bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical evaluation of the variants influencing the clinical response of vitiligo: study of 60 cases treated with ultraviolet B narrow‐band phototherapy
Authors: Brazzelli V , Antoninetti M , Palazzini S , Barbagallo T , De Silvestri A , Borroni G
Published: July 2007

Background  The treatment of vitiligo is still a challenge, but ultraviolet B narrow‐band (UVB‐NB) therapy has been recently reported to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with vitiligo.

Objective  The purpose of this study is a critical evaluation of the variants (body sites, age, duration of the disease, and duration of the therapy) influencing the clinical response to UVB‐NB therapy.

Methods  Sixty patients (23 male and 37 female), aged 6 to 70 years, with vitiligo, were treated with UVB‐NB therapy over a maximum period of 2 years. The evaluation of the percentage of repigmentation was done through photographs.

Results  The lesions located on the face obtained a complete repigmentation in 68% of the patients, on the neck in 57.89%, and on the trunk in 50% within the first year of the therapy. In young patients vs. adults patients, the lesions located on the neck obtained a complete repigmentation in 83.33% vs. 46.15%, on the upper limbs in 28.57% vs. 9.52%, and on the lower limbs in 25% vs. 16.67%. In patients with vitiligo of recent onset, the lesions located on the neck obtained a complete repigmentation in 83.33%, on the upper limbs in 33.33%, and on the lower limbs in 28.57%. Hands did not give a positive response in either groups.

Conclusion  This study shows that certain body sites respond better than others to the UVB‐NB therapy; patients, aged less than 20 years, with recent vitiligo, achieve more repigmentation; the duration of the therapy can influence the response of the lesions over hands and lower limbs, showing only mild repigmentation.
Objective recognition of vascular lesions in Mondor's disease by immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ichinose A , Fukunaga A , Terashi H , Nishigori C , Tanemura A , Nakajima T , Akishima‐Fukasawa Y , Ishikawa Y , Ishii T
Published: July 2007

Background  Mondor's disease (MD) is considered an inflammatory condition of superficial vasculitis that develops mainly in the anterolateral thoracoabdominal wall. The pathogenesis of the disease has been controversial, however, because of the lack of histopathologic methods for differentiating between the small vein and the lymphatic vessel.

Aim  To objectively examine the origin of vascular lesions in MD, we investigated the endothelial cells of their blood and lymphatic vessels.

Methods  Immunohistochemical examinations were carried out on specimens involving vascular lesions from 16 patients with MD, using antibodies against von Willebrand factor and human lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor‐1, which specifically discriminate between lymphatic and blood vessels.

Results  The histopathologic findings clearly showed thrombophlebitis in 14 patients, a lesion originating in the lymphatic vessel in one patient, and sclerosis that consisted of the artery together with veins in another.

Conclusion  This study suggests that almost all cases of MD are due to thrombophlebitis, with a small minority due to lymphangitis or other conditions. We believe this study will contribute to the better recognition of the factual changes in the condition designated MD.
Killing and Letting Die: the Similarity Criterion
Authors: ASSCHER JOACHIM
Published: July 2007

abstract  Applied ethics engages with concrete moral issues. This engagement involves the application of philosophical tools. When the philosophical tools used in applied ethics are problematic, conclusions about applied problems can become skewed. In this paper, I focus on problems with the idea that comparison cases must be exactly alike, except for the moral issue at hand. I argue that this idea has skewed the debate regarding the moral distinction between killing and letting die.

I begin with problems that can arise from attempts to produce comparison cases that are exactly alike, except for the moral issue at hand. I then argue that attempts to produce such examples are doomed to failure. Finally, I argue that abandoning concerns about similarity advances the debate regarding the moral distinction between killing and letting die.
Old wine in new bottles: civic nation‐building and ethnic nationalism in schooling in Piedmont, ca. 1700–1861
Authors: CHILOSI DAVID
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT. Gellner (1983: 35) equates nationalism with ‘the organisation of human groups into large, centrally educated, culturally homogeneous units’. As the theorist of nationalism argues, and as recent and not so recent historical research shows, the modernisation of schooling is a defining moment in this process. The objective of this article is twofold: first, to show that during the Risorgimento schooling in Piedmont became nationalist; and second, to explain why that was the case. In doing so, it is argued that: (a) the modernisation of schooling reflected the rise of laissez faire liberalism, industrialisation and the enfranchisement of the middle class; and (b) the leadership of the Risorgimento revived pre‐modern ethnic symbols of patriotism to legitimate inequality and state formation under conditions of individualism.
Neither ‘America’ nor ‘Québec’: constructing the Canadian multicultural nation
Authors: WINTER ELKE
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT.Although researchers have deconstructed the myth of stark social differences between the various North American sub‐societies, an assimilating American melting pot and an ethnically oppressive monocultural Québec are still popular representations within Canadian majority discourses, such as the English‐language mainstream media and parts of academia. In this paper, I argue that images of ‘America’ and ‘Québec’ play important roles for the multicultural reconstruction of Canadian nationhood. Examining selected op‐ed articles from two Toronto‐based mainstream newspapers during the 1990s, I develop and exemplify a theoretical understanding of how national identities are constituted and transformed within inter‐ and intra‐national relations of power and alterity. I pay special attention to the particularisation of Canada through the confrontation with American nationhood, the ambiguities of recognising the distinctiveness of Québec inside Canada, and the consequences of projecting Québec's supposedly ‘ethnic’ nationalism outside the boundaries of Canadianness.
WEAR OF TEXTILES
Authors: ELDER H. M.
Published: July 2007

The factors which influence wear in textiles are considered in detail in this paper and relevant mechanical properties are defined. The relative importance of fibre properties, fabric construction and finishing treatments in abrasion resistance, pilling and snagging are discussed and laboratory and field tests for garments and carpets are compared.
THE EFFECT OF DETERGENT TYPE AND LAUNDERING TEMPERATURE ON THE SOIL REMOVAL AND SOIL REDEPOSITION PERFORMANCE OF COTTON AND P/C BLENDS WITH AND WITHOUT DURABLE PRESS FINISH
Authors: PAEK S. L.
Published: July 2007

Three soiled test cloths of cotton and 65/35% Dacron/cotton blends with and without durable press finish were subjected to twenty‐five repeated launderings in Launder‐Ometer to determine the effect of fabric type, wash temperature, and laundering interval on the soil removal and soil redeposition performance. The reflectance of the test fabrics as measured by a Hunter Lab D‐40 reflectometer and the amount of soil removed and redeposited was computed in reflectance unit (RU) expressing the difference in reflectance of the test samples before and after washing.

Soil removal and redeposition performances were significantly influenced by fabric type, detergent type, and laundering interval. Duncan's multiple range test indicated that Dacron/cotton blends with and without durable press finish retained and redeposited significantly less soil than cotton. Powder detergents cleaned test fabrics better than liquid detergents.

Highly significant correlations between soil removal and redeposition RU and whiteness measurements were found. Therefore, both computations serve as reliable methods to evaluate soil removal and redeposition performance.
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTION: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR TIME‐USE STUDY IN THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN
Authors: SCHRAM VICKI R. , HAFSTROM JEANNE L.
Published: July 2007

A conceptual model to use in explaining influences on household production time of wives in the United States and in Japan is presented. This model is tested on a national U.S. sample using variables suggested by both U.S. and Japanese time‐use studies. The results support and expand those of earlier studies. It is suggested that the model be tested with Japanese data to determine its usefulness in cross‐cultural comparisons.
Effect of locus of control on student and recruiter responses to career appearance statements
Authors: KELLEY ELEANOR , BLOUIN DAVID , GLEE ROSE , SWEAT SARAH , ARLEDGE LYDIA C.
Published: July 2007

The attribution concept ‘locus of control’, that is who has control over a situation, has been used in experimental studies. However, this concept seems appropriate to include in survey research. This paper focusses on the effect that locus of control had on the responses of university students (n = 273) and campus recruiters (n = 269) in the United States to Likert statements regarding career appearance. The two questions addressed in this paper are: (1) Did locus of control affect the pattern of responses of the two groups? and (2) Did their response patterns differ according to selected demographic characteristics? Significant differences totally supported the idea that locus of control influenced responses of the two groups. The pattern of responses also differed according to selected background characteristics of age, familial social class and current occupational focus (i.e. student and recruiter). However, two significant differences in student and recruiter response patterns occurred when age and social class subsamples of the two groups were drawn. Perhaps, in sample selection, researchers should consider either social roles, situations in which roles transpire, or both.
Use of 12 groups of foods in households differing in size, income and receipt of food stamps
Authors: MORGAN KAREN J. , JOHNSON S. R. , LEE YOUNG Y. , GOUNGETAS BASILE
Published: July 2007

Using data from the Nationwide Food Consumption Surrey, 1977–78, this study assessed the influence of household size and composition, household income, and eligibility/participation in the Food Stamp Programme (FSP) on the weekly money value of specified food groups used from the household food supply. Mean money values of foods by food groups were calculated for various sample partitions and proportions of total food value allocated to the 12 specified food groups were analysed using ordinary least squares regression. Results indicated that household size had a statistically significant impact on household food consumption patterns. As per capita household income increased, percentage allocations to high‐cost meats and beverages generally increased while percentage allocations for the other 10 food groups decreased. The money value of food used per equivalent food energy need increased with decreasing household size and with increasing per capita household income. These relationships occurred for total food and for most of the specified food groups. Households that participated in the FSP used food with higher money value per‐equivalent food energy need than did households who were eligible but did not participate in the FSP.
Elderly consumers: problems and behaviours
Authors: MILLER NANCY H. , PETRICH BEATRICE
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to explore older consumers' problems and behaviour. Data were collected by interviewing. Responses of 150 older Wisconsin residents were analysed using chi square to determine significant differences in consumer problems and behaviour related to the demographic variables: age, sex, place of residence, marital status and education. The distribution of responses was most frequently influenced by marital status. The demographic variables of age, sex and place of residence were also found to influence the response distribution, although less frequently than marital status; there were no significant differences in responses by education. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for consumer education programmes designed specifically for older persons.
Food legislation in Britain: general principles and the evolution of the system
Authors: FALLOWS STEPHEN J.
Published: July 2007

This paper reviews the development of food legislation in Britain. Two case studies relating to the legislation applying to bread and margarine are included. Five different sets of interest groups are identified as contributors to the establishment or amendment of compositional regulations.
The effects of demographic characteristics on consumer information periodical readership and financial knowledge
Authors: CARTER LANITA S. , ANDRUS DAVID M. , HANNA SHERMAN
Published: July 2007

A telephone survey of French‐ and English‐speaking households in Quebec was conducted to obtain information about money management practices, of use information sources and knowledge of personal finance terminology. Correlations and regressions were performed on data from 234 interviews. An index of consumer periodical readership was related positively to variables for female respondent, English‐speaking, urban residence, income and education in the correlations. A financial knowledge index was related positively to variables for income, education, and the periodical index in the correlations. The knowledge index peaked for the 41–55 years of age category. A two‐equation recursive model for periodical readership and financial knowledge was tested. A regression on the periodical index had positive effects for income, education and variables for age 56–64 and 65 and over, and a negative effect for rural location. A regression on the knowledge index had positive effects for the periodical index, income, French‐speaking and the variable for age 41–55, and a negative effect for female respondent. The needs of lower income consumers may not be met well by consumer periodicals. In terms of financial knowledge, English‐speaking consumers in Quebec may be at a disadvantage relative to French‐speaking consumers with similar income levels.
Research on rural family resource management: a Third World perspective
Authors: BALAKRISHNAN REVATHI , FIREBAUGH FRANCILLE M. , STAFFORD KAY
Published: July 2007

Family resource management research relevant to rural families in Third World countries can produce useful information for rural development projects. However, currently, most of the research is imitative of Western research and contributes neither to theory construction nor to alleviation of real problems of rural poor families. The major stumbling blocks to improve research are limited trained personnel, inadequate commitment to research, insufficient funds and ignorance of socio‐economic milieu hampering identification of relevant research problems. Three broad directives are suggested to strengthen research on management by Third World families: (i) selection and application of a conceptual framework to create consensus or focus, concepts and processes; (ii) identification of contextually relevant, researchable problems, and (iii) identification and use of appropriate research methods and tools. Suggested researchable problems include basic need standards, fuel management, appropriate technologies, family size and level of living, use of time, access to and utilization of consumer services and information. Various strategies to develop a sound family resource management research base are identified.
The economics of marital status: a Canadian analysis
Authors: DOUTHITT ROBIN A. , MOLDER PAULINE J.
Published: July 2007

Estimates of an economic model of Canadian women's marital status are derived using time‐series provincial data. Results are compared with earlier work using 1960 U.S. Census data. Findings prove consistent in sign with theoretical predictions and previous research.
Clothing factors in energy conservation
Authors: SOMMER BARBARA A. , KAISER SUSAN B. , SOMMER ROBERT
Published: July 2007

The disadvantages of hermetically sealed office buildings have become apparent with the rise in energy prices. One solution being proposed is the development of climate‐responsive architecture. This paper reports on the need for dress standards which would enhance the effectiveness of climate‐responsive architecture. In a multi‐method study among office employers and workers, scant awareness of the connection between dress codes and energy conservation was found. Energy policy could be aimed towards increasing awareness on how dress norms can be modified for increased climate‐responsiveness, considering social as well as technological factors.
Environmental context in family resource management
Authors: BEUTLER IVAN F. , HERRIN DONALD A.
Published: July 2007

Fundamental differences are described here between the environmental context of management within the private sphere of home and family, and management within the public sphere of government, political and business institutions. We articulate how management differs in the two spheres because of the unique rules and structural principles that govern each sphere, and because of the distinctive ends pursued in each sphere.
Expected and reported division of responsibility of household tasks among older wives in two residential settings
Authors: ADE‐RIDDER LINDA , BRUBAKER TIMOTHY H.
Published: July 2007

Literature on sex roles encompasses numerous studies on the division of responsibility in late‐life marriages. Some older wives report that they continue to assume responsibility for mos: household chores and they actually perform most tasks. Other wives claim that following retirement, husbands increase their participation within the household arena. However, the increase tends to be in the level of activity involvement rather than in assuming responsibility for new or non‐traditional chores. The trend toward egalitarianism in later life, especially for happy couples, is documented by numerous studies. It appears that while role expectations are less gender‐specific among older people, they tend to follow the patterns established during middle‐age. However, the research is not conclusive. No analysis has compared different living environments of older couples.

A sample (n = 244) or older wives (mean age 72 years) living in two different residential settings were questioned via a mailed survey about their responsibility and behaviours regarding 12 household tasks: cooking meals, washing dishes, doing yard work, washing clothes, maintaining the car, writing letters, scheduling family events, getting or earning money, cleaning house, shopping, undertaking household repairs and making family decisions. High scores suggest a non‐traditional approach to sex‐role tasks, while low scores suggest egalitarian relationships. The views that wives have of division of responsibility of household tasks is explored: who should take responsibility for tasks and who does the tasks? Variables previously found to influence sex‐role beliefs are examined. In particular, relationships between sex roles and marital quality, length of marriage, family income, frequency of interaction with children, residential environment and health are presented.
Student preferences for domestic‐made or imported apparel as influenced by shopping habits
Authors: BERGERON DENISE P. , CARVER MARIE N.
Published: July 2007

Information regarding consumer awareness of imports has been an ongoing concern of the textile and apparel industries. This study was undertaken to provide additional information about attitudes of apparel imports from the viewpoints of college students. The results support those of earlier studies for the most part. Data analysis, in contrast to other studies, showed no clear preference toward either domestic or imported apparel. However, there was concern and strong support for the U.S. textile and apparel industries. Most students indicated that they would purchase domestic apparel over imported apparel to help the U.S. economy.
The neglect of the older consumer
Authors: TYNAN A. CAROLINE , DRAYTON JENNIFER L.
Published: July 2007

This review of the literature concerning the older consumer discusses the reasons for the neglect of this large, lucrative and growing market by practitioners and academics in the fields of consumer affairs, marketing and gerontology. The authors consider the effects of continuing to ignore these ‘forgotten consumers’, and the possible benefits of recognizing and supplying the important market they constitute.
Correlates of marital satisfaction in a Manitoba low income sample
Authors: CLEARWATER ELIZABETH , HARVEY CAROL D. H.
Published: July 2007

Marital satisfaction in a low‐income sample in the province of Manitoba in Canada was investigated in this study. The sample consisted of 505 couples who took part in Manitoba's low‐income experiment in 1974. Using a single measure of marital satisfaction, both husbands and wives reported high satisfaction. Using multiple regression analysis to examine correlates of marital satisfaction, it was found that the best predictors for couples were companionship, money management and husband's occupation. The best predictors for wives' marital satisfaction were companionship and husband's occupation, and the best predictors for husbands' marital satisfaction were companionship and money management.
Laundry practices: line‐drying and load characteristics
Authors: LABHARD LEZLIE A. , PEDERSEN ELAINE L.
Published: July 2007

The authors conducted an exploratory study on laundry practices including: contents and number of laundry loads, use of line‐drying, laundry items that are line‐dried, and availability of equipment for line‐drying. The participants dried fewer loads than previously reported in the literature and laundered different items. Subjects used line‐drying for selected textiles, viewed line‐drying as time consuming and indicated they lacked equipment for line‐drying. The respondents did not thoroughly comprehend the meaning of ‘line dry’. From the results, the authors concluded that additional research is needed to identify a standard or typical laundry load. Research is necessary to up‐date the body of knowledge, and educators need to inform consumers of the benefits and concerns of line‐drying.
Clothing‐related risk perceptions of disabled men and women at point of purchase
Authors: FEATHER BETTY L. , VANN JOHN W. , O'BANNON PAULA B.
Published: July 2007

Clothing‐related risk perceptions of wheelchair‐bound consumers were examined and then compared to risk perceptions of able‐bodied consumers reported in previous studies. A scenario was used which involved the purchase of a pair of pants or slacks for a job interview to measure specific and overall clothing‐related risk perceptions of 75 wheelchair‐bound consumers. These disabled consumers perceived the order of clothing‐related risk components as: physical, performance, psychological, economic and social. In previous studies, able‐bodied students, reported a reverse order of perceived clothing‐related risks. In this study, performance and social risk significantly correlated with overall risk; the same correlations held for able‐bodied consumers in previous studies. Unique to this study were the high correlations of physical risk with psychological risk and economic risk. Wheelchair‐bound males and persons with congenital disabilities perceived greater overall risk than other disabled consumers in this study.
The role of a consumer interest group in new product development: a case study of Canadians for home equity conversion
Authors: AULD J. W. , SOULE D. J.
Published: July 2007

Since the mid‐1960s there has been a significant increase in the number of public interest groups in Canada and the United States. Representing environmental, social and consumer interests, these groups serve as focal points through which consumer, business and government sectors interact. In the area of housing and community planning, public interest groups have been able to influence housing and planning policy to reflect the interests of housing consumers. Never, however, has a senior's advocacy group arisen with the purpose of attempting to influence the public and private sectors in the field of mortgage finance. Canadians for Home Equity Conversion (CHEC) is a grassroots advocacy group that represents exactly this cause. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the evolution of CHEC in order to broaden our understanding of the role of consumer interest groups in new product development. Home equity conversion will be discussed in the context of consumer, business and government interaction, and will serve as a case study that illustrates the public interest movement.
Safety of the U.S. food supply: consumer concerns and behaviour
Authors: SCHAFER ELISABETH , SCHAFER ROBERT B. , BULTENA GORDON L. , HOIBERG ERIC O.
Published: July 2007

To examine consumer concern about food safety, identify characteristics of those most concerned, and determine behavioural responses to concerns, we used mailed questionnaires to survey a random sample of 630 adults. Eighty‐eight percent of respondents were very or somewhat concerned about safety of the food supply. Subjects perceived greatest likelihood of harm from chemicals and lowest likelihood of harm from bacterial contamination. Relative to other concerns about food such as cost or taste, food safety ranked low. Because the concern was across all ages, education levels, genders, and places of residence, we were unable to define a type of person most likely to be concerned about food safety. Less than half the subjects had changed dietary behaviour in response to food safety concerns. Foods reduced or eliminated from the diet most often were meats, fruits, eggs and vegetables. The findings indicate that consumers need risk assessment education and help in making food choices that do not compromise diet quality.
Examining the impact of consumer debt on parent‐child interaction
Authors: ISRAELSEN CRAIG L. , BEUTLER IVAN F.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible relationship between consumer debt and several aspects of parent‐child interaction, namely time spent by parents with their child(ren). affectionate interaction between parents and children and disciplinary parent‐child interaction. A small, positive relationship was found between consumer debt and disciplinary parent‐child interaction. No meaningful relationship was found between consumer debt and parental time spent with child(ren) or affectionate parental‐child interaction. Age and number of children are more reliable correlates of parent‐child interaction than is amount of household consumer debt.
Will perceived economic deficits affect housing decisions during retirement?
Authors: MALROUTU Y. LAKSHMI , BRANDT JEANETTE A.
Published: July 2007

The study ascertains a causal model of factors that influence preretirees perceived difficulty in housing adjustment during retirement. Further, the influence of perceived economic deficits and an economic adjustment decision for preretirees during retirement are investigated. Path analysis results indicate that the perceived difficulty in moving to a more suitable home for retirement is influenced by tenure, setting up a retirement investment plan, and the perceived difficulty in selling one's home to have money for retirement expenses. The perceived difficulty in selling one's home to have money for retirement expenses is influenced by age and tenure. Age, tenure, education and income were influential in predicting the number of sources of retirement income; age, education and income were predictors of setting up of a retirement investment plan.
Differences in current clinical features of diploid and triploid hydatidiform mole
Authors: Niemann I , Petersen LK , Hansen ES , Sunde L
Published: July 2007

Objective  To describe and compare the current clinical features of diploid and triploid molar pregnancy and to evaluate whether the presenting clinical features can predict the ploidy of a molar pregnancy.

Design  A retrospective study of the clinical features and ploidy of hydatidiform moles.

Setting  The Departments of Clinical Genetics and Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital and 13 gynaecological wards, Jutland, Denmark.

Population  A total of 259 women with molar pregnancy diagnosed between April 1986 and June 2003.

Methods  A review of medical records of consecutively collected, clinically suspected cases of molar pregnancy was performed. The molar ploidy was determined by karyotyping, flow cytometry, and/or analysis of polymorphic DNA markers.

Main outcome measures  Maternal characteristics, presenting symptoms, initial human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and molar ploidy.

Results  In a multiple logistic regression model, initial hCG of ≥100 000 iu/l (P < 0.001), first‐trimester gestational age (P < 0.001), vaginal bleeding (P < 0.001), and maternal age of ≥40 years (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of diploid mole. Women with excessive uterine size more frequently had a diploid than a triploid mole (P < 0.001). Fifty‐four percent of the women with triploid mole and 27% of the women with diploid mole were diagnosed before onset of symptoms (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  The current clinical features of diploid mole are different from those of triploid mole. The presenting clinical profile of a molar pregnancy may be used as an early predictor of the molar ploidy and thus of the prognosis.
REVIEW: Vitamin transport and homeostasis in mammalian brain: focus on Vitamins B and E
Authors: Spector Reynold , Johanson Conrad E.
Published: July 2007

With the application of genetic and molecular biology techniques, there has been substantial progress in understanding how vitamins are transferred across the mammalian blood–brain barrier and choroid plexus into brain and CSF and how vitamin homeostasis in brain is achieved. In most cases (with the exception of the sodium‐dependent multivitamin transporter for biotin, pantothenic acid, and lipoic acid), the vitamins are transported by separate carriers through the blood–brain barrier or choroid plexus. Then the vitamins are accumulated by brain cells by separate, specialized systems. This review focuses on six vitamins (B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid, biotin, and E) and the newer genetic information including relevant ‘knockdown’ or ‘knockout’ models in mice and humans. The overall objective is to integrate this newer information with previous physiological and biochemical observations to achieve a better understanding of vitamin transport and homeostasis in brain. This is especially important in view of the newly described non‐cofactor vitamin roles in brain (e.g. of B1, B3, B6, and E) and the potential roles of vitamins in the therapy of brain disorders.
Effects of noradrenaline on the GABA response in rat isolated spiral ganglion neurons in culture
Authors: Zha Ding‐Jun , Wang Zhi‐Ming , Lin Ying , Liu Tao , Qiao Li , Lu Lian‐Jun , Li Yun‐Qing , Qiu Jian‐Hua
Published: July 2007

In the present study, the modulatory effects of noradrenaline (NA) on the GABA response were investigated in the isolated cultured spiral ganglion neurons of rat by using nystatin perforated patch recording configuration under voltage‐clamp conditions. NA reversibly depressed GABA response in a concentration‐dependent manner and neither changed the reversal potential of the GABA response nor affected the apparent affinity of GABA to its receptor. α2‐adrenoceptor agonist and antagonist, clonidine and yohimbine mimicked and blocked the NA action on the GABA response, respectively. N‐[2(methylamino)ethyl]‐5‐isoquinoline sulfonamide dihydrochloride (H‐89), a protein kinase A inhibitor, mimicked the effect of NA on the GABA response. NA failed to affect the GABA response in the presence of both cAMP and protein kinase A modulator. However, NA still depressed the GABA response even in the presence of both phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate, a protein kinase C activator and chelerythrine, a protein kinase C inhibitor. These results suggest that the NA suppression of the GABA response is mediated by α2‐adrenoceptor which reduces intracellular cAMP formation through the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Therefore, NA input to the spiral ganglion neurons may modulate the auditory transmission by affecting the GABA response.
Transcriptional response to aging and caloric restriction in heart and adipose tissue
Authors: Linford Nancy J. , Beyer Richard P. , Gollahon Katherine , Krajcik Rozlyn A. , Malloy Virginia L. , Demas Vasiliki , Burmer Glenna C. , Rabinovitch Peter S.
Published: July 2007

Sustained caloric restriction (CR) extends lifespan in animal models but the mechanism and primary tissue target(s) have not been identified. Gene expression changes with aging and CR were examined in both heart and white adipose tissue (WAT) of Fischer 344 (F344) male rats using Affymetrix® RAE 230 arrays and validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) on 18 genes. As expected, age had a substantial effect on transcription on both tissues, although only 21% of cardiac age‐associated genes were also altered in WAT. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed coordinated small magnitude changes in ribosomal, proteasomal, and mitochondrial genes with similarities in aging between heart and WAT. CR had very different effects on these two tissues at the transcriptional level. In heart, very few age‐associated expression changes were affected by CR, while in WAT, CR suppressed a substantial subset of the age‐associated changes. Genes unaltered by aging but altered by CR were identified in WAT but not heart. Most interestingly, we identified a gene expression signature associated with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity that was down‐regulated with age but preserved by CR in both WAT and heart. In addition, lipid metabolism genes, particularly those associated with peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ)‐mediated adipogenesis were reduced with age but preserved with CR in WAT. These results highlight tissue‐specific differences in the gene expression response to CR and support a role for CR‐mediated preservation of mTOR activity and adipogenesis in aging WAT.
Telomere length and cardiovascular risk factors in a middle‐aged population free of overt cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bekaert Sofie , De Meyer Tim , Rietzschel Ernst R. , De Buyzere Marc L. , De Bacquer Dirk , Langlois Michel , Segers Patrick , Cooman Luc , Van Damme Piet , Cassiman Peter , Van Criekinge Wim , Verdonck Pascal , De Backer Guy G. , Gillebert Thierry C. , Van Oostveldt Patrick ,   on behalf of the Asklepios investigators
Published: July 2007

Evidence assembled over the last decade shows that average telomere length (TL) acts as a biomarker for biological aging and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in particular. Although essential for a more profound understanding of the underlying mechanisms, little reference information is available on TL. We therefore sought to provide baseline TL information and assess the association of prevalent CVD risk factors with TL in subjects free of overt CVD within a small age range. We measured mean telomere restriction fragment length of peripheral blood leukocytes in a large, representative Asklepios study cohort of 2509 community‐dwelling, Caucasian female and male volunteers aged approximately 35–55 years and free of overt CVD. We found a manifest age‐dependent telomere attrition, at a significantly faster rate in men as compared to women. No significant associations were established with classical CVD risk factors such as cholesterol status and blood pressure, yet shorter TL was associated with increased levels of several inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Importantly, shorter telomere length was associated with an increasingly unhealthy lifestyle, particularly in men. All findings were age and gender adjusted where appropriate. With these cross‐sectional results we show that TL of peripheral blood leukocytes primarily reflects the burden of increased oxidative stress and inflammation, whether or not determined by an increasingly unhealthy lifestyle, while the association with classical CVD risk factors is limited. This further clarifies the added value of TL as a biomarker for biological aging and might improve our understanding of how TL is associated with CVD.
The pressure dependence of the zirconium‐in‐rutile thermometer
Authors: TOMKINS H. S. , POWELL R. , Ellis D. J.
Published: July 2007

The solubility of ZrO2 in rutile is strongly temperature‐dependent and has been identified as a potentially powerful thermometer when the rutile coexists with an appropriate buffer assemblage, e.g. zircon + quartz. In combination with experimental data at 10 kbar, previous consideration of data on natural rutile has not identified a pressure dependence for the thermometer. However, the expected volume change as a result of substitution of the larger Zr4+ cation for Ti4+ suggests that the Zr content of rutile should decrease with increasing pressure. To investigate the pressure dependence of the thermometer, piston cylinder (at 10, 20 & 30 kbar) and 1 atm furnace experiments were performed in the system ZrO2‐TiO2‐SiO2. The solubility of ZrO2 in rutile, in the presence of zircon and quartz was reversed at each pressure value. From these experiments, the thermodynamics of the end‐member reaction ZrSiO4 = SiO2 + ZrO2 (in rutile) have been determined. There is a secondary pressure effect accompanying the primary temperature dependence of the Zr content of rutile. New thermometer equations are, in the α‐quartz field:
image

in the β‐quartz field
image

and in the coesite field
image

in which φ is ppm Zr, P is in kbar and R is the gas constant, 0.0083144 kJ K−1. Thermometric results using these equations are shown for a range of geological settings.
Hemodynamic Responses to Interictal Epileptiform Discharges in Children with Symptomatic Epilepsy
Authors: Jacobs Julia , Kobayashi Eliane , Boor Rainer , Muhle Hiltrud , Stephan Wolff , Hawco Colin , Dubeau Francois , Jansen Olav , Stephani Ulrich , Gotman Jean , Siniatchkin Michael
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose: Simultaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (EEG‐fMRI) recording is a noninvasive tool for investigating epileptogenic networks. Most EEG‐fMRI studies in epilepsy have been performed in adults. Childhood epilepsies, however, differ from those in adults due to interactions between epileptogenic and developmental processes. The purpose of this study was to investigate EEG‐fMRI in children with lesional epilepsies.

Methods: Thirteen children with symptomatic epilepsy underwent a 20‐min EEG‐fMRI acquisition at 3 T under sedation‐induced sleep. Statistical analysis was performed using the timing of spikes as events, modelled with hemodynamic response functions (HRFs) that peaked at 3, 5, 7, and 9 s after the spike.

Results: Each spike type was analyzed separately, resulting in 25 studies. In 84% of the studies, blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) responses were localized in the lesion or brain area presumably generating spikes. Activation (positive BOLD) corresponding with the lesion was seen in 20% and deactivation (negative BOLD) in 52% of the studies. In the area of spike generation, activation was found in 48% of studies and deactivation in 36%.

Conclusions: Despite the necessarily short recording times (20 min), good results could be obtained from the EEG‐fMRI recordings, performed in sedated children using a high field scanner and individual HRFs. In contrast to studies in adults, deactivations in the lesion and the irritative zone were more common than activations. The impact of age, sleep, and sedation on the BOLD response might explain these findings, but future studies in children should not disregard the importance of deactivations in relation to the epileptogenic network.
Spatial Neglect during Electrocortical Stimulation Mapping in the Right Hemisphere
Authors: Kleinman Jonathan T. , Sepkuty Jehuda P. , Hillis Argye E. , Lenz Frederick A. , Heidler‐Gary Jennifer , Gingis Leila , Crone Nathan E.
Published: July 2007

Summary

Spatial processing was assessed following implantation of subdural electrodes in the nondominant hemisphere with electrocortical stimulation mapping (ESM) in two patients before epilepsy surgery. The first patient had mild hemispatial neglect/extinction during ESM of posterior temporal and inferior parietal areas. These areas were resected, and the patient had postoperative deficits that were similar to those occurring with ESM. The second patient was found to have marked hemispatial neglect during stimulation of parietal areas. These areas were not resected, and the patient had no neglect following surgery. These results suggest that ESM can help predict spatial processing deficits associated with cortical resection, and may help prevent postoperative impairments following resection in right parietal or temporal regions.
Nonepileptic Seizures in Children
Authors: Patel Hema , Scott Eric , Dunn David , Garg Bhuwan
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose: To determine if the clinical characteristics of nonepileptic seizures (NES) are different in children younger than 13 years age as compared to adolescents.

Methods: Retrospective review of medical records and video‐EEGs (VEEG) of all patients with NES confirmed on VEEG monitoring was performed.

Results: Sixty‐eight (3.5%) of 1,967 patients monitored with VEEG had a clinical diagnosis of NES. Fifty‐nine of 68 patients had their habitual event recorded. Mean age at the time of the VEEG diagnosis was 13 years 4 months. Twenty‐two patients were less than 13 years (group A) and 37 were 13 years and older (group B). The male to female ratio was equal in group A, with female predominance seen in group B. NES commonly manifested as subtle motor activity in group A (p < 0.01) and prominent motor activity in group B (p < 0.001). Difficulties at school, family discord, and interpersonal conflicts, were frequent stressors in both groups. Sexual abuse was the least frequent. Depression was more common in group B; cognitive dysfunction (p < 0.001) and epilepsy (p < 0.01) were more common in group A.

Conclusions: Differences in clinical semiology and predisposing factors may help identify young children and adolescents who might be at risk for the development of NES.
Epilepsy Surgery in Children: Results and Predictors of Outcome on Seizures
Authors: Cossu Massimo , Lo Russo Giorgio , Francione Stefano , Mai Roberto , Nobili Lino , Sartori Ivana , Tassi Laura , Citterio Alberto , Colombo Nadia , Bramerio Manuela , Galli Carlo , Castana Laura , Cardinale Francesco
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose: To retrospectively analyze the results on seizures of surgery in children with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. To identify the factors predicting seizure control among several presurgical, surgical, and postsurgical variables.

Methods: One hundred thirteen patients (67 male, 46 female), younger than 16 years, operated on from 1996 to 2004 and followed‐up for at least 2 years were identified. Individualized microsurgical resections, aimed at removal of the epileptogenic zone, were performed according to the results of tailored presurgical evaluations, which included stereo‐electroencephalographic recording with intracerebral electrodes when needed. Risk of seizure recurrence was assessed for the considered variables by bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results: Mean age at surgery was 8.8 years, mean duration of epilepsy was 5.7 years, and mean age at seizure onset was 3.1 years. One hundred eight patients (96%) had an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging. At postoperative follow‐up (mean duration 55.1 month), 77 patients (68%) were in Engel's class I, with 68 patients (60%) being seizure free (Engel's classes Ia and Ic). At multivariate analysis, variables associated with a significantly lower risk of seizure recurrence were unifocal lesion at MRI and older age at seizure onset (presurgical variables), temporal unilobar resection and complete lesionectomy (surgical variables), diagnosis of glial‐neuronal tumors (postsurgical variables).

Conclusions: Surgery is a valuable option for children with drug‐resistant focal epilepsies which may provide excellent results in a considerable amount of cases. Since results of surgery for epilepsy strongly depend on the presurgical identification of the Epileptogenic Zone, future work should be focused on refinement and implementation of diagnostic strategies.
Employment Outcomes Following Resective Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Chin Peter S. , Berg Anne T. , Spencer Susan S. , Sperling Michael R. , Haut Sheryl R. , Langfitt John T. , Bazil Carl W. , Walczak Thaddeus S. , Pacia Steven V. , Vickrey Barbara G.
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose: Analyze determinates of employment changes from before to 2 years after surgery in refractory focal epilepsy patients.

Methods: Preoperative employment was prospectively assessed in 375 adults with refractory epilepsy. Two‐year postsurgical employment status was obtained for 299; factors potentially associated with employment status change among subgroups unemployed and employed at baseline were analyzed.

Results: Presurgical employment status was full‐time (n = 148, 39.5%), part‐time (n = 26, 6.9%), disabled and unemployed (n = 100, 26.7%), unemployed (n = 44, 11.7%), and other (n = 57, 15.2%). Those with and without 2‐year follow‐up did not differ on baseline characteristics (all p > 0.10). Two years after surgery, 42.8% were employed full‐time and 12.4%, part‐time. Among those unemployed before surgery, better seizure outcome was associated with gaining employment at 2 years (p = 0.03).

Conclusions: Net employment gains were modest 2 years after surgery and higher with better seizure outcomes, reinforcing the need for optimizing surgical candidate selection, long‐term follow‐up studies, and postsurgical vocational rehabilitation.
Interictal and Postictal Language Testing Accurately Lateralizes Language Dominant Temporal Lobe Complex Partial Seizures
Authors: Ramirez Maya J. , Schefft Bruce K. , Howe Steven R. , Hwa‐Shain Yeh , Privitera Michael D.
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose:Noninvasive tests that accurately localize seizure onset provide great value in the presurgical evaluation of patients with intractable epilepsy. This study examined the diagnostic utility of three expressive language disturbances in lateralizing language‐dominant (DOM) temporal lobe complex partial seizures: (1) the postictal language delay (PILD; time taken to correctly read a test phrase out loud immediately following seizures); (2) the production of postictal phonemic paraphasic errors (PostPE); and (3) interictal phonemic paraphasic errors (InterPE).

Methods:All 60 subjects underwent inpatient video/EEG monitoring and had surgically confirmed temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We determined the presence and number of PostPE and, PILD times (in s) for 212 seizures, and InterPE on the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Each technique's diagnostic usefulness was evaluated via logistic regression and ROC curve analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were computed.

Results:PILD, PostPE and InterPE production were equally effective and accurate in lateralizing DOM seizure onset. Patients with DOM TLE had a longer PILD and committed more PostPE and InterPE than those with nondominant (NDOM) TLE. Respective sensitivity and specificity values were as follows: PILD (84%, 86%), PostPE (94%, 64%), and InterPE (97%, 86%). No single predictor was significantly better but a combination model yielded enough incremental utility to collectively outperform each separate predictor model.

Conclusions:Interictal language testing is as accurate as postictal language testing in predicting DOM lateralization of TLE. Clinicians should also attend to the quality of errors produced during interictal and postictal language testing.