bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Prophylactic Treatments of Migraine Lower Plasma Glutamate Levels
Authors: Ferrari A , Spaccalopelo L , Pinetti D , Tacchi R , Bertolini A
Published: December 2008

The role of glutamate in migraine treatment has not been much studied, even if this amino acid seems to be crucial in the pathogenesis of migraine. Our aim was to determine if there were differences in the plasma levels of glutamate between migraine patients and control subjects and if plasma levels of glutamate in migraine patients modified after 8 weeks of prophylactic treatment. We studied 24 patients with diagnosis of migraine without aura according to International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn criteria, and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects, as controls. In migraineurs the level of glutamate was measured before and after 8 weeks of prophylactic treatment (topiramate 50 mg/ day, five patients; amitriptyline 20 mg/day, seven patients; flunarizine 5 mg/day, seven patients; propranolol 80 mg/day, five patients). Venous blood samples were taken in the morning, after overnight fasting, and at least 3 days after the last migraine day. Glutamate levels were measured by means of a fluorimetric detector high-pressure liquid chromatographic method. Plasma levels of glutamate were significantly higher in migraine patients—either before (61.79 ± 18.75 μmol/l) or after prophylactic treatment (17.64 ± 5.08 μmol/l)— than in controls (9.36 ± 2.1 μmol/l) ( P < 0.05, ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls' test). After prophylactic treatment, with headache frequency reduced, plasma glutamate levels were significantly lower in the same patient with respect to the prior baseline level ( P < 0.0001, Student's t-test for paired data), without any differences depending on the kind of prophylactic drug. Effective prophylactic treatments reducing high glutamate plasma levels found in migraine patients could act on the underlying mechanism that contributes to cause migraine. Plasma glutamate level monitoring in migraine patients might serve as a biomarker of response to treatments and as an objective measure of disease status.
Long‐term maintenance treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis with infliximab in combination with methotrexate or azathioprine in a retrospective cohort
Authors: Dalaker M , Bonesrønning JH
Published: December 2008

Background  Effective, fast‐acting and safe therapies are needed for long‐term maintenance treatment of psoriasis. In October 2005, infliximab was approved for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, but long‐term data are limited.

Objective  To evaluate the effectiveness of infliximab, used in combination with methotrexate or azathioprine, in maintaining clinical benefit in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Methods  The medical charts of 23 patients treated with infliximab from August 2001 to February 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Most patients received either infliximab 3 mg/kg (17 of 23) or 5 mg/kg (1 of 23) in combination with methotrexate, while 5 of 23 patients received infliximab 5 mg/kg in combination with azathioprine. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score and adverse events were recorded at every infliximab infusion visit at the hospital.

Results  Patient data were available for a minimum of 4 weeks and up to 5 years and 5 months. At week 14, 91.3% achieved PASI 50, 69.6% achieved PASI 75, and 39.1% achieved PASI 90. Only two patients discontinued therapy due to loss of response: one after 15 months and one after 3 years. All other patients displayed a good clinical response (≥ PASI 50) and were still receiving this regimen at last observation. Combination regimens of infliximab with methotrexate or azathioprine were well tolerated, and only one patient discontinued therapy because of an adverse event (lung embolism) after two infusions with infliximab.

Conclusions  Long‐term (> 1 year) maintenance therapy of infliximab combined with methotrexate or azathioprine is effective and well tolerated for moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis.

Conflicts of interest

None declared
Does binocularly perceived depth correlate with reduced stereoacuity?
Authors: Lindstrom Alexandra , Davis Helen , Frisby John P.
Published: December 2008

Aim:  To assess perceived depth in the Wirt Fly Stereotest for assessing stereoacuity.

Methods:  Somers and Hamilton [Ophthalmic Physiol. Opt. 4 (1984) 245] reported a strong correlation for four observers with normal vision, between perceived depth in the Wirt Fly stereotest and degradation of Keystone stereothresholds from induced anisometropia created using a range of monocular plus lenses. Depth was measured with a pointer placed by subjects alongside the tip of the Fly’s wing. Our study replicated that of Somers and Hamilton, but with several methodological refinements (mainly, use of a headrest to control head position) and more subjects.

Results:  We confirm Somers and Hamilton’s results for normal observers by finding (1) induced anisometropia causes systematic depth reduction for the Fly and (2) significant correlations between fly depth and stereothresholds (as measured with the Frisby Near and the Randot Circles stereotests). However, the mean values mask considerable between subject variation in responses.

Conclusion:  The substantial individual and between‐subject variation in Wirt Fly perceived depth causes us to doubt its value as a proxy for stereoacuity except as a rough estimate.
A relative total cost index for the evaluation of transportation network robustness in the presence of degradable links and alternative travel behavior
Authors: Nagurney Anna , Qiang Qiang
Published: December 2008

In this paper, we demonstrate how to capture the robustness of a transportation network in the case of degradable links represented by decreasing capacities. In particular, with the use of Bureau of Public Roads user link travel cost functions, we propose two relative total cost indices to assess transportation network robustness in the case of travel behavior associated with either user optimization or system optimization. We derive upper bounds of the relative total cost index for transportation networks with special structure and congestion parameters under the user optimal flow pattern. We also derive an upper bound for the relative total cost index under the system optimal flow pattern for general transportation networks. Numerical examples are presented for illustration purposes. This research is the first to quantify transportation network robustness in the presence of degradable links and alternative travel behavior. This research has implications for transportation planning and management, for vulnerability analysis, as well as for security issues.
Event Day 0? After‐Hours Earnings Announcements
Authors: BERKMAN HENK , TRUONG CAMERON
Published: December 2008

In recent years, the proportion of after‐hours earnings announcements has increased to more than 40%. For after‐hours announcements, earnings‐related volume and price changes are not observed on the Compustat or I/B/E/S earnings announcement date, but one trading day later. This study demonstrates the importance of accounting for after‐hours announcements for event studies around earnings announcements.
Do Industry‐Level Analyses Improve Forecasts of Financial Performance?
Authors: FAIRFIELD PATRICIA M. , RAMNATH SUNDARESH , YOHN TERI LOMBARDI
Published: December 2008

Prior research documents mean reversion in firm profitability and growth under the implicit assumption that profitability and growth of all firms revert to a common benchmark at the same rate. However, a large body of academic research suggests that there are systematic interindustry differences (e.g., industry barriers to entry) that differentially affect firm performance based on industry membership. We evaluate the relative forecast accuracy of mean reverting models at the industry and economywide levels and find that industry‐specific models are generally more accurate in predicting firm growth but not profitability.
A randomised controlled trial of uterine exteriorisation and non‐exteriorisation at caesarean section
Authors: ORJI E. O. , OLALEYE A. O. , LOTO O. M. , OGUNNIYI S. O.
Published: December 2008

Background: There is not enough information to evaluate the routine use of exteriorisation of the uterus for repair of the uterine incision and further studies are needed to examine the value of exteriorisation of the uterus at caesarean section as against non‐exteriorisation.

Aims: To assess intraoperative and postoperative morbidity following exteriorisation of the uterus at caesarean section as compared to those with non‐exteriorisation.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile Ife, Nigeria. Two hundred and ten women were randomised to either exteriorisation (N = 105) or non‐exteriorisation group (N = 105). Statistical analysis using SPSS compared intraoperative and postoperative outcome. The outcome measures include intraoperative blood loss, number of analgesic dose, difference in operating time, febrile morbidity, intraoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay.

Results: There were significant reductions in intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.05), number of analgesic dose (P < 0.05) and duration of hospital stay (P < 0.05) in the uterine exteriorisation group as compared to those in the non‐exteriorisation group. There was no significant difference in operating time, febrile morbidity, intraoperative complications and operating time. The period for return of bowel function was significantly longer in the exteriorisation group.

Conclusion: Exteriorisation of uterus at caesarean section is associated with less intraoperative blood loss, less number of analgesic dose and shorter hospital stay.
Peripartum hysterectomy in Aba southeastern Nigeria
Authors: UMEZURIKE Chisara C. , FEYI‐WABOSO Paul A. , ADISA Charles Adeyinka
Published: December 2008

Emergency peripartum hysterectomy is a challenging but life‐saving procedure. In this descriptive study carried out in a rural Nigerian hospital, we found an incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy of 5.4 per 1000 deliveries and a significant association with abdominal mode of delivery, unbooked status, previous caesarean section and placenta previa. The most common indications for peripartum hysterectomy were placenta accreta (47.6%) and uterine rupture (28.6%). There were five (23.8%) maternal deaths and other complications included sepsis (five), bladder injury (three) and prolonged hospital stay (11).
Effectiveness of prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects in South Australia: A population analysis 1999–2003
Authors: KHOO Nee Scze , VAN ESSEN Phillipa , RICHARDSON Malcolm , ROBERTSON Terry
Published: December 2008

Aims: To report on the efficiency of fetal echocardiography, outcome after prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) and the effectiveness of South Australia's obstetric screening program in detecting CHD.

Methods: A retrospective audit of our institutional cardiac database, the South Australia Birth Defects Register and the South Australia Pregnancy Outcome Unit from 1999 to 2003.

Results: CHD was present in 10.7 per 1000 births and was potentially detectable in 5.2 per 1000 births. Of these, only 22.5% were referred for fetal echocardiography. Prenatal detection of transposition of the great arteries occurred in four of 27 (14.8%), atrioventricular septal defect in five of 21 (23.8%), tetralogy of Fallot in seven of 28 (25.0%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 20 of 33 (60.6%). Fetal echocardiography had 95.2% sensitivity, 99.5% specificity, 99.0% positive predictive value and 97.6% negative predictive value for CHD. A prenatal diagnosis of CHD resulted in termination in 30.1%, stillbirth in 7.8% and neonatal death in 3.9% of cases.

Conclusion: Routine obstetric ultrasound detects CHD infrequently. Outflow tract lesions are most commonly missed. Fetal echocardiography is an accurate tool for prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Pregnancy outcomes after prenatal diagnosis are comparable to other Australasian and western countries, suggesting uniformity in parental counselling and population behaviour. Strategies that improve routine obstetric ultrasound detection of CHD are likely to yield the greatest impact.
Gamete donors’ and recipients’ evaluation of donor counselling: A prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: HAMMARBERG Karin , CARMICHAEL Michele , TINNEY Leesa , MULDER Annegien
Published: December 2008

Background: Those considering donating or receiving gametes are required to undergo counselling to ensure that they are aware of and consider the psychosocial, emotional and ethical complexities of donor conception before proceeding.

Aims:  The aim of this study was to evaluate gamete donors’ and recipients’ views about donor counselling and beliefs about disclosure of the use of donor gametes to conceive, before and after attending counselling.

Method: All donors and recipients and their partners who attended donor counselling at Monash IVF, Melbourne, Australia, for the first time between February 2003 and March 2004 were asked to complete self‐report questionnaires. Using seven‐point Likert scales where higher scores indicated more positive views, participants rated the importance of discussing a range of topics before, and the usefulness of discussing these after attending counselling.

Results: Pre‐counselling questionnaires were completed by 152 of 184 (83%) individuals and 72 (47%) of those also completed the post‐counselling questionnaire. Donors’ post‐counselling ratings were significantly higher than their pre‐counselling ratings. For recipients the pre‐ to post‐counselling changes were less pronounced. Both donors and recipients rated matters relating to disclosure and the possible future interaction between donor and child the most useful to discuss. More participants favoured disclosure after than before counselling (84% vs 66%, P = 0.01).

Conclusions: This study suggests that counselling is beneficial for those contemplating donor procedures, particularly donors, and that most have a positive attitude towards disclosure after counselling.
Middle Weichselian glacial event in the central part of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet recorded in the Hitura pit, Ostrobothnia, Finland
Authors: SALONEN VELI‐PEKKA , KAAKINEN ANU , KULTTI SEIJA , MIETTINEN ARTO , ESKOLA KARI O. , LUNKKA JUHA PEKKA
Published: December 2008

The Hitura open pit exposes a sedimentary sequence up to 50 m thick representing Late Saalian to Holocene glacial and non‐glacial sediments. The sequence was investigated using sedimentological methods, OSL‐dating and pollen and diatom analyses to reconstruct the Middle Weichselian (MWG) glacial event in the central part of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS). The results indicate that the sediment succession represents two entire glacial advance and retreat cycles. The lowermost deposits are Late Saalian esker and delta sediments overlain by sediments that correlate with the early Eemian lacustrine phase. Remnants of the Eemian soil post‐dating the lacustrine phase were also observed. The area was ice‐free during the entire Early Weichselian (EWG). The first glacial advance recorded in the sediments is related to the MWG. It started 79 kyr ago, deformed underlying sediments and deposited an immature till, including large detached sediment pods containing remains of organic material, soils and fluvial sediments representing allochthonous material from EWG ice‐free stadials and interstadials. The glacial deposits are conformably overlain by glaciolacustrine and littoral accumulations, indicating MWG deglaciation between 62 and 55 kyr ago. Based on the fabric measurements from the till unit overlying the MWG sediments, ice advance during the Late Weichselian (LWG) was initially from the west and later from a north‐northwesterly direction. The Hitura strata provide the first dating of the MWG deglaciation (55 to 62 kyr ago) from central parts of the SIS. It can be considered as a key site for studying the growth and decay of SIS during the poorly known early parts of the glaciation.
Exploring the potential of tree‐ring chronologies from the Trafoi Valley (Central Italian Alps) to reconstruct glacier mass balance
Authors: LEONELLI GIOVANNI , PELFINI MANUELA , CHERUBINI PAOLO
Published: December 2008

Two tree‐ring chronologies of stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) and two of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) were constructed on the basis of data from three high‐altitude sites in the Trafoi Valley (Central Alps, Italy) to test tree species sensitivity to climate at different sites and to explore the potential of the two species for reconstructing the mass balance of two glaciers in the same region (the Careser and Hintereis glaciers). Influence of climate on tree‐ring growth and on glacier mass variations was tested by means of Pearson's correlation and response functions. At highest altitude sites, both species appeared to be sensitive to July temperatures, while stone pine also showed higher sensitivity than Norway spruce to previous winter precipitation. Comparing the dendrochronological and glaciological series, stone pine showed higher negative correlations with glacier mass balance series than Norway spruce. These different relationships reflect different species responses to climate, and stone pine is potentially useful in reconstructing past glacier mass balance in the Central Alps. Extreme climatic events induce different and even contrasting responses of tree‐ring growth and glacier mass variations and may therefore bias tree‐ring‐based glacier mass balance reconstructions.
Quantification of dead‐ice melting in ice‐cored moraines at the high‐Arctic glacier Holmströmbreen, Svalbard
Authors: SCHOMACKER ANDERS , KJÆR KURT H.
Published: December 2008

An extensive dead‐ice area has developed at the stagnant snout of the Holmströmbreen glacier, Svalbard, following its last advance during the Little Ice Age (LIA). The most common landform is ice‐cored slopes hosting sediment gravity flows. Dead‐ice melting is described and quantified through field studies and analyses of high‐resolution, multi‐temporal aerial photographs and QuickBird 2 satellite imagery. Field measurements of backwasting of ice‐cored slopes indicate melting rates of 9.2 cm/day. Downwasting rates reveal a dead‐ice surface lowering of 0.9 m/yr from 1984 to 2004. The volume of melted dead‐ice in the marginal zone since the LIA is estimated at 2.72 km3. Most prominently, dead‐ice melting causes the growth of an ice‐walled lake with an area increasing near‐exponentially over the last 40 years. Despite the high‐Arctic setting, dead‐ice melting progresses with similar rates as in humid sub‐polar climates, stressing that melt rates are governed by processes and topography rather than climate. We suggest that the permafrost and lack of glacier karst prevent meltwater percolation, thus maintaining a liquefied debris‐cover where new dead‐ice is continuously exposed to melting. As long as backwasting and mass movement processes prevent build‐up of an insulating debris‐cover, the de‐icing continues despite the continuous permafrost.
Deglaciation history and landscape development of fjord‐valley deposits in Buvika, Mid‐Norway
Authors: SOLBERG INGER‐LISE , HANSEN LOUISE , ROKOENGEN KÅRE , SVEIAN HARALD , OLSEN LARS
Published: December 2008

Thick deposits of glaciomarine clay and silt overlain by Holocene marine sediments in Norwegian fjord valleys have been, and still are, subject to erosional processes such as river incision, ravine formation and slide activity. In Buvika, Mid‐Norway, these land‐forming processes have been highly influenced by the valley‐fill stratigraphy. Glaciomarine and marine clay sediments dominate this 8 km long hanging valley south of the Gaulosen fjord, with local occurrences of coarser‐grained sediments. Studies of sediments and structures in road excavations together with14C ages indicate at least one, possibly two, minor glacier readvances in late Allerød/early Younger Dryas (YD) time. This implies a more dynamic ice sheet with more minor ice‐front oscillations than earlier documented in this region. Glacioisostatic rebound resulted in groundwater leaching of marine clay and quick‐clay formation in certain layers or zones. The relative sea‐level fall led to incision by rivers accompanied by numerous slides involving quick clay, which completely liquefies when remoulded. To the east, permeInger‐Lise Solberg (e‐mail:inger-lise.solberg@sintef.no), Department of Geology and Mineral Resources Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Present address: SINTEF Building and Infrastructure, Høgskoleringen 7a, NO‐7465 Trondheim, Norway; Kåre Rokoengen, Department of Geology and Mineral Resources Engineering, NTNU, Sem Sælands veg 1, NO‐7491 Trondheim, Norway; Louise Hansen, Lars Olsen and Harald Sveian, Geological Survey of Norway, NO‐7491 Trondheim, Norwayable layers of northwesterly dipping sand and gravel generally originate from a former ice‐marginal delta. These relatively thick and frequent layers of interbedded sand and gravel in the clay‐dominated deposits drain groundwater in the slopes, leading to the development of deeply incised ravines. To the south and north, thinner layers of coarse material in the clay lead to pore‐pressure build‐ups and quick‐clay development, resulting in numerous slide scars. Knowledge of the morphology, stratigraphy and erosion pattern of areas prone to formation of quick clay is important in order to understand the landscape development and evaluate risk areas.
Ground‐penetrating radar study of Pleistocene ice scours on a glaciolacustrine sequence boundary
Authors: EYLES NICK , MEULENDYK THOMAS
Published: December 2008

Ice scouring of lake and sea‐floor substrates by the keels of drifting ice masses is a common geological process in modern northern lakes and continental shelves, and was widespread during the Pleistocene. Nonetheless, the importance of scouring as a geological process is not yet matched by many sedimentological studies of scour structures exposed in outcrop. This article presents an integrated study combining outcrop sedimentology and subsurface ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) data from a relict late Pleistocene ice‐scoured glacial lake floor now preserved below beach sediments in Ontario, Canada. Scours occur along a regressive sequence boundary where deep‐water muddy facies are abruptly overlain by shallow‐water sands resulting from an abrupt drop in water levels. This has allowed the keels of drifting ice masses to scour into muds. Three‐dimensional data gained from the GPR survey show that scours are as much as 2.5 m deep and 7 m wide; they have berms of displaced sediment and are oriented parallel to the former shoreline. Scoured shoreface sediments that fill scours show abundant liquefaction structures, indicating substrate dewatering during repeated scouring events similar to that recently reported in the modern Beaufort Sea in Canada's far north. Marked changes in water depths are typical of glacially influenced lakes and seas, creating opportunities for drifting ice to scour into offshore muddy cohesive facies and be preserved. The data presented here may aid identification in ancient successions elsewhere.
Post‐Glacial immigration of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) into the Baltic Sea*
Authors: SOMMER ROBERT S. , PASOLD JULIANE , SCHMÖLCKE ULRICH
Published: December 2008

At the end of the Pleistocene, environmental conditions in the Baltic Basin were affected by the melting glaciers and the resultant freshwater bodies. In contrast to various seal species, there is no subfossil evidence of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from the early Holocene stages of the Baltic Basin. This article is an attempt to clarify the colonization of the harbour porpoise into the Baltic Sea and to reveal the ecological background of this process. All published Holocene subfossil records from the porpoise in the Baltic region were sought and supplemented with those from museums and zoological collections; 148 records document the porpoise's occurrence. The earliest records of the harbour porpoise date from the time between 9600 and 7000 cal. yr BP and originate from the early and middle Mesolithic coastal settlements of the Maglemose and Kongemose culture during the early Littorina stage. Around 7500–5700 cal. yr BP, the porpoise is recorded frequently at many localities from late Mesolithic (Ertebølle culture) and Neolithic in the coastal areas of the western Baltic Sea, as well as for the first time in the Gulfs of Bothnia and Finland. Since 4000 cal. yr BP, P. phocoena has only been recorded in the western Baltic. We suggest that immigration and dispersion of P. phocoena into the Baltic Sea was connected with the Littorina transgression beginning around 9000 cal. yr BP. The continuous influx of seawater and the associated ecological changes led to a new, very species‐rich, fish community and adequate living conditions for the harbour porpoise.
Luminescence dating of glacial and associated sediments: review, recommendations and future directions
Authors: FUCHS MARKUS , OWEN LEWIS A.
Published: December 2008

Dating glacial and associated sediments is essential to provide a temporal framework for accurate reconstructions of past climatic conditions and for helping to determine the nature and magnitude of glaciation for landscape evolution studies. There are few widely applicable, accurate and precise methods available to date Quaternary landforms and sediments, despite the numerous numerical dating methods that are currently available. Furthermore, there are few methods that can be utilized for the whole of the late Quaternary (c. 125 kyr ago to present). Recent developments in luminescence dating, however, are providing opportunities to date a broad range of late Quaternary glacial and associated landform sediments. The application of luminescence methods requires an understanding of the nature of glacial and associated environments to select the most appropriate sediment samples for dating. Problems associated with luminescence dating of glacial sediments include insufficient bleaching, low sensitivity of quartz, and variable dose rates during the history of the sediment due to changing water content or nuclide leaching. These problems can be overcome by careful sampling and descriptions of the sampling site, testing for insufficient bleaching and modelling dose rate variability.
The development and application of luminescence dating to loess deposits: a perspective on the past, present and future
Authors: ROBERTS HELEN M.
Published: December 2008

Loess deposits preserve important records of Quaternary climate change and atmospheric dust flux; however, their full significance can only be revealed once a reliable chronology is established. Our understanding of loess‐palaeosol sequences and the development of luminescence dating techniques have progressed hand‐in‐hand over the past 25 years, with each subject informing the advancement of the other. This article considers the development and application of luminescence dating techniques to loess deposits from the early days of thermoluminescence (TL) to the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) methods utilized today. Recent technological and methodological advances have led to a step‐change in the accuracy and precision of quartz OSL ages; this has led to an expansion of high‐resolution luminescence studies, which in turn are informing loess studies and challenging some of the basic ideas regarding the nature of loess records, their formation and their significance. Future luminescence research efforts are likely to focus on extending the age range of luminescence techniques, possibly by utilizing new luminescence signals; this, again, will allow investigation of the long‐term variability of loess records in comparison with other long records of climate change to which they are frequently compared.
Diabetes‐Related Risk Factors Across Hispanic Subgroups in the Hispanic Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (1982–1984)
Authors: Aponte Judith
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The Hispanic Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (HHANES) was utilized to examine diabetes‐related risk factor variables between and among 3 Hispanic subgroups.

Design: The study design that was conducted was descriptive using the HHANES secondary data set.

Sample: The sample included individuals between 20 and 74 years of age, self‐identified as Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and/or Cuban American and had been told by a doctor that they had diabetes.

Measurements: The 5 diabetes‐related risk factor variables were obesity measured by body mass index (BMI), hypertension by systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), hyperlipidemia by cholesterol and triglyceride levels, renal insufficiency by blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine and fasting plasma glucose.

Results: This study demonstrates significant differences between specific subgroups through chi‐square. SBP in Cuban Americans was significantly higher than that of Puerto Ricans (28.39 mmHg) and of Mexican Americans (25.94 mmHg). Cuban Americans also had significantly higher cholesterol values than Mexican Americans (88.49 mg/dL) and Puerto Ricans (84.49 mg/dL). The only significant difference for triglyceride was between Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans (37.25 mg/dL). For BUN, there were significant differences when Cuban Americans (9.06 mg/dL) and Mexican Americans (2.20 mg/dL) were separately compared from Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans had significantly higher creatinine values than Puerto Ricans (0.38 mg/dL) and Mexican Americans (0.25 mg/dL). Through linear regression, significant differences for the association of each diabetes‐related risk factor and the risk for diabetes complications were computed for each subgroup. For Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans there were significant differences in overweight BMI (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (≥30.0 kg/m2); for Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans in elevated SBP (130–139 mmHg) or elevated DBP (80–89 mmHg), for high SBP (≥140 mmHg) or high DBP (≥90 mmHg), and for high glucose (≥126 mg/dL); and for Mexican Americans in elevated triglyceride (≥150 mg/dL), elevated BUN (≥21 mg/dL), and elevated creatinine (≥1.5 mg/dL).

Conclusion: The findings of this study will add to the diabetes and Hispanic literature highlighting the need to evaluate Hispanic subgroups in future health behavior and outcomes research.
The Alcohol Deprivation Effect in C57BL/6J Mice is Observed Using Operant Self‐Administration Procedures and is Modulated by CRF‐1 Receptor Signaling
Authors: Sparta Dennis R. , Ferraro III Frank M. , Fee Jon R. , Knapp Darin J. , Breese George R. , Thiele Todd E.
Published: December 2008

Background: The alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) is characterized by transient excessive alcohol consumption upon reinstatement of ethanol following a period of ethanol deprivation. While this phenomenon has been observed in rats using both bottle drinking (consummatory behavior) and operant self‐administration (consummatory and appetitive “ethanol‐seeking” behavior) procedures, ADE studies in mice have primarily relied on bottle drinking measures. Furthermore, the neurochemical pathways that modulate the ADE are not well understood. Therefore, we determined whether the ADE can be observed in C57BL/6J mice using operant self‐administration procedures and if expression of the ADE is modulated by the corticotropin releasing factor‐1 (CRF‐1) receptor.

Methods: C57BL/6J mice were trained in a 2‐hour operant self‐administration paradigm to lever press for 10% ethanol or water on separate response keys. Between operant sessions, mice had access to ethanol in their homecage. Once stable responding occurred, mice were deprived of ethanol for 4 days and were then retested with ethanol in the operant paradigm for 3 consecutive days. Next, to assess the role of the CRF‐1 receptor, mice were given intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (0, 10, or 20 mg/kg) of the CRF‐1 receptor antagonist CP‐154,526 30 minutes before ADE testing. Additional experiments assessed (i) ADE responding in which the alternate response lever was inactive, (ii) the effects of CP‐154,526 on self‐administration of a 1% sucrose solution following 4 days of deprivation, and (iii) ADE responding in which mice did not received i.p. injections throughout the experiment.

Results: Mice exhibited a significant increase in postdeprivation lever responding for ethanol with either a water reinforced or inactive alternate lever. Interestingly, i.p. injection of a 10 mg/kg dose of CP‐154,526 protected against the ADE while not affecting lever responding for a sucrose solution. Finally, baseline and deprivation‐induced increases of ethanol reinforced lever responding were greater in mice not given i.p. injections.

Conclusions: The ADE in C57BL/6J mice can be modeled using the operant self‐administration paradigm and increased ethanol self‐administration associated with the ADE is modulated by CRF‐1 receptor signaling.
Increased White Matter Signal Hyperintensities in Long‐Term Abstinent Alcoholics Compared with Nonalcoholic Controls
Authors: Fein George , Shimotsu Ryan , Di Sclafani Victoria , Barakos Jerome , Harper Clive
Published: December 2008

Background:  The harmful effects of alcohol dependence on brain structure and function have been well documented, with many resolving with sufficient abstinence. White matter signal hyperintensities (WMSH) are thought to most likely be consequences secondary to the vascular (i.e., hypertension and atherosclerosis) effects of AD. We hypothesized that such effects would persist into long‐term abstinence, and evaluated them in middle‐aged long‐term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA) compared with age and gender comparable nonalcoholic controls (NAC).

Methods:  Ninety‐seven participants (51 LTAA and 46 NAC) underwent cognitive, psychiatric, and structural brain magnetic resonance image evaluations. WMSH were identified and labeled as deep or periventricular by an automated algorithm developed in‐house. WMSH volumes were compared between groups, and the associations of WMSH measures with demographic, alcohol use, psychiatric, and cognitive measures were examined within group.

Results:  Long‐term abstinent alcoholics had more WMSH than NAC. There was a significant group by age interaction, with WMSH increasing with age in LTAA, but not in NAC. Within LTAA, WMSH load was independently positively associated with alcohol burden and with age. No associations were evident between WMSH volumes and abstinence duration, family drinking history, years of education, or psychiatric or cognitive variables.

Conclusion:  The magnitude of alcohol abuse was related to increased WMSH volume. The presence of an age effect in the LTAA but not the controls indicates a synergistic effect wherein alcohol advances the onset of aging‐related WMSH formation. The increased WMSH load did not appear to have any significant clinical correlates, indicating that the white matter lesions in our sample may not have been severe enough to manifest as cognitive deficits. A limitation of the study is that we did not have data on the presence or severity of lifetime or current indices of vascular risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, or diabetes.
Long‐Term Ethanol Exposure Impairs Neuronal Differentiation of Human Neuroblastoma Cells Involving Neurotrophin‐Mediated Intracellular Signaling and in Particular Protein Kinase C
Authors: Hellmann Julian , Rommelspacher Hans , Wernicke Catrin
Published: December 2008

Background: Revealing the molecular changes in chronic ethanol‐impaired neuronal differentiation may be of great importance for understanding ethanol‐related pathology in embryonic development but also in the adult brain. In this study, both acute and long‐term effects of ethanol on neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma cells were investigated. We focused on several aspects of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling because BDNF activates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) cascade, promoting neuronal differentiation including neurite outgrowth.

Methods: The effects of ethanol exposure on morphological differentiation, cellular density, neuronal marker proteins, basal ERK activity, and ERK responsiveness to BDNF were measured over 2 to 4 weeks. qRT‐PCR and Western blotting were performed to investigate the expression of neurotrophin receptor tyrosin kinase B (TrkB), members of the ERK‐cascade, protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms and Raf‐Kinase‐Inhibitor‐Protein (RKIP).

Results: Chronic ethanol interfered with the development of a neuronal network consisting of cell clusters and neuritic bundles. Furthermore, neuronal and synaptic markers were reduced, indicating impaired neuronal differentiation. BDNF‐mediated activation of the ERK cascade was found to be continuously impaired by ethanol. This could not be explained by expressional changes monitored for TrkB, Raf‐1, MEK, and ERK. However, BDNF also activates PKC signaling which involves RKIP, which finally leads to ERK activation as well. Therefore, we hypothesized that ethanol impairs this branch of BDNF signaling. Indeed, both PKC and RKIP were significantly down‐regulated.

Conclusions: Chronic ethanol exposure impaired neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cells and BDNF signaling, particularly the PKC‐dependent branch. RKIP, acting as a signaling switch at the merge of the PKC cascade and the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade, was associated with neuronal differentiation and significantly reduced in ethanol treatment. Moreover, PKC expression itself was even more strongly reduced. In contrast, members of the Raf‐1/MEK/ERK cascade were less affected and the observed changes were not associated with impaired differentiation. Thus, reduced RKIP and PKC levels and subsequently reduced positive feedback on ERK activation provide an explanation for the striking effects of long‐term ethanol exposure on BDNF signal transduction and neuronal differentiation, respectively.
PCR as a specific, sensitive and simple method suitable for diagnostics
Authors: Claros M. Gonzalo , Quesada Ana R.
Published: December 2008

PCR technology is a widespread method that has not reached students laboratory in anything else than a typical amplification reaction. We describe a simple application of PCR in pathogen diagnostics that enables students to identify which ampicillin‐resistant organism is present in a cell culture. This experiment has been performed for one year in two “Experimental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” courses with Biological and Chemical undergraduates. Using specific primers from the Escherichia coli β‐lactamase gene, they have been able to selectively amplify a β‐lactamase DNA fragment in E. coli but not in Staphylococcus aureus and, using different annealing temperatures, test the reaction specificity. By solving the “Study Questions”, students understood the specificity and sensitivity of the method, as well as the rationale that should be applied when a molecular weight pattern is used for calculating unknown DNA sizes. © 2000 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Poly‐L‐glutamic acid and poly‐L‐lysine: model substances for studying secondary structures of proteins
Authors: Makovec Tomaz
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Poly‐L‐glutamic acid (PGA) and poly‐L‐lysine (PL) and related polymers have played a central role in investigations of the physical chemistry of chain molecules. PGA and PL are synthetic polypeptides which are especially good models for studying formation and/or disappearance of α‐helix. A theoretical and laboratory practical exercise is proposed in order to illustrate the influence of pH and solvent on conformation of these polypeptides. © 2000 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A case for college molecular biology classes: a right to her genes
Authors: Gal Susannah , Klein Jessie W.
Published: December 2008

Active student learning is a lofty goal, but what tools are available for college teaching faculty to create that kind of environment? In this article, we describe one such tool, the case study method using a case we developed to teach molecular biology students the importance of DNA mutations in cancer. Not only does this approach teach concepts, but also applications of the techniques previously discussed in lecture and the ethical dilemmas that may surround that application. The case study method for teaching science, and this case in particular, we feel gives students the kind of classroom problem that can make their learning more active. © 2000 Gal and Klein. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The new biochemistry: blending the traditional with the other
Authors: Boyer Rodney
Published: December 2008

Designing and presenting a modern biochemistry course is a challenging task. With an overabundance of topics to cover and a limited amount of class time, instructors must be creative and flexible. Traditionally, biochemical studies have been based on protein structure and function with emphasis on metabolism and bioenergetics. Developing methods in molecular biology are providing a new perspective on biochemistry. To train students for the future, it is imperative that these new topics be blended with the traditional. Model syllabi with this perspective are presented for a typical one‐year, (28 weeks, two semester) course for biochemistry majors and the shorter survey course (one half‐year, 14 weeks, one semester) for nonmajors, usually health professionals and biological science majors. The major change suggested from the present is to move the coverage of nucleic acid structure and function before metabolism. It is then possible to present metabolism in a more contemporary format with emphasis on regulation and integration. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Biological energy‐coupling in terms of irreversible thermodynamics
Authors: Howland John L. , Needleman Matthew
Published: December 2008

Irreversible thermodynamics provides an apt description of bioenergetic processes, of which oxidative phosphorylation is taken as an example. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Understanding initial velocity after the derivatives of progress curves
Authors: Claro Enrique
Published: December 2008

A simple approach to facilitate, in practical terms, the understanding of the concept of initial velocity is proposed. After monitoring colorimetrically p‐nitrophenol appearance due to alkaline phosphatase hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenylphosphate, in an experimental protocol that takes little more than 10 min, derivatives of progress curves are obtained. These plots of velocity vs. time result a valuable educational tool to evaluate effects of inaccurate estimates of initial velocity on the calculation of the KM and Vmax parameters. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A laboratory experiment demonstrating the dynamic character of membranes
Authors: Pugh Michael Eugene , Schultz Emeric
Published: December 2008

An experiment demonstrating changes in the fatty acid composition of bacterial membranes from bacteria grown at 22 and 37d̀C is described. The changes in composition confirm expected generalizations. The isolation method is simple and provides samples of fatty acid methyl esters ready for gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS) analysis within about 1.5 h. Analysis by GC‐MS involves the use of a computer library for fatty acid methyl ester identification and takes an additional hour. The experiment can easily be adapted to study other factors that influence membrane composition. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The kinetic properties of liver glucokinase and its function in glucose physiology as a model for the comprehensive study of enzymes' kinetic parameters and reversible inhibitors
Authors: Bustos Diego M. , Iglesias Alberto A.
Published: December 2008

Glucokinase is a key enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism in mammals. Particularly relevant is the involvement of the liver enzyme for the maintenance of blood glucose concentrations. In playing this key role, the occurrence of normal kinetic parameters of liver glucokinase is critical. Modification of Km and/or Vmax results in pathological situations occurring with hypo‐ or hyperglycemia. Based on this, an exercise is proposed in which different mice cell lines with abnormalities in glucose utilization are analyzed to determine the metabolic alteration at a molecular level. The student must determine the cause of abnormality by processing the kinetic data. Also, the characterization of different compounds that are reversible inhibitors of the enzyme from kinetic data is required to identify a drug that can correct the pathology in each case. One major objective of the problem is to learn about the meaning of kinetic parameters of enzymes, as well as the action of different types of reversible inhibitors. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The development of virtual lectures to aid in the teaching of medical biochemistry
Authors: Balfour Margaret , Chan Chi‐bew , Heur Martin , Rolf Robert , Tseng Tony , Lieberman Michael A.
Published: December 2008

This communication describes the establishment of two virtual lectures, created in Macromedia's Director program, consisting of animation, voice‐overs and text, which can stand alone in the teaching of the urea cycle and phospholipid metabolism to medical students. The use of these teaching aids adds yet another teaching modality to biochemistry, and increases the level of “active” learning which must occur. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
No association of depression and anxiety with the metabolic syndrome: the Norwegian HUNT study
Authors: Hildrum B. , Mykletun A. , Midthjell K. , Ismail K. , Dahl A. A.
Published: December 2008

Objective:  To examine the associations of depression and anxiety with the metabolic syndrome.

Method:  Cross‐sectional study of 9571 participants aged 20–89 years in the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2). We assessed anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the metabolic syndrome with the International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Results:  Despite generous statistical power and use of both continuous and categorical approaches, we found no association between anxiety or depression and the metabolic syndrome in models adjusted for age, gender, educational level, smoking, physical activity and pulse rate. When adjusted for age and gender only, we found a weak positive association for depression when a continuous measure was used, but not at the case level. The findings were similar across sexes, and robust for exclusion of cardiovascular disease and antidepressants.

Conclusion:  In this largest study to date we found no association of anxiety and depression with the metabolic syndrome.
Sub‐threshold manic symptoms in recurrent major depressive disorder are a marker for poor outcome
Authors: Smith D. J. , Forty L. , Russell E. , Caesar S. , Walters J. , Cooper C. , Jones I. , Jones L. , Craddock N.
Published: December 2008

Objective: A small but significant proportion of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) report mild manic symptoms which are below the diagnostic threshold for a hypomanic episode.

Method: We tested for an association between sub‐threshold manic symptoms and clinical outcome in almost 600 patients with recurrent MDD who also had no known family history of bipolar disorder.

Results: 9.6% of this large sample had a life‐time history of sub‐threshold manic symptoms. These patients were significantly more likely to have a history of poor response to antidepressants (OR 2.84; 95% CI 1.23–6.56;P < 0.02) and more likely to have experienced psychosis (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.05–4.09;P < 0.04). They had also experienced more depressive episodes on average (P = 0.006) and were more likely to have been admitted to hospital (P < 0.03).

Conclusion: Sub‐threshold manic symptoms in patients with recurrent MDD may be a useful clinical marker for poor response to antidepressants and a more morbid long‐term clinical course.