bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vagility across Vanessa (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae): mobility in butterfly species does not inhibit the formation and persistence of isolated sister taxa
Authors: WAHLBERG NIKLAS , RUBINOFF DANIEL
Published: March 2011

Allopatric speciation is thought to occur in the absence of gene flow, thereby suggesting that widespread vagile species might be less likely to generate restricted sister taxa because of a lack of isolation. The butterfly genus Vanessa provides an ideal test of this concept, as it contains some of the most cosmopolitan and vagile species of butterflies on the planet, as well as some highly restricted taxa. Given the age of these groups, this arrangement offers a special opportunity to examine the relationship between vagility and phylogeny in generating novel taxa; specifically, does the vagility of some lineages impede allopatric speciation, leaving restricted clades more speciose? A phylogenetic hypothesis is proposed for all species belonging to the butterfly genus Vanessa based on DNA sequences from one mitochondrial and eight nuclear gene regions. The resulting topology shows very little conflict among gene regions, with five well‐supported clades corresponding to morphologically consistent species groups. The data very strongly indicate a polyphyletic genus Antanartia, and thus to preserve monophyly two species previously assigned to Antanartia are transferred to Vanessa, Vanessa hippomenecomb.n. and Vanessa dimorphicacomb.n., resulting in a total of 22 species placed in Vanessa. A biogeographical analysis shows that in many cases the most geographically restricted species are sister to geographically widespread species, suggesting dispersal and allopatric speciation. Surprisingly, in almost all cases the divergences between widespread and restricted species are quite old (>5 Ma), suggesting long‐term isolation and stability of both vagile and sedentary species, despite the high (even intercontinental) vagility of many extant species and, by extension, ancestral species. The biogeography of Vanessa suggests that species vagility and allopatry do not fully explain the forces governing cladogenesis in this remarkable genus.
Quality of life of dogs with skin diseases and their owners. Part 1: development and validation of a questionnaire
Authors: Noli Chiara , Minafò Giovanni , Galzerano Mario
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a questionnaire on the quality of life (QoL) of dogs with skin diseases and their owners. Twenty‐six qualitative interviews with owners of dogs affected with severe skin diseases were performed to identify which aspects of the life of dogs and owners were impaired. To assess the clarity of questions, a preliminary 19‐item questionnaire (answer range, 0 = none to 3 = severe) was developed following current models from human dermatology and administered to a pilot sample of 20 owners. Questions with a low positive answering rate or statistical relevance were eliminated. A final 15‐item questionnaire was distributed to the owners of 41 dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) and 40 healthy dogs. The severity of the AD was assessed by an owners’ severity scale (0–3), a descriptive Visual Analogue Scale for pruritus and CADESI‐03. The correlation between these results and those of the questionnaire were analysed. Repeatability was evaluated by testing 44 owners of dogs with different skin diseases on two occasions 3 days apart. The QoL scores for dogs with AD and their owners were significantly different from those for healthy control dogs (P = 0.0001). There was a reliable repeatability of scores (α = 0.8). Owner‐perceived severity correlated significantly with QoL scores (P = 0.02). The correlation between QoL and pruritus scores was high (>0.36), while that with CADESI‐03 was lower (<0.26).
Effects of antithrombin III treatment in vascular injury model of mice
Authors: Maeda Akiko , Ohta Kunio , Ohta Kazuhide , Nakayama Yuko , Hashida Yoko , Toma Tomoko , Saito Takekatsu , Maruhashi Keiko , Yachie Akihiro
Published: March 2011

Background:  Balloon angioplasty has recently been adopted as an acceptable form of treatment for stenotic vessel lesions of congenital heart diseases. However, precise mechanisms of restenosis and thrombosis, which are the most common complications after these procedures, are unknown.

Methods:  We examined the effects of antithrombin III (ATIII) on inflammation, thrombus formation, and remodeling of vascular wall after guidewire‐induced injury in the femoral artery of mice. ATIII or saline was administered as a bolus intravenous infusion before injury.

Results:  Seventy‐two hours after injury, approximately half of the saline‐treated vessels showed macroscopic thrombus formation. In contrast, no thrombi were seen in the arteries pretreated with ATIII. Significantly higher levels of inflammation were induced in the injured vessels than in the sham‐operated controls, as determined by CD11b‐positive cell density in the adventitial area. ATIII treatment resulted in marked reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration. Twenty‐eight days after injury, similar levels of neointimal proliferation were found in the injured arteries in both groups.

Conclusions:  Our results suggested that a high dose of ATIII may influence the sequelae of arterial injury by reducing mural thrombus formation and limiting the inflammatory reaction of the vessel wall without altering the process of vascular remodeling.
Increased plasma type B natriuretic peptide in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Kishimoto Shintaro , Suda Kenji , Teramachi Yozo , Nishino Hiroshi , Kudo Yoshiyuki , Ishii Haruka , Iemura Motofumi , Takahashi Tomoyuki , Okamura Hisayoshi , Matsuishi Toyojiro
Published: March 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to identify possible factors associated with type‐B natriuretic peptide (BNP) production in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (KD).

Methods:  Subjects were 54 patients with KD (KD group [KDG]) and 18 age‐matched controls (control group [CG]). We evaluated left ventricular function using multi‐modal echocardiography and determined blood chemistry including BNP, white blood cell count, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)‐6 in the KDG. We compared echocardiographic parameters between the KDG and the CG and determined the correlation between log (BNP) and echocardiographic parameters, white blood cell count, CRP, and IL‐6 in the KDG.

Results:  The KDG showed high BNP (169.6 ± 529.6 pg/ml) despite preserved left ventricular function indicated by no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (72.2 ± 9.2 vs 71.2 ± 7.8 %), z‐score of left ventricular diastolic dimension (0.8 ± 1.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.8 SD), and Tei index (0.29 ± 0.09 vs 0.30 ± 0.06) between the KDG and the CG. However, left ventricular ejection fraction (r =−0.44, P= .001) and left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension (r = 0.30, P < .05) significantly correlated with log (BNP). On the other hand, the KDG showed high CRP (89.7 ± 55.6 mg/l) and high IL‐6 (242.2 ± 243.5 pg/ml), and CRP (r = 0.60, P < 0.0001) and IL‐6 (r = 0.78, P < 0.0001) significantly correlated with log (BNP). Multiple stepwise regression analysis identified IL‐6 (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001) most significantly correlated with log (BNP).

Conclusions:  In acute KD, BNP significantly increases, despite well‐preserved global left ventricular function, and inflammation might be associated with this increased BNP.
Do rates of arthritis and chorea predict the incidence of acute rheumatic fever?
Authors: Tunks Robert D. , Rojas Mario A. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Liske Michael R.
Published: March 2011

Background:  Acute rheumatic fever (ARF), a major cause of acquired heart disease worldwide, remains a significant public health problem. However, the precise incidence of ARF in Africa, where a large number of cases occur, remains unknown. We hypothesize that focused attention on non‐cardiac features of ARF, namely joint manifestations and chorea, might enhance its detection in settings with limited resources.

Methods:  This hypothesis was tested by reviewing the medical records at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital from 1998 to 2008. In addition, an extensive literature review of published studies was performed to assess rates of joint findings or chorea in confirmed cases of ARF.

Results:  Fifty‐nine new cases of ARF were diagnosed in children at Vanderbilt from 1998 to 2008. Of these cases, 91% presented with joint manifestations or chorea, and 80% satisfied major Jones criteria findings of polyarthritis or chorea. These findings are consistent with literature published from our region and internationally.

Conclusions:  Most patients presenting with ARF have either joint symptoms or chorea, features that could be recognized by community health workers and individuals with limited medical training. The referral of patients presenting with these manifestations for further evaluation might improve detection rates of ARF in resource‐limited countries and lead to improved estimates of disease burden.
Serum transaminases as a prognostic factor in children post cardiac surgery
Authors: Shteyer Eyal , Yatsiv Ido , Sharkia Muhamad , Milgarter Eli , Granot Esther
Published: March 2011

Background:  Elevated serum transaminases that are often observed in critically ill children are frequently attributed to liver injury. Indeed, hypoperfused or hypoxemic livers will produce sudden and marked elevations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and consequences of elevated serum transaminases in children following cardiac surgery.

Methods:  Charts of all children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit following cardiac surgery over a 10‐year period were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:  Of the 384 children studied, 46 (11.9%) had elevated transaminases. Extreme ALT and AST levels (≥20‐fold elevations over the upper limit of normal) were found in 3.4% and 4.7% of the children, respectively. Tetralogy of Fallot and double outlet right ventricle were significantly more common (P < 0.001) among the elevated transaminases group (26% and 13% vs 17% and 2.5%, respectively). A significant difference (P < 0.001) was noted between overall mortality among 384 patients studied: 15.8%, versus a mortality of 43.4% among children who manifested elevated transaminases levels following cardiac surgery. AST, ALT and lactate dehydrogenase peak levels were significantly higher in the group of children who died in comparison to the survivors (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated lower survival among the patients who had extreme ALT elevations (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Elevation of transaminases following cardiac surgery occurs more frequently than previously reported, particularly in the setting of right‐sided heart failure. Extreme elevation of ALT, AST and lactate dehydrogenase correlated with decreased postoperative survival and places these children in a high‐risk category, requiring closer, more stringent monitoring.
Iranian nursing students' perspectives regarding caring for elderly patients
Authors: Rejeh Nahid , Heravi‐Karimooi Majideh , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore Iranian nursing students' perspectives regarding caring for elderly patients. A qualitative design, based on the content analysis approach, was used to collect and analyze the perspectives of 25 senior nursing students who were providing care for elderly patients in the medical and surgical wards of two teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran. After using purposeful sampling to select the participants, semistructured interviews were held in order to collect the data. During the data analysis, two main themes and six subthemes emerged. The first theme was “the barriers to caring for elderly patients”, with the subthemes of “policies and rules of the organization”, “a lack of educational preparation”, and “an inappropriate physical environment”, and the second theme was “the facilitators to caring for elderly patients”, with the subthemes of “religion and cultural norms”, “role modeling”, and “previous exposure to elderly patients”. This study informs international audiences of the factors that influence the quality of care of elderly patients so that strategies can be devised in order to prepare nursing students to meet the physical and psychological needs of elderly patients.
Evaluating intervention for language impaired children: a review of the literature
Authors: LAW JAMES
Published: March 2011

Intervention studies are divided into those which have examined the effectiveness of specific techniques and those that have attempted to examine efficacy within the clinical context. Of the specific techniques, imitation and recasting or expansion have been the most commonly examined. Results suggest that they may be equally useful in reaching targets but that input in context has more chance of generalising. Combinations of techniques such as ‘milieu teaching’ seem especially promising. Evaluation of general language training strategies has tended to show good results relative to controls, although care has to be taken to discriminate between changes brought about to interaction skills and those to specific linguistic structures. The paper also covers issues associated with evaluation including clinical outcomes and methodological considerations. A number of research directions are suggested
Verbs in the emergence of word combinations in young children with specific expressive language impairment
Authors: OLSWANG LESLEY B. , LONG STEVEN H. , FLETCHER PAUL
Published: March 2011

Young children with specific expressive language impairment (SELI) are typically first identified by their delay in initial vocabulary learning. When their language difficulties persist they often have problems with verb constructions. The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of lexical development in children with SELI who were moving from the single‐word to the multi‐word stage of language production, with particular attention to verbs. The research examined the nature of the developing lexicon (lexicon size and composition) and realisation of lexical categories and their combinatorial properties (transitivity of verbs) as the children began producing word combinations during a nine‐week period of observation, three weeks of which involved treatment. Results indicated a moderate correlation between the developing lexicon, both in size and composition of vocabulary, and the emergence of word combinations as measured by mean length of utterance. Further, the data revealed the importance of intransitive and ditransitive verbs for children who demonstrated the greatest change in their language production. The findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical and clinical importance.
Enhancing the phonological processing skills of children with specific reading disability
Authors: GILLON GAIL , DODD BARBARA
Published: March 2011

The present study evaluated the benefits of phonological processing skills training for children with persistent reading difficulties. Children aged between 9–14 years, identified as having a specific reading disability, participated in the study. In a series of three experiments, pedagogical issues related to length of training time, model of intervention and severity of readers' phonological processing skills deficit prior to intervention, were explored. The results indicated that improvement in poor readers' phonological processing skills led to a dramatic improvement in their reading accuracy and reading comprehension performance. Increasing the length of training time significantly improved transfer effects to the reading process. Children with particularly severe phonological processing skill deficits benefited from an extended training period, and both individual and group intervention models for phonological processing training proved successful. Implications for speech and language therapists are discussed.
Secondary prevention of paediatric language disability: a comparison of parents and nurses as screening agents
Authors: STOKES STEPHANIE F.
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the ability of nurses and parents to detect speech and language disability. The methodology included development and validation of a parent questionnaire to detect speech and language disability in 398 3‐year‐old English‐speaking children. The parent questionnaire and a standard developmental screen administered by child health nurses were compared with a gold standard (a speech and language assessment). International criteria for screening tools were applied. The tools were comparable in performance. A simple parent questionnaire, completed without professional assistance, was a viable alternative to professional screening. Parents' education and parity had no influence on their ability to detect language disorders. Although size of sibship had no association with the occurrence of speech and language disability, third‐born children were more likely to have a speech and language disability than any other birth order.
Evaluation of laryngoscopic views and related influencing factors in a pediatric population
Authors: Mirghassemi Asadollah , Soltani Alireza E. , Abtahi Maryam
Published: March 2011

Background:  Management of the difficult pediatric airway is a serious problem that anesthesiologists face in their practice. However, guidelines for adults may not be applied readily to pediatric populations.

Aim:  This study was performed to determine the incidence of different laryngoscopic views and the associated conditions.

Methods:  The authors collected data on 511 consecutive patients who were scheduled to receive general anesthesia. Laryngeal views were graded using the Cormack and Lehane classification, and grades III and IV were defined as difficult laryngoscopic visualization. The distances from the nose to the upper lip, lower lip to menthom, ear tragus to mouth, ear lobe to mouth, the horizontal length of mandible, and thyromental distance were measured. The association of these parameters with the laryngoscopic views was analyzed.

Results:  The incidence of grade I to IV laryngoscopic views was 80%, 17%, 3%, and 0%, respectively. All the cases that involved difficult laryngoscopy (3%) were aged ≤3 months. The distances from the lower lip to menthom and ear tragus to mouth had a direct association with difficult cases. There were no apparent cutoff points to predict difficult laryngoscopy, for any of the distances.

Conclusion:  The difficult cases were mostly aged <1 year. The association between difficult laryngoscopy and the distances between the lower lip border and menthom, ear tragus and corner of the mouth, and ear lobe and corner of the mouth can be summarized in an equation that may have potential use in the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
Interpersonal violence in childhood as a risk factor for obesity: a systematic review of the literature and proposed pathways
Authors: Midei A. J. , Matthews K. A.
Published: March 2011

We examined the associations between exposure to interpersonal violence in childhood and risk for obesity and central adiposity. Interpersonal violence is defined as behaviour that threatens, attempts or causes physical harm. In addition, we evaluated the evidence for three mechanisms that may connect interpersonal violence to obesity: negative affect, disordered eating and physical inactivity. Based on a literature search of Medline and PsycInfo databases, 36 separate studies were evaluated and ranked based on quality. Approximately 81% of the studies reported a significant positive association between some type of childhood interpersonal violence and obesity, although 83% of the studies were cross‐sectional. Associations were consistent for caregiver physical and sexual abuse and peer bullying, and there was mixed evidence for community violence. Although few studies explored mechanisms, early evidence suggests that negative affect and disordered eating may be involved. More prospective studies are needed, as well as studies that examine the mechanisms connecting early childhood victimization to obesity and central adiposity.
Post‐decision consolidation in large group decision‐making
Authors: BÄCK EMMA A. , ESAIASSON PETER , GILLJAM MIKAEL , SVENSON OLA , LINDHOLM TORUN
Published: March 2011

Bäck, E. A., Esaiasson, P., Gilljam, M., Svenson, O. & Lindholm, T. (2011). Post‐decision consolidation in large group decision‐making. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 320–328.

Decision‐makers tend to change the psychological attractiveness of decision alternatives in favor of their own preferred alternative after the decision is made. In two experiments, the present research examined whether such decision consolidation occurs also among individual group members in a large group decision‐making situation. High‐school students were presented with a decision scenario on an important issue in their school. The final decision was made by in‐group authority, out‐group authority or by majority after a ballot voting. Results showed that individual members of large groups changed the attractiveness of their preferred alternative from a pre‐ to a post‐decision phase, that these consolidation effects increased when decisions were made by in‐group members, and when participants identified strongly with their school. Implications of the findings for understanding of group behavior and subgroup relations are discussed.
Housing Mobility and Downsizing at Older Ages in Britain and the USA
Authors: BANKS JAMES , BLUNDELL RICHARD , OLDFIELD ZÖE , SMITH JAMES P.
Published: March 2011

This paper examines geographic mobility and housing downsizing at older ages in Britain and the USA. Americans downsize housing much more than the British largely because Americans are much more mobile. The principal reasons for greater mobility among older Americans are twofold: (1) greater spatial distribution of geographic distribution of amenities (such as warm weather) and housing costs; (2) greater institutional rigidities in subsidized British rental housing providing stronger incentives for British renters not to move. This relatively flat British housing consumption with age may have significant implications for the form and amount of consumption smoothing at older ages.
Revenue Sharing, Competitive Balance and the Contest Success Function
Authors: Runkel Marco
Published: March 2011

This paper investigates revenue sharing in an asymmetric two-teams contest model of a sports league with Nash behavior of team owners. The innovation of the analysis is that it focuses on the role of the contest success function (CSF). In case of an inelastic talent supply, revenue sharing turns out to worsen competitive balance regardless of the shape of the CSF. For the case of an elastic talent supply, in contrast, the effect of revenue sharing on competitive balance depends on the specification of the CSF. We fully characterize the class of CSFs for which revenue sharing leaves unaltered competitive balance and identify CSFs ensuring that revenue sharing renders the contest closer.
Buying Online: An Analysis of Shopbot Visitors
Authors: Dulleck Uwe , Hackl Franz , Weiss Bernhard , Winter-Ebmer Rudolf
Published: March 2011

We conduct an empirical study on the search and purchasing behavior of buyers on an Austrian price comparison site. On such a market a consumer typically searches for the cheapest price of a given product. Reliability and service of the supplier, however, are other important characteristics of an offer. We find robust evidence of consumer behavior that can be described as a two-stage procedure: shoppers first select a group of candidate offers based on the price only; then, in the actual buying decision consumers tradeoff a lower price with higher reliability of the retailer.
Glycation induction and antiglycation activity of skin care ingredients on living human skin explants
Authors: Gasser P. , Arnold F. , Peno‐Mazzarino L. , Bouzoud D. , Luu M. T. , Lati E. , Mercier M.
Published: March 2011

Synopsis

Glycation is an ageing reaction of naturally occurring sugars with dermal proteins, whose clinical signs may appear in vivo around age 30, and increases steadily/regularly with age. The suppleness of the dermis is affected by the formation of bridges between proteins and sugars (Maillard’s reaction). The residues formed (Amadori products, Advanced Glycation End products) as well as the proteins they alter, can be visualized by specific immunostainings.

Induced in a few days on living skin explants by methylglyoxal, glycation can be prevented by the application of aminoguanidine HCl, the reference anti‐glycation molecule. This model enabled to highlight the anti‐glycation activity of substances of vegetal origin such as puerarin and chlorogenic acid.
Body malodours and their topical treatment agents
Authors: Kanlayavattanakul M. , Lourith N.
Published: March 2011

Synopsis

Body malodour, including foot odour, suppresses social interaction by diminishing self‐confidence and accelerating damage to the wearer’s clothes and shoes. Most treatment agents, including aluminium anti‐perspirant salts, inhibit the growth of malodourous bacteria. These metallic salts also reduce sweat by blocking the excretory ducts of sweat glands, minimizing the water source that supports bacterial growth. However, there are some drawback effects that limit the use of aluminium anti‐perspirant salts. In addition, over‐the‐counter anti‐perspirant and deodourant products may not be sufficiently effective for heavy sweaters, and strong malodour producers. Body odour treatment agents are rarely mentioned in the literature compared with other cosmetic ingredients. This review briefly summarizes the relationship among sweat, skin bacteria, and body odour; describes how odourous acids, thiols, and steroids are formed; and discusses the active ingredients, including metallic salts and herbs, that are used to treat body odour. A new class of ingredients that function by regulating the release of malodourants will also be described. These ingredients do not alter the balance of the skin flora.
Investigation of the HIN200 Locus in UK SLE Families Identifies Novel Copy Number Variants
Authors: Fernando Michelle M. A. , de Smith Adam J. , Coin Lachlan , Morris David L. , Froguel Philippe , Mangion Jonathan , Blakemore Alexandra I. F. , Graham Robert R. , Behrens Timothy W. , Vyse Timothy J.
Published: March 2011

We undertook a candidate locus study of the HIN200 gene cluster on 1q21‐23 in UK systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) families. To date, despite mounting evidence demonstrating the importance of these proteins in autoimmune disease, cancer, apoptosis, inflammation, and cell cycle arrest, there has been a dearth of data with respect to the genetic characterisation of the HIN200 locus in SLE or any other disease. We typed 83 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 317 kb of the HIN200 cluster in 428 UK SLE families and sought replication from a European‐American lupus cohort. We do not find strong evidence of SNP association in either cohort. Interestingly, we do observe a trend for association with certain HIN200 SNPs and serologic subphenotypes in UK SLE that parallels the association of lupus antibodies with the orthologous murine locus. Furthermore, we find the HIN200 locus to be unexpectedly complex in terms of genetic structural organisation. We have identified a number of copy number variants (CNVs) in this region in healthy French males, HapMap samples, and UK SLE families. In summary, candidate interferon signalling genes show evidence of common CNV in human SLE and healthy subjects. The impact of these CNVs in health and disease remains to be determined.
An early Miocene deep‐water decapod crustacean faunule from the Vienna Basin (Western Carpathians, Slovakia)
Authors: HYŽNÝ MATÚŠ , SCHLÖGL JÁN
Published: March 2011

Abstract: A decapod crustacean faunule from the lower Miocene (upper Burdigalian, ‘Karpatian’) of the Slovakian part of the Vienna Basin comprise five new species:Callianopsis marianae(Ctenochelidae),Crosniera schweitzerae(Thomassiniidae),Agononida cerovensisandMunidopsis lieskovensis(both Galatheidae) plusMursia harnicari(Calappidae). The new species ofCallianopsisis the first undoubted member of the genus to be recorded from Europe; it is based on sexually dimorphic major and minor chelae as well as on portions of carapace and abdomen.Crosniera schweitzeraesp. nov. andAgononida cerovensissp. nov. constitute the first fossil members of these genera. Additional material of an enigmatic crab,Styrioplax exiguus, and a re‐examination of the type material, confirms assignment of that genus to the subfamily Rhizopinae (family Pilumnidae). Palaeoecological data suggest that deposition of the levels (Lakšárska Nová Ves Formation) from which these taxa were collected took place under generally low‐energy, deep‐water conditions that were conducive to the preservation of delicate structures. Palaeobiogeographical affinities of the described taxa suggest a trans‐Atlantic migration during the early Miocene.
The braincase of the Middle Triassic shark Acronemus tuberculatus (Bassani, 1886)
Authors: MAISEY JOHN G.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  The chondrocranium of the enigmatic Middle Triassic shark Acronemus tuberculatus is investigated using computerized tomography scanning and 3‐D digital reconstitution techniques. The braincase reveals some autapomorphies, plus other features that suggest a phylogenetic relationship to both hybodontiform and neoselachian elasmobranchs, including evidence of features implicated in low‐frequency semi‐directional phonoreception. Acronemus can no longer be classified as a ‘ctenacanthiform’, although its relationships remain elusive and it presents supposedly hybodontiform and neoselachian features that have not previously been found in combination.
New snakeflies (Insecta: Raphidioptera) from the Lower Cretaceous of the UK, Spain and Brazil
Authors: JEPSON JAMES E. , ANSORGE JÖRG , JARZEMBOWSKI EDMUND A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Several new taxa of snakeflies (Raphidioptera) are described from the Lower Cretaceous deposits of the Wealden, UK (Barremian), Montsec, Spain (Barremian) and the Crato Formation, Brazil (Aptian). Mesoraphidia ednae sp. nov. and M. hilli sp. nov. are described from the Wealden; Nanoraphidia lithographica sp. nov. and Iberoraphidia dividua gen. et sp. nov. are described from Montsec, and Baissoptera lisae sp. nov. is described from the Crato Formation. The geographical range of Nanoraphidia has potentially been extended.
Carvedilol targets human K2P3.1 (TASK1) K+ leak channels
Authors: Staudacher K , Staudacher I , Ficker E , Seyler C , Gierten J , Kisselbach J , Rahm A‐K , Trappe K , Schweizer PA , Becker R , Katus HA , Thomas D
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Human K2P3.1 (TASK1) channels represent potential targets for pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation. K2P channels control excitability by stabilizing membrane potential and by expediting repolarization. In the heart, inhibition of K2P currents by class III antiarrhythmic drugs results in action potential prolongation and suppression of electrical automaticity. Carvedilol exerts antiarrhythmic activity and suppresses atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery or cardioversion. The objective of this study was to investigate acute effects of carvedilol on human K2P3.1 (hK2P3.1) channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Two‐electrode voltage clamp and whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology was used to record hK2P3.1 currents from Xenopus oocytes, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMC).

KEY RESULTS Carvedilol concentration‐dependently inhibited hK2P3.1 currents in Xenopus oocytes (IC50= 3.8 µM) and in mammalian CHO cells (IC50= 0.83 µM). In addition, carvedilol sensitivity of native IK2P3.1 was demonstrated in hPASMC. Channels were blocked in open and closed states in frequency‐dependent fashion, resulting in resting membrane potential depolarization by 7.7 mV. Carvedilol shifted the current–voltage (I–V) relationship by −6.9 mV towards hyperpolarized potentials. Open rectification, characteristic of K2P currents, was not affected.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The antiarrhythmic drug carvedilol targets hK2P3.1 background channels. We propose that cardiac hK2P3.1 current blockade may suppress electrical automaticity, prolong atrial refractoriness and contribute to the class III antiarrhythmic action in patients treated with the drug.
A pirinixic acid derivative (LP105) inhibits murine 5‐lipoxygenase activity and attenuates vascular remodelling in a murine model of aortic aneurysm
Authors: Revermann M , Mieth A , Popescu L , Paulke A , Wurglics M , Pellowska M , Fischer AS , Steri R , Maier TJ , Schermuly RT , Geisslinger G , Schubert‐Zsilavecz M , Brandes RP , Steinhilber D
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Arachidonic acid derivatives play a central role in inflammation processes. Arachidonic acid is metabolized by several enzymes, particularly cyclooxygenases (COX), 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) and microsomal prostaglandin E‐synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) to pro‐inflammatory mediators.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We determined the effect of LP105, a pirinixic acid derivative which acts as inhibitor of 5‐LOX, COX and mPGES‐1, on aortic aneurysm development in mice and on 5‐LOX activity in murine monocytes.

KEY RESULTS In a monocyte cell line (RAW264.7), LP105 inhibited 5‐LOX in whole cells (IC50: 1–3 µM) and in supernatants (IC50: ∼10 µM). Oral administration of LP105 to mice resulted in therapeutic tissue and plasma levels. Aortic aneurysms were induced in ApoE−/− mice by angiotensin II (AngII) and LP105 (5 mg·day−1 per animal) was co‐administered to a subgroup. Compared with animals receiving AngII alone, the LP105+AngII group showed a lower heart rate, a trend towards reduced heart to body weight ratio but similar hypertensive responses. AngII alone significantly increased aortic weight and diameter but co‐treatment with LP105+AngII prevented these changes. LC/MS‐MS studies revealed increased 15‐hydroxytetraenoic acid (15‐HETE) and 14,15‐epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15‐EET) plasma levels in LP105‐treated animals. In the murine kidney, mRNAs of EET‐generating or metabolizing enzymes and of 5‐LOX and 15‐LOX were unaffected by LP105. LP105 also did not inhibit the EET‐metabolizing soluble epoxide hydrolase.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS LP105 was a potent inhibitor of monocyte 5‐LOX and reduced AngII‐induced vascular remodelling in mice. A shift of arachidonic acid metabolism to the protective EET pathway may contribute to the beneficial effects of LP105.
Characterization of three diaminopyrimidines as potent and selective antagonists of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors with in vivo efficacy in a pain model
Authors: Ballini E , Virginio C , Medhurst SJ , Summerfield SG , Aldegheri L , Buson A , Carignani C , Chen YH , Giacometti A , Lago I , Powell AJ , Jarolimek W
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors are highly localized on the peripheral and central pathways of nociceptive signal transmission. The discovery of A‐317491 allowed their validation as chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain targets, but this molecule has a very limited oral bioavailability and CNS penetration. Recently, potent P2X3 and P2X2/3 blockers with a diaminopyrimidine core group and better bioavailability were synthesized and represent a new opportunity for the validation of P2X3‐containing receptors as targets for pain. Here we present a characterization of three representative diaminopyrimidines.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The activity of compounds was evaluated in intracellular calcium flux and electrophysiological recordings from P2X receptors expressed in mammalian cells and in a in vivo model of inflammatory pain (complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rat paws).

KEY RESULTS Compound A potently blocked P2X3 (pIC50 = 7.39) and P2X2/3 (pIC50 = 6.68) and showed no detectable activity at P2X1, P2X2, P2X4 and P2X7 receptors (pIC50 < 4.7). Whole‐cell voltage clamp electrophysiology confirmed these results. Compounds showed good selectivities when tested against a panel of different classes of target. In the CFA model, compound B showed significant anti‐nociceptive effects (57% reversal at 3 mg·kg−1).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The diaminopyrimidines were potent and selective P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptor antagonists, showing efficacy in vivo and represent useful tools to validate these receptors as targets for inflammatory and neuropathic pain and provide promising progress in the identification of therapeutic tools for the treatment of pain‐related disorders.
Sex‐dependent control of murine emotional‐affective behaviour in health and colitis by peptide YY and neuropeptide Y
Authors: Painsipp Evelin , Herzog Herbert , Sperk Günther , Holzer Peter
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Peptide YY (PYY) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are involved in regulating gut and brain function. Because gastrointestinal inflammation is known to enhance anxiety, we explored whether experimental colitis interacts with genetic deletion (knockout) of PYY and NPY to alter emotional‐affective behaviour.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male and female wild‐type, NPY (NPY−/−), PYY (PYY−/−) and NPY−/−; PYY−/− double knockout mice were studied in the absence and presence of mild colitis induced by ingestion of dextran sulphate sodium (2%) in drinking water. Anxiety‐like behaviour was tested on the elevated plus maze and open field, and depression‐like behaviour assessed by the forced swim test.

KEY RESULTS In the absence of colitis, anxiety‐like behaviour was increased by deletion of NPY but not PYY in a test‐ and sex‐dependent manner, while depression‐like behaviour was enhanced in NPY−/− and PYY−/− mice of either sex. The severity of DSS‐induced colitis, assessed by colonic myeloperoxidase content, was attenuated in NPY−/− but not PYY−/− mice. Colitis modified anxiety‐ and depression‐related behaviour in a sex‐, genotype‐ and test‐related manner, and knockout experiments indicated that NPY and PYY were involved in some of these behavioural effects of colitis.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data demonstrate sex‐dependent roles of NPY and PYY in regulation of anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviour in the absence and presence of colitis. Like NPY, the gut hormone PYY has the potential to attenuate depression‐like behaviour but does not share the ability of NPY to reduce anxiety‐like behaviour.
The Behaviors of Long‐Term Cryopreserved Human Hepatocytes on Different Biomaterials
Authors: Lu Jui‐Nan , Wang Chih‐Chi , Young Tai‐Horng
Published: March 2011

Isolated human hepatocytes have been extensively investigated due to clinical demand and scientific interest. With a limited supply of available liver tissue and the rapid loss of liver‐specific functions in vitro, cryopreservation of human hepatocytes serves as an alternative way to maintain availability of hepatocytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biological behaviors of long‐term (more than 4 years) cryopreserved human hepatocytes on biomaterials, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol), polyvinylidene fluoride, commercial tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), and collagen‐coated TCPS. Cell attachment was observed by scanning electron microscopy and quantified by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Cell viability was assayed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction activity. Cell functions were determined by albumin secretion and urea synthesis. Results indicated that human hepatocytes could be cryopreserved for more than 4 years without losing liver‐specific functions. Also, PVA was proposed to serve as an appropriate and promising substrate for culturing long‐term cryopreserved hepatocytes, maintaining high cell attachment and high level of liver‐specific functions.
Safe Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulator Designed for the Elderly
Authors: Krenn Matthias , Haller Michael , Bijak Manfred , Unger Ewald , Hofer Christian , Kern Helmut , Mayr Winfried
Published: March 2011

A stimulator for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was designed, especially suiting the requirements of elderly people with reduced cognitive abilities and diminished fine motor skills. The aging of skeletal muscle is characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass, force, and condition. Muscle training with NMES reduces the degradation process. The discussed system is intended for evoked muscle training of the anterior and posterior thigh. The core of the stimulator is based on a microcontroller with two modular output stages. The system has two charge‐balanced biphasic voltage‐controlled stimulation channels. Additionally, the evoked myoelectric signal (M‐wave) and the myokinematic signal (surface acceleration) are measured. A central controller unit allows using the stimulator as a stand‐alone device. To set up the training sequences and to evaluate the compliance data, a personal computer is connected to the stimulator via a universal serial bus. To help elderly people handle the stimulator by themselves, the user interface is kept very simple. For safety reasons, the electrode impedance is monitored during stimulation. A comprehensive compliance management with included measurements of muscle activity and stimulation intensity enables a scientific use of the stimulator in clinical trials.
Spinal Involvement and Muscle Cramps in Electrically Elicited Muscle Contractions
Authors: Merletti Roberto , Botter Alberto , Lanfranco Fabio , Minetto Marco A.
Published: March 2011

Electrical stimulation of innervated muscles has been investigated for many decades with alternations of high and low clinical interest in the fields of rehabilitation medicine and sports sciences. Early work demonstrated that afferent fibers have lower thresholds and are usually activated first (therefore eliciting an H‐reflex). In the case of nerve trunk stimulation, the order of recruitment is mostly conditioned by the axonal dimension and excitability threshold. In the case of muscle motor point stimulation, the spatial distribution of nerve branches plays a predominant role. Sustained stimulation produces a progressive increase of force that is often maintained in subsequent voluntary activation by stroke patients. This observation suggested a facilitation mechanism at the spinal and/or supraspinal level. Such facilitation has been observed in healthy subjects as well, and may explain the generation of cramps elicited during stimulation and sustained for dozens of seconds after the stimulation has been interrupted. The most recent interpretations of facilitation resulting from peripheral stimulation focused on presynaptic (potentiation of neurotransmitter release from afferent fibers) or postsynaptic (generation of “persistent inward currents” in spinal motor neurons or interneurons) mechanisms. The renewed attention to these phenomena is once more increasing the interest toward electrical stimulation of the neuromuscular system. This is an opportunity for a structured investigation of the field aimed to resolving elements of confusion and controversy that still plague this area of electrophysiology.
A Study on Feedback Error Learning Controller for Functional Electrical Stimulation: Generation of Target Trajectories by Minimum Jerk Model
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Fukushima Keisuke
Published: March 2011

The Feedback Error Learning controller was found to be applicable to functional electrical stimulation control of wrist joint movements in control with subjects and computer simulation tests in our previous studies. However, sinusoidal trajectories were only used for the target joint angles and the artificial neural network (ANN) was trained for each trajectory. In this study, focusing on two‐point reaching movement, target trajectories were generated by the minimum jerk model. In computer simulation tests, ANNs trained with different number of target trajectories under the same total number of control iterations (50 control trials) were compared. The inverse dynamics model (IDM) of the controlled limb realized by the trained ANN decreased the output power of the feedback controller and improved tracking performance to unlearned target trajectories. The IDM performed most effectively when target trajectory was changed every one control trial during ANN training.
Comparison of Verbal Learning and Memory in Children With Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure or Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Crocker Nicole , Vaurio Linnea , Riley Edward P. , Mattson Sarah N.
Published: March 2011

Background:  Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have deficits in verbal learning and recall. However, the specificity of these deficits has not been adequately tested. In the current study, verbal learning and memory performance of children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure was compared to children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disorder commonly seen in alcohol‐exposed children.

Methods:  Performance on the California Verbal Learning Test—Children’s Version (CVLT‐C) was examined in 3 groups of children (N = 22/group): (i) heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and ADHD (ALC), (ii) nonexposed with ADHD (ADHD), and (iii) nonexposed typically developing (CON). Groups were matched on age, sex, race, ethnicity, handedness, and socioeconomic status (SES).

Results:  Group differences were noted on learning trials (CON > ADHD > ALC). On the delayed recall trial, CON children performed better than both clinical groups, who did not differ from each other. Children in the ALC group demonstrated poorer recognition than children in the CON and ADHD groups, who did not differ from each other. Marginally significant group differences were noted on retention of previously learned material. Post hoc analyses indicated that ADHD children showed worse retention relative to the CON group, whereas retention in the ALC children remained intact.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and nonexposed children with ADHD show differential patterns of deficit on the CVLT‐C. Performance of alcohol‐exposed children reflects inefficient encoding of verbal material, whereas performance of the ADHD group may be better characterized by a deficit in retrieval of learned material. Differences noted between clinical groups add to a growing neurobehavioral profile of FASD that may aid in differential diagnosis.
The Effect of Naltrexone on Alcohol’s Stimulant Properties and Self‐Administration Behavior in Social Drinkers: Influence of Gender and Genotype
Authors: Setiawan Elaine , Pihl Robert O. , Cox Sylvia M. L. , Gianoulakis Christina , Palmour Roberta M. , Benkelfat Chawki , Leyton Marco
Published: March 2011

Background:  Few pharmacological treatments for alcohol dependence are available. Moreover, the best supported treatment, naltrexone hydrochloride, appears to work for only some.

Methods:  To investigate potential predictors of these differential responses, 40 social drinkers (20 women) were administered 6 days of treatment with naltrexone vs. placebo in a double‐blind, counterbalanced, crossover design. At the end of each treatment period, participants received a single dose of their preferred alcoholic beverage followed by the opportunity to work for additional alcohol units using a progressive ratio (PR) breakpoint paradigm. All subjects but one were genotyped for the A118G polymorphism of the mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1).

Results:  Naltrexone decreased the ethanol‐induced ‘euphoria’ to a priming dose of alcohol in two subgroups: (i) in women, and (ii) in subjects with the A118G polymorphism of the mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1). Naltrexone did not decrease motivation to work for additional alcoholic beverages on the PR task regardless of gender or genotype.

Conclusions:  The results add to the evidence that naltrexone decreases positive subjective effects of alcohol, with preferential effects in distinct subgroups. Similar effects in heavier drinkers might decrease alcohol use.