bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Implications of Thiazolidinedione Therapy
Authors: Lamb Robert E. , King Deborah
Published: February 2007

The incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in the United States has been increasing dramatically over the past 15 years, and is now at epidemic proportions. DM2 is the clinical manifestation of a long‐term metabolic process that is initiated by cells' decreased sensitivity to the actions of insulin. Many outcome studies have identified DM2 as a strong and independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular complications such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure. The goals of therapy in treating DM2 are to improve the long‐term outlook for these patients. However, in selecting a therapeutic regimen for patients, clinicians should be aware that potentially severe adverse events may occur at a rate not previously identified in phase 3 studies. Certain therapies used to treat DM2, by effectively increasing the sensitivity of insulin, have also been reported to cause adverse effects, which can precipitate symptomatic heart failure. The purpose of this column is to discuss the therapeutic options available for treating patients with DM2, the potential pathophysiology of the adverse events of symptomatic heart failure, encouragement of use of the US Food and Drug Administration MedWatch program for reporting adverse events associated with medication therapy, and review of newer treatment guidelines for use of insulin‐sensitizing agents in patients with chronic heart failure.
Differences in the Symptoms Associated With Unstable Angina and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: DeVon Holli A. , Zerwic Julie Johnson
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the symptoms experienced by patients with unstable angina (UA) differed from the symptoms experienced by patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Data were obtained from two studies: one examining the symptoms of MI (n=238) and one examining the symptoms of UA (n=100). Interviews were conducted after hospital admission at three medical centers in the Midwest. There were no differences between patients with MI or UA in age, gender, or race. The patients experiencing MI reported significantly more nausea (46% vs. 32%), vomiting (19% vs. 2%), indigestion (42% vs. 16%), and fainting (9% vs. 2%). The patients experiencing UA reported significantly more chest discomfort (97% vs. 87%), lightheadedness (52% vs. 39%), numbness in the hands (43% vs. 28%), and neck discomfort (31% vs. 13%). Patients with MI rated the peak intensity of the chest discomfort higher than patients with UA (mean 8.4 vs. mean 7.7).
Preliminary Reliability and Validity of a Family Caregiver Conflict Scale for Stroke
Authors: Clark Patricia C. , Shields Cleveland G. , Aycock Dawn , Wolf Steven L.
Published: February 2007

Recovery from stroke is a challenging process for stroke survivors and their families. Assessing family conflict may be useful in guiding interventions to reduce caregiver distress. The purpose of this study was to assess preliminary reliability and validity data for a 15‐item family caregiver conflict scale [FCCS] for stroke. Construct validity was assessed using subscales from the family assessment device: communication, problem solving, general family functioning, and a perceived criticism scale. Data were pooled from three studies of caregivers of stroke survivors (total N=93). Internal consistency for the FCCS was adequate (>0.70). Higher family conflict was related to more ineffective family communication, general family functioning, and higher perceived criticism (p≤0.05). Nonspouse caregivers reported more family conflict than spouse caregivers. The FCCS appears to have adequate internal consistency and construct validity and may provide information about family conflicts around stroke recovery and direction for family‐focused interventions.
COCA, DIVINE PLANT OF THE INCAS
Authors: M EUNICE M.
Published: February 2007

“Oh, mighty lord, son of the Sun and of the Incas : thy fathers, thou who knoweth of the bounties which have been granted thy people, let me recall the blessings of the divine Coca which thy privileged subjects are permitted to enjoy through thy progenitors, the sun, the moon, the earth, and the boundless hills.”
SOME RESPIRATORY DISTURBANCES DURING GENERAL ANÆSTHESIA
Authors: NOSWORTHY MICHAEL D.
Published: February 2007

1. Keeping the airway clear is very largely dependent on the avoidance of reflex response.

2. The various factors which influence the bronchial lumen are considered.

3. The depressant qualities of modern anæsthetic methods make the different levels of anæsthesia less easily distinguishable.

4. Marked central depression may be injurious and is not necessarily accompanied by adequate reflex suppression.

5. Examples and the results of reflex respiratory activity during anæsthesia are given.
MUSCLE RELAXANTS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Authors: EDWARDS PHYLLIS M.
Published: February 2007

The ideal muscle relaxant is defined. The pharmacological action of the dextro‐tubocurarine and allied compounds is described. The pharmacological action of myanesin is mentioned. Diagnostic techniques with curarisation are enumerated.

Therapeutic uses of curarisation are detailed.

The possibilities of further employment of muscle relaxant drugs are discussed.
Hyperglycemia is not associated with mortality in bacterial meningitis
Authors: Powers William J.
Published: February 2007

An association between hyperglycemia and mortality from cerebral ischemia has been reported in both animals and man. Recently, a similar observation has been made in animals with bacterial meningitis. The present study of 83 patients with bacterial meningitis showed no association between initial serum glucose concentration and subsequent mortality. Therefore, no therapeutic recommendations regarding optimal blood glucose levels in patients with meningitis can be made at this time.
Lafora disease: Liver histopathology in presymptomatic children
Authors: Baumann Robert J. , Kocoshis Samuel A. , Wilson Dianne
Published: February 2007

Lafora disease is an inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism with storage of a polyglucosan in various tissues including brain and liver. Recently, distinctive histopathological changes in liver have been emphasized, and the diagnosis has been confirmed by the relatively simple procedure of percutaneous liver biopsy. We utilized this technique to study three asymptomatic preadolescent children from one family in which older siblings had symptomatic Lafora disease confirmed by brain or liver biopsy. Liver biopsies from the asymptomatic children showed altered hepatocytes identical to those seen in symptomatic subjects, although the cells were considerably less numerous. All three children subsequently became symptomatic. Distinctive liver changes can antedate the onset of symptoms in Lafora disease.
Gastro‐oesophageal reflux during elective laparoscopy
Authors: ROBERTS C. J. , GOODMAN N. W.
Published: February 2007

An oesophageal pH electrode was used to record gastro‐oesophageal reflux in 73 women who had elective laparoscopy for various gynaecological procedures. No refluxes were recorded during the 63 procedures from which results could be analysed; the upper 95% confidence limit from this observation is 3 in 63 (4.8%). Two of the excluded women refluxed during episodes of hiccough that occurred shortly after induction of anaesthesia. Tracheal intubation may be required during laparoscopy, although the need to protect against the possibility of aspiration of gastric contents may not be a valid reason unless, with the same logic, it is suggested that all patients who hiccough should be intubated.
Predictability of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with long‐term diabetes mellitus
Authors: REISSELL E. , ORKO R. , MAUNUKSELA E‐L. , LINDGREN L.
Published: February 2007

The laryngoscopic conditions of 62 diabetic patients who underwent renal transplantation or vitrectomy were studied. Anaesthesia was induced with fentanyl and a sleep dose of thiopentone. Conditions for direct laryngoscopy after 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium were scored from 0 to 3 (easy‐very difficult). All patients gave their palm prints after operation which were scored: 0, phalangeal areas completely visible; 1, phalangeal areas partly visible; 2, phalangeal areas hardly visible; 3, only fingertips printed. The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was 31%. The higher the scores in the palm test, the more difficult was the laryngoscopy. The correlation coefficient between these two factors was r = 0.6 (p < 0.001). Our study shows that joint rigidity possibly caused by tissue glycosylation may also involve laryngeal and cervical areas resulting in a strenuous laryngoscopy. A defective palm print is a warning sign for difficult laryngoscopy.
Antireflux valves in patient‐controlled analgesia
Authors: KLUGER M. T. , OWEN H.
Published: February 2007

Antireflux valves are widely used in conjunction with patient‐controlled analgesia devices. It is important to appreciate the limitations and dangers of these systems. They can achieve a potential ‘stored volume’ if occluded and they may, as part of the administration set, retard fluid administration. Seven antireflux systems currently available were tested in conjunction with three patient‐controlled analgesia pumps. The systems’ volume, time to occlusion alarm and flow rates were measured. Results showed that the sets with low stored volumes were less efficient as administration sets. A potentially dangerous bolus could result after release of occlusion if sets with large stored volumes were used in conjunction with pumps that utilised concentrated solutions of opioid. This study has identified the ideal antireflux valve system.
Use of the oesophageal detector device in children under one year of age
Authors: HAYNES S. R. , MORTON N. S.
Published: February 2007

The efficacy of a modified oesophageal detector device was evaluated in a single‐blind study of 20 healthy infants. It was found to be unreliable as a method to discriminate oesophageal from tracheal intubation in this age group.
Patient‐controlled analgesia in children
Authors: Lawrie S. C. , Forbes D. W. , Akhtar T. M. , Morton N. S.
Published: February 2007

We report our experience in introducing patient‐controlled analgesia at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow. Twenty‐five children used the technique after orthopaedic or general surgery using the Graseby system. The pump was loaded with 1 mg/kg morphine sulphate in 50 ml. A bolus dose of 0.02 mg/kg (1 ml) and a lockout interval of 10 minutes were the initial settings. The dose used, pain and sedation scores, respiratory rate and arterial oxygen saturation were recorded. Ages ranged from 5–15 years (mean 9.6) and the method was used for a mean of 48 hours after operation. Morphine requirements averaged 26 (μg/kg)/hour (SD 10.6). Pain control was good and sedation minimal. Adverse effects were few and minor. Education of patients, parents and nurses is essential for its success and safety. The technique is an effective and safe means of providing good quality analgesia in school age children.
Safety and effectiveness of topical dry mouth products containing olive oil, betaine, and xylitol in reducing xerostomia for polypharmacy‐induced dry mouth
Authors: SHIP J. A. , MCCUTCHEON J. A. , SPIVAKOVSKY S. , KERR A. R.
Published: February 2007

summary  Polypharmacy is a common cause of salivary hypofunction, producing symptoms of dry mouth or xerostomia, especially among older populations. As the number of older people continues to increase, polypharmacy‐induced salivary hypofunction is becoming an increasing problem. Many over‐the‐counter products are available for relieving symptoms of dry mouth, but few have been tested in controlled clinical investigations. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a group of topical dry mouth products (toothpaste, mouth rinse, mouth spray and gel) containing olive oil, betaine and xylitol. Forty adults were entered into this single‐blinded, open‐label, cross‐over clinical study and 39 completed all the visits. Subjects were randomly assigned at baseline to using the novel topical dry mouth products daily for 1 week, or to maintain their normal dry mouth routine care. After 1 week, they were crossed over to the other dry mouth regimen. The results demonstrated that the use of the novel topical dry mouth products increased significantly unstimulated whole salivary flow rates, reduced complaints of xerostomia and improved xerostomia‐associated quality of life. No clinically significant adverse events were observed. These data suggest that the daily use of topical dry mouth products containing olive oil, betaine and xylitol is safe and effective in relieving symptoms of dry mouth in a population with polypharmacy‐induced xerostomia.
KIR2DL1 allelic diversity: four new alleles characterized in a bone marrow transplant population and three families
Authors: Hou L. H. , Steiner N. K. , Chen M. , Belle I. , Ng J. , Hurley C. K.
Published: February 2007

Sequencing of PCR amplified genomic DNA including most of the coding region was used to identify killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor 2DL1 alleles from three families and 77 bone marrow transplant patients and donors. Alleles 2DL1*00302 and *002 were frequently observed in addition to two other known alleles and four new alleles, 2DL1*00402, 2DL1*007, 2DL1*008, and 2DL1*009.
Collaborative studies to establish the first World Health Organization International Standard for detection of human antibody against human platelet antigen‐3a
Authors: Berry J. , Allen D. , Porcelijn L. , De Haas M. , Kekomaki R. , Kaplan C. , Ouwehand W. H. , Metcalfe P.
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives  The platelet‐specific antibody anti‐human platelet antigen‐3a (anti‐HPA‐3a) is involved in neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, post‐transfusion purpura, and platelet refractoriness. However, HPA‐3a antibodies are often difficult to detect, probably because the antigen is labile. This report describes the production of a freeze‐dried preparation of pooled human plasma, coded 03/190, containing IgG antibodies against the HPA‐3a. The material is intended for use as a minimum sensitivity reagent in glycoprotein‐specific assays currently used for anti‐HPA‐3a detection. Laboratories can use it to assess the sensitivity of their ‘in‐house’ assays for anti‐HPA‐3a and to calibrate local controls for routine use in each batch of tests.

Materials and Methods  Plasma containing anti‐HPA‐3a was obtained from a mother of two babies both born with severe thrombocytopenia, and following dilution it was freeze dried in glass ampoules.

Results  Two collaborative studies demonstrated that the candidate material contained anti‐HPA‐3a and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antibodies, but no other HPA antibodies that might confuse the detection of the anti‐HPA‐3a. The minimum dilution that should give a positive result was determined to be 1 : 8 by two further international collaborative studies involving a total of 49 laboratories in 23 countries.

Conclusion  The material also contains HLA antibodies and is suitable for use only in techniques that are glycoprotein specific (i.e. monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) where only HPA antibodies will be detected. This standard will allow laboratories to measure their sensitivity of detection of anti‐HPA‐3a and will also allow those laboratories with relatively insensitive techniques to monitor their performance as they improve their methodology.
Field boundaries of Panicum maximum as a reservoir for predators and a sink for Chilo partellus
Authors: Koji S. , Khan Z. R. , Midega C. A. O.
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  The biological‐control function of field boundaries of Guinea grass, Panicum maximum Jacq. on the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe was examined as a reservoir for arthropod predators and as a trap plant for the pest. Field border vegetation and predator density were manipulated to determine the effect of the grass border on the abundance of stem borers and their predators in maize fields, and the effect of predators on the stem borer population. The strip of Guinea grass supported an abundance of earwigs and spiders, the potential predators of stem borer eggs and larvae. Density of C. partellus larvae in the Guinea grass strips was low throughout the season and only young larvae were collected, suggesting the inferiority of the grass stand as a habitat for stem borer larvae. These results indicate that Guinea grass is a good agent of habitat management to selectively enhance arthropod predators of stem borers and act as a sink for the pest. Predator removal resulted in a higher density of C. partellus than control in maize‐bordered plots. On the other hand, no difference was found in the stem borer density between predator treatments in grass‐bordered plots, probably because of insufficient predator reduction in removal plots. These results suggest that the predator assemblage found in the study site has, if sufficiently abundant, potential to limit the C. partellus population in maize fields. Even though the Guinea grass stand harboured an abundant number of predators, the grass boundaries around maize fields did not enhance predator populations within the crop field. Furthermore, field boundaries of Guinea grass had no measurable effect on the within‐field density of C. partellus as a trap crop. Creating a polyculture within the crop and early planting of the grass could further enhance the biological‐control function of Guinea grass boundaries.
Chemical reaction diversity of geofluids revealed by hydrothermal experiments under sub‐ and supercritical states
Authors: Tsuchiya Noriyoshi , Hirano Nobuo
Published: February 2007

Abstract  Hydrothermal experiments of dissolution of granite and quartz with pure water up to 600°C and 60 MPa were carried out in order to evaluate chemical reaction under sub‐ and supercritical conditions. The supercritical region beyond the critical point for water has been inferred to be a homogeneous state, which does not correspond to either a true liquid phase, or a true vapor phase. Results of dissolution experiments of granite and quartz in a supercritical state (artificially defined as higher pressures and temperatures than the critical point), show this fluid can be subdivided into two apparent phases comprising a ‘liquid‐like’ region and a ‘vapor‐like’ region. Chemical phenomena with respect to dissolution reactions in the ‘liquid‐like’ region are more similar to those of subcritical water, whilst those reactions in the ‘vapor‐like’ region even in the supercritical state are considered to be weak. The critical point of various kinds of geofluids, composed of solutions in the H2O‐CO2‐NaCl system was experimentally determined using a visible type autoclave. Chemical reaction diversity, depending on location of the critical point for a given solution and apparent phase boundary in terms of chemical reaction within the supercritical state, was recognized by hydrothermal experiments.
Petrological variation of large‐volume felsic magmas from Hakkoda‐Towada caldera cluster: Implications for the origin of high‐K felsic magmas in the Northeast Japan Arc
Authors: Kudo Takashi , Sasaki Minoru , Uchiyama Yoshihiro , Nozawa Akifumi , Sasaki Hisashi , Tokizawa Takeshi , Takarada Shinji
Published: February 2007

Abstract  The Hakkoda‐Towada caldera cluster (HTCC) is a typical Late Cenozoic caldera cluster located in the northern part of the Northeast Japan Arc. The HTCC consists of five caldera volcanoes, active between 3.5 Ma and present time. The felsic magmas can be classified into high‐K (HK‐) type and medium‐ to low‐K (MLK‐) type based on their whole‐rock chemistry. The HK‐type magmas are characterized by higher K2O and Rb contents and higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios than MLK‐type magmas. Both magmas cannot be derived from fractional crystallization of any basaltic magma in the HTCC. Assimilation‐fractional crystallization model calculations show that crustal assimilation is necessary for producing the felsic magmas, and HK‐type magmas are produced by higher degree of crustal assimilation with fractional crystallization than MLK‐type magmas. Although MLK‐type magmas were erupted throughout HTCC activity, HK‐type magmas were erupted only during the initial stage. The temporal variations of magma types suggest the large contribution of crustal components in the initial stage. A major volcanic hiatus of 3 my before the HTCC activity suggests a relatively cold crust in the initial stage. The cold crust probably promoted crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization, and caused the initial generation of HK‐type magmas. Subsequently, the repeated supply of mantle‐derived magmas raised temperature in the crust and formed relatively stable magma pathways. Such a later system produced MLK‐type magmas with lesser crustal components. The MLK‐type magmas are common and HK‐type magmas are exceptional during the Pliocene–Quaternary volcanism in the Northeast Japan Arc. This fact suggests that exceptional conditions are necessary for the production of HK‐type magmas. A relatively cold crust caused by a long volcanic hiatus (several million years) is considered as one of the probable conditions. Intensive crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization promoted by the cold crust may be necessary for the generation of highly evolved HK‐type felsic magmas.
The Heilongjiang Group: A Jurassic accretionary complex in the Jiamusi Massif at the western Pacific margin of northeastern China
Authors: Wu Fu‐Yuan , Yang Jin‐Hui , Lo Ching‐Hua , Wilde Simon A. , Sun De‐You , Jahn Bor‐Ming
Published: February 2007

Abstract  The tectonic setting of the Eastern Asian continental margin in the Jurassic is highly controversial. In the current study, we have selected the Heilongjiang complex located at the western margin of the Jiamusi Massif in northeastern China for geochronological investigation to address this issue. Field and petrographic investigations indicate that the Heilongjiang complex is composed predominately of granitic gneiss, marble, mafic‐ultramafic rocks, blueschist, greenschist, quartzite, muscovite‐albite schist and two‐mica schist that were tectonically interleaved, indicating they represent a mélange. The marble, two‐mica schist and granitic gneiss were most probably derived from the Mashan complex, a high‐grade gneiss complex in the Jiamusi Massif with which the Heilongjiang Group is intimately associated. The ultramafic rocks, blueschist, greenschist and quartzite (chert) are similar to components in ophiolite. The sensitive high mass‐resolution ion microprobe U‐Pb zircon age of 265 ± 4 Ma for the granitic gneiss indicates that the protolith granite was emplaced coevally with Permian batholiths in the Jiamusi Massif. 40Ar/39Ar dating of biotite and phengite from the granitic gneiss and mica schist yields a late Early Jurassic metamorphic age between 184 and 174 Ma. Early components of the Jiamusi Massif, including the Mashan complex, probably formed part of an exotic block from Gondwana, affected by late Pan‐African orogenesis, and collided with the Asian continental margin during the Early Jurassic. Subduction of oceanic crust between the Jiamusi block and the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt resulted in the formation of a huge volume of Jurassic granites in the Zhangguangcai Range. Consequently, the collision of the Jiamusi Massif with the Central Asian Orogenic Belt to the west can be considered as the result of circum‐Pacific accretion, unrelated to the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The widespread development of Jurassic accretionary complexes along the Asian continental margin supports such an interpretation.
Dissecting aneurysms involving both anterior cerebral artery and aorta
Authors: Sakata Noriyuki , Hamasaki Makoto , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Shigekawa Seiji , Arai Syouichi
Published: February 2007

Non‐traumatic intracranial dissecting aneurysm (IDA) has been recently reported with increasing frequency and is recognized as a possible cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, the pathogenesis of this disease is still unclear. Cystic medial necrosis (CMN) is known to be a cause of aortic dissection, especially in Marfan's syndrome. Presented herein is the case of a 49‐year‐old man who had IDA of the right anterior cerebral artery and abdominal aortic dissection without Marfan's syndrome. Histological examination showed medial degenerative changes with the accumulation of acid mucopolysaccharides in various intra‐ and extracranial arteries. Coexistence of dissecting aneurysms in the anterior cerebral artery and aorta suggests the presence of underlying pathogenesis that is common to these two dissection processes.
Why we will need to learn new skills to control cancer
Authors: Brown M. P. , Buckley M. F. , Rudzki Z. , Olver I. N.
Published: February 2007

As a society and as specialists involved in the diagnosis and management of cancer, we must begin to find new cost‐effective ways to provide equitable access to the innovative, effective and expensive drugs that may begin to make cancer a chronic rather than rapidly lethal disease. Drugs such as trastuzumab and gefitinib are safer ‘targeted therapies’ that only attract government subsidies after the pathologist identifies the target present in a minor subset of patients. Nonetheless, funding for pathological identification of these targets remains a challenge. To illustrate, gefitinib may produce ‘Lazarus’ responses and prolonged survival among patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer. Many such examples will enter the clinical domain in the coming years. As we enter this era of personalized medicine, we argue that the use of expensive targeted therapies should be limited to pathologically proven indications because truly effective drugs are best applied to those individuals who would most benefit. It follows that medical oncologists should be trained properly to use targeted therapies. Then a new generation of oncologists would be empowered to participate in the iterative cycles of research between bench and bedside that are necessary for optimal use of biotherapies and their integration into multimodality cancer treatment programmes. We propose that cancer pathology be made available as a training option in the postgraduate education of medical oncologists. Oncologists and pathologists may jointly administer and mutually accredit the training module, which may also contribute towards the award of a higher degree.
Ca2+ influx through both L‐ and N‐type Ca2+ channels increases c‐fos expression by electrical stimulation of sympathetic neurons
Authors: Zhao Rubing , Liu Liwang , Rittenhouse Ann R.
Published: February 2007

During direct membrane depolarization, Ca2+ influx primarily through L‐type Ca2+ (L‐) channels initiates activity‐dependent gene transcription. This is surprising given that in most neurons a minority of the total Ca2+ current arises from L‐channel activity. However, many studies have stimulated Ca2+ influx with unphysiological stimuli such as chronic membrane depolarization using high K+ medium. Few studies have tested whether other Ca2+ channels stimulate gene transcription in adult neurons as a consequence of direct electrical stimulation. Therefore, we evaluated the role of L‐ and N‐type Ca2+ (N‐) channel activity in regulating mRNA levels of c‐fos, an activity‐dependent transcription factor, in adult rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons as the majority of Ca2+ channels are N‐type, while only a minority are L‐type. Changes in c‐fos mRNA levels were measured using semi‐quantitative and single‐cell RT‐PCR. Phosphorylation of CREB (pCREB) and changes in c‐Fos levels were visualized in dissociated cells by immunocytochemistry. Increases in pCREB, c‐fos mRNA and c‐Fos protein with either K+ or electrical depolarization required Ca2+ influx. These results support previous findings that elevated c‐fos levels result from pCREB stimulating c‐fos transcription. Elevation of pCREB, c‐fos and c‐Fos with K+ depolarization depended on L‐channel activity. By contrast, antagonizing either channel at 10‐Hz stimulation minimized these increases despite unequal numbers of the two channel types. Transition to exclusive L‐channel involvement occurred with increasing frequency of stimulation (from 10 to 20 to 50 Hz). Our results demonstrate that N‐ and L‐channel participation in regulating c‐fos expression is encoded in the pattern of electrical stimulation.
A numerical study of red–green colour opponent properties in the primate retina
Authors: Momiji Hiroshi , Hankins Mark W. , Bharath Anil A. , Kennard Christopher
Published: February 2007

It remains an important question whether neural function is mediated entirely by its tailored circuitry. A persistent debate in retinal colour vision is whether the centre and the surround of a ganglion cell receptive field receive dominant inputs either from L or M cones in an antagonistic manner (the selective wiring model) or mixed inputs (the mixed wiring model). Despite many anatomical, physiological and psychophysical experiments, a decisive conclusion has not been reached. An in‐depth examination of what the pure mixed wiring mechanisms predicts is therefore important. These two models make different predictions both for the fovea and for the peripheral retina. Recently, a dynamic cellular model of the primate fovea was developed [Momiji et al. (2006) Vis. Res., 46, 365–381]. Unlike earlier models, it explicitly incorporates spatial non‐uniformities, such as the random arrangement of L and M cones. Here, a related model is developed for the peripheral retina by incorporating anatomically reasonable degrees of convergence between cones, bipolar cells and ganglion cells. These two models, in which selective wiring mechanisms are absent, are applied to describe both foveal and peripheral colour vision. In numerical simulations, peripheral ganglion cells are less colour sensitive than foveal counterparts, but none‐the‐less display comparative sensitivities. Furthermore, peripheral colour sensitivity increases with temporal frequency, relative to foveal sensitivity. These results are congruent with recent physiological experiments.
PKCε induces astrocyte stellation by modulating multiple cytoskeletal proteins and interacting with Rho A signalling pathways: implications for neuroinflammation
Authors: Burgos Miguel , Calvo Soledad , Molina Francisca , Vaquero Cecilia F. , Samarel Allen , Llopis Juan , Tranque Pedro
Published: February 2007

Despite the importance of stellation to maintain astrocyte functionality, the intracellular signals controlling morphology in these cells are poorly characterized. Our goal was to examine the implication of protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) in astrocyte stellation. We found that the morphological transformation of astrocytes induced by exposure to the pro‐inflammatory agent lipopolysaccharide is enhanced by adenoviral expression of wild‐type PKCε, and that activation of PKCε is sufficient to trigger a dramatic stellation. Such an effect is mediated by the rearrangement of microtubules and filaments of glial fibrillary acidic protein, disorganization of stress fibres, and formation of new actin filaments within growing cellular processes. Furthermore, PKCε regulates actin‐interacting elements such as non‐muscle myosin and proteins of the ezrin/radixin/moesin family. We also observed that at least part of the actions of PKCε depend on its catalytic activity. Finally, stellation by PKCε could be blocked by the expression of a constitutively active form of Rho A implicated in the stability of the flat astrocytic morphology. In summary, PKCε stands out as a key intracellular regulator of morphological plasticity in astrocytes, affecting a large range of cytoskeletal elements and inactivating Rho A‐dependent pathways. These morphological effects of PKCε may play essential roles during the course of neuroinflammation.
Sex differences in adult cell proliferation within the zebrafish (Danio rerio) cerebellum
Authors: Ampatzis Konstantinos , Dermon Catherine R.
Published: February 2007

It has been reported that neurons generated in the adult brain show sex‐specific differences in several brain regions of lower vertebrates and mammals. The present study questioned whether cell proliferation and survival in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) cerebellum, the most mitotically active area of adult teleost brain, is sexually differentiated. Adult zebrafish were treated with the thymidine analogue 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) and allowed to survive for 24 h (short‐term) and for 21 days (long‐term). BrdU immunohistochemistry allowed visualization of cells incorporating BrdU at the S phase of mitosis. At short‐term survival, male zebrafish had a higher number of labelled cells at proliferation sites of the molecular layer of corpus cerebelli (CCe) and the granular layer of the caudal lobe of the cerebellum (LCa) than did females. In long‐term survival, BrdU‐positive cells were found at their final destination, but only the granular layer of the medial division of the valvula cerebelli showed sex‐specific differences in the number of labelled cells. This higher mitotic activity in male cerebellum might be related to sex‐specific motor behaviour observed in male zebrafish. To investigate the role of programmed cell death, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl‐mediated dUTP nick‐end‐labelling (TUNEL) method was applied. The vast majority of apoptotic figures occurred in the granular cell layer of valvula and CCe, only in a few cases within the BrdU‐retaining cells. Apoptosis was found specifically at the sites of the final destination of proliferating cells, indicating that the close relation of cell birth and death might represent a possible plasticity mechanism in the adult zebrafish cerebellum.
Peripheral nerve injury induces reorganization of galanin‐containing afferents in the superficial dorsal horn of monkey spinal cord
Authors: Wang Li‐Hua , Lu Ying‐Jin , Bao Lan , Zhang Xu
Published: February 2007

Peripheral nerve injury‐induced structural and chemical modifications of the sensory circuits in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord contribute to the mechanism of neuropathic pain. In contrast to the topographic projection of primary afferents in laminae I–IV in the rat spinal cord, the primary afferents of Macaca mulatta monkeys almost exclusively project into laminae I–II of the spinal cord. After peripheral nerve injury, up‐regulation of galanin has been found in sensory neurons in both monkey and rat dorsal root ganglia. However, the nerve injury‐induced ultrastructural modification of galanin‐containing afferents in the monkey spinal cord remains unknown. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we found that 3 weeks after unilateral sciatic nerve transection, the number of galanin‐containing afferents was increased in ipsilateral lamina II of monkey spinal cord. Branching of these galanin‐positive afferents was often observed. The afferent terminals contained a large number of synaptic vesicles, peptidergic vesicles and mitochondria, whereas the number of synapses was markedly reduced. Some of the afferents‐enriched microtubules were often packed into bundles. Moreover, galanin‐labeling could be associated with endosomal structures in many dendrites and axonal terminals of dorsal horn neurons. These results suggest that peripheral nerve injury induces an expansion of the central projection of galanin‐containing afferents in lamina II of the monkey spinal cord, not only by increasing galanin levels in primary afferents but also by triggering afferent branching.
Salivary dehydroepiandrosterone responsiveness to social challenge in adolescents with internalizing problems
Authors: Shirtcliff Elizabeth , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn , Klimes‐Dougan Bonnie , Slattery Marcia
Published: February 2007

Background:  Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal androgen which is stress responsive and a trigger for pubertal maturation. Studies on basal DHEA suggest protective benefits against anxiety and depression, yet it is unknown whether DHEA responsivity is protective.

Methods:  Structural equation modeling examined salivary DHEA responses to a public speaking task (PST) and parent–child conflict discussion paradigm (CDP) in adolescents.

Results and conclusions:  DHEA levels were higher in girls than boys, and in older and more physically developed adolescents, indicative of DHEA's function during pubertal maturation. DHEA levels increased during the PST, indicating responsiveness of DHEA to acute stressors. Across both tasks, girls with internalizing problems showed sharper rises in DHEA by 40 minutes post‐task, ending with the highest DHEA. In internalizing adolescent girls, DHEA may serve as a marker of responsivity in stressful or conflictual contexts. A failure of these girls with internalizing problems to show a normal diurnal decline in the afternoon extended this conclusion to naturalistic environments. DHEA may be one possible mechanism linking stress responsivity and physical maturation that helps to explain adolescents’ risk for psychopathology within a biobehavioral framework.
FGF signalling pathways in development of the midbrain and anterior hindbrain
Authors: Partanen Juha
Published: February 2007

Development of the central nervous system is coordinated by intercellular signalling centres established within the neural tube. The isthmic organizer (IsO), located between the midbrain and anterior hindbrain, is one such centre. Important signal molecules secreted by the IsO include members of the fibroblast growth factor and Wnt families. These signals are integrated with dorsally and ventrally derived signals to regulate development of the midbrain and rhombomere 1 of the hindbrain. The IsO is operational for a remarkably long period of time. Depending on the developmental stage, it controls a variety of processes such as cell survival, cell identity, neural precursor proliferation, neuronal differentiation and axon guidance. This review focuses on the fibroblast growth factor signalling, its novel molecular regulatory mechanisms and how this pathway regulates multiple aspects of cell behaviour in the developing midbrain and anterior hindbrain.
Effects of long‐term legume cover crop incorporation on soil organic carbon, microbial biomass, nutrient build‐up and grain yields of sorghum/sunflower under rain‐fed conditions
Authors: Venkateswarlu B. , Srinivasarao Ch. , Ramesh G. , Venkateswarlu S. , Katyal J. C.
Published: February 2007

Low organic matter, poor fertility and erosion are common features of rain‐fed Alfisols in southern India. Build‐up of organic matter is crucial to maintain sustainable production on these soils. The possibility of on‐farm generation of legume biomass [horsegram; Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] by using off‐season rainfall was examined in two field experiments involving sorghum and sunflower from 1994 to 2003. The effects of this incorporation were assessed on crop yields and soil properties for 10 years together with fertilizer application. Horsegram biomass ranging from 3.03–4.28 t ha−1 year−1 (fresh weight) was produced and incorporated in situ under different levels of fertilizer application. Annual incorporation improved the soil properties and fertility status of the soil, which resulted in improved yields of test crops. With biomass incorporation, mean organic carbon content improved by 24% over fallow. Microbial biomass carbon improved by 28% at site I. Long‐term biomass incorporation and fertilizer application resulted in the build‐up of soil nutrients compared with the fallow plots. Application of N and P alone resulted in a negative balance of soil K. A time‐scale analysis of yields showed that incorporation together with fertilizer application maintained a stable yield trend over a 10‐year period in sorghum, whereas fertilizer application alone showed a declining trend. At the end of 10 years of incorporation, the increase in grain yield because of incorporation was 28 and 18%, respectively, in sorghum and sunflower over fallow when no fertilizers were applied to rainy season crops. The incorporation effect was even larger in plots receiving fertilizer. The growing and incorporation of a post‐rainy season legume crop is a low‐cost simple practice that even small and marginal farmers can adopt in semi‐arid regions of the country. Widespread adoption of this practice, at least in alternate years, can restore the productivity of degraded soils and improve crop yields.
The Influence of Staffing Characteristics on Quality of Care in Nursing Homes
Authors: Castle Nicholas G. , Engberg John
Published: February 2007

Objective. The influence staffing levels, turnover, worker stability, and agency staff had on quality of care in nursing homes was examined.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Staffing characteristics came from a survey of nursing homes (N=1,071) conducted in 2003. The staffing characteristics were collected for Nurse Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses. Fourteen quality indicators came from the Nursing Home Compare website report card and nursing home organizational characteristics came from the Online Survey, Certification, and Recording system.

Study Design. One index of quality (the outcome) was created by combining the 14 quality indicators using exploratory factor analysis. We used regression analyses to assess the effect of the four staffing characteristics for each of the three types of nursing staff on this quality index in addition to individual analyses for each of the 14 quality indicators. The effect of organizational characteristics as well as the markets in which they operated on outcomes was examined. We examined a number of different model specifications.

Principal Findings. Quality of care was influenced, to some degree, by all of these staffing characteristics. However, the estimated interaction effects indicated that achieving higher quality was dependent on having more than one favorable staffing characteristic—the effect of quality was larger than the sum of the independent effects of each favorable staffing characteristic.

Conclusions. Our results indicate that staff characteristics such as turnover, staffing levels, worker stability, and agency staff should be addressed simultaneously to improve the quality of nursing homes.
Kellogg on Branding: By the Marketing Faculty of the Kellogg School of Management by Alice M. Tybout and Tim Calkins (eds.)
Authors: Castellion George
Published: February 2007

These reviews are intended to help you reach a decision about purchasing or reading a book. But more importantly, they are meant to bring to your attention notable contemporary topics related to product innovation. The review here of The Change Function illustrates this point well. According to Amazon.com sales rankings (on August 23, 2006), this book is more popular than any we have reviewed in the past year—including Geoffrey A. Moore's Dealing with Darwin: How Great Companies Innovate at Every Phase of Their Evolution (Penguin, 2005). Yet the reviewer points out some critical weaknesses in The Change Function's treatment of truly innovative products. Just because a book is popular with a general business audience does not mean that it is adequate for new product professionals. Should you decide to read it, we hope that our review helps you, as a product developer, to get more out of it.

Books reviewed in this issue:

Kellogg on Branding: By the Marketing Faculty of the Kellogg School of Management

The Change Function: Why Some Technologies Take Off while Others Crash and Burn

Product Innovation: Leading Change through Integrated Product Development

Quality Management System Handbook for Product Development Companies
Factors That Influence Characteristics of Genetic Biobanks
Authors: Sanner Jennifer E. , Frazier Lorraine
Published: February 2007

Purpose: To identify demographic differences between patients who choose participation and patients who choose nonparticipation in genetic biobanks, and to explore reasons for nonparticipation.

Design: Prospective study of hospitalized cardiovascular patients approached to participate in a genetic biobank, 300 nonparticipants and 299 participants, in the southwestern US.

Methods: Reasons for nonparticipation were explored. Logistic regression was performed to determine if gender, race or ethnicity, or age predicted nonparticipation.

Findings: Race or ethnicity and age were significantly different between participants and nonparticipants, but gender was not. Blood‐sample collection was the main reason for declining participation.

Conclusions: Minority and older adults were less likely to participate. Understanding reasons for nonparticipation in this group might aid in the development of methods used to obtain a diverse population in biobanks.
Nurses' Tobacco‐Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice in Four Major Cities in China
Authors: Chan Sophia S.C. , Sarna Linda , Wong David C.N. , Lam Tai‐Hing
Published: February 2007

Purpose: To (a) identify Chinese nurses' tobacco‐related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), including perception of competency in smoking‐cessation interventions; (b) identify barriers and facilitators to smoking cessation interventions to patients; and (c) assess the learning needs and smoking status of nurses.

Design: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in four major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing) in China from November to December 2003.

Methods: 2,888 registered nurses working in hospitals affiliated with five university schools of nursing in these cities were invited to complete a questionnaire. An instrument used to assess tobacco‐related KAP in Hong Kong was translated into Chinese and pilot tested to ensure reliability and validity.

Findings: 2,179 questionnaires were returned and after exclusion of the grossly incomplete questionnaires, 1,690 were included in the present analysis. Only 2% of participants were current and 1% were former smokers; most had not received training for smoking‐cessation interventions as part of their nursing education program. Two‐thirds recognized smoking as a leading cause of preventable death and that smoking cessation was the most cost effective intervention, but only a third routinely assisted patients' quit attempts. Nurses who received training reported greater competence in providing smoking‐cessation intervention, and more frequent practice of cessation interventions.

Conclusions: Chinese nurses had some knowledge about the health effects of tobacco use, but seldom practiced smoking‐cessation interventions. Those who had prior training had greater competence and more practice. Including tobacco control, especially smoking cessation, in nursing curricula in China has the potential to save millions of lives.
A Predictive and Moderating Model of Psychosocial Resilience in Adolescents
Authors: Tusaie Kathleen , Puskar Kathryn , Sereika Susan M.
Published: February 2007

Purpose:To identify point prevalence of psychosocial resilience (PR) and to test moderating and predictive relationships among optimism, chronological age, gender, perceived family and friend support, number of bad life events, and PR in rural adolescents.

Design:A secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional survey of 624 rural adolescents aged 14 to 18 in an eastern U.S. state.

Method:Descriptive statistics were used to identify point prevalence, and stepwise logistic regression was used to identify which variables alone or in combination had significant effects upon PR.

Findings:The point prevalence of PR was 17% with the largest percentage of students reporting medium levels of resilience. Level of adolescent PR was partially predicted by cognitive factors (optimism, perceived family support), number of bad life events, age, and gender. Perceived support of friends and optimism modified the level of PR.

Conclusions:The predictive and moderating model was useful for building knowledge about the process of PR in rural adolescents.