bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects on Cognitive Performance of Tailored Resection in Surgery for Nonlesional Mesiotemporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Leijten Frans S. S. , Alpherts Willem C. J. , Van Huffelen Alexander C. , Vermeulen Jan , Van Rijen Peter C.
Published: February 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) can be treated with different surgical approaches. In tailored resections, neocortex is removed beyond “standard” margins when spikes are present in the electrocorticogram. We hypothesized that these larger resections are justified because spiking neocortex is dysfunctional. This would imply that in patients with spikes (a) postoperative cognitive performance is not affected, and (b) preoperative performance is worse than without spikes.

Methods: We studied 80 operated‐on MTLE patients with pathologically confirmed nonlesional hippocampal sclerosis. All patients were left‐sided language dominant and underwent cognitive tests 6 months pre‐ and postoperatively. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, looking for within‐ and between‐subjects interactions with presence of intraoperative neocortical spikes.

Results: Intraoperatively, neocortical spikes were present in 61% of patients. Improved postoperative cognitive outcome was seen only in left‐sided patients with spikes. Their performance IQ (PIQ) increased by 8.1 points (95% confidence interval, 3.8–12.3; p = 0.02), and visual naming latency by 12.8 s (95% CI, 2.1–23.5; p = 0.07). Conversely, in left‐sided patients without spikes, naming latency declined by 7.5 s (95% CI, −2.3–17.2; p = 0.07). Preoperative scores were comparable except for a 15.3‐point (95% CI, 0.1–30.5; p = 0.02) lower VIQ in left‐sided patients without spikes.

Conclusions: Tailoring does not harm cognitive performance and is, in left‐sided MTLE, associated with postoperative improvement. Left‐sided MTLE without neocortical spikes has lower verbal scores, which tend to decline after standard resection and may represent a special pathophysiologic entity.
Extended‐release Divalproex in Child and Adolescent Outpatients with Epilepsy
Authors: Kernitsky Lydia , O'Hara Kathryn A. , Jiang Ping , Pellock John M.
Published: February 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To determine whether valproic acid [divalproex (DVP)] extended‐release, administered at a higher proportionate once‐daily dosage, can be safely substituted for delayed‐release or sprinkle in pediatric patients with epilepsy.

Methods: Patients between ages 6 and 17 years with stable epilepsy taking DVP were randomized to 7 days of either DVP delayed‐release/sprinkle (at the usual daily dose taken before study entry) or extended‐release DVP (daily dose, 8% to 25% higher than their usual dose), and then (crossed over to) 7 days of the comparator formulation. Patient's clinical status was evaluated at a screening visit and on days 8 and 15, and with telephone follow‐up 1 month after study completion.

Results: No statistically significant difference in mean plasma VPA levels measured at the end of treatment was observed: 99, 92, and 103 μg/ml with the delayed‐release tablets (n = 4), the sprinkle formulation (n = 11), and the extended‐release tablets (n = 16), respectively. Seizure‐control rates were stable during patients' use of the extended‐release formulation. None of the study patients experienced a treatment‐related adverse event.

Conclusions: The total daily dose for patients taking the delayed‐formulation may need to be increased by ≤20% when they are switched to the extended‐release formulation. When switching from sprinkles to the extended‐release formulation, individual variability must be considered. In patients who have VPA levels near the very high end of the therapeutic range (>100 μg/ml), it may be more prudent to make only minor modifications to the total daily dose during conversion and then to individualize the DVP extended‐release dose based on plasma levels.
Epilepsy's Role in the Historical Differentiation of Religion, Magic, and Science
Authors: Riggs Allison J. , Riggs Jack E.
Published: February 2005

Summary:  A distinction between religion, magic, and science has not always been recognized. Ancient Greek physicians, in their writings about epilepsy, were likely among the first to record the historically important differentiation between religion, magic, and science.
“The Historian in a Time of Crisis”: A Memoir of Peace History
Authors: Carroll Berenice A.
Published: February 2005

This is a memoir of the author's association with the Conference on Peace Research in History (CPRH)—now the Peace History Society—in its early years, touching on what seems most salient about it today. Scholarship in peace history itself has a rich history extending back decades before the founding of CPRH, but that founding was a turning point in the evolution of peace history, giving impetus to a great expansion of work in the field by providing visibility, communication, organization, space, excitement, sense of community, and a forum for open debate on the role of historian in a time of crisis.
Embodied Cognition and New Product Design: Changing Product Form to Influence Brand Categorization*
Authors: Kreuzbauer Robert , Malter Alan J.
Published: February 2005

This article explains how embodied cognition and perceptual symbol systems enable product designers to influence consumers by communicating key perceptual features through subtle changes in product design elements. In this way, managers can change perceptual design elements to support line extension strategies. More specifically, design changes can be used as a tool to help evolve consumer perceptions of a product's uses and brand category membership. The role of perceptual symbols in product design is illustrated by a well‐known off‐road motorbike brand that planned to extend into the street motorbike segment. In order to facilitate consumer acceptance of a street motorbike from this off‐road brand, the firm gradually introduced models containing an increasing number of elements of street motorbikes over a period of several years. The authors use this example to show how typical design elements of the target product category can be effectively integrated with design elements of the current product category by simply modifying key characteristics of product‐shape attributes. This process is further tested in an experiment, where motorbike models differing slightly in key product features (e.g., product shape) were rated on their resemblance to street or off‐road motorbikes. The results show a strong effect of these design changes on brand‐category membership. Managerial implications of this approach and future research directions are discussed.
Book Reviews
Authors: Smith Preston G.
Published: February 2005

Books reviewed in this issue:

▪The Innovator's Solution: Creating and Sustaining Successful Growth

▪Seeing What's Next: Using the Theories of Innovation to Predict Industry Change

▪The Second Century: Reconnecting Customer and Value Chain through Build‐to‐Order: Moving beyond Mass and Lean Production in the Auto Industry

▪Balancing Agility and Discipline: A Guide for the Perplexed

▪Organizing Business Knowledge: The MIT Process Handbook

▪Leading Pharmaceutical Innovation: Trends and Drivers for Growth in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Nefazodone treatment of cocaine dependence with comorbid depressive symptoms
Authors: Ciraulo Domenic A. , Knapp Clifford , Rotrosen John , Sarid‐Segal Ofra , Ciraulo Ann Marie , LoCastro Joseph , Greenblatt David J. , Leiderman Deborah
Published: February 2005

Aims  In the current study, nefazodone, an antidepressant with dual action on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake as well as 5‐HT2A receptor antagonist effects, was studied in subjects with cocaine dependence and depressive symptoms, to determine its efficacy in reducing cocaine use.

Design  An 8‐week, double blind, placebo‐controlled design was used.

Setting  The study was conducted at the Medication Development Research Unit (MDRU) at the VA Boston Healthcare System and the Manhattan Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Medical Center.

Participants  Subjects (n = 69) met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version IV (DSM‐IV) criteria for cocaine dependence and had Hamilton Depression Scores of 12 or higher.

Intervention  Subjects were assigned randomly to receive nefazodone 200 mg twice daily (n = 34) or matching placebo (n = 35). All subjects received individual counseling.

Measurements  Urinary measurements of benzoylecgonine (BE, three times per week) and self‐reports of cocaine use were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included assessments of psychiatric functioning, cocaine craving and social functioning.

Findings  Median weekly BE declined more rapidly in the nefazodone than in the placebo group. Median urine BE at baseline was, however, significantly greater in nefazodone than in the placebo group. Scores for strength of cocaine craving also decreased more rapidly in the nefazodone group compared to the placebo group. Both groups had equivalent improvement in mood, psychosocial functioning and self‐reported cocaine use.

Conclusions  These results suggest that nefazodone administration can reduce cocaine craving after it has been administered for several weeks. Although the nefazodone group had a greater rate of decrease in BE levels than the placebo group, the interpretation of this finding is obscured by significant group differences in baseline BE levels.
Efficacy screening trials of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, pramipexole and venlafaxine in cocaine dependence
Authors: Ciraulo Domenic A. , Sarid‐Segal Ofra , Knapp Clifford M. , Ciraulo Ann Marie , LoCastro Joseph , Bloch Daniel A. , Montgomery Margaret A. , Leiderman Deborah B. , Elkashef Ahmed
Published: February 2005

Aims  The two studies presented here were conducted to assess the efficacy of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, venlafaxine and pramipexole as medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence.

Design  A multi‐arm, modified blinded, placebo‐controlled design was used.

Setting  The studies were conducted at the Boston VA Healthcare System and the Boston University School of Medicine Medication Development Research Unit (MDRU).

Participants  Participants met criteria for cocaine dependence during a 2‐week screening period.

Intervention  Following random assignment to one of the treatment groups, subjects received active medication or placebo for 8 weeks in combination with cognitive behavioral counseling. In the first study the efficacy of the antidepressant paroxetine (20 mg daily), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline (1200 mg daily) and the glutamate release inhibitor riluzole (100 mg daily) was assessed. The antidepressant venlafaxine (150 mg daily) and the dopamine agonist pramipexole (1.5 mg daily) were evaluated in the second study.

Measurements  Urine benzoylecgonine (BE) concentrations, self‐report of cocaine use and global impression scores served as primary outcome measures. Secondary measures included assessments of cocaine craving and psychiatric functioning. Adverse events were monitored during the treatment period.

Findings  None of the active medications produced greater reductions in urine BE concentrations over the treatment period than did placebo. There were trends for BE levels to become reduced in the pentoxifylline group during the first 4 weeks of treatment and for Addiction Severity Index (ASI) drug composite scores to be lower in the pentoxyfylline group at end‐point compared to the placebo group. Significant within‐group reductions in reported cocaine use and craving were found for all treatment groups, but none of the active medications were superior to placebo on these measures. The accuracy of self‐reported cocaine use declined over the study period. Overall, the active medications were well tolerated.

Conclusions  This study does not support the use of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, venlafaxine or pramipexole for the treatment of cocaine dependence. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution because of the small size and lack of homogeneity of the experimental groups.
Comparison of the relationship of age and beta cell function in three ethnic groups
Authors: Chiu Ken C. , Martinez Dorothy S. , Chu Audrey
Published: February 2005

Design  Prevalence of type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance increase with age. It has been demonstrated that beta cell function declines at about 1% per year in glucose tolerant Caucasians. However, this relationship is not known to exist in other ethnic groups.

Subjects and Measurements  We investigated the relationship of age to beta cell function (%B) and insulin sensitivity (%S), estimated by the homeostasis model assessment, in a nationally representative sample of healthy US adults who participated in a cross‐sectional study, the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Only those subjects who had never been told to have diabetes by a physician, with HbA1C < 6% and fasting plasma glucose concentration < 5·56 mmol/l with proper fasting glucose and insulin concentration were included in this analysis (560 non‐Hispanic whites, 231 non‐Hispanic blacks and 298 Hispanics).

Results  Age was positively correlated to HbA1C and fasting glucose concentration, but it was negatively correlated to %B in all three ethnic groups. In contrast, ageing had no influence on %S in all three ethnic groups. Pair‐wise comparison showed age had a similar influence among three ethnic groups on fasting glucose concentration, HbA1C and %B, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent influence of age on fasting glucose concentration, HbA1C and %B among three ethnic groups.

Conclusions  We observed %B declines at about 1% per year among all three ethnic groups. The age‐related rising fasting plasma glucose concentration and HbA1C is most likely a consequence of age‐related decline in beta cell function.
Novel mutations in the MEN1 gene in subjects with multiple endocrine neoplasia‐1
Authors: Jap Tjin‐Shing , Chiu Chih‐Yang , Won Justin Ging‐Shing , Wu Yi‐Chi , Chen Harn‐Shen
Published: February 2005

Objective  To identify MEN1 gene mutations and characterize clinical manifestations in Chinese kindred with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) in Taiwan.

Patients and Methods  Eight unrelated subjects (one male and seven females, age range 26–70 years) with clinical manifestations of MEN1 were analysed. In addition, 45 relatives that included 10 affected (three males and seven females, age range 32–53 years) and 35 unaffected (17 males and 18 females, age range 15–80 years) subjects were evaluated. Genomic DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequence analysis were performed according to standard procedures.

Results  We identified heterozygous MEN1 gene mutations in all eight probands and 10 affected subjects as well as in 13 clinically asymptomatic relatives. Novel mutations included a missense mutation in a heterozygous mutation in exon 9 (GAC → CAC) resulting in a substitution of aspartic acid by histidine at codon 418 (family 1); a nonsense mutation at codon 556 of exon 10 (GAG → TAG) resulting in a stop codon and termination (family 2); a missense mutation in exon 2 (GGG → GAG) causing the substitution of glycine by glutamic acid at codon 110 (family 3); and a deletion/insertion mutation in nucleotide 1200 of exon 8 resulting in frameshift and early termination (family 4). Affected subjects in families 5–7 shared the same C insertion at nucleotide 1650 of exon 10, similar to that previously described as a hotspot for mutation, and proband 8 had a previously described mutation in intron 4 of the MEN1 gene (IVS4–9 G → A). We also found that 18 (58%) of our 31 MEN1 mutant carriers had clinical symptoms, whereas four (13%) had biochemical abnormalities without clinical symptoms, and nine (29%) were unaffected both clinically and biochemically.

Conclusions  We have identified four novel mutations in the MEN1 gene in patients with MEN1 in Taiwan.
Normal opioid tone and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome despite marked functional impairment
Authors: Inder Warrick J. , Prickett Timothy C. R. , Mulder Roger T.
Published: February 2005

Objective To determine whether the functional impairment seen in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with reduced levels of central opioids and/or deficiency of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis.

Design Single‐blinded case–control study measuring functional and psychological status, basal hormonal parameters and ACTH/cortisol response to naloxone and ovine corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (oCRH)vs.placebo in people with CFS and healthy controls.

Patients Twelve people with CFS and 11 age‐matched controls.

Measurements Hormonal parameters: basal levels of 09:00 h plasma cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and IGF‐1. 24‐h urinary free cortisol. Plasma ACTH and cortisol response to naloxone 125 µg/kg, oCRH 1 µg/kg and placebo (normal saline). Psychological parameters: SF‐36, Hamilton Depression Score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Fatigue Scale.

Results There were highly significant differences between the CFS subjects and the controls with respect to the measures of fatigue and physical functioning. However, there were no differences in basal levels of 09:00 h cortisol (367 ± 37vs.331 ± 39 nmol/l,P = 0·51), DHEAS (4·2 ± 0·6vs.4·0 ± 0·5 µmol/l,P = 0·81), 24‐h urinary free cortisol (182 ± 27vs.178 ± 21 nmol/24 h,P = 0·91) or IGF‐1 (145 ± 19vs.130 ± 11 µg/l,P = 0·52) between the CFS group and controls, respectively. There was also no difference between the groups with respect to the ACTH and cortisol response to either oCRH or naloxone.

Conclusions Our data do not support an aetiological role for deficiency in central opioids or the HPA axis in the symptoms of CFS.
No association of the codon 55 methionine to valine polymorphism in the SUMO4 gene with Graves’ disease
Authors: Jennings Claire E. , Owen Catherine J. , Wilson Valerie , Pearce Simon H. S.
Published: February 2005

Objective  A functional polymorphism at codon 55 of the small ubiquitin‐like modifier‐4 (SUMO4) gene (methionine to valine; M55V) has recently been associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). We aimed to establish whether this locus also contributes towards the genetic susceptibility to Graves’ disease (GD) and autoimmune Addison's disease.

Design  A case–control analysis was performed using genomic DNA samples from 595 unrelated white GD subjects, 104 white autoimmune Addison's disease subjects and 467 healthy white control subjects. The SUMO4 M55V single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme MseI.

Results  There was no association of the SUMO4 M55V alleles with either GD, thyroid‐associated orbitopathy or autoimmune Addison's disease when compared to controls; P = 0·28, 0·46 and 0·91, respectively, by χ2 testing.

Conclusion  We cannot confirm a generalized role for SUMO4 in autoimmune endocrinopathy. The SUMO4 codon 55 methionine to valine polymorphism may be exclusively associated with susceptibility to T1D, or the effect of the locus in GD and Addison's disease may be much less than that found in T1D patients.
Vitamin D and the elderly
Authors: Mosekilde Leif
Published: February 2005

This review summarizes current knowledge on vitamin D status in the elderly with special attention to definition and prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, relationships between vitamin D status and various diseases common in the elderly, and the effects of intervention with vitamin D or vitamin D and calcium. Individual vitamin D status is usually estimated by measuring plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels. However, reference values from normal populations are not applicable for the definition of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Instead vitamin D insufficiency is defined as the lowest threshold value for plasma 25OHD (around 50 nmol/l) that prevents secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone turnover, bone mineral loss, or seasonal variations in plasma PTH. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as values below 25 nmol/l. Using these definitions vitamin D deficiency is common among community‐dwelling elderly in the developed countries at higher latitudes and very common among institutionalized elderly, geriatric patients and patients with hip fractures. Vitamin D deficiency is an established risk factor for osteoporosis, falls and fractures. Clinical trials have demonstrated that 800 IU (20 µg) per day of vitamin D in combination with 1200 mg calcium effectively reduces the risk of falls and fractures in institutionalized patients. Furthermore, 400 IU (10 µg) per day in combination with 1000 mg calcium or 100 000 IU orally every fourth month without calcium reduces fracture risk in individuals over 65 years of age living at home. Yearly injections of vitamin D seem to have no effect on fracture risk probably because of reduced bioavailability. Simulation studies suggest that fortification of food cannot provide sufficient vitamin D to the elderly without exceeding present conventional safety levels for children. A combination of fortification and individual supplementation is proposed. It is argued that all official programmes should be evaluated scientifically. Epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D insufficiency is related to a number of other disorders frequently observed among the elderly, such as breast, prostate and colon cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders including hypertension. However, apart from hypertension, causality has not been established through randomized intervention studies. It seems that 800 IU (20 µg) vitamin D per day in combination with calcium reduces systolic blood pressure in elderly women.
Neck recurrence from thyroid carcinoma: serum thyroglobulin and high‐dose total body scan are not reliable criteria for cure after radioiodine treatment
Authors: Bachelot Anne , Leboulleux Sophie , Baudin Eric , Hartl Dana M. , Caillou Bernard , Travagli Jean Paul , Schlumberger Martin
Published: February 2005

Background  Local and regional recurrences occur in up to 20% of patients with papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma. Diagnostic work‐up and treatment modalities are still controversial, because nodal control is difficult to ascertain. We assessed the value of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) determination and of high‐dose 131I total body scan (TBS) for ascertaining the absence of disease in patients who had already been treated with radioiodine and who subsequently underwent surgery.

Methods  Between 1990 and 2000, 105 patients who had been treated with radioiodine for lymph node recurrence with initial 131I uptake were included in a standardized protocol performed after withdrawal of thyroid hormone treatment: on day 1, serum Tg determination and administration of 3·7 GBq 131I; on day 4, 131I TBS; on day 5, surgery; on day 8, 131I TBS.

Results  In 25 patients the serum Tg obtained following thyroid hormone withdrawal was undetectable: for these patients, the 131I TBS showed uptake foci in 21 and pathology disclosed neoplastic foci in 19. In 32 patients the serum Tg ranged from 1 to 10 ng/ml: for these patients, the 131I TBS showed uptake foci in 26 and pathology disclosed neoplastic foci in 28. In 48 patients the serum Tg level was above 10 ng/ml: for these patients, the 131I TBS showed uptake foci in 38 and pathology disclosed neoplastic foci in 46. Thus, no uptake was found preoperatively in 20 patients, among whom pathology disclosed lymph node metastases in 16. However, both tests were negative in only two of the 93 patients in whom pathology disclosed neoplastic foci.

Conclusion  Serum Tg levels and 131I TBS cannot be considered as reliable indicators for the absence of disease in patients already treated with 131I. However, when both tests are negative, the risk of persistent disease is minimal.
Inheritance of the F4ab, F4ac and F4ad E. coli receptors in swine and examination of four candidate genes for F4acR
Authors: Python P. , Jörg H. , Neuenschwander S. , Asai‐Coakwell M. , Hagger C. , Bürgi E. , Bertschinger H.U. , Stranzinger G. , Vögeli P.
Published: February 2005

Susceptibility to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli with fimbriae F4ac is dominantly inherited in the pig. A three‐generation pedigree was created to refine the position of F4acR on chromosome 13 comprising 202 pigs: eight parents, 18 F1 and 176 F2 pigs. The 17‐point analysis indicates that F4acR lies between Sw207 and S0283. Recombinant offspring specify that the most probable order is Sw207–S0075–F4acR–Sw225–S0283. We observed six phenotypes for the three fimbrial variants F4ab, F4ac and F4ad. The two missing phenotypes F4abR−/F4acR+/F4adR+ and F4abR−/F4acR+/F4adR− indicate that pigs susceptible to F4ac are always susceptible to F4ab. Furthermore, a weak and a strong adhesion of F4ab and F4ad bacteria was observed. The weak receptor F4abR (F4abRw) was present only in pigs devoid of the receptor F4acR (F4abR+/F4acR−). In contrast, in pigs with the phenotype F4abR+/F4acR+, F4ab bacteria adhered to the majority of enterocytes. F4abRw constitutes a frequently observed phenotype whose inheritance is still unclear. Strong adhesion of F4ab and F4ac bacteria is most likely influenced by the same receptor that we name F4bcR. The number of F4ad bacteria that adhered to enterocytes was very variable in the adhesion test. Moreover, expression of F4adR was independent of age. Our segregation analyses indicated a dominant inheritance of F4adR, although the number of susceptible pigs was smaller than expected. We examined four genes as candidates for the F4acR locus: the transferrin receptor gene (TFRC) and three genes members of the glucosyl/galactosyltransferase family (B3GnT5, B3GALT3 and B4GALT4). Comparison of sequences from resistant and homozygous susceptible F4ac pigs did not reveal any causative single nucleotide polymorphism in the four genes. Two silent mutations at the positions 295 (C/T) and 313 (T/C) in B3GALT3 were found. Using the somatic cell hybrid panel, B3GnT5 and B3GALT3 were assigned to the chromosomal region SSC13q23‐q41. No mutations were found in the cDNA sequences of these genes associated with the F4acR genotypes.
Radiation hybrid mapping of genes and newly identified microsatellites in candidate regions for bovine arthrogryposis–palatoschisis and progressive ataxia based on comparative data from man, mouse and rat
Authors: Duchesne A. , Eggen A.
Published: February 2005

A comparative pathology and mapping strategy was used to initiate a study on two bovine genetic diseases: arthrogryposis–palatoschisis and progressive ataxia, which affect mainly Charolais cattle. Bibliographic studies provided information on the pathology of these diseases, which helped to define similar diseases in other species. Animals affected by bovine arthrogryposis–palatoschisis display similar symptoms to those of muscular dysgenesis, mouse mutants and animals with progressive ataxia to those of Long Evans Shaker rat mutants. Candidate regions are respectively human chromosome 1q32 (BTA16) containing the gene CACNA1S and human chromosome 18q23 (BTA24) containing the gene myelin basic protein (MBP). Primer pairs were designed for 15 loci around each candidate gene, in a region of about 20 megabases and were used to screen a bovine Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library. Eighteen microsatellites were found in the identified BAC clones, 11 on BTA24 and seven on BTA16. The genes and microsatellites were mapped by radiation hybrid (RH) analysis and a RH map was obtained for each region with 18 new localizations on BTA16 and 23 on BTA24. Comparative human–bovine analysis of the MBP region shows a good conservation of gene order while that of the CACNA1S region shows several breakpoints.
Sex reversal syndrome (64,XY; SRY‐positive) in a mare demonstrating masculine behaviour
Authors: Switonski M. , Chmurzynska A. , Szczerbal I. , Lipczynski A. , Yang F. , Nowicka‐Posłuszna A.
Published: February 2005

A 5‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare was subjected to cytogenetic and molecular analysis because of infertility and masculine behaviour. Chromosome studies, including painting with the whole X chromosome specific probe, revealed a male chromosome complement (64,XY). The PCR amplification of the SRY and ZFY genes showed the presence of both those genes, while the endocrinological study demonstrated a high level of testosterone (9.7 nmol/l). Sequencing of the SRY gene (1121 bp), comprising also 5′‐ and 3′‐UTRs, did not reveal any differences when compared with the sequence of normal stallions. It was proposed that this mare represents the androgen insensitivity syndrome (testicular feminization syndrome).
Interpersonal psychotherapy: An effective psychotherapeutic intervention for mental health nursing practice
Authors: Crowe Marie , Luty Sue
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT:  Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is well‐recognized for the treatment of depression with many efficacy trials supporting its use, however, there is little discussion of its use in mental health nursing practice. This paper explores how IPT can be a useful intervention for mental health nursing practice and demonstrates the process of IPT with reference to a case study. The case study illustrates how IPT facilitates a shift for one woman from a passive subject position to a more self‐assertive one. This shift was facilitated by identifying how she was constructing herself in relation to others by utilizing tactics of passivity and avoidance of conflict. The development of more satisfying subject positions facilitated an improvement in mood and recovery from depression.
Email etiquette: Guidelines for mental health nurses
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Freeman Adele
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT:  This note is about the use of email and its role in mental health settings. We anticipate that it may be of assistance to mental health nurses unfamiliar with the benefits and pitfalls of email and wanting to learn more about how to use it professionally and effectively. In mental health nursing, we pride ourselves on our interpersonal skills and being able to communicate. However, transferring these skills to an electronic medium is not always easy. Because many of us are self‐taught, there is potential for email to be a hindrance rather than a help in the quest for good collegial relationships. In this note, we discuss some of the common situations that can arise when email use goes awry and provide some helpful tips for getting the most out of email. It is hoped that the information and checklist provided in this paper will strike a chord with many, encouraging discussion and promoting appropriate use of this form of communication.
Properties and plasticity of the primate somatosensory and motor cortex related to orofacial sensorimotor function
Authors: Sessle Barry J , Yao Dongyuan , Nishiura Hiroto , Yoshino Kenichi , Lee Jye‐Chang , Martin Ruth E , Murray Gregory M
Published: February 2005

1. The lateral pericentral region of the cerebral cortex has been well documented in primates to be important in sensorimotor integration and control and in the learning of new motor skills.

2. The present article provides, first, an overview of limb sensorimotor cortical mechanisms and, second, outlines recent evidence pointing to an important role for the face sensorimotor cortex in semi‐automatic, as well as trained, orofacial motor behaviour and to its propensity for neuroplastic changes in association with orofacial motor skill acquisition or an altered oral environment.
Sensory and motor function of teeth and dental implants: A basis for osseoperception
Authors: Trulsson Mats
Published: February 2005

1. When dental implants are loaded mechanically, a sensation, often referred to as osseoperception, is evoked. The sensory signals underlying this phenomenon are qualitatively different from the signals evoked when loading a natural tooth. In contrast with osseointegrated dental implants, natural teeth are equipped with periodontal mechanoreceptors that signal information about tooth loads. In the present review, the functional properties of human periodontal mechanoreceptors will be presented, along with a discussion about their likely functional role in the control of human jaw actions.

2. Microneurographic experiments reveal that human periodontal mechanoreceptors adapt slowly to maintained tooth loads. Populations of periodontal receptors encode information about both which teeth are loaded and the direction of forces applied to individual teeth.

3. Most receptors exhibit a markedly curved relationship between discharge rate and force amplitude, featuring the highest sensitivity to changes in tooth load at surprisingly low forces (below 1 N for anterior teeth and 4 N for posterior teeth). Accordingly, periodontal receptors efficiently encode tooth load when subjects first contact, hold and gently manipulate food by the teeth. In contrast, only a minority of receptors encodes the rapid and strong increase in force generated when biting through food.

4. It is concluded that humans use periodontal afferent signals to control jaw actions associated with intra‐oral manipulation of food rather than exertion of jaw power actions. Consequently, patients who lack information from periodontal receptors show an impaired fine motor control of the mandible.
Pharmacokinetics of high doses of cyanocobalamin administered by intravenous injection for 26 weeks in rats
Authors: Nava‐Ocampo Alejandro A , Pastrak Aleksandra , Cruz Tony , Koren Gideon
Published: February 2005

1. High doses of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) may be therapeutically effective to treat neurological alterations secondary to a wide range of disease states. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dose and repeated administration on the pharmacokinetics of cyanocobalamin in rats.

2. Forty‐eight rats were randomly assigned to receive 1, 5, 25 or 100 mg/kg cyanocobalamin for 182 days (26 weeks). Cyanocobalamin plasma levels were quantified by HPLC on days 1, 85 and 182 of treatment and were analysed by means of non‐compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis. In addition, population PK analysis was used to fit cyanocobalamin plasma concentrations to time by means of a two‐compartment model for intravascular administration.

3. The half‐life of cyanocobalamin ranged from approximately 20 to 50 min, clearance ranged from 4.5 to 9 mL/min and the volume of distribution at steady state ranged from 140 to 470 mL. A statistically significant negative relationship existed between the dose of cyanocobalamin and the normalized area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC). This non‐linearity was not exhibited in population PK analysis. No evidence of toxicity was observed.

4. At very high and prolonged doses (up to 100 mg/kg for 26 weeks), intravascular administration of cyanocobalamin in rats follows a two‐compartment kinetic model and cyanocobalamin undergoes extensive extravascular distribution. The negative relationship between dose and normalized AUC is compatible with possible saturation of tubular reabsorption, thus increasing renal clearance at higher doses.
Possible anti‐atherogenic effect of kolaviron (a Garcinia kola seed extract) in hypercholesterolaemic rats
Authors: Adaramoye OA , Nwaneri VO , Anyanwu KC , Farombi EO , Emerole GO
Published: February 2005

1. The hypolipidaemic effect of kolaviron, a mixture of Garcinia biflavonoid 1 (GB1), Garcinia biflavonoid 2 (GB2) and kolaflavanone, used in the treatment of various ailments in southern Nigeria, was investigated in rats. The ability of Questran (Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Hounslow, UK), a hypolipidaemic therapeutic drug, to attenuate hypercholesterolaemia in rats was also examined.

2. In order to assess the hypolipidaemic effect of this extract in experimental animals, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), cholesterol, phospholipid, low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined in the plasma and liver.

3. Cholesterol administered orally to rats at a dose of 30 mg/0.3 mL five times a week for 8 consecutive weeks resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the relative weight of the heart of hypercholesterolaemic animals compared with control. However, cotreatment with kolaviron and Questran ameliorated the cholesterol‐induced enlargement of the heart. Kolaviron (100 and 200 mg/kg) elicited 88.5 and 87.4% reductions, respectively, in plasma cholesterol levels of pretreated animals compared with the cholesterol‐fed group. In addition, kolaviron produced a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in post‐mitochondrial fraction (PMF) cholesterol levels in treated animals compared with untreated hypercholesterolaemic animals. Similarly, Questran significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the cholesterol‐induced increase in plasma cholesterol levels compared with untreated hypercholesterolaemic animals. In addition, (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma LDL‐C levels by over 70% in treated animals compared with untreated hypercholesterolaemic animals. Similarly, kolaviron significantly decreased (P < 0.05) PMF LDL‐C levels by over 60% in treated animals compared with untreated hypercholesterolaemic animals.

4. The significantly (P < 0.05) higher values of plasma and PMF triglycerides obtained in cholesterol‐fed animals compared with control animals were unaltered following cotreatment with kolaviron and Questran. In the present study, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in plasma formation of malondialdehyde in kolaviron‐ and Questran‐treated animals compared with untreated hypercholesterolaemic animals.

5. The results of the present study demonstrate that kolaviron exerts a hypocholesterolaemic effect and reduces the relative weight of the heart in cholesterol‐fed animals. This reduction and the favourable lipid profile indicate a possible anti‐atherogenic property of the extract.
Hypotensive and lipid regulatory actions of 4‐hydroxyderricin, a chalcone from Angelica keiskei, in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Ogawa Hiroshi , Ohno Mami , Baba Kimiye
Published: February 2005

1. Previously, we found that Angelica keiskei extract (ethyl acetate extract from the yellow liquid of stems) elevated serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and reduced liver triglyceride content in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). To identify the active substance in A. keiskei extract, we examined the effect of 4‐hydroxyderricin, a characteristic chalcone isolated from the yellow liquid of stems, on blood pressure and lipid metabolism in SHRSP.

2. Six‐week‐old male SHRSP were fed diets containing 0.07% 4‐hydroxyderricin for 7 weeks with free access to the diet and water. Elevation of systolic blood pressure was significantly suppressed after 7 weeks treatment. Serum very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were significantly reduced, without any effect on HDL levels, and were associated with a significant decrease in the serum concentration of free fatty acids.

3. In the liver, significant decreases in relative liver weight and triglyceride content were found after treatment with 4‐hydroxyderricin for 7 weeks.

4. An investigation of hepatic mRNA expression of proteins involved in lipid metabolism indicated that a significant decrease in microsomal triglyceride transferprotein may be responsible for the decrease in serum VLDL levels and that significant decreases in adipocyte determination and differentiation factor 1 and fatty acid synthase may be responsible for the decrease in hepatic triglyceride content.

5. In conclusion, dietary 4‐hydroxyderricin produces suppression of the elevation of systolic blood pressure, reduction of serum VLDL levels and a decrease in hepatic triglyceride content in SHRSP.
Anterior hypothalamic β‐adrenoceptors in chronic aortic‐coarctated hypertensive rats: An interaction with central angiotensin II receptors
Authors: Höcht Christian , Opezzo Javier AW , Gironacci Mariela M , Peña Clara , Taira Carlos A
Published: February 2005

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activity of anterior hypothalamic β‐adrenoceptors and angiotensin (Ang) II receptors on blood pressure in normotensive rats and aortic‐coarctated (ACo) animals at a chronic stage of hypertension. A possible interaction between β‐adrenoceptors and AngII pressor activity was also investigated.

2. Injection of isoproterenol (0.1–10 nmol) in the anterior hypothalamic area induced a dose‐dependent decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in sham‐operated (SO), but not in ACo, animals. Isoproterenol (1 nmol) reduced blood pressure in SO rats (ΔMAP −10.1 ± 1.4 mmHg; n = 10) but not in ACo animals (ΔMAP −0.9 ± 1.6 mmHg; n = 10; P < 0.05 vs SO rats). Whereas previous administration of atenolol (40 nmol) enhanced the cardiovascular effect of isoproterenol (1 nmol) in ACo rats but not in SO animals, propranolol (40 nmol) prevented the hypotensive action of isoproterenol in both experimental groups. Intrahypothalamic administration of clenbuterol decreased MAP in a dose‐dependent manner; however, the depressor response to clenbuterol (10 nmol) was greater in ACo rats than in SO rats (ΔMAP −26.8 ± 3.2 vs−14.4 ± 2.4 mmHg, respectively; n = 5 for both; P < 0.05). When AngII (50 ng) was injected into the anterior hypothalamic area, a greater pressor response was observed in ACo rats than in SO rats (ΔMAP 19.6 ± 1.1 vs 11.3 ± 0.6 mmHg, respectively; n = 5 for both; P < 0.05). Atenolol (40 nmol) pretreatment partially and significantly prevented the pressor response to AngII in ACo rats, but not in SO rats.

3. In conclusion, these results provide pharmacological evidence for the existence of a β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated pressor mechanism in the anterior hypothalamic area of ACo rats that is absent in SO rats. The enhanced depressor β2‐adrenoceptor activity observed in chronic ACo rats could be a compensatory adjustment to pressor β1‐adrenoceptor activity. Conversely, pressor overactivity of AngII was observed in the anterior hypothalamic area of ACo rats at a chronic hypertensive stage; this enhancement could be explained, at least in part, by the pressor β1‐adrenoceptor activity.
Gender differences in blood pressure and heart rate in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar‐Kyoto rats
Authors: Maris M Elizabeth , Melchert Russell B , Joseph Jacob , Kennedy Richard H
Published: February 2005

1. In general, premenopausal women are known to have lower blood pressure than men and animal models have shown a similar sexual dimorphism. However, many studies in animals have been performed using anaesthetized or restrained models. Current experiments were conducted to investigate the relationships among resting heart rate, blood pressure and gender in conscious, unrestrained normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

2. Biotelemetry transmitters were implanted in 6‐month‐old animals. Values for heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were recorded continuously at 10 min intervals after all animals recovered completely from surgery.

3. Normal circadian rhythms in heart rate were found in all rats, with no significant differences among the four groups; the circadian variation in blood pressure was evident in all groups, although much smaller. Heart rate was found to be higher in WKY female rats than in the other three groups. Male WKY rats, male SHR and female SHR had similar heart rates. Male SHR had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than female SHR. Male and female WKY rats had similar diastolic blood pressure, but males had slightly higher systolic pressure than females. No significant difference in pulse pressure was found in WKY male and female rats. Male SHR showed significantly higher pulse pressure than female SHR at most times during the day.

4. In conclusion, these results indicate that hypertension is exacerbated in male SHR compared with females under conscious resting conditions and demonstrate that the higher heart rate observed in WKY female rats is not present in the SHR model.
Protective role of tea catechins against oxidation‐induced damage of type 2 diabetic erythrocytes
Authors: Rizvi Syed Ibrahim , Zaid Mohd Abu , Anis Rafat , Mishra Neetu
Published: February 2005

1. Oxidative stress is recognized as a major contributing factor for the development of late complications of diabetes.

2. Tea contains polyphenolic compounds (catechins), which have many important biological properties, including strong anti‐oxidant activity.

3. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of tea catechins (epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC)) on markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and membrane ‐SH group) in erythrocytes from type 2 diabetics.

4. Oxidative stress was induced in normal and type 2 diabetic erythrocytes by incubating with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BHP).

5. Diabetic erythrocytes have higher MDA and decreased GSH and membrane ‐SH groups compared with normal erythrocytes.

6. Our results show that tea catechins protect erythrocytes from t‐BHP‐induced oxidative stress, the effect being more pronounced in diabetic erythrocytes. The relative effectiveness of individual catechins are in the order of EGCG > ECG > EGC > EC.

7. We hypothesise that a higher intake of catechin‐rich food by diabetic patients may provide some protection against the development of long‐term complications of diabetes.
Human leukocyte antigen haplotypes and HFE mutations in Spanish hereditary hemochromatosis and sporadic porphyria cutanea tarda
Authors: GONZALEZ‐HEVILLA MARIO , DE SALAMANCA RAFAEL E , MORALES PABLO , MARTÍNEZ‐LASO JORGE , FONTANELLAS ANTONIO , CASTRO MARIA JOSÉ , ROJO RICARDO , MOSCOSO JUAN , ZAMORA JORGE , SERRANO‐VELA JUAN IGNACIO , ARNAIZ‐VILLENA ANTONIO
Published: February 2005

Background and Aims:  It has been postulated that the HFE C282Y mutation (linked to human leukocyte antigen [HLA]‐A3‐B7 haplotype) is not only responsible for hereditary hemochromatosis; HLA class I alleles would also contribute to the disease pathogenesis. In addition, H63D mutation linked to HLA‐A29‐B44 would also be pathogenetic, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin and throughout the world. However, sporadic porphyria cutanea tarda (s‐PCT) has also been linked to these HFE mutations. In the present work, we have studied HFE mutations and HLA genes to test these hypotheses.

Methods:  C282Y and H63D mutations together with HLA genetic typing have been performed in Spanish hereditary hemochromatosis (n = 98) and PCT (n = 63) patients. The etiologic fraction (δ) has been used to determine the absolute strongest gene linkage to both diseases.

Results:  The Spanish frequent HLA‐A29‐B44 haplotype is not significantly associated to the H63D mutations in hereditary hemochromatosis patients (although it is found more frequently in patients than in controls). Sporadic porphyria cutanea tarda patients do not show a significant association to H63D mutations, although it is also more frequent than in controls; however, compound H63D/C282Y subjects seem to bear a significant risk to s‐PCT. Allelic C282Y (and not H63D) frequencies show a significant association with s‐PCT.

Conclusions:  The postulated additional risk of hereditary hemochromatosis given by class I HLA antigens may be secondary to the HFE gene linkage disequilibrium with certain class I alleles or to the existence of other neighboring genetic pathogenetic factors in our Spanish sample.