bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the redox status of chickpea roots in response to infection by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris: apoplastic antioxidant enzyme activities and expression of oxidative stress‐related genes
Authors: García‐Limones C. , Dorado G. , Navas‐Cortés J. A. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M. , Tena M.
Published: July 2008

Activity levels of oxidative stress‐related enzymes in the root apoplast during the interaction of WR315 (resistant) and JG62 (susceptible) chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) with the highly virulent race 5 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris were compared. Because this fungus develops asymptomatic infections in the chickpea root cortex in both susceptible and resistant plants, but only intrudes into the root xylem in the susceptible variety, the interactions were compared at three specific stages during disease development in JG62: (i) before symptom development (10 days after inoculation); (ii) at the time of appearance of the first disease symptoms (15–17 days after inoculation) and (iii) when all plants had developed disease symptoms (20–22 days after inoculation). Diamine oxidase (DAO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), guaiacol‐dependent peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not catalase (CAT), were found in the apoplast of chickpea roots. In terms of APX activity, infection by the pathogen caused a different response in the incompatible compared to the compatible plant. In the case of GR, SOD and DAO activities, the pathogen caused the same response, but it developed earlier (i.e. GR and SOD) or to higher levels (i.e. DAO) in the incompatible interaction. Expression of apx, cat, sod, lipoxygenase (lox) and actin genes was also analysed in infected roots. Infection by F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris race 5 only caused a significant change in the root expression of lox and actin genes. This up‐regulation was earlier (lox) or higher (actin) in the incompatible than in the compatible interaction. Thus, changes in oxidative metabolism differ in compatible and incompatible interactions in Fusarium wilt of chickpea.
Growth and photosynthetic responses to zinc stress of an invasive cordgrass, Spartina densiflora
Authors: Mateos‐Naranjo E. , Redondo‐Gómez S. , Cambrollé J. , Luque T. , Figueroa M. E.
Published: July 2008

Spartina densiflora Brongn. is found in coastal marshes of southwest Spain, growing over sediments containing 100–4800 ppm Zn. A glasshouse experiment was designed to investigate the effect of Zn from 0 to 100 mmol·l−1 on the growth and photosynthetic apparatus of S. densiflora, by measuring relative growth rate, leaf elongation rate, number of tillers, height of tillers, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, gas exchange and photosynthetic pigment concentrations. We also determined total ash, Zn, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentrations, and the C/N ratio. At 100 mmol·l−1 Zn, S. densiflora showed a 48% biomass reduction after 1 month of treatment. Long‐term effects of Zn on growth of S. densiflora consisted mainly of variations in net photosynthesis. Modification of the Zn/Mg ratio was linked to a strong decrease in RuBP carboxylase (Zn was favoured in local competition with Mg, so that the affinity of RuBisCO for CO2 decreased), oxygenase activity of RuBisCO acting as a substitute for the photosynthetic function. Also, Zn had a marked overall effect on the photochemical (PSII) apparatus and the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments. However, the results indicate that S. densiflora is capable of tolerating very high and continued exposure to Zn, as this species lowers the translocation of Zn from the nutrient solution to roots and controls Zn ion transport into leaves. Therefore, S. densiflora could be useful in the phytostabilization of soils.
Changes in Frost Resistance of Wheat Young Ears with Development During Jointing Stage
Authors: Zhong X. , Mei X. , Li Y. , Yoshida H. , Zhao P. , Wang X. , Han L. , Hu X. , Huang S. , Huang J. , Sun Z.
Published: July 2008

During the jointing stage, the frost resistance of young ears (FRYE) was tested each day for the main stem, and also for the first, second and third tillers of the wheat cultivars Jinmai 47 and Jing 411. At the same time, the developmental progression of young ears (DPYE) of the same four shoots was also recorded each day. In the shoots of both cultivars, FRYE decreased as development advanced through the jointing stage. FRYE dropped off particularly sharply at the point when the anther connective tissue formation phase (ACFP) started. Shoots developing later, though with lower levels of soluble sugar, tended to suffer less from frost injury than those developing earlier. Frost resistance of 12 cultivars (six early‐ and six late‐maturing) was evaluated at ACFP. The results indicate that only one cultivar (Xin 11) is frost resistant, with no significant differences appearing among the other 11 cultivars. The results suggest that DPYE is an important factor affecting FRYE. Evaluation of frost resistance of wheat cultivars should thus be performed at the same phase to obtain a true measure of frost resistance. The early ACFP phase is suggested as being the most appropriate one for frost resistance evaluation.
Exploring the Role of Calcium to Improve Chilling Tolerance in Hybrid Maize
Authors: Farooq M. , Aziz T. , Basra S. M. A. , Wahid A. , Khaliq A. , Cheema M. A.
Published: July 2008

Abiotic stresses, including chilling, impede the plant growth and development mainly by oxidative damage. In this study, seed priming with CaCl2 was employed to reduce the damage caused by chilling stress in hybrid maize. Maize hybrid (Hycorn 8288) seeds were soaked in 50, 100 and 150 mg l−1 (ppm) aerated solution of CaCl2 for 24 h and dried. Treated and untreated seeds were sown at 27 °C (optimal temperature) and 15 °C (chilling stress) under controlled conditions. Seed priming with CaCl2 significantly reduced the chilling damage and improved the germination rate, root and shoot length, and seedling fresh and dry weights. Activities of antioxidants, including catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase, were also improved. Soluble sugars and α‐amylase concentrations determined as general metabolic indicators of stress were also increased by seed priming with CaCl2. Priming also improved the performance of maize at optimal temperature. Maintenance of tissue water contents, reduction in membrane leakage and increase in antioxidant activities, and carbohydrate metabolism seemed to induce chilling tolerance by CaCl2. Seed priming with 100 mg l−1 CaCl2 was the optimal concentration in improving the performance of hybrid maize both under optimal and stress conditions.
Posaconazole for paediatric patients: status of development and future perspectives
Authors: Groll Andreas H. , Lehrnbecher Thomas
Published: July 2008

Posaconazole is a novel oral antifungal triazole with potent and broad‐spectrum antifungal activity, favourable pharmacokinetic properties and a limited spectrum of adverse events. The compound has documented clinical efficacy in the settings of oropharyngeal candidiasis, refractory aspergillosis, fusariosis, zygomycosis, and as antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia or graft‐vs.‐host disease. Whereas, posaconazole is approved for use in adults, however, the appropriate dosage and the safety of the compound have not been systematically investigated in paediatric age groups. This paper reviews the relevant pharmacological characteristics of posaconazole, the published data on its use in paediatric patients without therapeutic alternative and perspectives for the clinical development in paediatric patients at risk for invasive fungal infections.
Invasive candidiasis in the ICU: evidence based and on the edge of evidence
Authors: Hollenbach Eike
Published: July 2008

Invasive candidiasis is a common nosocomial infection among critically ill patients, constitutes an important cause of sepsis, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has created evidence‐based guidelines for the management of invasive candidiasis. However, several new antifungal agents with excellent activity against Candida spp. and favourable safety profiles have been introduced successfully in the clinical setting since the IDSA guidelines were published in late 2003. Further, the role of antifungals is not entirely clear in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Therefore, this article discusses daily problems in the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive candidasis in interdisciplinary ICUs.
Antifungal treatment strategies in high risk patients
Authors: Rüping Maria J. G. T. , Vehreschild Jörg J. , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: July 2008

We discuss different strategies for the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in high risk patients with a focus on patients experiencing profound and prolonged neutropenia, comprising those with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) during remission induction chemotherapy and on patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Among these patients, invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most frequently observed form of IFI, as opposed to high risk intensive care unit (ICU) patients in whom an increased incidence of invasive candidiasis (IC) can be observed. In both groups, initiation of early treatment has a profound impact on mortality rates, but adequate diagnostic tools are lacking. These circumstances have led to the parallel use of different treatment strategies, e.g. prophylaxis, empiric, pre‐emptive and targeted treatment of IFI. The optimum treatment strategies for these severe infections are a matter of extensive research and discussion. A review of major clinical trials on the issue reveals that comparisons between different treatment strategies cannot be made. Considering the complexity of the issue, we advocate an eclectic treatment approach that reduces morbidity and mortality from IFI without compromising tolerability. In allogeneic HSCT recipients, patients receiving induction chemotherapy for AML or MDS and those under immunosuppressive medication for graft vs. host disease after allogeneic HSCT, we recommend prophylaxis with posaconazole. For empiric treatment of persistently febrile neutropenic patients, we opt for caspofungin as first and liposomal amphotericin B deoxycholate (L‐AmB) as second line choice. If the diagnosis of IA can be established, voriconazole should be favoured over the alternative, liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AmB). While high risk ICU patients benefit from fluconazole prophylaxis for IC, the choice of an optimal agent for targeted therapy depends largely on the neutrophil count. In non‐neutropenic patients, we recommend an echinocandin as the first line treatment option. Patients with susceptible Candida spp. may be switched to fluconazole. Caspofungin or micafungin might be preferred to anidulafungin in the neutropenic patient. L‐AmB is a valuable second line treatment option for both groups of patients.
Monitoring 6‐thioguanine nucleotide concentrations in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Andoh Akira , Tsujikawa Tomoyuki , Ban Hiromitsu , Hashimoto Takayoshi , Bamba Shigeki , Ogawa Atsuhiro , Sasaki Masaya , Saito Yasuharu , Fujiyama Yoshihide
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  There have been no reports on 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (6‐TGN) concentrations in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing azathioprine (AZA) or 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) therapy. The aim of this study was to assess 6‐TGN concentrations in Japanese IBD patients.

Methods:  Eighty‐three patients with Crohn's disease (n = 42) and ulcerative colitis (n = 41) were enrolled. In 69 patients, AZA was prescribed at 50 mg/day, and seven patients were given 75 (n = 5) or 100 mg/day (n = 2). 6‐MP was administered at 30 mg/day (n = 7). The 6‐TGN concentrations were then assayed by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results:  The mean 6‐TGN concentrations of the entire study population (n = 83) were 277.9 ± 179.8 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cells (RBC). The mean 6‐TGN concentrations in those patients with active disease (n = 38) and those in remission (n = 45) were 232.9 ± 159.7(mean ± SD) and 342.8 ± 184.6 pmol/8 × 108 RBC, respectively (P < 0.05). The odds ratio of being in remission and having a 6‐TGN value >235 pmol/8 × 108 RBC was 2.6 (95% CI 1.05–6.2). A significant inverse correlation was found between the white blood cell (WBC) counts and 6‐TGN concentrations (r = −0.301, P < 0.05, n = 83); the mean WBC counts of the active patients (6780 ± 2412) were significantly higher than the patients in clinical remission (5468 ± 1920, P < 0.05). Three patients with severe leukopenia and 10 patients with high 6‐TGN concentrations had no thiopurine S‐methyl transferase mutations.

Conclusion:  The 6‐TGN concentrations in Japanese patients with IBD on low‐dose AZA and 6‐MP therapy were comparable to those reported from Western countries. The monitoring of 6‐TGN concentrations may be helpful for developing a therapeutic strategy for Japanese IBD patients.
Pulmonary haemodynamic changes in patients with severe COPD
Authors: HANAOKA Masayuki , IDEURA Gen , ITO Michiko , URUSHIHATA Kazuhisa , KOIZUMI Tomonobu , FUJIMOTO Keisaku , KUBO Keishi
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Worsening gas exchange during exercise and during exacerbations of COPD contributes to systemic hypoxaemia and reduces quality of life. However, pulmonary haemodynamic changes under such conditions are not well understood. Right heart catheterization was performed in six patients with severe COPD (%FEV1 < 50%) during rest, exercise and during an exacerbation. Pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) was slightly elevated at rest. The Ppa, as well as pulmonary artery wedge pressure (Pawp) and cardiac index were significantly increased during bicycle ergometer exercise. In contrast, pulmonary vascular resistance increased significantly during an exacerbation accompanied by a slightly increased Ppa. Supplemental oxygen resulted in significant decreases in Ppa and Pawp during exercise and Ppa during exacerbations. In patients with COPD, haemodynamic changes in the pulmonary circulation may differ during exercise and with exacerbations. Supplementary oxygen is beneficial and associated with reductions in pulmonary arterial pressures.
Low‐level mechanical strain induces extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 activation in alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: HU Xiaobo , CHENG Deyun , ZHANG Youyi , JIANG Fei , YANG Dongmei , DING Yu
Published: July 2008

Background and objective:  The pattern and the degree of mechanical stimuli may determine cellular responses, but little is known about how low magnitude stimuli are converted into biochemical signals in alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). The aim of this study was to explore whether extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) are activated by low‐level strain in A549 cells and how mechanical factors affect ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Methods:  A549 cells (an AEC line) were exposed to cyclic tensile strain via a four‐point bending system, with strains of different magnitude (437, 874, 1748, 3496 µstrain), duration (5, 15, 30, 60, 120 min) and frequency (0.5, 1 Hz). Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 proteins was assessed by western blot.

Results:  Maximal ERK1/2 phosphorylation occurred in the 874 µstrain group (a 2.25‐fold increase, P < 0.01). In this group, the peak response occurred after 30 min of exposure and slowly decreased to baseline after 90 min. Static strain did not produce a statistically significant increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas a frequency of 0.5 Hz produced a 4.56‐fold increase compared with the control (P < 0.05). A 10.87‐fold increase in response with frequency of 1 Hz was found.

Conclusion:  Low‐level strain activates ERK1/2 in A549 cells. ERK1/2 may be the key signalling molecules mediating strain‐induced cellular responses.
Management and outcome of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors: A 25‐year single center experience
Authors: Klatte Tobias , de Martino Michela , Arensmeier Knut , Reiher Frank , Allhoff Ernst P , Klatte Detlef
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To analyze risk factors, management, histology, and outcome of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) based on a 25‐year single center experience.

Methods:  Out of 612 patients treated for TGCT between 1982 and 2007, 17 (3%) were found to have bilateral disease. Data of these patients were reviewed and analyzed.

Results:  Eleven patients (65%) were identified with metachronous and 6 (35%) with synchronous bilateral TGCT. One patient had a cryptorchism in childhood. Patients with metachronous bilateral disease presented at lower stages than those with synchronous bilateral disease (stage I: 82% vs 33%, P = 0.02). In metachronous bilateral TGCT, the interval between the tumors ranged from 4 months to 25 years with a median of 47 months. The risk of developing a TGCT in the contralateral testicle was 26‐fold higher than the a‐priori risk for a healthy individual to develop TGCT. Overall, 74% of the bilateral tumors were seminomas and >50% of the patients had similar histology on both sides. After a median follow up of 121 months for patients with synchronous and 95 months for patients with metachronous bilateral TGCT, all patients were alive with no evidence of disease.

Conclusions:  Most bilateral TGCT develop metachronously and are seminomas. Although patients with synchronous bilateral disease present at higher stages, both synchronous and metachronous bilateral TGCT carry a similar, excellent prognosis. Patients with unilateral TGCT require careful long‐term monitoring of the remaining testicle due to a 26‐fold increased risk of contralateral disease and a potentially long risk interval of up to 25 years.
Change of sexual function after midurethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Kim Duk Yoon , Choi Jae Duck
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To compare sexual function in women before and after the midurethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods:  A total of 75 women undergoing surgery for SUI between September 2005 and September 2006 were recruited for this study. Those who completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively were included in the analysis. The FSFI is a validated, 19‐item questionnaire, which assesses six domains of sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.

Results:  Data were analyzed for 47 patients. Overall sexual function after the midurethral sling procedure was not significantly different. There were no significant differences in overall sexual function or any of the individual FSFI domain scores between patients with and without concomitant posterior colporrhaphy. There were no significant differences in sexual function between the transobturator and the retropubic surgical routes.

Conclusions:  There is no significant change in overall sexual function in women undergoing the midurethral sling procedure. Posterior colporrhaphy and operative methods do not affect overall sexual function.
Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and adrenomedullin levels in patients with primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Dikensoy Ebru , Balat Ozcan , Pençe Sadrettin , Balat Ayse , Çekmen Mustafa , Yurekli Muhuttin
Published: July 2008

Aim:  The aim of the study was to examine whether there was a relationship between primary dysmenorrhea and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and adrenomedullin (AM) in young women.

Methods:  Sixty female subjects without serious medical problems, aged between 20 and 34, who had regular menses for at least six previous cycles, were involved. Blood samples were obtained from each patient on the first and the 21st days of her menstrual cycles. Pelvic examination and ultrasound were performed to determine any organic cause for dysmenorrhea in each patient. The subjects were divided into two groups. The study group consisted of 30 subjects with primary dysmenorrhea, and the control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects.

Results:  No statistically significant difference was observed in comparison of the following variables between the groups: age, parity and body mass index. The serum levels of MDA, NO, and AM were significantly higher on the first day compared to those on the 21st day in the study group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of MDA, NO, and AM were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group both on the first and the 21st days of the menstrual cycles (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the serum levels of MDA, NO, and AM increase in subjects with primary dysmenorrhea, suggesting the possibility that lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress play a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of primary dysmenorrhea.
Comparison of the effects of cetrorelix, a GnRH antagonist, and leuprolide, a GnRH agonist, on experimental endometriosis
Authors: Altintas Devrim , Kokcu Arif , Tosun Migraci , Cetinkaya Mehmet B. , Kandemir Bedri
Published: July 2008

Aim:  In the present study, we aimed to compare the effects of cetrorelix and leuprolide on endometriosis.

Methods:  This randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐blind, experimental study was performed on 45 Wistar adult female rats in the Experimental Surgery Laboratory at Ondokuz Mayis University. After the peritoneal implantation of endometrial tissue, rats were randomized to three equal intervention groups: (i) control group, (ii) leuprolide group, and (iii) cetrorelix group. Six weeks later, following implant volume measurements (volume‐1) by performing a second laparotomy, saline (0.1 cc/rat) was administered subcutaneously to the control group once a week, leuprolide (0.075 mg/kg) subcutaneously to the leuprolide group twice at 4‐week intervals and cetrorelix (0.001 mg/rat/day) subcutaneously to the cetrorelix group for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment, by performing a third laparotomy, implant volumes were remeasured (volume‐2) and implants were totally excised for histopathological examination. The volume‐1 and volume‐2 values within the groups, and stromal and glandular tissue scores between the groups were compared.

Results:  In both the leuprolide group and the cetrorelix group, volume‐2 as compared to volume‐1 had significantly reduced (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 respectively), while there was no significant volume change in the control group (P > 0.05). In this group, when compared with the control group, glandular and stromal tissues had significantly lessened (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 respectively).

Conclusion:  Leuprolide and cetrorelix were found to have similar efficacy in the regression of both the size and the histological structure of experimental endometriotic implants.
Perioperative course and long term outcome after vaginal sacrospinous colpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse post hysterectomy: comparison of three different suture methods
Authors: Marcickiewicz Janusz , Kjöllesdal Möyfrid , Brännström Mats
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To compare long‐term results of the vaginal sacrospinous colpopexy (VSC) procedure for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse after previous hysterectomy with the use of either of the three most commonly used devices (the Deschamps ligature carrier, the Shutt Suture Punch System, or an ordinary straight needle holder).

Method:  The study group consisted of 73 women (out of 84; response rate 86%) who had undergone VSC for vaginal vault prolapse in between January 1994 and April 2005. All these patients were contacted with a mailed questionnaire and asked about symptoms related to prolapse, possible complications, any subsequent surgical repair and their satisfaction with results of the surgery. All data concerning the patients’ characteristics at the time of surgery and perioperative events were retrospectively collected using the patient records (charts).

Results:  There were no significant differences in age, parity, body mass index, or in proportion of previous prolapse or incontinence surgery between groups. The operation time was similar in all groups, with a median duration around 60 min. There was a wide distribution of the estimated blood loss in the groups, but without significant differences between groups. The rate of complications was low in all groups. Most of the patients were ‘very satisfied’ with the results of the surgery and rated their satisfaction as 8 to 10. The proportions of patients being very satisfied with the results of the surgery were 84%, 80% and 87% in the Deschamps, Shutt and needle holder groups, respectively.

Conclusion:  In the present study we could not see any major differences in perioperative data when comparing usage of the three instruments. Operation time, complications rate, perioperative blood loss and the patient's satisfaction with the surgery were equal between the three groups. This indicates that the type of instrument used in VSC is of no importance.
Suppression of beta oscillations in the subthalamic nucleus following cortical stimulation in humans
Authors: Doyle Gaynor L. M. F. , Kühn A. A. , Dileone M. , Litvak V. , Eusebio A. , Pogosyan A. , Androulidakis A. G. , Tisch S. , Limousin P. , Insola A. , Mazzone P. , Di Lazzaro V. , Brown P.
Published: July 2008

It is unclear how subthalamic nucleus activity is modulated by the cerebral cortex. Here we investigate the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the cortex on oscillatory subthalamic local field potential activity in the 8–35 Hz (alpha/beta) band, as exaggerated synchronization in this band is implicated in the pathophysiology of parkinsonism. We studied nine patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to test whether cortical stimulation can modulate synchronized oscillations in the human subthalamic nucleus. With patients at rest, single‐pulse TMS was delivered every 5 s over each primary motor area and supplementary motor area at intensities of 85–115% resting motor threshold. Subthalamic local field potentials were recorded from deep brain stimulation electrodes implanted into this nucleus for the treatment of PD. Motor cortical stimulation suppressed beta activity in the subthalamic nucleus from ∼0.2 to 0.6 s after TMS (repeated measures anova; main effect of time, P < 0.01; main effect of side, P = 0.03), regardless of intensity. TMS over the supplementary motor area also reduced subthalamic beta activity at 95% (P = 0.05) and 115% resting motor threshold (P = 0.01). The oscillatory activity decreased to 80 ± 26% of baseline (averaged across sites and stimulation intensities). Suppression with subthreshold stimuli confirmed that these changes were centrally driven and not due to peripheral afference. The results may have implications for mechanisms underlying the reported therapeutic benefits of cortical stimulation.
Effects of H‐reflex up‐conditioning on GABAergic terminals on rat soleus motoneurons
Authors: Pillai Shreejith , Wang Yu , Wolpaw Jonathan R. , Chen Xiang Yang
Published: July 2008

To explore the role of spinal cord plasticity in motor learning, we evaluated the effects of H‐reflex operant conditioning on GABAergic input to rat spinal motoneurons. Previous work indicated that down‐conditioning of soleus H‐reflex increases GABAergic input to soleus motoneurons. This study explored the effect of H‐reflex up‐conditioning on GABAergic input. Of nine rats exposed to H‐reflex up‐conditioning, up‐conditioning was successful (H‐reflex increase ≥ 20%) in seven and failed (change < 20%) in two. These rats and eight naive control (i.e. unconditioned) rats were injected with cholera toxin subunit B‐conjugated Alexa fluor 488 into the soleus muscle to retrogradely label soleus motoneurons. Sections containing soleus motoneurons were processed for GAD67 [one of the two principal forms of the GABA‐synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)] with an ABC‐peroxidase system. Two blinded independent raters counted and measured GABAergic terminals on these motoneurons. Unlike successful down‐conditioning, which greatly increased the number of identifiable GABAergic terminals on the motoneurons, up‐conditioning did not significantly change GABAergic terminal number. Successful up‐conditioning did produce slight but statistically significant increases in GABAergic terminal diameter and soma coverage. These results are consistent with other data indicating that up‐ and down‐conditioning are not mirror images of each other, but rather have different mechanisms. Although the marked changes in GABAergic terminals with down‐conditioning probably contribute to H‐reflex decrease, the modest changes in GABAergic terminals associated with up‐conditioning may be compensatory or reactive plasticity, rather than the plasticity responsible for H‐reflex increase. As a variety of spinal and supraspinal GABAergic neurons innervate motoneurons, the changes found with up‐conditioning may be in terminals other than those affected in successful down‐conditioning.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 deficiency modifies the neurochemical effects, motor impairment and co‐morbid anxiety provoked by paraquat administration in mice
Authors: Litteljohn Darcy , Mangano Emily N. , Hayley Shawn
Published: July 2008

Parkinson’s disease and other motor disorders of midbrain basal ganglia dopaminergic functioning are often characterized by alterations of brainstem and limbic systems with accompanying co‐morbid anxiety and depressive symptoms. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammatory processes may play an important role in such neurodegenerative and psychiatric pathology. In this regard, inhibition of the inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) was reported to limit the impact of stressors as well as the neurodegenerative effects of dopaminergic toxins. The present investigation assessed the impact of the putative dopamine toxin paraquat (a widely used herbicide) upon motor functioning, behavioural indices of anxiety‐like states and central monoamine levels and whether these effects were altered in mice lacking COX‐2. Indeed, paraquat did induce motor impairment and altered dopamine utilization within the striatum, and COX‐2 deletion moderately attenuated these effects. Conversely, COX‐2 deficiency enhanced the impact of paraquat upon indices of anxiety (open field exploration) and on serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic alterations within two brain regions implicated in stressor‐related pathologies, namely the dorsal hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that COX‐2 might differentially influence the motor and psychiatric symptoms associated with environmental toxin exposure. Furthermore, these data indicate that the neurochemical impact of paraquat is not restricted to the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway but also involves stressor‐sensitive limbic regions. It is possible that COX‐2 may play a dual role by contributing to the motor impairment induced by paraquat, but acting to moderate the effects of paraquat upon processes aligned with anxiety and depression.
Body musculature ofBeauchampiella eudactylota(Gosse, 1886) (Rotifera: Euchlanidae) with additional new data on its trophi and overall morphology
Authors: Riemann O. , Wilts E. F. , Ahlrichs W. H. , Kieneke A.
Published: July 2008

This study presents the results of confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence‐labelled phalloidin used to visualize the system of body musculature inBeauchampiella eudactylota. Moreover, the poorly known trophi ofB. eudactylotaare described based on scanning electron microscopy. In total, four paired longitudinal muscles (musculi longitudinales I–IV) and three circular muscles (musculi circulares I–III) were identified. Among these are the musculus longitudinalis ventralis, the musculus longitudinalis dorsalis and the musculus circumpedalis as documented in previous studies for other rotifer species. Compared to other species,B. eudactylotais characterized by the low number of lateral longitudinal muscles and the absence of some longitudinal muscles (musculi longitudinales capitum) and circular muscles (corona sphincter, musculus pars coronalis). Moreover, scanning electron microscopic data on the trophi ofB. eudactylotareveal a number of striking similarities to the trophi in some species of Epiphanidae. This suggests that either (1) these similarities represent plesiomorphic characters present both in Epiphanidae andB. eudactylotaor (2) they are synapomorphic features ofB. eudactylotaand some species of Epiphanidae, which would question the monophyly of Euchlanidae.
Disclosure of the impacts of adopting Australian equivalents of International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Palmer Philip D.
Published: July 2008

This study investigates two disclosure variables (Extent and Quality) in relation to compliance with paragraph 4.1 (b) of AASB 1047 Disclosing the Impacts of Adopting Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards. Using a sample of 150 Australian listed firms, I find that the extent and quality of disclosure is influenced by firm size, leverage and auditor firm size, with the latter variable being the most significant. In general, the results suggest that many companies might have relied on sample disclosures provided by their auditors, perhaps limiting both quality and intent. Additionally, the ultimate usefulness of broad and imprecise standards might be questionable. Smaller companies might also require more guidance and assistance with their preparation for the adoption.
Limit order book, anonymity and market liquidity: evidence from the Sydney Futures Exchange
Authors: Frino Alex , Gerace Dionigi , Lepone Andrew
Published: July 2008

This study examines the impact of the removal of broker mnemonics on the Sydney Futures Exchange. Early research finds that a decrease in transparency reduces liquidity in the market, whereas more recent research finds that reduced transparency improves market quality. Results of the present study indicate an improvement in liquidity after the removal of broker mnemonics. There is a significant increase in quoted depth and trading volume, and a significant decrease in quoted spreads in the 90 day Bank Accepted Bill, 3 year Treasury Bond and 10 year Treasury Bond Futures. This improvement in liquidity is robust to the length of the event window around the structural change and trading in a control market.
THE WILD MAN, CHARLEMAGNE AND THE GERMAN BODY
Authors: LEITCH STEPHANIE
Published: July 2008

The exceptional image of Charlemagne that surfaced in a printed frontispiece from 1521 shares formal qualities with the German wilde Mann, a folkloric creature who lurked in the margins of civilized society and late medieval art. The use of a wild man to establish Charlemagne's filiation with his modern descendant Charles v strikes the modern viewer as a peculiar strategy. In the visual tradition, the wild man typically represented the rejection of all affects of civilized man and embodied his alter ego. Once understood as an undomesticated contemporary of the late medieval European, personified, here, as Charlemagne, the wild man represents a stage in the evolution of the contemporary German. This essay argues that the rediscovery in Germany c. 1473 of Tacitus's first‐century Germania transformed the wild man into the ur‐German described in the ancient text and gave him a national identity.
BOOKS, PRINTS, AND TRAVEL: READING IN THE GAPS OF THE ORIENTALIST ARCHIVE
Authors: FRASER ELISABETH A.
Published: July 2008

From about 1780 a thriving publishing industry for travel accounts developed in France, but its rich visual component has not been closely analysed. Taking Auguste de Forbin's Voyage dans le Levant and Marie‐Gabriel de Choiseul‐Gouffier's Voyage pittoresque de la Grèce as paradigmatic examples, I reconsider illustrated travel books in light of new theories of reading generated by historians of the book. The multifarious nature of these books – juggling word and image, and coordinating the work of a large number of writers, researchers, artists and print‐makers – provides a radically alternative model for interpreting travel representation in the age of expansion.
Training teachers to use new technologies impacts multiple ecologies: Evidence from a national initiative
Authors: Davis Niki , Preston Christina , Sahin Ismail
Published: July 2008

A pair of papers re‐examined the evidence from a national initiative to train all teachers in England to bring them up to the level of newly qualified teachers, who are required to know when to use and when not to use information and communication technologies (ICT) in their professional practice. The first paper confirmed that multilevel evaluation of professional development was robust for ICT teacher training. This second paper contrasts the highest and lowest rated designs for ICT teacher training: an ‘organic’ approach that provided training in schools was highly rated, whereas a centralised computer‐assisted learning approach with online access to trainers was the lowest rated design. The study supports an ecological view of the diffusion of ICT innovations in education and recommends that ICT teacher training be designed to support evolution of each teacher's classroom, school and region, as well as the training of the ICT teacher trainers.
Opening up the innovation process: the role of technology aggressiveness
Authors: Lichtenthaler Ulrich , Ernst Holger
Published: July 2008

Besides acquiring external knowledge, many firms have begun to actively commercialize technology, for example, by means of out‐licensing. This increase in inward and outward technology transactions reflects the new paradigm of open innovation. Most prior research into open innovation is limited to theoretical considerations and case studies, whereas other lines of research have focused either on external technology acquisition or exploitation. In an integrative view, we consider inward and outward technology transactions as the main directions of open innovation. Moreover, technology aggressiveness, which constitutes an important dimension of technology strategy, is identified as a major determinant of open innovation. Data from a survey of 154 industrial firms are used to test three hypotheses relating technology aggressiveness, external technology acquisition, and external technology exploitation. In addition, clusters of firms with homogeneous strategies regarding technology aggressiveness and open innovation are identified.
The organizational influence of the Chief Technology Officer
Authors: Medcof John W.
Published: July 2008

The proposition that the Chief Technology Officer's (CTO) primary bases for power and influence are in technical expertise and position power is critically analyzed from the perspective of upper echelons research. This fresh perspective suggests that CTOs who aspire to have significant influence in their organizations should also build their power bases on broad knowledge of the firm and its environment, a network of personal relationships inside and outside the firm, ownership position in the firm, and intuitive understanding of the business. The CEO's leadership style can also enhance or curtail the influence of the CTO. Research and managerial implications are drawn.
Non‐parametric Regression Tests Using Dimension Reduction Techniques
Authors: HAAG BERTHOLD R.
Published: July 2008

Abstract.  Testing for parametric structure is an important issue in non‐parametric regression analysis. A standard approach is to measure the distance between a parametric and a non‐parametric fit with a squared deviation measure. These tests inherit the curse of dimensionality from the non‐parametric estimator. This results in a loss of power in finite samples and against local alternatives. This article proposes to circumvent the curse of dimensionality by projecting the residuals under the null hypothesis onto the space of additive functions. To estimate this projection, the smooth backfitting estimator is used. The asymptotic behaviour of the test statistic is derived and the consistency of a wild bootstrap procedure is established. The finite sample properties are investigated in a simulation study.
‘Building brighter futures for all our children’– a new focus on families as partners and change agents in the care and development of children with disabilities or special educational needs
Authors: RUSSELL PHILIPPA
Published: July 2008

This paper looks at recent trends in Government policy and practice around supporting and involving parents of children with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN) in their care, development and education. In particular, the paper examines the opportunities offered in the Children's Plan (DCSF, 2007) and Aiming High (HM Treasury/DfES, 2007), and the strong emphasis on earlier intervention and a range of new services to facilitate better partnership with parents (including those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds).

Note: In using the term ‘disabled children’, the author is using the broad definition of disability within the Disability Discrimination Acts (DDA) 1995 and 2005. The DDA definition includes the majority of children with identified and significant levels of SEN.
Developing support for siblings of young people with disabilities
Authors: CONWAY SALLY , MEYER DONALD
Published: July 2008

In the USA and UK, at least one in ten children and young people have special health, developmental and mental health concerns. Most of these people have typically developing brothers and sisters. As the people who, over the course of their lifetimes together, will be most involved with their siblings with special needs, it is important that typically developing brothers and sisters are involved and empowered in their growing relationship with their sibling. This article discusses the importance of providing relevant support for siblings and recognising, validating and including their unique perspectives. It presents the Sibshop model of sibling support, pioneered and directed by Donald Meyer at the Sibling Support Project in Seattle, USA, followed by Sally Conway's description of Sunsibs, a sibling participation model from Sunfield School in the UK adapted from Sibshops.
Recognising fathers: the needs of fathers of children with disabilities
Authors: CARPENTER BARRY , TOWERS CHRISTINE
Published: July 2008

In this article, the authors aim to develop a better understanding among practitioners of the issues faced by fathers of children with a learning disability, and suggest how schools can involve the parents who are regarded by many as ‘hard to reach’. They recontextualize the roles and perceptions of fathers in the light of outcomes from the recent ‘Recognising Fathers’ report published by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities.

Following an introduction to Government policy and literature relating to fathers, the outcomes of semi‐structured interviews conducted with 21 fathers in the course of the ‘Recognising Fathers’ study are summarized in terms of the emotional impact, the roles and responsibilities, the impact on fathers’ paid employment, support and father–practitioner interaction. The article concludes with practical suggestions for how practitioners might meet the needs of fathers in their own schools and provide them with an effective support network.
The role played by grandparents in family support and learning: considerations for mainstream and special schools
Authors: MITCHELL WENDY
Published: July 2008

The twenty‐first century family faces many demographic changes. Despite this, the importance of intergenerational relationships remains. This article initially reviews the literature surrounding the role that grandparents play in their children's families, highlighting a growing body of research demonstrating the important support role that grandparents play in the lives of families with non‐disabled children. In contrast, there is limited research on the role played by and support needs of grandparents to families with disabled children. Recognising the significance of ‘family’ rather than purely ‘parent’‐based partnerships in UK schools, this article considers the role and importance of grandparents in schools; in particular, intergenerational learning, and how schools can begin to include grandparents and also provide support to meet grandparents' own support needs. Despite a limited literature on schools working specifically with grandparents of children with SEN, some policy and practice issues are discussed and areas for future consideration suggested.
Local and Marginal Control Charts Applied to Methicillin ResistantStaphylococcus Aureus BacteraemiaReports in UK Acute National Health Service Trusts
Authors: Grigg O. A. , Spiegelhalter D. J. , Jones H. E.
Published: July 2008

We consider the general problem of simultaneously monitoring multiple series of counts, applied in this case to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) reports in 173 UK National Health Service acute trusts. Both within-trust changes from baseline (‘local monitors’) and overall divergence from the bulk of trusts (‘relative monitors’) are considered. After standardizing for type of trust and overall trend, a transformation to approximate normality is adopted and empirical Bayes shrinkage methods are used for estimating an appropriate baseline for each trust. Shewhart, exponentially weighted moving average and cumulative sum charts are then set up for both local and relative monitors: the current state of each is summarized by a p-value, which is processed by a signalling procedure that controls the false discovery rate. The performance of these methods is illustrated by using 4.5 years of MRSA data, and the appropriate use of such methods in practice is discussed.
Sequential Case Series Analysis for Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Hocine Mounia N. , Musonda Patrick , Andrews Nick J. , Paddy Farrington C.
Published: July 2008

The self-controlled case series method is used to evaluate drug safety, particularly the safety of paediatric vaccines with respect to rare adverse reactions. We propose a group sequential version of the method for prospective surveillance of drug safety. We focus on the surveillance of new vaccines. We develop methods that are based on the sequential probability ratio test applied at predetermined surveillance intervals, using both simple and composite alternative hypotheses. We investigate the properties of the methods analytically in a simple setting and by simulations in more realistic scenarios. The methods are applied to data on influenza vaccine and Bell’s palsy, and to data on measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and bleeding disorders.
Hitting and Missing Targets by Ambulance Services for Emergency Calls: Effects of Different Systems of Performance Measurement within the UK
Authors: Bevan Gwyn , Hamblin Richard
Published: July 2008

Following devolution, differences developed between UK countries in systems of measuring performance against a common target that ambulance services ought to respond to 75% of calls for what may be immediately life threatening emergencies (category A calls) within 8 minutes. Only in England was this target integral to a ranking system of ‘star rating’, which inflicted reputational damage on services that failed to hit targets, and only in England has this target been met. In other countries, the target has been missed by such large margins that services would have been publicly reported as failing, if they had been covered by the English system of star ratings. The paper argues that this case-study adds to evidence from comparisons of different systems of hospital performance measurement that, to have an effect, these systems need to be designed to inflict reputational damage on those that have performed poorly; and it explores implications of this hypothesis. The paper also asks questions about the adequacy of systems of performance measurement of ambulance services in UK countries.