mild Persistant Asthma
Authors: Arandelovic Mirjana , Stankovic Ivana , Nikolic Maja
Published: August 2011

The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of recreational swimming on lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in patients with mild persistent asthma. This study included 65 patients with mild persistent asthma, who were divided into two groups: experimental group A (n = 45) and control group B (n = 20). Patients from both groups were treated with low doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and short-acting β2 agonists salbutamol as needed. Our program for patients in group A was combined asthma education with swimming (twice a week on a 1-h basis for the following 6 months). At the end of the study, in Group A, we found a statistically significant increase of lung function parameters FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) (3.55 vs. 3.65) (p < 0.01), FVC (forced vital capacity) (4.27 vs. 4.37) (p < 0.05), PEF (peak expiratory flow) (7.08 vs. 7.46) (p < 0.01), and statistically significant decrease of BHR (PD200.58 vs. 2.01) (p < 0.001). In Group B, there was a statistically significant improvement of FEV1 3.29 vs. 3.33 (p < 0.05) and although FVC, FEV1/FVC, and PEF were improved, it was not significant. When Groups A and B were compared at the end of the study, there was a statistically significant difference of FVC (4.01 vs. 4.37), FEV1 (3.33 vs. 3.55), PEF (6.79 vs.7.46), and variability (p <0.001), and statistically significantly decreased BHR in Group A (2.01 vs. 1.75) (p < 0.001). Engagement of patients with mild persistent asthma in recreational swimming in nonchlorinated pools, combined with regular medical treatment and education, leads to better improvement of their parameters of lung function and also to more significant decrease of their airway hyperresponsiveness compared to patients treated with traditional medicine
Effects of Glucocorticoids on Apoptosis and Clearance of Apoptotic Cells
Authors: McColl Aisleen , Michlewska Sylwia , Dransfield Ian , Rossi Adriano G.
Published: August 2011

The glucocorticoid (GC) drugs are one of the most commonly prescribed and effective anti-inflammatory agents used for the treatment of many inflammatory disorders through their ability to attenuate phlogistic responses. The glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) primarily mediates GC actions via activation or repression of gene expression. GCs directly induce the expression of proteins displaying anti-inflammatory activities. However, the likely predominant effect of GCs is the repression of multiple inflammatory genes that invariably are overexpressed during nonresolving chronic inflammation. Although most GC actions are mediated through regulation of transcription, rapid nongenomic actions have also been reported. In addition, GCs modulate inflammatory cell survival, inducing apoptosis in immature thymocytes and eosinophils, while delaying constitutive neutrophil apoptosis. Importantly, GCs promote noninflammatory phagocytosis of apoptotic cell targets, a process important for the successful resolution of inflammation. Here, the effects and mechanisms of action of GC on inflammatory cell apoptosis and phagocytosis will be discussed.
Internal Iliac Artery Embolization for the Control of Severe Bladder Hemorrhage Secondary to Carcinoma: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: El-Assmy Ahmed , Mohsen Tarek
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term complications of internal iliac artery embolization as a palliative measure in the control of intractable hemorrhage from advanced bladder malignancy. From January 1998 through December 2005, seven patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of anterior division of internal iliac artery bilaterally for intractable bladder hemorrhage. After embolization, patients were followed for the efficacy of the procedure in controlling hematuria and complications. TAE was successful in immediate control of severe hemorrhage in all seven patients after a mean period of 4 days. At a mean (range) follow-up of 10 (6–12) months, the hemorrhage was permanently controlled in four (57%) patients. Three patients developed hematuria and required emergency admissions; two had mild hematuria and were managed conservatively, and the remaining one required a second attempt of embolization after 2 months from the first one. During the whole period of follow-up, there were no significant complications related to embolization. Internal iliac artery embolization is an effective and minimally invasive option when managing advanced bladder malignancies presenting with intractable bleeding. The long-term follow-up showed control of bleeding in the majority of such patients with no serious complications.
Opioid-Induced Glial Activation: Mechanisms of Activation and Implications for Opioid Analgesia, Dependence, and Reward
Authors: Hutchinson Mark R. , Bland Sondra T. , Johnson Kirk W. , Rice Kenner C. , Maier Steven F. , Watkins Linda R.
Published: August 2011

This review will introduce the concept of toll-like receptor (TLR)–mediated glial activation as central to all of the following: neuropathic pain, compromised acute opioid analgesia, and unwanted opioid side effects (tolerance, dependence, and reward). Attenuation of glial activation has previously been demonstrated both to alleviate exaggerated pain states induced by experimental pain models and to reduce the development of opioid tolerance. Here we demonstrate that selective acute antagonism of TLR4 results in reversal of neuropathic pain as well as potentiation of opioid analgesia. Attenuating central nervous system glial activation was also found to reduce the development of opioid dependence, and opioid reward at a behavioral (conditioned place preference) and neurochemical (nucleus accumbens microdialysis of morphine-induced elevations in dopamine) level of analysis. Moreover, a novel antagonism of TLR4 by (+)- and (˗)-isomer opioid antagonists has now been characterized, and both antiallodynic and morphine analgesia potentiating activity shown. Opioid agonists were found to also possess TLR4 agonistic activity, predictive of glial activation. Targeting glial activation is a novel and as yet clinically unexploited method for treatment of neuropathic pain. Moreover, these data indicate that attenuation of glial activation, by general or selective TLR antagonistic mechanisms, may also be a clinical method for separating the beneficial (analgesia) and unwanted (tolerance, dependence, and reward) actions of opioids, thereby improving the safety and efficacy of their use.
Perirenal Hematomas Induced by Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). Therapeutic Management
Authors: Labanaris Apostolos P. , Kühn Reinhard , Schott Günter E. , Zugor Vahudin
Published: August 2011

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is nowadays accepted as the treatment of choice for the majority of patients with renal or proximal ureteral calculi. Although, a relatively noninvasive modality with low morbidity, minor or major complications can be noted. A relative severe complication for the patient and confusing for the treating physician is the perirenal hematoma. With review the literature and an example of perirenal hematoma induced by ESWL in a patient treated in our department, we describe its therapeutic management.
A Short History of Clinical Holistic Medicine
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: August 2011

Clinical holistic medicine has its roots in the medicine and tradition of Hippocrates. Modern epidemiological research in quality of life, the emerging science of complementary and alternative medicine, the tradition of psychodynamic therapy, and the tradition of bodywork are merging into a new scientific way of treating patients. This approach seems able to help every second patient with physical, mental, existential or sexual health problem in 20 sessions over one year. The paper discusses the development of holistic medicine into scientific holistic medicine with discussion of future research efforts.
Pediatric Burns in the Bedouin Population in Southern Israel
Authors: Cohen Arnon D. , Gurfinkel R. , Glezinger R. , Kriger Y. , Yancolevich N. , Rosenberg L.
Published: August 2011

Burn trauma is an important public health concern, with increased risk for burns in children. A cross-sectional study was performed to describe the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for burns in hospitalized Bedouin children in Soroka University Medical Center during the years 2001–2002. In a population of 558 hospitalized burn-injured patients, 282 Bedouin children were identified. Two hundred and sixty five patients (94.0%) had burns involving less than 20% of the body surface area. Cause of the burns was scald in 190 patients (67.4%), fire in 80 patients (28.4%), chemical in 8 patients (2.8%), and explosion in 2 patients (0.7%). Two female patients (0.7%) aged 11 and 17 years died of their burns that were caused by fire. The mean length of hospitalization was 9.8 days. Pediatric burn injury has become a significant public health problem in the Bedouin population of the Negev. To reduce the burden of burn injury, it is necessary to increase current efforts in prevention of burns.
Streptococcus constellatusand Prevotella bivia Penile Abscess
Authors: Nalmas Sandhya , Bishburg Eliahu , Chan Trini
Published: August 2011

Streptococcus constellatus(S. constellatus) is known to cause abscesses in the oral, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal tracts, frequently in association with anaerobic bacteria. We report a rare case ofS. constellatusandPrevotella bivia(P. bivia) causing a penile abscess, which was successfully treated with surgical drainage and antibiotic treatment.
The Role of Stress Proteins in the Study of Allostatic Overload in Birds: Use and Applicability to Current Studies in Avian Ecology
Authors: Herring Garth , Gawlik Dale E.
Published: August 2011

Stress proteins offer a measure of stress in birds at the cellular level that are an alternative to the glucocorticoids. Stress proteins are not biased by handling stress, the increase in stress proteins lasts longer than with other measures (e.g., corticosterone), and, therefore, they may be a more appropriate measure of long-term or chronic stress. However, caution should be practiced when using stress proteins because the level of stress needed to elicit a response may be higher than with corticosterone. Stress proteins have only recently been used to measure the response to competition, food limitation, growth, and parasitism in birds. In other taxa, the stress proteins have been used to measure genetic stress, temperature, toxins, UV radiation, and physical activity. Stress proteins increase the options available to avian ecologists for understanding how avian species respond to changes in the environment.
Comparison of Several Models for Calculating Ozone Stomatal Fluxes on a Mediterranean Wheat Cultivar (Triticum durumDesf. cv. Camacho)
Authors: de la Torre Llorente Daniel
Published: August 2011

Ozone stomatal fluxes were modeled for a 3-year period following different approaches for a commercial variety of durum wheat (Triticum durumDesf. cv. Camacho) at the phenological stage of anthesis. All models performed in the same range, although not all of them afforded equally significant results. Nevertheless, all of them suggest that stomatal conductance would account for the main percentage of ozone deposition fluxes. A new modeling approach was tested, based on a 3-D architectural model of the wheat canopy, and fairly accurate results were obtained. Plant species-specific measurements, as well as measurements of stomatal conductance and environmental parameters, were required. The method proposed for calculating ozone stomatal fluxes (FO3_3-D) from experimental gsdata and modeling them as a function of certain environmental parameters in conjunction with the use of the YPLANT model seems to be adequate, providing realistic estimates of the canopy FO3_3-D, integrating and not neglecting the contribution of the lower leaves with respect to the flag leaf, although a further development of this model is needed.