bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in medication‐overuse headache after short information. The Akershus study of chronic headache
Authors: Grande R. B. , Aaseth K. , Benth J. Š. , Lundqvist C. , Russell M. B.
Published: May 2010

Objective:  Our aim was to investigate the course of medication‐overuse headache in the general population and the effect of simple advice regarding medication overuse.

Design:  Prospective cohort study. Participants were identified in a cross‐sectional epidemiological sample of 30 000 persons aged 30–44 from the general Norwegian population. People with chronic headache (≥15 days per month for at least 3 months) and medication overuse received short information about the possible role of medication overuse in headache chronification. A cohort was followed up 1½ years later. The diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders and data splitting methodology were used.

Setting:  Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

Participants:  A total of 109 participants with chronic primary headache and medication overuse were available for follow‐up (85% participation rate).

Main outcome measure:  Change in medication days and headache days per month.

Results:  At baseline chronic tension‐type headache was found in 92% of participants; 8% had chronic migraine or new daily persistent headache. Migraine co‐occurrence was found in 53%. The mean duration of chronic headaches were 8–18 years, the mean duration of medication overuse between 5 and 10 years prior to intervention. At follow up, the mean medication days were significantly reduced from 22 days to 6 days per month, and 76% no longer had medication overuse. Forty‐two percent no longer had chronic headache and the headache index was reduced by 24%.

Conclusion:  Our examination and short information served as a modified brief intervention which can improve chronic headache and medication overuse in the general population.
Neurologic disorders associated with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Benavente L. , Morís G.
Published: May 2010

Background and purpose:  The study is aimed to report neurologic manifestations in a population of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in order to address its clinical characteristics.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective study based on a computer‐guided search, of patients with Crohn′s disease or ulcerative colitis diagnosed at three hospitals in Spain spanning from 2000 through 2008. Patients were classified into different clinical groups based on the type of neurologic involvement. Only patients without iatrogenic complications, vitamin deficiencies, or known cerebrovascular risk factors were included.

Results:  We identified and reviewed the records of eighty‐four inflammatory bowel disease patients with neurologic symptoms: thirteen patients with ulcerative colitis and twelve patients with Crohn′s disease associated with neurologic complications were identified. Their ages ranged from 17 to 74 years. There was a slight predominance of women. Only four of them have another extra‐intestinal manifestation. Most of the patients developed neurologic manifestations coincidental or after digestive symptoms appeared. Demyelinating disease was the most frequent manifestation observed (8 patients). Cerebrovascular, peripheral nerve, and epilepsy disorders were diagnosed in 6, 5, and 3 patients, respectively. One patient with myoclonus, one with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and one with sensorineural hearing loss were found.

Conclusions:  Although an incidence could not be obtained, this population of patients with inflammatory bowel disease have a low frequency of severe neurologic disorders. Neurologic diseases, such as cerebrovascular disease, demyelinating disease, and peripheral neuropathy, could be associated with Crohn′s disease and ulcerative colitis.
BsmI vitamin D receptor’s polymorphism and bone mineral density in men and premenopausal women on long‐term antiepileptic therapy
Authors: Lambrinoudaki I. , Kaparos G. , Armeni E. , Alexandrou A. , Damaskos C. , Logothetis E. , Creatsa M. , Antoniou A. , Kouskouni E. , Triantafyllou N.
Published: May 2010

Background: Utilization of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has long been associated with bone deleterious effects. Furthermore, the BsmI restriction fragment polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD), mostly in postmenopausal women. This study evaluates the association between bone metabolism of patients with epilepsy and the BsmI VDR’s polymorphism in chronic users of AEDs.

Methods: This study evaluated 73 long‐term users of antiepileptic drug monotherapy, in a cross‐sectional design. Fasting blood samples were obtained to estimate the circulating serum levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, parathormone, 25hydroxyvitamin D as well as the VDR’s genotype. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine was measured with Dual Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry.

Results: Bone mineral density was significantly associated with the genotype of VDR (mean BMD: Bb genotype 1.056 ± 0.126 g/cm2; BB genotype 1.059 ± 0.113 g/cm2; bb genotype 1.179 ± 0.120 g/cm2;P < 0.05). Additionally, the presence of at least one B allele was significantly associated with lower bone mineral density (B allele present: BMD = 1.057 ± 0.12 g/cm2, B allele absent: BMD = 1.179 ± 0.119 g/cm2;P < 0.01). Patients with at least one B allele had lower serum levels of 25hydroxyvitamin D when compared with bb patients (22.61 ng/ml vs. 33.27 ng/ml,P < 0.05), whilst they tended to have higher levels of parathyroid hormone.

Discussion: Vitamin D receptor polymorphism is associated with lower bone mass in patients with epilepsy. This effect might be mediated through the vitamin D‐parathormone pathway.
Combat Trauma and the Moral Risks of Memory Manipulating Drugs
Authors: HURLEY ELISA A.
Published: May 2010

abstract

To date, 1.7 million US military service personnel have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Of those, one in five are suffering from diagnosable combat‐stress related psychological injuries including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). All indications are that the mental health toll of the current conflicts on US troops and the medical systems that care for them will only increase. Against this backdrop, research suggesting that the common class of drugs known as beta‐blockers might prevent the onset of PTSD is drawing much interest. I urge caution against accepting too quickly the use of beta‐blockers for dealing with the psychological injuries that combat experiences can wreak. Beta‐blockers are thought to work by disrupting the formation of emotionally disturbing memories that typically occur in the wake of traumatic events and that in some people manifest as PTSD. Focusing on a single dimension of soldiers' experience in combat, namely, their perpetration of other‐directed violence, I argue that some of the emotional memories blunted by beta‐blockers play important roles in the recovery of moral aspects of soldiers' selves damaged by experiences of combat violence — specifically, in the achievement of a state of grace— and, therefore, that the use of beta‐blockers may come with distinct moral costs.
Explaining the Emergence of Different European Union Crisis and Emergency Management Structures
Authors: Wendling Cécile
Published: May 2010

Two European Union (EU) tools were adopted to enhance cooperation among Member States in the case of crises and emergencies (natural, industrial or man‐made) occurring both inside and outside the EU borders: first, the EU has developed a new tool in the field of civil protection that has been managed by the Directorate General Environment of the European Commission under the label of the Community Civil Protection Mechanism since 2001. Second, the Emergency and Crisis Coordination Arrangements (CCA), under the responsibility of the European Council, have been developed since 2005. Using a sociological neo‐institutionalist approach based on the concept of ‘divergent isomorphism’, the paper explains who and what the sources of EU integration process were leading to the coexistence of these two structures. Two case studies are presented using process tracing to demonstrate that two different pre‐existing organizational models were copied to create the EU structures of crisis and emergency management: that of the Community Marine pollution framework for the Community Civil Protection Mechanism and that of NATO for the CCA.
Pond characteristics as determinants of species diversity and community composition in desert bats
Authors: Razgour O. , Korine C. , Saltz D.
Published: May 2010

Although water availability is known to affect landscape‐scale patterns of wildlife diversity and distribution in arid environments, little is known about the microhabitat characteristics that shape the local‐scale distribution of desert bats. We examined the relative importance of pond microhabitat characteristics for the conservation of bats, and hypothesized that in arid environments, patterns of bat diversity and community composition relate to the size of the pond and its hydroperiod (the number of months a pond holds water), a term we use to distinguish between permanent, semi‐permanent and temporary ponds. We combined acoustic monitoring with video recording and an experimental approach to study bat activity over natural ponds in the Negev Desert, Israel. We found that both within and between ponds bat species richness and activity significantly increased with pond size. An experimental reduction of pond size led to a significant reduction in bat species richness and activity and affected the bat community composition. In contrast to pond size, pond hydroperiod did not affect bat diversity, as temporary ponds had equivalent levels of bat species richness and activity to permanent ponds. However, hydroperiod did couple with pond size to affect the bat community composition, whereby non‐desert bat species that have a higher frequency of drinking were associated with larger and more permanent ponds. Our results highlight the importance of larger temporary ponds (ponds over 15 m in length and 0.5 m in depth) for the conservation of biodiversity in arid environments.
Effects of water and nutrient availability on fine root growth in eastern Amazonian forest regrowth, Brazil
Authors: Lima Tâmara Thaiz Santana , Miranda Izildinha Souza , Vasconcelos Steel Silva
Published: May 2010

Featured paper: See Editorial p553
Anthropometric measures: poor predictors of body fat in children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy
Authors: KUPERMINC MICHELLE N , GURKA MATTHEW J , BENNIS JACEY A , BUSBY MARJORIE G , GROSSBERG RICHARD I , HENDERSON RICHARD C , STEVENSON RICHARD D
Published: May 2010

Aim  This purpose of our study was to assess and compare anthropometric measures of adiposity and direct measurement of percentage body fat by dual emission X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We also compared our results in children with CP with results from a national sample of typically developing children from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Method  Anthropometry and DXA were obtained from 58 participants with CP (25 females, 33 males; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III–V; mean age 13y 1mo [SD 3y], range 8–18y). Height was estimated from knee height, which was measured with knee height calipers; weight was measured on a sitting scale. The relation between percentage body fat measured by DXA and z‐scores of each of the anthropometric measures (body mass index, mid‐upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and mid‐upper arm fat area) was assessed by linear models. Agreement analysis was performed to assess the ability of each anthropometric measure to predict percentage body fat by DXA.

Results  None of the anthropometric measures were adequately associated with percentage body fat by DXA. All anthropometric methods tended to underestimate percentage body fat in children with CP.

Interpretation  Single anthropometric measures do not perform well in predicting percentage body fat in children with or without CP. Further work is needed to develop clinically useful and simple assessments that will predict percentage body fat and to determine the relation between percentage body fat and health to guide clinical practice.
Behavioural and emotional symptoms of preschool children with cerebral palsy: a population‐based study
Authors: SIGURDARDOTTIR SOLVEIG , INDREDAVIK MARIT S , EIRIKSDOTTIR AUÐUR , EINARSDOTTIR KATRÍN , GUDMUNDSSON HALLDÓR S , VIK TORSTEIN
Published: May 2010

Aim  To describe behavioural and emotional symptoms among Icelandic preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method  Children with congenital CP, assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist/1½–5 (CBCL/1½–5) and Caregiver‐Teacher Report Form (C‐TRF), were enrolled in the study. A comparison group was recruited from the general population. Thirty‐six children (53% males) with CP were assessed at a mean age of 4 years 11 months (SD 5mo, range 4–6y); 26 (72%) had bilateral distribution of symptoms and 32 (89%) had spastic CP. Thirty (83%) were at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I or II and six at levels III or IV. For comparison, 110 (43% males) and 120 (48% males) children were assessed with the CBCL/1½–5 and the C‐TRF respectively, at a mean age of 4 years 6 months (SD 6mo, range 4–6y).

Results  Sixteen children (48%) with CP had high scores on total problems scale of the CBCL/1½–5 and 20 (65%) on the C‐TRF compared with 18% of the comparison group, both on the CBCL/1½–5 and the C‐TRF (p<0.001). Children with CP had higher scores on all subscales of the CBCL/1½–5 and the C‐TRF, except somatic complaints. Attention difficulties, withdrawn, aggressive behaviour, and anxious/depressed symptoms were most pronounced among children with CP.

Interpretation  A large proportion of preschool children with CP have substantial behavioural and emotional difficulties, which need to be addressed in their treatment.
Epilepsy in hemiplegic cerebral palsy due to perinatal arterial ischaemic stroke
Authors: WANIGASINGHE JITHANGI , REID SUSAN M , MACKAY MARK T , REDDIHOUGH DINAH S , HARVEY A SIMON , FREEMAN JEREMY L
Published: May 2010

Aim The aim of this study was to describe the frequency, risk factors, manifestations, and outcome of epilepsy in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) due to perinatal arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS).

Method The study group comprised 63 participants (41 males, 22 females) from a population‐based CP register whose brain imaging showed perinatal AIS. Information collected included occurrence of neonatal seizures, family history of epilepsy, motor function and epilepsy onset, treatment, and outcome. Electroclinical findings were classified according to seizure semiology, seizure type, and epilepsy syndrome.

Results Mean age of participants at the time of study was 10 years 6 months (SD 4y 7mo, range 4–20y). Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II were reported in 96% of participants, and Manual Ability Classification System levels I and II were reported in 79% of children. Thirty‐four children (54%) developed epilepsy. Term delivery and more severe motor impairment were associated with epilepsy, but neonatal seizures and family history of epilepsy were not. Initial seizures were epileptic spasms, focal seizures, or myoclonic seizures. Focal seizure semiology suggested Rolandic or occipital seizure origin in the majority of children. Focal epileptic discharges in children with focal seizures had features of idiopathic partial epilepsy. Only 15% of children had active epilepsy 10 years after onset.

Interpretation Despite a high incidence of epilepsy in children with hemiplegic CP due to AIS, the prognosis for seizure remission is good. Many children have clinical features, electroencephalography findings, and remission typical of idiopathic partial epilepsy.
The effect of gastrostomy tube feeding on body protein and bone mineralization in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: ARROWSMITH FIONA , ALLEN JANE , GASKIN KEVIN , SOMERVILLE HELEN , CLARKE SAMANTHA , O’LOUGHLIN EDWARD
Published: May 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gastrostomy tube feeding on body protein and bone mineralization in malnourished children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method  Children aged between 4 and 18 years with spastic quadriplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System level V) were recruited from the Children’s Hospital at Westmead to participate in this prospective cohort study. The children had measurements of anthropometry (weight, height, and skinfold), bone mineral content (BMC) by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and total body protein (TBP) by neutron activation analysis before and after gastrostomy tube feeding. Comparison data were collected prospectively from age‐matched healthy children and extracted from databases for this study.

Results  A total of 21 children (nine females, 12 males) participated in the study (median age 8y 5mo; interquartile range [IQR] 6y 9mo–11y 10mo). The median length of time of gastrostomy feeding was 19.4 months (IQR 7.7–29.9mo). Significant (p<0.05) improvements were found in the median values for weight (15.4–23.3kg), weight standard deviation scores (SDS; −4.8 to −3.0), height (105.4–118.3cm), per cent body fat (10.7–16.3), TBP (2.4–3.4kg), TBP per cent predicted for height (83.4–99.0), and BMC (469–626g). No significant increases were found in height SDS, TBP per cent predicted for age, or BMC SDS for age or height.

Interpretation  Malnourished children with quadriplegic CP showed significant increases in body fat and protein with gastrostomy tube feeding. No significant change in bone mineralization predicted for age or height was observed.
Minor neurological dysfunction in children with dyslexia
Authors: PUNT MARJA , DE JONG MARIANNE , DE GROOT ERIK , HADDERS‐ALGRA MIJNA
Published: May 2010

Aim  To improve understanding of brain function in children with severe dyslexia in terms of minor neurological dysfunctions (MNDs).

Method  One hundred and four children (81 males, 23 females; age range 7–12y; mean age 9y 7mo, SD 1y 2mo;) with severe dyslexia (the presence of a Full‐scale IQ score of ≥85, retardation in single‐word or text reading of ≥2y), assessed in a department of dyslexia of a third‐level regional psychiatric centre, underwent a neurological examination according to Touwen and a multidisciplinary child psychiatric assessment. Special attention was paid to severity and type of MND. Data were compared with neurological morbidity data of children in the general population.

Results  Most children had MND (87%): 43% had simple MND, 44% complex MND. The incidence of MND was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the children with dyslexia than in the general population (simple MND 15%, complex MND 6%). Children with dyslexia showed especially fine manipulative disability and – to a lesser extent – mild dysfunction in muscle tone regulation and excessive presence of associated movements. A comorbid psychiatric syndrome was diagnosed in 66 children (63%): emotional disturbances (27%), adjustment disorder (42%), hyperkinetic disorder (15%), autism spectrum disorder (3%), specific disturbances of childhood not otherwise specified (13%). The neurological findings of children with dyslexia with and without psychiatric comorbidity were similar.

Interpretation  Our results demonstrate the importance of neurological and child psychiatric assessment in children with severe dyslexia. Our findings suggest that dysfunction of cortical structures plays a dominant role in dyslexia.
When a child errs: The ERN and the Pe complex in children
Authors: Arbel Yael , Donchin Emanuel
Published: May 2010

We report an analysis of the componential structure of the event‐related potentials (ERPs) elicited when 8–10‐year‐old children err. We demonstrated previously that the positive deflection that follows the error‐related negativity (ERN) in young adults is a combination of two ERP components, a fronto‐central positive component and a P300. As these findings affect the interpretation of error‐related ERP data, it is essential to determine if the componential structure of the ERPs elicited by children's errors is similar to that found in young adults. The results of the current study confirm that, as is the case in adults, both an ERN and a fronto‐central positivity are elicited by errors committed by children. In contrast to what has been previously found in adults, errors committed by children elicited a central positivity in addition to a parietal negativity that was elicited by correct responses.
Microbiological characterisation of artisanal farmhouse cheeses manufactured in Scotland
Authors: WILLIAMS ALAN G , WITHERS SUSAN E
Published: May 2010

Twenty‐eight Scottish artisanal farmhouse cheeses were examined in respect of 16 microbial groups of significance for food safety and cheese character development. Microbial populations were diverse and although Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella spp. were not detected the occurrence of potential foodborne pathogens was confirmed in 86% of the samples analysed. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was detected in 25% of the cheeses tested and some Staphylococcus aureus and the Bacillus cereus isolates were enterotoxigenic. Resistance to methicillin and vancomycin and other clinically important antibiotics was detected in some S. aureus and Enterococcus strains. The inappropriate labelling of some raw milk cheeses and the consequences of the complexity of the microbial population on isolation media specificity is discussed.
Assessment of chitosan and extracts of lemon and sage as natural antimicrobial agents during Fior di latte cheesemaking
Authors: GAMMARIELLO DANIELA , CONTE AMALIA , DEL NOBILE MATTEO ALESSANDRO
Published: May 2010

The use of antimicrobial active compounds (chitosan, lemon and sage extract) in Fior di latte cheesemaking was assessed. The three agents were added at different concentrations during processing cow’s milk. Control cheese was also made without active compounds. All cheese samples were kept at 4°C for 7 days and investigated for sensory and microbiological properties. Results clearly showed that the addition of lemon extract and chitosan increased cheese shelf life. In particular, the highest increase (129%) was recorded by adding 1000 mg/kg of lemon. In contrast, the addition of sage extract negatively affected the sensory properties, thus making the cheese unacceptable.
Association of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia in first pregnancy with normotensive second pregnancy outcomes: a population‐based study
Authors: Chang JJ , Muglia LJ , Macones GA
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: Chang J, Muglia L, Macones G. Association of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia in first pregnancy with normotensive second pregnancy outcomes: a population‐based study. BJOG 2010;117:946–953.

Objective  To evaluate pregnancy outcomes in normotensive second pregnancy following pre‐eclampsia in first pregnancy.

Design  Population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Setting  State of Missouri in the USA.

Sample  White European origin or African‐American women who delivered their first two non‐anomalous singleton pregnancies between 20 and 44 weeks of gestation in Missouri, USA, 1989–2005, without chronic hypertension, renal disease or diabetes mellitus (n = 12 835).

Methods  Pre‐eclampsia or delivery at 34 weeks of gestation or less in first pregnancy was defined as early‐onset pre‐eclampsia, whereas late‐onset pre‐eclampsia was defined as pre‐eclampsia with delivery after 34 weeks of gestation. Multivariate regression models were fitted to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Main outcome measures  Preterm delivery, large and small‐for‐gestational‐age infant, Apgar scores at 5 minutes, fetal death, caesarean section, placental abruption.

Results  Women with early‐onset pre‐eclampsia in first pregnancy were more likely to be younger, African‐American, recipients of Medicaid, unmarried and smokers. Despite a second normotensive pregnancy, women with early‐onset pre‐eclampsia in their first pregnancy had greater odds of a small‐for‐gestational‐age infant, preterm birth, fetal death, caesarean section and placental abruption in the second pregnancy, relative to women with late‐onset pre‐eclampsia, after controlling for confounders. Moreover, maternal ethnic origin modified the association between early‐onset pre‐eclampsia in the first pregnancy and preterm births in the second pregnancy. Having a history of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia reduces the odds of having a large‐for‐gestational‐age infant in the second pregnancy.

Conclusion  A history of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia is associated with increased odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes despite a normotensive second pregnancy.
Increased adverse perinatal outcome of hospital delivery at night
Authors: de Graaf JP , Ravelli ACJ , Visser GHA , Hukkelhoven C , Tong WH , Bonsel GJ , Steegers EAP
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: de Graaf J, Ravelli A, Visser G, Hukkelhoven C, Tong W, Bonsel G, Steegers E. Increased adverse perinatal outcome of hospital delivery at night. BJOG 2010;117:1098–1107.

Objective  To determine whether delivery in the evening or at night and some organisational features of maternity units are related to perinatal adverse outcome.

Design  A 7‐year national registry‐based cohort study.

Setting  All 99 Dutch hospitals.

Population  From nontertiary hospitals (n = 88), 655 961 singleton deliveries from 32 gestational weeks onwards, and, from tertiary centres (n = 10), 108 445 singleton deliveries from 22 gestational weeks onwards.

Methods  Multiple logistic regression analysis of national perinatal registration data over the period 2000–2006. In addition, multilevel analysis was applied to investigate whether the effects of time of delivery and other variables systematically vary across different hospitals.

Main outcome measures  Delivery‐related perinatal mortality (intrapartum or early neonatal mortality) and combined delivery‐related perinatal adverse outcome (any of the following: intrapartum or early neonatal mortality, 5‐minute Apgar score below 7, or admission to neonatal intensive care).

Results  After case mix adjustment, relative to daytime, increased perinatal mortality was found in nontertiary hospitals during the evening (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.15–1.52) and at night (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.28–1.69) and, in tertiary centres, at night only (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06–1.37). Similar significant effects were observed using the combined perinatal adverse outcome measure. Multilevel analysis was unsuccessful; extending the initial analysis with nominal hospital effects and hospital–delivery time interaction effects confirmed the significant effect of night in nontertiary hospitals, whereas other organisational effects (nontertiary, tertiary) were taken up by the hospital terms.

Conclusion  Hospital deliveries at night are associated with increased perinatal mortality and adverse perinatal outcome. The time of delivery and other organisational features representing experience (seniority of staff, volume) explain hospital‐to‐hospital variation.
Real‐time, spatially resolved analysis of serotonin transporter activity and regulation using the fluorescent substrate, ASP+
Authors: Oz Murat , Libby Therissa , Kivell Bronwyn , Jaligam Vanaja , Ramamoorthy Sammanda , Shippenberg Toni S.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1019–1029.

The serotonin transporter (SERT) mediates clearance of serotonin from the synapse, thereby, regulating extracellular serotonin concentrations. Radioligand uptake techniques are typically used to assess SERT function in tissue and heterologous expression systems. The need for sufficient protein in samples, however, requires use of homogenate preparations, potentially masking effects limited to specific cell populations. 4‐(4‐(dimethylamino)‐styryl)‐N‐methylpyridinium (ASP+) is a fluorescent monoamine transporter substrate that has been used for real‐time monitoring of dopamine and norepinephrine transporter function in single cells. The present live cell imaging studies examine the utility of ASP+ for quantifying human SERT function in HEK293 and neuroblastoma cells. We show rapid membrane binding and intracellular ASP+ accumulation in human SERT‐expressing cells. Accumulation is saturable; dependent on temperature and the presence of sodium and chloride in the media, and attenuated by serotonin. Acute or prolonged exposure of cells to serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors produces a concentration‐dependent decrease in accumulation. Similar effects are produced by protein kinase C activation whereas p38 MAPK activation increases ASP+ accumulation. These data demonstrate the validity of ASP+ as a probe for monitoring SERT function in living cells. Alterations in SERT binding and uptake can be quantified in the same cell and use of a within‐cell design permits analysis of time‐related alterations in SERT function.
Axon‐oligodendrocyte interactions during developmental myelination, demyelination and repair
Authors: Piaton Gabrièle , Gould Robert M. , Lubetzki Catherine
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1243–1260.

In multiple sclerosis, CNS demyelination is often followed by spontaneous repair, mostly achieved by adult oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Extent of this myelin repair differs, ranging from very low, limited to the plaque border, to extensive, with remyelination throughout the ‘shadow plaques.’ In addition to restoring neuronal connectivity, new myelin is neuroprotective. It reduces axonal loss and thus disability progression. Reciprocal communication between neurons and oligodendrocytes is essential for both myelin biogenesis and myelin repair. Hence, deciphering neuron‐oligodendrocyte communication is not only important for understanding myelination per se, but also the pathophysiology that underlies demyelinating diseases and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Over‐expression of alpha‐synuclein in the nervous system enhances axonal degeneration after peripheral nerve lesion in a transgenic mouse strain
Authors: Siebert Heike , Kahle Philipp J. , Kramer Michael L. , Isik Thomas , Schlüter Oliver M. , Schulz‐Schaeffer Walter J. , Brück Wolfgang
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1007–1018.

Wallerian degeneration in peripheral nerves occurs after a traumatic insult when the distal nerve part degenerates while peripheral macrophages enter the nerve stump and remove the accruing debris by phagozytosis. We used an experimental model to investigate the effect of either the absence or over‐expression of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) after transecting the sciatic nerves of mice. α‐Synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies and its aggregation results in a premature destruction of nerve cells. It has also been found present in different peripheral nerves but its role in the axon remains still unclear. Following sciatic nerve transection in different mouse strains, we investigated the numbers of invading macrophages, the amounts of remaining myelin and axons 6 days after injury. All mice showed clear signs of Wallerian degeneration, but transgenic mice expressing human wild‐type α‐syn showed lower numbers of invading macrophages, less preserved myelin and significantly lower numbers of preserved axons in comparison with either knockout mice or a mouse strain with a spontaneous deletion of α‐syn. The use of protein aggregation filtration blots and paraffin‐embedded tissue blots displayed depositions of α‐syn aggregates within sciatic nerve axons of transgenic mice. Thicker myelin sheaths and higher numbers of mitochondria were detected in old α‐syn transgenic mice. In a human sural nerve, α‐syn could also be identified within axons. Thus, α‐syn and its aggregates are not only a component of Lewy bodies and synapses but also of axons and these aggregates might interfere with axonal transport. α‐Synuclein transgenic mice represent an appropriate model for investigations on axonal transport in neurodegenerative diseases.
Care Dependency Scale – psychometric testing of the Polish version
Authors: Dijkstra Ate , Muszalik Marta , Kędziora‐Kornatowska Kornelia , Kornatowski Tomasz
Published: May 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 62–66
 
Care Dependency Scale – psychometric testing of the Polish version

The importance of this study lies in the availability of psychometrically sound assessment instruments, which are of critical importance for the study of patient’s care dependency and the provision of care to these patients. The aim of this study was to identify the psychometric properties of the Care Dependency Scale (CDS) by analyzing data gathered in Poland. The Polish research instrument was a translation of the original Dutch CDS. Psychometric evaluations were carried out based on a convenience sample of 216 older patients. A high alpha coefficient of 0.98 was obtained. Subsequent inter‐rater and test–retest reliability revealed Kappa values between 0.82–0.97 and 0.64–0.86, respectively. Factor analysis (principal component analysis) confirmed the one‐factor model reported in earlier studies. The analysis of the scale showed that the instrument is promising to be used in elderly care in Poland. The Polish version of the CDS permits comparison with results from earlier studies using this instrument.
General practitioners’ reasoning about using mobile distance‐spanning technology in home care and in nursing home care
Authors: Wälivaara Britt‐Marie , Andersson Staffan , Axelsson Karin
Published: May 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 117–125
 
General practitioners’ reasoning about using mobile distance‐spanning technology in home care and in nursing home care

The trend for health care and nursing care turns from hospital to health care and nursing care at home. Studies have shown that health care professionals have no access to patient records in home and nursing home settings. Technological development creates opportunities for a host of mobile technology solutions. The aim of this study was to describe the reasoning among general practitioners (GPs) about the use of mobile distance‐spanning technology (MDST) in care at home and in nursing homes. Seventeen GPs were divided in five groups for a group interview. The interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. The qualitative content analysis resulted in four areas about the MDST, MDST has an impact on GPs’ work, the nurses’ profession, and the patient and the family, with nine adherent categories. The findings were interpreted and formulated in the theme: MDST should be used with caution. The results show quite a few expressions about the MDST as useful and valuable in health care at home and in nursing home settings; however, in every category, there were text that we interpreted as caution when using the MDST. The MDST cannot be used in all situations and cannot replace human meetings in health care and nursing care at home and in nursing homes. The MDST should primarily be a tool for the profession, and understanding the professions’ reasoning about technology use in health care at home and in nursing home settings must be the base for implementing MDST.
On the Shear Behaviour of Concrete Beams Reinforced by Carbon Fibre‐Reinforced Polymer Bars: An Experimental Investigation by Means of Acoustic Emission Technique
Authors: Olivito R. S. , Zuccarello F. A.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  This paper reports test results of 20 concrete beams reinforced by carbon fibre‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars, without any shear reinforcement, subjected to three‐point bending tests. The tests were conducted at the Official Laboratory of the Department of Structural Engineering of the University of Calabria with the aim of both analysing and improving the knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of these new structural elements and to validate, from an experimental point of view, some theoretical relationships suggested in the recent Italian Guidelines CNR‐DT 203/2006. All tested specimens were classified into four groups according to the different concrete compressive strength and to CFRP‐bar reinforcement. Mid‐span deflection, moment‐curvature and bar strains were investigated by means of linear inductive displacement transducers, centesimal dial gauges and strain gauges directly applied onto CFRP bars. In almost all cases, shear failure mode was observed. A major diagonal crack within the beam shear span extended horizontally at the level of the CFRP bars indicating bond failure. During the experimental study, the acoustic emission technique was used to find out the beams cracking moment and to investigate the damage phenomena occurred inside the beams during the experimental tests, by means of a monitoring system set up.
An Analytical Model Based on Strain Localisation for the Study of Size‐Scale and Slenderness Effects in Uniaxial Compression Tests
Authors: Carpinteri A. , Corrado M. , Paggi M.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  In this paper, an analytical model based on the concept of strain localisation is proposed for the analysis and prediction of the response of quasi‐brittle materials in uniaxial compression tests, such as mortar, plain concrete with different compression strengths, as well as fibre‐reinforced concrete. The proposed approach, referred to as Overlapping Crack Model, relies only on a pair of material constitutive laws, in close analogy with the Cohesive Crack Model: a stress–strain relationship describing the pre‐peak behaviour of the material and a stress–interpenetration relationship for the description of the post‐peak response. In the paper it will be shown how the stress–interpenetration relationship can be deduced from experimental data and how it depends on the compression strength and on the crushing energy of the tested materials. A wide comparison between the stress–displacement curves predicted by the proposed model and those experimentally found in the literature will show the effectiveness of the present approach to capture both stable softening or sharp snap‐back post‐peak branches by varying the slenderness or the size‐scale of the tested samples.
Localisation Phenomenon Investigation on SMATed Stainless Steel Samples by Speckle Interferometry
Authors: Petit J. , Montay G. , François M.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  In‐plane Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) has been successfully used during tensile tests on SMA‐treated (Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment) and as‐received 316L stainless steel in order to measure the strain rate field. The heterogeneity in the strain rate field can be observed from a stage of deformation which doesn’t coincide with the classic Considère’s criterion (dF = 0) for the diffuse neck initiation (or plastic instability). The initiation of this heterogeneity strongly depends on treatments undergone by the material. In this paper, a comparison was performed about the heterogeneity initiation of specimens SMATed during 30 min with 2 mm shot, 3 mm shot and a non‐treated sample. The formation of the two slip band system until fracture of the tensile specimen was also studied.
Short Assessment of Health Literacy—Spanish and English: A Comparable Test of Health Literacy for Spanish and English Speakers
Authors: Lee Shoou‐Yih Daniel , Stucky Brian D. , Lee Jessica Y. , Rozier R. Gary , Bender Deborah E.
Published: May 2010

Objective. The intent of the study was to develop and validate a comparable health literacy test for Spanish‐speaking and English‐speaking populations.

Study Design. The design of the instrument, named the Short Assessment of Health Literacy—Spanish and English (SAHL‐S&E), combined a word recognition test, as appearing in the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), and a comprehension test using multiple‐choice questions designed by an expert panel. We used the item response theory (IRT) in developing and validating the instrument.

Data Collection. Validation of SAHL‐S&E involved testing and comparing the instrument with other health literacy instruments in a sample of 201 Spanish‐speaking and 202 English‐speaking subjects recruited from the Ambulatory Care Center at the University of North Carolina Healthcare System.

Principal Findings. Based on IRT analysis, 18 items were retained in the comparable test. The Spanish version of the test, SAHL‐S, was highly correlated with other Spanish health literacy instruments, Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish‐Speaking Adults (r=0.88, p<.05) and the Spanish Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) (r=0.62, p<.05). The English version, SAHL‐E, had high correlations with REALM (r=0.94, p<.05) and the English TOFHLA (r=0.68, p<.05). Significant correlations were found between SAHL‐S&E and years of schooling in both Spanish‐ and English‐speaking samples (r=0.15 and 0.39, respectively). SAHL‐S&E displayed satisfactory reliability of 0.80 and 0.89 in the Spanish‐ and English‐speaking samples, respectively. IRT analysis indicated that the SAHL‐S&E score was highly reliable for individuals with a low level of health literacy.

Conclusions. The new instrument, SAHL‐S&E, has good reliability and validity. It is particularly useful for identifying individuals with low health literacy and could be used to screen for low health literacy among Spanish and English speakers.
Growing Cell‐Phone Population and Noncoverage Bias in Traditional Random Digit Dial Telephone Health Surveys
Authors: Lee Sunghee , Brick J. Michael , Brown E. Richard , Grant David
Published: May 2010

Objective. Examine the effect of including cell‐phone numbers in a traditional landline random digit dial (RDD) telephone survey.

Data Sources. The 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).

Data Collection Methods. CHIS 2007 is an RDD telephone survey supplementing a landline sample in California with a sample of cell‐only (CO) adults.

Study Design. We examined the degree of bias due to exclusion of CO populations and compared a series of demographic and health‐related characteristics by telephone usage.

Principal Findings. When adjusted for noncoverage in the landline sample through weighting, the potential noncoverage bias due to excluding CO adults in landline telephone surveys is diminished. Both CO adults and adults who have both landline and cell phones but mostly use cell phones appear different from other telephone usage groups. Controlling for demographic differences did not attenuate the significant distinctiveness of cell‐mostly adults.

Conclusions. While careful weighting can mitigate noncoverage bias in landline telephone surveys, the rapid growth of cell‐phone population and their distinctive characteristics suggest it is important to include a cell‐phone sample. Moreover, the threat of noncoverage bias in telephone health survey estimates could mislead policy makers with possibly serious consequences for their ability to address important health policy issues.
Differential regulation of β2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated inotropic and lusitropic response by PDE3 and PDE4 in failing and non‐failing rat cardiac ventricle
Authors: Afzal Faraz , Aronsen Jan Magnus , Moltzau Lise Román , Sjaastad Ivar , Levy Finn Olav , Skomedal Tor , Osnes Jan‐Bjørn , Qvigstad Eirik
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEβ‐Adrenoceptors play a major role in regulating myocardial function through cAMP‐dependent pathways. Different phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulate intracellular cAMP‐pools and thereby contribute to the compartmentalization of cAMP‐dependent effects. We explored the involvement of PDEs in limiting the β2adrenoceptor‐mediated positive inotropic (PIR) and lusitropic (LR) responses in sham‐operated (Sham) and failing rat hearts.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHExtensive myocardial infarctions were induced by coronary artery ligation in Wistar rats. Rats developing heart failure were studied 6 weeks after surgery. Contractility was measured in left ventricular strips from failing and Sham hearts. cAMP was quantified by RIA.

KEY RESULTSIn ventricular strips, stimulation of β2‐adrenoceptors with (‐)‐adrenaline (300 nM CGP20712A present) exerted a small PIR and LR. In Sham hearts, β2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated as well as β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated PIR and LR were increased by selective inhibition of either PDE3 (1 µM cilostamide) or PDE4 (10 µM rolipram). In failing rat hearts, PDE3 inhibition enhanced PIR and LR to both β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptor stimulation while PDE4 inhibition had no effect on these responses despite a significant increase in cAMP levels. Combined PDE3/4 inhibition further enhanced the PIR and LR of β2‐ and β1‐adrenoceptor activation both in Sham and failing hearts, compared with PDE3 inhibition alone. PDE4 enzyme activity was reduced in failing hearts.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSBoth PDE3 and PDE4 attenuated β2‐ and β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated contractile responses in Sham hearts. In failing hearts, these responses are attenuated solely by PDE3 and thus even selective PDE3 inhibitors may provide a profound enhancement of β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated responses in heart failure.
Cis‐isomerism and other chemical requirements of steroidal agonists and partial agonists acting at TRPM3 channels
Authors: Majeed Y , Agarwal AK , Naylor J , Seymour VAL , Jiang S , Muraki K , Fishwick CWG , Beech DJ
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe transient receptor potential melastatin‐3 (TRPM3) channel forms calcium‐permeable, non‐selective, cationic channels that are stimulated by pregnenolone sulphate (PregS). Here, we aimed to define chemical requirements of this acute steroid action and potentially reveal novel stimulators with physiological relevance.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe used TRPM3 channels over‐expressed in HEK 293 cells, with intracellular calcium measurement and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording techniques.

KEY RESULTSThe stimulation of TRPM3 channels was confined to PregS and closely related steroids and not mimicked by other major classes of steroids, including progesterone. Relatively potent stimulation of TRPM3‐dependent calcium entry was observed. A sulphate group positioned at ring A was important for strong stimulation but more striking was the requirement for acis(β) configuration of the side group, revealing previously unrecognized stereo‐selectivity and supporting existence of a specific binding site. Acis‐oriented side group on ring A was not the only feature necessary for high activity because loss of the double bond in ring B reduced potency and loss of the acetyl group at ring D reduced efficacy and potency. Weak steroid stimulators of TRPM3 channels inhibited effects of PregS, suggesting partial agonism. In silico screening of chemical libraries for non‐steroid modulators of TRPM3 channels revealed the importance of the steroid backbone for stimulatory effects.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur data defined some of the chemical requirements for acute stimulation of TRPM3 channels by steroids, supporting the existence of a specific and unique steroid binding site. Epipregnanolone sulphate was identified as a novel TRPM3 channel stimulator.