bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐treatment choroidal thickness is not predictive of susceptibility to form‐deprivation myopia in chickens
Authors: Guggenheim Jeremy A , Chen Yen‐Po , Yip Elaine , Hayet Hélène , Druel Vladimir , Wang Ling , Erichsen Jonathan T , Tumlinson Alexandre R , Povazay Boris , Drexler Wolfgang , Hocking Paul M
Published: March 2011

Citation information: Guggenheim JA, Chen Y‐P, Yip E, Hayet H, Druel V, Wang L, Erichsen JT, Tumlinson AR, Povazay B, Drexler W & Hocking PM. Pre‐treatment choroidal thickness is not predictive of susceptibility to form‐deprivation myopia in chickens. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 516–528. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00827.x

Purpose:  Chicks developing experimentally‐induced myopia show profound thinning of the choroid. We observed a wide range of choroidal thicknesses in a sample of normal chicks prior to their use in a pedigree‐based study of form‐deprivation myopia. Hence, we tested whether pre‐treatment choroidal thickness predicted susceptibility to myopia.

Methods:  Retinal, choroidal and scleral thickness were measured using A‐scan ultrasonography in normal White Leghorn chicks (n = 891) aged 4 days old, and again (n = 498) after 4 days of monocular form‐deprivation at age 8 days of age. Refractive error was assessed by retinoscopy. Relationships between pre‐treatment choroidal thickness and other variables were investigated using general linear models and variance components analysis.

Results:  Untreated 4 day‐old male chicks had choroids approximately 10% thinner than females (p < 0.001), but sex explained <2% of the overall variability in choroidal thickness. Axial eye length in these untreated chicks was not significantly associated with choroidal thickness (p = 0.25). Moreover, pre‐treatment choroidal thickness was not predictive of susceptibility to form‐deprivation myopia (p = 0.89). Heritability analysis suggested that at least 50% of the variation in pre‐treatment choroidal thickness was determined by additive genetic effects (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Parental choroidal thickness is the major determinant of choroidal thickness in untreated 4‐day old chicks. Despite choroidal thickness potentially being indicative of ongoing emmetropisation to innate refractive errors, in this study it was not predictive of subsequent susceptibility to form‐deprivation myopia.
Comparative osteohistology of hyperelongate neural spines in the Edaphosauridae (Amniota: Synapsida)
Authors: HUTTENLOCKER ADAM K. , MAZIERSKI DAVID , REISZ ROBERT R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  The Permo‐Carboniferous Edaphosauridae is an extinct family of omnivorous and herbivorous basal synapsids in which a dorsal sail, comprised of a series of hyperelongate vertebral spinous processes (‘neural spines’), evolved convergently to their sphenacodontid contemporaries. Descriptive and quantitative microstructural analysis of these hypertrophied neural spines allows inferences of sail growth, allometry and structural properties and permits systematic comparisons with other groups (i.e. sphenacodontids). In Edaphosaurus and Ianthasaurus, neural spine microstructure is characterized by a lamellar‐zonal primary bone complex within the cortex, distal cross‐sectional bone density ranging from approximately 0.50 to 0.75, low cortical porosity ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 per cent, relative bone wall thickness ranging from 10 to 25 per cent and presence of a central cavity, fully developed with smooth endosteal margins in both genera. Tubercle growth, however, appears to have been slower and incremental in the specimen of Ianthasaurus examined here. Microstructural similarities further support the position of Lupeosaurus within Edaphosauridae as hypothesized by earlier authors, though most parsimoniously in a basal position (as a central cavity is only incipiently developed and tubercles are lacking). Histological properties of hyperelongate neural spines in Lupeosaurus and other edaphosaurids do not meet previously established requirements of the thermoregulatory hypothesis, either calling into question the sail’s thermoregulatory function in this group or indicating a reconsideration of those putative thermoregulatory adaptations and the purported soft‐tissue correlates of the sail. Conversely, microstructural patterns exhibit variation that is consistent with an intra‐ or interspecific display function. Given the diverse microstructural properties at the family and genus‐level, histological study of hyperelongate neural spines may also aid in recognizing taxonomic compositions of Permo‐Carboniferous microvertebrate assemblages in which only fragmentary materials are known.
The emerging physiological roles of the SLC14A family of urea transporters
Authors: Stewart Gavin
Published: March 2011

In mammals, urea is the main nitrogenous breakdown product of protein catabolism and is produced in the liver. In certain tissues, the movement of urea across cell membranes is specifically mediated by a group of proteins known as the SLC14A family of facilitative urea transporters. These proteins are derived from two distinct genes, UT‐A (SLC14A2) and UT‐B (SLC14A1). Facilitative urea transporters play an important role in two major physiological processes – urinary concentration and urea nitrogen salvaging. Although UT‐A and UT‐B transporters both have a similar basic structure and mediate the transport of urea in a facilitative manner, there are a number of significant differences between them. UT‐A transporters are mainly found in the kidney, are highly specific for urea, have relatively lower transport rates and are highly regulated at both gene expression and cellular localization levels. In contrast, UT‐B transporters are more widespread in their tissue location, transport both urea and water, have a relatively high transport rate, are inhibited by mercurial compounds and currently appear to be less acutely regulated. This review details the fundamental research that has so far been performed to investigate the function and physiological significance of these two types of urea transporters.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Transporters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐7
A Qualitative Study of the Formation and Composition of Social Networks Among Homeless Youth
Authors: Tyler Kimberly A. , Melander Lisa A.
Published: March 2011

Although social networks are essential for explaining protective and risk factors among homeless youth, little is known about the formation and composition of these groups. In this study, we utilized 19 in‐depth interviews with homeless youth to investigate their social network formation, role relationships, housing status, and network member functions. Our findings reveal that the formation of these networks occurred in different ways including meeting network members through others or in specific social situations. The majority of social network members were currently housed and provided various functions including instrumental and social support and protection. Responses from participants provide valuable insight into the formation of social networks and potentially explain their subsequent involvement in risky behaviors.
Intraoperative cell salvage in obstetrics: is it a real therapeutic option?
Authors: Liumbruno Giancarlo Maria , Liumbruno Chiara , Rafanelli Daniela
Published: March 2011

Obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. Intraoperative blood salvage is common practice in many surgical specialties but its safety in obstetrics is questioned for concerns on the risks of contamination of recovered blood with amniotic fluid (AF) and of maternal‐fetal alloimmunization. However, the role of cell salvage as a blood‐saving measure in obstetrics is progressively acquiring relevance thanks to the growing body of evidence regarding its quality and safety coming from over 800 documented procedures and more than 400 patients transfused with saved blood. Although the information about the outcomes of the patients treated and the allogeneic blood saving effect are still limited, modern cell savers remove most particulate contaminants and leukoreduction filtering of salvaged blood (SB) before transfusion adds further safety to this technique. Moreover, AF embolism is no longer regarded as an embolic disease and it is suggested that it is a rare anaphylactoid reaction to the fetal antigen. The contamination of the SB by fetal Rh‐mismatched red blood cells (RBCs) can be dealt with using RhIG; ABO incompatibility tends to be a minor problem since ABO antigens are not fully developed at birth. Antibodies can be formed against other fetal RBC antigens, but it should also be noted that the risk of alloimmunization of the mother from allogeneic transfusion is probably even greater. Therefore, intraoperative cell salvage in obstetrics should be considered in patients at high risk for hemorrhage or in cases where allogeneic blood transfusion is difficult or impossible.
The Leukocyte Antibody Prevalence Study‐II (LAPS‐II): a retrospective cohort study of transfusion‐related acute lung injury in recipients of high‐plasma‐volume human leukocyte antigen antibody–positive or –negative components
Authors: Kleinman Steven H. , Triulzi Darrell J. , Murphy Edward L. , Carey Patricia M. , Gottschall Jerome L. , Roback John D. , Carrick Danielle , Mathew Sunitha , Wright David J. , Cable Ritchard , Ness Paul , Gajic Ognjen , Hubmayr Rolf D. , Looney Mark R. , Kakaiya Ram M. ,   for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: We used a multicenter retrospective cohort study design to evaluate whether human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody donor screening would reduce the risk of transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) or possible TRALI.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In the Leukocyte Antibody Prevalence Study‐II (LAPS‐II), we evaluated pulmonary outcomes in recipients of 2596 plasma‐rich blood components (transfusable plasma and plateletpheresis) sent to participating hospitals; half of the components were collected from anti‐HLA–positive donors (study arm) and half from anti‐HLA–negative donors (control arm) matched by sex, parity, and blood center. A staged medical record review process was used. Final recipient diagnosis was based on case review by a blinded expert panel of pulmonary or critical care physicians.

RESULTS: TRALI incidence was 0.59% (seven cases) in study arm recipients versus 0.16% (two cases) in control arm recipients for an odds ratio (OR) of 3.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7‐17.4; p = 0.10). For possible TRALI cases (nine study arm, eight control arm), the OR was 1.2 (95% CI, 0.4‐3.0; p = 0.81), and for TRALI and possible TRALI aggregated together, it was 1.7 (95% CI, 0.7‐3.7; p = 0.24). Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload incidence was identical in the two arms (1.17 and 1.22%, respectively; OR, 1.0; p = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS: TRALI incidence in recipients of anti‐HLA–positive components was relatively low for a lookback study (1 in 170) and was higher than in the control arm, but did not reach significance. Based on this trend, the data are consistent with the likelihood that TRALI risk is decreased by selecting high‐volume plasma components for transfusion from donors at low risk of having HLA antibodies.
Looking back—and looking ahead—35 years after the Inuit land use and occupancy project
Authors: Freeman Milton M. R.
Published: March 2011

The Inuit Land Use and Occupancy Project (ILUOP) presented a detailed, comprehensive, and verifiable basis for the claim that Inuit used and occupied an area in excess of 2.8 million square kilometres at the time the ILUOP was completed in the Northwest Territories and northeast Yukon. This article describes the events that led to the ILUOP being undertaken, the methods and content of the study, and some of the outcomes following completion of the project.
On the nature of sea ice around Igloolik
Authors: Inuksuk Aipilik
Published: March 2011

This text is the English translation of an interview conducted in Inuktitut by a younger Inuit, Paul Irngaut, with an experienced Inuit elder, Aipilik Inuksuk, on the topic of sea ice. Inuksuk describes his knowledge of sea ice while remembering his own experiences. The interview was recorded in 1988 in Igloolik as part of the Igloolik Oral History Project.
Evaluating the Floe Edge Service: how well can SAR imagery address Inuit community concerns around sea ice change and travel safety?
Authors: Laidler Gita J. , Hirose Tom , Kapfer Mark , Ikummaq Theo , Joamie Eric , Elee Pootoogoo
Published: March 2011

In response to increasing environmental and social changes in the past few decades, some Inuit hunters have been turning to scientific tools to help evaluate sea ice conditions. Simultaneously, there has been more scientific interest in understanding local scale processes through Inuit knowledge in order to develop a broader comprehension of dynamic sea ice conditions and implications of long‐term change. Building on several years of collaborative research with Inuit sea ice experts in Cape Dorset, Igloolik, and Pangnirtung, Nunavut, and local expressions of interest in increased access and availability of satellite imagery of sea ice, the Polar View Floe Edge Service was expanded to each community in the spring of 2007. Follow‐up workshops in November 2007 helped to evaluate and improve the service by considering previous local uses of satellite imagery and tailoring Floe Edge Service regions of interest to local areas of sea ice use. Through workshop discussions, several opportunities for the use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery emerged, including: seeing what is on (or within/under) the ice; monitoring seasonal and long‐term sea ice changes; hazards assessment; planning travel routes; and facilitating search and rescue operations. A number of challenges were also identified, such as: SAR image interpretation; image spatial resolution; frequency of image acquisition; SAR image representation capabilities; and technological limitations. The workshops also provided some insights into intercultural and intergenerational exchanges and led to a number of recommendations to continue expanding and improving the Floe Edge Service. This case study shows how remote sensing can be incorporated into the suite of traditional indicators and technological tools that hunters draw upon in their evaluations of complex human‐animal‐environment assessments. In the face of declining and unpredictable sea ice conditions, bridging scales and knowledge systems will be essential in developing integrated monitoring systems to respond to increased political and economic pressures as well as safety concerns for travelling on or within ice‐covered oceans.
Towards an Indigenist data management program: reflections on experiences developing an atlas of sea ice knowledge and use
Authors: Pulsifer Peter L. , Laidler Gita J. , Taylor D. R. Fraser , Hayes Amos
Published: March 2011

The International Polar Year (2007–2008) (IPY) established an IPY data policy that guides a formal data management (DM) process. The DM system envisioned includes data based on Indigenous knowledge systems linked to data collected in the Western scientific tradition. Based on experiences developing an online Atlas of Inuit Sea Ice Knowledge and Use (Siku Atlas) we argue that an ‘Indigenist’ DM program must be developed if the envisioned IPY DM system is to be realized. Existing ideas proposing an Indigenist research paradigm are discussed in the context of DM. To move towards the development and implementation of an Indigenist DM program, we review four key relationships for consideration when documenting Indigenous knowledge and managing the resulting data: Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge systems; communities and researchers; Indigenous knowledge and power; and Indigenous knowledge and documentation methods. To ground the discussion, we link Indigenist DM processes to the Siku Atlas development process and results. Last, lessons learned are presented along with an outline of directions for a research program in support of an Indigenist DM program.
Primary Intracerebral Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: CT, MRI, and PET‐CT Findings
Authors: Yoo Roh‐Eul , Choi Seung Hong , Park Sung‐Hye , Jung Hee‐Won , Kim Ji‐hoon , Sohn Chul‐Ho , Chang Kee‐Hyun
Published: March 2011

Primary intracranial malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is an extremely rare entity. A few reported cases have been associated with factors such as a previous history of radiation therapy or surgical trauma. We report on a rare case of intracerebral MFH in a previously healthy 47‐year‐old man, which was initially presumed to be a high‐grade glioma. Conventional as well as advanced magnetic resonance sequences, including diffusion‐weighted image and perfusion‐weighted image, were used in characterization of the mass.
Endovascular Treatment of Iatrogenic Intracranial Pseudoaneurysm Following Stent Angioplasty
Authors: Lim Jihe , Suh Sang Hyun , Lee Kyung‐Yul , Hong Chang Ki , Park Seoung Woo
Published: March 2011

Intracranial pseudoaneurysm (IPA) is a rare disease entity associated with blunt trauma or penetration injury and less likely surgical or endovascular procedure. Decision of the therapeutic option is difficult and challenging in the treatment of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) that is necessary to maintain. We report our experience of reconstructive treatment of iatrogenic IPA, which was developed after stenting and balloon angioplasty, in the left MCA with overlapping Enterprise stents. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:194‐196
Cerebrovascular Reacivity Assessment in Patients with Carotid Artery Disease: A Combined TCD and NIRS Study
Authors: Vasdekis Spyros N. , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Athanasiadis Dimitrios , Andrikopoulou Athina , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Lazaris Andreas M. , Stamboulis Elefterios
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) are two noninvasive diagnostic tools that have been shown to evaluate cerebral vasomotor reactivity by measuring changes in mean cerebral blood flow velocities (MCBFV) of proximal intracranial arteries and absolute brain‐tissue oxygen‐saturation (TOS) in microcirculation, respectively, during hemodynamic challenge. We evaluated the potential correlation between TCD and NIRS measurements of vasomotor reactivity (VMR) in patients with carotid artery disease (CARAD).

METHODS

Consecutive patients (n = 24) with CARAD underwent simultaneously TCD and NIRS examinations during voluntary breath‐holding (BH). MCBFV and TOS values were recorded at baseline (BAS) and at the end of BH, while BH duration (DBH) was documented. VMR was quantified by means of TCD‐BHI (Breath‐holding Index: [MCBFVBH− MCBFVBAS]× 100/MCBFVBAS/DBH) and NIRS‐BHI ([TOSBH− TOSBAS]× 100/ TOSBAS/DBH).

RESULTS

TCD‐BHI correlated positively with NIRS‐BHI in the affected side (r = .538, P = .007). A stronger correlation between TCD‐BHI and NIRS‐BHI was documented in the nonaffected side (r = .768, P< .001). After adjusting for demographic characteristics, stroke risk factors and symptomatic status NIRS‐BHI was linearly and independently associated with TCD‐BHI both in the affected (β:+ .813, P = .001) and unaffected (β:+ .823, P < .001) side.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulatory assessment of VMR in proximal cerebral vessels by TCD correlates positively to functional measurements of VMR in microcirculation by NIRS in CARAD patients.
High b‐Value q‐Space Analyzed Diffusion‐Weighted MRI Using 1.5 Tesla Clinical Scanner; Determination of Displacement Parameters in the Brains of Normal versus Multiple Sclerosis and Low‐Grade Glioma Subjects
Authors: Fatima Zareen , Motosugi Utaroh , Hori Masaaki , Ishigame Keiichi , Onodera Toshiyuki , Yagi Kazuo , Araki Tsutomu
Published: March 2011

PURPOSE

We aimed to determine the displacement parameters in the brains of normal individuals relative to brain parenchymal abnormalities, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and low‐grade glioma, by q‐space imaging (QSI) using 1.5‐T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty‐five normal, three pathologically proven low‐grade glioma, and five MS subjects were imaged by a 1.5‐T MR unit for QSI (b‐values, 0‐12,000 s/mm2). Mean displacement (MD) values in white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and lateral ventricle (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) of normal subjects, plaques, and normal appearing WM (NAWM) of MS subjects and glioma lesions were calculated. Mann‐Whitney U test was used for comparison.

RESULTS

In normal subjects, MD values were 6.6 ± 0.2, 8.44 ± 0.41, and 17.08 ± 0.80 μm for WM, GM, and CSF, respectively, while those for NAWM and WM plaques in MS, and glioma lesions were significantly higher at 7.0 ± 0.17, 9.3 ± 2.3, and 9.6 ± 0.40 μm, respectively, compared to WM in normal subjects.

CONCLUSION

We propose that the relative values of MD obtained by QSI in control and diseased tissues can be useful for diagnosing various WM abnormalities.
La globalización de las migraciones de enfermeras. Problemas políticos y soluciones
Authors: YEATES Nicola
Published: March 2011

Para afrontar la «crisis del cuidado», muchos países con economías avanzadas se han lanzado a la preparación y contratación en el extranjero de personal sanitario. Pues bien, las pérdidas y ganancias de estas migraciones se reparten con creciente desigualdad, lo cual intensifica las demandas de que se acometan políticas distintas. La autora valora la utilidad de los planteamientos actuales acerca de la migración de enfermeras desde varios puntos de vista: la sostenibilidad, la equidad social, las «redes asistenciales» y el desarrollo social. Aboga, asimismo, por la cooperación y colaboración internacionales a fin de vencer los grandes retos que supone este fenómeno en todo el planeta para la sanidad pública, la reproducción social y el desarrollo social.
Los salarios de la economía del cuidado en comparación internacional
Authors: BUDIG Michelle J. , MISRA Joya
Published: March 2011

El presente artículo versa sobre los salarios de los trabajadores del cuidado, es decir, las personas que prestan, en una relación personal, servicios que mejoran la salud, las capacidades o la seguridad de quienes los reciben. Las autoras comparan la situación reinante en doce países que presentan condiciones económicas y políticas muy distintas. Estos salarios no siempre están infravalorados, pues hay grandes variaciones internacionales que se deben, ante todo, a las características de los trabajadores y de los propios puestos de trabajo. Otros factores nacionales que influyen son las desigualdades salariales, el tamaño del sector público y la fuerza de los sindicatos.
Expansión del trabajo de cuidado en la República de Corea y consecuencias para los cuidadores
Authors: PENG Ito
Published: March 2011

El Gobierno de la República de Corea viene ampliando notablemente desde el año 2000 su sostén a la asistencia a los niños y las personas mayores. Aunque ello ha creado más empleos para las mujeres, ha confinado a una parte de los cuidadores en puestos de los servicios sociales que están frecuentemente mal pagados y se encuentran infravalorados por la sociedad. La autora sostiene que las políticas so‐ciolaborales han propiciado la aparición de grandes diferencias de salarios y demás condiciones de trabajo entre los cuidadores. La situación laboral de los que atienden a la infancia ha mejorado gracias a la reglamentación y la expansión de los servicios públicos, mientras que empeoraba la de los que atienden a personas mayores, debido a la mercantilización.
STAT1 deficiency in the heart protects against myocardial infarction by enhancing autophagy
Authors: McCormick J. , Suleman N. , Scarabelli T.M. , Knight R.A. , Latchman D.S. , Stephanou A.
Published: March 2011

Previous studies have shown that the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation is increased in primary cardiac myocytes exposed to simulated ischaemia/reperfusion injury. This promotes apoptotic cell death by enhancing the expression of pro‐apoptotic proteins. Autophagy has been demonstrated to play a cardioprotective role in the heart following myocardial infarction (MI). We therefore investigated the role of STAT1 in the intact heart subjected to MI and examined the contribution of autophagy in modulating the protective effect of STAT1 after MI injury. STAT1‐deficient hearts had significantly smaller infarcts than wild‐type hearts and this correlated with increased levels of autophagy shown by light chain 3 (LC3)‐I/LC3‐II conversion, and up‐regulation of Atg12 and Beclin 1. Moreover, pre‐treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine reversed the cardioprotection observed in the STAT1‐deficient hearts. These results reveal a new function of STAT1 in the control of autophagy and indicate a cross‐talk between the cardioprotective versus the damaging effects of STAT1 in the intact heart exposed to MI injury.
Atorvastatin activates heme oxygenase‐1 at the stress response elements
Authors: Kwok Simon C.M. , Samuel Solomon P. , Handal John
Published: March 2011

Statins are known to inhibit growth of a number of cancer cells, but their mechanism of action is not well established. In this study, human prostate adenocarcinoma PC‐3 and breast adenocarcinoma MCF‐7 cell lines were used as models to investigate the mechanism of action of atorvastatin, one of the statins. Atorvastatin was found to induce apoptosis in PC‐3 cells at a concentration of 1 μM, and in MCF‐7 cells at 50 μM. Initial survey of possible pathway using various pathway‐specific luciferase reporter assays showed that atorvastatin‐activated antioxidant response element (ARE), suggesting oxidative stress pathway may play a role in atorvastatin‐induced apoptosis in both cell lines. Among the antioxidant response genes, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) was significantly up‐regulated by atorvastatin. Pre‐incubation of the cells with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate blocked atorvastatin‐induced apoptosis, but not up‐regulation of HO‐1, suggesting that atorvastatin‐induced apoptosis is dependent on GTPase activity and up‐regulation of HO‐1 gene is not. Six ARE‐like elements (designated StRE1 [stress response element] through StRE6) are present in the HO‐1 promoter. Atorvastatin was able to activate all of the elements. Because these StRE sites are present in clusters in HO‐1 promoter, up‐regulation of HO‐1 by atorvastatin may involve multiple StRE sites. The role of HO‐1 in atorvastatin‐induced apoptosis in PC‐3 and MCF‐7 remains to be studied.
An overview of racial disparities in preterm birth rates: caused by infection or inflammatory response?
Authors: MENON RAMKUMAR , DUNLOP ANNE L. , KRAMER MICHAEL R. , FORTUNATO STEPHEN J. , HOGUE CAROL J.
Published: March 2011

Infection has been hypothesized to be one of the factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) and with the racial disparity in rates of PTB between African American and Caucasian women. However, recent findings refute the generalizability of the role of infection and inflammation. African Americans have an increased incidence of PTB in the setting of intraamniotic infection, periodontal disease, and bacterial vaginosis compared to Caucasians. Herein we report variability in infection‐ and inflammation‐related factors based on race/ethnicity. For African American women, an imbalance in the host proinflammatory response seems to contribute to infection‐associated PTB, as evidenced by a greater presence of inflammatory mediators with limited or reduced presence of immune balancing factors. This may be attributed to differences in the genetic variants associated with PTB between African Americans and Caucasians. We argue that infection may not be a cause of racial disparity but in association with other risk factors such as stress, nutritional deficiency, and differences in genetic variations in PTB, pathways and their complex interactions may produce differential inflammatory responses that may contribute to racial disparity.
The use of high‐dose melatonin in liver resection is safe: first clinical experience
Authors: Nickkholgh Arash , Schneider Heinz , Sobirey Michael , Venetz Werner P. , Hinz Ulf , Pelzl Le H. , Gotthardt Daniel N. , Cekauskas Albertas , Manikas Martynas , Mikalauskas Saulius , Mikalauskene Laura , Bruns Helge , Zorn Markus , Weigand Markus A. , Büchler Markus W. , Schemmer Peter
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Experimental data suggest that melatonin decreases inflammatory changes after major liver resection, thus positively influencing the postoperative course. To assess the safety of a preoperative single dose of melatonin in patients undergoing major liver resection, a randomized controlled double‐blind pilot clinical trial with two parallel study arms was designed at the Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Ruprecht‐Karls‐University, Heidelberg. A total of 307 patients, who were referred for liver surgery, were screened. One hundred and thirteen patients, for whom a major liver resection (≥3 segments) was scheduled, were eligible. Sixty‐three eligible patients refused to participate, and therefore, 50 patients were randomized. A preoperative single dose of melatonin (50 mg/kg BW) dissolved in 250 mL of milk was administered through the gastric tube after the intubation for general anesthesia. Controls were given the same amount of microcrystalline cellulose. Primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints were postoperative complications. Melatonin was effectively absorbed with serum concentrations of 1142.8 ± 7.2 ng/mL (mean ± S.E.M.) versus 0.3 ± 7.8 ng/mL in controls (P < 0.0001). Melatonin treatment resulted in lower postoperative transaminases over the study period (P = 0.6). There was no serious adverse event in patients after melatonin treatment. A total of three infectious complications occurred in either group. A total of eight noninfectious complications occurred in five control patients, whereas three noninfectious complications occurred in three patients receiving preoperative melatonin (P = 0.3). There was a trend toward shorter ICU stay and total hospital stay after melatonin treatment. Therefore, a single preoperative enteral dose of melatonin is effectively absorbed and is safe and well tolerated in patients undergoing major liver surgery.
Longitudinal study of skin aging: from microrelief to wrinkles
Authors: Bazin Roland , Lévêque Jean Luc
Published: March 2011

Aim: To study the changes in skin microrelief and periocular wrinkles during the aging process.

Methods: Replicas of the crow's feet area of volunteers were recorded in 1987 and 2008 and observed comparatively. Characteristic features were quantified by image analysis.

Results: Observation shows that some microrelief features disappear and even merge with wrinkles that become more marked. Some primary lines also tend to merge to form thin new wrinkles. Quantitative data support these observations: the size of small and medium objects of skin relief decreases with age while large objects are becoming larger.

Conclusion: Over 21 years, in the group studied, the total area of the detected objects remains quite constant. Only the distribution between small and large detected objects (microrelief features and wrinkles, respectively) is modified.
Evaluation of allergic vesicular reaction to patch test using in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Ardigò Marco , Longo Caterina , Cristaudo Antonio , Berardesca Enzo , Pellacani Giovanni
Published: March 2011

Background: Confocal microscopy has been successfully applied both in oncologic and inflammatory diseases. In particular, it has been proved as a useful tool for the in vivo detection of microscopical changes occurring in allergic reactions.

Aims of the study: To evaluate microscopic changes occurring in positive patch test reactions.

Methods: Eight patients with history of allergic dermatitis and positive patch test reaction were analysed by means of confocal microscopy.

Results: Confocal microscopy showed the presence of spongiotic vesicle preferentially localized around the adnexal ducts that appeared to be in the middle of the spongiotic phenomena.

Conclusion: Confocal microscopy offered for the first time new insight into vesicle formation and development, showing that adnexal ducts can play a role in allergic reaction.
Novel anti‐wrinkle effect of cosmeceutical product with new retinyl retinoate microsphere using biodegradable polymer
Authors: Kim H. , Kim M. , Quan Y. , Moon T. , Mun J. , Cho H. , Park N. , Moon W. , Lee K. , Kim H. , Lee J. , Ryoo H. , Jung H.
Published: March 2011

Background: The novel hybrid retinoid, retinyl retinoate, is a synthetic material that was designed to reduce the side effects of retinoic acid and to increase the stability of retinol. The formulation of the retinyl retinoate, however, is required to enhance skin permeation, and thus to increase the anti‐wrinkle effect.

Aim: To identify the efficacy of retinyl retinoate microsphere using biodegradable polymer as an anti‐aging agent of cosmetics in treating females over 30 years old with periorbital wrinkles.

Methods: The retinyl retinoate microsphere was prepared using the biodegradable polymer; polylactic acid (PLA). We also conducted two clinical studies with a total of 44 Korean women for 12 weeks. In the first clinical study, 20 patients completed a 12‐week trial of cream A [3% PLA‐retinyl retinoate (2%) microsphere] applied twice daily to the face. In the second clinical study, 24 patients completed a 12‐week trial of cream B (0.06% retinyl retinoate) applied twice daily to the face. Efficacy was based on a global photodamage score, photographs, and image analysis using replicas and Visiometers every 4 weeks.

Results: The PLA‐retinyl retinoate microsphere was more effective for the permeation of retinyl retinoate than retinyl retinoate in itself. The cream A, which contains 3% PLA‐retinyl retinoate (2%) microsphere, showed a statistically significant improvement in facial wrinkles (P<0.05) in 20 volunteers after only 4 weeks of application in a clinical trial test. The visual wrinkle improvement and the maximum roughness improvement rate (R2) for cream A was 6.05%, 8.03% higher than that of cream B which contains 0.06% retinyl retinoate, after 4 weeks.

Conclusion: Retinyl retinoate has a potent anti‐wrinkle activity, and the PLA‐retinyl retinoate microsphere could be a useful cosmeceutical product for anti‐aging purposes.
THORACIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN FELINE PATIENTS WITHOUT USE OF CHEMICAL RESTRAINT
Authors: OLIVEIRA CINTIA R. , MITCHELL MARK A. , O'BRIEN ROBERT T.
Published: March 2011

Computed tomography (CT) and thoracic radiography were performed in nonsedated, nonanesthetized, cats with thoracic disease. The final diagnosis was obtained with echocardiography, cytology, histopathology, necropsy, or response to therapy. For CT imaging, cats were in a positioning device using a 16 multislice helical CT system. Fifty‐four cats had CT imaging of which 50 had thoracic radiography. The most common diagnoses were lung neoplasia, lower airway disease, and cardiomyopathy (nine each). Other disease groups included mediastinal mass (eight), infection (seven), trauma (four), and hernia (three). CT provided additional correct diagnoses in 28% (14/50) and additional information in 74% (37/50) of the cats. Additional correct diagnoses achieved only with CT were most common for cats with lower airway disease. The most common additional findings with CT were lung nodules (n=4), lung masses (n=4), bronchiectasis (n=4), and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (n=3). Survey CT led to a significant different diagnosis or different prognosis in 20 of the 50 cats that were imaged both modalities. Contrast CT was performed in 19 cats, most commonly in cats with lung neoplasia (n=6), a mediastinal mass (n=4) or an infection (n=3), and provided additional correct diagnosis in two cats not achieved with survey CT. Thoracic CT using a positioning device in diseased awake cats is feasible, safe, and clinically useful.
There is no slowing of motility speed with increased body size in rat, human, horse and rhinoceros independent on temperature and skeletal muscle myosin isoform
Authors: Li M. , Li M. , Marx J. O. , Larsson L.
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The predictions of scaling of skeletal muscle shortening velocity made by A.V. Hill 60‐years ago have proven to be remarkably accurate at the cellular level. The current investigation looks to extend the study of scaling of contractile speed to the level of the molecular motor protein myosin at both physiological and unphysiological low temperatures.

Methods:  A single muscle cell in vitro motility assay to test myosin function, i.e. myosin extracted from short single muscle fibre segments, was used in four species representing a 5 500‐fold difference in body mass (rat, man, horse and rhinoceros) at temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 °C.

Results:  The in vitro motility speed increased as the temperature of the assay increased, but a more profound effect was observed on the slower isoforms, narrowing the relative differences between fast and slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms at physiological temperature in all species. The in vitro motility speed varied according to MyHC isoform within each species: I < IIa < IIx < IIb, but the expected scaling relationship within orthologous myosin isoforms was not observed at any temperature.

Conclusion:  The scaling effect of body size and limb length on shortening velocity at the muscle fibre level, i.e. the decreasing shortening velocity associated with increasing body weight and limb length, was not confirmed at the motor protein level when including mammals of very large size. Thus, other factors than myosin structure and function appear to cause this scaling effect and thin filament isoform expression or myofilament lattice spacing are forwarded as alternative underlying factors.
Hyaluronidase shortens levobupivacaine lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia in dogs
Authors: DeRossi R. , De Barros A. L. C. , Silva‐Neto A. B. , Pompermeyer C. T. , Frazílio F. O.
Published: March 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyaluronidase added to levobupivacaine in lumbosacral epidural blockade in dogs.

Methods: Six adult mixed breed dogs (two males and four females) weighing 7 to 14 kg (10·5 ±1·5 kg) and aged two to five years were used. Each dog received both treatments in random order: levobupivacaine alone (LBA; n=6) or levobupivacaine plus hyaluronidase (LBH; n=6) administered in the lumbosacral epidural space. Systemic effects, spread and duration of anaesthesia and motor block were determined before treatment and at predetermined intervals.

Results: The duration of local anaesthesia was 90 ±10 minutes (P=0·001) for LBH treatment and 150 ±15 minutes for LBA treatment. In the LBH treatment, anaesthesia reached the T12 to T13 dermatome and in the LBA treatment it reached the T11 to T12 dermatome in all animals in 5 and 15 minutes, respectively. Complete motor blockade was 75 ±12 minutes (P=0·01) and 120 ±15 minutes for LBH and LBA treatments, respectively.

Clinical Significance: Hyaluronidase added to levobupivacaine significantly shortens the duration of epidural anaesthesia with the same dermatome spread into the epidural space in dogs.
Treatment of hip dysplasia
Authors: Anderson A.
Published: March 2011

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopaedic developmental disorder of dogs. This paper reviews the treatment options available for management of the condition in the skeletally immature and adult dog.
Patent ductus arteriosus in a family of Chihuahuas
Authors: Bomassi E. , Libermann S. , Bille C. , Rattez E.
Published: March 2011

This report describes a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in four puppies from the same family of Chihuahuas, bred from the same mother and from two different litters. Identification of this congenital anomaly relies on clinical examination, radiography and ultrasonography. Three of these puppies were female, and had a type‐1 PDA. A conventional surgical ligation was performed on one of them, whilst the others underwent no treatment. One puppy was male, and presented with a type‐4 PDA, requiring euthanasia. Post‐mortem examination and histopathological examination of the PDA allowed characterisation of the histological anomalies, which were identical to those described in other breeds. The mother and the two stud dogs were not affected. Even though the mode of transmission has not been fully identified, it is evident that this PDA is hereditary in nature. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first description of this congenital cardiopathy in a family of this breed, and in a significant number of first‐generation individuals.
A Theoria Round Table on Philosophy Publishing
Authors: HANSSON BENGT , VAN DITMARSCH HANS , ENGEL PASCAL , HANSSON SVEN OVE , HENDRICKS VINCENT , HOLM SØREN , JACOBSON PAULINE , MEIJERS ANTHONIE , RICHARDSON HENRY S. , ROTT HANS
Published: March 2011

As part of the conference commemorating Theoria's 75th anniversary, a round table discussion on philosophy publishing was held in Bergendal, Sollentuna, Sweden, on 1 October 2010. Bengt Hansson was the chair, and the other participants were eight editors‐in‐chief of philosophy journals: Hans van Ditmarsch (Journal of Philosophical Logic), Pascal Engel (Dialectica), Sven Ove Hansson (Theoria), Vincent Hendricks (Synthese), Søren Holm (Journal of Medical Ethics), Pauline Jacobson (Linguistics and Philosophy), Anthonie Meijers (Philosophical Explorations), Henry S. Richardson (Ethics) and Hans Rott (Erkenntnis).
Nigella sativa seed extract and its bioactive compound thymoquinone: the new melanogens causing hyperpigmentation in the wall lizard melanophores
Authors: Ali Sharique A , Meitei Keisham V
Published: March 2011

Objective

The effects of the lyophilized seed extract of Nigella sativa and its active ingredient, thymoquinone, were studied on the isolated melanophores of the wall lizard to find the mechanism of skin darkening at the cellular level.

Methods

The integumental melanophores of the wall lizard, Hemidactylus flaviviridis, were assayed using the mean melanophore size index and their responses were recorded in the presence of various concentrations of the plant extract, thymoquinone, specific antagonists and potentiator.

Key findings

Significant skin darkening activity of the extract of N. sativa and thymoquinone was observed on the isolated melanophores of the wall lizard. The pigment cells responded by distinct dispersion leading to skin darkening. The effect was physiologically significant as re-immersion in physiological saline made the melanophores return to their normal intermediate state. These melanin dispersal effects were antagonized by atropine as well as hyoscine and were also found to be highly potentiated by neostigmine, an anticholinesterase agent.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the extract of N. sativa, as well as its active principle, mimic the action of acetylcholine in melanin dispersion leading to skin darkening via stimulation of cholinergic receptors of muscarinic nature within the melanophores of wall lizard. This study opens new vistas for the use of N. sativa active ingredient, thymoquinone, as a novel melanogen for its clinical application in skin disorders such as hypopigmentation or vitiligo.
Mobilizing support for the extreme right: A discursive analysis of minority leadership
Authors: Rooyackers Ilse N. , Verkuyten Maykel
Published: March 2011

This study uses a tripolar model of minority influence to investigate social category constructions of extreme right politicians. The analysis focuses on Geert Wilders, leader of the extreme right Party For Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands. It is examined how this popular politician construes the interdependent relations between himself, the population, and mainstream politicians, and discursively manages his controversial standpoints and proposals. Four parliamentary debates are analysed. The analysis shows that by defining national identity, Wilders invokes a self‐image as a prototypical member of the population. Furthermore, and in contrast to other politicians, Wilders works up a self‐image of a responsible and realistic politician who is group oriented. In addition, the analysis suggests that being a minority can be of strategic political value and therefore a position to foster. The relevance of the analysis for social psychological approaches to leadership and political minorities is discussed.
Developmental changes in propagation patterns and transmitter dependence of waves of spontaneous activity in the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Conhaim Jay , Easton Curtis R. , Becker Matthew I. , Barahimi Mitra , Cedarbaum Emily R. , Moore Jennifer G. , Mather Luke F. , Dabagh Sarah , Minter Daniel J. , Moen Samantha P. , Moody William J.
Published: March 2011

Non‐technical summary  It is not well understood how all of the connections among neurons required for the brain to process information are established during development. It has recently become apparent that waves of spontaneous electrical activity spread across large groups of neurons during early brain development and that these waves of activity are crucial for correct development of brain circuitry. In this paper, we show that waves of spontaneous electrical activity propagate across the mouse cerebral cortex, beginning on the day before birth and continuing through the first 12 postnatal days. These waves are initiated at specific locations in the cortex, which do not change during the period of wave generation. Identity of the neurons that initiate the waves, however, does change during this time. This work indicates that even though spontaneous electrical activity occurs during a short contiguous period of development, the mechanisms underlying that activity change.
Gestational high fat diet programs hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression and histone modification in neonatal offspring rats
Authors: Strakovsky Rita S. , Zhang Xiyuan , Zhou Dan , Pan Yuan‐Xiang
Published: March 2011

Non‐technical summary  An excess production of liver glucose is common in patients with diabetes, and animal studies show that female rats who consume a high‐fat diet during pregnancy may give birth to offspring who are more likely to develop diabetes in adulthood. However, how this may be occurring remains poorly understood. The present study investigated the effect of a maternal high fat diet on fetal genes in the liver that control the production of glucose, and the potential regulatory mechanisms of these genes. We observed that pups of high fat‐fed dams were heavier and had higher blood glucose at the time of delivery than pups of dams fed the control diet. While the high fat‐fed dams themselves did not have increased blood glucose, their pups had higher expression of genes to make glucose in addition to elevated blood glucose. Our study demonstrates that exposure to a high fat diet during pregnancy programs the over‐production of glucose in livers of offspring, which has the potential to lead to type II diabetes in childhood and adulthood.
In vivo two‐photon uncaging of glutamate revealing the structure–function relationships of dendritic spines in the neocortex of adult mice
Authors: Noguchi Jun , Nagaoka Akira , Watanabe Satoshi , Ellis‐Davies Graham C. R. , Kitamura Kazuo , Kano Masanobu , Matsuzaki Masanori , Kasai Haruo
Published: March 2011

Non‐technical summary  Neurons communicate with each other with synapses using chemical messengers. The major synapses in the cerebral cortex utilize glutamate as a messenger and are made on special submicron structures, called dendritic spines. Dendritic spines are diverse in their size and densely packed in the cortex. Therefore, an optical technique for application of glutamate to single spines (two‐photon (TP) uncaging) has been intensively used to clarify their functions in vitro. We have here extended 2P uncaging to living adult brain, and found that spine sizes display tight correlations with their functions, such as rapid glutamate sensing and an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, even in vivo, as they were reported for in vitro preparations. Our data suggest that the structure and motility of dendritic spines play a key role in the adult brain function.