bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home‐Based Multicomponent Treatment of Pediatric Migraine
Authors: Allen Keith D. , McKeen Lenora R.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

The present investigation examined a home‐based multicomponent treatment program incorporating biobehavioral technology in the treatment of pediatric migraine. Twenty‐one children ages 7–12 participated in home‐based practice of thermal biofeedback while parents implemented guidelines designed to encourage the use of biofeedback and eliminate support for maladaptive pain behavior. Treatment was introduced sequentially across three groups of children in a multiple baseline design. When subjects and their families were complaint with treatment recommendations, 87% of the children experienced clinically significant reductions in headache activity, with these reductions maintained at 3 and 8 month followups. Treatment outcome was found to be closely related to frequency of home practice, parental support for the use of adaptive coping (biofeedback) rather than maladaptive coping (pain) behaviors, and ability to warm hands. Discussion is provided concerning potential mechanisms of action and directions for future research.
Pheochromocytoma Presenting with Headache, Panic Attacks and Jaundice in a Child
Authors: Gökçe Özcan , Gökçe Çigdem , Günel Salih , Arisoy Sami , Arisoy Engin , Hüseyinoglu Kemal , Kismet Kemal , Uçar Özcan
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Pheochromocytomas can mimic many unrelated diseases due to their various presenting signs; they are encountered very rarely in childhood. Recently, their neurepsychiatric aspects have become a subject of interest for many workers, but most of the findings reported previously have been observed in adults. We present a case report which is unique in that it concerns a child with pheochromocytoma and psychiatric findings consisting of depression and panic disorder, which were interpreted as being directly related to, since they disappeared after the removal of, the tumor, Depression was persistent and accompanied by a constricting‐type headache, while panic disorder was acute and accompanied by a migraine‐type headache. Another intriguing complication encountered in our case was jaundice; we considered that it could possibly have been due to an adverse effect of catecholamines on hepatocyte function. We conclude that a pheochromocytoma can be confused with neuropsychiatric disorders in children as well as in adults and that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of such disorders.
A Cluster Analysis of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory
Authors: Walter Laurie , Brannon Linda
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Seventy‐nine patients with chronic headaches of diverse causes, recruited from a headache clinic's biofeedback facility, were administered the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPl) for measuring the cognitive, behavioral, and affective dimensions of pain. Using the statistical technique of cluster analysis to organize the results, three clusters emerged, and were similar in their characteristics to those named “Dysfunctional”, “Interpersonally Distressed”, and “Adaptive Coper” by other authors who had applied the Inventory and the cluster analysis technique to other populations (one population containing heterogenous groups of chronic pain patients, and another population of patients suffering from “temporomandibular joint disorders”.)

Additional analyses of our results confirmed that the three groups were distinct from one another; and that age, sex, duration of complaint, and diagnosis, were not factors in the formation of the groups.

Our results suggest that the MPI is a valid measure of the cognitive, behavioral and affective aspects of pain. Rather than apply a similar intervention program to all headache patients, it might be more effective to tailor treatment to the variations in these aspects exhibited by patients in the three different clusters.
Hemicrania Continua in a Black Patient the Importance of the Non‐Continuous Stage
Authors: Joubert Jacques
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

A 52‐year‐old black female for 19 years had severe intermittent unilateral headaches that demonstrated the “clustering12 phenomenon. She was initially diagnosed as having episodic cluster headache. Response to lithium carbonate, ergotamine and courses of corticosteroids was, however, only partial. In December 1989 the headache pattern changed and she developed severe unilateral hemicranial headache that was continuous and non‐remitting. This responded immediately and persistently to oral indomethacin. A diagnosis of hemicraniacontinua (HC) was made.

The initial intermittent headache syndrome appears to have been the pre‐continuous stage of hemicrania continua, and not episodic cluster headache as previously supposed. The pre‐continuous phase of hemicrania continua may thus masquerade as episodic cluster headache by reason of its intermittency and “clustering”. In this case, the intermittent stage was protracted. This stage may, conceivably, even be a permanent one. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hemicrania continua in a black African.
Headache in HIV‐1‐Related Disorders
Authors: Lipton R.B. , Feraru E.R. , Weiss G. , Chhabria M. , Harris C. , Aronow H. , Newman L.C. , Solomon S.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

To define the causes, clinical significance and characteristics of headaches in HIV‐l‐related disorders, we studied 49 consecutive HIV‐1 infected patients who presented with headache. Work‐up included CT scans, cerebrospinal fluid examinations (in the absence of a contraindication) and serologic studies. Overall, 40 of 49 patients (82 percent) had an identifiable serious cause of headache. Cryptococcal meningitis (39 percent) and CNS toxoplasmosis (16 percent) were the leading headache etiologies. Serious causes were more likely in patients diagnosed with AIDS prior to presentation but also occurred in most patients in early stages of infection. Based on this study, we suggest that patients with HIV‐1 infection must be managed with a high index of suspicion when they present with new onset headaches.
The Treatment of Cluster Headache With Repetitive Intravenous Dihydroergotamine
Authors: Mather Paul J. , Silberstein Stephen D. , Schulman Elliott A. , Hopkins Mary McFadden
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

We reviewed our experience with 54 cluster headache patients (23 episodic, 31 chronic) admitted to our headache center 54 tines over the past five years and treated with repetitive intravenous dihydroergotamine (IV DHE).

DHE therapy was initiated on admission and prophylactic medication regimens were started or adjusted.

All 54 patients had complete relief of their cluster headache, usually within two days. Most (82.8%) had no side effects. The average length of hospitalization was 6.7 days.

At the three month followup, 92.9% of the episodic cluster patients were headache‐free and 7.1% had a 50‐74% improvement; at six months, all wore headache‐free.

Of the chronic cluster patients, 44.4% wore headache‐free at three months and 52.8% had at least 50% improvement. At six months, 75% were headache‐free and 22.2% wore at least 75% improved, probably as a result of continued prophylactic medication. Repetitive IV DHE safely, rapidly, and effectively controls cluster headache.
The Use of Tinted Glasses in Childhood Migraine
Authors: Good P.A. , Taylor R.H. , Mortimer M.J.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

20 children with clinically diagnosed migraine were asked to wear either a rose coloured tint or density matched blue tint for a period of 4 months. The frequency, duration and intensity of migraine attacks were recorded, together with the amount of visually provoked beta activity in the EEG. After one month's wear all the children in the study revealed an initial improvement in headache frequency. However, only those children wearing rose tints sustained this improvement up to 4 months, when the mean headache frequency had improved from 6.2 per month to 1.6 per month. The headache frequency of those children wearing blue tints revealed no overall improvement after 4 months. The improvements in headache frequency in children wearing rose tints correlated with a reduction in visually provoked bets activity. Key words: children, migraine, photophobia, tint, visual evoked responses
Inflammatory Alterations in Muscle Contraction Headache
Authors: Nagasawa Arata , Teramoto Jun , Naitou Kazuyuki , Takahashi Akira
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

To investigate the pathophysiology of muscle contraction headache (MCH), several parameters of inflammation were evaluated in 48 patients suffering from MCH, and compared with 50 healthy control subjects: erythrocyte sedimentation rate; C‐reactive protein; white blood cell count; immunoglobulin (Ig) G, A, M; and complement component 3(C3) and C4. Serum C3 and C4 levels were significantly elevated in MCH as compared to control subjects, but the other parameters did not differ significantly. This suggests that the inflammatory process may be involved in the production of MCH.
Disorders in the Lower Cervical Spine. A Cause of Unilateral Headache?
Authors: Michler R.‐P. , Bovim G. , Sjaastad O.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Various pathoanatomical disorders may underlie cervicogenic headache.

We present a patient who, after 15 years of unilateral headache and neck pain, developed radiating pain in the ipsilateral (left) arm. Cervical myelography demonstrated herniation of the C 6 ‐C 7 intervertebral disc with involvement of the left C 7 ‐root. After decompression of this root, with disappearance of the radiating symptoms, the left‐sided unilateral headache also disappeared. The follow‐up time is 38 months.
Idiopathic Headache as a Possible Risk Factor for Phantom Tooth Pain
Authors: Sicuteri Federigo , Nicolodi Maria , Fusco Bruno Marcello , Orlando Salvatore
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Following tooth pulp extirpation, some subjects suffer from persistent pain which affects edentate sitesin absence of any local pathology. As regards this peculiar pain, called phantom tooth pain (PTP), what ispuzzling is the fact there is a low prevalence of PTP in a very large population showing identical conditionsof tooth pulp extirpation. The present investigation indicates that PTP mainly affects migraine (M) andcluster headache (CH) sufferers, whereas it does not affect subjects who have a negative personal andfamily history for idiopathic headache (IH). These results circumscribe the presence of PTP to a specificsection of the population. The present results, besides indicating that PTP may be the result of a peculiarneuronal predisposition relating to IH pathogenesis, suggests some practical therapeutic hints. In fact,successful anti‐ M and anti‐CH prophylactic treatment greatly improve PTP syndrome.
The Medical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Green Mark W. , Selman Jay E.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Trigeminal neuralgia results from disturbances in the trigeminal root entry zone which generate repetitiveaction potentials. Drugs which relieve the pain of trigeminal neuralgia depress these potentials.Anticonvulsants which exert this or related effects, and which have been demonstrated to be efficacious intrigeminal neuralgia, include carbamazepine, phenytoin, clonazepam, and valproic acid. Baclofen may act byfacilitating segmental inhibition of the trigeminal complex. The mechanism of action of pimozide for treatingtrigeminal neuralgia is not known.Carbamazepine is suggested as the drag of first choice; baclofen or clonazepam could be added ifcarbamazepine monotherapy is ineffective. When these fail, monotherapy with phenytoin, pimozide, or valproicacid would be a reasonable next step.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) After Nitroglycerin in Migraine Without Aura
Authors: Zanette Elietta M. , Agnoli Alessandro , Cerbo Rosanna , Chiarotti Flavia , Roberti Cinzia , Buzzi M. Gabriella , Fieschi Cesare
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Nitroglycerin, a vasodilating agent, was administered sublingually in migraine without aura patients andin healthy volunteers. Systolic, diastolic and time‐mean flow velocity and pulsatility index, were measuredby transcranial Doppler sonography in the major intracranial arteries before and after nitroglycerinadministration. Following nitroglycerin administration, a significant decrease in systolic and time‐meanvelocity and pulsatility index was observed in migraine patients, whereas in control subjects onlytime‐mean velocity decreased significantly. Based on those findings we hypothesize a more markedresponsiveness to nitroglycerin in migraine patients as compared to healthy subjects.
Treatment of Tension‐type Headache With Tizanidine Hydrochloride: Its Efficacy and Relationship to the Plasma MHPG Concentration
Authors: Shimomura Tokio , Awaki Etsuko , Kowa Hisanori , Takahashi Kazuro
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Seventy‐eight patients with tension‐type headache (TH) were treated with tizanidine hydrochloride(tizanidine). Plasma 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and serum free fatty acids (FFA) levels in thesepatients were determined before the treatment with tizanidine. Eighteen healthy volunteers composed thecontrol group. Four weeks after the treatment with tizanidine 24 (31%) of 78 patients showed excellentimprovement (excellent group); 28 (35%) showed moderate improvement (moderate group); 18 (23%) showedmild improvement (mild group); 7 (10%) showed no improvement and one (1%) showed worsening of herheadache (no change and worsened group). The plasma MHPG levels in the excellent group were significantlyhigher than in the other groups, including the control group. The serum FFA levels in the excellent group weresignificantly higher than in the controls.In this study, 66% of the patients reported improvement in their headaches. Some patients with TH had highplasma MHPG levels and these patients in particular showed excellent improvement after the administration oftizanidine. Though there may be a placebo response to some extent, the clinical usefulness of tizanidine for THseems to be excellent. Further study is necessary concerning the pharmacological effect of tizanidine andplasma MHPG levels in patients with TH.
Long‐Term Effects of Biofeedback on Migraine Headache: A Prospective Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Gauthier Janel G. , Carrier Sylvie
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

The aim of the present study was two‐fold: to assess the long‐term effects of biofeedback on migraine, andto determine the extent to which additional treatment after biofeedback treatment is completed can affectfollow‐up results. Ninety‐six women whose migraine had been treated through biofeedback either 2–3 years(shorter follow‐up) or 6–7 years (longer follow‐up) earlier were divided into four groups according to how longago they had received their biofeedback treatment and whether or not they had received any additionaltreatment (whatever the nature) since the posttreatment assessment: shorter follow‐up without additionaltreatment (n = 24), shorter follow‐up with additional treatment (n = 22), longer follow‐up without additionaltreatment (n = 24), and longer follow‐up with additional treatment (n = 26). Subjects were asked to keep aheadache diary for five weeks, as they had done during earlier assessments, Overall, results showed thatmigraine activity was significantly less at follow‐up than at pretreatment. However, whether the observedlong‐term benefits could be attributed to biofeedback was unclear because medication was found to be asmuch in use at follow‐up as at pretreatment. Results also indicated that 51% of the subjects did seek additionaltreatment between posttreatment and follow‐up. Contrary to expectations, however, additional treatment wasnot associated with better therapeutic benefits at follow‐up. The research and the clinical implications of thosefindings are discussed.
Flunarizine in Migraine Prophylaxis: An Indian Trial
Authors: Thomas M. , Behari M. , Ahuja GK
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Flunarizine, a calcium channel blocker is considered useful in migraine prophylaxis. We report the first Indian trial with thisdrug. Fifteen patients with migraine were studied in a 6 months double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial. Flunarizinewas superior to placebo in reducing the severity and duration of the individual attacks though there was no statisticallysignificant effect on frequency of migraine attacks. The side effects most frequently caused by flunarizine were weight gainand daytime sleepiness.
A Tape‐Recorded Test of Hypnotic Susceptibility for Screening Headache Patients: A Feasibility Study of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A
Authors: Primavera Joseph P. , Patterson Stephanie
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

A study to examine the feasibility of using the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS)as a screening instrument was undertaken at an inpatient headache treatment program. Nine patients diagnosedwith chronic daily headache and drug rebound were administered the HGSHS. Analysis of the results showed nosignificant difference in hypnotic susceptibility when headache patients were compared to a control group. Aftertaking the HGSHS, three of the five subjects who had headache at the time of testing reported a 25% reduction inpain, one was unchanged, and one reported a 13% increase in pain. The results obtained did notsuggest acorrelation between level of hypnotic susceptibility and reduction of headache.
The Hospital Management of Severe Migrainous Headache
Authors: Jauslin P. , Goadsby P.J. , Lance J.W.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

In a two year period, 47 patients with migraine were hospitalized for the management of severe headache; 18 had acute migraine (duration less than 72 hours), 17 had status migrainosus (duration by definition more than 72 hours), and 12 had chronic daily headaches qualitatively of a migraine type. Treatment in all comprised cessation of all previous medication, plus one of the following: intravenous DHE, intravenous lidocaine, a combination of lidocaine + DHE, or subcutaneous sumatriptan. Improvement from DHE, lidocaine, or both was slow and often incomplete. Sumatriptan was not used in patients with chronic daily headaches; in the 8 cases of acute migraine or status migrainosus in which it was used, improvement was rapid and complete in seven.
“Symptomatic Migraine”: Intracranial Lesions Mimicking Migrainous Headache ‐A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Schlake H.‐P. , Grotemeyer K.‐H. , Husstedt I. W. , Schuierer G. , Brune G. G.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Case reports of three headache patients, two with intracerebral meningioma and one with hydrocephalus are presented, in whom the clinical picture fulfilled the criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS) for the diagnosis of migraine. The symptomatic (ie, lesional) nature of the headaches could be detected by neither clinical neurological examination nor routine investigations such as EEG and skull x‐ray, On the other hand, brain imaging techniques (CT, MRI) were found to be of particular in value diagnosing the lesions. Our cases indicate that neuroimaging with CT or MRI in the assessment of headache patients should not be handled too restrictively. Compared to CT, however, the additional diagnostic value of MRI in headache seems to be limited.
Cervical Sympathetic Deficit in Unilateral Migraine Headache
Authors: Drummond Peter D.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Pupil diameter was measured during the headache‐free interval in 38 migraine sufferers selected from the general community. In each case, at least 70 percent of attacks recurred on the same side. Anisocoria was greater than in 40 control subjects, but miosis was not consistently greater on the usual side of headache. Average pupil diameter was similar in migraine sufferers and controls. In patients with pupillary dilatation lag on the usual side of headache, miosis persisted after 4% cocaine eyedrops. These findings suggest that cervical sympathetic outflow was lower on the usual side of headache in a subgroup of migraine sufferers. Pupillary dilatation to tyramine eyedrops was greater in control subjects than in migraine sufferers, consistent with decreased function of post‐ganglionic cervical sympathetic fibres. Pupillary dilatation to 1% phenylephrine eyedrops did not differ consistently between the headache and headache‐free sides, and was similar in migraine sufferers and controls. Thus, adrenergic supersensitivity of the pupils was not evident in this community sample of migraine sufferers. Vasodilatation or swelling of the arterial wall in the carotid canal could cause minor cervical sympathetic deficit in patients with frequent or severe attacks of migraine. Loss of sympathetic vascular tone could increase vasodilatation and pain during attacks.
Ear Pain Due to Cervical Spine Arthritis: Treatment With Cervical Facet Injection
Authors: Lamer Tim J.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Two patients with cervical spine arthritis and ear pain were recently evaluated at our clinic. Injection of the C1–2 facet joints with local anesthetic plus corticosteroid resulted in relief of the pain. Therapeutic cervical facet injections may be indicated in cases of recalcitrant head and neck pain due to cervical spine arthritis.
Cluster‐like Headache and a Median Intracranial Calcified Lesion: Case Report
Authors: Narbone Maria Carola , D'Amico Domenico , Di Maria Franco , Arena Maria Grazia , Longo Marcello
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

A 69 year old man complaining of a cluster‐like headache is reported. CT scan showed a median intracranial calcified lesion. Two main considerations are: 1) the importance of searching for an underlying structural lesion in patients with an “atypical” cluster headache; 2) the possible significance of a lesion localized close to the midline structures in the pathogenesis of cluster headache.
Characterization of the parallel rod floor apparatus to test motor incoordination in mice
Authors: Kamens H. M. , Phillips T. J. , Holstein S. E. , Crabbe J. C.
Published: May 2005

Impairment of motor coordination, or ataxia, is a prominent effect of alcohol ingestion in humans. To date, many models have been created to examine this phenomenon in animals. Evidence suggests that the tasks thought to measure this behavior in mice actually measure different components of this complex trait. We have characterized the parallel rod floor apparatus to quantify ethanol‐induced motor incoordination. Using genetically heterogeneous mice, we evaluated the influence of rod diameter and inter‐rod distance on dose‐related ethanol‐induced motor incoordination to select parameters that optimized testing procedures. We then used the DBA/2J and C57BL/6J inbred strains of mice to examine the effect of 2 g/kg of ethanol, by serially testing mice on two floor types, separated by 1 week. Finally, we tested eight inbred strains of mice on four floor types to examine patterns of strain sensitivity to 2 g/kg of intraperitoneal ethanol and determined the test parameters that maximized strain effect size. Motor incoordination varied depending on the floor type and strain. When data from strain 129S1/SvlmJ were removed from the analyses because of their extreme behavior, the greatest strain effect size was observed on one floor type during the first 10 min of testing after 2 g/kg of intraperitoneal ethanol. These findings suggest that the parallel rod floor apparatus provides a useful means for examining ethanol‐induced motor incoordination in mice but that specific testing procedures are important for optimizing detection of motor incoordination and genetic influences.
RAPID BACTERIAL‐BASED BIOASSAYS FOR QUANTIFYING METHIONINE BIOAVAILABILITY IN ANIMAL FEEDS: A REVIEW
Authors: FROELICH C.A. , RICKE S.C.
Published: May 2005

Animal and digestibility assays are the current method to quantitate methionine bioavailability. However, in addition to the costs, the variability and the time response can be hindered by a variety of factors. Ultimately, there is considerable need to develop and to optimize rapid, inexpensive in vitro assays to accurately and consistently measure the amount of digestible methionine that exists in feeds and to correlate them with in vivo assays. Attaining these objectives will allow for an inexpensive and rapid methionine assessment and will ultimately enable a timely assessment of the nutritional profiles of feedstuffs.
COMPARISON OF A RAPID PROCEDURE WITH THE MPN AND PETRIFILM METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF COLIFORMS IN PASTEURIZED MILK
Authors: RAYBAUDI M. ROSA M. , ZEA ZORAIDA ALEXANDRA , CURINI GABRIELE , MARTÍNEZ Y. AMAURY J.
Published: May 2005

In the present study, a simple rapid test based on lactose fermentation, suggested in 1990 by Shrestha and Sinha for the rapid detection of coliforms in pasteurized milk, was evaluated. In the rapid test, a concentrate of the product (heat‐treated and inoculated with different levels of Escherichia coli – 102, 104and 106cells/mL), obtained by centrifugation, was mixed with an equivalent amount of double‐strength broth before incubation at 37C. A total of 60 samples of pasteurized milk was studied. Thirty of them were analyzed by the Most Probable Number (MPN) method and by the rapid test. Mac Conkey, Brilliant Green Bile (BGB) and Violet Red Bile (VRB) were used as selective broths. A statistically significant negative relationship between the MPN method and the rapid detection time (obtained by rapid test) was found. The other 30 samples were used to compare the MPN, the rapid test and the Petrifilm® methods for rapid detection of coliforms. The detection times using VRB were shorter. The differences among the three methods were statistically significant.
RAPID AND EFFICIENT GENERATION OF PCR TEMPLATES FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI, SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE AND ORYZA SATIVA USING A MICROWAVE AND BY BOILING
Authors: HE RAN , LUO XI , WANG QIANG , ZHANG YING , LIU QIUYUN , LI GANG , CUI LIANG , WANG ZHIXUE , CAO YAN , LI ZIJIN ,   DU CHENG, ZHANG WENQING , LI BAOJIAN , PANG YI
Published: May 2005

Simple methods for the preparation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) templates from Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Oryza sativa using a microwave and by boiling are described without the need for any special chemical reagent such as a detergent. The microwave and boiling methods were robust for the preparation of both plasmid and genomic templates of E. coli, as was the boiling approach for S. cerevisiae DNA. The microwave procedure was only suitable for dry yeast colonies with fair efficiency as absence of water (H2O) was critical for a successful PCR. Oryza sativa genomic DNA was amplified with both approaches with satisfactory efficiency. Escherichia coli plasmids can be prepared using a microwave with a yield equivalent to 15–20% of an alkaline lysis mini‐prep. PCR templates were also efficiently generated from Pichia pastoris and Ganoderma lucidum by using the boiling method.
ESTIMATION OF MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF EGG USING CHROMOGENIC LIMULUS AMOEBOCYTE LYSATE ENDPOINT ASSAY
Authors: DANCER G.I. , KANG D.H.
Published: May 2005

Gram‐negative microorganisms, including Pseudomonas and Aeromonas, are widely implicated in the spoilage of liquid egg products. The ratio of gram‐negative to gram‐positive organisms in egg is essentially constant, and the aerobic plate count (APC) gives a good indication of the overall microbiological quality of egg. However, this method requires 5 days to complete, which limits its practical application. Our objective was to determine whether the rapid chromogenic Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay could be applied to assess the microbiological quality of eggs. A modified LAL (BioWhittaker, Inc., Walkersville, MD) procedure was compared with the APC. LAL values were plotted against conventional plate counts, and a strong correlation (R2 = 0.93; n = 40) was observed. Subsequent experiments showed that LAL values allow an accurate prediction of APC (R2 = 0.81; n = 50). These results indicate that the LAL assay is a viable alternative to APC for the estimation of the microbial load in egg, requiring just 16 min to complete.
A BIOSENSOR METHOD FOR A COMPETITIVE IMMUNOASSAY DETECTION OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL ENTEROTOXIN B (SEB) IN MILK2
Authors: MEDINA MARJORIE B.
Published: May 2005

A sensitive and more rapid biosensor method for the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) is needed by the food industry. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is highly heat resistant and is a potential bioterrorism agent. Our research objective was to develop a competitive immunoassay using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for the detection of SEB below 1 ng/mL [part per billion (ppb)] in fresh fluid milk. The assay consisted of SEB immobilization on the sensor surface. An anti‐SEB was allowed to bind with the SEB in samples off line prior to the biosensor analysis. The excess and unbound anti‐SEB was then captured by SEB sensor. The assay conditions were optimized to detect SEB in HEPES buffer and in whole milk. An analysis of milk samples spiked with 0.312–50 ppb. SEB consisted of heating the samples at 95C followed by rapid cooling and centrifugation at 2961 × g to separate the skim fraction. Aliquots of the skim fraction containing SEB were allowed to bind with anti‐SEB for 30 or 60 min. The SEB and anti‐SEB complex were separated from the free anti‐SEB by centrifugation, and the supernatants were injected over the sensor. SEB was detectable in buffer at 0.78–50 ppb and in spiked whole and skim milk from 0.312–25 ppb. The biosensor analysis including the sensor regeneration was 15 min per sample in a fully automated system. The competitive assay format resulted in higher detection sensitivity and greater sample throughput than the SPR biosensor sandwich assay. The competitive assay will be utilized for the detection of SEB in various foods and will be optimized for the detection of other staphylococcal toxins in foods.
Ground water nitrate‐nitrogen trends in relation to urban development, Helena, Montana, 1971–2003
Authors: Drake Vivian M. , Bauder James W.
Published: May 2005

Ground water nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−‐N) concentrations in the area of Helena, Montana, have increased in both magnitude and extent over the past three decades. It is hypothesized that increases are due to land‐use changes associated with urbanization. Population in the Helena area increased by 28.7% between 1990 and 2000, with a commensurate increase in subsurface waste water disposal. Aquifer NO3−‐N trends were examined using standard statistical methods applied to identical data sets compiled from 10 publicly funded investigations carried out between 1971 and 2003. Although these analyses indicated an overall increase in NO3−‐N over time, conventional statistical techniques applied to flawed data sets are not appropriate for analysis, nor do they illustrate combined temporal and spatial trends of anthropogenic aquifer impacts. In order to use publicly available data collected over decades, geographic information system spatial analysis using inverse distance–weighted interpolation was employed. Isopleth maps graphically depicting temporal changes in NO3−‐N concentrations and distribution throughout the study area (35,340 ha) were created. Analysis of these maps revealed increases in NO3−‐N concentration and extent over each separate decade. NO3−‐N increases were most evident in areas overlying bedrock aquifers and locales with high density and unpermitted septic systems. NO3−‐N concentrations did not appear to be increasing extensively in areas overlying the shallow alluvial aquifer or along major stream corridors. Urban development and concurrent loss of native and agricultural properties were the main changes in land use in the Helena, Montana, area over the 32‐year study period.
Behavior of a chlorinated ethene plume following source‐area treatment with Fenton's reagent
Authors: Chapelle Francis H. , Bradley Paul M. , Casey Clifton C.
Published: May 2005

Monitoring data collected over a 6‐year period show that a plume of chlorinated ethene–contaminated ground water has contracted significantly following treatment of the contaminant source area using in situ oxidation. Prior to treatment (1998), concentrations of perchloroethene (PCE) exceeded 4500 μg/L in a contaminant source area associated with a municipal landfill in Kings Bay, Georgia. The plume emanating from this source area was characterized by vinyl chloride (VC) concentrations exceeding 800 μg/L. In situ oxidation using Fenton's reagent lowered PCE concentrations in the source area below 100 μg/L, and PCE concentrations have not rebounded above this level since treatment. In the 6 years following treatment, VC concentrations in the plume have decreased significantly. These concentration declines can be attributed to the movement of Fenton's reagent–treated water downgradient through the system, the cessation of a previously installed pump‐and‐treat system, and the significant natural attenuation capacity of this anoxic aquifer. While in situ oxidation briefly decreased the abundance and activity of microorganisms in the source area, this activity rebounded in <6 months. Nevertheless, the shift from sulfate‐reducing to Fe(III)‐reducing conditions induced by Fenton's treatment may have decreased the efficiency of reductive dechlorination in the injection zone. The results of this study indicate that source‐area removal actions, particularly when applied to ground water systems that have significant natural attenuation capacity, can be effective in decreasing the areal extent and contaminant concentrations of chlorinated ethene plumes.
Kinetics of estimated human muscle capillary blood flow during recovery from exercise
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo F. , Harper Allison J. , Townsend Dana K. , Lutjemeier Barbara J. , Barstow Thomas J.
Published: May 2005

The kinetic characteristics of muscle capillary blood flow

during recovery from exercise are controversial (e.g. one versus two phases). Furthermore, it is not clear how the overall

kinetics are temporally associated with muscle oxygen uptake

kinetics. To address these issues, we examined the kinetics of

estimated from the rearrangement of the Fick equation

using the kinetics of pulmonary

(
, primary component) and deoxy‐haemoglobin concentration ([HHb]) as indices of
andC(arterio‐venous oxygen difference) kinetics, respectively.
(l min−1) was measured breath by breath and [HHb] (μm) was measured by near infrared spectroscopy during moderate (M; below lactate threshold, LT) and heavy exercise (H, above LT) in nine subjects. The kinetics of
were biphasic, with an initial fast phase (τI; M = 9.3 ± 4.9 s and H = 6.0 ± 3.8 s) followed by a slower phase 2 (τP; M = 29.9 ± 8.6 s and H = 47.7 ± 26.0 s). For moderate exercise, the overall kinetics of
(mean response time [MRT], 36.1 ± 8.6 s) were significantly slower than the kinetics of
(τP; 27.8 ± 5.3 s) and [HHb] (MRT for [HHb]; 16.2 ± 6.3 s). However, for heavy exercise, there was no significant difference between MRT‐[HHb] (34.7 ± 10.4 s) and τP for
(32.3 ± 6.7 s), while MRT for
(48.7 ± 21.8 s) was significantly slower than MRT for [HHb] and τP for
. In conclusion, during recovery from exercise the estimated
kinetics were biphasic, showing an early rapid decrease in blood flow. In addition, the overall kinetics of
were slower than the estimated
kinetics.
Anoxia induces Ca2+ influx and loss of cell membrane integrity in rat extensor digitorum longus muscle
Authors: Fredsted Anne , Mikkelsen Ulla Ramer , Gissel Hanne , Clausen Torben
Published: May 2005

Anoxia can lead to skeletal muscle damage. In this study we have investigated whether an increased influx of Ca2+, which is known to cause damage during electrical stimulation, is a causative factor in anoxia‐induced muscle damage. Isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from 4‐week‐old Wistar rats were mounted at resting length and were either resting or stimulated (30 min, 40 Hz, 10 s on, 30 s off) in the presence of standard oxygenation (95% O2, 5% CO2), anoxia (95% N2, 5% CO2) or varying degrees of reduced oxygenation. At varying extracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]o), 45Ca influx and total cellular Ca2+ content were measured and the release of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) was determined as an indicator of cell membrane leakage. In resting muscles, incubated at 1.3 mm Ca2+, 15–75 min of exposure to anoxia increased 45Ca influx by 46–129% (P < 0.001) and Ca2+ content by 20–50% (P < 0.001). Mg2+ (11.2 mm) reduced the anoxia‐induced increase in 45Ca influx by 43% (P < 0.001). In muscles incubated at 20 and 5% O2, 45Ca influx was also stimulated (P < 0.001). Increasing [Ca2+]o to 5 mm induced a progressive increase in both 45Ca uptake and LDH release in resting anoxic muscles. When electrical stimulation was applied during anoxia, Ca2+ content and LDH release increased markedly and showed a significant correlation

(r2= 0.55, P < 0.001)

. In conclusion, anoxia or incubation at 20 or 5% O2 leads to an increased influx of 45Ca. This is associated with a loss of cell membrane integrity, possibly initiated by Ca2+. The loss of cell membrane integrity further increases Ca2+ influx, which may elicit a self‐amplifying process of cell membrane leakage.
Are marketing campaigns in Taiwan by foreign tobacco companies targeting young smokers?
Authors: Wen C P , Chen T , Tsai Y-Y , Tsai S P , Chung W S I , Cheng T Y , Levy D T , Hsu C C , Peterson R , Liu W-Y
Published: May 2005

Objective:To assess the impact of promotions on cigarette sales in Taiwan after the cigarette market opened to foreign companies, and to assess whether young smokers were targeted by these companies.

Methods:Trends in cigarette sales, advertising expenditure, brand preference, and cigarette consumption were examined for the period following the 1987 opening of the cigarette market. Tobacco industry internal documents from Legacy Tobacco Documents Library of the University of California, San Francisco, were searched for corporate strategies on promoting youth consumption in Taiwan.

Results:Between 1995 and 2000, the inflation adjusted advertising expenditures by all foreign firms increased fourfold. Much of the expenditure was spent on brand stretching the Mild Seven (Japan) and Davidoff (Germany) brands in television advertising. By 2000, the market share of foreign cigarettes exceeded domestics by three to one among young smokers and the leading brand preferred by this segment shifted from the most popular domestic brand (Long Life) to a foreign brand (Mild Seven). Furthermore, there was a sudden increase of 16.4% in smoking rates among young adults (from 36.1% to 42.0%) during the first five years after the market opened. This was also accompanied by increased per capita cigarette consumption and decreased age of smoking initiation. Industry documents confirmed the use of strategies targeted at the young. In particular, establishing new point of sale (POS) retail stores or promotional activities at POS were found to be more effective than advertising in magazines.

Conclusions:This study provides evidence that advertising increased with increased competition following the market opening, which, in turn, spurred cigarette sales and consumption. Foreign tobacco companies have deliberately targeted youth in Taiwan and succeeded in gaining three quarters of their cigarette purchases within a decade. Expanding youth consumption will incur excessive future health care costs borne by society. Foreign tobacco companies should be obligated to reimburse these expenses through higher tariffs on cigarettes.
Effect of cigarette tax increase on cigarette consumption in Taiwan
Authors: Lee J-M , Liao D-S , Ye C-Y , Liao W-Z
Published: May 2005

Objectives:This study evaluates the effect of a 5 New Taiwan Dollar (NT$5) Health and Welfare Tax increase on the consumption of domestic and imported cigarettes and cigars.

Methods:Using statistics published annually from 1971 through 2000, we set up a model based on the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) demand model to estimate price and expenditure elasticity coefficients of cigarettes and cigars.

Results:Our results showed that the price elasticity coefficients for domestic and imported cigarettes were −0.644 and −0.822. The consumption of imported cigarettes was reduced by 7.51 packs per capita, and the consumption of domestic cigarettes was reduced by 15.21 packs per capita. Total per capita consumption of cigarettes was reduced by 22.72 packs (18%).

Conclusions:From the public health and financial perspectives, the increase in this excise tax on tobacco to the Taiwan government will have significant effect in reducing cigarette consumption; it will also generate additional tax revenues.
Smoking behaviour among young adults: beyond youth prevention
Authors: Hammond D
Published: May 2005

Objective:There is a widespread assumption that smoking behaviour is largely established by the age of 18 years. As a result, smoking prevention has focused almost exclusively upon youth. However, recent trends suggest that young adulthood may be an important—and largely overlooked—period in the development of regular smoking behaviour. The current study sought to examine patterns of tobacco use among young adults (aged 18–29 years) and to address the implications for tobacco control policy.

Design:Data are presented from the 2003 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey, a national survey of smoking behaviour (n  =  10 559, response rate 89%).

Main outcome measures:Measures of smoking behaviour, smoking initiation, susceptibility to smoking, and occupational status.

Results:A total of 1.4 million or 28% of young adults in Canada currently smoke, the highest proportion among all age groups. The prevalence of daily smoking rose from 8% among youth to 22% among young adults, and approximately one fifth of smokers tried their first cigarette after the age of 18 years. Smoking behaviour among young adults was also distinct from older smokers: young adults were more likely to be occasional smokers and reported lower daily consumption. Finally, smoking prevalence and cessation rates varied substantially within subgroups of young adults, as characterised by occupational setting.

Conclusions:Dramatic increases in the proportion and intensity of smoking occurs after the age of 18 years. Smoking behaviour among young adults is distinct from both youth and older adults, and warrants immediate attention from the public health community.
Rho and Rac promote acinar morphological changes, actin reorganization, and amylase secretion
Authors: Bi Yan , Page Sophie Le , Williams John A.
Published: May 2005

Supramaximal stimulation of isolated pancreatic acini with specific agonists such as CCK induces the formation of large basolateral blebs, redistributes filamentous actin, and inhibits secretion. Rho family small G proteins are well documented for their function in actin reorganization that determines cell shape and have been suggested to play a role in secretion. Here, we determined whether Rho and Rac are involved in the morphological changes, actin redistribution, and inhibition of amylase secretion induced by high concentrations of CCK. Introduction of constitutively active RhoV14 and RacV12 but not Cdc42V12 in mouse pancreatic acini by adenoviral vectors stimulated acinar morphological changes including basolateral protrusions, increased the total amount of F-actin, and reorganized the actin cytoskeleton. Dominant-negative RhoN19, Clostridium botulinum C3 exotoxin, which inhibits Rho, and dominant-negative RacN17 all partially blocked CCK-induced acinar morphological changes and actin redistribution. To study the correlation between actin polymerization and acinar shape changes, two marine toxins were employed. Jasplakinolide, a reagent that facilitates actin polymerization and stabilizes F-actin, stimulated acinar basolateral protrusions, whereas latrunculin, which sequesters actin monomers, blocked CCK-induced acinar blebbing. Unexpectedly, RhoV14, RacV12, and jasplakinolide all increased amylase secretion by CCK from 30 pM to 10 nM. The data suggest that Rho and Rac are involved in CCK-evoked changes in acinar morphology, actin redistribution, and secretion and that inhibition of secretion by high concentrations of CCK is not directly coupled to the changes in acinar morphology.
Central angiotensin II-enhanced splenic cytokine gene expression is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system
Authors: Ganta Chanran K. , Lu Ning , Helwig Bryan G. , Blecha Frank , Ganta Roman R. , Zheng Ling , Ross Christopher R. , Musch Timothy I. , Fels Richard J. , Kenney Michael J.
Published: May 2005

We tested the hypothesis that central angiotensin II (ANG II) administration would activate splenic sympathetic nerve discharge (SND), which in turn would alter splenic cytokine gene expression. Experiments were completed in sinoaortic nerve-lesioned, urethane-chloralose-anesthetized, splenic nerve-intact (splenic-intact) and splenic nerve-lesioned (splenic-denervated) Sprague-Dawley rats. Splenic cytokine gene expression was determined using gene-array and real-time RT-PCR analyses. Splenic SND was significantly increased after intracerebroventricular administration of ANG II (150 ng/kg, 10 μl), but not artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF). Splenic mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, and IL-16 genes was increased in ANG II-treated splenic-intact rats compared with aCSF-treated splenic-intact rats. Splenic IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-6 gene expression responses to ANG II were significantly reduced in splenic-denervated compared with splenic-intact rats. Splenic gene expression responses did not differ significantly in ANG II-treated splenic-denervated and aCSF-treated splenic-intact rats. Splenic blood flow responses to intracerebroventricular ANG II administration did not differ between splenic-intact and splenic-denervated rats. These results provide experimental support for the hypothesis that ANG II modulates the immune system through activation of splenic SND, suggesting a novel relation between ANG II, efferent sympathetic nerve outflow, and splenic cytokine gene expression.
Closed-chest cell injections into mouse myocardium guided by high-resolution echocardiography
Authors: Springer Matthew L. , Sievers Richard E. , Viswanathan Mohan N. , Yee Michael S. , Foster Elyse , Grossman William , Yeghiazarians Yerem
Published: May 2005

The mouse is an important model for the development of therapeutic stem cell/bone marrow cell implantation to treat ischemic myocardium. However, its small heart size hampers accurate implantation into the left ventricular (LV) wall. Precise injections have required surgical visualization of the heart, which is subject to complications and is impractical for delayed or repeated injections. Furthermore, the thickness of the myocardium is comparable to the length of a needle bevel, so surgical exposure does not prevent inadvertent injection into the LV cavity. We describe the use of high-resolution echocardiography to guide nonsurgical injections accurately into the mouse myocardial wall. We optimized this system by using a mixture of ultrasound contrast and fluorescent microspheres injected into the myocardium, which enabled us to interpret the ultrasound image of the needle during injection. Quantitative dye injection studies demonstrated that guided closed-chest injections and open-chest injections deliver comparable amounts of injectate to the myocardium. We successfully used this system in a mouse myocardial infarction model to target the injection of labeled cells to a region adjacent to the infarct. Intentional injection of tracer into the LV cavity resulted in a small accumulation in the myocardium, suggesting that nonguided cell injections into mouse hearts may appear to be successful even if the majority of the injectate is lost in the chamber. The use of this system will allow more precise cellular implantation into the mouse myocardium by accurately guiding injections to desired locations, confirming successful implantation of cells, in a clinically relevant time frame.