bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal attitudes during pregnancy predict mother‐infant physical proximity six months after birth
Authors: Stoléru Serge , Grinshpoun Marie‐France , Guillet Serge , Moralès‐Huet Martine
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument for assessing maternal attitudes. Three photographs representing infants or mother‐infant dyads were presented to 26 mothers in the second half of pregnancy and six months after birth. Nine mothers were clinical cases, seventeen mothers were nonpathological controls. Thirty‐three semantic categories were used to code the mothers' responses to the pictures. Mothers' responses were coded independently by two researchers. The factor analysis of the codes yielded an ‘attraction to, vs rejection of, children’ factor. Compared with the control group, the mean factor score of the clinical group was significantly lower, i. e. reflected less attraction (p < 0.01). To study the relation between the attraction factor and the physical proximity of mothers and infants, 21 of these mother‐infant dyads were videotaped in a semi‐structured play interaction six months after birth. Recordings were coded independently by two researchers for various indices of proximity (spatial proximity, kisses, embraces, touches). The factor analysis of the codes yielded a factor contrasting distant vs close and tender interaction. A significant correlation was found between the attraction scores of pregnant women and the proximity scores of mother‐infant interaction (r = 0.46; p < 0.05). These results suggest that this instrument is useful in assessing maternal attitudes of psychiatrically disturbed pregnant women and that maternal attitudes of pregnant women are significant predictors of physical proximity in motherinfant interaction at the end of the first semester.
Infant crying: Acoustics, perception and communication
Authors: Green James A. , Gustafson Gwen E. , Irwin Julia R. , Kalinowski Lori L. , Wood Rebecca M.
Published: June 2007

This paper first reviews briefly the literature on the acoustics of infant cry sounds and then presents two empirical studies on the perception of cry and noncry sounds in their social‐communicative context. Acoustic analysis of cry sounds has undergone dramatic changes in the last 35 years, including the introduction of more than a hundred different acoustic measures. The study of cry acoustics, however, remains largely focused on neonates who have various medical problems or are at risk for developmental delays. Relatively little is known about how cry sounds and cry perception change developmentally, or about how they compare with noncry sounds. The data presented here support the notion that both auditory and visual information are important in caregivers' interpretations of infant sounds in naturalistic contexts. When only auditory information is available (Study 1), cry sounds become generally more recognizable from 3 to 12 months of age; perception of noncry sounds, however, generally does not change over age. When auditory and visual information contradict each other (Study 2), adults tend to perform at chance levels, with a few interesting exceptions. It is suggested that broadening studies of acoustic analysis and perception to include both cry and noncry sounds should increase our understanding of the development of communication in infancy. Finally, we suggest that examining the cry in its developmental context holds great possibility for delineating the factors that underlie adults' responses to crying.
The Enigma of infant crying: The emergence of defining dimensions
Authors: Barr Ronald G.
Published: June 2007

Recent research concerning the phenomenology of crying in normal and clinical contexts has clarified a number of defining dimensions of the behaviour. Four of the most prominent are developmental changes in both form and function of crying especially those which take place between two and four months of age; categorical as compared to non‐categorical descriptions of crying phenomenology; crying as a behavioural state and its relationships to other state behaviours of infants; and the differential impact of crying in clinical and non‐clinical settings. These dimensions are recurrent themes in current research on crying as a signal and must be considered in any comprehensive account of the role and meaning of early infant crying.
Retraction: Fast‐tracked CTL: Rapid induction of potent anti‐tumor killer T cells in situ
Authors: Heckman Karin L. , Schenk Erin L. , Radhakrishnan Suresh , Pavelko Kevin D. , Hansen Michael J. , Pease Larry R.
Published: June 2007

The following article from the European Journal of Immunology, Fast‐tracked CTL: Rapid induction of potent anti‐tumor killer T cells in situ by Karin L. Heckman, Erin L. Schenk, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Kevin D. Pavelko, Michael J. Hansen, Larry R. Pease. Published online on 4 June 2007 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Foo Yoo Liew and Wiley‐Blackwell. The retraction has been agreed as the results published in the article are unreliable and cannot be reproduced.
A homodimeric complex of HLA‐G on normal trophoblast cells modulates antigen‐presenting cells via LILRB1
Authors: Apps Richard , Gardner Lucy , Sharkey Andrew M. , Holmes Nick , Moffett Ashley
Published: June 2007

In healthy individuals, the non‐classical MHC molecule HLA‐G is only expressed on fetal trophoblast cells that invade the decidua during placentation. We show that a significant proportion of HLA‐G at the surface of normal human trophoblast cells is present as a disulphide‐linked homodimer of the conventional β2m‐associated HLA‐I complex. HLA‐G is a ligand for leukocyte immunoglobulin‐like receptors (LILR), which bind much more efficiently to dimeric HLA‐G than to conventional HLA‐I molecules. We find that a LILRB1‐Fc fusion protein preferentially binds the dimeric form of HLA‐G on trophoblast cells. We detect LILRB1 expression on decidual myelomonocytic cells; therefore, trophoblast HLA‐G may modulate the function of these cells. Co‐culture with HLA‐G+ cells does not inhibit monocyte‐derived dendritic cell up‐regulation of HLA‐DR and costimulatory molecules on maturation, but did increase production of IL‐6 and IL‐10. Furthermore, proliferation of allogeneic lymphocytes was inhibited by HLA‐G binding to LILRB1/2 on responding antigen‐presenting cells (APC). As HLA‐G is the only HLA‐I molecule that forms β2m‐associated dimers with increased avidity for LILRB1, this interaction could represent a placental‐specific signal to decidual APC. We suggest that the placenta is modulating maternal immune responses locally in the uterus through HLA‐G, a trophoblast‐specific, monomorphic signal present in almost every pregnancy.

See accompanying commentary: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737515
Gut flora antigens are not important in the maintenance of regulatory T cell heterogeneity and homeostasis
Authors: Min Booki , Thornton Angela , Caucheteux Stephan M. , Younes Souheil‐Antoine , Oh Keunhee , Hu‐Li Jane , Paul William E.
Published: June 2007

CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are a heterogeneous population that exists as CD44low and CD44high cells. Here we report that while both CD44low and CD44high Treg are anergic and express similar levels of Foxp3, CD44high Treg are highly proliferative in vivo and are more potent suppressors in vitro than CD44low Treg. From analysis of the properties of Treg derived from germ‐free mice, it was concluded that peptide antigens derived from intestinal microorganisms are not essential for the generation, in vivo proliferation or suppressive activity of Treg. Our results suggest that gut flora antigens play little or no role in the heterogeneity and homeostatic regulation of Treg.
Performance of a real‐time pseudodynamic test system considering nonlinear structural response
Authors: Jung Rae‐Young , Benson Shing P. , Stauffer Eric , Thoen Bradford
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the implementation details of a real‐time pseudodynamic test system that adopts an implicit time integration scheme. The basic configuration of the system is presented. Physical tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the system and validate a theoretical system model that incorporates the dynamics and nonlinearity of a test structure and servo‐hydraulic actuators, control algorithm, actuator delay compensation methods, and the flexibility of an actuator reaction system. The robustness and accuracy of the computational scheme under displacement control errors and severe structural softening are examined with numerical simulations using the model. Different delay compensation schemes have been implemented and compared. One of the schemes also compensates for the deformation of an actuator reaction system. It has been shown that the test method is able to attain a good performance in terms of numerical stability and accuracy. However, it has been shown that test results obtained with this method can underestimate the inelastic displacement drift when severe strain softening develops in a test structure. This can be attributed to the fact that the numerical damping effect introduced by convergence errors becomes more significant as a structure softens. In a real‐time test, a significant portion of the convergence errors is caused by the time delay in actuator response. Hence, a softening structure demands higher precision in displacement control. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the essential oil of Grammosciadium scabridum Boiss. from Iran
Authors: Nori‐Shargh Davood , Raftari Surour , Deyhimi Farzad
Published: June 2007

The volatile constituents of the aerial parts of Grammosciadium scabridum Boiss, growing wild in Iran, have been examined by GC–FID and GC–MS. The oil was found to contain 23 components. Altogether, 16 compounds were identified from the aerial parts of this plant, collected in its flowering stage. The oil was rich in α‐pinene (32.4%), bornyl acetate (13.7%) and limonene (11.8%). The other major constituents were endo‐fenchyl acetate (9.7%) and camphene (4.6%). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential oil and antimicrobial activity of wild and cultivated Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link) letswaart from the Marmara region, Turkey
Authors: Esen Gülden , Azaz Ayse Dilek , Kurkcuoglu Mine , Baser Kemal Husnu Can , Tinmaz Ahmet
Published: June 2007

The family Lamiaceae is represented by 45 genera, 546 species and 730 taxa in Turkey. The genus Origanum is represented in Turkey by 22 species; the ratio of endemism in the genus is 63%. Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum collected from different localities in Marmara region and their cultivated forms provided by the Atatürk Central Horticultural Research Institute Yalova/Turkey were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield essential oils which were subsequently analysed by GC and GC–MS. The main constituents of the oils were identified and antimicrobial bioassays were applied. The analyses showed that wild and cultivated Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum oils contained carvacrol (82.9–7.5% and 85.4–5.3%, respectively) and thymol (60.1–0.3% and 68.0–0.3%, respectively) as the main components. The essential oils showed strong antimicrobial activity against all the microorganisms tested. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Including sampling and phenotyping costs into the optimization of two stage designs for genome wide association studies
Authors: Müller Hans‐Helge , Pahl Roman , Schäfer Helmut
Published: June 2007

We propose optimized two‐stage designs for genome‐wide case‐control association studies, using a hypothesis testing paradigm. To save genotyping costs, the complete marker set is genotyped in a sub‐sample only (stage I). On stage II, the most promising markers are then genotyped in the remaining sub‐sample. In recent publications, two‐stage designs were proposed which minimize the overall genotyping costs. To achieve full design optimization, we additionally include sampling costs into both the cost function and the design optimization. The resulting optimal designs differ markedly from those optimized for genotyping costs only (partially optimized designs), and achieve considerable further cost reductions. Compared with partially optimized designs, fully optimized two‐stage designs have higher first‐stage sample proportion. Furthermore, the increment of the sample size over the one‐stage design, which is necessary in two‐stage designs in order to compensate for the loss of power due to partial genotyping, is less pronounced for fully optimized two‐stage designs. In addition, we address the scenario where the investigator is interested to gain as much information as possible, however is restricted in terms of a budget. In that we develop two‐stage designs that maximize the power under a certain cost constraint. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TGF‐β1/SMAD signaling induces astrocyte fate commitment in vitro: Implications for radial glia development
Authors: Stipursky Joice , Gomes Flávia Carvalho Alcantara
Published: June 2007

Radial glial (RG) cells are specialized type of cell, which functions as neuronal precursors and scaffolding guides to migrating neurons during cerebral cortex development. After neurogenesis and migration are completed, most of RG cells transform into astrocytes. Mechanism and molecules involved in this process are not completely elucidated. We previously demonstrated that neurons activate the promoter of the astrocyte maturation marker GFAP in astrocytes by secretion of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) in vitro. Here, we studied the role of neurons and TGF‐β1 pathway in RG differentiation. To address this question, we employed cortical progenitor cultures enriched in GLAST/nestin double‐labeled cells, markers of RG cells. TGF‐β1 and conditioned medium derived from neuron‐astrocyte cocultures (CM) decreased the number of cells expressing the precursor marker nestin and increased that expressing GFAP in cortical progenitor cultures. These events were impaired by addition of neutralizing antibodies against TGF‐β1. Increase in the number of GFAP positive cells was associated with Smads 2/3 nuclear translocation, a hallmark of TGF‐β1 pathway activation. PCR‐assays revealed a decrease in the levels of mRNA for the RG marker, BLBP (brain lipid binding protein), due to TGF‐β1 and CM treatment. We further identified TGF‐β1 receptor in cortical progenitor cultures suggesting that these cells might be target for TGF‐β1 during development. Our work provides strong evidence that TGF‐β1 might be a novel factor involved in RG‐astrocyte transformation and highlights the role of neuron‐glia interaction in this process. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization of annexin II in the paranodal regions and Schmidt–Lanterman incisures in the peripheral nervous system
Authors: Hayashi Akiko , Nakashima Keiko , Yamagishi Katsumasa , Hoshi Tomiko , Suzuki Ayaka , Baba Hiroko
Published: June 2007

Annexin II (AX II) is a member of the family of calcium‐dependent actin‐ and phospholipid‐binding proteins implicated in numerous intracellular functions such as signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and mRNA transport, as well as in the regulation of membrane/cytoskeleton contacts and extracellular functions. AX II is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and is upregulated in some pathological conditions. However, expression and localization of this protein in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is still uncertain. In the present study, we examined the expression and distribution of AX II in the PNS. By western blot analysis, we found that a higher level of AX II was present in sciatic nerve homogenates than in brain homogenates. RT‐PCR of total RNA from rat sciatic nerves revealed that AX II was synthesized within the nerves. Immunohistological analysis showed the characteristic distribution of AX II in Schmidt–Lanterman incisures (SLI) as well as in the paranodal regions. Localization of AX II in the PNS was examined in two mutant mouse models, shiverer and cerebroside sulfotransferase knockout mice, both of which show increased numbers of SLI. The paranodal axo‐glial junction is also disrupted in the latter. Interestingly, the staining intensities of AX II in these regions were increased markedly in both mutants, suggesting that not only the numbers but also AX II content in each incisure and paranodal loop were affected. From its characteristic distribution and molecular features, AX II may be important for myelin function in the PNS. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐Impoundment Biomass and Composition of Phytoplankton in the Yangtze River
Authors: Zeng Hui , Song Lirong , Yu Zhigang , Chen Hongtao
Published: June 2007

Damming, and thus alteration of stream flow, promotes higher phytoplankton populations and encourages algal blooms (density >106cells L–1) in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). Phytoplankton composition and biomass were studied in the Yangtze River from March 2004 to May 2005. 107 taxa were identified. Diatoms were the dominant group, followed by Chlorophyta and Cyanobacteria. In the Yangtze River, algal abundance varied from 3.13 × 103to 3.83 × 106cells L–1, and algal biomass was in the range of 0.06 to 659 mg C m–3. Levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and silica did not show consistent longitudinal changes along the river and were not correlated with phytoplankton parameters. Phytoplankton abundance was negatively correlated with main channel discharge (Spearman r = –1.000, P < 0.01). Phytoplankton abundance and biomass in the Yangtze River are mainly determined by the hydrological conditions rather than by nutrient concentrations. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Decomposition of Fire Exposed Eucalyptus Leaves in a Portuguese Lowland Stream
Authors: Gama Mafalda , Gonçalves Ana Lúcia , Ferreira Verónica , Graça Manuel A. S. , Canhoto Cristina
Published: June 2007

We compared fire exposed with normal abscised eucalyptus leaves incubated in a stream running through eucalyptus plantations in central Portugal, in terms of breakdown rates, microbial activity, diversity and macroinvertebrate abundance. Although leaves exposed to fire had lower nutritional value, mass loss was similar for both leaf types (k = 0.0089–0.0095 d–1 for fire and k = 0.0084–0.00103 d–1 for normal leaves). Fungal biomass was similar among treatments, whereas sporulation and microbial respiration were lower in fire exposed leaves. Both leaf types had similar aquatic hyphomycetes communities. Physical fragmentation was important in fire exposed leaves breakdown. Invertebrates colonized leaves in low numbers in both treatments. Alteration of leaf litter quality determined by fires in streams does not seem to determine changes in ecosystem functioning in a short term. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New families of non‐embeddable quasi‐derived designs
Authors: Alraqad Tariq
Published: June 2007

The main result in this article is a method of constructing a non‐embeddable quasi‐derived design from a quasi‐derived design and an α‐resolvable design. This method is a generalization of techniques used by van Lint and Tonchev in 14, 15 and Kageyama and Miao in 8. As applications, we construct several new families of non‐embeddable quasi‐derived designs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 263–275, 2008
Two constructions of (v, (v − 1)/2, (v − 3)/2) difference families
Authors: Ding Cunsheng
Published: June 2007

In this article, two constructions of (v, (v − 1)/2, (v − 3)/2) difference families are presented. The first construction produces both cyclic and noncyclic difference families, while the second one gives only cyclic difference families. The parameters of the second construction are new. The difference families presented in this article can be used to construct Hadamard matrices. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 164–171, 2008
Preoperative cardiac risk stratification 2007: Evolving evidence, evolving strategies
Authors: Cohn Steven L. , Auerbach Andrew D.
Published: June 2007

Various guidelines and risk indices have optimized cardiac risk stratification, and the emphasis has shifted to reducing perioperative risk. This review is an update on invasive (CABG/PCI) and noninvasive (medical therapy with beta‐blockers, alpha‐agonists, and statins) strategies to reduce cardiac risk for noncardiac surgery and the controversies surrounding their use. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:174–180. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Conflicting measures of hospital quality: Ratings from “Hospital Compare” versus “Best Hospitals”
Authors: Halasyamani Lakshmi K. , Davis Matthew M.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND

In April 2005 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched “Hospital Compare,” the first government‐sponsored hospital quality scorecard. We compared the ranking of U.S. News and World Report's “Best Hospitals” with Hospital Compare performance ratings.

METHODS

We examined Hospital Compare scores for core measures related to care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), and community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). We calculated composite scores for the disease‐specific sets of core measures and a composite combined score for the 14 core measures (across 3 diseases) and determined national score quartile cut points for each set. We then characterized the quartile distribution of Hospital Compare scores for the Best Hospitals for care of cardiac conditions and respiratory disorders in each year, as well as for the Best Hospital “Honor Roll” institutions.

RESULTS

AMI scores were available for 2165 hospitals, CHF scores for 3130, and CAP scores for 3462. In both 2004 and 2005, fewer than 50% of the Best Hospitals for cardiac care rated in the top quartile of Hospital Compare scores for AMI and CHF. Among the Best Hospitals for care of respiratory disorders, fewer than 15% scored in the top Hospital Compare quartile for CAP. Among Honor Roll institutions, only 5 (of 14 hospitals in 2004; of 16 in 2005) ranked in the top quartile for the combined core measure score.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital Compare scores are frequently discordant with Best Hospital rankings, which is likely attributable to the markedly different methods each rating approach employs. Such discordance between major quality rating systems paints a conflicting picture of institutional performance for the public to interpret. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:128–134. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Computer‐based multivariate economic analysis of neonatal‐intensive‐care‐unit‐based influenza vaccine administration to parents in a low‐socio‐economic, urban setting
Authors: Shah Shetal I. , Caprio Martha , Sen Alpana , Hendricks‐Munoz Karen
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine has been shown to reduce the number of influenza‐related outpatient visits and hospitalizations of children up to 24 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control, and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that the influenza vaccine be administered to the first‐person contacts of infants less than 6 months of age. However, the economic implications of increasing immunization rates by using the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as an arena to capture the parents of these infants has not been fully evaluated. We sought to examine the direct and indirect costs of a program to administer the influenza vaccine to parents in the NICUs of a cohort of tertiary‐care units primarily serving a low socioeconomic population.

METHODS

The probabilities of infants being hospitalized because of infection from contact and of the efficacy of prophylaxis used in the present study were based on published results where possible, with an estimated 10% reduction in hospitalization of patients whose parents had received the vaccine. Variables in the 3‐ and 4‐tiered analyses included chronic lung disease status, estimation if patients had siblings, vaccination status of siblings, seroconversion rate of vaccine, and parental vaccination status. Two thousand six hundred and thirty‐two patients were analyzed using 2003 admission data from the New York City Regional Perinatal Center, which encompasses 11 level III NICUs. Hospitalization costs, indirect costs, and outpatient costs were assessed using previously published standard calculations.

RESULTS

On the basis of this computer model, costs were $188 per patient per influenza season, including $6.80 per patient in outpatient costs. Administration of an NICU‐based influenza vaccine increased costs to $200 per patient per influenza season, but decreased outpatient costs to $1.40 per patient. For cost savings to equal costs of vaccine administration, there must be either a 20% reduction in influenza hospitalizations of NICU patients or an increase in the sample size per influenza season to 4000 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost of administration of the influenza vaccine to parents of NICU patients is higher than the financial burden of influenza in this population as long as the sibling immunization rate remains low. Cost savings do not occur until the treated cohort increases to 4000 patients or the incidence of lung disease in this population increases. Further studies are needed to validate the cost savings of this mode and more accurately assess the financial savings. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:158–164. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Synthesis of deuterium‐labelled standards of (±)‐DOM and (±)‐MMDA
Authors: Shaikh Ajam C. , Wang Yu‐Yun , Chen Chinpiao
Published: June 2007

This study describes the synthesis of deuterium‐labelled (±)‐4‐methyl‐2,5‐dimethoxyamphetamine (DOM) and (±)‐1‐(7‐methoxy‐1,3‐benzodioxol‐5‐yl)propan‐2‐amine (MMDA). The isotopically labelled compounds are potentially used as internal standards in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) assays. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progesterone increases brain‐derived neuroptrophic factor expression and protects against glutamate toxicity in a mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐ and phosphoinositide‐3 kinase‐dependent manner in cerebral cortical explants
Authors: Kaur Paramjit , Jodhka Parmeet K. , Underwood Wendy A. , Bowles Courtney A. , de Fiebre NancyEllen C. , de Fiebre Christopher M. , Singh Meharvan
Published: June 2007

The higher prevalence and risk for Alzheimer's disease in women relative to men has been partially attributed to the precipitous decline in gonadal hormone levels that occurs in women following the menopause. Although considerable attention has been focused on the consequence of estrogen loss, and thus estrogen's neuroprotective potential, it is important to recognize that the menopause results in a precipitous decline in progesterone levels as well. In fact, progesterone is neuroprotective, although the precise mechanisms involved remain unclear. Based on our previous observation that progesterone elicits the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, key effectors of the neuroprotective mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide‐3 kinase (PI3‐K) pathways, respectively, we determined whether activation of either of these pathways was necessary for progesterone‐induced protection. With organotypic explants (slice culture) of the cerebral cortex, we found that progesterone protected against glutamate‐induced toxicity. Furthermore, these protective effects were inhibited by either the MEK1/2 inhibitor UO126 or the PI3‐K inhibitor LY294002, supporting the requirement for both the MAPK and PI3‐K pathways in progesterone‐induced protection. In addition, at a concentration and duration of treatment consistent with our neuroprotection data, progesterone also increased the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), at the level of both protein and mRNA. This induction of BDNF may be relevant to the protective effects of progesterone, in that inhibition of Trk signaling, with K252a, inhibited the protective effects of progesterone. Collectively, these data suggest that progesterone is protective via multiple and potentially related mechanisms. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatocyte growth factor promotes endogenous repair and functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Kitamura Kazuya , Iwanami Akio , Nakamura Masaya , Yamane Junichi , Watanabe Kota , Suzuki Yoshinori , Miyazawa Daisuke , Shibata Shinsuke , Funakoshi Hiroshi , Miyatake Shinichi , Coffin Robert S. , Nakamura Toshikazu , Toyama Yoshiaki , Okano Hideyuki
Published: June 2007

Many therapeutic interventions using neurotrophic factors or pharmacological agents have focused on secondary degeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) to reduce damaged areas and promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which was identified as a potent mitogen for mature hepatocytes and a mediator of inflammatory responses to tissue injury, has recently been highlighted as a potent neurotrophic and angiogenic factor in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we revealed that the extent of endogenous HGF up‐regulation was less than that of c‐Met, an HGF receptor, during the acute phase of SCI and administered exogenous HGF into injured spinal cord using a replication‐incompetent herpes simplex virous‐1 (HSV‐1) vector to determine whether HGF exerts beneficial effects and promotes functional recovery after SCI. This treatment resulted in the significant promotion of neuron and oligodendrocyte survival, angiogenesis, axonal regrowth, and functional recovery after SCI. These results suggest that HGF gene delivery to the injured spinal cord exerts multiple beneficial effects and enhances endogenous repair after SCI. This is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of HGF for SCI. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myotonic dystrophy 1 in the nervous system: From the clinic to molecular mechanisms
Authors: de León Mario Bermúdez , Cisneros Bulmaro
Published: June 2007

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominant neuromuscular disorder caused by the expansion of trinucleotide CTG repeats in the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the DMPK gene. Prominent features of classical DM1 are muscle wasting and myotonia, whereas mental retardation is distinctive for congenital DM1. The main nervous system symptoms of DM1 are cognitive impairment, neuroendocrine dysfunction, and personality and behavior abnormalities. It is thought that expansion of CTG repeats causes DM1 pathology through different molecular mechanisms; however, a growing body of evidence indicates that an RNA gain‐of‐function mechanism plays a major role in the disease development. At the skeletal muscle level, three main molecular events can be distinguished in this model: 1) formation of nuclear foci that are composed at least of mutant DMPK mRNA and recruited RNA‐binding proteins, such as splicing regulators and transcription factors; 2) disturbance of alternative splicing of specific genes; and 3) impairment of cell differentiation. Contrasting with the substantial advances in understanding DM1 muscle pathology, the molecular basis of DM1 in the nervous system has just started to be revealed. This review focuses in the DM1 nervous system pathology and provides an overview of the genetic and molecular studies analyzing the effects of the DMPK gene CUG expanded repeats on cell function in neuronal systems. A comparison between the molecular mechanisms of DM1 in the skeletal muscle and those identified in DM1 nervous system models is provided. Finally, future directions in the study of DM1 in the nervous system are discussed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased cerebral oxygen consumption in Eker rats and effects of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate blockade: Implications for autism
Authors: Weiss Harvey R. , Liu Xia , Zhang Qihang , Chi Oak Z.
Published: June 2007

Because there is a strong correlation between tuberous sclerosis and autism, we used a tuberous sclerosis model (Eker rat) to test the hypothesis that these animals would have an altered regional cerebral O2 consumption that might be associated with autism. We also examined whether the altered cerebral O2 consumption was related to changes in the importance of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Young (4 weeks) male control Long Evans (N = 14) and Eker (N = 14) rats (70–100 g) were divided into control and CGS‐19755 (10 mg/kg, competitive NMDA antagonist)‐treated animals. Cerebral regional blood flow (14C‐iodoantipyrine) and O2 consumption (cryomicrospectrophotometry) were determined in isoflurane‐anesthetized rats. NMDA receptor protein levels were determined by Western immunoblotting. We found significantly increased basal O2 consumption in the cortex (6.2 ± 0.6 ml O2/min/100 g Eker vs. 4.7 ± 0.4 Long Evans), hippocampus, cerebellum, and pons. Regional cerebral blood flow was also elevated in Eker rats at baseline, but cerebral O2 extraction was similar. CGS‐19755 significantly lowered O2 consumption in the cortex (2.8 ± 0.3), hippocampus, and pons of the Long Evans rats but had no effect on cortex (5.8 ± 0.8) or other regions of the Eker rats. Cerebral blood flow followed a similar pattern. NMDA receptor protein levels (NR1 subunit) were similar between groups. In conclusion, Eker rats had significantly elevated cerebral O2 consumption and blood flow, but this was not related to NMDA receptor activation. In fact, the importance of NMDA receptors in the control of basal cerebral O2 consumption was reduced. This might have important implications in the treatment of autism. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spinal AMPA receptor inhibition attenuates mechanical allodynia and neuronal hyperexcitability following spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Gwak Young Seob , Kang Jonghoon , Leem Joong Woo , Hulsebosch Claire E.
Published: June 2007

In this study, we examined whether a competitive AMPA receptor antagonist, NBQX, attenuates mechanical allodynia and hyperexcitability of spinal neurons in remote, caudal regions in persistent central neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury in rats. Spinal cord injury was produced by unilateral T13 transverse spinal hemisection, from dorsal to ventral, in male Sprague Dawley rats (200–250 g). Mechanical thresholds were measured behaviorally, and the excitability of wide‐dynamic‐range (WDR) dorsal horn neurons in the lumbar cord (L4–L5) was measured to assess central neuropathicpain. On postoperation day (POD) 28 after spinalhemisection, mechanical thresholds were significantly decreased in both injured (ipsilateral) and noninjured (contralateral) hindpaws compared with preinjury and sham control, respectively (P< 0.05). Intrathecal administration of NBQX (0.25, 0.5, 1 mM) significantly reversed the decreased mechanical thresholds in both hindpaws, dose dependently (P< 0.05). The excitability of WDR neurons was significantly enhanced on both sides of the lumbar dorsal horn 28 days following spinal hemisection (P< 0.05). The hyperexcitability of WDR neurons was attenuated by topical administration of NBQX (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 mM), dose dependently (P< 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that at least three molecules of NBQX bond per receptor complex, and are needed to achieve inhibition of WDR hyperexcitability. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the AMPA receptor plays an important role in behaviors related to the maintenance of central neuropathic pain below the level of spinal cord injury. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Torsional strength estimates of femoral diaphyses with endosteal lytic lesions: Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry study
Authors: Robertson Douglas D. , Beck Thomas J. , Chan Brandon W. , Scott William W. , Sharma Gulshan B. , Maloney William J.
Published: June 2007

Pathologic fracture is a significant problem for individuals with metastatic bone disease. Current guidelines for prophylactic internal fixation are neither reliable nor easily applied. The purpose of this study was to validate dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) as an accurate method for estimating torsional bone strength of diaphyseal bone with endosteal lytic lesions. Endosteal lesions of varying sizes were simulated in the diaphyses of 12 adult cadaveric femurs. Unaltered contralateral femurs served as matched controls. Machined lesions ranged from 3 to 6.5 cm in length, 1 to 3 cm in width, 15 to 48 cm2 in elliptical area, with 10% to 100% removal of the cortical thickness. Morphology and density data obtained from DXA images were used to estimate torsional strength. All femora were mechanically tested to failure in torsion. Physically measured torsional strength was not significantly correlated to lesion elliptical area (r = 0.542, p > 0.05) or percentage cortical thickness removed (r = 0.257, p > 0.05). Measured torsional strength was significantly correlated to DXA‐based torsional strength estimates (r = 0.855, p < 0.01). Lesion size alone did not correlate with the strength of bones with simulated endosteal lytic lesions. In contrast, calculations based on DXA (morphology, density) did correlate with torsional strength. This is the first step in the development of a DXA‐based tool for objectively estimating bone strength in the presence of endosteal lytic lesions. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1343–1350, 2007
Trauma and anxiety: The cognitive approach
Authors: Kreitler Shulamith , Kreitler Hans
Published: June 2007

The purpose was to show how anxiety, the perception of the input and predisposing personality factors are interrelated in the generation of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After a review of the role of each of these elements in regard to the PTSD, a new conception of anxiety, the core element of trauma, is introduced, grounded in an innovative system of meaning assessment. Two experiments are summarized demonstrating that anxiety is a pattern of meaning assignment tendencies of the individual and that changing these tendencies brings about the expected changes in the level of anxiety and of cognitive performance. The findings are applied to the treatment and prevention of the PTSD by showing how changing the meaning of specific inputs and of the relevant meaning assignment tendencies of individuals suffering from PTSD or at risk may help to reduce anxiety and increase coping abilities.
Traumatic stress as an area for research
Authors: Hartsough Don M.
Published: June 2007

Traumatic stress as a research area draws attention from several disciplines, each contributing its own unique tradition to the field. Three research backgrounds are described, including strengths and weaknesses. Research issues currently focus on the psychophysiological basis for stress reactions, the role of personality in stress response patterns, and the trauma stimulus as an independent variable. An overview of this issue's contributions is provided.
Proving cause and effect in traumatic stress: The draft lottery as a natural experiment
Authors: Hearst Norman , Newman Thomas B.
Published: June 2007

A dozen years after the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam war, considerable evidence suggests that some Vietnam veterans have suffered longterm mental health problems as a result of their experiences while in the military. Published reports began with the first descriptions of post‐traumatic stress disorder, which is now a recognized psychiatric diagnosis. Recently, we have added to this literature by using a new technique based on the military draft lottery of 1970–1972. This article discusses the rationale behind the approach that we used, summarizes our results, which have been published in detail elsewhere, discusses how our results complement those of previous studies, and suggests ways in which similar techniques might be used to further investigate delayed effects of the Vietnam‐era military draft.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder in victims of rape
Authors: Burge Sandra K.
Published: June 2007

Rape is a stressor that legitimately can be included in experiences that cause post‐traumatic stress. A review of the professional literature on rape shows evidence for each of the criteria for PTSD. A sample of convenience of 29 rape victims showed a range of PTSD patterns, but 25 (86%) were either moderately or severely stressed. Victims consistently scored higher on standard stress measures than normal or out‐patient samples. Implications of the study are discussed in terms of reframing the rape victim's experience as a response to traumatic stress.
The trauma spectrum: The interaction of biological and social events in the genesis of the trauma response
Authors: van der Kolk Bessel A.
Published: June 2007

When Kardiner first described the full syndrome of what is now called PTSD in 1941, he called the trauma response a “physioneurosis,” that is, a mental disorder which affects both the soma and the psyche. Now, more than 40 years later much knowledge has been gained about the biological effects of traumatization. Based on the studies of disruptions of attachment bonds in non‐human primates, the animal model of inescapable shock, and numerous studies of traumatized children and adults, we are beginning to understand the nature of the biological changes which underlie the psychological response to trauma. This paper will explore (1) the nature of the biological alterations in response to traumatization, (2) how these biological shifts depend on the maturation of the central nervous system (CNS), cognitive processes, and the social matrix in which they occur, (3) and how these alterations can influence psychopathological and interpersonal processes.
A critical survey of hypotheses regarding post‐traumatic stress disorders in light of recent research findings
Authors: Kolb Lawrence C.
Published: June 2007

This paper reviews briefly recent findings from psychobiological research upon Post‐traumatic Stress Disorders. A critical assay is provided of the various hypotheses advanced as the result of this research data. The author suggests neuropsychological theory provides the best explanation for understanding and classifying both the clinical phenomenology and the biological abnormalities discovered in the chronic forms of PTSD.
Psychosocial aspects of parental response patterns to the death of a child by Homicide
Authors: Rinear Eileen E.
Published: June 2007

Homicide is a major cause of mortality in contemporary American society, affecting all age groups, but showing a special predilection for members of the adolescent and young adult populations. Surviving parents of murder victims face a complex bereavement which derives not only from the sudden and traumatic nature of their child's death but also from the shattering of their own previously held personal assumptions about themselves and the world. In an effort to understand better the unique stresses and psychological processes which accompany the death of a child by homicide, a survey of more than 200 parents of murdered children was conducted, which forms the central framework upon which the ideas set forth in this paper are based. Emphasis is placed primarily upon the legitimization of such bereft individuals as covictims of these homicide crimes; the occurrence of symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (APA, 1980) with sufficient frequency and duration to warrant its chronic subtype diagnosis, the presence of disordered variants of mourning deriving from the coexistence of such traumatic stress symptomatology, and the impact that the destruction of previously held personal beliefs about oneself and the world has upon postmurder reactions and subsequent adjustment.
Long‐term coping with combat stress
Authors: Green Bonnie L. , Lindy Jacob D. , Grace Mary C.
Published: June 2007

The present report examined ongoing patterns of coping in Vietnam combat veterans from community, outreach, and treatment samples. After reviewing various schemas for conceptualizing coping which exist in the literature, seven coping strategies empirically derived from the Horowitz Coping Inventory were described. Results indicated that the modes of coping most associated with combat intensity were the same as those associated with more symptomatology and a clinical diagnosis of PTSD in the present: event processing, time out for reflection, religion, and denial. Veterans who improved in short‐term therapy for PTSD, on the other hand, used emotional expression and sublimation strategies. The findings were discussed in terms of the disorder of PTSD, the recovery process, and conceptual models of adapation to stress.
Post‐traumatic symptoms in abused children
Authors: Goodwin Jean
Published: June 2007

A variety of symptoms have been described as sequelae of physical and sexual abuse in childhood. This review suggests that some of these symptoms can be understood as developmentally mediated manifestations of posttraumatic disorders. Like traumatized combat or concentration camp survivors, severely abused children develop anxiety, compulsive repetitions, sleep disturbances and depression, ego constriction, and disturbed expressions of anger. The example of incest trauma illustrates how developmental transformations of childhood post‐traumatic symptoms can produce the varying patterns of presenting psychopathology seen in adult survivors.
Therapeutic approaches to traumatized Cambodian refugees
Authors: David Kinzie J.
Published: June 2007

The treatment of severely traumatized Cambodian refugees is a difficult task. Through an understanding of the patient's culture and the posttraumatic stress disorder, the author recommends several treatment approaches. These include: supportive long‐term therapy, case management, reinforcing traditional values, socialization group therapy, and specific medication. Through a sensitive, flexible approach, the Western practitioner can greatly reduce the suffering of these patients.
Life satisfaction and the male Vietnam veteran
Authors: Phelps Leadelle , Waigandt Alex
Published: June 2007

One hundred and sixty eight males divided into three categories (48 Vietnam veterans, 55 Vietnam‐era veterans, and 65 Vietnam‐era nonveterans) were compared in the Life Satisfaction Index, an instrument designed to reflect morale or happiness, and on the dempgraphic variables of age, marital status, occupation, dependents, and physician visits per year. None of the demographic variables studied were found to be contributing factors in relation to the Life Satisfaction Index scores. A priori comparisons were computed for each group on the Life Satisfaction Index. The Vietnam veteran group had the lowest Life Satisfaction mean score of the three groups, while the Vietnam‐era and the Vietnam‐era nonveteran groups both scored above the overall mean. While data showed that all three groups reported a general satisfaction with life, an Fratio of 3.5 indicated that there was a significant difference between the Vietnam veteran and the Vietnam‐era nonveteran on this measure. However, the Vietnam veteran appeared no less satisfied with his life than his Vietnam‐era veteran counterpart, as illustrated by a nonsignificant t ratio.
Differentiating intervention strategies for primary and secondary trauma in post‐traumatic stress disorder: The example of Vietnam veterans
Authors: Catherall Donald R.
Published: June 2007

A model of treatment of PTSD is presented. Two central psychological issues are addressed: (1) the conflict between ego forces oriented toward recalling and assimilating the traumatic material (thereby achieving ego integration) versus ego forces oriented toward repressing and avoiding the reexperience of the trauma (thereby defending against ego disintegration); and (2) the loss of self‐cohesion which results from the breakdown between the trauma survivor's self and his social milieu. Clinicians are advised to use two different theoretical orientations (ego psychological and self psychological) in treating these two basic issues. The concepts of primary and secondary trauma refer to the initial traumatic experience and the subsequent breakdown in the relationship between the survivor and his social environment and are offered as tools for distinguishing which issue is uppermost in the patient's material at any given time.