bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Reproduction Technologies to the Conservation of Genetic Resources
Authors: Santiago Enrique , Caballero Armando
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Maintaining the levels of genetic variability in captive populations of endangered species is an important objective of conservation biology. Because of the generally low sizes of captive populations, genetic drift is the main cause of loss of diversity. Several simple management rules, such as equalization of contributions from parents to the next generation, are recommended for minimizing genetic drift, but it cannot be removed completely because of the unavoidable random segregation of heterozygotes. Recent advances in reproductive technology, particularly developed for mammals, are now making a reality of the possibility of using more than one cell from a single meiosis in reproduction. With this technology it is possible to reduce or even completely cancel the genetic drift caused by segregation of heterozygotes. We evaluated the theoretical benefits of the use of such technologies to conservation biology. The effective population size can be increased enormously and, consequently, the amount of drift can be greatly reduced if manipulations in reproduction are made.
Authorship and the Use of Biological Information in Endangered Species Recovery Plans
Authors: Gerber Leah R. , Schultz Cheryl B.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: We examined the relationship between authorship and the use of biological information in recovery plans under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Approximately one‐third of recovery plans were written solely by federal government employees, and one‐third of plans included authors with university affiliations. The number of plans written strictly by federal staff increased significantly over time, whereas the percentage of plans that included authors with university affiliation remained unchanged. We tested three hypotheses posed by Clark et al. (1994) regarding authorship and endangered species recovery and found that (1) groups of authors from diverse affiliations are likely to strengthen the recovery planning process, (2) recovery plans lacking nonfederal participation suffer from inadequate attention to species biology, and (3) academic affiliation is strongly associated with the use of focal‐species biology in recovery plans. Our results suggest that modifying the choice of participants in the recovery planning process may increase the use of biological information in recovery measures recommended in recovery plans and thus influence the eventual success of recovery efforts.
Evaluating the California Gnatcatcher as an Umbrella Species for Conservation of Southern California Coastal Sage Scrub
Authors: Rubinoff Daniel
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Designing reserves that preserve the habitat of many coexisting and threatened species often involves use of conservation surrogates, such as umbrella species. Typically, animals with legal protection are used as umbrella species, and these selections are overwhelmingly vertebrates. The tacit assumption that vertebrates automatically serve as conservation umbrellas for invertebrates rarely has been justified. The California Gnatcatcher (   Polioptila californica, Muscicapidae), is a federally listed and endangered species in the United States and has been used as an umbrella species for the conservation of coastal sage scrub in southern California. Conservation planning efforts for this community follow a general paradigm of using vertebrate‐based reserve designs as de facto protection for invertebrate cohabitants. To test the effectiveness of this strategy, I surveyed 50 patches of coastal sage scrub in San Diego County for three species of Lepidoptera: Mormon metalmark ( Apodemia mormo, Riodinidae), Bernardino blue, (   Euphilotes bernardino, Lycaenidae), and Electra buckmoth (    Hemileuca electra, Saturniidae). The presence of the gnatcatcher was a poor indicator of the presence of these insects. Only the largest or most recently separated habitat patches supported all three species of Lepidoptera, but the gnatcatcher was present on nearly every site, regardless of size. Results indicate that vertebrates do not automatically function as umbrella species for invertebrate cohabitants. Reserve designs based on vertebrate umbrella species, which assume invertebrates will be protected, may result in the loss of a large portion of invertebrate diversity.
Evaluating Completeness of Species Lists for Conservation and Macroecology: a Case Study of Mexican Land Birds
Authors: De Silva Héctor Gómez , Medellín Rodrigo A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Studies of species diversity, macroecology, and conservation are usually based on lists of species, but lists found in the scientific literature vary in completeness. The use of such data sets can produce misleading results, making it necessary to test species lists for completeness before undertaking an analysis. Species‐richness estimators are useful for judging the completeness of species lists but have limitations. To add rigor to studies based on species lists, we propose that species lists should test for “ omnipresent” taxa—species, genera, and families that occur throughout the region concerned—and for a minimum number of species and families. As a case study, we compared species assemblages in diverse habitats in Mexico and found that seven families and two genera of land birds are omnipresent in mainland Mexico (excluding treeless areas) and that the most depauperate assemblage known contains 35 species from 21 families. We concluded that a list of land birds from Mexico that lacks any of these omnipresent taxa or that contains fewer than 35 species or 21 families is incomplete. Similar analyses can be done for other taxa and other parts of the world. Tests for omnipresent taxa and for a minimum number of species and families can be used in combination with other existing criteria, such as species‐richness functions, to better evaluate the completeness of species lists. Realistic results may be produced in macroecological and conservation studies only if they are based on reasonably complete species lists.
Why Listing May Be Forever: Perspectives on Delisting under the U.S. Endangered Species Act
Authors: Doremus Holly , Pagel Joel E.
Published: August 2010

Editor's note:The following section constitutes a collection of papers regarding various aspects of the U.S. Endangered Species Act. These papers—two “Essays,” four “Contributed Papers,” and one “Conservation in Practice”—were submitted independently but within a relatively short time span. Because they all deal with arguably the most important environmental law in the United States, it seems appropriate to collate them into a “Conservation Focus” to bring more attention to the topic. These papers collectively demonstrate the growing influence conservation scientists are having on policy and management issues and the increased reliance of government institutions on the science behind conservation actions.

Abstract:In the more than 30 years that U.S. federal endangered species legislation has been in effect, listings of endangered species have far outpaced delistings. Although it has been used by both advocates and opponents of conservation to criticize the Endangered Species Act, this disparity is neither surprising nor necessarily indicative of failure of the law. Listing typically reflects the effect of ongoing human activity on the species. Delisting therefore requires ongoing protective measures, which under current law are often effectively provided only by the Endangered Species Act itself. Consequently, lengthy and perhaps permanent residence on the list should be expected for the majority of species. Our analysis of the law and review of the limited number of delistings to date leads us to three conclusions: (1) delisting requires evaluation of the regulatory protections that will remain after removal of the species from the protected list; (2) lack of effective protection against important causes of species decline means most species will remain on the list forever; and (3) delisting should be undertaken with caution because the negative consequences of erroneous delisting generally exceed those of erroneous retention on the protected list. Overall, we argue that the limited ability to delist species demonstrates the crucial importance of the Endangered Species Act for species protection.
Putting Theory into Practice: Wildlife Health in Conservation
Authors: Deem Sharon L. , Karesh William B. , Weisman Wendy
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Infectious and noninfectious diseases are being recognized by conservation biologists as an increasing challenge to the conservation of wildlife. The amplified role of diseases as a factor limiting species' survival can be traced to anthropogenic changes on a global scale that have direct and indirect influences on the health of wildlife species. These changes include human population growth, habitat fragmentation and degradation, the isolation of populations of species, and an increased proximity of humans (and their domestic animals) to wildlife. Further, some conservation projects have caused more harm than good by unwittingly introducing diseases to wildlife populations, whereas others have failed to meet their objectives because they did not take disease factors into consideration. Conservation biologists need to move quickly past the decades‐old debate on the relative importance of wildlife health to conservation and begin using all the tools available to ensure the effectiveness of their efforts. We briefly review the literature on wildlife diseases, place wildlife health in the context of global changes affecting wild animal populations, and offer concrete suggestions for ways to integrate wildlife health sciences into conservation, such as including health assessment or monitoring programs and research on interspecies disease transmission in field biology projects, training wildlife professionals in the design and implementation of wildlife studies that incorporate health components, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. Our goal is to raise awareness that conservation biologists working in disciplines ranging from field biology to policy making have an important role to play in facilitating a transition toward a new conservation paradigm that includes wildlife health. This paradigm shift will take an academic understanding of the importance of wildlife disease and turn it into practical actions that will help conserve wildlife more effectively.
Examining Differences between Recovered and Declining Endangered Species
Authors: Abbitt Robbyn J. F. , Scott J. Michael
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Between 1973 and 1999, 43 species in the United States were reclassified from endangered to threatened or removed entirely from the Endangered Species List. Of these, 23 were identified as recovered. In 1999 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ( USFWS) published a list of 33 additional species for possible reclassification and/or delisting. We initiated this study to examine why some endangered species recover but others continue to decline and to identify differences in management activities between these two groups. We defined recovered/recovering species as previously recovered species and the additional recovered/recovering species listed by the USFWS. We defined declining species as those identified as declining in the most recent USFWS Report to Congress. Information on recovered/recovering and declining species was gathered from relevant literature, recovery plans, U.S. Federal Register documents, and individuals responsible for the recovery management of each species. We used this information to examine (1) the percentage of current and historic range covered by management activities; (2) threats affecting the species; (3) population sizes at the time of listing; (4) current versus historic range size; and (5) percentage of recovery management objectives completed. Although few statistical analyses provided significant results, those that did suggest the following differences between recovered/recovering and declining species: (1) recovered/recovering species face threats that are easier to address; (2) recovered/recovering species occupy a greater percentage of their historic range; and (3) recovered/recovering species have a greater percentage of their recovery management objectives completed. Those species with threats easier to address and that occupy a greater percentage of their historic range are recovered/recovering. In contrast, declining species face threats more difficult to address and occupy significantly less of their historic range. If this remains true, future species recovery may require more time and resources.
Songbird Abundance and Avian Nest Survival Rates in Forests Fragmented by Different Silvicultural Treatments
Authors: Duguay Jeffrey P. , Wood Petra Bohall , Nichols Jeffrey V.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Concerns over declining songbird populations have led to investigations of the effects of various silvicultural practices on breeding songbirds. Few studies published, however, have examined both songbird populations and avian nest success among harvesting treatments, particularly in forested landscapes. We conducted a study in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia during the summers of 1993 to 1996 to compare breeding‐bird abundance and daily nest survival rates among different sivicultural treatments: a two‐age treatment (a type of deferred removal in which 37–49 mature trees/ha remain after a harvest until the next rotation), clearcutting treatments 15 years after harvest, unharvested forest surrounding the harvested stands, and unharvested stands not adjacent to cuts. Abundance and daily nest‐survival rates did not differ among treatments (  p> 0.05) for four of the five species for which the most nests were found: Wood Thrush (   Hylocichla mustelina ), Rose‐breasted Grosbeak (   Pheucticus ludovicianus ), Acadian Flycatcher (   Empidonax virescens), Veery ( Catharus fuscescens ), Red‐eyed Vireo (   Vireo olivaceus ). Parasitism rates were low (6%), and most parasitized nests were associated with the two‐age harvest treatment. A source‐sink model for the Wood Thrush revealed that all treatments were likely population sources for this species. Thus, it appears that 15 years after harvest, cuts placed within otherwise extensively forested areas do not result in the type of edge effects (population sinks) observed in areas fragmented by agriculture in the midwestern United States. Further, because neither nest success nor avian abundance was lower in the two‐age than clearcut harvests, we conclude that two‐age management is a viable conservation alternative to clearcutting in large forested landscapes where Brown‐headed Cowbird (   Molothrus ater) parasitism is not a concern.
Bird Species' Tolerance of Secondary Forest Habitats and Its Effects on Extinction
Authors: HARRIS GRANT M. , PIMM STUART L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: 
Intense deforestation causes massive species losses. These losses occur because the habitats supplanting primary forest are inadequate to sustain viable populations of forest‐dependent species. Despite this, certain species do seem to persist within the secondary habitats that replace original forest. This implies that there is a special class of species that might survive the loss of primary forest. Such a result would significantly influence conservation plans and extinction predictions. We tested whether species that tolerate secondary habitats survive extensive habitat loss and whether the same degree of loss threatens species that are forest obligates. To identify purported “survivors,” we compared the remaining range sizes of endemic birds, their abundances, and their degree of extinction threat. We did this within the remaining Atlantic Forest of Brazil, a region extremely rich in endemics but with only approximately 10% of its forest remaining. We found no survivors. Habitat loss threatens forest‐obligate birds and those using secondary habitats equally.
Global Analysis of Factors Affecting the Outcome of Freshwater Fish Introductions
Authors: RUESINK JENNIFER L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  As humans move species around the globe, biotic homogenization decreases diversity. It is therefore crucial to understand factors influencing invasion success at a global scale. I analyzed factors predicting establishment of freshwater fishes transferred internationally, based on 1424 cases of first introductions from one country to another as reported in FishBase, an encyclopedic database of finfish biology. I used multiple logistic regression to explore four classes of predictor variables: species traits, environmental traits, match between species and environment, and propagule pressure. The best regression model, selected by Akaike's information criterion, included four factors that explained variation in establishment of 789 cases for which complete information was available. Establishment was higher for fishes in families with small body size and for omnivores. Establishment rose with endemism of the recipient country's fish fauna. Species were more likely to establish when humans intended their establishment (384/506 = 76%) rather than when fish were cultivated or used with no explicit desire for naturalization (524/918 = 57%). Three factors proved unrelated to establishment: latitudinal difference between countries of origin and introduction, native species richness of the recipient country (adjusted for area), and date of first introduction. Classification‐tree analysis correctly classified (success vs. failure) 60% of 789 cases, based on the same predictor variables as in multiple logistic regression. My significant results reinforce current ideas that invasion risk is high for rapidly reproducing, generalist species introduced into isolated environments. The success of intentional introductions implies that higher propagule pressure generates riskier invasions. Both models were tested by applying them to 445 cases not used for model development. With the regression model, invasion fate was correctly predicted for low‐risk (only 40% established) and high‐risk (90% established) introductions. With the classification tree, 67% were correctly classified. These analyses could be used to guide quantitative risk assessment of future international transfers of freshwater fishes. The overall high rate of establishment (64%) and strong influence of propagule pressure, however, suggest that few planned introductions of freshwater fishes have low establishment risk.
Multiple Sources, Admixture, and Genetic Variation in IntroducedAnolisLizard Populations
Authors: KOLBE JASON J. , GLOR RICHARD E. , SCHETTINO LOURDES RODRÍGUEZ , LARA ADA CHAMIZO , LARSON ALLAN , LOSOS JONATHAN B.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Invasive species are classically thought to suffer from reduced within‐population genetic variation compared to their native‐range sources due to founder effects and population bottlenecks during introduction. Reduction in genetic variation in introduced species may limit population growth, increase the risk of extinction, and constrain adaptation, hindering the successful establishment and spread of an alien species. Results of recent empirical studies, however, show higher than expected genetic variation, rapid evolution, and multiple native‐range sources in introduced populations, which challenge the classical scenario of invasive‐species genetics. With mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data, we examined the molecular genetics of 10 replicate introductions of 8 species ofAnolislizards. Eighty percent of introductions to Florida and the Dominican Republic were from multiple native‐range source populations. MtDNA haplotypes restricted to different geographically distinct populations in the native range of a species commonly occurred as intrapopulation polymorphisms in introduced populations. Two‐thirds of introduced populations had two or more sources, and admixture elevated genetic variation in half of the introduced populations above levels typical of native‐range populations. The mean pairwise sequence divergence among haplotypes sampled within introduced populations was nearly twice that within native‐range populations (2.6% vs. 1.4%). The dynamics of introductions from multiple sources and admixture explained the observed genetic contrasts between native and introducedAnolispopulations better than the classical scenario for most introduced populations. Elevated genetic variation through admixture occurred regardless of the mode or circumstances of an introduction. Little insight into the number of sources or amount of genetic variation in introduced populations was gained by knowing the number of physical introductions, the size of a species' non‐native range, or whether it was a deliberate or accidental introduction. We hypothesize that elevated genetic variation through admixture of multiple sources is more common in biological invasions than previously thought. We propose that introductions follow a sequential, two‐step process involving a reduction in genetic variation due to founder effects and population bottlenecks followed by an increase in genetic variation if admixture of individuals from multiple native‐range sources occurs.
The Effectiveness of Iberian Protected Areas in Conserving Terrestrial Biodiversity
Authors: ARAÚJO MIGUEL B. , LOBO JORGE M. , MORENO JUAN C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The Iberian Peninsula harbors about 50% of European plant and terrestrial vertebrate species and more than 30% of European endemic species. Despite the global recognition of its importance, the selection of protected areas has been ad hoc and the effectiveness of such choices has rarely been assessed. We compiled the most comprehensive distributional data set of Iberian terrestrial plant and vertebrate species available to date and used it to assess the degree of species representation within existing protected areas. Existing protected areas in Spain and Portugal reasonably represented the plant and animal species we considered (73–98%). Nevertheless, species of some groups (amphibians, reptiles, birds, and gymnosperms) did not accumulate in protected areas at a rate higher than expected by chance (p > 0.05). We determined that to conserve all vertebrate and plant species in the Iberian Peninsula, at least 36 additional areas are needed. Selection of additional areas for conservation would be facilitated if such areas coincided with sites of community importance (SCI) designated under the European Commission Habitats Directive. Additional areas required for full representation of the selected plant and animal species all coincide with SCI in Spain. Nevertheless, the degree of coincidence varies between 0.3% and 74.6%, and there is a possibility that important areas for conservation occur outside the SCI. Our results support the view that current SCI can be used for prioritization of areas for conservation, but a systematic reevaluation of conservation priorities in Spain and Portugal would be necessary to ensure that effective conservation of one of European's most important biodiversity regions is achieved.
Ecological Networks as Conceptual Frameworks or Operational Tools in Conservation
Authors: BOITANI LUIGI , FALCUCCI ALESSANDRA , MAIORANO LUIGI , RONDININI CARLO
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The establishment of ecological networks (ENs) has been proposed as an ideal way to counteract the increasing fragmentation of natural ecosystems and as a necessary complement to the establishment of protected areas for biodiversity conservation. This conservation tool, which comprises core areas, corridors, and buffer areas, has attracted the attention of several national and European institutions. It is thought that ENs can connect habitat patches and thus enable species to move across unsuitable areas. In Europe, however, ENs are proposed as an oversimplification of complex ecological concepts, and we maintain that they are of limited use for biodiversity conservation for several reasons. The ENs are species specific and operate on species‐dependent scales. In addition, the information needed for their implementation is only available for a handful of species. To overcome these limitations, ENs have been proposed on a landscape scale (and for selected “focal” species), but there is no indication that the structural composition of core areas, corridors, and buffer areas could ensure the functional connectivity and improve the viability of more than a few species. The theory behind ENs fails to provide sufficient practical information on how to build them (e.g., width, shape, structure, content). In fact, no EN so far has been validated in practice (ensuring connectivity and increasing overall biodiversity conservation), and there are no signs that validation will be possible in the near future. In view of these limitations, it is difficult to justify spending economic and political resources on building systems that are at best working hypotheses that cannot be evaluated on a practical level.
Contribution of the Natura 2000 Network to Biodiversity Conservation in Italy
Authors: MAIORANO LUIGI , FALCUCCI ALESSANDRA , GARTON EDWARD O. , BOITANI LUIGI
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The Natura 2000 network is the most important conservation effort being implemented in Europe. Nevertheless, no comprehensive and systematic region—or nationwide evaluation of the effectiveness of the network has been conducted. We used habitat suitability models and extent of occurrence of 468 species of vertebrates to evaluate the contribution of the Natura 2000 network to biodiversity conservation in Italy. We also estimated the population size of 101 species inside the Natura 2000 network to assess its capacity to maintain or improve the population status of listed species. In general the Italian Natura 2000 did not seem to integrate existing protected areas well. The Natura 2000 network increased from 11% to 20% the area devoted to conservation in Italy and the coverage provided to areas with high biodiversity. Nevertheless, some areas with high numbers of species were devoid of conservation areas, and more than 50% of the highly irreplaceable areas were not considered in the system. Moreover, the Natura 2000 network cannot maintain 44–80% (depending on the taxa considered) of the species in a “favorable conservation status” under World Conservation Union Red List criteria. The Natura 2000 network is probably stronger than the results of our analyses suggest. The system is based on a site‐specific expert‐based strategy and is driven by direct and detailed knowledge of local diversity. Nevertheless, if Natura 2000 is taken to represent the final point of all the EU conservation policies, it will inevitably fail. Its role in conservation could be enhanced by integrating the Natura 2000 system into a more general strategy that considers natural processes and the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying these processes.
Nimodipine, a New Calcium Antagonist, in the Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine
Authors: Gelmers H.J.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

The prophylactic effect of the calcium antagonist nimodipine was assessed in a double‐blind placebo controlled parallel design study in 60 patients. After a drug‐free interval of two weeks, placebo or nimodipine were given for 13 weeks each. The dose of nimodipine was 40 mg t.i.d. Ten patients (eight on placebo, two on nimodipine) withdrew because of therapeutic failure. In the 50 patients who completed the trial there was a significant beneficial effect in the nimodipine treated group, with regard to number of migraine attacks and duration during the last two months of treatment. Side effects were negligible.
“Daily” Common Migraine: Psychosocial Predictors of Outcomes of Medical Therapy
Authors: Featherstone Harvey J. , Beitman Bernard D.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

A group of 25 patients was treated with prophylactic medication for daily or near‐daily common migraine. Twelve patients (48%) improved on therapy while the remainder did not respond. Psychosocial factors were examined as they related to outcomes. The most important measured predictor of successful treatment was the perception by the patient that headaches were related to emotional stress; 92% of responders held this view compared to only 8% of nonresponders. Responders were also more likely to be divorced or never married and to seek psychotherapy than were nonresponders, most of whom were married and avoided psychotherapy. Patient age, sex, and perceived life stresses were unrelated to the results of treatment. It appears that patterns of responses to emotional stress are significant correlates of outcomes of prophylactic medical therapy.
Head Pain as a Result of Experimental Ischemic Exercise of the Temporalis Muscle
Authors: Myers Daniel E. , McCall W.D.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

Reports indicate that ischemia relative to cranial muscle activity accompanies muscle contraction headache and jaw claudication. The purpose of this study was to experimentally create ischemia in exercising temporalis muscle in order to determine if this combination would produce head pain. Ten subjects were studied during each of three experimental conditions: temporalis muscle ischemia, rhythmic temporalis muscle exercise, and both ischemia and temporalis muscle exercise combined. Ischemia was produced by a scalp sphygmomanometer and verified by Doppler ultrasonic flowmetry of the superficial temporal artery. Temporalis muscle exercise was produced by gum chewing at 60 strokes/min using 30% of maximum electromyographic (EMG) activity. The time to onset of pain and the time to reach pain tolerance were measured. Pain, using either exercise or ischemia alone developed in a median time of 27 minutes and was seldom located in the temporal area. Pain, using both exercise and ischemia, developed in a median time of three minutes and was predominantly located in the temporal area. Both onset and tolerance times were shorter in the combined protocol when compared to ischemia or exercise alone (r<.001). Tenderness to palpation was observed in the temporal muscle following the combined procedure but not following the individual procedures. The results support the view that ischemic temporal muscle activity can produce head pain.
EEG Markers of Migraine in Children and Adults
Authors: Simon Richard H. , Zimmerman Andrew W. , Sanderson Paula , Tasman Allan
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

EEG markers of migraine in childhood were characterized using computer techniques for harmonic analysis of the EEG during photic stimulation. We examined values of coherence, power in the alpha range, response to photic stimulation and attenuation of power in the alpha range during photic driving. With these data, we were able to discriminate 12 of 13 children with migraine from age‐matched controls. We compared our results to previous data with adults and found many properties in the spectral analyses common to both children and adults, but also found a small set of properties unique to children.
Personality and Headache Type: a Controlled Study
Authors: Passchier J. , van der Helm‐Hylkema H. , Orlebeke J.F.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

This study tested several clinical hypotheses about personality traits of migraine and tension headache patients in a controlled design. Achievement motivation was found to be elevated in both headache groups. The tension headache patients also exhibited greater rigidity in comparison to the migraine group and the controls. In migraine patients, both traits were positively correlated with duration of headache attacks. When the two patient groups were combined, the headache patients had, in addition to raised achievement motivation and rigidity, more fear of failure and less impulsiveness than the controls. No evidence was found for higher prevalence of neuroticism and obsessive‐compulsive behavior in the headache groups. Neither migraine nor tension headache patients revealed an abnormal pattern of defense mechanisms. Generally, those traits related to aspects of performance were found to be more prevalent in headache patients than in controls.
Personality Factors in Classical Migraine and Tension Headache
Authors: Blaszczynski A.P.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

The hypothesis that classical migraine and tension headache sufferers show a "specific headache personality" characterized by traits of obsessionality, neuroticism and repressed hostility was tested. A sample of fifteen classical migraine and fifteen tension headache sufferers selected without reference to treatment, was compared with fifteen non‐headache normal subjects and fifteen subjects suffering physical pain but of a non‐headache nature.

Personality tests of obsessionality, neuroticism, anxiety and hostility were administered. Analyses of variance revealed that sufferers from headache and non‐headache physical pain had higher levels of neuroticism and repressed hostility than the non‐headache controls. No evidence for increased incidence of obsessionality was found in any group.

It was concluded that the similarities between headache and non‐headache physical pain sufferers found on several of the personality indices suggested that traits frequently reported as characteristic of headache sufferers may be the result of a coping strategy for recurrent pain and not specific to headaches.
Multimodal Migraine Treatment: Does Thermal Feedback Add to the Outcome?
Authors: Sorbi Marjolijn , Tellegen Bert
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

This study was carried out to examine the therapeutic necessity of thermal feedback training in a multimodal treatment program for migraine headache. Twenty‐one patients with frequent (at least two per month) migraine headaches or combined migraine‐tension headaches were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) autogenic relaxation training followed by stress‐coping training; (2) the same treatment package supplemented with thermal feedback.

Results indicated the equivalent effectiveness of both treatments in ameliorating headache activity and reducing medication use. These outcomes were stable 7 months after treatment. Between‐group comparisons on clinical improvement and on temperature performance with autogenic relaxation, as well as findings from post‐treatment interviews, led to the conclusion that thermal feedback training can be excluded without weakening the program's therapeutic efficacy.

In general the results suggest that thermal feedback per sé does not add to the treatment outcomes obtainable with general relaxation training, and that for patients characterized by high achievement‐motivation and sensitivity to initial failure a feedback regimen might even be counterproductive. Both findings need further experimental clarification.
Patient Motivation in the Treatment of Migraine. A Non‐medicinal Study
Authors: Gallagher R. Michael , Warner Joanne B.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

Motivation is recognized by many physicians as a critical component of any comprehensive treatment program for the migraine patient. To study the role of patient motivation, eighteen migraine patients were entered into a non‐medicinal treatment program to include counselling, biofeedback, stress reduction, dietary restriction, exercise, and sleep pattern adjustment. Patients were divided equally into the following groups: military and civilian flyers who were not permitted maintenance medication to remain on flying status; fertile females who were not practicing birth control; and patients who for various reasons desired no maintenance medication. After six months, the first group (flyers) showed significant improvement in reference to both frequency and duration of headache; the second group (fertile females) showed improvement to a lesser degree; and the third group (varied) showed only minimal improvement. This limited study suggests that patient motivation is a significant determinant in the success of a migraine treatment program.
Migraine Due to Hydrocephalus
Authors: Donaldson I. MacG.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

Two patients are presented who developed classical migraine in association with raised intracranial pressure due to a colloid cyst of the third ventricle and a presumed brain stem tumor. Although intraventricular tumours have been claimed to occasionally produce migrainous attacks, brain stem and posterior fossa masses have not been regarded as having this potential. Obstructive hydrocephalus was probably the common mechanism and this should be recognized as a rare cause of migraine.
A Comparison of Naproxen Sodium to Propranolol Hydrochloride and a Placebo Control for the Prophylaxis of Migraine Headache
Authors: Sargent Joseph , Solbach Patricia , Damasio Hanna , Baumel Barry , Corbett James , Eisner Larry , Jessen Barbara , Kudrow Lee , Mathew Ninan , Medina Jose , Saper Joel , Vijayan Nazhiyath , Watson Craig , Alger Jeanne
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

A 17 week, double‐blind, randomized, parallel, multicenter study compared naproxen sodium 550 mg bid, propranolol hydrochloride 40 mg tid, and placebo in 129 patients with classical or common migraine. Daily efficacy data were collected during the 12 week full treatment phase. Characteristics measured included headache days, headache severity, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Patients and investigators, separately, rated the overall response and tolerance to the medication at the end of the trial.

Patients' daily records revealed a trend toward superiority in the reduction of headache frequency, headache severity, nausea and visual disturbances for naproxen sodium and propranolol hydrochloride when compared to the placebo. In the overall evaluation of therapeutic response, both patients and investigators favored naproxen sodium in comparison with placebo. In a similar paired comparison the patients, but not the investigators, judged the overall response to propranolol better than placebo. In the overall evaluation of tolerance, both the patients and investigators favored propranolol hydrochloride. The majority of patients reported a high incidence and severity of gastrointestinal complaints associated with naproxen sodium treatment than propranolol hydrochloride treatment. The incidence and severity of nongastrointestinal complaints related to naproxen and propranolol hydrochloride treatment were comparable.

Headache activity occurring before and after the onset of menses was analyzed for a subset of 30 patients. Those treated with naproxen sodium experienced lesser headache frequency and severity during the week prior to menses, compared with the week after onset of menses. The difference in severity in the naproxen sodium treated patients was statistically significant when compared to the placebo treated patients and approached significance when compared to the propranolol hydrochloride treated patients.

In this study naproxen sodium was shown to be an effective prophylactic medication for migraine. A long‐term study, to confirm these findings, seems warranted.
Migraine Symptoms in School Children: What Is the Best Diagnostic Characteristic for Migraine?
Authors: Passchier J. , Bonke B.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

Migraine symptoms were assessed in a sample of about 2300 school children between 10 and 17 years of age in Amsterdam. Prevalence of migraine symptoms was very similar to that reported by Waters using the same questionnaire. Headache intensity gave a reliable indication of the presence of other migraine symptoms. This finding was crossvalidated in several subsamples and confirmed the severity hypothesis of Waters for a young population.
Possible Predictive Factors in the Evolution of Episodic to Chronic Cluster Headache
Authors: Torelli Paola , Cologno Daniela , Cademartiri Carola , Manzoni Gian Camillo
Published: August 2010

The purpose of our study was to identify general factors and distinctive clinical features differentiating patients with chronic cluster headache (CH) evolved from episodic CH and patients with episodic CH. Our study sample included 28 patients suffering from chronic CH evolved from episodic CH and 258 patients with episodic CH; all were referred to the Headache Center of Parma between December 1975 and June 1998. Patients with episodic CH were selected from all episodic CH referrals (n = 485) and selection was based on the duration of the disorder, which was to exceed the average period needed for an episodic form to turn into a chronic form (4.5 years for females and 7.0 years for males). At CH onset, the mean age for patients with chronic CH evolved from episodic CH was older than for those with episodic CH. Among patients with chronic CH, more were smokers or heavy drinkers, and had suffered a head injury. Clinically, episodic CH evolving into chronic CH was characterized by a high frequency of cluster periods, a larger proportion of patients with attacks not occurring strictly within cluster periods, and remission periods lasting less than 6 months. Possible predictive factors in the development of chronic CH appear to be CH onset from the third decade of life onward, the occurrence of more than one cluster period a year, and the short‐lived duration of remission periods. The role played by head injury and cigarette smoking in the evolution of the disorder still cannot be established with certainty.
Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania‐like Headaches in a Child: Response to a Headache Diary
Authors: Klassen Brian D. , Dooley Joseph M.
Published: August 2010

Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and cluster headache are both characterized by recurrent, severe, unilateral headaches accompanied by symptoms and signs of autonomic dysfunction. They are differentiated by the frequency, duration, and medication responsiveness of the headaches. Both occur in childhood, although such reports are rare.

A 6‐year‐old boy presented with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania‐like headaches. Through the use of a headache diary, his headaches were found to follow stressful events and resolved shortly after the introduction of the diary.

Precipitation of chronic paroxysmal hemicrania‐like headaches by stress has not been previously reported. We recommend the use of a headache diary as both an aid to diagnosis and an initial nonpharmacological therapeutic intervention for children with such headaches.
Headache and Sferics
Authors: Vaitl Dieter , Propson Nicole , Stark Rudolf , Walter Bertram , Schienle Anne
Published: August 2010

Many patients with migraine believe weather is a trigger for their headaches. The objective of this study was to determine if very low frequency sferics, pulse‐shaped electromagnetic fields originating from atmospheric discharges (lightning), are precipitating factors. The occurrence of sferics impulses is characterized by a daily, as well as an annual, periodicity and is thought to be associated with various pathological processes. The diaries of 37 women suffering from migraine and tension‐type headaches were analyzed over a period of 6 months and correlated with daily sferics activity and other weather phenomena in the area of Giessen, Germany. From October through December (autumn), sferics activity was correlated with the occurrence of migraine (r = 0.33, P<.01); however, there was no correlation in July and August (summer), when the thunderstorm activity had been very intense. In summer, tension‐type headaches were associated with other weather parameters such as temperature (r  = 0.36, P<.01) and vapor pressure (r = 0.27, P<.05).
Dracula's Teeth Syndrome
Authors: Jacome Daniel E.
Published: August 2010

Objective.—To describe a patient with facial pain, ipsilateral facial dystonia, and phantom supernumerary teeth, beginning after resection of hypertrophic gums. She had familial sensorineural deafness.

Background.—Atypical cranial dystonia subsequent to dental procedures is associated with facial pain, dysesthesias, or phantom phenomena, but not with phantom supernumerary teeth. Patients with migraine are susceptible to experience cephalic phantom phenomena after dental procedures. Wynne syndrome is a hereditary autosomal dominant disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural deafness and supernumerary teeth.

Methods.—Clinical examination, computerized tomography of paranasal sinuses and facial bones, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, cranial electrophysiological testing, and electroencephalogram.

Results.—A 52‐year‐old woman with history of migraine without aura for 40 years exhibited focal right facial involuntary tonic contracture accompanying chronic severe pain over the same area after gum resection. She reported a daily sensation of having two extra upper canine teeth pressing on her tongue, simulating vampire's (“Dracula's”) teeth. She had high‐frequency bilateral sensorineural deafness. Her computerized tomography studies, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and cranial electrophysiological testing were normal.

Conclusion.—This patient with chronic migraine had atypical cranial dystonia beginning after a dental procedure. Her dystonia was complicated by the unusual phenomenon of phantom supernumerary teeth. This condition may be misdiagnosed as atypical or psychogenic facial pain when facial dystonia is localized or subtle and is, therefore, confused with an idiosyncratic gesture or habitual spasm. Her signs and symptoms are reminiscent of Wynne syndrome.
Cushing Syndrome Induced by Serial Occipital Nerve Blocks Containing Corticosteroids
Authors: Lavin Patrick J. , Workman Robert
Published: August 2010

A patient with chronic daily headaches developed overt signs of Cushing syndrome during treatment with serial occipital nerve block injections. Investigation demonstrated an exogenous source of corticosteroids as the cause of the Cushing syndrome in this patient, thus, implicating the corticosteroid component of the occipital nerve blocks. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Cushing syndrome caused by occipital nerve blockade. Caution is warranted in employing even usual therapeutic doses of synthetic corticosteroids, particularly in long‐acting or depot preparations.