bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xenon Mitigates Isoflurane-induced Neuronal Apoptosis in the Developing Rodent Brain
Authors: Ma Daqing , Williamson Peter , Januszewski Adam , Nogaro Marie-Caroline , Hossain Mahmuda , Ong Lay Ping , Shu Yi , Franks Nicholas P. , Maze Mervyn
Published: March 2007

Background

Anesthetics, including isoflurane and nitrous oxide, an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype of the glutamate receptor, have been demonstrated to induce apoptotic neurodegeneration when administered during neurodevelopment. Xenon, also an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, not only lacks the characteristic toxicity produced by other N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, but also attenuates the neurotoxicity produced by this class of agent. Therefore, the current study sought to investigate xenon's putative protective properties against anesthetic-induced neuronal apoptosis.

Method

Separate cohorts (n = 5 or 6 per group) of 7-day-old rats were randomly assigned and exposed to eight gas mixtures: air, 75% nitrous oxide, 75% xenon, 0.75% isoflurane, 0.75% isoflurane plus 35% or 75% nitrous oxide, 0.75% isoflurane plus 30% or 60% xenon for 6 h. Rats were killed, and cortical and hippocampal apoptosis was assessed using caspase-3 immunostaining. In separate cohorts, cortices were isolated for immunoblotting of caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, and cytochrome c. Organotypic hippocampal slices of postnatal mice pups were derived and cultured for 24 h before similar gas exposures, as above, and subsequently processed for caspase-3 immunostaining.

Results

In vivo administration of isoflurane enhances neuronal apoptosis. When combined with isoflurane, nitrous oxide significantly increases whereas xenon significantly reduces apoptosis to a value no different from that of controls. In vitro studies corroborate the ability of xenon to attenuate isoflurane-induced apoptosis. Isoflurane enhanced expression of indicators of the intrinsic and common apoptotic pathways; this enhancement was increased by nitrous oxide but attenuated by xenon.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates that xenon prevents isoflurane-induced neonatal neuronal apoptosis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Spinal Neurostimulation Systems
Authors: De Andres Jose , Valía Juan Carlos , Cerda-Olmedo German , Quiroz Carolina , Villanueva Vincente , Martinez-Sanjuan Vincente , de Leon-Casasola Oscar
Published: March 2007

Background

The safety of performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems needs to be documented. A prospective in vivo study in patients with SCS, exploring the changes produced by MRI and the associated side effects, was performed.

Methods

After ethics committee approval and patient consent, 31 consecutive patients with SCS at different spinal levels requiring a scheduled MRI evaluation were studied during an 18-month period. All MRIs were performed with a 1.5-T clinical use magnet and a specific absorption rate of no more than 0.9 W/kg. Frequency tables were used for the descriptive study, whereas comparative evaluations were made with the chi-square test for qualitative variables and single-factor analysis of variance for quantitative variables.

Results

The mean patient age was 49 +/- 9.5 yr; 67.7% were women (n = 21), and 32.3% were men (n = 10). None of the patients experienced hemodynamic, respiratory, or neurologic alterations. Reported changes were as follows: increased temperature in the generator's area (n = 2, 6.5%); increased in the intensity of the stimulation (n = 1, 3.2%); impedance greater than 4,000 Omega on several of the electrodes in the leads (n = 1, 3.2%); telemetry not possible (n = 2, 6.5%). Radiologic evaluation after MRI revealed no spatial displacements of the SCS leads in any case.

Conclusion

Under the conditions of the described protocol, MRI in patients with SCS systems resulted in few complications. None of the recorded problems were serious, and in no case were patients harmed or the systems reprogrammed. Maximum patient satisfaction was reported in all cases.
Removal of Impacted Food in Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Using Saeed Banding Device
Authors: Smith Cass R , Miranda Adrian , Rudolph Colin D , Sood Manu R
Published: March 2007

Food impaction in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis is being recognized increasingly. Retrieval of impacted food may be necessary if it does not resolve spontaneously. The present report describes a new technique for removal of friable impacted food from the esophagus using a modified version of the Saeed banding device. With this technique, impacted food was safely removed in a single attempt in each of 3 patients.
Role of Methotrexate in the Management of Crohn Disease
Authors: Ravikumara Madhur , Hinsberger Ann , Spray Christine H
Published: March 2007

Background:

The majority of children with Crohn disease (CD) are likely to need some form of immunomodulatory therapy to maintain remission and to avoid long‐term corticosteroid usage. Although thiopurine agents are commonly used, some children are unresponsive or intolerant to these drugs. Biological agents like infliximab are being increasingly used in these circumstances, but long‐term safety has yet to be established. Methotrexate has been shown to induce and maintain remission in CD in many adult studies, but pediatric data are limited. The present report describes our experience of using methotrexate in CD in children.

Patients and Methods:

All children with CD treated with methotrexate were identified by the departmental database. Case records were reviewed for site of disease, Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index, medications, time to achieve remission, duration of remission, and complications.

Results:

A total of 10 children received methotrexate, 7 of whom were female and 3 of whom were male. All of the children had colonic involvement and had active disease despite previous standard medical treatments. Seven children exhibited remission with methotrexate treatment. Median time to achieve remission was 12 weeks and median duration of remission was 21 months to the point of assessment. One child had transient increase of alanine aminotransferase levels and another developed neutropenia, which remitted with dose reduction. None needed discontinuation of methotrexate treatment.

Conclusions:

Methotrexate is effective and well tolerated in children with CD. It should be considered in those patients who do not experience a remission with standard medications because it may avoid the use of biological agents and their potential uncertain long‐term side effects.
Evaluating the physiological and physical consequences of capture on post‐release survivorship in large pelagic fishes
Authors: SKOMAL G. B.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  Sharks, tunas and billfishes are fished extensively throughout the world. Domestic and international management measures (quotas, minimum sizes, bag limits) mandate release of a large, yet poorly quantified, number of these fishes annually. Post‐release survivorship is difficult to evaluate, because standard methods are not applicable to large oceanic fishes. This paper presents information on the current approaches to characterising capture stress and survivorship in sharks, tunas and marlins. To assess mortality associated with capture stress, researchers must examine the cumulative impacts of physical trauma and physiological stress. Physical trauma, manifested as external and internal tissue and organ damage, is caused by fishing gear and handling. Gross examination and histopathological sampling have been used to assess physical trauma and to infer post‐release survivorship. Exhaustive anaerobic muscular activity and time out of water cause physiological stress, which has been quantified in these fishes through the analyses of blood chemistry. Conventional, acoustic and archival tagging have been used to assess post‐release survivorship in these species. Future studies relating capture stress and post‐release survivorship could yield information that helps fishermen increase survivorship when practicing catch and release.
A review of the effects of catch‐and‐release angling on black bass, Micropterus spp.: implications for conservation and management of populations
Authors: SIEPKER M. J. , OSTRAND K. G. , COOKE S. J. , PHILIPP D. P. , WAHL D. H.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  This paper summarises recent peer‐reviewed literature addressing the effects of catch‐and‐release angling on black bass, Micropterus spp., to facilitate management and conservation of these fish. Traditionally, the effects of catch and release have been evaluated by measuring mortality. Many recent studies have measured sublethal effects on physiology and behaviour. There is also greater emphasis on adding more realism to sublethal catch‐and‐release experiments through angler involvement in research activities and by conducting studies in the field rather than in laboratory environments. Owing to these advances, there have been a number of recent findings, which are summarised here, related to air exposure, gear (e.g. circle hooks) and the weigh‐in procedure that are particularly relevant to black bass anglers, tournament organisers and fishery managers. Additional research is particularly needed for: (1) population‐level effects of angling for nesting fish; (2) population‐level effects of tournament‐associated mortality; (3) effectiveness of livewell additives for enhancing survival; (4) consequences of fish displacement in competitive events; (5) effects of weigh‐in procedures and other organisational issues on fish condition and survival; and (6) reducing barotrauma.
Discard composition and release fate in the snapper and grouper commercial hook‐and‐line fishery in North Carolina, USA
Authors: RUDERSHAUSEN P. J. , BUCKEL J. A. , WILLIAMS E. H.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  Minimum size limits may be ineffective for reef fishes because they often sustain barotrauma when caught from deep (>20 m) waters. A study was undertaken in conjunction with hook‐and‐line commercial fishermen to calculate discard percentages and evaluate potential release mortality of eight economically important species: black sea bass, Centropristis striata (Linnaeus), red grouper, Epinephelus morio (Valenciennes), snowy grouper, Epinephelus niveatus (Valenciennes), gag, Mycteroperca microlepis (Goode and Bean), scamp, Mycteroperca phenax (Jordan and Swain), vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens (Cuvier), white grunt, Haemulon plumieri (Lacepède) and red porgy, Pagrus pagrus (Linnaeus). Fishing with baited hook and line occurred in 2004 and 2005 in Onslow Bay, NC, in waters 19–150 m deep. Sub‐legal discard rates were 15% for vermilion snapper, 25% for red porgy, 7% for red grouper, 33% for gag, 35% for scamp and 12% for black sea bass. Although mortality based on post‐release behaviour was relatively low, higher mortalities estimated from models incorporating hooking location and depth of capture suggest that minimum size limits may not provide the population benefits intended by management in the North Carolina reef fishery.
Effect of catch‐and‐release angling on growth and survival of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: POPE K. L. , WILDE G. R. , KNABE D. W.
Published: March 2007

Abstract Catch‐and‐release angling is popular in many parts of the world and plays an increasingly important role in fish conservation efforts. Although survival rates associated with catch‐and‐release angling are well documented for many species, sublethal effects have been less studied. An experiment was conducted to directly assess the effects of catch‐and‐release angling on growth and survival of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). Catch‐and‐release events were simulated in laboratory tanks maintained at 15–16 °C with hooks manually placed in pre‐designated locations in the mouths of the fish. There were no differences in standard length (P = 0.59) or wet weight (P = 0.81) gained between caught and uncaught fish over a 1‐month angling and recovery period. Survival was 96.99 ± 0.06% for rainbow trout caught and released, and did not vary with number (one, two or four) of captures. Thus, catch‐and‐release angling appears to have little effect on growth and mortality of rainbow trout hooked in the mouth.
Effects of air exposure on mortality and growth of undersized pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, at low water temperatures with implications for catch‐and‐release fishing
Authors: ARLINGHAUS R. , HALLERMANN J.
Published: March 2007

Abstract As undersized fish have to be released after capture in most recreational fisheries, the potential mortality associated with this practice is of interest to managers and anglers. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of air exposure on mortality and growth in pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), <500 mm (total length) at low water temperatures (around 10 °C). Fish were exhaustively exercised by manual chasing for 120 s, exposed to air for 0, 60, 120 or 240 s, and afterwards stocked into two ponds to measure mortality and growth rates. Neither mortality nor growth was statistically significantly different among different durations of air exposure. However, mortality was the lowest in both ponds for fish with no air exposure, which suggested that air exposure adversely affected survival. Mortality was inversely related to length and body mass of pikeperch in one of the two ponds. From a management perspective, it is suggested to avoid air exposure in angled pikeperch that are to be released.
Oxidative stress induces p53‐dependent apoptosis in hepatoblastoma cell through its nuclear translocation
Authors: Yamamoto Hideki , Ozaki Toshinori , Nakanishi Mitsuru , Kikuchi Hironobu , Yoshida Kaori , Horie Hiroshi , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Nakagawara Akira
Published: March 2007

Hepatoblastoma (HBL) is the most common malignant liver tumor in children. Since tumor suppressor p53 is rarely mutated in HBL, it remains unknown whether p53 could contribute to the hepatocarcinogenesis. In the present study, we have found for the first time that, like neuroblastoma (NBL), wild‐type p53 was abnormally accumulated in the cytoplasm of the human HBL‐derived Huh6 cells. In accordance with this notion, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that p53 is largely expressed in cytoplasm of human primary HBLs. In response to the oxidative stress, Huh6 cells underwent apoptotic cell death in association with the nuclear translocation of p53 and the transactivation of its target gene implicated in apoptotic cell death. siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the endogenous p53 conferred the resistance of Huh6 cells to oxidative stress. Intriguingly, histone deacetylase inhibitor (nicotinamide) treatment strongly inhibited the oxidative stress‐induced nuclear translocation of p53 as well as the p53‐dependent apoptosis in Huh6 cells. In contrast to the previous observations, the cytoplasmic anchor protein for p53 termed Parc had undetectable effect on the cytoplasmic retention of p53. Collectively, our present results suggest that the abnormal cytoplasmic localization of p53 might contribute at least in part to the development of HBL.
Heat shock transcription factor 1 down‐regulates spermatocyte‐specific 70 kDa heat shock protein expression prior to the induction of apoptosis in mouse testes
Authors: Widlak Wieslawa , Vydra Natalia , Malusecka Ewa , Dudaladava Volha , Winiarski Boleslaw , Ścieglińska Dorota , Widlak Piotr
Published: March 2007

Expression of constitutively active heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) in mouse spermatocytes induces apoptosis and leads to male infertility. We report here that prior to the onset of massive apoptosis caused by expression of active HSF1 in spermatocytes a marked reduction in spermatocyte‐specific Hsp70.2 mRNA and protein levels occurs. In addition, HSP70.2 protein relocalizes from a predominant cytoplasmic to a nuclear position in developing spermatocytes that express active HSF1. Later in the developmental stages, cells undergoing HSF1‐induced apoptosis essentially lack the HSP70.2 protein. The down‐regulation of Hsp70.2 gene expression by HSF1 is paradoxical because HSF1 is the prototypical activator of HSP genes. Furthermore, HSF1‐mediated repression neither involved a heat shock element (HSE)‐like sequence adjacent to the Hsp70.2 gene nor were Hsp70.2 promoter sequences associated directly with HSF1. Interestingly, other spermatocyte‐ and spermatid‐specific transcripts are also down‐regulated in testes of transgenic mice expressing active HSF1, suggesting involvement of a putative HSF1‐dependent block of development of spermatogenic cells. Importantly however, transcription of the Hsp70.2 gene is down‐regulated in testes of wild‐type mice subjected to a hyperthermia that induces transient activation of HSF1, indicating that the spermatocyte‐specific activity of HSF1 might misdirect a network of transcription factors required for proper regulation of Hsp70.2.
Evaluating sampling strategies and logistic regression methods for modelling complex land cover changes
Authors: RUTHERFORD G. N. , GUISAN A. , ZIMMERMANN N. E.
Published: March 2007

The role of land cover change as a significant component of global change has become increasingly recognized in recent decades. Large databases measuring land cover change, and the data which can potentially be used to explain the observed changes, are also becoming more commonly available. When developing statistical models to investigate observed changes, it is important to be aware that the chosen sampling strategy and modelling techniques can influence results.

We present a comparison of three sampling strategies and two forms of grouped logistic regression models (multinomial and ordinal) in the investigation of patterns of successional change after agricultural land abandonment in Switzerland.

Results indicated that both ordinal and nominal transitional change occurs in the landscape and that the use of different sampling regimes and modelling techniques as investigative tools yield different results.

Synthesis and applications. Our multimodel inference identified successfully a set of consistently selected indicators of land cover change, which can be used to predict further change, including annual average temperature, the number of already overgrown neighbouring areas of land and distance to historically destructive avalanche sites. This allows for more reliable decision making and planning with respect to landscape management. Although both model approaches gave similar results, ordinal regression yielded more parsimonious models that identified the important predictors of land cover change more efficiently. Thus, this approach is favourable where land cover change pattern can be interpreted as an ordinal process. Otherwise, multinomial logistic regression is a viable alternative.
Bedload abrasion and the in situ fragmentation of bivalve shells
Authors: NEWELL ANDREW J. , GOWER DAVID J. , BENTON MICHAEL J. , TVERDOKHLEBOV VALENTIN P.
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to determine how Unio bivalve shells fragment within the channel of the Sakmara River (southern Urals, Russia). The Sakmara River has an abundant bivalve population and a highly variable flow regime which, at low flow, allowed much of the channel bed to be examined. A large data set of 1013 shells (Unio sp.) was examined and these were shown to have consistent patterns of orientation, aspect, shell abrasion, perforation and fracture. The close spatial relationship between areas of shell abrasion, shell perforation and shell fracture showed that they form part of a continuum whereby areas of abrasion evolve into perforations and perforations coalesce and enlarge into fractures. The mechanism of shell damage proposed is one of abrasion in place, whereby the shell remains stationary on the surface of the point bar and is impacted by bedload. Underpinning this process are the hydrodynamic properties of the bivalve shell, with consistency in the orientation and aspect of the valve in a flowing current producing consistency in the distribution of damage on the shell surface. Valves preferentially lie in a convex‐up position and orientate in the flow such that the umbo faces upstream. The elevated, upstream‐facing umbo region is exposed to particle impact and is the first to be abraded and perforated. The vulnerability of the umbo to perforation is greatly increased by the thinness of the shell at the umbo cavity. The in situ abrasion process is enhanced by the development of an armoured gravel bed which restricts valve mobility and maintains shells within the abrasion zone at the sediment–water interface. The in situ abrasion process shows that broken shells are not a reliable indicator of long distance transport. The study also raises the issue that tumbling barrel experiments, which are generally used to simulate shell abrasion, will not replicate the type of directionally focused sand‐blasting which appears to be the principal cause of shell fragmentation in the Sakmara River.
A high‐resolution map of the rice blast resistance gene Pi15 constructed by sequence‐ready markers
Authors: Lin F. , Liu Y. , Wang L. , Liu X. , Pan Q.
Published: March 2007

The gene Pi15 for resistance of rice to Magnaporthe grisea was previously mapped to a ≈0.7‐cM region on chromosome 9. To further define the chromosomal region of the Pi15 locus, a contig spanning the locus was constructed, in silico, through bioinformatics analysis using a reference sequence of the cultivar ‘Nipponbare’. One simple sequence repeat marker adopted from the International Rice Microsatellite Initiative and six candidate resistance gene (CRG) markers, developed from gene annotation of the reference sequence of the contig, were used for linkage analysis in a mapping population consisting of 504 extremely susceptible F2 plants. The Pi15 locus was delimited to a ≈0.5‐cM region flanked by the markers CRG5 and CRG2 and co‐segregated with the markers BAPi15782, CRG3 and CRG4, which was physically converted to a 44‐kb interval.
Genetic analysis of partial resistance to black stem (Phoma macdonaldii) in sunflower as measured by a seedling test
Authors: Darvishzadeh R. , Sarrafi A.
Published: March 2007

Phoma black stem caused by Phoma macdonaldii is one of the most important diseases of sunflower in France. To determine the inheritance of partial resistance to the disease, five sunflower genotypes with a wide range of genetic variability for partial resistance were crossed in diallel fashion. Resistance was measured as reaction of seedlings to infection by P. macdonaldii. Two separate experiments were undertaken in a controlled growth chamber. In each experiment the parental genotypes and their F1 hybrids were inoculated by one of the two selected isolates (MP8 and MP10). Analysis of variance for each of two isolates showed significant variability among parents and F1 hybrids for disease severity score. Combined analysis of variance detected significant interactions between sunflower genotypes and Phoma isolates, suggesting that partial resistance to Phoma black stem should be isolate‐specific. General and specific combining ability effects for resistance to Phoma black stem were highly significant for each of the two isolates, indicating that both kinds of gene effect were important in controlling the inheritance of partial resistance to Phoma black stem. On the basis of the results from this seedling test, the cross between M6‐54‐1 and ENSAT‐R5 genotypes, which are the best general combiners for MP8 and MP10, respectively, could be of value in improving black stem partial resistance to these P. macdonaldii isolates.
Cytological behaviour of the somatic hybrids Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa + P. cincinnata
Authors: Barbosa L. V. , Mondin M. , Oliveira C. A. , Souza A. P. , Vieira M. L. C.
Published: March 2007

Meiosis and pollen viability of interspecific somatic hybrids, i.e. Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa, the yellow passion fruit + P. cincinnata, a wild species, were examined and compared with their corresponding diploid fusion parents. Firstly, the cybrid nature of these hybrids was confirmed by leaf‐stomatal measurements and RFLP analyses using four mitochondrial genes as probes. The meiotic behaviour revealed relatively high stability, with most of the hybrid cells showing 18 bivalents. Some instability, such as a quadrivalent configuration was also recorded which has been interpreted as an interchange that occurred in the progenitors more than as a result of in vitro culture or chromosome reorganization in the new genome. Even in low frequencies, the occurrence of univalents resulted in mis‐division, laggard and micronucleus formation. High values of pollen viability (>70%) were found in the diploid parents as well as in the hybrid plants. The results are discussed in relation to the possibilities of applying somatic hybridization for improving passion fruit varieties.
Anesthesia in HIV‐infected children
Authors: LEELANUKROM RUENREONG , PANCHAROEN CHITSANU
Published: March 2007

In 2005, it was estimated that 2.3 million children below15 years of age were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS and 570 000 children below 15 years died. Maternal‐infant or vertical transmission is the most common mode of HIV infection in children. As transplacental passage of maternal anti‐HIV antibodies, diagnosis of HIV infection in young infants relies on virologic assays. Infants older than 18 months of age can be diagnosed by serology alone. Pediatric HIV infections are classified according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention 1994 revised classification system. The understanding of viral pathogenesis, the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy, and the ability to quantitate viral burden have led to significant reduction in disease progression and morbidity in HIV‐infected children. As survival improves, these children will require anesthesia care and pain treatment during the course of their illness. Considerations for the anesthesiologist include: possible involvement of multiple organ systems, adverse reactions and drug interactions of antiretroviral agents and adequate infection control to prevent HIV transmission in hospital and other infections to the immunocompromized patients. Finally, care should be taken not to violate confidentiality.
Unilateral postoperative visual loss due to central retinal artery occlusion following cervical spine surgery in prone position
Authors: NAKRA DHIRAJ , BALA INDU , PRATAP MONICA , KAUR HARVINDER
Published: March 2007

Postoperative visual loss following spinal surgery is a rare complication. Although a number of intraoperative and postoperative factors have been implicated exact etiology still may remain unclear. We report a case of unilateral postoperative visual loss in a patient who had undergone prolonged spine surgery in a prone position.
Structural and functional investigations of the murine cavernosal nerve: a model system for serial spatio‐temporal study of autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Schaumburg Herbert H. , Zotova Elena , Cannella Barbara , Raine Cedric S. , Arezzo Joseph , Tar Moses , Melman Arnold
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the ultrastructural fibre composition of the rat cavernosal nerve at serial levels, from its origin in the main pelvic ganglion to its termination in the corpus cavernosum of the distal penile shaft, and to develop a technique that permits repeated electrophysiological recording from the fibres that form the cavernosal nerve distinct from the axons of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the light microscope and ultrastructural studies, Sprague–Dawley rats were anaesthetized and the pelvic organs and lower limbs were perfused with glutaraldehyde through the distal aorta. Tissue samples were embedded in epoxy resin and prepared for light and electron microscopy. Frozen tissue was used for the immunohistochemical studies and sections were stained with rabbit anti‐nitric oxide synthetase 1 (NOS1). For the electrophysiology, anaesthetized rats were used in sterile conditions. Nerve conduction velocity for the cavernosal nerve was assessed from a point 2 mm below the main (major) pelvic ganglion after stimulating the nerve at the crus penis; multi‐unit averaging techniques were used to enhance the recording of slow‐conduction activity. Recordings from the DNP were obtained over the proximal shaft after stimulation at the base of the penis.

RESULTS

Step‐serial sections of the cavernosal nerve revealed numerous ganglion cells in the initial segments and gradually fewer myelinated fibres at distal levels. At the point of crural entry, the nerve contained almost exclusively unmyelinated axons. As it descended the penile shaft, the nerve separated into small fascicles containing only one to four axons at the level of the distal shaft. In the corpus cavernosum, vesicle‐filled presynaptic axon preterminals were close to smooth muscle fibres, but did not seem to be in direct contact. Immunohistochemical evaluation of NOS1 activity showed intense staining of the fibres of the DNP and most of the neurones in the main pelvic ganglion. There was also scattered NOS1 activity in the nerve bundles of the corpus cavernosum. Electrophysiology identified activity in C fibres on the cavernosal nerve and in Aα–Aδ fibres in the DNP.

CONCLUSION

These results show that it is possible to perform integrated cavernosal pressure monitoring and ultrastructural and electrophysiological studies in this model. These yielded accurate data about the erectile status of the penis, and the state of unmyelinated and myelinated fibres in the DNP and cavernosal nerves of the same animal. This study provides a useful template for future studies of experimental diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
6‐O glucose linoleate supports in vitro human hair growth and lipid synthesis
Authors: Vingler P. , Gautier B. , Dalko M. , Rozot R. , Gaillard O. , Michelet J. F. , Bernard B. A.
Published: March 2007

Synopsis

The hair follicle is a very active organ with a complex structure, which produces a hair fibre at a rate of 0.3 mm a day. Accordingly, the hair follicle is highly demanding in energy source, as the hair bulb matrix cells are endowed with one of the highest rates of proliferation in the human body. Moreover, recent data have shown the involvement of lipids in hair follicle function. As in vitro‐grown hair follicle keeps producing a hair fibre that closely resembles the natural hair fibre, we decided to use this model to investigate the role of a new of glucose linoleate derivative (6‐O‐linoleyl‐d‐glucose: 6‐O‐GL) as a lipid precursor and energy provider. Our results demonstrated that 6‐O‐GL was (i) quite stable and surprisingly resistant to oxidative degradation, and (ii) readily taken up and metabolized by the hair follicle into various lipids, namely neutral lipids, ceramides and polar lipids. Moreover, it supported hair follicle growth and survival in a glucose‐ and linoleic‐acid free medium. 6‐O‐GL thus appeared to be a bi‐functional nutrient, ensuring both proper fibre quality and production by the hair follicle.
A new technique associated with the evaporimetry method for evaluating occlusion
Authors: Marques J. P. P. , Basso D. S. B. , Nunes A. S.
Published: March 2007

Synopsis

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin. It constitutes a permeability barrier that keeps micro‐organisms and toxic agents from entering the skin, while retaining water and electrolytes. In order to preserve its colour and elasticity, the skin needs lipids and water. Certain occlusive products in contact with the skin diminish its natural transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the occlusion potential of such products can be evaluated with the aid of evaporimetry. The purpose of this work was to increase the sensitivity of the method by associating the well‐established methodology for measuring TEWL with a technique for removing occlusive products from the skin. The present study was designed to evaluate the procedure of measuring TEWL evaporimetrically (the traditional method) in comparison with our new method, which employs the same evaporimetric measurement combined with a removal technique that uses cotton to remove the physical barrier that occlusive products form on the skin. The product used in this study was solid petrolatum (petroleum jelly), which possesses well‐known occlusive properties. The TEWL measurements were made over a pre‐defined period of time, on different skin sites, and were systematically compared with the results generated by an untreated control site. The TEWL was first determined by the classic method (without product removal), then the product was removed and new readings were taken. Our results show that the classic technique was unable to show a statistical distinction between the occlusion capability of solid petrolatum and the untreated control site, whereas this same method used in association with product removal provided a statistically significant difference between the TEWL measured on the occluded and control sites. Therefore, our removal technique associated with the traditional method for measuring TEWL proved capable of increasing the response sensitivity of evaporimetry with occlusive products.
Effect of fluid intake on skin physiology: distinct differences between drinking mineral water and tap water
Authors: Williams S. , Krueger N. , Davids M. , Kraus D. , Kerscher M.
Published: March 2007

Synopsis

It is generally stated that drinking plenty of water has a positive influence on skin condition. However, there is no published scientific study that has investigated this matter. The aim of our exploratory ‘before‐after’ study was to evaluate the in vivo influence of drinking more than 2 L of mineral water or ordinary tap water per day on skin physiology. Ninety‐three healthy subjects were included in our prospective study. After an initial run‐in phase of 2 weeks to monitor individual drinking habits, subjects had to drink 2.25 L day−1 of either mineral water (n = 53) or tap water (n = 40) for 4 weeks. Bioengineering in vivo measurements on the volar forearm included sonographic evaluation of skin thickness and density, determination of skin surface pH, assessment of skin surface morphology, and measurement of finger circumference. Eighty‐six subjects completed the study. In the mineral water group measurements revealed a statistically significant decrease in skin density. Skin thickness increased slightly, albeit not at a statistically significant level. However, when separately analysing those individuals from the mineral water group, who had routinely drunken comparably little before the start of the study, their skin thickness increased at a statistically significant level. Skin surface pH remained almost unchanged in the physiologically optimal range. In the tap water group, skin density increased significantly, while skin thickness decreased significantly. Skin surface pH decreased at a statistically significant level. While in the mineral water group finger circumference decreased significantly, measurements in the tap water group revealed a statistically significant increase. Objective skin surface morphology did not change in any group. In summary, drinking more than 2 L of water per day can have a significant impact on skin physiology. The exact effects within the skin seem to differ depending on the nature of the water ingested. Randomized, controlled, double‐blind follow‐up trials are warranted to confirm the findings of our exploratory pilot study.
A novel volumetric method for quantitation of titanium dioxide in cosmetics
Authors: So Kim Young , Kim Boo‐Min , Park Sang‐Chul , Jeong Hye‐Jin , Seop Chang Ih
Published: March 2007

Nowadays there are many sun‐protection cosmetics incorporating organic or inorganic UV filters as active ingredients. Chemically stable inorganic sunscreen agents, usually metal oxides, are widely employed in high‐SPF (sun protection factor) products. Titanium dioxide is one of the most frequently used inorganic UV filters. It has been used as a pigment for a long period of cosmetic history. With the development of micronization techniques, it has become possible to incorporate titanium dioxide in sunscreen formulations without the previous whitening effect, and hence its use in cosmetics has become an important research topic. However, there are very few works related to quantitation of titanium dioxide in sunscreen products. In this research, we analysed the amounts of titanium dioxide in sunscreen cosmetics by adapting redox titration, reduction of Ti(IV) to Ti(III), and reoxidation to Ti(IV). After calcification of other organic ingredients of cosmetics, titanium dioxide is dissolved by hot sulfuric acid. The dissolved Ti(IV) is reduced to Ti(III) by adding metallic aluminum. The reduced Ti(III) is titrated against a standard oxidizing agent, Fe(III) (ammonium iron(III) sulfate), with potassium thiocyanate as an indicator. In order to test the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method, we analysed the amounts of titanium dioxide in four types of sunscreen cosmetics, namely cream, make‐up base, foundation, and powder, after adding known amounts of titanium dioxide (1 ~ 25 w/w%). The percentages of titanium dioxide recovered in the four types of formulations were in the range between 96% and 105%. We also analysed seven commercial cosmetic products labelled with titanium dioxide as an ingredient and compared the results with those obtained from ICP‐AES (inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry), one of the most powerful atomic analysis techniques. The results showed that the titrated amounts were well in accord with the analyzed amounts of titanium dioxide by ICP‐AES. Although instrument‐based analytical methods, namely ICP‐MS (inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry) and ICP‐AES, are best for the analysis of titanium, it is difficult for small cosmetic companies to install such instruments because of their high cost. It was found that the volumetric method presented here gives quantitatively accurate and reliable results with routine lab‐ware and chemicals.
A horse chestnut extract, which induces contraction forces in fibroblasts, is a potent anti‐aging ingredient
Authors: Fujimura Tsutomu , Tsukahara Kazue , Moriwaki Shigeru , Hotta Mitsuyuki , Kitahara Takashi , Takema Yoshinori
Published: March 2007

Contraction forces generated by non‐muscle cells, such as fibroblasts, play important roles in determining cell morphology, vasoconstriction, and/or wound healing. We have searched among various plant extracts for ingredients that generate cell contraction forces using fibroblast‐populated collagen gels. Using that model, we found that an extract of horse chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum) is able to generate such contraction forces in fibroblasts. The involvement of stress fiber formation in that response is suggested by the inhibition of such force generation by cytochalasin D and rhodamine phalloidin stain. Clinical testing of the extract was carried out using 40 healthy female volunteers. A gel formulation that included 3% of the extract was applied topically to the skin around the eye three times daily for 9 weeks. The efficacy of the extract to diminish wrinkles was evaluated by visual scoring based on photo scales. After 6 weeks, significant decreases in the wrinkle scores at the corners of the eye or in the lower eyelid skin were observed compared with controls. After 9 weeks, similar results were obtained. Taken together, our results suggest that an extract of horse chestnuts can generate contraction forces in fibroblasts and is a potent anti‐aging ingredient.
A poster of this work was presented at the 23rd IFSCC Congress 2004, Orlando, Florida, USA. Supplementation with nutritional cartilage extract positively influences skin hydration, skin barrier and skin structure: a double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Heinrich U. , Garbe B. , Tronnier H. , Béjot M. , Maurette J. M.
Published: March 2007

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of polysaccharides from fish cartilage with regard to their skin aging properties. An application test was carried out during the intake of cartilage tablets as a nutritional supplement. The study was designed as a monocentric, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled application test. 28 healthy female volunteers (35–60 years) with dry skin were included in the study. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 received tablets containing placebo and group 2 the verum treatment (cartilage hydrolysate combined with vitamin C). The duration of the study was 12 weeks. The focus of interest was to find out about the hydration properties, and to see whether the skin barrier and structure were influenced by the test formulation compared with placebo. Hydration measurements were made before and during the study, and the transepidermal water loss (barrierer function of the skin) was measured. The thickness and density of the skin of all volunteers were determined by means of ultrasound measurements during the study. Statistical analysis was based on Wilcoxon signed rank test. The following results were obtained in this study: there was a significant improvement in the hydration properties, a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss and a significant increase in the skin density in the verum group (cartilage extract). No or minor improvements could be detected in the placebo group.
Semiparametric Regression with Kernel Error Model
Authors: YUAN AO , DE GOOIJER JAN G.
Published: March 2007

Abstract. We propose and study a class of regression models, in which the mean function is specified parametrically as in the existing regression methods, but the residual distribution is modelled non‐parametrically by a kernel estimator, without imposing any assumption on its distribution. This specification is different from the existing semiparametric regression models. The asymptotic properties of such likelihood and the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) under this semiparametric model are studied. We show that under some regularity conditions, the MLE under this model is consistent (when compared with the possibly pseudo‐consistency of the parameter estimation under the existing parametric regression model), is asymptotically normal with rateand efficient. The non‐parametric pseudo‐likelihood ratio has the Wilks property as the true likelihood ratio does. Simulated examples are presented to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed semiparametric MLE method.
LAND REFORM, IDEOLOGY AND URBAN FOOD SECURITY: ZIMBABWE'S THIRD CHIMURENGA
Authors: IKUBOLAJEH LOGAN B.
Published: March 2007

This paper is used to comment on the political, legal and ideological struggles between the Zimbabwean State and an alliance comprised of the Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe (CFU) and the British Government over the country's land reform and the theoretical context in which these processes may be situated. A related and equally important objective of the study is to understand how ordinary Zimbabweans construe the impacts of the unfolding dynamics on their livelihoods. The study examines the mechanisms, which both the State and the alliance have used to manipulate land reform in pursuit of their various ideological and political objectives. Finally, it explores how these strategies are being interpreted by the urban poor in the local discourse of food insecurity. These issues are all contextualised in terms of what a former Zimbabwe cabinet minister describes as the Third Chimurenga, a reference to the country's first two agrarian/liberation struggles or chimurengas.
The management of managers: A review and conceptual framework
Authors: Boxall Peter , Gilbert John
Published: March 2007

The management of managers is an important contemporary concern, but the literature on the issue is not well integrated. This paper reviews key sources on the topic across organizational economics, human resource development and strategic human resource management. It presents a novel interdisciplinary framework for analysing how firms manage senior managers and for guiding future research, arguing that firms adopt different styles to attract–defend, develop–renew and motivate–harvest their senior managerial resource, depending on their contexts and choices that are made in the firm over time. The notion that some styles draw on early identification of élites while others treat management identification as more of an emergent problem is central to the typology. Within each of the styles identified, effectiveness in the management of managers hinges on recognizing and handling certain strategic tensions and problems.
Introduction to a Debate on City‐Regions: New Geographies of Governance, Democracy and Social Reproduction
Authors: JONAS ANDREW E.G. , WARD KEVIN
Published: March 2007

In this introduction to a special Debates and Developments forum on city‐regions, we argue that the recent revival of interest in city‐regions has been constructed around a rather narrow set of empirical and theoretical issues relating to exchange, interspatial competition and globalization. The ‘new’ city‐regionalism results in a reification of the city‐region as an autonomous political agent of the global space economy. We outline an alternative approach to investigating and understanding geographies of city‐regionalism, highlighting: a politics of governance and state re‐territorialization around the city‐region; the role of democracy and citizenship in city‐region politics; and tensions around social reproduction and sustainability across the city‐region.
Changes in Clientelism and Urban Government: A Comparative Case Study of Naples and Marseilles
Authors: MATTINA CESARE
Published: March 2007

This article discusses changes to political clientelism and forms of urban government in Naples and in Marseilles in the period from the 1960s to the 2000s. From a socio‐historical, comparative perspective I show that, even in two Southern European cities, the expansion of political clientelism does not depend principally on cultural factors, but rather on politico‐institutional processes. The generalization of clientelistic relationships and the increase in policies for redistributing resources on the basis of clientelistic criteria go hand in hand with two historical trends that were evident in the 1960s and 1970s. Those decades were a period both of demographic development and of welfare state expansion at both central and local levels, the latter leading to the distribution of public resources to growing masses of individuals and social groups. In this phase, clientelistic redistribution policies promoted the integration and the upward social mobility of sections of the middle classes and some strata of the working classes in the local and national political system. From the late 1970s and early 1980s onwards, however, these policies were less and less able to promote this upward mobility and social integration. The article ends with a favourable account of some of the new urban management policies conducted by new political leaderships.
Weekend Migraine
Authors: Alstadhaug KB , Salvesen R , Bekkelund S
Published: March 2007

It is a general belief that migraine attacks are prone to occur on days off. Only a few studies, however, have addressed this issue. The objective of this study was to investigate the periodicity of migraine with respect to weekly (circaseptan) variations. Eighty-nine females of fertile age who had participated in a previous questionnaire-based study volunteered to record in detail every migraine attack for 12 consecutive months. Eighty-four patients completed recordings for a mean of 311 days (S.D. = 95.9, range 30-365). A total of 2314 attacks were recorded. Migraine occurrence was almost equally distributed during the week, except on Sundays, when there were significantly fewer attacks ( t = -4.42, d.f. = 83, P < 0.001). A Mantel-Haenszel estimate of the relative risk of having an attack on a holiday vs. another day, not Sundays included, was 0.64 (95% CI 0.49-0.85). Our study suggests that days off protect against migraine.