bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transversus abdominis and core stability: has the pendulum swung?
Authors: Allison G T , Morris S L
Published: July 2008

In the past decade there has been a focus on isolated transversus abdominis activation and how it contributes to lumbo-pelvic stability. This rationale has not only influenced the management of chronic low back pain (LBP); it has also been included in exercises for many other pathologies of the lower and upper limb and also for prophylaxis in pain-free subjects.
Prevalence and correlates of resistance training in a regional Australian population: Table 1
Authors: Humphries B , Duncan M J , Mummery W K
Published: July 2008

Background

The core components of physical activity, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance and flexibility can provide many health benefits and potentially slow declines associated with aging. Aerobic exercise message to the public has been widely promoted by national health authorities, although the promotion of resistance training has received far less attention.

Objectives

n this research, the prevalence of resistance training in a sample of adults living in regional Australia was primarily assessed.

Design

A computer-assisted telephone interview survey (n=1230) was conducted by the Population Research Laboratory at Central Queensland University on Queensland adults in October to November 2006. Respondents were asked to report the frequency with which they engaged in resistance training.

Participants

Respondents were 18 years or older that could be contacted by direct-dialled, land-based telephone service. A telephone database using a computer program to select, with replacement, a simple random sample of phone numbers selected respondents.

Results

Almost 14% of the population did some form of gym-based resistance training in the week before the survey. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in participation levels with age. Participation was highest amongst the youngest 18–34-year-olds (23.8%), steadily declining with age to a low of 7% in the 55 years and older age group. There was no significant association between sexes and participation in resistance training.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the need to increase overall education on the benefits of resistance training with an emphasis among targeted adult populations to increase participation in resistance training.
Ten year follow-up study comparing conservative versus operative treatment of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. A matched-pair analysis of high level athletes
Authors: Meuffels D E , Favejee M M , Vissers M M , Heijboer M P , Reijman M , Verhaar J A N
Published: July 2008

Objective:

To compare long term outcome of highly active patients with anterior cruciate ligament ruptures treated operatively versus non-operatively.

Design:

We reviewed high level athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture on either MRI or arthroscopic evaluation more than 10 years previously, who were treated conservatively. They were pair-matched with patients who had had an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patella-tendon-bone, with respect to age, gender and Tegner activity score before injury.

Participants:

In total 50 patients were pair-matched.

Results:

We found no statistical difference between the patients treated conservatively or operatively with respect to osteoarthritis or meniscal lesions of the knee, as well as activity level, objective and subjective functional outcome. The patients who were treated operatively had a significantly better stability of the knee at examination.

Conclusion:

We conclude that the instability repair using a bone-patella-tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a good knee stabilising operation. Both treatment options however show similar patient outcome at 10 year follow up.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory function and repetitive sprint performance in wheelchair basketball players
Authors: Goosey-Tolfrey V , Foden E , Perret C , Degens H
Published: July 2008

Background

There is considerable evidence that respiratory muscle training improves pulmonary function, quality of life and exercise performance in healthy athletic populations. The benefits for wheelchair athletes are less well understood. Therefore, in the present study, influence of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory function and repetitive propulsive sprint performance in wheelchair basketball players was examined.

Methods

Using a placebo-controlled design, 16 wheelchair athletes were divided to an experimental (IMT; n=8) or placebo (sham-IMT; n=8) group based on selective grouping criteria. 30 dynamic breaths were performed by the IMT group twice daily at a resistance equivalent to 50% maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and 60 slow breaths were performed by the sham-IMT group once a day at 15% MIP for a period of 6 weeks.

Results

In the IMT group, both MIP and maximum expiratory pressure (17% and 23%, respectively; p≤0.03) were improved. Similar improvements were noted for the sham-IMT group with 23% and 33% from baseline for MIP and maximum expiratory pressure, respectively (p≤0.03). There were no significant changes in pulmonary function at rest and any of the performance parameters associated with the repetitive sprint test (sprint and recovery times, peak heart rate and peak blood lactate concentration). Reported experiences of using the IMT training device suggested “less breathlessness” and “less tightness in the chest during the training”.

Conclusions

Although there was no improvement in sprint performance, an improved respiratory muscle function and quality of life were reported by participants in both the IMT and sham-IMT groups.
Tobacco policy in American prisons, 2007
Authors: Kauffman R M , Ferketich A K , Wewers M E
Published: July 2008

Objective:

To examine current tobacco policy in US prisons and explore changes in prison tobacco policies over time.

Data source:

Telephone survey of the 52 US departments of correction.

Main outcome measures:

Current tobacco policy; distribution of free tobacco; availability of smoking cessation programming and cessation aids.

Participants:

Complete responses were received from 51 of 52 (98%) departments, while one provided partial information.

Results:

The majority of correctional systems (60%) reported total tobacco bans on prison grounds, with most remaining facilities (27%) having an indoor ban on tobacco use. No prisons distributed free tobacco. No major violence was reported relating to the implementation of stricter tobacco policies; however many respondents noted that tobacco became a major contraband item following the implementation of a total ban. While most prison systems with an indoor tobacco ban (86%) reported having tobacco cessation programmes, few of those with total bans (39%) continued such programmes after the initial transition period.

Conclusion:

Total tobacco bans have often been accompanied by the termination of tobacco cessation programmes. Such actions undermine efforts to promote long-term cessation resulting in a missed public health opportunity.
Assessment of physical activity in youth
Authors: Corder Kirsten , Ekelund Ulf , Steele Rebekah M. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Brage Søren
Published: July 2008

Despite much progress with physical activity assessment, the limitations concerning the accurate measurement of physical activity are often amplified in young people due to the cognitive, physiological, and biomechanical changes that occur during natural growth as well as a more intermittent pattern of habitual physical activity in youth compared with adults. This mini-review describes and compares methods to assess habitual physical activity in youth and discusses main issues regarding the use and interpretation of data collected with these techniques. Self-report instruments and movement sensing are currently the most frequently used methods for the assessment of physical activity in epidemiological research; others include heart rate monitoring and multisensor systems. Habitual energy expenditure can be estimated from these input measures with varying degree of uncertainty. Nonlinear modeling techniques, using accelerometry perhaps in combination with physiological parameters like heart rate or temperature, have the greatest potential for increasing the prediction accuracy of habitual physical activity energy expenditure. Although multisensor systems may be more accurate, this must be balanced against feasibility, a balance that shifts with technological and scientific advances and should be considered at the beginning of every new study.
A Tamper-Resistant and Portable Healthcare Folder
Authors: Anciaux Nicolas , Berthelot Morgane , Braconnier Laurent , Bouganim Luc , De la Blache Martine , Gardarin Georges , Kesmarszky Philippe , Lartigue Sophie , Navarre Jean-François , Pucheral Philippe , Vandewalle Jean-Jacques , Zeitouni Karine
Published: July 2008

Electronic health record (EHR) projects have been launched in most developed countries to increase the quality of healthcare while decreasing its cost. The benefits provided by centralizing the healthcare information in database systems are unquestionable in terms of information quality, availability, and protection against failure. Yet, patients are reluctant to give to a distant server the control over highly sensitive data (e.g., data revealing a severe or shameful disease). This paper capitalizes on a new hardware portable device, associating the security of a smart card to the storage capacity of a USB key, to give back to the patient the control over his medical data. This paper shows how this device can complement a traditional EHR server to (1) protect and share highly sensitive data among trusted parties and (2) provide a seamless access to the data even in disconnected mode. The proposed architecture is experimented in the context of a medicosocial network providing medical care and social services at home for elderly people.
A New Approach of Electronics and Photonics Convergence on Si CMOS Platform: How to Reduce Device Diversity of Photonics for Integration
Authors: Wada Kazumi
Published: July 2008

Integrated photonics via Si CMOS technology has been a strategic area since electronics and photonics convergence should be the next platform for information technology. The platform is recently referred to as “Si photonics” that attracts much interest of researchers in industries as well as academia in the world. The main goal of Si Photonics is currently to reduce material diversity of photonic devices to pursuing CMOS‐compatibility. In contrast, the present paper proposes another route of Si Photonics, reducing diversity of photonic devices. The proposed device unifying functionality of photonics is a microresonator with a pin diode structure that enables the Purcell effect and Franz‐Keldysh effect to emit and to modulate light from SiGe alloys.
Sleep Quality and Falls in Older People Living in Self- and Assisted-Care Villages
Authors: St George Rebecca J. , Delbaere Kim , Williams Philippa , Lord Stephen R.
Published: July 2008

Background: Older people often experience unusual sleeping patterns and a poor quality of night-time sleep. Insufficient sleep has potential effects on cognition and physical functioning and therefore may increase the incidence of falls in older people. Objectives: To determine the extent to which a range of physiological, psychological and health-related factors predict night-time sleep quality of older people living in self-care and assisted-care, and whether poor sleep quality is a risk factor for falls. Methods: 572 people, 81 men and 491 women (mean age 79.7 years, SD 6.4), recruited from self-care retirement villages and assisted-care hostels participated in the cross-sectional study with a subgroup of 169 followed up for falls for 1 year. The main outcome measures were sleep quality and prospective falls. Results: Approximately half of the sample rated their sleep quality as poor or fair. Many measures of health, medication use and mood were significantly associated with ratings of poor night-time sleep quality. Multiple regression analyses revealed poor circulation, use of psychotropic and diuretic medications, negative affect, pain, not having a friend in the village, lower fitness levels and daytime napping were significant and independent predictors of night-time sleep quality in both residential care groups. Napping daily was reported by 28% of the self-care group and 37% of the assisted-care group. Residents across both care levels who napped >30 min during the day, or reported <6 h sleep at night, were three times more likely to suffer multiple falls in the follow-up year when adjusting for health, medication and activity measures. Conclusions: Sleep disturbances were common and associated with a variety of psychological, physiological, health and lifestyle factors. Long daytime naps and short night-time sleep periods were associated with an increased risk of falls.
Study on the infrastructure of the Peritoneal Stomata in Humans
Authors: Ji-Chang Li , Shou-Min Yu
Published: July 2008

In 16 human specimens the topography and organization of stomata and mèsothelial cells of the diaphragmatic, pelvic wall and anterior abdominal wall peritoneum were studied by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and the image processing technique. The mesothelial cells were organized into two discrete populations, cuboidal cells and flattened cells. The stomata were found only among cuboidal cells, either on the muscular portion or on the tendinous portion of the diaphragm. The size and shape of stomata, which were arranged in a cluster or a strip were often irregular. The average area of a stoma on the muscular portion was 10.43 ± 1.61 µm2 on the tendinous portion 7.93 ± 1.67 µm2. Stomata opened to submesothelial connective tissue, under which numerous lymphatics were observed. Stomata were not discovered in the pelvic and anterior abdominal wall peritoneum. In animal experiments intraperitoneally injected trypan blue particles were rapidly removed from the peritoneal cavity through stomata of the diaphragmatic peritoneum in rabbits. It is suggested that stomata may be the main pathway for draining matter from the peritoneal cavity and that the diaphragmatic peritoneum shows the strongest absorption in all parts of the peritoneum.
Expression of Plasma Membrane Alkaline Phosphatase in Normal and Regenerating Choriocapillaris in the Rabbit
Authors: Andracchi S. , Korte G.E.
Published: July 2008

Ultrastructural histochemistry for plasma membrane nonspecific alkaline phosphatase was performed on the normal and regenerating choriocapillaris (CC) of rabbits. In normal animals the CC endothelium expressed little or no staining, whereas in regenerating CC the endothelium exhibited staining. The staining was most intense at the un-fenestrated plasma membrane. As the capillaries matured and the fenestrated plasma membrane became more extensive, the staining was reduced and eventually eliminated. Pericytes did not stain in normal or regenerating CC.
An Overview of Epithelio-Mesenchymal Transformation
Authors: Hay E.D.
Published: July 2008

Epithelium is the tissue phenotype of early embryos and primitive adults of the chordate phylum. A second tissue type, however, is produced by epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in higher chordates, such as vertebrata. Mesenchymal cells have the ability, which true epithelia do not, to invade and migrate through the extracellular matrix (ECM) to create dramatic cell transpositions. The first-formed or primary mesenchymal cells in amniote vertebrates migrate from the primitive streak to differentiate into the mesodermal and endodermal epithelia. Definitive mesenchyme with connective tissue and muscle potentials arises from the epithelial mesoderm at about the same time as the neural crest mesenchyme forms from the ectoderm. Later on in embryogenesis. EMT is used to remodel unwanted epithelia, such as that of the palate medial edges. We discuss the mechanisms by which epithelial cells transform into mesenchyme and vice versa. On the one hand, cells activate putative mesenchymal master genes, turn off epithelial genes, and acquire motility machinery that allows them to interact in 3 dimensions (3D) with ECM via actin cortex while sliding their endoplasm into their new front ends. On the other hand, primary mesenchymal cells can reactivate epithelial regulatory genes, such as E-cadherin, turn off the motility machinery for invading ECM, and reexpress apical-basal polarity. We review the genes, such as FSPI, src, ras, andfos, that are activated in cells transforming to mesenchyme and the genes their neighbors activate to induce EMT, such as those for TGFβ, NT-3, and sonic hedgehog. Suspension in 3D collagen gels can induce adult epithelium to undergo EMT; α5βl integrin is activated on surfaces in contact with collagen, including apical surfaces that do not normally express integrins. In vivo, it is possible that pathological manipulations of a cell’s environment likewise induce EMT. Of the examples we give, the creation of invasive metastatic carcinoma cells by EMT is the most fearful. Interestingly, transfection of either metastatic cells or normal embryonic fibroblasts with the E-cadherin gene converts them to the epithelial phenotype. It may be possible in the future to manipulate the tissue phenotype of diseased cells to the advantage of the animal.
In Vivo Imaging of the Inflammatory Receptor CD40 After Cerebral Ischemia Using a Fluorescent Antibody
Authors: Klohs Jan , Gräfe Michael , Graf Kristof , Steinbrink Jens , Dietrich Thore , Stibenz Dietger , Bahmani Peyman , Kronenberg Golo , Harms Christoph , Endres Matthias , Lindauer Ute , Greger Klaus , Stelzer Ernst H.K. , Dirnagl Ulrich , Wunder Andreas
Published: July 2008

Background and Purpose—

Brain inflammation is a hallmark of stroke, where it has been implicated in tissue damage as well as in repair. Imaging technologies that specifically visualize these processes are highly desirable. In this study, we explored whether the inflammatory receptor CD40 can be noninvasively and specifically visualized in mice after cerebral ischemia using a fluorescent monoclonal antibody, which we labeled with the near-infrared fluorescence dye Cy5.5 (Cy5.5-CD40MAb).

Methods—

Wild-type and CD40-deficient mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Mice were either intravenously injected with Cy5.5-CD40MAb or control Cy5.5-IgGMAb. Noninvasive and ex vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging was performed after injection of the compounds. Probe distribution and specificity was further assessed with single-plane illumination microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy.

Results—

Significantly higher fluorescence intensities over the stroke-affected hemisphere, compared to the contralateral side, were only detected noninvasively in wild-type mice that received Cy5.5-CD40MAb, but not in CD40-deficient mice injected with Cy5.5-CD40MAb or in wild-type mice that were injected with Cy5.5-IgGMAb. Ex vivo near-infrared fluorescence showed an intense fluorescence within the ischemic territory only in wild-type mice injected with Cy5.5-CD40MAb. In the brains of these mice, single-plane illumination microscopy demonstrated vascular and parenchymal distribution, and confocal microscopy revealed a partial colocalization of parenchymal fluorescence from the injected Cy5.5-CD40MAb with activated microglia and blood-derived cells in the ischemic region.

Conclusions—

The study demonstrates that a CD40-targeted fluorescent antibody enables specific noninvasive detection of the inflammatory receptor CD40 after cerebral ischemia using optical techniques.
The Stroke Impact Scale 3.0
Authors: Carod-Artal Francisco Javier , Coral Luciane Ferreira , Trizotto Daniele Stieven , Moreira Clarissa Menezes
Published: July 2008

Background and Purpose—We sought to assess the psychometric attributes of the Brazilian version of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 3.0 in stroke survivors.

Methods—Patients were evaluated by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Barthel Index, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, modified Rankin Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Health-related quality of life was evaluated with the MOS–Short Form 36 and SIS 3.0.

Results—One hundred seventy-four stroke survivors were assessed (mean age, 56.9 years; 55.2% male). Hand function had a prominent floor effect (45.9%), whereas a ceiling effect was observed in the communication domain (17.3%). The internal consistency of SIS (Cronbach’s α=0.94) and SIS domains (item-dimension correlation, 0.17 to 0.89) were satisfactory; only the emotion domain had poor internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.49). Test-retest reliability was evaluated in 50 consecutive patients. Concerning the stability of the SIS, the weighted κ values ranged from 0.33 (item 3a) to 0.94 (item 7e). Intraclass correlation coefficient values for the SIS domains ranged from 0.48 (emotion) to 0.94 (hand function). Standard error of measurement values for SIS domains ranged from 6.85 (mobility) to 9.63 (social participation). Regarding convergent validity, a significant correlation (Spearman’s correlation coefficient,P<0.0001) was found between the SIS composite physical domain and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (−0.69), modified Rankin Scale (−0.81), Barthel Index (0.87), Lawton Scale (0.76), and MOS–Short Form 36 physical component summary (0.61). SIS domain scores significantly decreased as modified Rankin Scale scores increased (discriminative validity; ANOVA,P<0.0001).

Conclusions—The Brazilian version of SIS 3.0 has satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used in stroke survivors to assess health-related quality of life.
De La Conclusion Et La Rédaction Des Traités Collectifs
Authors: De Sydow G.
Published: July 2008

Avant d'entrer en matière, nous tenons à dire en quelques mots quelle est la méthode que nous avons suivie dans notre étude. Nous avons limité l'examen de notre étude aux seuls procédés employés pour la conclusion d'un grand nombre de traités collectifs posant des règles de droit et des formes adoptées dans leur rédaction. L'étude porte cependant moins sur les détails de forme que sur les aspects qui présentent une importance au point de vue juridique Nous traiterons ici premièrement du préambule des traités, et ensuite de la mise en vigueur des traités, de la clause coloniale, des réserves aux traités et de leur dénonciation, de la revision et de l'interprétation des traités et, enfin, de la question des langues authentiques.
Atlantpagtens Juridiske Betydning1)
Authors: Brüel Erik
Published: July 2008

Man opfatter sædvanligvis Atlantpagten som et isoleret Fænomen. Jeg vil forsøge at sætte Pagten ind i en større Sammenhæng. Pagten er hverken Begyndelse eller Afslutning paa en Udvikling, men Led i en saadan. Den er fremgaaet af en historisk og sociologisk Udvikling. Denne vil jeg til at begynde med kort skitsere og dernæst gennemgaa Pagtens vigtigste Bestemmelser, fortolke dem og maaske ogsaa kritisere dem en Smule for endelig at afslutte min Fremstilling med nogle Bemaerkninger om Forholdet mellem Pagten paa den ene Side og de forenede Nationers Pagt og Traktatkomplekset angaaende det europæiske Forsvarsfaellesskab paa den anden.
The Impact of Positive-Definite Moisture Transport on NWP Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Skamarock William C. , Weisman Morris L.
Published: July 2008

A positive-definite transport scheme for moisture is tested in a nonhydrostatic forecast model using convection-permitting resolutions. Use of the positive-definite scheme is found to significantly reduce the large positive bias in surface precipitation forecasts found in the non-positive-definite model forecasts, in particular at high precipitation thresholds. The positive-definite scheme eliminates spurious sources of water arising from the clipping of negative moisture values in the non-positive-definite model formulation, leading to the bias reduction.
Distribution of Micro Stresses and Interfacial Tractions in Unidirectional Composites
Authors: Jin Kyo-Kook , Yuanchen Huang  , Lee Young-Hwan , Sung Kyu Ha
Published: July 2008

A micromechanical approach is developed to determine the micro stress within a unidirectional composite under various mechanical and thermal loading conditions. Based on linear stress—strain relations, the concept of a stress amplification factor is introduced, and the correlations between macro stress and micro stress are explicitly expressed in mathematical equations. Three unit cell models, square, hexagonal, and diamond fiber arrays, are analyzed and compared using three-dimensional finite element methods. Subsequently, effective material properties, the distribution of micro stress in the fiber/matrix, as well as traction distribution at the fiber—matrix interface, and the effect of different interfacial stiffness, are obtained.
Commodifying Romance and Searching for Love
Authors: Tiantian Zheng
Published: July 2008

This article discusses Dalian's bar hostesses' paradoxical model of romance: one that is both commodified and based on love. On the one hand, hostesses reject the popular media's emphasis on romantic love and sexual purity as a thin disguise for the ugly reality of men's sexual exploitation of women, and they actively perform and commodify romance for their instrumental purposes. On the other hand, hostesses resort to supernatural forces to determine their romantic fate and to seek out ideal love.
Reduced memory and attention performance in a population-based sample of young adults with a moderate lifetime use of cannabis, ecstasy and alcohol
Authors: Indlekofer F , Piechatzek M , Daamen M , Glasmacher C , Lieb R , Pfister H , Tucha O , Lange KW , Wittchen HU , Schütz CG
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Regular use of illegal drugs is suspected to cause cognitive impairments. Two substances have received heightened attention: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) and δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or ‘cannabis’). Preclinical evidence, as well as human studies examining regular ecstasy consumers, indicated that ecstasy use may have negative effects on learning, verbal memory and complex attentional functions. Cannabis has also been linked to symptoms of inattention and deficits in learning and memory. Most of the published studies in this field of research recruited participants by means of newspaper advertisements or by using word-of-mouth strategies. Because participants were usually aware that their drug use was critical to the research design, this awareness may have caused selection bias or created expectation effects. Focussing on attention and memory, this study aimed to assess cognitive functioning in a community-based representative sample that was derived from a large-scale epidemiological study. Available data concerning drug use history allowed sampling of subjects with varying degrees of lifetime drug experiences. Cognitive functioning was examined in 284 young participants, between 22 and 34 years. In general, their lifetime drug experience was moderate. Participants completed a neuropsychological test battery, including measures for verbal learning, memory and various attentional functions. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between cognitive functioning and lifetime experience of drug use. Ecstasy and cannabis use were significantly related to poorer episodic memory function in a dose-related manner. For attentional measures, decrements of small effect sizes were found. Error measures in tonic and phasic alertness tasks, selective attention task and vigilance showed small but significant effects, suggesting a stronger tendency to experience lapses of attention. No indication for differences in reaction time was found. The results are consistent with decrements of memory and attentional performance described in previous studies. These effects are relatively small; however, it must be kept in mind that this study focussed on assessing young adults with moderate drug use from a population-based study.
Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of the intravenously administered CB1 receptor agonist Org 28611 in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Zuurman L , Passier PCCM , de Kam ML , Kleijn HJ , Cohen AF , van Gerven JMA
Published: July 2008

Abstract

CB1/CB2 agonists are reported to have sedative, amnestic, analgesic and anti-emetic properties, which would make them ideal drugs for outpatient treatments under conscious sedation. The main objective of this in human study was to assess the sedative properties of Org 28611, a potent water-soluble CB1 agonist. Single ascending doses were administered during a slow 25 min infusion and after a 1 min bolus administration to healthy male volunteers. In addition, the pharmacokinetics, amnestic properties, postural stability, electro-encephalography, behavioural and cardiovascular effects were studied. Midazolam 0.1 mg/kg was used as a positive control. The pharmacokinetic parameters were proportional to dose. No effects were observed after intravenous administration of doses up to Org 28611 1 μg/kg. Dose-related effects were observed at higher doses. Although subjects reported subjective sedation after administration of Org 28611 3-10 μg/kg, the observed sedation was considerably less than after midazolam. Org 28611 is, therefore, not suitable for providing sedation for outpatient surgical procedures and doses above the maximum tolerated dose of 3 μg/kg (either administered as a slow infusion or a bolus dose) can cause untoward psychotropic effects.
The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of SL65.1498, a GABA-A 2,3 selective agonist, in comparison with lorazepam in healthy volunteers
Authors: de Haas SL , Franson KL , Schmitt JAJ , Cohen AF , Fau JB , Dubruc C , van Gerven JMA
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Benzodiazepines are effective short-term treatments for anxiety disorders, but their use is limited by undesirable side effects related to Central Nervous System impairment and tolerance development. SL65.1498 is a new compound that acts in vitro as a full agonist at the γ-aminobutyric acidA2 and 3 receptor and as a partial agonist at the 1 and 5 receptor subtypes. It is thought that the compound could be anxiolytic by its activation at the alpha2 and alpha3 receptor subtypes, without causing unfavourable side effects, which are believed to be mediated by the alpha1 and alpha5 subtypes. This study was a double-blind, five-way cross-over study to investigate the effects of three doses of SL65.1498 in comparison with placebo and lorazepam 2 mg in healthy volunteers. The objective was to select a dose level (expected to be therapeutically active), free of any significant deleterious effect. Psychomotor and cognitive effects were measured using a validated battery of measurements, including eye movements, body sway, memory tests, reaction-time assessments, and visual analogue scales. The highest dose of SL65.1498 showed slight effects on saccadic peak velocity and smooth pursuit performance, although to a much lesser extent than lorazepam. In contrast to lorazepam, none of the SL65.1498 doses affected body sway, visual analogue scale alertness, attention, or memory tests. This study showed that the three doses of SL65.1498 were well tolerated and induced no impairments on memory, sedation, psychomotor, and cognitive functions.
Olanzapine treatment in Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction due to neurosyphilis with dementia: a case report
Authors: Ates MA , Algul A. , Gecici O. , Semiz UB , Yilmaz O. , Gulsun M.
Published: July 2008

We discussed a neurosyphilis case who had a risky sexual intercourse history nearly 10 years ago. After the neurosyphilis diagnosis, the patient has clinical symptoms of a demential case starting as a typical manic episode and Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction because of intravenous penicillin treatment that has improved with olanzapine treatment.
Neural markers of symptomatic improvement during antidepressant therapy in severe depression: subgenual cingulate and visual cortical responses to sad, but not happy, facial stimuli are correlated with changes in symptom score
Authors: Keedwell P , Drapier D , Surguladze S , Giampietro V , Brammer M , Phillips M
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Resting state activity in the ventral cingulate may be an important neural marker of symptomatic improvement in depression. The number of task related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies correlating blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response with symptomatic improvement is limited and methodologies are still evolving. We measured BOLD responses to sad and happy facial stimuli in 12 severely depressed individuals in the early stages of antidepressant treatment (Time 1) and 12 weeks later (Time 2) using event-related fMRI. We calculated correlations between temporal changes in BOLD response and changes in symptom scores. Most subjects improved markedly by Time 2. At Time 1, depression severity correlated positively with responses to sad stimuli in the right visual cortex, subgenual cingulate, anterior temporal pole and hippocampus and correlated negatively with responses to happy stimuli in left visual cortex and right caudate. Decreases in individual effect sizes of right subgenual cingulate and right visual cortical responses to sad, but not happy, facial stimuli were correlated with decreases in symptom scores. There are contrasting cortical and subcortical responses to sad and happy stimuli in severe depression. Responses to sad stimuli show the strongest correlates of clinical improvement, particularly in the subgenual cingulate.
Is Low Self-Control Associated With Violence Among Youths in Turkey?
Authors: Özbay Özden , Köksoy Onur
Published: July 2008

Self-control theory is tested in relation to violence on a sample of university students in Turkey. The primary findings indicate support for the theory net of the impacts of strain, deterrence, differential association, social bonding, and routine activity theories: The greater the low self-control, the greater the violence. No subdimensions of self-control have consistent significant impacts on violence. Most high-opportunity measures have positive impacts on violence. Interaction effects occur only among subdimensions of self-control and opportunity variables. Social class and age are significant even when low self-control measures were controlled.
Preliminary Experience With Nesiritide in Pediatric Patients Less Than 12 Months of Age
Authors: Ryan Angela , Rosen David A. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: July 2008

The natriuretic peptide system plays an active role in the regulation of fluid balance and systemic vascular resistance. Advances in recombinant technology have provided the opportunity for the exogenous administration of a recombinant form of B-type natriuretic peptide (nesiritide). To date, reports of its use in the pediatric population are limited, with limited information regarding its use in patients less than 12 months of age. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with nesiritide in infants less than 12 months of age to determine its efficacy and adverse effect profile. The study cohort included 22 patients, ranging in age from 4 days to 12 months. The starting dose of the nesiritide infusion ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 µg/kg/min (0.015 ± 0.01µg/ kg/min) and was administered for a total of 3 to 264 hours (85.2 ± 75.0 hours). Nesiritide resulted in a significant increase in urine output even in the face of decreased fluid intake. Mean urine output increased from 3.1 ± 2.5 mL/kg/h before nesiritide to 5.7 ± 4.5 mL/kg/h ( P = .03) during the initial 24 hours after starting the infusion. Fluid intake before and after the infusion were 126 ± 60 mL/kg/d and 108 ± 56 mL/kg/d, respectively. There were no statistically or clinically significant changes in hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, and central venous pressure) during the nesiritide infusion. No change in electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were noted. No adverse effects of the nesiritide infusion were noted. No infusion was stopped due to adverse effects. These data suggest that nesiritide is a safe method of improving urine output in pediatrics patients less than 12 months of age and that the adverse effect profile does not appear to be different than that reported in older children.
Long-Term Poverty and Disability Among Working-Age Adults
Authors: Peiyun She  , Livermore Gina A.
Published: July 2008

The authors use longitudinal data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation spanning 1996 to 1999 to estimate the prevalence of short- and long-term poverty among working-age people with and without disabilities. Depending on the disability measure used, annual poverty rates are 2 to 5 times higher among people with disabilities compared to those without disabilities. The relative long-term poverty rates among those with disabilities are much higher than the relative short-term poverty rates. People with disabilities represented 47% of those in poverty in 1997 according to an annual measure of poverty and 65% of those in poverty according to a long-term measure. The reasons that disability receives little attention in the poverty literature may be that most statistics are based on short-term measures, which partially mask the strong relationship between long-term poverty and long-term disability, and outdated perceptions of the relationship between disability and the ability to work.
The Effectiveness of Measuring for Fragmented Red Cells Using an Automated Hematology Analyzer in Patients With Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Abe Yasunori , Wada Hideo , Yamada Eri , Noda Maki , Ikejiri Makoto , Nishioka Junji , Kobayashi Toshihiko , Matsumoto Takeshi , Masuya Masahiro , Isaji Syuji , Usui Masanobu , Uemoto Sinji , Katayama Naoyuki , Nobori Tsutomu
Published: July 2008

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening syndrome characterized by increased number of fragmented red cells (FRCs) and thrombocytopenia. FRCs can be measured using the recently developed automated hematology analyzer XE-2100. The normal range for FRCs is 0% to 0.205%, as determined by the automated hematology analyzer XE-2100. The FRC count is significantly elevated in patients with TMA associated with liver transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, or TTP. In patients with TMA after liver transplantation, the FRC count is significantly higher than in those without TMA. In receiver operating characteristic analysis for the diagnosis of TMA, the area under the curve is 0.986, suggesting that FRC is a useful marker for the diagnosis of TMA. When the cutoff value of FRC for TMA is 1.2%, the sensitivity is 90% and the specificity is 96%, indicating that FRC is the most useful screening test for the diagnosis of TMA.
Prothrombotic and Hemorrhagic Effects of Aspirin
Authors: Aguejouf Omar , Eizayaga Francisco , Desplat Vanessa , Belon Philippe , Doutremepuich Christian
Published: July 2008

Aspirin remains the most widely used drug for prevention of vascular events. Recent observational epidemiological evidence has raised the concern that aspirin withdrawal for treatment noncompliance, surgery, or side effects can carry an increased thrombotic risk. The delay to the thrombotic event was between 7 to 30 days in most reports and most frequently 7 to 10 days. The mechanism underlying this effect remains poorly understood. Using an in vivo model of laser-induced thrombosis, aspirin injected in 1 single dose of 100 mg/kg body weight has also shown a prothrombotic activity in the rat 8 to 10 days after injection in the normal rat. The hypothesis was made that minimal concentrations of aspirin or ultra-low dose aspirin (ULDA) could induce this effect. ULDA showed prothrombotic properties in the same model of induced thrombosis that were very similar to those described after aspirin withdrawal, but the effect was observed only 1 hour after aspirin administration. This prothrombotic effect of ULDA is very similar to the effect observed after COX 2 selective inhibition with NS 398. The administration of both the selective COX 2 inhibitor and ULDA did not produce further changes. In conclusion, the prothrombotic effects described in recent observational studies are likely produced by a direct effect of aspirin, whose putative mechanism involving COX 2 inhibition remains poorly understood.
The Impact of Prothrombotic Mutations on Factor Consumption in Adult Patients with Severe Hemophilia
Authors: Ar M. Cem , Baykara Onur , Buyru Ayse Nur , Baslar Zafer
Published: July 2008

About 10% of patients with severe hemophilia exhibit a milder clinical phenotype with less frequent bleeds. Among many other factors, coinheritance of prothrombotic mutations have been proposed to act as modulators of clinical severity in severe hemophilia. We conducted a study to evaluate the impact of 3 prothrombotic mutations (factor V Leiden, factor II, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations) on clinical phenotype of patients with severe hemophilia in our institution. For this purpose we compared the average annual factor concentrate consumption between carriers and noncarriers of prothrombotic mutations. A total of 38 hemophilia A and B patients with factor levels less than 1 were recruited between October 2006 and October 2007. Prothrombotic mutations were detected in venous blood using polymerase chain reaction amplification technique. Eighteen patients (47%) carried no prothrombotic mutations. The remaining 20 patients (53%) were found to be carriers of either 1 or 2 mutations. Median age in both carrier and the non-carrier groups was 27 years. None of the patients in either group gave a history of thromboembolic event. Median annual factor concentrate consumptions in carriers and noncarriers were 610 ± 530 units/kg and 770 ± 670 units/kg, respectively ( P = .203). Our results demonstrated no significant difference in annual factor concentrate consumption between carriers and noncarriers of prothrombotic mutations. Considering that average annual factor consumption is a surrogate indicator of clinical phenotype, we concluded that coinheritance of prothrombotic mutations was not associated with occurrence of different clinical phenotypes in severe hemophilia.
Treatments for Tinnitus
Authors: Noble William
Published: July 2008

The various forms of treatment for tinnitus that have been tested in properly controlled trials can be classified as pharmacological, acoustic—physical, and psychological. In clinical trials, no pharmacological agent has been shown to have lasting effect on the presence or severity of tinnitus, although there are promising signs in an animal model. Acoustic devices do not seem to influence tinnitus, although appropriately fitted hearing aids may slightly reduce its prominence. Of physical treatments, cortical implantation may hold some promise of being effective for tinnitus suppression in selected cases. A psychological treatment that has emerged as consistently beneficial is cognitive-behavior therapy in terms of affecting overall well-being and reducing level of tinnitus annoyance.
Patient Mood and Neuropsychological Outcome After Laparoscopic and Conventional Colectomy
Authors: Gameiro M. , Eichler W. , Schwandner O. , Bouchard R. , Schön J. , Schmucker P. , Bruch H.-P. , Hüppe M.
Published: July 2008

The study was designed to compare patients after laparoscopic and conventional colectomy with regard to early postoperative mood, cognitive function, and neurocognitive variables S100β and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Forty-five laparoscopic and 25 open colectomies were enrolled into the prospective study. Outcome measurements were positive and negative postoperative mood (BSKE), neuropsychological tests (Trail-Making Test; word reproduction; Stroop Test), and serum biochemical parameters (S100β; NSE). Following laparoscopic procedure, patients described significantly better positive mood ( P < .05), tended to require less time in the Trail-Making Test and Stroop Test, and had lower postoperative serum concentrations of S100β compared to conventional colectomy patients ( P < .01). The current results revealed several group differences, which, in their entirety, seem to represent a more beneficial outcome after laparoscopic colonic surgery.
Combining identity by descent and association in genetic case-control studies
Authors: Zhang Qingrun , Wang Shuang , Ott Jurg
Published: July 2008

Background

In human case-control association studies, one of the chi-square tests typically carried out is based on a 2 × 3 table of genotypes (homogeneity of three genotype frequencies in case and control individuals). We formulate the two degrees of freedom associated with a given genotype distribution in terms of two biologically relevant parameters, (1) the probability F that an individual's two alleles are identical by descent (IBD) and (2) the frequency p of one of the alleles.

Results

Imposing the restriction, F ≥ 0, makes some of the genotype frequencies invalid thereby reducing noise. We propose a new statistical association test, the FP test, by focusing on allele frequency differences between case and control individuals while allowing for suitable IBD probabilities. Power calculations show that (1) the practice of generally carrying out two association tests (allele and genotype test) has an increased type I error and (2) our test is more powerful than conventional genotype and allele tests under recessive trait inheritance, and at least as powerful as these conventional tests under dominant inheritance.

Conclusion

For dominant and recessive modes of inheritance, any apparent power gain by an allele test when carried out in conjunction with a genotype test tends to be purchased entirely by an increased rate of false positive results due to omission of a multiple testing correction. As an alternative to these two standard association tests, our FP test represents a convenient and more powerful alternative.
Time-dependent biphasic modulation of human BDNF by antidepressants in neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Donnici Lorena , Tiraboschi Ettore , Tardito Daniela , Musazzi Laura , Racagni Giorgio , Popoli Maurizio
Published: July 2008

Background

Recent rodent studies reported that antidepressant treatments affect the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA in a way that is dependent on treatment duration, by selective modulation of different BDNF transcripts. However, no data are available for the human BDNF gene. We studied the effect of different antidepressants on BDNF mRNA expression in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

Results

Cultured cells were treated with the antidepressants fluoxetine, reboxetine and desipramine for different time lengths (6, 24, 48 hours). Expression of total BDNF mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcription PCR and levels of different BDNF transcripts were detected by hemi-nested PCR with specific primers.

Short-term treatment (6 hours) with reboxetine or desipramine reduced total BDNF, whereas long-term treatment (48 hours) significantly increased total BDNF mRNA levels. These changes were accounted for by differential regulation of BDNF IV and VIa/b transcripts. Fluoxetine showed no significant effects.

Conclusion

This is the first study showing biphasic changes in the expression of total and specific BDNF transcripts in human cells following antidepressant treatments. These findings suggest that biphasic induction of BDNF by antidepressants could be a feature common to rodents and humans and encourage the use of SH-SY5Y cells as a tool for investigation of drug effects on human genes.