bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsatile Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma Ghrelin in Relation to Growth Hormone Secretion and Food Intake in the Sheep
Authors: Grouselle D. , Chaillou E. , Caraty A. , Bluet‐Pajot M.‐T. , Zizzari P. , Tillet Y. , Epelbaum J.
Published: July 2008

As in other species, exogenous administration of ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptors can stimulates feeding behaviour and GH secretion in the sheep. However, the importance of endogenous ghrelin for these two functions as well as its central or peripheral origin remained to be established. In the present study, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ghrelin concentrations were measured in five anoestrous ewes and found to be more than 1000‐fold lower than circulating plasma levels, in keeping with the even lower concentration in hypothalamic compared to abomasum tissue extracts. Cluster analysis indicated that CSF ghrelin levels were markedly pulsatile, with a greater number of peaks than plasma ghrelin. Pulsatility parameters were closer for GH and CSF ghrelin than between GH and plasma ghrelin. Plasma ghrelin and GH levels were significantly correlated in three out of five ewes but CSF ghrelin and GH in one ewe only. Half of the CSF ghrelin episodes were preceded by a ghrelin peak in plasma with a 22‐min delay. Cross‐correlations between plasma GH and plasma or CSF ghrelin did not reach significance but a trend towards cross‐correlation was observed from 20 to 0 min between plasma and CSF ghrelin. At 09.00 h, when food was returned to ewes, voluntary food intake did not elicit a consistent change in plasma or CSF ghrelin levels. By contrast, a peripheral ghrelin injection (1 mg, i.v.) immediately stimulated feeding behaviour and GH secretion. These effects were concomitant with a more than ten‐fold increase in plasma ghrelin levels, whereas CSF ghrelin values only doubled 40–50 min after the injection. This suggests that peripherally‐injected ghrelin crosses the blood–brain barrier, but only in low amount and with relatively slow kinetics compared to its effects on GH release and food intake. Taken together, the results obtained in the present study support the notion that, in the ovariectomised‐oestradiol implanted sheep model, peripheral ghrelin injection rapidly induces GH secretion, and feeding behaviour, probably by acting on growth hormone secretagogue receptor subtype 1 located in brain regions in which the blood–brain barrier is not complete (e.g. the arcuate nucleus).
Glutamatergic Stimulation of Luteinising Hormone Secretion in Relatively Refractory Male Songbirds
Authors: Deviche P. , Sabo J. , Sharp P. J.
Published: July 2008

Seasonal breeding in two Sonoran desert passerines, the Cassin’s (Aimophila cassinii) and Rufous‐crowned (Aimophila ruficeps) Sparrows is thought to be terminated by the development of a decrease in responsiveness to photostimulation, a condition known as relative photorefractoriness. It was predicted that the development of relative refractoriness is a consequence of a decrease in gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) synthesis and associated stores of releasable GnRH. This hypothesis was tested by determining the luteinising hormone (LH) responses to the excitatory amino acid glutamate agonist N‐methyl‐d,l‐aspartate (NMA) in males of the two species subjected to photomanipulations aimed at generating five groups: Fully photosensitive with undeveloped testes on short days (8L : 16D); fully photosensitive with developed testes on 13L : 11D; relatively photorefractory with regressed testes on 13L : 11D, and groups with developed testes held on 15L : 9D or 16L : 8D. LH release was stimulated in the Cassin’s Sparrow by NMA most in the 8L group; to a lesser, but similar extent in the two 13L groups; and not at all in the 15L and 16L groups. LH release was not stimulated by NMA in any of the photoperiodic regimes in the Rufous‐crowned Sparrow. In both species, NMA induced Fos‐like immunoreactivity in the anterior and basal hypothalamus, but not in GnRH cell bodies. It is concluded that the development of relative photorefractoriness in Cassin’s Sparrows is a consequence of reduced GnRH synthesis, reflected in a reduction in releasable GnRH. The lack of LH response of the Rufous‐crowned Sparrows to NMA administration may be a consequence of high responsiveness to handling stress.
Neuroinvasion in sheep transmissible spongiform encephalopathies: the role of the haematogenous route
Authors: Sisó S. , Jeffrey M. , González L.
Published: July 2008

Background: It is generally believed that after oral exposure to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents, neuroinvasion occurs via the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the autonomic nervous system. As a result, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve is the initial point of disease‐associated prion protein (PrPd) accumulation in the brain. Hypothesis and aim: If direct ENS invasion following oral infection results in an early and specific brain targeting for PrPd accumulation, such topographical distribution could be different when other routes of infection were used, highlighting distinct routes for neuroinvasion. Methods: An immunohistochemical study has been conducted on the brain of 67 preclinically infected sheep exposed to natural scrapie or to experimental TSE infection by various routes. Results: Initial PrPd accumulation consistently occurred in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve followed by the hypothalamus, regardless of the breed of sheep, PrP genotype, TSE source and, notably, route of infection; these factors did not appear to affect the topographical progression of PrPd deposition in the brain either. Moreover, the early and consistent appearance of PrPd aggregates in the circumventricular organs, where the blood–brain barrier is absent, suggests that these organs can provide a portal for entry of prions when infectivity is present in blood. Conclusions: The haematogenous route, therefore, can represent a parallel or alternative pathway of neuroinvasion to ascending infection via the ENS/autonomic nervous system.
Overbank sedimentation rates in former channel lakes: characterization and control factors
Authors: CITTERIO ANNE , PIÉGAY HERVE
Published: July 2008

Overbank sedimentation rates were studied in former channels of three rivers in south‐eastern France. Depth and spatial distribution of sediment, as well as geometry, hydrological connectivity and age of 39 lakes, were both measured and calculated. The mean sedimentation rate of lakes varied between 0 and 2·57 cm year−1. Sedimentation rates are linked to water depth and often undergo a decreasing gradient from the downstream outlet to the inner part of the lake. Multiple regression modelling demonstrates that sediment depth is essentially a function of overbank flow frequency. The greater the difference between upstream and downstream overbank flow frequency, the faster the sedimentation rate. These differences in sedimentation rates also correspond to different former channel geometry: the rates are slower in narrow and straight channels (former braided, and point‐bar backwater channels), and faster in large and sinuous channels (exhibiting meanders, anastomosing channels and coves). The suspended sediment flux is variable from one reach to another, the middle reach of the Rhône conveying more sediment than the upper reaches, the Doubs or the Ain reaches. The suspended sediment flux does not explain a statistical difference in lake sedimentation rates between the reaches, which also provide clear evidence of the importance of local connectivity controls. Sedimentation patterns were also complicated by temporal changes in lake connectivity associated with geomorphological or anthropogenic changes operating within the main channel.
The cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel, AtCNGC10, influences salt tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Guo Kun‐Mei , Babourina Olga , Christopher David A. , Borsics Tamas , Rengel Zed
Published: July 2008

Cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels (CNGCs) in the plasma membrane transport K+ and other cations; however, their roles in the response and adaptation of plants to environmental salinity are unclear. Growth, cation contents, salt tolerance and K+ fluxes were assessed in wild‐type and two AtCNGC10 antisense lines (A2 and A3) of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Compared with the wild‐type, mature plants of both antisense lines had altered K+ and Na+ concentrations in shoots and were more sensitive to salt stress, as assessed by biomass and Chl fluorescence. The shoots of A2 and A3 plants contained higher Na+ concentrations and significantly higher Na+/K+ ratios compared with wild‐type, whereas roots contained higher K+ concentrations and lower Na+/K+ ratios. Four‐day‐old seedlings of both antisense lines exposed to salt stress had smaller Na+/K+ ratios and longer roots than the wild‐type. Under sudden salt treatment, the Na+ efflux was higher and the K+ efflux was smaller in the antisense lines, indicating that AtCNGC10 might function as a channel providing Na+ influx and K+ efflux at the root/soil interface. We conclude that the AtCNGC10 channel is involved in Na+ and K+ transport during cation uptake in roots and in long‐distance transport, such as phloem loading and/or xylem retrieval. Mature A2 and A3 plants became more salt sensitive than wild‐type plants because of impaired photosynthesis induced by a higher Na+ concentration in the leaves.
Sulfur starvation in rice: the effect on photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative stress protective pathways
Authors: Lunde Christina , Zygadlo Agnieszka , Simonsen Henrik Toft , Nielsen Per Lassen , Blennow Andreas , Haldrup Anna
Published: July 2008

Sulfur‐deficient plants generate a lower yield and have a reduced nutritional value. The process of sulfur acquisition and assimilation play an integral role in plant metabolism, and response to sulfur deficiency involves a large number of plant constituents. Rice (Oryza sativa) is the second most consumed cereal grain, and the effects of sulfur deprivation in rice were analyzed by measuring changes in photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidants. The photosynthetic apparatus was severely affected under sulfur deficiency. The Chl content was reduced by 49% because of a general reduction of PSII and PSI and the associated light‐harvesting antenna. The PSII efficiency was 31% lower at growth light, and the ability of PSI to photoreduce NADP+ was decreased by 61%. The Rubisco content was also significantly reduced in the sulfur‐deprived plants. The imbalances between PSII and PSI, and between photosynthesis and carbon fixation led to a general over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron carriers (higher 1 − qP). Chromatographic analysis showed that the level of monosaccharides was lower and starch content higher in the sulfur‐deprived plants. In contrast, no changes in metabolite levels were found in the tricarboxylic acid or Calvin cycle. The level of the thiol‐containing antioxidant, GSH, was 70% lower and the redox state was significantly more oxidized. These changes in GSH status led to an upregulation of the cytosolic isoforms of GSH reductase and monodehydroascorbate reductase. In addition, alternative antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins were increased in the sulfur‐deprived plants.
Gallstones and Clonorchis sinensis infection: A hospital‐based case–control study in Korea
Authors: Choi Dongil , Lim Jae Hoon , Lee Kyu Taek , Lee Jong Kyun , Choi Seong Ho , Heo Jin Seok , Choi Dong Wook , Jang Kee‐Taek , Lee Nam Yong , Kim Seonwoo , Hong Sung‐Tae
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  A high prevalence of intrahepatic stones in some areas of East Asia has been believed to be related with Clonorchis sinensis infection. The authors conducted a hospital‐based case–control study to evaluate the role of Clonorchis sinensis infection as a risk factor for the development of gallstones in Korea.

Methods:  The cases of 138 patients with gallstones (intrahepatic 44, gallbladder 67, and extrahepatic 27) and matched controls underwent microscopy for C. sinensis, serological tests for C. sinensis using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, radiological examinations, and interviews concerning the history of eating raw freshwater fish. We assessed a relationship of three types of gallstones and variables regarding C. sinensis by using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.

Results:  Univariate statistical analyses showed that radiological evidence of C. sinensis and recent history of eating raw freshwater fish were related to an increased risk of intrahepatic stones (P = 0.0002 and 0.0039, respectively). According to multivariate statistical analyses, radiological evidence of C. sinensis was the only risk factor for intrahepatic stones (odds ratio = 7.835; 95% confidence interval = 1.671–36.724). Any evidence regarding C. sinensis was not related to an increased risk of either gallbladder or extrahepatic stones.

Conclusion:  Radiological evidence of C. sinensis was significantly associated with intrahepatic stones.
Expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 in various organs in rats with d‐galactosamine‐induced acute hepatic failure
Authors: Kitazawa Toshiyuki , Tsujimoto Tatsuhiro , Kawaratani Hideto , Fujimoto Masao , Fukui Hiroshi
Published: July 2008

Background and Aims:  Activation of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine cascade, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) is considered to play an important role in the pathophysiology and clinical outcome of severe liver injury. Kupffer cells, resident macrophages of the liver, have a transmembrane protein Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), which recognizes endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) or LPS‐CD14 complex and mediates macrophage activation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine release. d‐Galactosamine (GalN), a hepatocyte‐specific inhibitor of RNA synthesis, is known to sensitize animals to the lethal effects of LPS and TNF‐α. In the present study we seek to address TLR4‐signaling in the development of GalN‐induced acute hepatic failure (AHF) and explore the expression of TLR4 mRNA as compared to TNF‐α mRNA and CD14 mRNA in the liver, spleen and lung of rats with GalN‐induced hepatitis.

Methods:  AHF was induced in male Wistar rats by the intraperitoneal injection of 1 g/kg bodyweight GalN. Expression levels of TNF‐α, TLR4 and CD14 mRNA in the whole liver, spleen and lung of rats were detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Results:  Expression level of TLR4 mRNA in the liver of rats with GalN‐induced AHF was increased parallel with that of TNF‐α and CD14 mRNA as compared to the control rats. However, expression levels of TNF‐α, TLR4 and CD14 mRNA in the whole spleen and lung were not different between rats with AHF and control.

Conclusions:  There may be a difference of stimulatory effects of endotoxin on the innate immunity between the liver and other organs of rats with GalN‐induced AHF.
Brush border enzyme activities in relation to histological lesion in pediatric celiac disease
Authors: Prasad Kaushal K , Thapa Babu R , Nain Chander K , Sharma Arun K , Singh Kartar
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  In celiac disease (CD), abnormalities of brush border enzyme activities have been detected in the course of the disease activity. There are conflicting results on intestinal mucosal enzyme activities and its correlation to mucosal injury in CD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the brush border enzyme activities (disaccharidases and alkaline phosphatase) in the duodenal mucosa of North Indian children with CD and to examine their correlation to duodenal mucosal morphological alterations.

Methods:  This prospective study included 71 children with CD and 29 controls (patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease) in whom upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and distal duodenal biopsies were taken for histological assessment, and estimation of disaccharidases and alkaline phosphatase activities. Each biopsy sample was classified according to the modified Oberhuber classification. Lactase, sucrase, maltase and alkaline phosphatase activities were estimated in duodenal biopsy homogenates from patients with CD and from controls. The association between enzyme activities and duodenal morphology was examined.

Results:  The mean age of the 71 patients with CD (M:F, 43:28) was 6.0 ± 0.3 years and mean age of onset of symptoms was 2.7 ± 0.4 years. Sixty‐four of 71 (90.1%) CD patients showed type 3 (destructive) lesion, whereas it was grade 0 in all patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. In CD and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, the mean level (IU/g protein) of lactase was 12.1 ± 0.9 versus 24.4 ± 1.0 (P < 0.001), mean level of sucrase was 25.9 ± 1.9 versus 42.5 ± 1.9 (P < 0.001), mean level of maltase was 56.6 ± 3.5 versus 76.1 ± 13.0 (NS), and mean level of alkaline phosphatase was 602.8 ± 56.2 versus 1359.3 ± 51.2 (P < 0.001), respectively. The mean disaccharidases and alkaline phosphatase levels were not significantly different in patients with milder lesions (type 2 and type 3a) compared with those of control. However, mean lactase, sucrase and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in CD patients with moderate (type 3b) and severe (type 3c) lesions compared with control.

Conclusions:  A generalized decrease of disaccharidases and alkaline phosphatase activity was seen in the duodenal mucosa of children with CD. The depressed activities of lactase, sucrase and alkaline phosphatase were well correlated with the histological grade of duodenal mucosal lesions in children with CD.
Prognostic models in cirrhotics admitted to intensive care units better predict outcome when assessed at 48 h after admission
Authors: Cholongitas Evangelos , Betrosian Alex , Senzolo Marco , Shaw Steve , Patch David , Manousou Pinelopi , O'Beirne James , Burroughs Andrew K
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  The accuracy of prognostic models in critically ill cirrhotics at admission to intensive care units (ICU) may be unreliable. Predictive accuracy could be improved by evaluating changes over time, but this has not been published. The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of prognostic models in cirrhotics at admission (baseline) and at 48 h to predict mortality in the ICU or within 6 weeks after discharge from the ICU.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐eight cirrhotics (77 males, mean age 49 ± 11.3 years) were consecutively admitted and alive 48 h after admission with 89% on mechanical ventilation, 76% on inotrope support, and 42% with renal failure. Prognostic models used were Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP), Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), failing organ systems (FOS) at baseline and at 48 h, Δscore (difference between baseline and at 48 h) and the mean score (MN − score admission + 48 h/2) which were compared by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).

Results:  Mortality was 54.7% (n = 70) due to multiple organ failure in 55%. CTP, MELD, APACHE II, SOFA and FOS performed better at 48 h (AUC: 0.78, 0.86, 0.78, 0.88 and 0.85, respectively) than at baseline (AUC: 0.75, 0.78, 0.75, 0.81 and 0.79, respectively). The mean score had better discrimination than the baseline score; the Δscore had poor predictive ability (AUC < 0.70). SOFA score (48 h: 0.88, mean: 0.88) and FOS (mean: 0.88) had the best accuracy, with a SOFA and MN‐SOFA ≥ 10 predicting mortality in 93% and 91%, respectively, and MN‐FOS ≥ 1.5 in 98%.

Conclusions:  In cirrhotics, prognostic scores in the ICU at 48 h had better discrimination than baseline scores for short‐term mortality. SOFA and FOS models had the best performance.
Bone marrow findings in patients with autoimmune liver diseases
Authors: Tsikrikoni Aikaterini , Rigopoulou Eirini I , Zachou Kalliopi , Liaskos Christos , Kyriakou Despina , Dalekos George N
Published: July 2008

Background and Aims:  We have recently reported quantitative and qualitative differences of the bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic progenitor cells in autoimmune hepatitis type‐1 (AIH‐1) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). In order to better investigate the possible involvement of BM in these diseases, we studied the morphological abnormalities of BM aspirates in the same patients with AIH‐1 and PBC.

Methods:  BM smears from 13 AIH‐1 and 13 PBC patients were investigated. BM from 12 patients with cirrhosis of non‐autoimmune etiology and eight healthy individuals served as pathological (PC) and healthy controls (HC).

Results:  Erythroid, granulocyte and platelet precursors were variably altered. Polychromatic normoblasts and immature megakayocytes were higher in AIH‐1 (11.9 ± 2.9 and 16.2 ± 16.9, respectively) and PBC (10.2 ± 3.6 and 17.3 ± 20.2, respectively) compared to PC (7 ± 2 and 2.3 ± 6.0, respectively) and HC (7.9 ± 1.6 and 0 ± 0, respectively) (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.006). In AIH‐1, immature megakaryocytes were significantly higher in patients receiving immunosuppression (25.71 ± 17.66 vs 5.00 ± 5.48; P < 0.02) and were associated negatively with laboratory markers of disease activity. BM plasmacytosis was observed more frequently in AIH‐1 compared to PBC and PC. BM monocytosis was found in all patients with AIH‐1, PBC and PC whereas approximately half of the patients with autoimmune liver diseases and all PC had BM lymphocytosis.

Conclusions:  BM monocytosis and lymphocytosis are commonly found in AIH‐1 and PBC patients irrespective of the presence of cirrhosis or the use of immunosuppression. BM plasmacytosis appears to be a distinct finding in some AIH‐1 patients, as similar findings were observed in only one PBC and one PC, whereas BM immature megakaryocytes characterize both AIH‐1 and PBC. Whether BM is a target organ in AIH‐1 and PBC needs further investigation.
Tumor and liver determinants of prognosis in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A case cohort study
Authors: Carr Brian I , Buch Shama C , Kondragunta Venkateswarlu , Pancoska Petr , Branch Robert A
Published: July 2008

Background and Aims:  A total of 967 patients with unresectable and untransplantable, biopsy‐proven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were prospectively evaluated at baseline and followed up till death.

Methods:  Survival was the end‐point for all analyses.

Results:  We found in our overall analysis, that male gender, ascites, cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis (PVT), elevated alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) or bilirubin or alkaline phosphatases were each statistically significant adverse prognostic factors. Patients with normal AFP survived longer than those with elevated AFP, in the presence of PVT, large or bilobar tumors or cirrhosis. We used a bivariate analysis to separate patient subgroups based on poor liver function and aggressive tumor characteristics. In subgroup analysis based on these subsets, there was clear discrimination in survival between subsets; in addition both cirrhosis and presence of PVT were significant, independent but modest risk factors. The results of this large dataset show that amongst nonsurgical HCC patients, there are clear subsets with longer survival than other subsets.

Conclusions:  This data also supports the concept of heterogeneity of HCC.
Relationship between exploratory eye movement, P300, and reaction time in schizophrenia
Authors: Takahashi Sakae , Tanabe Eiichi , Sakai Teiichiro , Matsuura Masato , Matsushima Eisuke , Obayashi Shigeru , Kojima Takuya
Published: July 2008

Aims:  Exploratory eye movement (EEM), P300 and reaction time (RT) tests may relate to the important parts of information processing in the human brain. Therefore the aim of the present study was to compare EEM, P300 and RT test data in schizophrenic and normal control groups to investigate whether schizophrenic patients have information processing abnormalities. In addition, the potential correspondence between the three tests was examined in order to investigate the information processing dysfunctions seen in schizophrenic patients.

Methods:  The EEM, P300 and RT performances were recorded in 34 schizophrenic and 36 normal control subjects. Ten parameters were measured: four from the EEM test (number of eye fixations, total eye scanning length, cognitive search score and responsive search score [RSS]); two from the P300 test (amplitude and latency); and four from the RT test (simple reaction time, index of reaction time crossover [IRT‐crossover], set index and coefficient of variation).

Results:  These parameters in the schizophrenic patients differed significantly from those in the control group. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between the RSS and the IRT‐crossover in the schizophrenic patients.

Conclusion:  The present group comparisons (schizophrenia vs normal controls) are consistent with previous studies in that the abnormalities in EEM, P300 and RT tests in schizophrenic patients were able to be replicated. Moreover, based on the former psychological theory, it is reasonable to propose that the RSS is associated with the IRT‐crossover. The present results may contribute to elucidation of the pathophysiological signature of schizophrenia.
Predictors of subjective and objective quality of life in outpatients with schizophrenia
Authors: Yamauchi Ken , Aki Hirofumi , Tomotake Masahito , Iga Jun‐Ichi , Numata Syusuke , Motoki Ikuyo , Izaki Yumiko , Tayoshi Shinya , Kinouchi Sawako , Sumitani Satsuki , Tayoshi Sumiko , Takikawa Yumiko , Kaneda Yasuhiro , Taniguchi Takahide , Ishimoto Yasuhito , Ueno Syu‐Ichi , Ohmori Tetsuro
Published: July 2008

Aim:  In recent years, greater attention has been given to quality of life (QOL) in schizophrenia and several studies reported that negative and depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction are related to patient QOL. But because a variety of QOL measures have been used in the previous studies, there seems to be no unanimous predictors for subjective and objective QOL. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the relationship between clinical variables and subjective and objective QOL in outpatients with schizophrenia, using schizophrenia disease‐specific QOL measures. Particular attention was paid to cognitive function as a predictor of QOL.

Methods:  Schizophrenia symptoms of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were divided into five factors: positive factor, negative factor, cognitive factor, emotional discomfort, and hostility. The study sample consisted of 84 schizophrenia outpatients. Subjective and objective QOL were assessed with Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS) and the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), respectively.

Results:  Subjective QOL correlated significantly with emotional discomfort, positive factor, negative factor, extrapyramidal symptoms and cognitive factor, while objective QOL correlated with negative factor, cognitive factor, emotional discomfort, extrapyramidal symptoms, and dose of antipsychotics. Total score and three of four subscales in the QLS correlated significantly with cognitive factor, while cognitive factor had a significant correlation with only one of three scales of SQLS. Stepwise regression showed that subjective QOL was significantly predicted by emotional discomfort and extrapyramidal symptoms, while negative factor was the most important predictor of objective QOL.

Conclusion:  Cognitive dysfunction had a greater influence on objective QOL than subjective QOL. Treating depressive and negative symptoms and extrapyramidal symptoms might contribute to enhanced subjective and objective QOL.
Chronic effect of nicotine on serotonin transporter mRNA in the raphe nucleus of rats: Reversal by co‐administration of bupropion
Authors: Semba Jun'ichi , Wakuta Maki
Published: July 2008

Aim: Epidemiologic studies suggest the existence of a biological link between nicotine withdrawal and depression. To investigate the neuronal mechanisms of the precipitation of depression during smoking cessation, an animal model of nicotine withdrawal was used, and the expression of serotonin transporter (5HTT), abnormality of which is implicated in the pathogenesis of depression, was investigated. The effect of co‐administration of bupropion, which has been clinically shown to ameliorate nicotine withdrawal symptoms, was also investigated in this model.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were implanted with a minipump s.c., which delivered nicotine at a rate of 6 mg/kg per day for 12 days (days 1–12). Rats given chronic nicotine were killed on day 13, or 2 days after the removal of minipump (withdrawal day 2). In a separate experiment, bupropion (15 or 30 mg/kg per day) was injected into the nicotine infused rats on days 2–12. The expression of mRNA for 5HTT in the dorsal raphe was determined onin situhybridization.

Results: Chronic nicotine infusion resulted in the reduction of 5HTT mRNA expression, which lasted through withdrawal day 2. Co‐administration of bupropion, however, significantly antagonized this reduction.

Conclusions: Chronic nicotine infusion reduces the synthesis of 5HTT protein, which may consequently precipitate depression during nicotine withdrawal, but co‐administration of bupropion may ameliorate withdrawal symptoms by counteracting nicotine's effect on 5HTT.
Prevalence of and risk factors for suicide‐related outcomes in the World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys Japan
Authors: Ono Yutaka , Kawakami Norito , Nakane Yoshibumi , Nakamura Yosikazu , Tachimori Hisateru , Iwata Noboru , Uda Hidenori , Nakane Hideyuki , Watanabe Makoto , Naganuma Yoichi , Furukawa Toshiaki A. , Hata Yukihiro , Kobayashi Masayo , Miyake Yuko , Tajima Miyuki , Takeshima Tadashi , Kikkawa Takehiko
Published: July 2008

Aim:  Suicide is a major public health concern in Japan but little is known about the prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts. The aim of the present study was to clarify the prevalence of and risk factors for important suicide‐related outcomes.

Methods:  Important suicide‐related outcomes and risk factors were assessed in face‐to‐face interviews with 2436 adult respondents in seven areas as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Survey Initiative. Mental disorders were assessed with the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).

Results:  The lifetime prevalence estimates of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts were 10.9%, 2.1%, and 1.9%, respectively. Risk of suicide plans and attempts was highest when suicidal ideation occurred at an early age and within the first year of ideation. In middle‐aged individuals, the period after first employment and the presence of mental disorders were risk factors.

Conclusions:  Risk of suicide plans and attempts is highest when suicidal ideation occurred at an earlier age and within the first year of ideation. Mental disorders are as predictive of the suicide‐related outcomes examined here, and comorbidity is an important predictor.
Restless legs syndrome and its relationship with insomnia symptoms and daytime distress: Epidemiological survey in Sweden
Authors: Broman Jan‐Erik , Mallon Lena , Hetta Jerker
Published: July 2008

To investigate prevalence estimates of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in relation to insomnia complaints and daytime distress a questionnaire was sent to a randomly selected sample of 1962 inhabitants of Uppsala, Sweden. The questionnaire included questions about sleep and daytime distress and the standardized four‐question set for epidemiological settings recommended by the International RLS Study Group. A positive diagnosis of RLS was established in 18.8% of all responders. When the optional question about frequency was applied 5.8% reported frequent symptoms. Insomnia symptoms and daytime distress were significantly associated with the frequency of RLS symptoms.
Alexithymia and temperament and character model of personality in alcohol‐dependent Turkish men
Authors: Evren Cuneyt , Kose Samet , Sayar Kemal , Ozcelik Basak , Borckardt Jeffrey P. , Elhai Jon D. , Cloninger C. Robert
Published: July 2008

Aims:  Alexithymia, a personality trait characterized as having problems identifying, describing, and working with one's own feelings, often marked by a lack of understanding of the feelings of others, is only partly described within the context of personality. The aim of the present study was therefore to study the prevalence of alexithymia among male alcohol‐dependent inpatients and investigate the relationship between alexithymia and the dimensions of Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality.

Methods:  The Turkish version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20) and the Turkish version of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were administered to 111 male alcohol‐dependent inpatients.

Results:  TAS‐20 scores correlated positively with harm avoidance and self‐transcendence and negatively with self‐directedness and cooperativeness. Regression analysis identified high harm avoidance and self‐transcendence and low self‐directedness as independent predictors of alexithymia. Also harm avoidance and self‐transcendence predicted alexithymia in a logistic regression model.

Conclusions:  Alexithymia can be explained by specific dimensions within Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality in alcohol‐dependent Turkish men.
Relationship of attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder symptoms, depressive/anxiety symptoms, and life quality in young men
Authors: Chao Che‐Yi , Gau Susan S. F. , Mao Wei‐Chung , Shyu Jia‐Fwu , Chen Yi‐Chyan , Yeh Chin‐Bin
Published: July 2008

Aim:  Attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continues to be among the most frequently missed of psychiatric diagnoses in adults because its presentation in adulthood so often mimics those of better‐known disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between ADHD symptoms, depression/anxiety symptoms, and life quality in young men.

Methods:  Nine hundred and twenty‐nine draftees into the Taiwanese army completed the Adult ADHD Self‐Report Scale (ASRS), the World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life–Brief Version, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the second edition of the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Scale. Based on high ASRS scores, a total of 328 adults (35.3%) were identified as having ADHD: 65 (7.0%) with definite ADHD and 263 (28.3%) with probable ADHD.

Results:  The 328 subjects in the ADHD group had more severe depressive, anxiety symptoms and daytime sleepiness, and had poorer quality of life than the 601 controls (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  ADHD should be included in the differential diagnosis for young men presenting with anxiety, depression, daytime sleepiness, and poor quality of life.
Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) managed as a cover crop in herbicide‐resistant silage corn
Authors: GIFT NANCY , HAHN RUSSELL R. , MT PLEASANT JANE
Published: July 2008

The groundcover levels after corn (Zea mays L.) silage harvest are rarely adequate to prevent soil erosion, but most corn‐growers do not plant cover crops due to time and cost limitations. Herbicide‐resistant corn hybrids provide opportunities to control weeds and to utilize cover crops in previously unexplored combinations. Field studies were conducted in 1999 and 2000 at Dryden and Valatie, New York, USA, to determine the potential for managing existing quackgrass (Elytrigia repens[L.] Nevski) as a cover crop in herbicide‐resistant silage corn. Three isolines of the corn hybrid, DKC493, were treated with glyphosate, glufosinate, primisulfuron, nicosulfuron or sethoxydim. Averaged over all site–years, the corn silage yields with glufosinate were similar to those with glyphosate. Glufosinate also resulted in a quackgrass ground cover greater than the 30% threshold for preventing soil erosion. Quackgrass could be managed as a perennial cover crop in silage corn–perennial forage dairy rotations in north‐eastern USA.
Matching herbicide application rates with the environmental conditions and growth stages of nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) and hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) in pastures
Authors: EERENS HAN , MELLSOP JUDY
Published: July 2008

Glasshouse experiments were conducted to evaluate whether herbicide application rates could be reliably reduced without compromising the efficacy of the herbicide. The seedling, and vegetative and preflowering plants of nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) and hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) were treated with different rates of glyphosate or a mixture of picloram and triclopyr. Half of the plants were well‐watered at all times while the other half was moisture‐stressed for 1 week before the herbicide treatments were applied. Hairy buttercup was more susceptible to glyphosate than nodding thistle, while both were equally susceptible to the picloram/triclopyr mixture. Moisture stress significantly reduced the efficacy of both herbicide treatments, regardless of the plant development stage or the herbicide rate applied.
Phylogenetic niche conservatism, phylogenetic signal and the relationship between phylogenetic relatedness and ecological similarity among species
Authors: Losos Jonathan B.
Published: July 2008

Ecologists are increasingly adopting an evolutionary perspective, and in recent years, the idea that closely related species are ecologically similar has become widespread. In this regard, phylogenetic signal must be distinguished from phylogenetic niche conservatism. Phylogenetic niche conservatism results when closely related species are more ecologically similar that would be expected based on their phylogenetic relationships; its occurrence suggests that some process is constraining divergence among closely related species. In contrast, phylogenetic signal refers to the situation in which ecological similarity between species is related to phylogenetic relatedness; this is the expected outcome of Brownian motion divergence and thus is necessary, but not sufficient, evidence for the existence of phylogenetic niche conservatism. Although many workers consider phylogenetic niche conservatism to be common, a review of case studies indicates that ecological and phylogenetic similarities often are not related. Consequently, ecologists should not assume that phylogenetic niche conservatism exists, but rather should empirically examine the extent to which it occurs.
Nitrogen additions and microbial biomass: a meta‐analysis of ecosystem studies
Authors: Treseder Kathleen K.
Published: July 2008

Nitrogen (N) enrichment is an element of global change that could influence the growth and abundance of many organisms. In this meta‐analysis, I synthesized responses of microbial biomass to N additions in 82 published field studies. I hypothesized that the biomass of fungi, bacteria or the microbial community as a whole would be altered under N additions. I also predicted that changes in biomass would parallel changes in soil CO2emissions. Microbial biomass declined 15% on average under N fertilization, but fungi and bacteria were not significantly altered in studies that examined each group separately. Moreover, declines in abundance of microbes and fungi were more evident in studies of longer durations and with higher total amounts of N added. In addition, responses of microbial biomass to N fertilization were significantly correlated with responses of soil CO2emissions. There were no significant effects of biomes, fertilizer types, ambient N deposition rates or methods of measuring biomass. Altogether, these results suggest that N enrichment could reduce microbial biomass in many ecosystems, with corresponding declines in soil CO2emissions.
Portal protein diversity and phage ecology
Authors: Sullivan Matthew B. , Coleman Maureen L. , Quinlivan Vanessa , Rosenkrantz Jessica E. , DeFrancesco Alicia S. , Tan G. , Fu Ross , Lee Jessica A. , Waterbury John B. , Bielawski Joseph P. , Chisholm Sallie W.
Published: July 2008

Oceanic phages are critical components of the global ecosystem, where they play a role in microbial mortality and evolution. Our understanding of phage diversity is greatly limited by the lack of useful genetic diversity measures. Previous studies, focusing on myophages that infect the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus, have used the coliphage T4 portal‐protein‐encoding homologue, gene 20 (g20), as a diversity marker. These studies revealed 10 sequence clusters, 9 oceanic and 1 freshwater, where only 3 contained cultured representatives. We sequenced g20 from 38 marine myophages isolated using a diversity of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus hosts to see if any would fall into the clusters that lacked cultured representatives. On the contrary, all fell into the three clusters that already contained sequences from cultured phages. Further, there was no obvious relationship between host of isolation, or host range, and g20 sequence similarity. We next expanded our analyses to all available g20 sequences (769 sequences), which include PCR amplicons from wild uncultured phages, non‐PCR amplified sequences identified in the Global Ocean Survey (GOS) metagenomic database, as well as sequences from cultured phages, to evaluate the relationship between g20 sequence clusters and habitat features from which the phage sequences were isolated. Even in this meta‐data set, very few sequences fell into the sequence clusters without cultured representatives, suggesting that the latter are very rare, or sequencing artefacts. In contrast, sequences most similar to the culture‐containing clusters, the freshwater cluster and two novel clusters, were more highly represented, with one particular culture‐containing cluster representing the dominant g20 genotype in the unamplified GOS sequence data. Finally, while some g20 sequences were non‐randomly distributed with respect to habitat, there were always numerous exceptions to general patterns, indicating that phage portal proteins are not good predictors of a phage's host or the habitat in which a particular phage may thrive.
Ontogeny of manipulative behavior and nut‐cracking in young tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella): a Perception–action perspective
Authors: De Resende Briseida Dogo , Ottoni Eduardo B. , Fragaszy Dorothy M.
Published: July 2008

How do capuchin monkeys learn to use stones to crack open nuts? Perception–action theory posits that individuals explore producing varying spatial and force relations among objects and surfaces, thereby learning about affordances of such relations and how to produce them. Such learning supports the discovery of tool use. We present longitudinal developmental data from semifree‐ranging tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) to evaluate predictions arising from Perception–action theory linking manipulative development and the onset of tool‐using. Percussive actions bringing an object into contact with a surface appeared within the first year of life. Most infants readily struck nuts and other objects against stones or other surfaces from 6 months of age, but percussive actions alone were not sufficient to produce nut‐cracking sequences. Placing the nut on the anvil surface and then releasing it, so that it could be struck with a stone, was the last element necessary for nut‐cracking to appear in capuchins. Young chimpanzees may face a different challenge in learning to crack nuts: they readily place objects on surfaces and release them, but rarely vigorously strike objects against surfaces or other objects. Thus the challenges facing the two species in developing the same behavior (nut‐cracking using a stone hammer and an anvil) may be quite different. Capuchins must inhibit a strong bias to hold nuts so that they can release them; chimpanzees must generate a percussive action rather than a gentle placing action. Generating the right actions may be as challenging as achieving the right sequence of actions in both species. Our analysis suggests a new direction for studies of social influence on young primates learning sequences of actions involving manipulation of objects in relation to surfaces.
Toddlers’ joint engagement experience facilitates preschoolers’ acquisition of theory of mind
Authors: Nelson P. Brooke , Adamson Lauren B. , Bakeman Roger
Published: July 2008

Forty‐two children participated in a longitudinal study that investigated the relationship between their joint engagement experience when toddlers and their development of theory of mind when preschoolers. Controlling for language comprehension at 30 months, higher preschool false belief scores were associated with more time in coordinated joint engagement earlier (18–21 mo, β=.34) and in symbol‐infused joint engagement later (27–30 mo, β=.35) in toddlerhood. Findings suggest that the early foundation of theory of mind development is laid as toddlers attend to both social‐emotional and symbolic aspects of shared events.
Systematic review of school‐based interventions that focus on changing dietary intake and physical activity levels to prevent childhood obesity: an update to the obesity guidance produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
Authors: Brown T. , Summerbell C.
Published: July 2008

To determine the effectiveness of school‐based interventions that focus on changing dietary intake and physical activity levels to prevent childhood obesity. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (January 2006 to September 2007) for controlled trials of school‐based lifestyle interventions, minimum duration of 12 weeks, reporting weight outcome. Thirty‐eight studies were included; 15 new studies and 23 studies included within the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence obesity guidance. One of three diet studies, five of 15 physical activity studies and nine of 20 combined diet and physical activity studies demonstrated significant and positive differences between intervention and control for body mass index. There is insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of dietary interventions or diet vs. physical activity interventions. School‐based physical activity interventions may help children maintain a healthy weight but the results are inconsistent and short‐term. Physical activity interventions may be more successful in younger children and in girls. Studies were heterogeneous, making it difficult to generalize about what interventions are effective. The findings are inconsistent, but overall suggest that combined diet and physical activity school‐based interventions may help prevent children becoming overweight in the long term. Physical activity interventions, particularly in girls in primary schools, may help to prevent these children from becoming overweight in the short term.
‘Fortress SA’: Xenophobic violence in South Africa
Authors: Sharp John
Published: July 2008

There are many circumstances in which South Africans and foreigners from elsewhere in Africa pursue shared interests peacefully. Anthropological field research points to a range of these circumstances, which have largely been ignored by commentators attempting to explain the episode of mass‘xenophobic’violence that wracked South African cities and towns in May 2008. Explanations such as the one criticised in this article focus on the xenophobic attitudes of ordinary South Africans, and link these attitudes to competition for resources between locals who are poor and their equally poor counterparts from further north.

Recent research indicates, however, not only that relationships between poor South Africans and poor foreigners are more complex than most commentators allow, but also that South African xenophobia begins at the top, among the leaders of the ANC government and the black and white elites whose interests it serves. This article argues that a newly‐issued report on the xenophobic violence by a government‐orientated think tank reproduces the dominant xenophobic discourse in its recommendation that the state should construct a‘Fortress SA’with impenetrable borders. Yet this report seeks to mask its adherence to official discourse by representing its proposals as a response to the xenophobic attitudes of poor South Africans.