bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groundwater contribution to baseflow maintains habitat connectivity forTandanus bostocki(Teleostei: Plotosidae) in a south‐western Australian river
Authors: Beatty S. J. , Morgan D. L. , McAleer F. J. , Ramsay A. R.
Published: July 2010

Beatty SJ, Morgan DL, McAleer FJ, Ramsay AR. Groundwater contribution to baseflow maintains habitat connectivity forTandanus bostocki(Teleostei: Plotosidae) in a south‐western Australian river. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 595–608. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – A global biodiversity hotspot, south‐western Australia is characterised by a highly endemic freshwater fish fauna that is severely impacted by habitat alterations. As is the case with many rivers in this region, the Blackwood River is secondarily salinised as a consequence of agricultural practices and this has caused population depletions of halo‐intolerant fishes. This study is the first to examine the role that groundwater intrusion has in maintaining habitat connectivity for an obligate freshwater fish in a secondarily salinised river. We determined the significance of nonsaline groundwater intrusion in maintaining habitat and migratory routes of the freshwater cobbler,Tandanus bostockiduring prolonged annual dry periods; characteristic of Mediterranean climatic zones.Tandanus bostockiundertook large, yet spatially and temporally variable, localised movements through riffles. During baseflow, the period of major groundwater influence, movements were significantly associated with discharge. Analysis of gonadal development suggested that such movements were not strictly related to reproduction and were probably for foraging purposes. The study reveals groundwater is crucial in maintaining migratory routes through riffles and suggestsT. bostockimay be reliably used as an indicator of aquatic habitat connectivity in light of groundwater extractions and also continued rainfall reductions in this region due to climate change.
Individual growth and its implications for the recruitment dynamics of stream‐dwelling marble trout (Salmo marmoratus)
Authors: Vincenzi S. , Crivelli A. J. , Jesensek D. , De Leo G. A.
Published: July 2010

Vincenzi S, Crivelli AJ, Jesensek D, De Leo GA. Individual growth and its implications for the recruitment dynamics of stream‐dwelling marble trout (Salmo marmoratus). Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 477–486. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – The role of density‐dependent individual growth in the recruitment dynamics of fish populations has rarely been analysed in a quantitative framework. Variations of mean size of juveniles in response to changes in population densities have frequently been observed in salmonids and it has been shown that body‐size differences at the juvenile stage can persist through the sub‐adult and adult stage. As fecundity and sexual maturation are often a function of body size, inter‐cohort variations in individual growth may ultimately affect the reproductive output and, consequently, the amount of yearly recruitment. Here, we present a simulation analysis investigating the effects of density‐dependent growth on the reproductive output and, ultimately, on the population dynamics of stream‐dwelling salmonids. The demographic model used for the numerical analysis was parameterised using marble troutSalmo marmoratusas a reference species and explicitly accounted for the occurrence of major floods events causing the population to collapse to very low densities. Our simulations showed that density‐dependent individual growth is a powerful mechanism to foster population resilience through compensatory recruitment. In addition, we argue that density‐dependent growth also helps regulate recruitment at high population densities. We show that even slight variations in the growth trajectories of fish substantially affect the size and the dynamics of the population.
Effect of endurance training supplemented with green tea extract on substrate metabolism during exercise in humans
Authors: Ichinose T. , Nomura S. , Someya Y. , Akimoto S. , Tachiyashiki K. , Imaizumi K.
Published: July 2010

Endurance training and ingestion of green tea extract (GTE), composed mainly of tea catechins (TC), are well known to enhance fat metabolism. However, their synergistic effects remain to be fully elucidated. We tested the hypothesis that endurance training supplemented with GTE would further accelerate whole‐body fat utilization during exercise, compared with training alone, in humans. Twelve healthy male subjects [peak oxygen consumption (), 50.7 ± 1.3 (SEM) mL/kg/min] were divided into two groups: GTE and placebo (PLA) groups. Subjects in both groups performed a cycle ergometer exercise at 60% of for 60 min/day, 3 days/week, and daily ingested 572.8 or 0 mg TC in GTE and PLA groups for 10 weeks, respectively. Before and after training, respiratory gas exchange was measured during 90‐min exercise at pre‐training ∼55% of . After training, the average respiratory exchange ratio during exercise remained unchanged in the PLA group (post‐training: 0.834 ± 0.008 vs pre‐training: 0.841 ± 0.004), whereas it was lower in the GTE group (post‐training: 0.816 ± 0.006 vs pre‐training: 0.844 ± 0.005, P<0.05). These results suggest that habitual GTE ingestion, in combination with moderate‐intense exercise, was beneficial to increase the proportion of whole‐body fat utilization during exercise.
Exercise experience influences affective and motivational outcomes of prescribed and self‐selected intensity exercise
Authors: Rose E. A. , Parfitt G.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of the study was to compare affective and motivational responses to exercise performed at self‐selected and prescribed intensity [close to ventilatory threshold (VT)] between physically active and sedentary women. Following a graded exercise test, the women completed two 30 min bouts of treadmill exercise (on separate days, order counterbalanced). Intensity was prescribed in one session and self‐selected in the other. Exercise intensity, exercise‐efficacy, perceived competence, autonomy and affective responses were assessed. Results showed that the active women self‐selected to exercise at a significantly higher %HRpeak than their sedentary counterparts but, importantly, both groups exercised close to their VT. The order of conditions influenced affective and motivational responses. The active women experienced more positive affect during exercise and greater competence than sedentary women when the self‐selected condition was completed first. Autonomy was higher for the self‐selected condition. Self‐efficacy and competence were higher in the active women. Differences in self‐efficacy perceptions before the exercise depended on which condition was completed first. In conclusion, sedentary women felt relatively positive in the self‐selected condition but would benefit from familiarization and experience with exercise to enhance their self‐efficacy and competence.
High levels of C‐reactive protein are associated with reduced vagal modulation and low physical activity in young adults
Authors: Soares‐Miranda L. , Negrao C. E. , Antunes‐Correa L. M. , Nobre T. S. , Silva P. , Santos R. , Vale S. , Mota J.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cardiac autonomic control derived from heart rate variability (HRV), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and physical activity (PA) levels measured using accelerometers. A total of 80 healthy university students volunteered to participate in this study (20.56 ± 0.82 years, 1.36 ± 1.5 mg/L of hs‐CRP). The participants were divided into groups based on tertiles of hs‐CRP. Analysis of covariance adjusted to PA was used to assess group differences in HRV. Associations between hs‐CRP, HRV indices and PA were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. The participants at the highest tertile of hs‐CRP (tertile 3) had lower cardiac vagal modulation (SDNN, tertile 1=78.05 ± 5.9,tertile 2=82.43 ± 5.9,tertile 3=56.03 ± 6.1; SD1, tertile 1=61.27 ± 5.3, tertile 2=62.93 ± 5.4, tertile 3=40.03 ± 5.5). In addition, vagal indices were inversely correlated with hs‐CRP but positively correlated with PA (SDNN r=−0.320, SD1 r=−0.377; SDNN r=0.304, SD1 r=0.299; P<0.05). Furthermore, the most physically active subjects had lower levels of hs‐CRP and the highest levels of vagal modulation.
Use of Raman spectroscopy for the early detection of filaggrin‐related atopic dermatitis
Authors: González F. J. , Alda J. , Moreno‐Cruz B. , Martínez‐Escanamé M. , Ramírez‐Elías M. G. , Torres‐Álvarez B. , Moncada B.
Published: July 2010

Background: Filaggrin (FLG) gene mutations, which result in complete or incomplete loss of proFLG/FLG peptides, have been reported as an important predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (AD) and secondary atopic phenotypes such as atopic asthma.

Method: The presence of the protein FLG in the skin was evaluated at birth on 12 infants using Raman spectroscopy; these 12 infants were monitored for 1 year to see whether they developed AD. Three different statistical analysis procedures, two of which involved principal component analysis (PCA), were performed on the Raman spectra in order to determine the FLG content.

Results: The infants who had a lower FLG content, determined using any of the three statistical analysis procedures proposed, were also the ones that clinically developed AD.

Conclusion: The results suggest that Raman spectroscopy and statistical analysis such as PCA could be used as an early detection procedure for FLG ‐related AD and as a possible quantitative marker for FLG gene mutations.
Physiological reactivity to infant crying: a behavioral genetic study
Authors: Out D. , Pieper S. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg M. J. , Van IJzendoorn M. H.
Published: July 2010

In this study, we examined adults' cardiac reactivity to repeated infant cry sounds in a genetically informative design. Three episodes of cry stimuli were presented to a sample of 184 adult twin pairs. Cardiac reactivity increased with each cry episode, indicating that subjects were increasingly sensitized to repeated infant distress signals. Non‐parents showed more cardiac reactivity than parents, and males displayed a larger increase in heart rate (HR) in response to repeated cry sounds than females. Multivariate genetic modeling showed that the genetic component of adults' HR while listening to infant crying was substantial. Genetic factors explained 37–51% of the variance in HR and similar genes influenced HR at baseline and HR reactivity to infant crying. The remaining variance in HR across the cry paradigm was accounted for by unique environmental influences (including measurement error). These results point to genetic and experiential effects on HR reactivity to infant crying that may contribute to the explanation of variance in sensitive and harsh parenting.
Continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy in children with cerebral palsy – when does improvement emerge?
Authors: Ramstad K , Jahnsen R , Lofterod B , Skjeldal OH
Published: July 2010

Aim:  The aim of the study was to explore the timing of effects of intrathecal baclofen therapy in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods:  Thirty five children with severe disabilities with cerebral palsy who started continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy (CITB) were followed for 18 months. Pain, number of awakenings during night, spasticity, GMFM‐66 scores and PEDI scores were recorded the day before pump implantation and after 6 and 18 months of treatment respectively.

Results:  Introduction of CITB was associated with changes across all ICF dimensions. Reduced pain and improved sleep occurred within 6 months of treatment. Social function improved within 6 months and continued to improve until 18 months of CITB. Mobility also improved, but with a latency.

Conclusion:  There seems to be a sequence of changes after introduction of continuous intrathecal baclofen in a child with cerebral palsy that may guide the multidisciplinary team in their timing of therapy during post‐surgical follow‐up.
Low Apgar score and mortality in extremely preterm neonates born in the United States
Authors: Lee Henry Chong , Subeh Mohammad , Gould Jeffrey B.
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To investigate the relationship between low Apgar score and neonatal mortality in preterm neonates.

Methods:  Infant birth and death certificate data from the US National Center for Health Statistics for 2001–2002 were analysed. Primary outcome was 28‐day mortality for 690 933 neonates at gestational ages 24–36 weeks. Mortality rates were calculated for each combination of gestational age and 5‐min Apgar score. Relative risks of mortality, by high vs. low Apgar score, were calculated for each age.

Results:  Distribution of Apgar scores depended on gestational age, the youngest gestational ages having higher proportions of low Apgar scores. Median Apgar score ranged from 6 at 24 weeks, to 9 at 30–36 weeks gestation. The relative risk of death was significantly higher at Apgar scores 0–3 vs. 7–10, including at the youngest gestational ages, ranging from 3.1 (95% confidence interval 2.9, 3.4) at 24 weeks to 18.5 (95% confidence interval 15.7, 21.8) at 28 weeks.

Conclusion:  Low Apgar score was associated with increased mortality in premature neonates, including those at 24–28 weeks gestational age, and may be a useful tool for clinicians in assessing prognosis and for researchers as a risk prediction variable.
Facilitated tucking as a non‐pharmacological intervention for neonatal pain relief: is it clinically feasible?
Authors: Cignacco E , Axelin A , Stoffel L , Sellam G , Anand KJS , Engberg S
Published: July 2010

There is an impressive body of knowledge on pain management in infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units. However, deficits in the clinical management of pain in these infants remain. One reason is the gap between research evidence and translation of this knowledge into the clinical setting. This is particularly true for non‐pharmacological pain‐relieving methods. Effective performance of some of these methods requires additional staffing and time. This viewpoint articles describes the clinical challenges associated with implementing ‘facilitated tucking’. Although ‘facilitated tucking’ is described as an efficient method for acute pain relief, the clinical facilitators required to successfully implement such a resource consuming‐intervention remain unclear.

Conclusion:  Translational research on the feasibility of using ‘facilitated tucking’ in the management of neonatal pain is warranted, including the economic impact of this intervention. Increased manpower costs need to be weighed against the possible long‐term economical consequences of pain exposure in infants.
This article has been retracted: Safety Pharmacology, Acute Toxicity and Pharmacokinetics of SCP‐123 and Acetaminophen
Authors: Millington Donna J. , Villanueva Cristina , Obirek Jason , Kaufman Jean , Smith Christopher
Published: July 2010

The following article fromBasic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, ‘Safety Pharmacology, Acute Toxicity and Pharmacokinetics of SCP‐123 and Acetaminophen’ by Donna J. Millington, Cristina Villanueva, Jason Obirek, Jean Kaufman and Christopher Smith, published online on 12 April 2010 (DOI:10.1111/j.1742‐7843.2010.00562.x) in Wiley InterScience (http://www.interscience.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Kim Brøsen, and John Wiley and Sons A/S. The retraction has been agreed due to incorrect author affiliation.
The Genetic Inactivation of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Intensifies Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress in the Penile Corpora Cavernosa in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ferrini Monica G. , Rivera Steve , Moon Joanne , Vernet Dolores , Rajfer Jacob , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor F.
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Endogenously elicited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induction counteracts fibrosis and oxidative stress in penile tissues in rat models of Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction.

Aim

The current study aimed to determine whether the genetic blockade of iNOS expression in the iNOS knock out (iNOS KO) mouse intensifies fibrosis and oxidative stress in the penile corpora cavernosa, and this is exacerbated by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and counteracted by insulin.

Main Outcomes Measures

Quantitative assessment of histological and biochemical markers in mouse corporal tissue.

Methods

Male iNOS KO and wild type (WT) mice were left untreated or injected with STZ, with or without insulin treatment. At 8 weeks, glycemia, glucosuria, and proteinuria were determined, and corporal tissue sections were obtained and subjected to Masson trichrome staining for smooth muscle (SM)/collagen ratio, and immunostaining for α-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) for, SM content, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for cell replication, TGFβ1 as profibrotic factor, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis, and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) for oxidative stress. Collagen was estimated by the hydroxyproline reaction.

Results

The corporal SM/collagen ratio and SM content were reduced, and collagen content increased in iNOS KO mice as compared with WT mice, but apoptosis was decreased and cell replication increased, whereas TGFβ1 and XOR did not vary. Severe hyperglycemia caused in the WT a reduction of the corporal SM/collagen ratio and SM content and an increase in apoptosis without changes in PCNA, TGFβ1, or XOR. In the iNOS KO mouse the hyperglycemia-induced alterations were exacerbated, with additional increases in oxidative stress and TGFβ1. Insulin normalized glycemia and partially protected the SM in both the WT and the iNOS KO mice.

Conclusions

The antifibrotic, antioxidative, and SM-protective roles of iNOS in the penile corpora cavernosa were confirmed in the iNOS KO/STZ mouse model. These findings support the importance of endogenously-elicited iNOS induction in protecting the penile corpora cavernosa from the pro-fibrotic effects of hyperglycemia.
Fragment‐based discovery of novel thymidylate synthase leads by NMR screening and group epitope mapping
Authors: Begley Darren W. , Zheng Suxin , Varani Gabriele
Published: July 2010

Solution‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a versatile tool for the study of binding interactions between small molecules and macromolecular targets. We applied ligand‐based NMR techniques to the study of human thymidylate synthase (hTS) using known nanomolar inhibitors and a library of small molecule fragments. Screening by NMR led to the rapid identification of ligand pairs that bind in proximal sites within the cofactor‐binding pocket of hTS. Screening hits were used as search criteria within commercially available sources, and a subset of catalog analogs were tested for potency by in vitro assay and binding affinity by quantitative saturation transfer difference (STD)‐NMR titration. Two compounds identified by this approach possess low micromolar affinity and potency, as well as excellent binding efficiency against hTS. Relative binding orientations for both leads were modeled using AutoDock, and the most likely bound conformations were validated using experimentally derived STD‐NMR binding epitope data. These ligands represent novel starting points for fragment‐based drug design of non‐canonical TS inhibitors, and their binding epitopes highlight important and previously unexploited interactions with conserved residues in the cofactor‐binding site.
Relationship between Serum Lipid Values and Atherosclerotic Burden in the Proximal Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Kohsaka Shun , Jin Zhezhen , Rundek Tatjana , Homma Shunichi , Sacco Ralph L. , Tullio Marco R. Di
Published: July 2010

Background

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in a population-based cohort to compare the strength of the associations among various lipid parameters and the presence of atherosclerotic plaque in the proximal thoracic aorta.

Methods

As part of Aortic Plaques and Risk of Ischemic Stroke (APRIS) study, 464 subjects were studied (mean age 69.1±9.0, 251 males and 213 females), including 255 patients with first ischaemic stroke and 209 stroke-free controls. Presence and thickness of atherosclerotic plaque were assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography. Measured lipid parameters included total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein (Apo) B and A-I levels with their ratio.

Results

Overall, atherosclerotic plaque was detected in 326 subjects (70.4%) and 37.6% of these subjects ( n = 174) had atherosclerotic plaque ≥ ***4 mm. After adjusting for other significant predictors of atherosclerosis, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and Apo B/A-I ratio emerged as the strongest predictors of any atherosclerotic plaque ( P<0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively), followed by individual Apo B ( P = 0.015) and A-I ( P = 0.016) levels, triglycerides ( P = 0.027) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ( P = 0.021). Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were not significant predictors for any atherosclerotic plaque ( P = 0.273 and P = 0.081, respectively). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ( P = 0.008) and Apo A-I ( P = 0.006) were also significant predictors of atherosclerotic plaque ≥ 4 mm. Similar trends were observed after exclusion of subjects on cholesterol lowering drugs.

Conclusion

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and Apo B/A-I ratio, but not total or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, were strongly associated with degree of proximal aortic atherosclerosis.
The Prevalence of Peripheral Arteriopathy is Higher in Ischaemic Stroke as Compared with Transient Ischaemic Attack and Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Huttner Hagen B. , Köhrmann Martin , Mauer Christoph , Lücking Hannes , Kloska Stephan , Doerfler Arnd , Schwab Stefan , Schellinger Peter D.
Published: July 2010

Background:

There is little data on the association of peripheral arterial disease and stroke. We aimed to assess the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in acute stroke and to identify the predisposing factors for peripheral arterial disease in a stroke cohort.

Methods:

We enrolled all consecutive patients who were admitted to our stroke- and neurocritical care units with the diagnosis of a transient ischaemic attack, ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke over a period of 5 months. As controls, we analysed 50 nonvascular neurological patients who were matched to age. Upon admission, assessment of the ankle brachial index was performed in all patients. The only exclusion criteria was decompensated congestive heart failure.

Results:

Altogether, we compared 374 stroke patients (95 transient ischaemic attack, 231 ischaemic, and 48 haemorrhagic strokes) and 50 nonstroke controls. The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in the control group was 14%. There was a trend towards a higher prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in stroke patients (χ2-test: P = 0.051; prevalence peripheral arterial disease in transient ischaemic attack: 16.8%, ischaemic stroke: 32%, and haemorrhagic stroke: 20.8%). A higher proportion of ischaemic stroke patients were peripheral arterial disease-positive, compared with transient ischaemic attack patients ( P = 0.005) and controls ( P = 0.011), respectively. Multivariate regression analyses identified the parameters age, arterial hypertension, current or former smokers and a history of cardiovascular events to be predisposing factors of peripheral arterial disease.

Conclusion:

This study represents the first systematic investigation of the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in stroke. By now, it is clear that: • peripheral arterial disease is more commonly found in stroke than in nonstroke patients • ischaemic stroke patients show the highest prevalence of peripheral arterial disease, and • peripheral arterial disease in stroke is related to common vascular risk factors.
Effect of ethanol on action potential and ionic membrane currents in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Bébarová M. , Matejovič P. , Pásek M. , Ohlídalová D. , Jansová D. , Šimurdová M. , Šimurda J.
Published: July 2010

Aim: Even though alcohol intoxication is often linked to arrhythmias, data describing ethanol effect on cardiac ionic channels are rare. In addition, ethanol is used as a solvent of hydrophobic compounds in experimental studies. We investigated changes of the action potential (AP) configuration and main ionic membrane currents in rat cardiomyocytes under 20–1500 mmethanol.

Methods: Experiments were performed on enzymatically isolated rat right ventricular myocytes using the whole cell patch‐clamp technique at room temperature.

Results: Ethanol reversibly decelerated the upstroke velocity and decreased AP amplitude and duration at 0.2 and 3 Hz. The fast sodium currentINa,l‐type calcium currentICaand transient outward potassium currentItowere reversibly inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner (50% inhibition at 446 ± 12, 553 ± 49 and 1954 ± 234 mm, respectively, with corresponding Hill coefficients 3.1 ± 0.3, 1.1 ± 0.2 and 0.9 ± 0.1). Suppression ofINaandICamagnitude was slightly voltage dependent. The effect onICaandItowas manifested mainly as an acceleration of their apparent inactivations with a decreased slow and fast time constant respectively. As a consequence of marked differences innH, sensitivity of the currents to ethanol at 10% inhibition decreases in the following order:ICa(75 mm, 3.5‰),Ito(170 mm, 7.8‰) andINa(220 mm, 10.1‰).

Conclusion: Our results suggest a slight inhibition of all the currents at ethanol concentrations relevant to deep alcohol intoxication. The concentration dependence measured over a wide range may serve as a guideline when using ethanol as a solvent.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The bone‐anchored hearing aid in the rehabilitation of single‐sided deafness: experience with 58 patients
Authors: Martin T.P.C. , Lowther R. , Cooper H. , Holder R.L. , Irving R.M. , Reid A.P. , Proops D.W.
Published: July 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2010, 35, 284–290

Objectives:  To assess the efficacy of the bone‐anchored hearing aid (BAHA) in the rehabilitation of single‐sided deafness (SSD).

Study design:  Retrospective case–control series review.

Setting:  Tertiary referral unit.

Patients:  Fifty‐eight consecutive patients that had a bone‐anchored hearing aid for single‐sided deafness completed outcome questionnaires, building upon earlier audiological assessment of 19 patients. Single‐sided deafness controls (n = 49) were mainly acoustic neuroma patients. Main outcome measurements: speech discrimination testing in directional noise, speech and spatial qualities of hearing questionnaire and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI).

Results:  The mean follow‐up time was 28.4 months. Five (13%) of the bone‐anchored hearing aid patients were non‐users because of lack of benefit. The audiometric testing confirmed that when noise was on the bone‐anchored hearing aid side speech perception was reduced but benefited when noise was on the side of the hearing ear. There was no difference between the Speech and Spatial Qualities of Hearing Scores in bone‐anchored hearing aid users and controls. In particular there was no difference in the spatial subscores. In the bone‐anchored hearing aid users the median Glasgow Benefit Inventory score was 11. If the non‐users are included then 13 (22%) patients had no or detrimental (negative) Benefit scores. No or negative benefit scores were more frequent in those deaf for <10 years. In open‐field questions, patients felt the bone‐anchored hearing aid was most useful in small groups or in ‘one‐to‐one’ conversation.

Conclusions:  Bone‐anchored hearing aid rehabilitation for single‐sided deafness is less successful than for other indications, reflected here by relatively low median Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores. There was also no significant difference between controls and bone‐anchored hearing aid users in the Speech and Spatial Qualities of Hearing Questionnaire. Patients with a longer duration of deafness report greater subjective benefit than those more recently deafened, perhaps due to differing expectations.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide in the retina: focus on the retinoprotective effects
Authors: Atlasz T. , Szabadfi K. , Kiss P. , Racz B. , Gallyas F. , Tamas A. , Gaal V. , Marton Zs. , Gabriel R. , Reglodi D.
Published: July 2010

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neurotrophic and neuroprotective peptide that has been shown to exert protective effects against different neuronal injuries, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, models of neurodegenerative diseases, and cerebral ischemia. PACAP and its receptors are present in the retina. In this study, we summarize the current knowledge on retinal PACAP with focus on the retinoprotective effects. Results of histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological analysis are reviewed.In vitro, PACAP shows protection against glutamate, thapsigargin, anisomycin, and anoxia.In vivo, the protective effects of intravitreal PACAP treatment have been shown in the following models of retinal degeneration in rats: excitotoxic injury induced by glutamate and kainate, ischemic injury, degeneration caused by UV‐A light, optic nerve transection, and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic retinopathy. Studying the molecular mechanism has revealed that PACAP acts by activating antiapoptotic and inhibiting proapoptotic signaling pathways in the retinain vivo. These studies strongly suggest that PACAP is an excellent candidate retinoprotective agent that could be a potential therapeutic substance in various retinal diseases.
Ghrelin: more than endogenous growth hormone secretagogue
Authors: Kojima Masayasu , Kangawa Kenji
Published: July 2010

Since its discovery 10 years ago, intensive research has been performed on ghrelin. The significance of ghrelin as a growth hormone–releasing hormone, appetite regulator, energy conservator, and sympathetic nerve suppressor has now been well established. In this review, we summarize recent topics on ghrelin, such as the processing protease of the ghrelin precursor, ghrelin O‐acyl transaferase, ghrelin knockout and transgenic mice, and the molecular mechanism of ghrelin's orexigenesis.
Oxytocin/vasopressin and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone from cephalopods to vertebrates
Authors: Minakata Hiroyuki
Published: July 2010

Recent advances in peptide search methods have revealed two peptide systems that have been conserved through metazoan evolution. Members of the oxytocin/vasopressin‐superfamily have been identified from protostomian and deuterostomian animals, indicating that the oxytocin/vasopressin hormonal system represents one of the most ancient systems. In most protostomian animals, a single member of the superfamily shares oxytocin‐like and vasopressin‐like actions. Co‐occurrence of two members has been discovered in modern cephalopods, octopus, and cuttlefish. We propose that cephalopods have developed two peptides in the molluscan evolutionary lineage like vertebrates have established two lineages in the oxytocin/vasopressin superfamily. The existence of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) in protostomian animals was initially suggested by immunohistochemical analysis using chordate GnRH antibodies. A peptide with structural features similar to those of chordate GnRHs was originally isolated from octopus, and an identical peptide has been characterized from squid and cuttlefish. Novel forms of GnRH‐like molecules from other molluscs, an annelid, arthropods, and nematodes demonstrate somewhat conserved structures at the N‐terminal regions; but structures of the C‐terminal regions critical to gonadotropin‐releasing activity are diverse. These findings may be important for the study of the molecular evolution of GnRH in protostomian animals.
Evaluation of the Role of the Pharmacological Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus Multidrug Resistance Pumps and the Variable Levels of the Uptake of the Sensitizer in the Strain‐Dependent Response of Staphylococcus aureus to PPArg2‐Based Photodynamic Inactivation
Authors: Grinholc Mariusz , Zawacka‐Pankau Joanna , Gwizdek‐Wiśniewska Anna , Bielawski Krzysztof P.
Published: July 2010

The emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has caused an urgent need for the development of alternative therapeutics. One possibility is a combination of nontoxic photosensitizers (PS) and visible light, recognized as photodynamic therapy. Although it is known that Staphylococcus aureus is susceptible to photodynamic inactivation (PDI), the factors that determine the emerging variation among strains in the response to the treatment remain unclear. Some data indicate that cationic photosensitizing dyes such as phenothiaziniums which vary a lot in the chemical structure might target multidrug resistance pumps. In this study, we analyzed whether the uptake and activity of the multidrug resistance pumps might influence the previously observed variations among the clinical strains to protoporphyrin‐derived, amphipilic protoporphyrin diarginate‐mediated photodynamic treatment (12 J cm−2). Using a new set of four additionally selected methicillin‐resistant and methicillin‐susceptible clinical as well as ATCC S. aureus strains we confirmed that the bactericidal effect of the PDI is strain‐dependent as it ranged from 0 to 5 log10‐unit reduction in viable counts. However, neither the variable levels of the uptaken PS nor the pharmacological inhibition of NorA efflux pump explained such a phenomenon.
Characterization of the Effects of Aryl‐azido Compounds and UVA Irradiation on the Viral Proteins and Infectivity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Belanger Julie M. , Raviv Yossef , Viard Mathias , Jason de la Cruz Michael , Nagashima Kunio , Blumenthal Robert
Published: July 2010

Hydrophobic UV‐activatable compounds have been shown to partition into the hydrophobic region of biological membranes to selectively label transmembrane proteins, and to inactivate enveloped viruses. Here, we analyze various UV‐activatable azido‐ and iodo‐based hydrophobic compounds for their ability to inactivate a model‐enveloped virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‐1 MN). Treatment of HIV‐1 with 1,5‐diazidonapthalene (DAN), 1‐iodo, 5‐azidonaphthalene (INA), 1‐azidonaphthalene (AzNAP) or 4,4′‐diazidobiphenyl (DABIPH) followed by UVA irradiation for 2 min resulted in complete viral inactivation, whereas treatment using analogous non–azido‐containing controls had no effect. Incorporation of an azido moiety within these hydrophobic compounds to promote photoinduced covalent reactions with proteins was found to be the primary mechanism of viral inactivation for this class of compounds. Prolonged UVA irradiation of the virus in the presence of these azido compounds resulted in further modifications of viral proteins, due to the generation of reactive oxygen species, leading to aggregation as visualized via Western blot analysis, providing additional viral modifications that may inhibit viral infectivity. Furthermore, inactivation using these compounds resulted in the preservation of surface antigenic structures (recognized by neutralizing antibodies b12, 2g12 and 4e10), which is favorable for the creation of vaccines from these inactivated virus preparations.
An Evaluation of Qualitative Indexes of Physical Habitat Applied to Agricultural Streams in Ten U.S. States1
Authors: Hughes Robert M. , Herlihy Alan T. , Kaufmann Philip R.
Published: July 2010

Hughes, Robert M., Alan T. Herlihy, and Philip R. Kaufmann, 2010. An Evaluation of Qualitative Indexes of Physical Habitat Applied to Agricultural Streams in Ten U.S. States. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(4): 792‐806. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00455.x

Abstract:  Assessment of stream physical habitat condition is important for evaluating stream quality globally. However, the diversity of metrics and methods for assessing physical habitat condition confounds comparisons among practitioners. We surveyed 51 previously sampled stream sites (0.0‐6.3 m wide) located in regions of row‐crop agriculture in Oregon, California, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia to evaluate the comparability of four indexes of physical habitat condition relative to each other. We also compared the indexes to previously calculated indexes of fish and macroinvertebrate condition. The physical habitat indexes included the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol Version 2 of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the qualitative habitat evaluation index of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the rapid bioassessment protocol of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and a qualitative physical habitat index based on USEPA quantitative physical habitat measurements. All four indexes were highly correlated with each other, but low‐to‐moderately correlated with biotic index scores for fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages. Moderately high correlations occurred between some macroinvertebrate biotic index scores and quantitative metrics. We conclude that additional research is needed to increase the predictive and diagnostic capabilities of qualitative physical habitat indexes.
Reciprocal insights into adaptation from agricultural and evolutionary studies in tomato
Authors: Moyle Leonie C. , Muir Christopher D.
Published: July 2010

Although traditionally separated by different aims and methodologies, research on agricultural and evolutionary problems shares a common goal of understanding the mechanisms underlying functionally important traits. As such, research in both fields offers potential complementary and reciprocal insights. Here, we discuss adaptive stress responses (specifically to water stress) as an example of potentially fruitful research reciprocity, where agricultural research has clearly produced advances that could benefit evolutionary studies, while evolutionary studies offer approaches and insights underexplored in crop studies. We focus on research onSolanumspecies that include the domesticated tomato and its wild relatives. Integrated approaches to understanding ecological adaptation are particularly attractive in tomato and its wild relatives: many presumptively adaptive phenotypic differences characterize wild species, and the physiological and mechanistic basis of many relevant traits and environmental responses has already been examined in the context of cultivated tomato and some wild species. We highlight four specific instances where these reciprocal insights can be combined to better address questions that are fundamental both to agriculture and evolution.
Serum Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are Independent Correlates of Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic Subjects
Authors: Tahara Nobuhiro , Yamagishi Sho‐ichi , Matsui Takanori , Takeuchi Masayoshi , Nitta Yoshikazu , Kodama Norihiro , Mizoguchi Minori , Imaizumi Tsutomu
Published: July 2010

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) evoke oxidative stress generation and inflammatory reactions, thus being involved in vascular complications in diabetes. Since oxidative stress and inflammation impair insulin actions as well, it is conceivable that AGEs may play some role in insulin resistance. However, there is no clinical study to examine the relationship between serum levels of AGEs and insulin resistance. This study investigated whether serum AGE levels were independent correlates of insulin resistance in humans. Methods: Three hundred twenty‐two nondiabetic Japanese subjects (216 male and 106 female; mean age 61.5 ± 9.1 years) underwent a complete history and physical examination, determinations of blood chemistries, anthropometric and metabolic variables, including AGEs. Serum AGE levels were examined with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Mean serum AGE levels were 8.96 ± 2.57 U/mL. In univariate analysis, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure (BP), mean BP, AGEs, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (inversely), hemoglobin A1c (GHb), creatinine clearance, uric acid, and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein were significantly associated with insulin resistance evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index. After performing multiple regression analysis, waist circumference (P < 0.001), GHb (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P < 0.001), and AGEs (P < 0.01) still remained significant independently. When age‐adjusted HOMA‐IR levels stratified by AGE tertiles were compared using ANCOVA, a significant trend was demonstrated in both males and females. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated for the first time that serum AGE levels were one of the independent correlates of HOMA‐IR index, thus suggesting that AGEs may play some pathological role in insulin resistance in humans.
Nutraceuticals in Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Davì Giovanni , Santilli Francesca , Patrono Carlo
Published: July 2010

Metabolic syndrome represents a clustering of risk factors related to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Occurrence of both metabolic syndrome and diabetes and their vascular complications share several pathogenetic features including subclinical, low‐grade inflammation, altered oxidative/antioxidant status, and persistent platelet activation. Despite the availability of multiple interventions to counteract these metabolic changes, including appropriate diet, regular exercise, weight control and drugs, epidemiological data are witnessing the growing trend of the problem, reflecting both the multifactorial nature of these diseases as well as the scarce compliance of patients to established strategies. Several nutraceuticals used in clinical practice have been shown to target the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and their complications and to favorably modulate a number of biochemical and clinical endpoints. These compounds include antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, flavonoids, vitamin D, conjugated linoleic acid, omega‐3 fatty acids, minerals such as chromium and magnesium, α‐lipoic acid, phytoestrogens, and dietary fibers. Several areas of concern exist regarding the use of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals in this setting, including product standardization, definition of optimal dosing regimen, potential side effects, drug interactions, and need for evidence‐based indications.
Lipid‐Altering Efficacy of Ezetimibe/Simvastatin 10/20 mg Compared to Rosuvastatin 10 mg in High‐Risk Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Inadequately Controlled Despite Prior Statin Monotherapy
Authors: Vaverkova Helena , Farnier Michel , Averna Maurizio , Missault Luc , Viigimaa Margus , Dong Qian , Shah Arvind , Johnson‐Levonas Amy O. , Brudi Philippe
Published: July 2010

Aims: This post hoc analysis compared the effects of switching to ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/20 mg (EZE/SIMVA) or rosuvastatin 10 mg (ROSUVA) in uncontrolled high‐risk hypercholesterolemic patients with/without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) despite statin monotherapy. Methods: Patients (n = 618) at high risk for coronary vascular disease with elevated LDL‐C ≥100 and ≤190 mg/dL despite use of statins were randomized 1:1 to double‐blind EZE/SIMVA 10/20 mg or ROSUVA 10 mg for 6 weeks. Patients were classified as having T2DM based on ≥1 of the following: diagnosis of T2DM, antidiabetic medication, or FPG ≥126 mg/dL. This analysis evaluated percent changes from baseline in lipids among patients with (n = 182) and without T2DM (n = 434). Results: EZE/SIMVA was more effective than ROSUVA at lowering LDL‐C, TC, non‐HDL‐C, and apo B in the overall study population and within both subgroups. Numerically, greater between‐treatment reductions in LDL‐C, TC, non‐HDL‐C, and apo B were seen in patients with T2DM versus those without T2DM. A significant interaction (P= 0.015) was seen for LDL‐C indicating that patients with T2DM achieved larger between‐group reductions versus those without T2DM. Conclusions: Switching to EZE/SIMVA 10/20 mg versus ROSUVA 10 mg provided superior lipid reductions in patients with/without T2DM.
Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Parkinson's Disease Dementia: A Review of Clinical Data
Authors: van Laar Teus , De Deyn Peter Paul , Aarsland Dag , Barone Paolo , Galvin James E
Published: July 2010

Aims: Cognitive impairment and dementia are common features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) often have significant cholinergic defects, which may be treated with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs). The objective of this review was to consider available efficacy, tolerability, and safety data from studies of ChEIs in PDD. Discussions: A literature search resulted in the identification of 20 relevant publications. Of these, the treatment of PD patients with rivastigmine, donepezil, or galantamine was the focus of six, eleven, and two studies respectively, while one study reported use of both tacrine and donepezil. The majority of studies were small (<40 patients), with the exception of two large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that are the main focus of this review. In the smaller studies, treatment benefits were reported on a range of outcome measures, though results were extremely variable. While the full results of a large RCT of donepezil in patients with PDD are not yet available, significant treatment differences were reported on the CIBIC‐plus at the highest treatment dose. A trend toward improvement was also observed in treated patients on the ADAS‐cog. The second large RCT found significant improvements in rivastigmine‐treated patients compared with placebo on both the ADAS‐cog (P < 0.001) and the ADCS‐CGIC (P < 0.007), as well as on all secondary efficacy outcomes. Consequently, rivastigmine is now widely approved for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate PDD. Conclusions: Taken together, these studies suggest that ChEIs are efficacious in the treatment of PDD.
The Combination of Interferon‐Beta and HMG‐CoA Reductase Inhibition in Multiple Sclerosis: Enthusiasm Lost too Soon?
Authors: Sellner Johann , Weber Martin S. , Vollmar Patrick , Mattle Heinrich P. , Hemmer Bernhard , Stüve Olaf
Published: July 2010

Recent studies support the notion that statins, widely prescribed cholesterol‐lowering agents, may target key elements in the immunological cascade leading to inflammation and tissue damage in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Compelling experimental and observational clinical studies highlighted the possibility that statins may also exert immunomodulatory synergy with approved MS drugs, resulting in several randomized clinical trials testing statins in combination with interferon‐beta (IFN‐β). Some data, however, suggest that this particular combination may not be clinically beneficial, and might actually have a negative effect on the disease course in some patients with MS. In this regard, a small North American trial indicated that atorvastatin administered in combination with IFN‐β may increase disease activity in relapsing‐remitting MS. Although other trials did not confirm this finding, the enthusiasm for studies with statins dwindled. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the completed clinical trials and reports of the interim analyses evaluating the combination of IFN‐β and statins in MS. Moreover, we try to address the evident question whether usage of this combination routinely requires caution, since the number of IFN‐β‐treated MS patients receiving statins for lowering of cholesterol is expected to grow.