bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations in plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme activity in depression and schizophrenia: effects of antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Maes M. , De Meester  , Scharpé S. , Desnyder R. , Ranjan R. , Meltzer H.Y.
Published: August 2007

Maes M, De Meester I, Scharpé S, Desnyder R, Ranjan R, Meltzer HY. Alterations in plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme activity in depression and schizophrenia effects of antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 1–8. ©Munksgaard 1996.

Recently, our laboratory reported that the activity of dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV (DPP IV) was significantly lower in the peripheral blood of major depressed patients than in normal controls. The present study examines plasma DPP IV activity in 43 major depressed and 13 schizophrenic subjects versus 21 normal controls and the effects of antidepressants and ntipsychotic drugs on plasma DPP IV activity. DPP IV activity was significantly lower in major depressed subjects than in normal controls and schizophrenic subjects. There was a trend towards higher DPP IV activity in schizophrenic patients than in normal controls. There were no significant effects of antidepressants or neuroleptics on plasma DPP IV activity in depressed and schizophrenic patients, respectively. There were no significant relationships between plasma DPP IV activity and plasma cortisol or immune‐inflammatory markers, such as serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) or soluble IL‐2 receptor. A significant and positive correlation was found between plasma DPP IV and prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) enzyme activity in the study group as a whole and in schizophrenic subjects. The results support the hypothesis that lower and higher plasma DPP IV activities are trait markers of major depression and schizophrenia, respectively. It is concluded that alterations in the enzyme activity of peptidases, such as DPP IV and PEP, play a role in the pathophysiology of major depression and schizophrenia.
Suicidality, circadian activity rhythms and platelet serotonergic measures in patients with recurrent succidal behaviour
Authors: Verkes R. J. , Kerkhof G. A. , Beld E. , Hengeveld M. W. , van Kernpen G. M. J.
Published: August 2007

Verkes RJ, Kerkhof GA, Beld E, Hengeveld MW, van Kempen GMJ. Suicidality, circadian activity rhythms and platelet serotonergic measures in patients with recurrent suicidal behaviour. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1995: 93: 27–34. © Munksgaard 1995.

The circadian activity rhythm was assessed over a one‐week period using a wrist‐worn activity monitor in 59 patients with a history of recurrent suicide attempts. In 40 of these patients a second recording was made 6 months later. Platelet serotonin (5‐HT) and monoamine oxidase‐B activity (MAO) were measured. Suicidal ideation, borderline personality disorder and impulsiveness were associated with the absence of a clear 24‐hour periodicity in motor activity. Depressive mood and hopelessness were associated with a less regular bed‐in time and a lower daytime activity. Platelet 5‐HT as well as MAO correlated negatively with the amplitude of the circadian activity rhythm. Our results support the suggested link between suicidality, altered circadian activity and serotonergic function.
The suicidal process in suicides among young people
Authors: Runeson B. S. , Beskow J. , Waern M.
Published: August 2007

Runeson BS, Beskow J, Waern M. The suicidal process in suicides among young people. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 35–42. © Munksgaard 1996.

Fifty‐eight consecutive suicides among 15– to 29‐year‐olds (42 men and 16 women) were investigated by modified psychological autopsies and examined from the perspective of the suicidal process. Previous suicide attempts were evident in 66% and more than two suicide attempts found in 17% of men and in 56% of women. The median interval from first suicidal communication to the suicide was shorter in men than in women (12 vs 42 months). The median interval was 47 months in schizophrenia, 30 months in borderline personality disorder, 3 months in major depression and < 1 month in adjustment disorder. There were also differences in the prevalence of next‐of kin models for suicidal behavior, previous suicidal communication and in the characteristics of the suicide. We conclude that focusing on the process heightens understanding of serious suicidal behavior in young people.
Are suicide trends among the young reversing? Age, period and cohort analyses of suicide rates in Sweden
Authors: Allebeck P. , Brandt L. , Nordstrom P. , Åsgård U.
Published: August 2007

Allebeck P, Brandt L, Nordstrom P, Åsgård U. Are suicide trends among the young reversing? Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 43–48. © Munksgaard 1996.

We analyzed suicide rates in Sweden 1952–1992 with the main purpose of following up the previously observed increasing suicide rate in young men, and applying age‐period‐cohort (APC) analyses to the trends in suicide mortality. APC analyses were performed by a graphical method and by multivariate log‐linear regression. The suicide rate among 20–40 year‐old men increased throughout the 1950s and 60s, but the increase has levelled off since the middle of the 1970s, and in some narrow age groups possibly even reversed. The suicide rate among men over 45 years has declined throughout the period. The suicide rate among women has remained more stable. APC analyses did not give clear evidence for a specific cohort or period effect, although addition of a cohort term in the analyses of men slightly improved the fit of the model. A longer follow‐up of younger birth cohorts is needed to see whether the changes in male suicide rates will remain as a cohort effect.
A naturalistic 6‐year follow‐up study of patients with panic disorder
Authors: Lepola U. , Koponen H. , Leinonen E.
Published: August 2007

Lepola U, Koponen H, Leinonen E. A naturalistic 6‐year follow‐up study of patients with panic disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 181–183. © Munksgaard 1996.

A clinical sample of 55 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder (PD) were enrolled in this long‐term study. The patients were treated initially with alprazolam or imipramine during a period of 9 weeks. A clinical psychiatric examination was carried out at the beginning and at the end of the initial treatment period and 3 and 6 years after the enrollment. Although most of the patients (74%) had no panic attacks at the end of the 6‐year follow‐up period, 9 (18%) had major depression and 6 (11%) severe suicidality. Seven of these depressive patients also suffered from alcoholism. Sixty per cent of the patients were still on medication at the end of the follow‐up. Depression, suicidality and alcoholism seem to be the long‐term consequences of PD.
A double‐blind multicentre comparison of mirtazapine and amitriptyline in elderly depressed patients
Authors: Hsyøerg O. J. , Maragakis B. , Mullin J. , Norum D. , Stordall E. , Ekdahl P. , Ose E. , Moksnes K. M. , Sennef C.
Published: August 2007

Hnyberg OJ, Maragakis B, Mullin J, Norum D, Stordall E, Ekdahl P, Ose E, Moksnes KM, Sennef C. A double‐blind multicentre comparison of mirtazapine and amitriptyline in elderly depressed patients. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 184–190. © Munksgaard 1996.

A total of 115 elderly patients (60–85 years of age) with DSM III diagnosis of major depressive episode were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of treatment with either mirtazapine, 15–45 mg/day, or amitriptyline, 30–90 mg/day. Efficacy was assessed biweekly, using tbe Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) as primary outcome variables. The treatment with both drugs resulted in a similar reduction of total HRDS and MADRS scores, with no statistically significant differences between treatment groups at any assessment point or at endpoint. Statistically significant differences favouring amitriptyline were present according to CGI‐Global Improvement Scale at endpoint, HRDS cognitive disturbance factor at weeks 2, 4 and 6 and endpoint and retardation factor at week 6. Adverse events were reported by a similar number of patients in both treatment groups. Additional research is needed to assess further the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine among elderly depressed patients.
Relatives' beliefs about the causes of schizophrenia
Authors: Angermeyer M. C. , Matschinger H.
Published: August 2007

Angermeyer MC, Matschinger H. Relatives' beliefs about the causes of schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 199–204. © Munksgaard 1996.

Based on a representative survey among the members of German and Austrian asSociations of relatives of mentally ill people, this paper examines the beliefs commonly held by relatives of persons suffering from schizophrenia concerning the causes of this disorder. A comparison of the information gathered in the course of this survey with the results of a representative survey conducted among the general public in Germany shows that relatives will usually look to biological factors when searching for the cause of schizophrenia, while the general public tends to cite psychosocial factors, especially stress‐related factors, in order to explain the development of this illness. We attribute this discrepancy to relatives' greater exposure to the knowledge of psychiatric experts as well as their having to deal with their own feelings of guilt.
GHQ‐28 as an aid to detect mental disorders in neurological inpatients
Authors: Lykouras L. , Adrachta D. , Kalfakis N. , Oulis P. , Voulgari A. , Christodoulou G. N. , Papageorgiou C. , Stefanis C.
Published: August 2007

Lykouras L, Adrachta D, Kalfakis N, Oulis P, Voulgari A, Christodoulou GN, Papageorgiou C, Stefanis C. GHQ‐28 as an aid to detect mental disorders in neurological inpatients. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 212–216. © Munksgaard 1996.

The prevalence of mental disorders (DSM‐IIIR criteria) among 107 neurological inpatients was estimated, as well as the extent to which disorders were detected by neurologists. The validity of the scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28) was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and DSM‐IIIR as external criteria. Of the 107 patients who submitted to a structured psychiatric interview (SCID‐R), 56 (52.3%) showed evidence of a mental disorder. Major depressive episode (n= 16), generalized anxiety disorders (n = 13) and dysthymia (n = 12) were the most frequent diagnoses. The neurologists recognized only 13/107 cases (12.1%). Significantly more women than men exhibited some form of mental disorder. The validation of GHQ‐28 in the series of 107 neurological inpatients indicated that the best trade‐off between sensitivity and specificity was the cut‐off score of 5/6. The high occurrence of mental disorder, in association with the low rate of detection by the neurologists, points to the need for special attention to be paid to this problem by staff and experts.
Prevalence, incidence and sex ratio of transsexualism
Authors: Landén M. , Wålinder J. , Lundström B.
Published: August 2007

Landén M, Wålinder J, Lundström B. Prevalence, incidence and sex ratio of transsexualism.

Scand 1996: 93: 221–223. © Munksgaard 1996.

Frequency figures for transsexualism, concerning incidence, prevalence and sex ratio calculated in the 1960s and 1970s, were compared with recent reports. The incidence figures remained constant over time, whereas the prevalence figures tended to increase during the review period. The incidence was found to be of the same magnitude in men and women, while the corresponding ratio for prevalence figures was 3:1. It is suggested that men seeking sex reassignment represent a more heterogeneous group than women, and that the reported male predominance to date is due to a lack of categorical studies of primary/ genuine transsexualism. It would appear that genuine transsexualism is, on the whole, insensitive to societal changes. The fundamental disturbance underlying this psychosexual identity disorder is suggested to be neurobiological in origin.
Are all suicidal ideas closely linked to hopelessness?
Authors: Mendonca J. D. , Holden R. R.
Published: August 2007

Mendonca JD, Holden RR. Are all suicidal ideas closely linked to hopelessness?

Scand 1996: 93: 246–251. © Munksgaard 1996.

In this study, the link between hopelessness and suicidal intent was investigated for two categories of suicidal thoughts, and the associations of these two categories of thoughts with a range of symptoms were also examined. A total of 97 patients with suicidal thoughts were assessed at the crisis unit of a psychiatric hospital. In interviews, suicidal intent was assessed using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, while psychological distress was assessed using both the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Derogatis Symptom Checklist. Ideation items describing the frequency, duration and acceptance of a wish to die were significantly correlated with feelings of hopelessness. However, items reflecting preoccupation with a method of self‐ham showed only a weak correlation with hopelessness, although the relationship varied according to diagnosis. That is, this preoccupation was significantly associated with hopelessness for depressed patients, but this was not the case for the personality disorder, anxiety disorder and substance‐abuse subgroups. Finally, analyses indicated that the primary predictor of suicidal intent was the patient's cognitive distortion, not hopelessness.
Inter‐observer and test‐retest reliability of the Italian version of the Karolinska Psychodynamic Profile in two groups of psychiatric patients
Authors: Turrina C. , Siani R. , Regini C. , Campana A. , Bologna R. , Siciliani O.
Published: August 2007

Turrina C, Siani R, Regini C, Campana A, Bologna R, Siciliani O. lnter‐observer and test‐retest reliability of the Italian version of the Karolinska Psychodynamic Profile in two groups of psychiatric patients.

Scand 1996: 93: 282–287. © Munksgaard 1996.

A total of 64 psychiatric patients were tested with the Italian version of the Karolinska Psychodynamic Profile in order to investigate inter‐observer and test‐retest reliability. The mean inter‐observer agreement coefficients (rho) ranged from 0.75 to 0.80 with less experienced psychiatrists, while the mean rho value was higher (0.96) with more experienced raters. Test‐retest values were good, ranging from 0.53 to 0.93. Overall, reliability was comparable with that reported in the original Swedish study.
Psychological climate and countertransference in psychiatric treatment homes
Authors: Holmqvist R. , Fogelstam H.
Published: August 2007

Holmqvist R, Fogelstam H. Psychological climate and countertransference in psychiatric treatment homes.

Scand 1996: 93: 288–295. © Munksgaard 1996.

The associations between milieu therapists' feelings towards patients and the unit's psychological climate were studied at 21 small treatment homes for severely disturbed psychiatric patients. The milieu therapists filled out self‐report instruments where they rated their feelings towards patients on a feeling‐word checklist and their opinion about the psychological climate on a Bion‐based scale. Scores on the climate scale were used as independent variables in a series of regression analyses, with scores on the feelings as the dependent variables. It was found that a substantial component of the average differences between units with regard to feelings towards patients could be attributed to the unit's climate. Correlations showed that units characterized by ‘Work’ and ‘Pairing’ had high scores for helpful and autonomous feelings, while unhelpful feelings were evoked in units characterized by ‘Dependency’ and ‘Fight’. Close feelings were evoked in units characterized by ‘Dependency’.
Attempted suicide in Europe: rates, trend.S and sociodemographic characteristics of suicide attempters during the period 1989–1992. Results of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Parasuicide
Authors: Schmidtke A. , Bille‐Brahe U. , Deleo D. , Kerkhof A. , Bjerke T. , Crepef P. , Haring C. , Hawton K. , Lönnqvist J. , Michel K. , Pommereau X. , Querejeta . , Phillipe I. , Salander‐Renberg E. , Temesváry B. , Wasserman D. , Fricke S. , Weinacker B. , Sampaio‐Faria J. G.
Published: August 2007

Schmidtke A, Bille‐Brahe U, DeLeo D, Kerkhof A, Bjerke T, Crepet P, Haring C, Hawton K, Lönnqvist J, Michel K, Pommereau X, Querejeta I, Phillipe I, Salander‐Renberg E, Temesvary B, Wasserman D, Fricke S, Weinacker B, Sampaio‐Faria JG. Attempted suicide in Europe: rates, trends and sociodemographic characteristics of suicide attempters during the period 1989–1992. Results of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Parasuicide.

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 327–338. © Munksgaard 1996.

The World Health Organization/EURO Multicentre Project on Parasuicide is part of the action to implement target 12 of the WHO programme, ‘Health for All by the Year 2000’, for the European region. Sixteen centres in 13 European countries are participating in the monitoring aspect of the project, in which trends in the epidemiology of suicide attempts are assessed. The highest average male age‐standardized rate of suicide attempts was found for Helsinki, Finland (314/100000), and the lowest rate (45/100000) was for Guipuzcoa, Spain, representing a sevenfold difference. The highest average female age‐standardized rate was found for Cergy‐Pontoise, France (462/100000), and the lowest (69/100000) again for Guipuzcoa, Spain. With only one exception (Helsinki), the person‐based suicide attempt rates were higher among women than among men. In the majority of centres, the highest person‐based rates were found in the younger age groups. The rates among people aged 55 years or over were generally the lowest. For the majority of the centres, the rates for individuals aged 15 years or over decreased between 1989 and 1992. The methods used were primarily ‘soft’ (poisoning) or cutting. More than 50% of the suicide attempters made more than one attempt, and nearly 20% of the second attempts were made within 12 months after the first attempt. Compared with the general population, suicide attempters more often belong to the social categories associated with social destabilization and poverty.
Episodic memory deficit in elderly adults with suspected delusional disorder
Authors: Herlitz A. , Forsell Y.
Published: August 2007

Herlitz A, Forsell Y. Episodic memory deficit in elderly adults with suspected delusional disorder.

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 355–361. © Munksgaard 1996.

This study examined memory functions in two groups of elderly adults with and without suspected delusional disorder (SDD). The samples consisted of 66 normal elderly subjects and 33 elderly subjects with symptoms, as reported by close informants, of delusional disorder. Subjects were matched with regard to age, gender and education, and there were no differences between the two groups with regard to performance of visuo‐spatial and primary memory tasks. Subjects were examined concerning a variety of episodic recall and recognition tasks. The results demonstrated that subjects with SDD performed at a lower level than controls for some episodic memory tasks (i.e. recall tasks). There were no group differences in measures of episodic recognition or in the primary memory tasks. In addition, the group of subjects with SDD was, to the same extent as the control group, able to utilize cognitive support in the form of organization, cues and previous knowledge in order to enhance episodic memory. In summary, it appears that elderly adults with SDD have a mild episodic memory deficit in the absence of other cognitive deficits.
Impulsiveness and deliberate self‐harm: a comparison of ‘first‐timers' and ’repeaters‘
Authors: Evans J. , Platts H. , Liebenau A.
Published: August 2007

Evans J, Platts H, Liebenau A. Impulsiveness and deliberate self‐harm: a comparison of ‘first‐timers’ and ‘repeaters’.

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 378–380. © Munksgaard 1996.

This study investigated differences in impulsivity between patients admitted to hospital for the first time after an act of deliberate self‐harm (DSH), and those admitted after repetition of DSH. A total of 185 subjects, who were admitted to general hospital wards and referred for psychiatric assessment after DSH, completed self‐report questionnaires including the impulsiveness (I‐V‐E) questionnaire. The presence of factors known to be predictive of repetition was recorded. including any history of DSH. Subjects with a history of DSH had significantly higher scores for impulsiveness than those who were presenting for the first time. Those presenting for the first time had higher scores than expected when compared with normative data after correcting for age and sex. Impulsiveness appears to be an important personality trait in DSH, in particular repeated DSH, and merits further investigation.
Practices and attitudes among Swedish psychiatrists regarding the ethics of compulsory treatment
Authors: Kullgren G. , Jacobsson L. , Lynöe N. , Kohn R. , Levav I.
Published: August 2007

Kullgren G, Jacobsson L, Lynöe N, Kohn R, Levav I. Practices and attitudes among Swedish psychiatrists regarding the ethics of compulsory treatment.

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 389–396. © Munksgaard 1996.

Few empirical studies have examined the attitudes and ethical beliefs of psychiatrists. In this study, 328 members of the Swedish Psychiatric Association were randomly selected to respond to a questionnaire containing three clinical vignettes examining involuntary hospitalization, other compulsory interventions, and restraint. The questionnaire also contained 16 controversial statements and items on the abuse of psychiatry. A 60% response rate was obtained. Psychiatrists' responses were influenced not only by the severity of and risks associated with the patient's disorder, but also by family pressure which affected the decision‐making process. Female psychiatrists less often suggested the use of physical restraints and the compulsory use of ECT. Sexual misconduct, and also the inadequate treatment of refugees. were the most frequently reported forms of abuse of psychiatry.
Negative symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, tardive akathisia and tardive dvskinesia
Authors: Sachdev P. , Hume F. , Toohey P. , Doutney C.
Published: August 2007

This study examined the relationship of neuropsychological deficits and negative symptoms with tardive akathisia in chronic schizophrenic patients. Consecutive volunteers (n= 100) were recruited from Community Health Centres with a DSM‐III‐R diagnosis of schizophrenic disorder, chronic and on stable medication. Subjects were subgrouped into tardive akathisia (TA), tardive dyskinesia (TD) and control groups using four sets of criteria. Detailed single examinations were performed using the following measures: sociodemographic, illness‐related and treatment‐related variables, Negative Symptom Rating Scale (NSRS), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Rating Scale for Extrapyramidal Side‐Effects (EPSE), Akathisia Rating Scale, Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale, and a brief neuropsychological test battery. Group comparisons and logistic regression analyses were performed in order to test the significance of findings. TA ratings showed a significant association with NSRS subscale scores, and with some neuropsychological test scores (Symbol Digits Modalities Test, and to a lesser extent Trail Making Test and Finger Tapping Test). TD scores showed a consistent association with age, and a less consistent association with gender, and their association with NSRS subscale scores and neuropsychological dysfunction was positive but less significant. Higher EPSE scores predicted TA and limb‐truncal (LT) dyskinesia. In conclusion, TA showed a more significant association with some clinical indices of organic brain dysfunction than the oral‐lingual‐buccal‐facial dyskinetic syndrome. Prospective studies are necessary to determine whether organicity is a vulnerability factor for TA. Both our data and the published literature suggest that the movement disorder seen in TA and TD is but one feature of complex syndromes that include motor and cognitive features.
Alendronate therapy in cyclosporine‐induced alveolar bone loss in rats
Authors: Spolidorio L. C. , Marcantonio E. , Spolidorio D. M. P. , Nassar C. A. , Nassar P. O. , Marcantonio R. A. , Rossa C.
Published: August 2007

Background and Objective: Cyclosporine A is an immunosuppressive drug that is widely used in organ transplant patients as well as to treat a number of autoimmune conditions. Bone loss is reported as a significant side‐effect of cyclosporine A use because this can result in serious morbidity of the patients. As we have shown that cyclosporine A‐associated bone loss can also affect the alveolar bone, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the concomitant administration of alendronate on alveolar bone loss in a rat model.

Material and Methods: Forty Wistar rats (10 per group) were given cyclosporine A (10 mg/kg, daily), alendronate (0.3 mg/kg, weekly), or both cyclosporine A and alendronate, for 60 d. The control group received daily injections of sterile saline. The expression of proteins associated with bone turnover, including osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and also the calcium levels, were evaluated in the serum. Analysis of the bone volume, alveolar bone surface, the number of osteoblasts per bone surface and the number of osteoclasts per bone surface around the lower first molars was also performed.

Results: The results indicate that cyclosporine A treatment was associated with bone resorption, represented by a decrease in the bone volume, alveolar bone surface and the number of osteoblasts per bone surface and by an increase in the number of osteoclasts per bone surface and TRAP‐5b. These effects were effectively counteracted by concomitant alendronate administration.

Conclusion: It is concluded that concomitant administration of alendronate can prevent cyclosporine A‐associated alveolar bone loss.
INADVERTENT INTRATHECAL ADMINISTRATION OF IONIC CONTRAST MEDIUM TO A DOG
Authors: ROUX FRANÇOISE A. , DESCHAMPS JACK‐YVES
Published: August 2007

A hyperosmolar ionic contrast medium, ioxithalamate (Telebrix®), was inadvertently injected intrathecally to a dog during myelography. The resultant severe adverse effects were myoclonus, uncontrollable seizures, and hyperthermia. These symptoms have been described by some authors as “ascending tonic–clonic seizure syndrome.” The dog completely recovered within 24 h. The literature on 47 humans receiving intrathecal ionic contrast medium after 1966, one dog and one horse was reviewed, including the drugs involved, the circumstances of their use, and the symptoms, treatment and outcome of patients who received the drugs intrathecally. Recommendations to prevent such a misuse are given. The present report and review are a reminder that ionic contrast media are absolutely contraindicated for myelography. Only nonionic contrast media can be used intrathecally. All of the hyperosmolar contrast media are ionic and therefore contraindicated for myelography.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—HYPEROSTOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH MENINGIOMA IN A DOG
Authors: MERCIER MIYU , BARNES HELLER HEIDI L. , BISCHOFF MATTHEW G. , LOOPER JAYME , BACMEISTER CYNTHIA X.
Published: August 2007

A 5‐year‐old neutered male Beagle mix dog had a 5‐day history of generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Before the seizures, the dog had a 1–2‐month history of progressive right hemiparesis. In computed tomography images, a presumed extraaxial mass with hyperostosis and destruction of the skull covering the mass were identified. Surgical excision was performed and the histopathologic diagnosis was meningioma. Hyperostosis is frequently associated with feline meningioma, but this report documents that hyperostosis may also occur secondary to meningioma in the dog.
Contrasting performance of barley and wheat in a wide range of conditions in Mediterranean Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Cossani C.M. , Savin R. , Slafer G.A.
Published: August 2007

Despite that the idea of better yield adaptation to low‐yielding conditions of barley than wheat is widespread, there have been few efforts in directly comparing their performance in Mediterranean conditions. We compared wheat and barley regional yields in 41 counties of Catalonia for the period 1992–2004. No differences were clear, particularly at low‐yielding conditions, with a trend for a better wheat performance in relatively high‐yielding environments. We then conducted field experiments during two consecutive seasons, sowing wheat and barley with six levels of nitrogen fertilisation under rainfed conditions (2003–04, experiment I) and two levels of nitrogen fertilisation and two water regimes (rainfed and irrigated) in 2004–05 (experiment II). In experiment I, wheat outyielded barley in treatments that received no N fertiliser (4.58 and 3.60 Mg ha−1, respectively) indicating that the higher yield potential of wheat was associated with better performance in a condition of relatively low yield. In experiment II, wheat and barley yields were found not to be significantly different across all treatments (2.86 and 2.62 Mg ha−1, respectively) or in the lowest yielding treatments (1.40 and 1.07 Mg ha−1, respectively). Therefore, it seems that it may not be universally accepted that under Mediterranean conditions barley would unequivocally behave better than wheat.
Studies on Fish and Pork Paste Gelation by Dynamic Rheology and Circular Dichroism
Authors: Liu R. , Zhao S.‐m. , Xiong S.‐b. , Xie B.‐j. , Liu H.‐m.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  The muscle paste of fish, pork, and their mixtures were prepared to study the gelling characteristics by dynamic rheological measurement. The gelation mechanisms of muscle paste were also investigated by circular dichroism. Gel formation of fish paste occurred in 2 steps of 5 to 35 and 51 to 90 °C respectively, while pork paste mainly in 1 step of 49 to 72 °C. Gel formation was relative to the α‐helix unfolding of myosin, which responded the melting temperatures of 40 and 50 °C for fish myosin and 50 and 60 °C for pork myosin, respectively. Alpha‐helix unfolding of myosin was beneficial for gel formation. During gel formation, G′ of muscle paste was linearly related to α‐helical content of myosin. The interactions of fish and pork proteins at high temperature (>35 °C) could change the gel forming characteristics of muscle paste. Mixed paste exhibited a similar gelation pattern to individual fish paste with 2 visible increases in G′. Addition of pork could suppress the breakdown of fish gel structure at approximately 50 °C. Mixing pork and silver carp in a certain ratio could improve the gel properties of silver carp products.
Solubility and Viscosity of Herring (Clupea harengus) Proteins as Affected by Freezing and Frozen Storage
Authors: Geirsdottir M. , Hlynsdottir H. , Thorkelsson G. , Sigurgisladottir S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of freezing and frozen storage at –24 °C on the quality of Icelandic herring fillets, focusing on protein solubility and viscosity at pH 2.7 and 11 used for pH‐aided protein isolation. The evaluation of quality was based on chemical analyses, protein degradation measurements, and changes in protein solubility and viscosity at pH 2.7 and 11 after up to 6‐mo frozen storage of the herring fillets. Lipid oxidation measured as TBARS values increased significantly during the frozen storage (P < 0.05). Protein solubility at pH 2.7 decreased during frozen storage for 6 mo, where the solubility was about 10% lower after 6‐mo frozen storage compared to the beginning (P < 0.05). At pH 11, the solubility became approximately 15% lower after 6‐mo frozen storage compared to initial solubility (P < 0.05). Viscosity, measured at pH 2.7, increased after 3 mo of frozen storage (P < 0.05). At pH 11, the viscosity increased significantly after 1‐wk frozen storage, compared to fresh herring fillets, but did not increase significantly with further storage (P < 0.05). Changes found in solubility and viscosity indicated protein degradation due to freezing and frozen storage. SDS‐PAGE analysis did not reveal any protein cross‐linking or aggregation formation, either with frozen storage or due to exposure to low pH.
Numerical Investigation of Steady Density Currents Flowing Down an Incline Using v2¯−f Turbulence Model
Authors: Khakzad Nima , Firoozabadi Bahar , Farhanieh Bijan
Published: August 2007

The governing equations of two-dimensional steady density currents are solved numerically using a finite volume method. The v2¯−f turbulence model, based on standard k−ε model, is used for the turbulence closure. In this method, all Reynolds stress equations are replaced with both a transport equation for v2¯ and an elliptic relaxation equation for f, a parameter closely related to the pressure strain redistribution term. The Simple-C procedure is used for pressure-velocity coupling. In addition, Boussinesq’s approximation is used to obtain the momentum equation. The computed height of the progressive density current is compared to the measured data in the literature, resulting in good agreement. The present results show that the flow rate is the most dominant parameter among those affecting the density currents hydrodynamics. The results also show that the v2¯−f turbulence model is able to predict and simulate the characteristics of the low Reynolds turbulent density currents successfully, although it is based on a high Reynolds number turbulence model, i.e., the standard k−ε model. The use of boundary layer convention, saying that the density current’s height is a height at which the concentration is ∼1% of the inlet concentration, seems to yield reasonable results.
Attainment of Flowrate Uniformity in the Channels That Link a Distribution Manifold to a Collection Manifold
Authors: Tong Jimmy C. K. , Sparrow Ephraim M. , Abraham John P.
Published: August 2007

A logic-based systematic method of designing manifold systems to achieve flowrate uniformity among the channels that interconnect a distribution manifold and a collection manifold has been developed, implemented, and illustrated by case studies. The method is based on tailoring the flow resistance of the individual channels to achieve equal pressure drops for all the channels. The tailoring of the flow resistance is accomplished by the use of gate-valve-like obstructions. The adjustment of the valve-like obstructions is determined here by means of numerical simulations. Although the method is iterative, it may converge in one cycle of the iterations. Progress toward the goal of per channel uniformity can be accelerated by tuning a multiplicative constant. The only departure of the method from being fully automatic is the selection of the aforementioned multiplicative constant. The method is described in detail in a step-by-step manner. These steps are illustrated both generically and specifically for four case studies. As an example, in one of the case studies, an original flow imbalance of over 100% in an untailored manifold system was reduced to a flow imbalance of less than 10% in one cycle of the method.
Anatomy and Dynamics of a Supramolecular Membrane Protein Cluster
Authors: Sieber Jochen J. , Willig Katrin I. , Kutzner Carsten , Gerding-Reimers Claas , Harke Benjamin , Donnert Gerald , Rammner Burkhard , Eggeling Christian , Hell Stefan W. , Grubmüller Helmut , Lang Thorsten
Published: August 2007

Most plasmalemmal proteins organize in submicrometer-sized clusters whose architecture and dynamics are still enigmatic. With syntaxin 1 as an example, we applied a combination of far-field optical nanoscopy, biochemistry, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis, and simulations to show that clustering can be explained by self-organization based on simple physical principles. On average, the syntaxin clusters exhibit a diameter of 50 to 60 nanometers and contain 75 densely crowded syntaxins that dynamically exchange with freely diffusing molecules. Self-association depends on weak homophilic protein-protein interactions. Simulations suggest that clustering immobilizes and conformationally constrains the molecules. Moreover, a balance between self-association and crowding-induced steric repulsions is sufficient to explain both the size and dynamics of syntaxin clusters and likely of many oligomerizing membrane proteins that form supramolecular structures.
Dinitrogen Dissociation on an Isolated Surface Tantalum Atom
Authors: Avenier P. , Taoufik M. , Lesage A. , Solans-Monfort X. , Baudouin A. , de Mallmann A. , Veyre L. , Basset J.-M. , Eisenstein O. , Emsley L. , Quadrelli E. A.
Published: August 2007

Both industrial and biochemical ammonia syntheses are thought to rely on the cooperation of multiple metals in breaking the strong triple bond of dinitrogen. Such multimetallic cooperation for dinitrogen cleavage is also the general rule for dinitrogen reductive cleavage with molecular systems and surfaces. We have observed cleavage of dinitrogen at 250°C and atmospheric pressure by dihydrogen on isolated silica surface–supported tantalum(III) and tantalum(V) hydride centers [(≡Si-O)
2
Ta
III
-H] and [(≡Si-O)
2
Ta
V
H
3
], leading to the Ta
V
amido imido product [(≡SiO)
2
Ta(=NH)(NH
2
)]: We assigned the product structure based on extensive characterization by infrared and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, isotopic labeling studies, and supporting data from x-ray absorption and theoretical simulations. Reaction intermediates revealed by in situ monitoring of the reaction with infrared spectroscopy support a mechanism highly distinct from those previously observed in enzymatic, organometallic, and heterogeneous N
2
activating systems.
Improved Efficacy of a Licensed Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, Reformulated in an Adjuvant Emulsion of Liposomes in Oil, in a Murine Model
Authors: Mansour Marc , Brown Robert G. , Morris Annette , Smith Bruce , Halperin Scott A.
Published: August 2007

The immunogenicities and efficacies of a licensed diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated poliovirus vaccine and the same vaccine formulated in a liposome/oil emulsion adjuvant were compared in a mouse model of pertussis respiratory infection. A single dose of the liposome/oil emulsion-adjuvanted vaccine produced significantly higher antibody levels than one dose of the licensed vaccine and protected mice from
Bordetella pertussis
infection with an efficacy equivalent to that of three doses of the licensed vaccine.
Synthetic Toll-Like Receptor 4 Agonist Enhances Vaccine Efficacy in an Experimental Model of Toxic Shock Syndrome
Authors: Morefield Garry L. , Hawkins Lynn D. , Ishizaka Sally T. , Kissner Teri L. , Ulrich Robert G.
Published: August 2007

The development of new protein subunit vaccines has stimulated the search for improved adjuvants to replace traditional aluminum-containing products. We investigated the adjuvant effects of a synthetic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist on vaccine efficacy in an experimental model of toxic shock syndrome. The TLR4 agonist E6020 has a simplified structure consisting of a hexa-acylated acyclic backbone. The vaccine examined is a recombinantly attenuated form of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (STEBVax). Using cells stably transfected with TLRs, E6020 transduced signals only through TLR4, suggesting monospecificity, while
Escherichia coli
055:B5 lipopolysaccharide activated both the TLR2/6 heterodimer and TLR4. Coadministration of E6020 with STEBVax, by the intramuscular or intranasal route, induced significant levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in BALB/c mice. Further, increased IgG production resulted from the combination of E6020 with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant (AH). The antibody response to the vaccine coadministered with E6020 was a mixed Th1/Th2 response, as opposed to the Th2-biased response obtained with AH. Mice vaccinated with STEBVax coadministered with AH, TLR4 agonists, or a combination of both adjuvants were protected from toxic shock. Our data demonstrate the effectiveness of the synthetic TLR4 agonist E6020 as an alternative adjuvant for protein subunit vaccines that may also be used in combination with traditional aluminum-containing adjuvants.
Selective Pressures of HLA Genotypes and Antiviral Therapy on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Sequence Mutation at a Population Level
Authors: Ahlenstiel Golo , Roomp Kirsten , Däumer Martin , Nattermann Jacob , Vogel Martin , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Beerenwinkel Niko , Kaiser Rolf , Nischalke Hans-Dieter , Sauerbruch Tilman , Lengauer Thomas , Spengler Ulrich
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was a comprehensive analysis of the immune-driven evolution of viruses of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) clade B in a large patient cohort treated at a single hospital in Germany and its implications for antiretroviral therapy. We examined the association of the HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 alleles with the emergence of mutations in the complete protease gene and the first 330 codons of the reverse transcriptase (RT) gene of HIV-1, studying their distribution and persistence and their impact on antiviral drug therapy. The clinical data for 179 HIV-infected patients, the results of HLA genotyping, and virus sequences were analyzed using a variety of statistical approaches. We describe new HLA-associated mutations in both viral protease and RT, several of which are associated with HLA-DRB1. The mutations reported are remarkably persistent within our cohort, developing more slowly in a minority of patients. Interestingly, several HLA-associated mutations occur at the same positions as drug resistance mutations in patient viruses, where the viral sequence was acquired before exposure to these drugs. The influence of HLA on thymidine analogue mutation pathways was not observed. We were able to confirm immune-driven selection pressure by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II alleles through the identification of HLA-associated mutations. HLA-B alleles were involved in more associations (68%) than either HLA-A (23%) or HLA-DRB1 (9%). As several of the HLA-associated mutations lie at positions associated with drug resistance, our results indicate possible negative effects of HLA genotypes on the development of HIV-1 drug resistance.
Roles of
Candida albicans
Sfl1 in Hyphal Development
Authors: Li Yandong , Su Chang , Mao Xuming , Cao Fang , Chen Jiangye
Published: August 2007

The ability to switch between different morphological forms is an important feature of
Candida albicans
and is relevant to its pathogenesis. Many conserved positive and negative transcription factors are involved in morphogenetic regulation of the two dimorphic fungi
Candida albicans
and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
In
S. cerevisiae
, the transcriptional repressor Sfl1 and the activator Flo8 function antagonistically in invasive and filamentous growth. We have previously reported that
Candida albicans
Flo8 is a transcription factor essential for hyphal development and virulence in
C. albicans
. To determine whether a similar negative factor exists in
C. albicans
, we identified
Candida albicans
Sfl1 as a functional homolog of the
S. cerevisiae sfl1
mutant. Sfl1 is a negative regulator of hyphal development in
C. albicans
. Deletion of
C. albicans SFL1
enhanced filamentous growth and hypha-specific gene expression in several media and at several growth temperatures. Overexpression of the
SFL1
led to a significant reduction of filament formation. Both deletion and overexpression of the
SFL1
attenuated virulence of
C. albicans
in a mouse model. Deleting
FLO8
in an
sfl1
/
sfl1
mutant completely blocked hyphal development in various growth conditions examined, suggesting that
C. albicans
Sfl1 may act as a negative regulator of filamentous growth by antagonizing Flo8 functions. We suggest that, similar to the case for
S. cerevisiae
, a combination of dual control by activation and repression of Flo8 and Sfl1 may contribute to the fine regulatory network in
C. albicans
morphogenesis responding to different environmental cues.
Distinguishing Acute from Chronic and Resolved Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infections by Measurement of Anti-HCV Immunoglobulin G Avidity Index
Authors: Klimashevskaya S. , Obriadina A. , Ulanova T. , Bochkova G. , Burkov A. , Araujo A. , Stramer Susan L. , Tobler Leslie H. , Busch Michael P. , Fields Howard A.
Published: August 2007

An assay to measure avidity index (AI) was developed to diagnose incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The assay demonstrated an AI value statistically significantly lower in primary HCV infections than in chronic infections. When the assay was applied to past resolved infections, the difference in AI values was not as significant as the difference between incident and chronic infections. Lower AI values obtained in past resolved infections may be directly related to lower levels of immunoglobulin G anti-HCV in past resolved infections than in either new infections or chronic infections.
Differentiation of West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis Virus Infections by Use of Noninfectious Virus-Like Particles with Reduced Cross-Reactivity
Authors: Roberson Jill A. , Crill Wayne D. , Chang Gwong-Jen J.
Published: August 2007

Differential diagnosis of St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) infections can be complicated due to the high degree of cross-reactivity observed in most serodiagnostic assays. In an effort to provide a more specific diagnostic test, we developed virus-like particle (VLP) antigens with reduced cross-reactivity for both SLEV and WNV by identifying and mutating envelope protein amino acids within the cross-reactive epitopes of VLP expression plasmids. To determine the serodiagnostic discriminatory ability of the antigens with reduced cross-reactivity, a panel of 134 human serum samples collected predominately from North American patients with SLEV or WNV infections was used to evaluate the performance of these novel antigens in imunoglobulin M antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Positive/negative ratios and the resulting diagnostic classifications were compared between the mutant and the wild-type (WT) VLPs. The mutant VLP antigens were more specific, with higher positive predictive values and higher likelihood ratios than the WT VLP antigens. Both the SLEV and WNV mutant VLPs greatly reduced the observed cross-reactivity, significantly increasing the specificity and sensitivity of the assay. The use of these novel VLP antigens with reduced cross-reactivity in these serodiagnostic assays and others should lead to more accurate diagnoses of current infections, thereby reducing the need for time-consuming and cumbersome confirmatory plaque-reduction neutralization tests to differentiate between SLEV and WNV infections in North America.