bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back to the future: Sweatshop conditions on the Mexico‐U.S. border. I. Community health impact of maquiladora industrial activity
Authors: Moure‐Eraso Rafael , Wilcox Meg , Punnett Laura , Copeland Leslie , Levenstein Charles
Published: April 2007

Present working conditions in one of the most active areas of the maquiladora system along the Mexico‐U.S. border are reminiscent of nineteenth‐century U.S. sweatshops. This conclusion was reached after evaluating two separate but interrelated surveys among Mexican nationals living near the Mexico‐U.S. border, one of community leaders (Paper I), and one of workers in maquiladora enterprises in the towns of Matamoros and Reynosa, Mexico (Paper II). Paper I evaluates the results of the community leaders' survey. Criteria for selection of the leaders were: level of responsibility in the community; knowledge of the industry in the region, and length of residence in the area (more than 3 years). Representatives from government, maquiladora industry management, labor union leadership, labor union activists, and community improvement activists were interviewed. Structured questionnaires with opportunities for open‐ended answers were used by trained Spanish speaking interviewers. The questions covered community demographics, health care structures, governance of the region, knowledge of working conditions, and knowledge of environmental impact on the region and the community. Community leaders were ambivalent on the purported benefits of the development of these types of industries in their communities. A substantial majority (21 of 25) thought that the maquiladoras brought few positive developments, other than creating jobs. Serious concerns about overextending weak social infrastructures and about environmental deterioration were voiced. Immediate (preventive) measures appear necessary to develop community infrastructures and to protect environmental health. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevated quantitative vibrotactile threshold among workers previously poisoned with methamidophos and other organophosphate pesticides
Authors: McConnell Rob , Keifer Matthew , Rosenstock Linda
Published: April 2007

To evaluate chronic effects of acute organophosphate pesticide poisoning, quantitatively determined vibrotactile thresholds were measured as an index of peripheral neuropathy among agricultural workers in Nicaragua. Thirty‐six male workers were evaluated between 10 and 34 months after hospitalization for acute organophosphate poisoning and compared to an age‐ and sex‐matched community reference group. Vibrotactile thresholds were measured quantitatively in right and left index fingers and right and left great toes. Study subjects were stratified into three groups: 1) never poisoned; 2) poisoned with organophosphates other than methamidophos, agents which have not been reported to cause peripheral neuropathy; and 3) poisoned with methamidophos, a peripheral neurotoxin. For all digits, there was a statistically significant trend of increasing age‐and height‐adjusted thresholds across these three exposure categories. Over one fourth of patients previously poisoned with methamidophos we studied had abnormal vibrotactile thresholds. These results suggest that previously reported cases of organophosphate‐induced delayed polyneuropathy may represent only the worst disease in a spectrum of impairment, a sequela of exposure that may be much more common than previously thought. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxic encephalopathy due to 1,1,1‐trichloroethane exposure
Authors: Kelafant Geoffrey A. , Berg Richard A. , Schleenbaker Randal
Published: April 2007

Twenty‐eight workers with long‐term repetitive high exposures to 1,1,1‐trichloroethane were evaluated for complaints of short‐term memory loss, disequilibrium, moodiness, irritability, and decreased ability to concentrate. As a group, they had significant deficits in memory, intermediate memory, rhythm, and speed as measured by the Luria‐Ne‐braska Neuropsychological Battery. Platform posturography demonstrated deficits in vestibular, somatosensory, and ocular components of balance. The encephalopathic picture in these patients is similar to what has been described after exposure to other solvents. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of a spontaneous abortion cluster: Lessons learned
Authors: McDiarmid Melissa A. , Breysse Patrick , Lees Peter S. J. , Curbow Barbara , Kolodner Ken
Published: April 2007

An investigation of a reported spontaneous abortion excess in an office environment was undertaken employing a multidisciplinary approach, including (1) an epidemiologic/ validation step; (2) an industrial hygiene survey, including electromagnetic field measurements and indoor air quality determinations; and (3) a risk perception/risk communication component. This approach was needed because there are numerous chemical and physical agents and psychosocial stressors that may potentially impact the reproductive status of female office workers. Although video display terminals (VDTs) are typically the focus of spontaneous abortion (SAB) investigations, one cannot ignore other stressors in the environment. Magnetic field exposures within a payroll area were determined using a hand‐held survey meter and data logging dosimeter. On average, the full shift time‐weighted average exposures of workers to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields in the payroll office area ranged from 1.0 to 5.6 mG.

Influencing the investigation's protocol design were the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC's) recent Guidelines for Investigating Clusters of Health Events. Although these guidelines grew primarily out of cancer cluster investigations, we applied them in this instance and found them to be generalizable to reproductive hazards investigations. A spontaneous abortion excess was validated over a 2‐year period among 26 women with 32 reproductive events, with rates 1.5–2.5 times the expected, depending on comparison figures used. Lessons learned in the investigation, including the applicability of the CDC's Cluster Investigation Protocol and the enormous importance of risk perception and risk communication, are described. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung cancer mortality and airways obstruction among metal miners exposed to silica and low levels of radon daughters
Authors: Carta Plinio , Cocco Pierluigi , Picchiri Gianfranco
Published: April 2007

Starting from a cross‐sectional survey in 1973, the mortality of two cohorts of Sardinian metal miners was followed through December 31, 1988. In mine A, the quartz concentration in respirable dust ranged between 0.2% and 2.0% and the exposure to radon daughters averaged 0.13 working level (WL), with the highest estimated cumulative exposure around 80–120 WLM. In mine B, the silica content was much higher (6.5–29%), but exposure to radon daughters was significantly lower than in mine A. More than 98% of the overall work force in 1973 (1,741 miners) entered the cohort, providing 25,842.5 person‐years. Smoking, occupational history, chest radiographs, and lung function tests were available for the cohort members at admission. Mortality for all causes was slightly lower than expected. A significant excess for nonmalignant chronic respiratory diseases was noticed in both mines. Twenty‐four subjects died of lung cancer, 17 from mine A (SMR: 128; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 75–205) and 7 from mine B (SMR: 85; 95% CI: 34–175). The SMR for lung cancer was highest among the underground workers from mine A (SMR: 148; 95% CI: 74–265), with a significant upward trend by duration of employment in underground jobs. Mine B underground miners showed lung cancer SMRs close to 100 without a significant trend by duration of employment. Among underground miners with spirometric airways obstruction in 1973, those from mine A showed the highest risk (SMR: 316; 95% CI: 116–687). The relationship did not change after adjusting for age and smoking.

Based on the present findings, crystalline silica per se does not appear to affect lung cancer mortality. A slight association between lung cancer mortality and exposure to radon daughters, though within relatively low levels, may be considered for underground miners from mine A.

Impaired pulmonary function may be an independent predictor of lung cancer and an important risk factor enhancing the residence time of inhaled carcinogens, i.e., alpha particles or PAHs, by impairing their bronchial and alveolar clearance. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome of carpal tunnel surgery in washington state workers' compensation
Authors: Adams Michael L. , Franklin Gary M. , Barnhart Scott
Published: April 2007

All cases of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (OCTS) who received surgery for this condition in the Washington State workers' compensation system were identified using claim and physician billing databases. One hundred ninety‐one incident surgical cases were identified between July 1, 1987 and December 31, 1987, and were followed up a mean of 3 years postoperatively for clinical, disability, and return to work outcomes. Medical record and claim file review was required for clinical and employment information. The mean age of all patients was 36.6 years, 48% were female, and 40% received bilateral surgery. The mean time from claim filing to surgery was 187 days. Ninety‐eight percent of cases met the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) case definition for OCTS. Relief of pain was complete or modest in 86% (124/145) and only 14% of cases reported no improvement in symptoms. Mean duration of disability (time loss) postoperatively was nearly 4 months, and 8% of cases exceeded 1 year of time loss. The majority of cases returned to their same job (67%) or to a different job (15%). Workers in high risk occupations were less likely to return to the same job after CTS surgery compared to those in lower risk occupations (61% vs. 75%, p = 0.08).

In this population, no association was seen between any outcome and age, gender, marital status, or baseline wage. Duration of disability was not significantly related to preoperative severity of OCTS or to more specific case criteria for this condition. These findings suggest that disability following surgery for OCTS may be related to other medical, psychosocial, administrative, legal, or work‐related factors not evaluated in this study. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A retrospective‐cohort study of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium
Authors: Pastides Harris , Austin Robert , Lemeshow Stanley , Klar Janelle , Mundt Kenneth A.
Published: April 2007

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine the risk of mortality, cancer, and other adverse health outcomes, at the United States' largest chromate chemicals manufacturing facility in Castle Hayne, North Carolina. This facility, built in 1971, was designed to reduce the high levels of chromium exposure found at most older facilities. Exposure assessment was based on analysis of more than 5,000 personal breathing zone samples collected over a 15‐year period. A questionnaire was used to collect relevant occupational, medical, smoking, and other information from current and former employees. Analysis of the cohort's mortality experience found no substantial departures from that expected based on external comparisons, although evidence of a healthy worker effect was observed. Internal cohort analyses were limited by relatively small numbers; however, a subgroup of employees who transferred from older facilities was found to have higher risks of mortality (odds ratio = 1.27 for each 3 years of previous exposure; 90% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–1.51) and cancer (odds ratio = 1.22 for each 3 years of previous exposure; 90% CI = 1.03–1.45). While this subgroup represented only 11% of the individuals in this study, they accounted for 46% (6/13) of all observed cancers (excluding skin cancers) and 60% (3/5) of lung cancers. There was no increased risk of mortality or cancer among employees who worked only at the newer facility. As an etiologic research study, the results are limited by the relatively small number of subjects and short follow‐up; nevertheless, the findings can be used to design and implement a prospective surveillance system for monitoring the health of chromate production workers. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of smoking and drinking habits on urinary o‐cresol excretion after occupational exposure to toluene vapor among chinese workers
Authors: Inoue Osamu , Seiji Kazunori , Watanabe Takao , Chen Zhen , Huang Mei‐Yuan , Xu Xiao‐Ping , Qiao Xin , Ikeda Masayuki
Published: April 2007

The relationship between the time‐weighted average intensity of exposure to toluene and o‐cresol concentration in shift‐end urine was investigated in nearly 500 factory workers of both sexes in China, together with a similar number of nonexposed control subjects. Toluene concentration (25 ppm as geometric mean and 550 ppm as the maximum) was monitored by diffusive sampling using carbon cloth as adsorbent followed by gas chromatographic (GC) analysis. o‐Cresol (up to 7 mg/1) was measured by GC after acid hydrolysis of samples. Urinary o‐cresol levels correlated significantly (r = 0.69–0.77; p < 0.01) with toluene exposure in men, women and the two sexes in combination, regardless of correction for urine density. When compared with hippuric acid, however, o‐cresol was less sensitive as an indicator of exposure to toluene and is not a suitable biological marker for detecting low level toluene exposure. Since urinary o‐cresol level was significantly reduced by smoking, drinking, and the two habits combined, it cannot be considered reliable as an indicator of exposure to toluene. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical model for prediction of retrospective exposure to ethylene oxide in an occupational mortality study
Authors: Hornung Richard W. , Greife Alice L. , Stayner Leslie T. , Kyle Steenland N. , Herrick Robert F. , Elliott Larry J. , Ringenburg Virginia L. , Morawetz John
Published: April 2007

Since direct measures of individual exposure seldom exist for the entire period of an occupational mortality study, retrospective exposure estimates are necessary. This is often done in a subjective manner involving a consensus of opinion from a panel of epidemiologists and industrial hygienists. An alternative method utilizing a statistical model provides a more objective procedure for retrospective exposure assessment. The development of a weighted multiple regression model is presented for estimation of exposure levels to ethylene oxide (ETO) for inclusion in a cohort mortality study of workers in the sterilization industry. Three steps in development of the model are described: (1) data acquisition and assessment, (2) model building, and (3) evaluation of the model. The final model explained a remarkable 85% of the variability in 205 average measurements of ETO levels. Exposure factors included in the model were exposure category, product type, size of the sterilization unit, selected engineering controls, days after sterilization, and calendar year. The model was evaluated in two ways: against a set of measurement data not used to develop the model and a panel of 11 industrial hygienists representing the sterilization industry. The model predicted ETO exposures within 1.1 ppm of the validation data set with a standard deviation of 3.7 ppm. The arithmetic and geometric means of the 46 measurements in the validation data set were 4.6 and 2.2 ppm, respectively. The model also outperformed the panel of industrial hygienists relative to the validation data in terms of both bias and precision.
Dust‐ and endotoxin‐related acute lung function changes and work‐related symptoms in workers in the animal feed industry
Authors: Smid Tjabe , Heederik Dick , Houba Remko , Quanjer Philip H.
Published: April 2007

Reported respiratory and related symptoms during work were compared between 265 exposed animal feed workers and a control group consisting of 175 external controls and nonexposed workers in the animal feed industry. Symptoms indicating respiratory and nasal irritation were significantly increased in the animal feed workers. Prevalences ranged from 9% (cough) to 21% (sneezing). Reported cough after work was also significantly increased. In 119 workers, a total of 457 across‐shift spirometric lung function changes were measured. Almost all lung function variables showed a decrease during the work shift, as could be expected since the circadian rhythm is in a downward phase during the measurement period (2 p.m.‐10 p.m.). When the workers were grouped into dust and endotoxin exposure categories according to their job titles, and exposure‐response trend was seen for maximum mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF) and maximum expiratory flow rate at 50% of vital capacity (MEF50). The effect of endotoxin was stronger than that of dust, both in magnitude and significance. For the same lung function variables and for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and MEF25, a significant across‐week change was also detected. The results of this study are in concordance with other studies that indicate acute effects on lung function and elevated prevalences of respiratory symptoms during work caused by exposure to grain dust.
Retrospective cohort study of workers of a synthetic textiles plant in quebec: II. Colorectal cancer mortality and incidence
Authors: Goldberg Mark S. , Thériault Gilles
Published: April 2007

This paper describes standard mortality and nested case‐control analyses of colorectal cancer for a cohort of synthetic textiles workers in which a cluster of five cases was observed previously. The cohort consisted of 7,487 men and 2,724 women who had more than 1 year's experience at the plant and who were either working in 1947 or were newly employed between 1947 and 1977. The Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) for colorectal cancer for men was 0.69 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52‐0.92; 50 deaths) and for women it was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.57‐1.69; 15 deaths). Among men only there was a suggestion that risks increased according to the length of service at the plant. In the nested case‐control study, incident cases as well as deceased cases were included. A variety of analyses were carried out according to duration of employment in the processing units. For men the risk of colon cancer increased with duration of employment in the polypropylene and cellulose triacetate extrusion unit (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for ≤5 years duration = 5.52; 95% CI: 1.12‐27,26; 4 exposed cases). It was not possible, however, to provide an independent confirmation of this putative association because the case series included three of the original five cases. There was some evidence of increased risks in the cellulose acetate fiber manufacturing unit and in the dyeing and finishing unit, but the data were compatible with the null hypothesis of no effect. No associations were observed for employment in any of the other processing unit.
Genetic epidemiological studies of congenital/prelingual deafness in Turkey: Population structure and mating type are major determinants of mutation identification
Authors: Tekin Mustafa , Arıcı Zehra Serap
Published: April 2007

In order to evaluate the genetic epidemiology of deafness in Turkey, we first analyzed the pedigree data obtained from 2,169 families whose children were students of the schools for hearing loss/deafness in 31 cities of Turkey. Single major locus segregation analysis was performed after families were grouped according to hearing status of the parents. The results showed that sporadic phenocopies, autosomal dominant, and autosomal recessive transmission account for 18.2%, 4.9%, and 76.9% of the cases respectively, after exclusion of probands with unequivocal evidence for environmental etiologies. The high frequency of autosomal recessive transmission of this study differs from those of previous ones in Western populations. We subsequently analyzed the data from a subset of 574 unrelated families that were evaluated clinically, including mutation analysis of the GJB2 gene in 406 probands. Biallelic mutations were detected in 22.4% of all probands. They were present in 68.8% of probands whose parents were both deaf, yet in only 9.3% when both parents were hearing and consanguineous without a family history of deafness. Our study shows that GJB2 is the major gene for deafness in Turkey and was amplified in deaf by deaf matings, since assortative mating preferentially affects common genes. Deafness in the remaining families appears to result from mutations at many loci that are less frequent causes of deafness, because consanguinity has a proportionally greater effect on rare genes. Conclusions of this study may be relevant to other populations where consanguineous or assortative mating is present with various frequencies. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of candidate genes for DYX1 and DYX2 in families with dyslexia
Authors: Brkanac Zoran , Chapman Nicola H. , Matsushita Mark M. , Chun Lani , Nielsen Kathleen , Cochrane Elizabeth , Berninger Virginia W. , Wijsman Ellen M. , Raskind Wendy H.
Published: April 2007

Dyslexia is a common heterogeneous disorder with a significant genetic component. Multiple studies have replicated the evidence for linkage between variously defined phenotypes of dyslexia and chromosomal regions on 15q21 (DYX1) and 6p22.2 (DYX2). Based on association studies and the possibility for functional significance of several polymorphisms, candidate genes responsible for the observed linkage signal have been proposed—DYX1C1 for 15q21, and KIAA0319 and DCDC2 for 6p22.2. We investigated the evidence for contribution of these candidate genes to dyslexia in our sample of multigenerational families. Our previous quantitative linkage analyses in this dataset provided supportive evidence for linkage of dyslexia to the locus on chromosome 15, but not to the locus on chromosome 6. In the current study, we used probands from 191 families for a case control analysis, and proband‐parent trios for family‐based TDT analyses. The observation of weak evidence for transmission disequilibrium for one of the two studied polymorphisms in DYX1C1 suggests involvement of this gene in dyslexia in our dataset. We did not find evidence for the association of KIAA0319 or DCDC2 alleles to dyslexia in our sample. We observed a slight tendency for an intronic deletion in DCDC2 to be associated with worse performance on some quantitative measures of dyslexia in the probands in our sample, but not in their parents. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging response acutely to hypoxia‐ischemia predicts postnatal outcome
Authors: Drobyshevsky Alexander , Derrick Matthew , Prasad P. V. , Ji Xinhai , Englof Ila , Tan Sidhartha
Published: April 2007

Objective

Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by either hypoxia‐ischemia (H‐I) or long‐standing causative factors such as inflammation or genetics. Multiple pathophysiological events over time are thought to contribute eventually to cerebral palsy. Our objective was to examine whether the immediate response of the fetus to an acute H‐I event determined the motor deficits associated with cerebral palsy.

Methods

Serial diffusion‐weighted imaging were performed on 79% gestation New Zealand white rabbits using a 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance scanner during 40 minutes of uterine ischemia, 20 minutes of reperfusion, and at 4, 24, and 72 hours. Individual fetuses were tracked to near term, and the delivered kits were divided into hypertonic H‐I (n = 18), nonhypertonic H‐I (n = 9), stillbirth H‐I (n = 4), and control groups (n = 16).

Results

The hypertonia group had significantly less of a nadir in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) during H‐I (71.6 ± 23.8% vs 84.5 ± 9.3% baseline) and slower and incomplete recovery of ADC during reperfusion compared with the nonhypertonic group. All fetuses in the hypertonic and stillbirth groups had an ADC nadir of less than 0.83μm2/msec (70.3% decrease from baseline), whereas 94% of control animals had an ADC nadir greater than this value. The difference between outcome groups was the largest at 4 hours reperfusion and persisted for 24 hours.

Interpretation

Serial fetal brain scans indicate that the immediate response of a fetus to H‐I is crucial to the development of hypertonia. If the fetal brain can be scanned at the time of insult, ADC changes can predict which fetuses will have an unfavorable outcome. Ann Neurol 2007;61:307–314
Is hemiplegic cerebral palsy equivalent to amblyopia of the corticospinal system?
Authors: Eyre Janet A. , Smith Martin , Dabydeen Lyvia , Clowry Gavin J. , Petacchi Eliza , Battini Roberta , Guzzetta Andrea , Cioni Giovanni
Published: April 2007

Objective

Subjects with severe hemiplegic cerebral palsy have increased ipsilateral corticospinal projections from their noninfarcted cortex. We investigated whether their severe impairment might, in part, be caused by activity‐dependent, competitive displacement of surviving contralateral corticospinal projections from the affected cortex by more active ipsilateral corticospinal projections from the nonaffected cortex, thereby compounding the impairment.

Methods

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) characterized corticospinal tract development from each hemisphere over the first 2 years in 32 healthy children, 14 children with unilateral stroke, and 25 with bilateral lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging and anatomic studies compared corticospinal tract growth in 13 patients with perinatal stroke with 46 healthy subjects.

Results

Infants with unilateral lesions initially had responses after TMS of the affected cortex, which became progressively more abnormal, and seven were eventually lost. There was associated hypertrophy of the ipsilateral corticospinal axons projecting from the noninfarcted cortex. Magnetic resonance imaging and anatomic studies demonstrated hypertrophy of the corticospinal tract from the noninfarcted hemisphere. TMS findings soon after the stroke did not predict impairment; subsequent loss of responses and hypertrophy of ipsilateral corticospinal axons from the noninfarcted cortex predicted severe impairment at 2 years. Infants with bilateral lesions maintained responses to TMS from both hemispheres with a normal pattern of development.

Interpretation

Rather than representing “reparative plasticity,” increased ipsilateral projections from the noninfarcted cortex compound disability by competitively displacing surviving contralateral corticospinal projections from the infarcted cortex. This may provide a pathophysiological explanation for why signs of hemiplegic cerebral palsy appear late and progress over the first 2 years of life. Ann Neurol 2007
In‐situ‐ und Operando‐Spektroskopie zur Untersuchung von Mechanismen der Gaserkennung
Authors: Gurlo Alexander , Riedel Ralf
Published: April 2007

Der Mechanismus der Gaserkennung auf anorganischen, organischen und polymeren Materialien ist von großem wissenschaftlichem und technologischem Interesse. Die Aufklärung der Reaktionen an der Oberfläche und in der Volumenphase, die an der Gaserkennung beteiligt sind, wird zu einer selektiveren und empfindlicheren chemischen Bestimmung von Gasen und somit zur Entwicklung besserer Sensoren führen. In den vergangenen Jahren sind Methoden entwickelt worden, mit deren Hilfe physikochemische Prozesse in einem aktiven Sensor unter Arbeitsbedingungen und in Echtzeit verfolgt werden können. Damit ist das Verfolgen der Prozesse in arbeitenden Gassensoren heute kein unlösbares Problem mehr. Der vorliegende Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick zu diesen In‐situ‐ und Operando‐Spektroskopietechniken für Untersuchungen zum Mechanismus der Gaserkennung auf Festkörpern.
And the segmentation clock keeps ticking
Authors: Mallo Moisés
Published: April 2007

The vertebrate body is organized in segments, easily visible in the consecutive vertebrae of the skeleton. These are first defined in the embryo by the formation of somites. Somites are generated at regular intervals from the presomitic mesoderm by a combination of oscillating signals, known as the segmentation clock, which establish the pace at which new somites are formed, and signaling gradients that set the location of new intersomitic borders. Using a microarray approach, Dequéant et al.1 have now shown that the segmentation clock is more complex than previously thought and includes oscillating expression of genes from at least three signaling pathways organized in coordinated networks. BioEssays 29:412–415, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social behavior and the evolution of neuropeptide genes: lessons from the honeybee genome
Authors: Predel Reinhard , Neupert Susanne
Published: April 2007

Honeybees display a fascinating social behavior. The structural basis for this behavior, which made the bee a model organism for the study of communication, learning and memory formation, is the tiny insect brain. Neurons of the brain communicate via messenger molecules. Among these molecules, neuropeptides represent the structurally most‐diverse group and occupy a high hierarchic position in the modulation of behavior. A recent analysis of the honeybee genome revealed a considerable number of predicted (200) and confirmed (100) neuropeptides in this insect.1 Is this quantity merely the result of advanced mass spectrometric techniques and bioinformatic tools or does it reflect the expression of more of these important messenger molecules, more than known from other insects studied so far? Our analysis of the data suggests that the social behavior is by no means correlated with a specific increase in the number of neuropeptides. Indeed, the honeybee genome is likely to contain fewer neuropeptide genes, neuropeptide paralogues and neuropeptide receptor genes than the solitary fruitfly Drosophila. BioEssays 29:416–421, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Redox rhythmicity: clocks at the core of temporal coherence
Authors: Lloyd David , Murray Douglas B.
Published: April 2007

Ultradian rhythms are those that cycle many times in a day and are therefore measured in hours, minutes, seconds or even fractions of a second. In yeasts and protists, a temperature‐compensated clock with a period of about an hour (30–90 minutes) provides the time base upon which all central processes are synchronized. A 40‐minute clock in yeast times metabolic, respiratory and transcriptional processes, and controls cell division cycle progression. This system has at its core a redox cycle involving NAD(P)H and dithiol–disulfide interconversions. It provides an archetype for biological time keeping on longer time scales (e.g. the daily cycles driven by circadian clocks) and underpins these rhythms, which cannot be understood in isolation. Ultradian rhythms are the foundation upon which the coherent functioning of the organism depends. BioEssays 29:465–473, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The size and form of chromosomes are constant in the nucleus, but highly variable in bacteria, mitochondria and chloroplasts
Authors: Bendich Arnold J.
Published: April 2007

From cytological examination, the size and form of the chromosomes in the eukaryotic nucleus are invariant across generations, leading to the expectation that constancy of inheritance likely depends on constancy of the chromosomal DNA molecule conveying the constant phenotype. Indeed, except for rare mutations, major phenotypic traits appear largely without change from generation to generation. Thus, when it was discovered that the inheritance of traits for bacteria, mitochondria and chloroplasts was also constant, it was assumed that chromosomes in those locations were also constant. Such has not turned out to be the case, however; those chromosomes are highly variable in structure. I propose, therefore, that only for the nucleus is there a requirement that a chromosome be “finished” (contain only fully replicated genomes) before it may segregate to daughter cells. This requirement does not apply to the variable chromosomes among chloroplasts, mitochondria and bacteria. BioEssays 29:474–483, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic review of dysplasia after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Scarpa M , van Koperen P J , Ubbink D T , Hommes D W , ten Kate F J W , Bemelman W A
Published: April 2007

Background

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence and site of dysplasia after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for ulcerative colitis (UC), and to identify risk factors that could be used in a surveillance programme.

Methods

Medical databases were searched for potentially relevant publications between 1978 and 2006. Studies that dealt with RPC for UC and postoperative surveillance were included. Two researchers independently performed study selection, quality assessment, data extraction and analysis.

Results

Twenty-three observational studies and case series were included, with a total of 2040 patients. The pooled prevalence of confirmed dysplasia in the pouch, anal transitional zone or rectal cuff was 1·13 (range 0–18·75) per cent. The prevalence of high-grade dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia and indefinite for dysplasia was 0·15 (range 0–4·49), 0·98 (range 0–15·62) and 1·23 (range 0–25·28 per cent) respectively. Dysplasia was equally frequent in the pouch and rectal cuff or anal transitional zone. Dysplasia and cancer identified before or at operation seemed to be significant predictors of the development of dysplasia. Pouchitis and duration of follow-up were not of predictive value.

Conclusion

Although based on low-level evidence from uncontrolled studies, the prevalence of dysplasia observed after RPC was remarkable. A surveillance programme that takes into account the risk factors found is therefore advocated.
Comparison of HPLC and CE methods for the determination of cetirizine dihydrochloride in human plasma samples
Authors: Kowalski Piotr , Plenis Alina
Published: April 2007

Two methods, capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), for analysis of cetirizine dihydrochloride in small sample volumes of human plasma were compared. The CE and HPLC assays were developed and validated by analyzing a series of plasma samples containing cetirizine dihydrochloride in different concentrations using these two methods. The extraction procedure is simple and no complicated purification steps or derivatization are required. The analysis time in the HPLC method was shorter than that in the CE method, but solvent consumption was considerably lower in the CE method. The calibration curve was linear to at least 10–1000 ng/mL both for CE and HPLC with r2 = 0.9993 and r2 = 0.9994, respectively. The detection limits for cetirizine dihydrochloride were 3 and 5 ng/mL with CE and HPLC (a UV detector was applied in the both cases), respectively. Both methods were selective, robust and specific, allowing reliable quantification of cetirizine dihydrochloride, and could be useful for clinical and biomedical investigations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Etiology of Nucleic Acids: Aminopropyl Nucleic Acids (APNAs)
Authors: Zhou Ding , Froeyen Matheus , Rozenski Jozef , Van Aerschot Arthur , Herdewijn Piet
Published: April 2007

Aminopropyl nucleic acids (APNAs) are constitutionally simple nucleic acid alternatives with one stereogenic center per nucleotide, and with the potential to hybridize with RNA and to exert catalytic functions. We have developed a protecting group strategy to synthesize APNAs, although in a not very efficient way. Isolation and purification of APNAs proved to be difficult. Their structures might be more suited to function as potential catalytic polymers than as information systems that may evolve into RNA.
Conformational and Chiral Selection of Oligonucleotides
Authors: Froeyen Matheus , Morvan François , Vasseur Jean‐Jacques , Nielsen Peter , Van Aerschot Arthur , Rosemeyer Helmut , Herdewijn Piet
Published: April 2007

In view of a better understanding of chiral selection of oligonucleotides, we have studied the hybridization of D‐ and L‐CNA (cyclohexane nucleic acids) and D‐ and L‐DNA, with chiral D‐β‐homo‐DNA and achiral PNA (peptide nucleic acids). PNA hybridizes as well with D‐DNA, L‐DNA as with D‐β‐homo‐DNA. The structure of the PNA⋅D‐β‐homo‐DNA complex is different from the PNA⋅DNA duplexes. D‐CNA prefers D‐DNA as hybridization partner, while L‐CNA prefers D‐β‐homo‐DNA as hybridization partner. The conformation of the enantiomeric oligonucleotides D‐CNA and L‐CNA in the supramolecular complex with D‐DNA and D‐β‐homo‐DNA, respectively, is different. These data may contribute to the confirmation of a hypothesis of the existence of achiral informative polymers as RNA predecessor, and to the understanding of homochirality of nucleic acids.
Heterogeneous Pd/C‐Catalyzed Ligand‐Free, Room‐Temperature Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reactions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Maegawa Tomohiro , Kitamura Yoshiaki , Sako Satoko , Udzu Takahiro , Sakurai Ai , Tanaka Asami , Kobayashi Yusuke , Endo Koichi , Bora Utpal , Kurita Takanori , Kozaki Atsushi , Monguchi Yasunari , Sajiki Hironao
Published: April 2007

A mild and efficient ligand‐free Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction catalyzed by heterogeneous Pd/C was developed. Aryl bromides and triflates undergo the cross‐coupling with aryl boronic acids in excellent yields without the presence of any additives in aqueous media at room temperature. Aryl vinyl boronic acids are also applicable to this coupling reaction and provide the trans‐stilbene derivatives in high yields. The application of wet‐type Pd/C to the coupling reaction was achieved without any loss of activity under aerobic conditions, and the reuse of Pd/C is feasible for a fifth run without significant loss of activity. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass‐spectrometric analysis of the filtrate from the reaction mixture of 4‐bromonitrobenzene with phenylboronic acid demonstrated that the palladium metal hardly leached into the solution within the limits of the detector (<1 ppm), thus suggesting that the present Suzuki–Miyaura reaction proceeded by heterogeneous catalysis.
Immunocytochemical analysis of syntaxin‐1 in rat circumvallate taste buds
Authors: Yang Ruibiao , Ma Huazhi , Thomas Stacey M. , Kinnamon John C.
Published: April 2007

Mammalian buds contain a variety of morphological taste cell types, but the type III taste cell is the only cell type that has synapses onto nerve processes. We hypothesize that taste cell synapses utilize the SNARE protein machinery syntaxin, SNAP‐25, and synaptobrevin, as is used by synapses in the central nervous system (CNS) for Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis. Previous studies have shown that taste cells with synapses display SNAP‐25‐ and synaptobrevin‐2‐like immunoreactivity (LIR) (Yang et al. [2000a] J Comp Neurol 424:205–215, [2004] J Comp Neurol 471:59–71). In the present study we investigated the presynaptic membrane protein, syntaxin‐1, in circumvallate taste buds of the rat. Our results indicate that diffuse cytoplasmic and punctate syntaxin‐1‐LIR are present in different subsets of taste cells. Diffuse, cytoplasmic syntaxin‐1‐LIR is present in type III cells while punctate syntaxin‐1‐LIR is present in type II cells. The punctate syntaxin‐1‐LIR is believed to be associated with Golgi bodies. All of the synapses associated with syntaxin‐1‐LIR taste cells are from type III cells onto nerve processes. These results support the proposition that taste cell synapses use classical SNARE machinery such as syntaxin‐1 for neurotransmitter release in rat circumvallate taste buds. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:883–893, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glycine receptors in the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra of the human brain: An immunohistochemical study
Authors: Waldvogel Henry J. , Baer Kristin , Allen Kathryn L. , Rees Mark I. , Faull Richard L.M.
Published: April 2007

Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are heteropentameric chloride ion channels that facilitate fast‐response, inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian spinal cord and brain. GlyRs have four functional subunits, α1–3 and β, which likely exist in heteromeric αβ combinations. Mutations in GlyR α1 and β subunits are well known for their involvement in hyperekplexia, a paroxysmal motor disorder. In this study we present the first detailed immunohistochemical investigation at the regional, cellular, and subcellular levels of GlyRs in the human basal ganglia. The results show that GlyRs are present at the regional level in low concentrations in the striatum and globus pallidus and are present in the highest concentrations in the substantia nigra. At the cellular level, GlyRs are present only in discrete populations of neurons immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), parvalbumin, and calretinin in the human striatum, on a subpopulation of parvalbumin‐ and calretinin‐positive neurons in the globus pallidus, and in the substantia nigra GlyRs are present on approximately three‐fourths of all pars compacta and one‐third of all pars reticulata neurons. They also form a distinct band of immunoreactive neurons in the intermedullary layers of the globus pallidus. At the subcellular level in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), GlyRs show a localized distribution on the soma and dendrites that partially complements but does not overlap with the distribution of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors. Our results demonstrate the precise cellular and subcellular localization of GlyRs in the human basal ganglia and suggest that glycinergic receptors may play an important complementary role to other inhibitory receptors in modulating cholinergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic neuronal pathways in the basal ganglia. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1012–1029, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Claudin‐based permeability barriers in taste buds
Authors: Michlig Stéphanie , Damak Sami , Le Coutre Johannes
Published: April 2007

Tight junctions operate as semipermeable barriers in epithelial tissue, separating the apical from the basolateral sides of the cells. Membrane proteins of the claudin family represent the major tight junction constituents, and some reinforce permeability barriers, whereas others create pores based on solute size and ion selectivity. To outline paracellular permeability pathways in gustatory tissue, all claudins expressed in mouse taste buds and in human fungiform papillae have been characterized. Twelve claudins are expressed in murine taste‐papillae‐enriched tissue, and five of those are expressed in human fungiform papillae. A subset of the claudins expressed in mouse papillae is uniquely found in taste buds. By immunohistochemistry, claudin 4 has been found in mouse taste epithelium, with high abundance around the taste pore. Claudin 6 is explicitly detected inside the pore, claudin 7 was found at the basolateral side of taste cells, and claudin 8 was found around the pore. With the ion permeability features of the different claudins, a highly specific permeability pattern for paracellular diffusion is apparent, which indicates a peripheral mechanism for taste coding. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1003–1011, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axonal regeneration and development of de novo axons from distal dendrites of adult feline commissural interneurons after a proximal axotomy
Authors: Fenrich Keith K. , Skelton Nicole , MacDermid Victoria E. , Meehan Claire F. , Armstrong Stacey , Neuber‐Hess Monica S. , Rose P. Ken
Published: April 2007

Following proximal axotomy, several types of neurons sprout de novo axons from distal dendrites. These processes may represent a means of forming new circuits following spinal cord injury. However, it is not know whether mammalian spinal interneurons, axotomized as a result of a spinal cord injury, develop de novo axons. Our goal was to determine whether spinal commissural interneurons (CINs), axotomized by 3–4‐mm midsagittal transection at C3, form de novo axons from distal dendrites. All experiments were performed on adult cats. CINs in C3 were stained with extracellular injections of Neurobiotin at 4–5 weeks post injury. The somata of axotomized CINs were identified by the presence of immunoreactivity for the axonal growth‐associated protein‐43 (GAP‐43). Nearly half of the CINs had de novo axons that emerged from distal dendrites. These axons lacked immunoreactivity for the dendritic protein, microtubule‐associated protein2a/b (MAP2a/b); some had GAP‐43‐immunoreactive terminals; and nearly all had morphological features typical of axons. Dendrites of other CINs did not give rise to de novo axons. These CINs did, however, each have a long axon‐like process (L‐ALP) that projected directly from the soma or a very proximal dendrite. L‐ALPs were devoid of MAP2a/b immunoreactivity. Some of these L‐ALPs projected through the lesion and formed bouton‐like swellings. These results suggest that proximally axotomized spinal interneurons have the potential to form new connections via de novo axons that emerge from distal dendrites. Others may be capable of regeneration of their original axon. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1079–1097, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructure of primary afferent terminals and synapses in the rat nucleus of the solitary tract: Comparison among the greater superficial petrosal, chorda tympani, and glossopharyngeal nerves
Authors: May Olivia L. , Erisir Alev , Hill David L.
Published: April 2007

The greater superficial petrosal (GSP), chorda tympani (CT), and glossopharyngeal (IX) nerves terminate in overlapping patterns in the brainstem in the rat nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). There is one region, in particular, that receives overlapping inputs from all three nerves and is especially plastic during normal and experimentally altered development. To provide the requisite data necessary ultimately to delineate the circuitry in this region, we characterized the morphology of the synaptic inputs provided by the GSP, CT, and IX nerves through transmission electron microscopy. Although all three nerves had features characteristic of excitatory nerve terminals, ultrastructural analysis revealed dimorphic morphologies differentiating IX terminals from GSP and CT terminals. IX terminals had a larger area than GSP and CT terminals, and more synapses were associated with IX terminals compared with GSP and CT terminals. Additionally, IX terminals formed synapses most often with spines, as opposed to GSP and CT terminals, which formed synapses more often with dendrites. IX terminals also exhibited morphological features often associated with synaptic plasticity more often than was seen for GSP and CT terminals. These normative data form the basis for future studies of developmentally and environmentally induced plasticity in the rodent brainstem. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:1066–1078, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circuit models for arrays of nanoelectronic resonators—Appearances of discrete breathers
Authors: Csurgay Árpád I. , Porod Wolfgang
Published: April 2007

In this paper, equivalent‐circuit representations are presented for nonlinear arrays of weakly coupled molecular oscillators demonstrating intrinsic localized oscillating modes, also called ‘discrete breathers’. Typical examples are arrays or strings of diatomic molecules coupled, e.g. with weak hydrogen bonds, or arrays of field‐coupled nanodevice resonators. Circuits demonstrating discrete breathing are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.