bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of seasonal dry‐matter yield and quality of grass swards with imaging spectroscopy
Authors: Schut A. G. T. , Ketelaars J. J. M. H.
Published: November 2004

The potential of imaging spectroscopy for the assessment of seasonal dry‐matter (DM) yield and sward quality was studied. Relationships between spatial heterogeneity of tiller density, light interception, ground cover and seasonal DM yield were developed. Sward heterogeneity was quantified by the spatial standard deviation of ground cover and of logarithmically transformed ground cover, and patterns in ground cover transects were quantified by wavelet entropy. An experiment was conducted with eight control (C) swards, eight naturally damaged (ND) swards and twelve artificially damaged (AD) swards. Swards were established in containers and spectroscopic images were recorded twice weekly.

Seasonal DM yield was linearly related to a combination of means of ground cover and index of reflection intensity (r2 = 0·93). Spatial variation of tiller density was larger for AD and ND swards than for C swards. Values of the spatial standard deviation of ground cover and wavelet entropy were larger for AD and ND swards than for C swards. A single spatial standard deviation of ground cover value of 13% discriminated ND and AD swards from C swards. Seasonal means of wavelet entropy (r2 = 0·70) and the spatial standard deviation of ground cover (r2 = 0·63) at harvest were linearly related to seasonal DM yield. It is concluded that imaging spectroscopy can be used for assessing seasonal DM yield and sward heterogeneity.
Evaluation of the effect of 17αOH‐progesterone and 17β‐oestradiol on human sperm ability to fuse with oocytes: comparison and possible interference with the effect of progesterone
Authors: Francavilla F. , Romano R. , Pandolfi C. , Macerola B. , Santucci R. , Necozione S. , Francavilla S.
Published: November 2004

The demonstration of a stimulatory effect of progesterone (P) on the sperm/oocyte fusion has provided the most relevant biological evidence of the effect of P on sperm functions involved in fertilization. Some evidence exists that 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17αOH‐P) and 17β‐oestradiol (17β‐E2), could also exert non‐genomic effects on human spermatozoa and a role for 17β‐E2 as a possible physiological modulator of P action on spermatozoa has been suggested. This study aimed to determine the effect of the exposure of human spermatozoa to 17αOH‐P and 17β‐E2 on sperm/oocyte fusion as well as the possible interference of 17β‐E2 with the effect of P. The effect of steroids on sperm/oocyte fusion was assessed by means of the hamster egg penetration test (HEPT). The exposure of capacitated sperm suspensions to scalar doses of 17αOH‐P produced a significant enhancement of penetrations/oocytes with a dose/response effect. It was equal to 75.3% of that produced by equimolar doses of P. Conversely, 17β‐E2 (from 100 nM to 50 μM) did not produce any significant effect when added either before or after capacitation. Moreover, the sperm pre‐incubation with 17β‐E2 did not interfere with the stimulatory effect of P. These results support a physiological role for 17OH‐P in the process of fertilization, but not a role for 17β‐E2 as a possible physiological modulator of P action on spermatozoa.
Effects of Ca‐ATPase inhibitors on the intracellular calcium activity and motility of human spermatozoa
Authors: Williams K. M. , Ford W. C. L.
Published: November 2004

Although evidence suggests that high intracellular calcium activity ([Ca2+]i) inhibits sperm motility, data concerning [Ca2+]i within, or slightly above, the physiological range are sparse, particularly in mammalian sperm. We investigated inhibitors of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca‐ATPase (SERCA) and the plasma membrane Ca‐ATPase with the objective of increasing the intracellular calcium ion activity in human spermatozoa to study its effect on motility and other functions. Thapsigargin (20 μmol/L) increased [Ca2+]i from 140 ± 7 nmol/L over a ∼2‐min period to reach a plateau of 530 ± 84 nmol/L (mean ± SEM, n = 3, p < 0.05). In sperm suspended in calcium‐free medium thapsigargin increased [Ca2+]i from 13 ± 3.3 to 35 ± 7.5 nmol/L (p < 0.01), consistent with the release of calcium from intracellular stores. Cyclopiazonic acid (60 μmol/L) caused a transient decrease in [Ca2+]i. Quercetin, (200 μmol/L) caused a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i to 1280 ± 90 nmol/L, after which [Ca2+]i fell quickly at first but then more slowly. Thapsigargin (20 μmol/L) caused ∼70% of sperm to acrosome react in≤5 min, but once acrosome reacted, many sperm died over the next 30 min. Lower concentrations of thapsigargin caused fewer acrosome reactions but were less toxic. Both thapsigargin and quercetin caused rapid dose‐dependent decreases in sperm motility. The results are consistent with high [Ca2+]i in the range observed in caput epididymal or cryopreserved spermatozoa inhibiting motility, but might be confounded by other events following the acrosome reaction.
Distribution of marine birnavirus in cultured marine fish species from Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Isshiki T , Nagano T , Kanehira K , Suzuki S
Published: November 2004

To determine the distribution of marine birnavirus (MABV) in cultured populations of different marine fish species, 1291 pooled tissue samples from 2672 fish belonging to 22 species and one hybrid were collected from Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, during 1999–2001. Using cell‐culture MABV was isolated from three species: yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata Temminck & Schlegel (positive number/sample number, 10/419), amberjack, S. dumerili (Risso) (4/72), and Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel) (41/481). Using PCR on MABV‐negative samples, the MABV genome was detected in the same three species [yellowtail (9/409), amberjack (4/68) and Japanese flounder (93/440)] and two additional species, spotted halibut, Verasper variegatus (Temminck & Schlegel) (5/11), and goldstriped amberjack, S. lalandi Valenciennes (1/5). These MABV‐positive species can be taxonomically divided into two groups: the genus Seriola and flatfish. In Japanese flounder, MABV was detected during all seasons, and the infection rate was correlated with water temperature. Aquaculture sites with MABV‐positive fish were evenly distributed over the surveyed area, suggesting that MABV is widely distributed at aquaculture sites in Kagawa Prefecture. The nucleotide sequence at the variable region, the VP2/NS junction, revealed that the 39th base mutation occurs host‐specifically for flatfish. Flatfish are suspected to be the main reservoir of MABV and might be responsible for establishing the infection cycle in aquaculture environments.
An elemental diet for bowel obstruction in pregnancy: a case study
Authors: Phillips M. , Curtis P. , Karanjia N.
Published: November 2004

Bowel obstruction is a recognised complication in pregnancy, especially in those with adhesions from previous surgery. We report a case where the use of an elemental diet was successful in avoiding surgery in a pregnant patient with recurrent conservatively managed small bowel obstruction.
West of Scotland managed clinical network for head and neck cancer
Authors: Dawson F.R. , Savage S.A. , Struthers F. , Anderson M. , Brown K. , Conroy A. , Harvey A. , Lang K. , Leslie C. , McAteer C.A. , MacDonald H. , Peacock I. , Wilson J. , Ladley J.
Published: November 2004

Background:  The Head and Neck Managed Clinical Network (MCN) was established in April 2002 with the aim of ensuring that no matter where a patient receives treatment, their treatment pathway will be the same. An advisory board was set up with representation from the five West of Scotland health board areas (Ayrshire and Arran, Argyll and Clyde, Greater Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Forth Valley).

Method:  The Advisory Board consists of representatives from the multidisciplinary team including ear, nose and throat, maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists, clinical nurse specialists, dietitians, speech and language therapists, palliative care consultant and a patient representative. The dietetic representative on the Advisory Board acts as a link to the 12 members of the Dietetic Subgroup. These dietitians are from across the West of Scotland health boards and local multidisciplinary teams and include both the primary and acute sector. A network manager was appointed in April 2003 and works within a team for the West of Scotland Cancer MCN's, which provide administration, audit, information, statistical and information technology, support to the network.

Audit:  The network is committed in improving the quality of care and outcomes for patients with head and neck cancers. Agreement of the head and neck minimum dataset across Scotland has still to be achieved.

Teleconferencing and clinical meetings:  The network has utilized telemedicine conferences to audit new complicated cases throughout the West of Scotland. Monthly meetings link surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists, pathologist, dietitians, speech and language therapists and clinical nurse specialists in Glasgow, Ayrshire, Forth Valley, Argyll and Clyde and Lanarkshire to provide discussion and agreement in best patient care.

Publications:  Patient information booklets are being developed to cover all areas of head and neck cancer. Dietitians have been involved in writing the dietetic component of the booklets and also in proof reading the booklets as a whole. Dietitians within this group have been working with the Scottish Nutrition and Diet Resources Initiative to develop a cancer diet information pack entitled ‘A Helping Hand’, which was published in February 2004.

Patient pathways:  The MCN has been monitoring patient pathways, which are often complex in head and neck cancer patients.

Conclusion:  Over time with the network, we envisage a powerful multidisciplinary group, which focuses on strategic planning of patient care, to assist delivery of service improvement and clinical benefit. To help achieve this goal, dietitians are sharing information on best practice and producing guidelines.
Surface roughness of flowable and packable composite resin materials after finishing with abrasive discs
Authors: Ü çtaşli M. B. , Bala O. , Güllü A.
Published: November 2004

summary  The aim of this study was to compare surface roughness of flowable (Admira Flow, Filtek Flow, Tetric Flow) and packable (Admira, Filtek P60, Tetric HB) composite resin restorative materials finishing with Sof‐Lex discs by means of average surface roughness (Ra) measurement using a surface profilometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For each test group five specimens were prepared and roughness was measured in five different positions using a profilometer with a traversing distance of 4 mm and a cut‐off value of 0·8 mm. The radius of the tracing diamond tip was 5 μm and measuring force and speed was 4 mN and 0·5 mm/s, respectively. The surface roughness of each individual disk was taken as the arithmetic mean of the Ra values measured in five different positions. Additionally, one specimen of each test group after finishing was observed under SEM with the magnification of ×800 and ×2500. Before finishing with Sof‐Lex discs, flowable composite materials showed a smoother surface than packable composites restoratives (P < 0·05). However, after the finishing procedures similar surface textures were observed both from packable and flowable composites (P > 0·05).
Bond strength of Gradia® veneering composite to fibre‐reinforced composite
Authors: Keski‐Nikkola M. S. , Alander P. M. , Lassila L. V. J. , Vallittu P. K.
Published: November 2004

summary  This study investigated the shear bond strength of light‐curing veneering composite resin to glass fibre‐reinforced composite (FRC). Polymer pre‐impregnated FRC reinforcement was further impregnated with dimethacrylate monomer resin. The light polymerized FRC substrate was ground and dimethacrylate intermediate resin was applied on the surface before the light‐curing veneering composite. Adhesional behaviour of veneering composite to the initially light polymerized FRC substrate was compared with well‐polymerized FRC substrate. The treatment time of FRC substrate by the intermediate resin for 5 s and 5 min were also compared. Shear bond strength of veneering composite to FRC was determined for dry and thermocycled specimens (n = 6). The analysis of variance (anova) revealed significant differences (P = 0·042) between the shear bond strengths when 5 s and 5 min intermediate resin treatment times were compared. The highest shear bond strength (21.0 MPa) for FRC substrates was achieved when the well‐polymerized FRC substrate was treated for 5 min with the intermediate resin and stored dry before tests. Thermocycling reduced the shear bond strengths. The results of this study suggest that applying the intermediate resin increased the shear bond strength values of veneering composite to FRC with multiphase polymer matrix. It was also concluded, that the use of multiphase polymer matrix FRC can be polymerized to high degree of conversion without deferiorating the shear bond strength of veneering composite to the FRC.
Finite element analysis of fixed partial denture replacement
Authors: Romeed S. A. , Fok S. L. , Wilson N. H. F.
Published: November 2004

summary  The purpose of this study was to investigate, by means of the finite element method the mechanical behaviour of three designs of fixed partial denture (FPD) for the replacement of the maxillary first premolar in shortened dental arch therapy. Two‐dimensional, linear, static finite element analyses were carried out to investigate the biomechanics of the FPDs and their supporting structures under different scenarios of occlusal loading. Displacement and stress distribution for each design of FPD were examined, with particular attention being paid to the stress variations along the retainer‐abutment – and the periodontal ligament‐bone interfaces. The results indicated that displacement and maximum principal stresses in the fixed‐fixed, three‐unit FPD were substantially less than those in the two‐unit cantilever FPDs. Of the two cantilever FPDs investigated, the distal cantilever design was found to suffer less displacement and stresses than the mesial cantilever design under similar conditions of loading. The highest values for maximum principal stress in the cantilever FPDs were found within the connector between the pontic and the retainer, and within the periodontal ligament and adjacent bone on the aspect of the retainer away from the pontic.
Cytotoxic effects of dental resin liquids on primary gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells in vitro
Authors: Lai Y.‐L. , Chen Y.‐T. , Lee S.‐Y. , Shieh T.‐M. , Hung S.‐L.
Published: November 2004

summary  Cytotoxic effects of resin liquids of three in situ relining dental polymers, AlikeTM, Kooliner, and Tokuso Rebase, and their major components, methyl methacrylate (MMA), isobutyl methacrylate (IBMA), and 1,6‐hexanediol dimethacrylate (1,6‐HDMA) were investigated. The concentrations of major monomers in these resin liquids were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Cellular viability of human gingival fibroblasts (GF) and periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were evaluated by the 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Moreover, patterns of cell death were analysed using annexin V/propidium iodide staining with flow cytometry. The results indicated that AlikeTM liquid contained 91·3% MMA, Kooliner liquid contained 94·5% IBMA, and Tokuso Rebase liquid contained 65·8% 1,6‐HDMA. All materials examined had cytotoxic effects on GF and PDL cells in dose‐dependent manners. Tokuso Rebase liquid appeared to be the most cytotoxic among the various resin liquids examined. The effects of Kooliner and Tokuso Rebase liquids may have resulted from IBMA and 1,6‐HDMA, respectively. Furthermore, the majority of treated cells died from necrosis; whereas a small portion of cells died from apoptosis. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that these liquid forms of dental polymers and their major monomers cause cytotoxic reactions. The direct relining procedure that cures these materials in situ should be used cautiously.
Comparative radical production and cytotoxicity induced by camphorquinone and 9‐fluorenone against human pulp fibroblasts
Authors: Atsumi T. , Ishihara M. , Kadoma Y. , Tonosaki K. , Fujisawa S.
Published: November 2004

summary  Camphorquinone (CQ) is widely used as a photo‐initiator in dental materials; however, its cytotoxicity against human pulp fibroblasts (HPF) and particularly the effects of 2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA), a reducing agent and visible light (VL) irradiation on it remain unknown. So we investigated the cytotoxic and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐producing effects of CQ with or without DMA, in the presence or absence of VL on HPF cells. The free‐radical production activity of CQ was measured by two different methods [using diphenylpicryl hydrazyl and galvinoxyl]. The phase‐transition properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidyl choline (DPPC) liposomes, as a model for biomembranes, induced by CQ were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. These findings were compared with those of 9‐fluorenone (9F), an aromatic photo‐initiator with long conjugated groups. Camphorquinone with VL irradiation increased the radical production, whereas 9F with VL irradiation increased ROS production, as well as effecting changes in the DPPC phase‐transition properties. The cytotoxicity of CQ towards HPF cells was smaller than that of 9F despite greater radical production. The addition of DMA to the photosensitizer enhanced the free‐radical production without increasing the ROS level or the cytotoxicity. Camphorquinone/DMA is a valuable combination for the polymerization of dental resins.
The effect of artificial saliva on the rheological properties of tooth whitening systems
Authors: Castellon R. G. , Combe E. C. , Pesun I. J.
Published: November 2004

summary  This work was undertaken to explore the effect of saliva addition on the rheological properties of two contrasting tooth bleaching systems, one of which was a paste (Colgate Platinum) and the other a gel (Zaris, 3M ESPE). Using a dynamic stress rheometer with cone and plate geometry, it was shown that addition of artificial saliva reduced the apparent viscosity of each material. However, in some cases this was accompanied by an increase in elasticity. It is suggested that saliva may not have a deleterious effect on the ability of the materials to remain in the bleaching tray.
Newspaper coverage of a violent assault by a mentally ill person
Authors: STARK C. , PATERSON B. , DEVLIN B.
Published: November 2004

The media is an important source of public information on mental ill‐health. A man with a serious psychiatric illness attacked a minister with a knife at a Remembrance Sunday service in a remote, rural part of the Highlands, inflicting a severe facial wound. We aimed to identify lessons for the National Health Service (NHS) from the media coverage of the incident and of a subsequent court case and NHS Highland inquiry and in addition to explore how newspaper reporters approached reporting such incidents. We searched local and regional, national Scottish, and the Scottish editions of three UK newspapers for relevant coverage. We also conducted structured telephone interviews with eight reporters who had attended the inquiry press conference. Most of the media coverage was associated with the assault and the court case, rather than the inquiry results. Only three of 10 inquiry recommendations were mentioned in any reports. Coverage largely dealt with identified shortfalls, rather than proposed solutions. The NHS had made little comment in advance of the announcement of the inquiry results. Most of the newspaper coverage had already occurred. The NHS therefore limited its opportunity to influence newspaper coverage. The interpretation of the results is limited by the size of the study, but the coverage of such events forms part of the discourse on mental health in the media episodes and may have some affect on public perception of mental health issues. We conclude that, without providing confidential information, the NHS should take a more active stance in providing information on the nature and treatment of mental illness in such instances, even in advance of court cases.
Service users, metaphors and teamworking in mental health
Authors: WARNE T. , STARK S.
Published: November 2004

Despite the United Kingdom's recent governmental mental health policy directives aimed at strengthening professional collaboration and increasing service user involvement, the prevailing mental health care culture remains steeped in a discourse of treatment and care, control and compliance and professional expertise. Drawing upon the data collected during the two phases of a 2‐year national evaluation undertaken for the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, the perceptions of a group of mental health service users in relation to their experiences and contact with the multi‐professional team are explored. A series of metaphorical descriptions were developed with these service users drawn from their experience. These begin to illuminate a realistic way of thinking about how teams are set up, how and why they carry out their various roles, and the need to think in non‐professional terms about the relationships that are developed with service users. A hierarchy of power was noted that was congruent with the outcomes of other studies. However, there was also a concurrent acknowledgement of the ‘usefulness’(to the individual service user) of each of the professional group members. This appeared to have been constructed alongside the power hierarchy and serves to illustrate how individual service users sought to find an accommodation within the social system they were placed in. This paper argues however, that the use of metaphors, as a form of shared communication, can be an effective first step in working towards this objective. Working in the way described here can allow for a greater shared understanding of what each group is experiencing and help ensure that future service development reflects a broader view of the mental health care world.
Understanding treatment adherence in affective disorders: a qualitative study
Authors: BOLLINI P. , TIBALDI G. , TESTA C. , MUNIZZA C.
Published: November 2004

The objective of this study was to explore the perspective of depressed patients, their family and mental health professionals from their community mental health centre (CMHC) on factors related to treatment adherence. We conducted eight separate focus groups involving patients, their families and their therapists from three CMHCs. A total of 52 persons were involved. The groups explored patients’ and family's explanatory model of depression, perceptions about the course of the disease, the role of medication and other treatments, the main causes of non‐adherence, and interventions which would help increase it. Patients and families had a complex cognitive model of depression, which combined intrinsic vulnerability, psychological suffering during childhood and adolescence, and adverse life events. Drugs as well as other treatments were considered helpful, more so by patients than by family members. Denial of the disease and need to test its continuing presence were the main causes of non‐adherence for patients, while adverse reactions did not play a relevant role. Mental health professionals tended to underestimate non‐adherence in depressed patients, and did not question their patients about medication adherence. Family members needed more information on depression, on how to manage their relatives, as well as psychological and social support for themselves. The study allowed for the identification of a number of specific interventions aimed at facilitating treatment adherence, such as providing more information to patients and families, and training doctors and nurses in effective prevention and management of non‐adherence.
Link Family Support – an evaluation of an in‐home support service
Authors: FORDE H. , LANE H. , McCLOSKEY D. , McMANUS V. , Tierney E.
Published: November 2004

A significant body of research has shown that parents who have a child or a dependent adult with a disability experience significant and persistent levels of stress. One of the recognized strategies for coping includes the provision of in‐home practical support. Enable Ireland provides a range of services for children and adults with a physical disability. The present study explored home support services with a sample of 16 families of service users of Enable Ireland Cork. Practical support was deemed to be whatever support or intervention requested by the parent of the child/dependant adult which afforded the service user the opportunity to engage in social/recreational opportunities and that gave the parent free time. Sixteen members of the chosen families were interviewed (15 mothers and one father) using a semi‐structured interview schedule and a standardized stress measure before and after the introduction of Link Family Support (LFS). LFS was put in place for a period of 12 months, tailored to the families and service users’ individual needs. Although levels of stress continued to be high and scores on the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) did not show a statistically significant reduction after the programme, reported stress levels had improved. Parents reported LFS to be very helpful in reducing perceived stress and improving family's quality of life through providing free time and access to leisure and recreation facilities. This study provided limited but clear evidence of the need for regular, flexible, in‐home support for families with children and dependent adults with a disability. LFS provided a personal, regular and effective means of meeting this need as the findings of this study demonstrated.
Perceptions on the standardization of psychiatric work: development of a care pathway
Authors: JONES A.
Published: November 2004

Policy development and practice for hospital care has shifted towards a more deterministic approach. Crucial within this development is the assumption that interventions can be standardized to fit within the confines of a practice framework. A system to deliver standardized approaches to care is a care pathway. A research study was carried out to determine how care could be standardized to fit within a care pathway for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. A range of interviews with the multidisciplinary team and observations of the working group process was the data collection technique. Analysis was driven by emergent themes across the data set. Clinicians expressed divergent views on the nature of standardized care for people with schizophrenia. Respondents also offered a deeper understanding of standardized care by arguing for a sense of flexibility to be built into care systems. Findings from this study have implications for the introduction of NICE core standards for people with schizophrenia. For example, clinicians may be so opposed to such structures as to work against them. By understanding different views on standardized care, it may ultimately support their introduction into practice.
Mental health student nurses’ perception of the role of the mental health nurse
Authors: RUNGAPADIACHY D. M. , MADILL A. , GOUGH B.
Published: November 2004

Clear role definition is essential for directing the focus of nurse education and several studies have attempted to define the role of the mental health nurse (MHN). These, however, came to the conclusion that mental health nursing was difficult to articulate. The aim of this study was to understand how, during their transition to first level registration, mental health student nurses (MHSNs) perceived the role of the MHN. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 MHSNs during the last 6 months of their transition to MHN. Transcripts were analysed using a qualitative approach based on grounded theory. Six key themes were identified, five of which were defined mental health nursing roles. The sixth theme related to non‐therapeutic intervention on the part of some MHNs. Several areas of concern were identified. First, MHSNs expected to conduct more psychologically based interventions than were achievable in practice. Second, emphasis on drug administration can lead to a conflict of interest in the nurses’ advocacy role with patients. Third, MHSNs sometimes observed poor role models in their placements, which could have a negative impact on the way in which future MHNs view the role of the MHN.
Interleukin‐8 promotes non‐rapid eye movement sleep in rabbits and rats
Authors: García‐García Fabio , Yoshida Hitoshi , Krueger James M.
Published: November 2004

Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) is a cytokine found in the brain. In this study, the ability of IL‐8 to induce sleep in rabbits and rats was investigated. Twenty‐seven Sprague–Dawley rats and 16 male New Zealand White rabbits were provided electroencephalographic (EEG) electrodes, a brain thermistor, and a lateral intracerebroventricular cannula. The animals were injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with pyrogen‐free saline and, one of the following doses of IL‐8 on a separate day: 1.25 or 12.5 ng in rabbits and 10, 50, or 100 ng in rats. EEG, brain temperature, and motor activity were recorded for 23 h after the i.c.v. injections. IL‐8 increased time spent in non‐rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) without affecting rapid eye movement sleep (REMS). In rabbits, both doses of IL‐8 promoted NREMS. In rats, the 10 and 50 ng doses of IL‐8 failed to affect sleep, but the 100 ng dose of IL‐8 enhanced NREMS. EEG slow‐wave activity during NREMS was increased after the high dose of IL‐8 in rabbits. IL‐8 also induced fever in rabbits but not rats. Heat inactivated IL‐8 did not alter any of the parameters measured. Current results support the notion that the brain cytokine network plays a role in sleep regulation.
Does cognitive dysfunction conform to a distinctive pattern in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome?
Authors: Incalzi Raffaele Antonelli , Marra Camillo , Salvigni Bruna Lorena , Petrone Albino , Gemma Antonella , Selvaggio David , Mormile Flaminio
Published: November 2004

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a recognized cause of cognitive dysfunction. By using a cross‐sectional comparative study, we aimed to verify whether neuropsychological performance of untreated OSA patients conforms to a distinctive pattern. Forty‐nine newly diagnosed, untreated OSA patients, 27 with multi‐infarctual dementia (MID), 31 with mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) and 63 with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), all free from major comorbid dementing conditions were chosen for the study. The groups were matched for age and education. We found a bimodal distribution of cognitive performance in OSA group, which was therefore divided into two clusters having better (OSAb,n = 35) and worse (OSAw,n = 14) performance on a battery of 10 cognitive indexes. Cognitive performances of OSAb, OSAw, MID, DAT and COPD were compared by discriminant analysis. OSAb performed better than OSAw in all but one test. Deductive thinking and verbal attainment were more severely impaired in OSAw than in COPD patients. Constructive ability, deductive thinking and both verbal attainment and immediate memory were comparably impaired in OSAw and DAT. The mean neuropsychological scores of OSAw and MID were comparable, but 71% of OSAw patients had a distinctive cognitive profile, i.e. a group specific pattern of cognitive dysfunction, according to discriminant analysis. One of four newly diagnosed OSA patients had a severe and distinctive neuropsychological dysfunction mainly involving inductive and deductive thinking, and constructive ability. Some analogy with cognitive pattern of MID suggests that a mainly subcortical damage underlies this dysfunction.
A model to study intestinal and hepatic metabolism of propranolol in the dog
Authors: Mills P. C. , Siebert G. A. , Roberts M. S.
Published: November 2004

A model to investigate hepatic drug uptake and metabolism in the dog was developed for this study. Catheters were placed in the portal and hepatic veins during exploratory laparotomy to collect pre‐ and posthepatic blood samples at defined intervals. Drug concentrations in the portal vein were taken to reflect intestinal uptake and metabolism of an p.o. administered drug (propranolol), while differences in drug and metabolite concentrations between portal and hepatic veins reflected hepatic uptake and metabolism. A significant difference in propranolol concentration between hepatic and portal veins confirmed a high hepatic extraction of this therapeutic agent in the dog. This technically uncomplicated model may be used experimentally or clinically to determine hepatic function and metabolism of drugs that may be administered during anaesthesia and surgery.
Age‐related changes in the pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin after intravenous administration in goats
Authors: Waxman S. , San Andrés M. D. , González F. , San Andrés M. I. , De Lucas J. J. , Rodríguez C.
Published: November 2004

The pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin was studied in adult goats and 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐weeks‐old kids after single dose i.v. dose of 2 mg/kg body weight. Drug concentration in plasma was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the data collected were subjected to compartmental kinetic analysis. Volume of distribution was relatively high in adult goats (Vss = 1.31 L/kg), and increased with age (Vss = 0.92 L/kg, 0.95 L/kg and 1.00 L/kg, in 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐weeks‐old kids respectively). Total body clearance (Cl) also increased with age from 0.080 L/kg·h (1‐week‐old) to 0.097 L/kg·h (3‐weeks‐old), 0.18 L/kg·h (6‐weeks‐old) and 0.23 L/kg·h (adult goats). As a consequence of increased body Cl, area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve decreased with age (AUC = 27.46 μg·h/mL, 22.61 μg·h/mL, 11.86 μg·h/mL and 8.44 μg·h/mL in 1‐, 3‐, 6‐weeks‐old kids and adults, respectively) and a longer elimination half‐life was found during the first 3 weeks of age (t1/2β = 9.66 h, 8.25 h, 6.44 h and 7.18 h, in 1‐, 3‐, 6‐weeks‐old kids and adults, respectively). Mean residence time decreased with age from 11.86 h in 1‐week‐old kids to 9.63 h (3 weeks), 5.76 h (6 weeks) and 5.06 h in adult goats.
Hybrid zone structure and the potential role of selection in hybridizing populations of native westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi) and introduced rainbow trout (O. mykiss)
Authors: RUBIDGE EMILY M. , TAYLOR ERIC B.
Published: November 2004

Introgressive hybridization is a common feature of many zones of contact between divergent lineages of fishes. This is particularly common when taxa that are normally allopatric come into artificial (human‐induced) secondary contact. We examined 18 native populations of westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi, WCT) to determine the extent of introgressive hybridization with introduced rainbow trout (O. mykiss, RBT) and the genetic structure of hybridizing populations in the upper Kootenay River, southeastern British Columbia, Canada. Using four diagnostic nuclear loci we calculated a hybrid index, inbreeding coefficient,FIS, and the linkage disquilibrium correlation coefficient,Rij, for each locality to determine the distribution of genotypes in each population. We also categorized the 142 hybrid individuals found across localities into four hybrid classes based on their genotypes. The majority of localities (11/18) showed a unimodal distribution of genotypes skewed towards genotypes of WCT. Two localities, however (lower Gold Creek and Lodgepole Creek) showed a flat to bimodal distribution and one site (lower Bull River) showed a unimodal distribution skewed towards RBT genotypes. The majority of hybrid individuals were classified genotypically as WCT backcrosses (59%) and post‐F1individuals (24%). We found a skewed ratio of pure WCT to pure RBT (17 : 1) and only four F1hybrids (3%), suggesting that the spread of RBT alleles may be facilitated by hybrids straying to neighbouring populations. We also tested for the action of selection in one population using cohort analyses, but found little evidence of differential selection between pure WCT and hybrid individuals. Pooled across age classes there were significant differences in genotypic frequencies among loci suggesting differential introgression. There was no asymmetry to the hybridization between rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat trout because both species’ mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were observed at similar frequencies in the hybrids. Our analyses suggest that hybrid swarms are likely to form in the upper Kootenay River drainage and that certain native WCT populations in British Columbia are at risk of local genomic extinction.
Differential expression of α‐synuclein isoforms in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Beyer K. , Lao J. I. , Carrato C. , Mate J. L. , López D. , Ferrer I. , Ariza A.
Published: November 2004

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is characterized by the widespread presence of Lewy bodies (LBs) in the brain. α‐Synuclein, the main component of LBs, is expressed as two main isoforms (112 and 140), but little is known about their differential expression in the brain. We compared α‐synuclein 112 and α‐synuclein 140 expression levels in the prefrontal cortices of six DLB patients, eight Alzheimer disease (AD) patients, and six control subjects. Relative α‐synuclein 112 and α‐synuclein 140 expression levels were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction with competimer technology using a LightCycler System. Whereas total α‐synuclein levels were just marginally elevated in DLB in comparison with the other groups, α‐synuclein 112 was seen to be markedly increased in DLB compared with AD cases and controls. In contrast, α‐synuclein 140 levels were significantly diminished in both neurodegenerative disorders in comparison with controls. These results show differential overexpression of α‐synuclein 112 in DLB, a finding that could be of importance in DLB pathogenesis.
Transforming growth factor‐βs in a rat model of neonatal posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Authors: Cherian S. , Thoresen M. , Silver I. A. , Whitelaw A. , Love S.
Published: November 2004

Posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) is a common complication of intraventricular haemorrhage in premature infants. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of transforming growth factor‐βs (TGF‐βs), a family of polypeptides with potent desmoplastic properties, in the aetiology of PHVD in a newly developed neonatal rat model of this disorder. Pups were injected with citrated rat blood or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) into  alternate  lateral  ventricles  on  postnatal  days  7 and 8. The brains were perfusion‐fixed 14 days later  and  immunohistochemistry  was  performed  for TGF‐β1, ‐β2 and ‐β3, p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases, and the extracellular matrix proteins laminin, vitronectin and fibronectin. Ventricular dilatation occurred in 58.3% of animals injected with blood and 36.7% of those injected with ACSF. Periventricular immunoreactivity for TGF‐β1 and ‐β2 increased in injected animals irrespective of the presence or absence of ventricular dilatation, although the levels of both isoforms tended to be higher in animals with hydrocephalus. TGF‐β3 immunoreactivity was elevated in hydrocephalic rats only. The immunolabelling for phosphorylated p44/42 MAP kinases  rose  in  a  pattern  similar  to  that  for  TGF‐β1  and ‐β2. Expression of TGF‐βs was accompanied by deposition of the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin. The changes caused by injection of ACSF were the same as those caused by injection of blood. Our results raise the possibility that expression of TGF‐βs, together with extracellular matrix protein deposition, may be involved in the development and/or maintenance of hydrocephalus after ventricular distension due to haemorrhage in the neonate.
Ballooned neurones in the limbic lobe are associated with Alzheimer type pathology and lack diagnostic specificity
Authors: Fujino Y. , DeLucia M. W. , Davies P. , Dickson D. W.
Published: November 2004

Ballooned neurones (BNs) are one of the pathological hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Pick's disease, corticobasal degeneration and argyrophilic grain disease (AGD). They have also been described in Alzheimer disease (AD), but the frequency of BNs in AD has not been systematically addressed. In the present study, immunohistochemistry for αB‐crystallin was used as a sensitive method to detect BNs to determine the frequency of BNs in the limbic lobe in AD. At least a few BNs were detected in the limbic lobe of virtually all AD cases, and their density correlated with Braak stage, as well as the density of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in the limbic lobe. The density of BN tended to be greater in AD cases with concurrent AGD than in pure AD. Given the high prevalence of AD in brain banks for neurodegenerative disease and the frequent presence of BNs in these areas with αB‐crystallin immunohistochemistry, the present findings further indicate that BNs confined to the limbic lobe lack specificity in diagnostic neuropathology.
Fold interference patterns in the Late Palaeozoic Anti‐Atlas belt of Morocco
Authors: Séverine Caritg , Martin Burkhard , Romain Ducommun , Urs Helg , Lionel Kopp , Christian Sue
Published: November 2004

We document two phases of folding within the central part of the Late Palaeozoic Anti‐Atlas chain of Morocco. A first generation of SW–NE folds involve a horizontal shortening of 10–20%, accommodated by polyharmonic buckle folding of contrasting wavelengths in Ordovician Jbel Bani quartzites and Devonian Jbel Rich carbonates. A second generation of folds with similar style and wavelengths in an E–W direction lead to complex interference patterns. Dome and basins are developed within the Jbel Rich and within Lower Cambrian dolomites. Both folding phases are related to thick‐skinned uplift of Precambrian basement in a Laramide style. In contrast to the typical Rocky Mountain foreland style, however, cover deformation in the Anti‐Atlas is mostly decoupled from the undying basement along thick incompetent horizons such as the Lower Cambrian Lie‐de‐Vin and Silurian shales.
Effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine for control of malaria in pregnancy in western Kenya: a hospital‐based study
Authors: van Eijk A. M. , Ayisi J. G. , Ter Kuile F. O. , Otieno J. A. , Misore A. O. , Odondi J. O. , Rosen D. H. , Kager P. A. , Steketee R. W. , Nahlen B. L.
Published: November 2004

Objective  To monitor the effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine (SP) for the control of malaria in pregnancy at delivery in the Provincial Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya, and to assess the effect of IPT in participants in a cohort study.

Methods  Between June 1999 and June 2000, information on IPT and birth outcome was collected in 2302 consecutive deliveries. A group of 889 women, who were enrolled in a cohort to assess the interaction between malaria and HIV, were analysed separately because of the enrolment criteria and different access to health care.

Results  The prevalence of placental malaria was 13.8% and of low birthweight (LBW) was 12.2%. In multivariable analysis, IPT (≥1 dose of SP) was associated with a reduction in placental malaria and LBW [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39–0.83 and OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.95, respectively]. An adjusted mean increase in birthweight of 61 g was seen (95% CI 22–101 g) for each increment in number of SP doses (≥2 doses grouped together). IPT was associated with a reduction in placental malaria in HIV‐seronegative women (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28–0.86) but this was not significant among HIV‐seropositive women (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20–1.05). A significant effect on birthweight could not be detected among participants in the HIV‐cohort.

Conclusions  This evaluation confirms that IPT with SP is effective in reducing placental malaria and LBW. It will be important to increase coverage of IPT and to extend IPT to antenatal clinics in peri‐urban and rural areas.
Short Communication: An assessment of the use of malaria rapid tests by village health volunteers in rural Laos
Authors: Mayxay Mayfong , Newton Paul N. , Yeung Shunmay , Pongvongsa Tiengkham , Phompida Samlane , Phetsouvanh Rattanaxay , White Nicholas J.
Published: November 2004

Rapid malaria diagnosis, a key component of malaria control strategies, is hampered by the expense and training requirements of reliable microscopy. Rapid malaria antigen tests may improve the diagnosis of malaria in the rural tropics. After 1 h training 64 village health volunteers (VHVs) from rural Laos, with no previous laboratory experience, performed two malaria rapid diagnostic tests (ParacheckPfTM and OptiMALTM) accurately. The reliability of six VHVs was assessed longitudinally, over 10 months with different frequencies of retraining. Compared with microscopy, error rates in dipstick interpretation were low (<2%) for both tests and were not associated with retraining frequency (P > 0.2). Previously untrained Lao VHVs performed malaria rapid tests reliably with high sensitivity and specificity after minimal training.
Water sources are associated with childhood diarrhoea prevalence in rural east‐central Mali
Authors: Plate David K. , Strassmann Beverly I. , Wilson Mark L.
Published: November 2004

Background  Water supply improvements generally reduce the incidence of diarrhoea. However, populations with limited access to a safe water supply may continue to draw water from unimproved sources, thereby increasing their risk of diarrhoea. Furthermore, young children who are not breastfed may be even more susceptible to water‐borne diarrhoeal pathogens. Our study explored the interactive protective effects against diarrhoea of exclusively using improved water sources and breastfeeding among children in rural Mali.

Methods  Interviews were conducted with parents or guardians of children under 7 years of age in seven villages with access to a variety of water supplies. Water sources used, breastfeeding status, demographics and recent diarrhoea symptoms were determined for 1117 children. The cross‐sectional findings were used to compare diarrhoea prevalence among exclusive and non‐exclusive users of improved water sources. Variation in prevalence by age and exclusive breastfeeding status was evaluated using chi‐square and multivariate analyses.

Results  Children whose water was drawn exclusively from wells had a significantly lower prevalence of diarrhoea as compared with children whose water was drawn from a spring or stream (5.9%vs. 8.7%; P = 0.04). The exclusive use of improved water sources had no impact on diarrhoea prevalence among children who were exclusively breastfed. Similarly, the strongest protective effect was observed among children who were not exclusively breastfed.

Conclusions  Our results indicate that using surface water as a primary or secondary water source exposes children to greater risk of diarrhoeal disease than using only improved sources such as wells. It is particularly beneficial for young children who are not exclusively breastfed to be supplied with water drawn from improved sources.