bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Intractable Epilepsy: A Long‐term Follow‐up Study
Authors: Lim Siew‐Na , Lee Shih‐Tseng , Tsai Yu‐Tai , Chen I‐An , Tu Po‐Hsun , Chen Jean‐Lon , Chang Hsiu‐Wen , Su Yu‐Chin , Wu Tony
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) modulates temporal lobe and hypothalamic activities, and relays information to the cingulate gyrus and entorhinal cortex. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ANT has been reported to decrease seizure activity in a limited number of human subjects. However, long‐term effect of chronic ANT stimulation on such patients remains unknown. We report long‐term follow‐up results in four patients receiving ANT stimulation for intractable epilepsy.

Methods: Four patients underwent stereotactic implantation of quadripolar stimulating electrodes in the bilateral ANT, guided by single‐unit microelectrode recording. Electrode location was confirmed by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The stimulator was activated 2–4 weeks following electrode insertion; initial stimulation parameters were 4–5 V, 90–110 Hz, and 60–90 μs. Seizure frequency was monitored and compared with preimplantation baseline frequency. Intelligence quotient (IQ) test and auditory P300 response were performed before and after implantation of electrodes.

Results: Four patients (one man with generalized seizures, and three women with partial seizures and secondary generalization) aged 18–45 years old were studied with mean follow‐up period of 43.8 months. The four patients demonstrated a sustained effect of 49% (range, 35–76%) seizure reduction to ANT stimulation. Simple insertion of DBS electrodes (Sham period, no stimulation) produced a mean reduction in seizures of 67% (range, 44–94%). One patient was seizure‐free for 15 months with anticonvulsant medications. One patient had a small frontal hemorrhage and a second patient had extension erosion over scalp; no resultant major or permanent neurological deficit was observed. Preoperative IQ index and auditory P300 were not significantly different with those after electrodes implantation.

Conclusions: Implantation of electrodes in the ANT and subsequent stimulation is associated with a significant reduction in seizure frequency. However, our study could not differentiate whether the implantation itself, the subsequent stimulation or postimplantation drug manipulation had the greatest impact. These experimental results prompt further controlled study in a large patient population.
Combined Ketogenic Diet and Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Rational Polytherapy?
Authors: Kossoff Eric H. , Pyzik Paula L. , Rubenstein James E. , Christina Bergqvist A. G. , Buchhalter Jeffrey R. , Donner Elizabeth J. , Nordli Douglas R. , Wheless James W.
Published: December 2006

Summary: Objective:The concept of “rational polypharmacy” has been associated with anticonvulsant management for decades, but the term has not been applied to nonpharmacologic therapies.

Methods:We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study of children who received concurrent diet (ketogenic or modified Atkins) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment for medically intractable epilepsy.

Results:Thirty children in total from six epilepsy centers were treated over a 6‐yr period. The median age at the initiation of combination therapy was 10 yr (range, 4–24 yr). Sixteen (53%) received dietary therapy followed by VNS; no differences were noted between centers. After 3 months, 21 (70%) had seizure reduced by >50% over the previous single nonpharmacologic treatment, of whom 13 (62%) had improvement within the first month. A 5‐min VNS off‐time correlated with >90% seizure reduction (p = 0.02). The median duration of nonpharmacologic polytherapy was 12 months (range, 0.5–96 months); 17 (57%) remain on dual therapy at this time. No side effects were noted. Most patients who discontinued combination therapy did so because of a lack of efficacy rather than restrictiveness.

Conclusions:In this small group, the combined use of diet and VNS appeared synergistic and yielded rapid benefits. It may be more effective with longer VNS off‐times. Further prospective studies of this combination in refractory pediatric epilepsy are needed to help guide optimal use.
The Localization and Lateralization of Memory Deficits in Children with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Gonzalez Linda M. , Anderson Vicki A. , Wood Stephen J. , Mitchell L. Anne , Harvey A. Simon
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: It is often reported that children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) experience nonlateralized memory impairments. However, many of these studies have been exploratory and not based on memory theory. Further, differences between mesial and lateral subgroups have not been adequately examined. This study aimed to discern more specific patterns of memory impairment in children with TLE.

Methods: Forty‐three children (5–16 years) with lesional TLE participated. Subjects were categorized in terms of lesion laterality (left, n = 21; right, n = 22) and intratemporal location (mesial, n = 31; lateral, n = 12). Verbal and nonverbal memory tasks were administered that reflected associative, allocentric and recognition paradigms.

Results: Facial recognition was poorer in right TLE (p = 0.03). There were no differences between left and right groups on any other memory task, even when comparisons were restricted to cases with mesial involvement. Irrespective of laterality, clear differences were observed between mesial and lateral lesion subgroups (arbitrary associative learning, p = 0.01; complex figure recall, p = 0.03). The lateral lesion subgroup displayed intact memory function relative to normative standards.

Conclusions: Memory is more frequently impaired in children with mesial as opposed to lateral TLE. Tasks with an associative component discriminated between these subgroups, supporting an associative model of hippocampal function. With the exception of facial recognition, memory deficits were not lateralized. Therefore, the nature of memory impairment experienced by children with TLE cannot be extrapolated from adult models.
Race and Media Coverage of Hurricane Katrina: Analysis, Implications, and Future Research Questions
Authors: Sommers Samuel R. , Apfelbaum Evan P. , Dukes Kristin N. , Toosi Negin , Wang Elsie J.
Published: December 2006

We analyze three aspects of media depictions of Hurricane Katrina, focusing on the relationship between race and coverage of the crisis. Examination of media language use explores the debate surrounding the terms “refugees” and “evacuees”—as well as descriptions of “looting” versus “finding food”—in light of the predominantly Black demographic of the survivors in New Orleans. Assessment of the story angle indicates a disproportionate media tendency to associate Blacks with crime and violence, a propensity consistent with exaggerated and inaccurate reports regarding criminal activity in Katrina's aftermath. A review of new media sources such as mass e‐mails identifies stereotypical depictions of storm survivors that both converge and diverge from coverage found in more traditional media outlets. Psychological explanations, implications for public attitudes and behavior, and future research questions are explored.
Institutional Discrimination, Individual Racism, and Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Henkel Kristin E. , Dovidio John F. , Gaertner Samuel L.
Published: December 2006

Since Hurricane Katrina made landfall, there have been accusations of blatant racism in the government's response, on the one hand, and adamant denials that race played any role at all, on the other. We propose that both perspectives reflect oversimplifications of the processes involved, and the resulting debate may obscure a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the situation. Specifically, we discuss the potential roles of institutional discrimination, subtle contemporary biases, and racial mistrust. The operation of these processes is illustrated with events associated with Hurricane Katrina. In addition, drawing on these principles, we offer suggestions for present and future recovery efforts.
Barriers to Integration in the Mississippi Delta: Could Charter Schools Be the New Vehicle for Desegregation?
Authors: Eckes Suzanne E.
Published: December 2006

This study explored the barriers to educational integration in the rural Mississippi Delta region. In Delta County,1students have generally been divided between a black public school and an all white private academy. An earlier study (Eckes, 2005) revealed that white parents in Delta County chose not to send their students to the traditional public school because they perceived greater discipline problems, less challenging academics, and fewer extracurricular opportunities (“the barriers”). The black parents, however, were choosing not to send their children to the private academy because it did not, in fact, offer greater educational opportunity. Black parents contended that the three articulated barriers were actually euphemisms for racism. In this current case study, the researcher sought to learn whether a new high‐performing charter school, where the three barriers were not present, would encourage racial integration in Delta County. Specifically, the new public charter school offered parents a third option in addition to the private academy and public school. Through interviews and observations, the current case study explored whether the barriers articulated by white parents in the earlier study were simply rhetoric. The current study found that white parents were still not choosing the charter school, even though no barriers were present.
Contested Interpretations of Economic Inequality Following Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Belle Deborah
Published: December 2006

Americans are deeply divided over the meaning of the poverty and racial exclusion revealed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Media accounts of the hurricane riveted, angered, and depressed many Americans, but did not lead to a national consensus in favor of new policies to fight poverty and economic inequality. This article considers theories and research evidence that may help to explain this failure. Self‐serving and group‐serving biases lead many economically advantaged Americans to assign responsibility for poverty to individual actors, ignoring systemic factors. Motivated reasoning to justify existing economic and political systems and to maintain belief in a just world leads many, of all socioeconomic statuses, to explain economic inequalities as the result of purely individual factors. Media coverage of the hurricane may inadvertently have deflected attention from systemic causes of poverty by focusing attention on individual actors in the wake of the storm.
To Help or Not to Help? Factors that Determined Helping Responses to Katrina Victims
Authors: Avdeyeva Tatyana V. , Burgetova Kristina , Welch I. David
Published: December 2006

Major research findings regarding individual helping behavior are reviewed and analyzed in light of the events during and after Hurricane Katrina. Implications from traditional and contemporary theories of psychology are examined. The discussion addresses both intrapersonal and contextual (psychosocial and situational) factors related to individual helping behavior in the context of real world events around the hurricane. In addition, the article contains implications for public policy and suggestions for policy makers.
Characterization of blood‐borne transmission of simian foamy virus
Authors: Brooks James I. , Merks Harriet W. , Fournier Jocelyn , Boneva Roumiana S. , Sandstrom Paul A.
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: Simian foamy virus (SFV) is an endemic, nonhuman primate (NHP) retrovirus that is transmitted to individuals who work with or hunt NHPs. The cross‐species transmission of simian retroviruses is believed to be the etiology of human immunodeficiency virus and human T‐lymphotropic virus infections in humans. Although SFV is not pathogenic in the native host, the shared ancestry with other simian retroviruses has brought into question the potential for acquired pathogenicity after cross‐species transmission. This study examines whether SFV also shares the traits of transmissibility through the blood supply.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Within a controlled environment, blood from an SFV‐infected monkey was transfused into an SFV‐uninfected monkey. Evidence of infection, pathogenic effects, immune correlates, and viral shedding were followed for 6 months after transfusion.

RESULTS: Molecular evidence of SFV infection manifested 8 weeks after transfusion followed by seroconversion 1 week later. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that the highest level of detectable virus was concomitant with seroconversion followed by establishment of a viral “set‐point.” Analysis of circulating lymphocytes revealed changes early in infection. Potential routes of transmission of SFV and roles of site‐specific immune response are suggested by the late appearance of SFV shedding in the saliva of the transfused animal.

CONCLUSION: The blood supply has historically provided a portal through which novel, occult viruses can become disseminated among humans. The demonstration of transmissibility of SFV through whole‐blood transfusion, in an NHP model, contributes to the understanding of potential risks associated with blood donation by SFV‐infected humans.
Platelet utilization and the transfusion trigger: a prospective analysis
Authors: Greeno Edward , McCullough Jeffrey , Weisdorf Daniel
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusion practices have become more conservative as studies support a threshold for transfusions at 10 × 109 per L. This change in practice may reduce our use of PLT transfusions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were prospectively collected to assess the impact at one academic hospital when the transition from a 20 × 109 to a 10 × 109 per L threshold prophylactic transfusion was made.

RESULTS: A total of 503 patients received 7401 PLT transfusions. Seventy‐four percent of the transfusions were prophylactic. During the first phase of the study, only 53 percent of transfusions were given at a pretransfusion PLT count of less than 20 × 109 per L and 20 percent less than 10 × 109 per L. In the second phase of the study when the transfusion trigger was 10 × 109 per L, 28 percent of transfusions were given at this level.

CONCLUSION: Many prophylactic PLT transfusions were given at PLT counts higher than the recommended trigger. Although the new transfusion guidelines altered transfusion practice, only a minor change in overall PLT usage was observed. Other changes in transfusion practices, such as dose per transfusion or sampling interval, will be required before significant reduction in the costs and hazards of prophylactic PLT transfusions can be realized.
Evaluation of platelet transfusion triggers in a tertiary‐care hospital
Authors: Cameron Bruce , Rock Gail , Olberg Bernard , Neurath Doris
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: Our 1100‐bed referral hospital uses approximately 12,000 units of random‐donor platelets (PLTs) and 1,900 units of single‐donor apheresis PLTs per year with a mean of 23 percent outdating. An analysis of patterns of utilization has been undertaken to evaluate practice.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Over a 9‐month period, data were collected on a total of 1682 transfusion episodes in 464 patients. When the pretransfusion count was greater than 10 × 109 per L an attempt was made to identify the specific indications for PLT transfusions such as bleeding.

RESULTS: The majority (78%) of PLTs were transfused when the counts were above 10 × 109 per L. The mean pretransfusion counts for different services were: bone marrow transplant (BMT) 17.4 × 109 per L, hematology‐oncology 14.6 × 109 per L, the Heart Institute 3 × 109 per L, and other services 36 × 109 per L. The percentage of transfusions given to patients with a count greater than 10 × 109 per L varied by service with 79 percent in BMT, 60 percent in hematology and oncology, 98 percent at the Heart Institute, and 81 percent in other services. Routine monitoring of counts shows a mean increment of 10.2 × 109 per L per transfusion. One hour posttransfusion counts, 24‐hour posttransfustion counts, and documentation of clinical justification for transfusions was often not available.

CONCLUSIONS: The data show that most patients who receive PLTs have pretransfusion counts of more than 10 × 109 per L and more than one‐third have pretransfusion counts of greater than 20 × 109 per L. The medical literature supports prophylactic PLT transfusion based solely on the count when the PLT number is 10 × 109 per L or less. Above this level additional justification is needed although there are different points of view concerning the appropriate triggers. Our data suggest that there is a need for clear hospital transfusion guidelines and ongoing monitoring of PLT use.
Calculating the required transfusion volume in children
Authors: Davies Patrick , Robertson Simon , Hegde Shilpa , Greenwood Rosemary , Massey Edwin , Davis Peter
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: The traditional method of calculating blood volume for pediatric transfusion in the UK is weight (kg) × aimed increment in hemoglobin concentration (Hb; g/dL) × the transfusion factor, usually quoted at 3 or 4. This equation is without evidence base. The aim was to assess how the volume of red cells (RBCs) affects the increase in serum Hb in children and to devise a formula that allows accurate volume calculation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All pediatric intensive care charts for 2 years were examined retrospectively. The immediate pre‐ and posttransfusion Hb estimations and the precise volumes of RBC transfused were recorded. Fluid boluses and hemorrhagic loss during the transfusion were documented.

RESULTS: A total of 7679 patient charts were examined with a total of 564 transfusions. All patients who were bleeding, had drain losses, or had concurrent colloid infusions were excluded, giving 379 data points. The correlation gradient between mL per kg blood transfused and increase in Hb was 5.02. There was no significant association between effect and patient weight, age, starting Hb, transfusion time, or sex. No significant difference was found in Hb at 1 and 7 hours posttransfusion.

CONCLUSIONS: The following equation should be used to calculate transfusion volumes: weight (kg) × increment in Hb (g/dL) × 3/(hematocrit [Hct] level of RBCs). This predicts that with a UK standard Hct of 0.6, 10 mL/kg gives an increment of 2 g/dL. Care must be taken not to risk hypervolemia, while minimizing donor exposure. Hb estimation 1 hour after transfusion is the same as 7 hours after transfusion.
A comparative study of reducing the extracellular potassium concentration in red blood cells by washing and by reduction of additive solution
Authors: Bansal Ila , Calhoun Beverly W. , Joseph Cherilyn , Pothiawala Mohammad , Baron Beverly W.
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: Extracellular potassium concentration (K+) increases in the supernatant of whole and packed red blood cell units (pRBCs) with duration of refrigerated storage in citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose‐adenine (CPDA‐1) and additive solution (AS). Studies have shown that to avoid hyperkalemia, washed pRBCs are preferred if relatively fresh pRBCs are not available. To determine whether a simpler procedure, AS reduction, results in lowering of K+ in pRBCs comparable to that achieved by washing, the K+ levels by both methods were compared.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Pre‐ and post‐K+ levels were measured in 6 washed and 11 AS‐reduced pRBC units. Each unit was weighed, hematocrit was determined, K+ was measured, and total K+ was calculated. Washed units were 3 to 21 and AS‐reduced units were 4 to 30 days old. Statistical analysis was performed with a t test.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference (p > 0.35) in the initial K+ between the two groups (mean ± SD, 36.95 ± 13.16 mEq/L before washing and 39.78 ± 19.94 mEq/L before AS reduction). Washing and AS reduction both led to a significant decrease in K+ levels (2.15 ± 0.10 mEq/L after washing and 4.41 ± 3.04 mEq/L after AS reduction, each p < 0.0005). Washing, however, was significantly better than AS reduction in reducing K+ in stored pRBCs (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Washing pRBCs results in very low levels of K+. AS reduction also significantly reduces K+ levels. Selection of the method of K+ reduction will depend on the stringency of K+ reduction needed, the time constraints, and the availability of facilities and staff for washing.
Accurate and Reproducible Target Navigation with the Stereotaxis Niobe® Magnetic Navigation System
Authors: ARMACOST MICHELLE P. , ADAIR JANET , MUNGER TORREY , VISWANATHAN RAJU R. , CREIGHTON FRANCIS M. , CURD DAVID T. , SEHRA RUCHIR
Published: December 2006

Introduction: The Stereotaxis Niobe® Magnetic Navigation System (MNS, Stereotaxis, Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA) allows for remote‐control navigation of magnetically enabled catheters and guidewires for clinical ablation and electrophysiology (EP) device placement using two permanent magnets located on opposite sides of the patient table. Our objective was to provide a clinical framework for expected navigational accuracy during a case by calibrating the system's reproducibility using a realistic heart phantom under various conditions.

Methods and Results: We performed two sets of experiments to demonstrate the accuracy of magnetic catheters using the MNS. The first experiment calibrated deviations in the deflection of an EP catheter by the magnetic system from the expected angles using proprietary algorithms based on predicted geometry. We found that the magnetic fields produced catheter angulation movements within a mean of 4° of biophysical predictions. The second experiment used the MNS to navigate these catheters to previously labeled target positions within a phantom heart model and estimated the actual displacement from desired target positions. We found that the accuracy for reaching the desired targets was 100%.

Conclusions: Remote navigation of magnetically enabled EP catheters using the MNS accurately and reproducibly navigates to target sites in a heart phantom. This may enable more complex, successful, and time‐efficient procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Progressive Remodeling of the Atrial Substrate—A Novel Finding from Consecutive Voltage Mapping in Patients with Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation
Authors: LO LI‐WEI , TAI CHING‐TAI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , WONGCHAROEN WANWARANG , CHANG SHENG‐HSIUNG , HSIEH MING‐HSIUNG , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , UDYAVAR AMEYA R. , CHEN YI‐JEN , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: December 2006

Background: Atrial substrate properties have been demonstrated to be related to atrial arrhythmias. This study investigated whether the atrial substrate exhibits progressive remodeling in patients with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation.

Methods and Results: Fifteen consecutive AF patients (52 ± 12 years old, 12 males) underwent the same mapping technique (NavX, St. Jude Medical, Minnetonka, MN, USA) and same ablation technique for primary AF and recurrence of AF (170 ± 66 days after the first procedure). The bipolar mean peak‐to‐peak voltage (PPV) of the global left atrium during sinus rhythm significantly decreased in the second procedure (2.25 ± 0.62 vs. 1.79 ± 0.60 mV, P = 0.008). Also, the percentage of the surface area of the low voltage zone (LVZ; less than 0.5 mV) in the left atrium increased from 6 ± 4% to 13 ± 6% (P = 0.001) in the second procedure. There was no significant change in the right atrial bipolar mean PPV or surface area of the LVZ in the second procedure.

Conclusion: Atrial substrate remodeling with a progressive decrease in the left atrial voltage was demonstrated in patients with recurrent AF.
Training Teachers to Use Food to Teach Science
Authors: Schaich‐Rogers Barbara
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT:  In January 2006, every science department chair in U.S. public, private, and parochial high schools received information on food science, including a DVD, poster, and experiment guide developed by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), IFT Foundation, and Discovery Education. To promote the experiments and to encourage implementation of the program's components in secondary schools, the IFT K‐12 Career Guidance Committee presented a teacher training session at the national IFT Annual Meeting + Food EXPO® in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, June 26, 2006. Twenty Orlando‐area science teachers were treated to 3 h of activities, during which they performed and learned how to teach 3 experiments from the areas of physics, chemistry, and biology, demonstrated by the committee. In addition, to extend the effects of the session beyond the Orlando area, IFT member Food Science Ambassadors were invited to the training session so that they could become proficient in demonstrating the experiments, and to equip them with the knowledge to host a training session in their own geographical area in the future. Fifteen Food Science Ambassadors attended the session. After lab time, K‐12 Career Guidance Committee members and IFT Student Association (IFTSA) chapter presidents led small groups of teachers on tours of the EXPO floor to learn more about how science is applied in the food industry.
Identification of diabetic macular oedema using retinal thickness measurements
Authors: Knudsen Lars Loumann
Published: December 2006

Background:  Identification of clinically significant macular oedema (CSMO) involves human depth perception, which is subject to a degree of uncertainty. However, although the ability to obtain objective thickness measurements of the central macular region may be advantageous, the topography of the macular region suggests that average thickness measurements represent a simplification of the topographic profile of the region. This study explored the applicability of additional sub‐analysis of central macular thickness measurements.

Methods:  The study included 47 eyes of 47 normal subjects and 158 ocular examinations of 38 eyes from 22 diabetic subjects with and without CSMO. All eyes underwent central macular thickness measurements using retinal thickness analysis equipment. Eyes of diabetes subjects were classified as being without CSMO (n = 53), with focal CSMO (n = 50) and with diffuse CSMO (n = 55). The central macular region was subdivided into narrow concentric rings around the foveola, using a new invention, and the thicknesses of the individual concentric rings were calculated. The sensitivity and specificity of the CSMO diagnosis were established using the average thickness and the thicknesses of the concentric rings.

Results:  The average thickness of the central macular region was found to be 165.1 µm in eyes of normal subjects and 192.3 µm in eyes without CSMO. It increased non‐significantly to 198.2 µm in eyes with focal CSMO and significantly to 236.9 µm in eyes with diffuse CSMO. Sensitivity for focal CSMO was 48.0% with average thickness measurements and 83.6% with concentric rings. Corresponding values for detection of diffuse CSMO were 91.7% and 96.1%, respectively. Specificity was 77.4% with average thickness measurements and 79.7% with concentric rings.

Conclusions:  Thickness measurements of the central macular region can be used to distinguish between eyes with and without diffuse CSMO, but not between eyes with and without focal CSMO. Additional sub‐analysis based on concentric rings around the foveola seems to be a useful clinical tool that increases diagnostic certainty in these eyes.
Antidepressants in child and adolescent depression: where are the bugs?
Authors: Moreno C. , Arango C. , Parellada M. , Shaffer D. , Bird H.
Published: December 2006

Objective:  To examine the data on the effect of antidepressant medication in depressed children and adolescents and the causes of the results obtained.

Method:  A systematic literature search was conducted, supplemented by a manual search, and a search of public online information on paediatric antidepressant trials reviewed by regulatory agencies.

Results:  Data gathered from published and unpublished randomized controlled trials vary in their findings, with most of the studies showing a lack of efficacy characterized by a high placebo response rate.

Conclusion:  Differences from efficacy results with the same drugs in adult depression may be because of neurobiological developmental correlates, developmental differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, high rates of placebo response in children, and a number of methodological influences. There are several areas needing more attention in paediatric antidepressant clinical trials. Judicious use of published and unpublished studies to assess who may benefit from treatment with antidepressants seems warranted.
Development of the Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale
Authors: Bowden C. L. , Singh V. , Thompson P. , Gonzalez J. M. , Katz M. M. , Dahl M. , Prihoda T. J. , Chang X.
Published: December 2006

Objective:  Most rating scales for bipolar disorders (BDs) do not encompass the spectrum of symptomatology now established as characterizing the illness. We report the rationale, format, reliability and initial validity studies of the Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale (BISS), a 44‐item scale designed to encompass the spectrum of behavioral disturbances in BDs.

Method:  Structured video interviews of 20 patients representing four bipolar syndromal subtypes were rated by nine raters.

Results:  Generally, high inter‐rater reliability and internal consistency were established for the depression and mania subscales and the BISS total score. The BISS discriminated across subtypes of bipolar patients with depressed, manic/hypomanic, mixed manic or recovered status.

Conclusion:  The BISS has adequate reliability, concurrent validity and is capable of discriminating between bipolar subtypes. It also provides a comprehensive scale to assess discrete behavioral components of BD.
Clinical evaluation of demineralized bone allograft in a hyaluronic acid carrier for sinus lift augmentation in humans: a computed tomography and histomorphometric study
Authors: Schwartz Zvi , Goldstein Moshe , Raviv Einav , Hirsch Ariel , Ranly Don M. , Boyan Barbara D.
Published: December 2006

Objectives: Natural and synthetic graft materials are used routinely in sinus floor augmentations to help support implants in atrophic maxillary ridges. This clinical study was based on the hypothesis that the clinical effectiveness of demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft/demineralized bone matrix (DFDBA/DBM) in sinus lifts varies when used in combination bone graft substitute materials. To test this hypothesis, DFDBA was used together with one of three materials: in saline plus anorganic bone (DFDBA: Bio‐Oss®); in hyaluronic acid (DFDBA: HY, 32 : 68, w/w; DBX®) alone; DBX® plus Bio‐Oss®; and DBX® plus tricalcium phosphate granules (β‐TCP).

Material and methods: Thirty‐two sinus lift procedures, eight per group, were performed on 26 patients. Before surgery and at 8 months post‐surgery when implants were placed, ridge heights were visualized by computed tomography (CT) and measured by morphometric analysis. Cores of bone were removed by trephine at the sites of implant placement; these biopsies from the graft sites were used for histomorphometric analysis.

Results: All 32 sinus lift elevations were successful when measured by CT, increasing from an average 2.84±0.2 mm before treatment to 15.2±0.6 mm after treatment. The percent of each biopsy that was occupied by new bone and incorporated bone graft materials varied with each treatment: DFDBA+Bio‐Oss®, DBX®+Bio‐Oss®, or DBX® alone was higher than that for DBX®+β‐TCP by approximately 10%. When comparing only newly formed bone, DBX®+β‐TCP treatment resulted in 50% less bone than the other three preparations. All grafted sites received implants as per the treatment plan for each patient.

Conclusions: This study confirmed the hypothesis that new bone formation is dependent on the DFDBA formulation used and demonstrated that DBX®, alone or in combination with other materials, can be used successfully for sinus floor elevation.
Therapy of peri‐implantitis with resective surgery. A 3‐year clinical trial on rough screw‐shaped oral implants. Part II: radiographic outcome
Authors: Romeo Eugenio , Lops Diego , Chiapasco Matteo , Ghisolfi Marco , Vogel Giorgio
Published: December 2006

Objectives: This clinical study on therapy of peri‐implantitis aimed to compare the marginal bone loss of implants treated with different surgical approaches: implantoplasty and peri‐implant resective surgery only.

Material and methods: Over a period of 6 years, 10 patients (20 implants) were treated with implantoplasty (test group) and 9 had resective surgery (control group). A computerized analysis of radiographs was performed to calculate marginal bone loss (MBL) values mesial and distal to the implants. The measurement system was set by means of known implant sizes. Data on MBL were collected at the time of peri‐implantitis diagnosis, 1, 2 and 3 years after surgery.

Results: There was no difference between the mean MBL values three years after implantoplasty in the test group: 0 and 0.01 mm of MBL mesial and distal to the implant were found (P>0.05). Conversely, the mean MBL values recorded in the control group were statistically different: 1.44 and 1.54 mm of MBL mesial and distal to the implant were found (P<0.05) 3 years after resective surgery. Moreover, the variation of peri‐implant marginal bone after peri‐implantitis surgical treatment was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusions: The results of this radiographic research suggested that implantoplasty was an effective treatment of peri‐implant infections and peri‐implantitis progression.
Influence of controlled immediate loading and implant design on peri‐implant bone formation
Authors: Vandamme Katleen , Naert Ignace , Geris Liesbet , Sloten Jozef Vander , Puers Robert , Duyck Joke
Published: December 2006

Aim: Tissue formation at the implant interface is known to be sensitive to mechanical stimuli. The aim of the study was to compare the bone formation around immediately loaded versus unloaded implants in two different implant macro‐designs.

Material and Methods: A repeated sampling bone chamber with a central implant was installed in the tibia of 10 rabbits. Highly controlled loading experiments were designed for a cylindrical (CL) and screw‐shaped (SL) implant, while the unloaded screw‐shaped (SU) implant served as a control. An F‐statistic model with α=5% determined statistical significance.

Results: A significantly higher bone area fraction was observed for SL compared with SU (p<0.0001). The mineralized bone fraction was the highest for SL and significantly different from SU (p<0.0001). The chance that osteoid‐ and bone‐to‐implant contact occurred was the highest for SL and significantly different from SU (p<0.0001), but not from CL. When bone‐to‐implant contact was observed, a loading (SL versus SU: p=0.0049) as well as an implant geometry effect (SL versus CL: p=0.01) was found, in favour of the SL condition.

Conclusions: Well‐controlled immediate implant loading accelerates tissue mineralization at the interface. Adequate bone stimulation via mechanical coupling may account for the larger bone response around the screw‐type implant compared with the cylindrical implant.
Fibre retention osseous resective surgery: a novel conservative approach for pocket elimination
Authors: Carnevale Gianfranco
Published: December 2006

Aim and Background: The position of the most apical inter‐dental portion of the alveolar crest is classically used in osseous resective surgery (ORS) to establish the amount of the inter‐proximal and buccal/lingual bone resection. Supracrestal fibres connected to the root cementum are always present coronal to the alveolar crest both in healthy and diseased sites. The aim of this paper is to report a novel surgical approach that combines the classical method of osseous resection with the gingival fibre retention technique.

Material and Methods: A description of the surgical procedure in four steps is provided (flap design, marginal soft tissue removal and fibre retention, ORS, suture of the flap).

Results and Conclusion: The proposed technique shifts the bottom of the defect in a more coronal position at the level of the connective tissue fibre attachment, establishing a more conservative supporting bone resection.
Periodontal healing after non‐surgical therapy with a new ultrasonic device: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Christgau M. , Männer T. , Beuer S. , Hiller K.‐A. , Schmalz G.
Published: December 2006

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and microbiological healing outcomes following non‐surgical periodontal therapy using the new Vector™ ultrasonic system versus scaling and root planing (S/RP) with Gracey curettes.

Material and Methods: The study comprised 20 chronic periodontitis patients. Using a split‐mouth design, both treatment modalities were randomly applied to one quadrant of the upper and the lower jaws each. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months after treatment. Furthermore, post‐operative hypersensitivity was assessed. The Wilcoxon signed rank test (α=0.05) was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Both therapies provided statistically significant clinical and microbiological improvements of periodontal conditions after 4 weeks and 6 months. Hypersensitive teeth were found only 4 weeks after S/RP. Besides a significantly better bleeding on probing reduction in deep S/RP sites, no other clinical and microbiological parameters revealed significant differences between the sites treated with the Vector™ system or S/RP.

Conclusion: Both the Vector™ system and S/RP provided favourable periodontal healing results, although in deep pockets S/RP appeared to achieve a better resolution of inflammation.
Cytoskeleton and Vesicle Mobility in Astrocytes
Authors: Potokar Maja , Kreft Marko , Li Lizhen , Daniel Andersson J , Pangršič Tina , Chowdhury Helena H. , Pekny Milos , Zorec Robert
Published: December 2006

Exocytotic vesicles in astrocytes are increasingly viewed as essential in astrocyte‐to‐neuron communication in the brain. In neurons and excitable secretory cells, delivery of vesicles to the plasma membrane for exocytosis involves an interaction with the cytoskeleton, in particular microtubules and actin filaments. Whether cytoskeletal elements affect vesicle mobility in astrocytes is unknown. We labeled single vesicles with fluorescent atrial natriuretic peptide and monitored their mobility in rat astrocytes with depolymerized microtubules, actin, and intermediate filaments and in mouse astrocytes deficient in the intermediate filament proteins glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. In astrocytes, as in neurons, microtubules participated in directional vesicle mobility, and actin filaments played an important role in this process. Depolymerization of intermediate filaments strongly affected vesicle trafficking and in their absence the fraction of vesicles with directional mobility was reduced.
Dynactin Enhances the Processivity of Kinesin‐2
Authors: Berezuk Matthew A. , Schroer Trina A.
Published: December 2006

Kinesin‐2 is a major microtubule‐based motor in most cell types. Its in vitro motile properties have been analyzed extensively and been found to differ considerably from kinesin‐1. Although recombinant kinesin‐2 heterodimers exhibit processive movement, the processivity of the native kinesin‐2 holoenzyme has never been evaluated. Kinesin‐2 can interact with dynactin, a ‘processivity factor’ for cytoplasmic dynein, which may alter its motile properties. In this study, we analyze the in vitro motility of single native kinesin‐2 molecules and determine the effects of dynactin on motor processivity. We find that individual native kinesin‐2 molecules travel processively. Dynactin has no effect on velocity but significantly increases the run length of kinesin‐2 movements. These results show that the interaction with dynactin has important functional consequences on the activity of the kinesin‐2 motor.
C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice vary in lick rate and ingestive microstructure
Authors: Boughter J. D. , Baird J.‐P. , Bryant J. , St. John S. J. , Heck D.
Published: December 2006

Fluid licking in mice is an example of a rhythmic behavior thought to be under the control of a central pattern generator. Inbred strains of mice have been shown to differ in mean or modal interlick interval (ILI) duration, suggesting a genetic‐based variation. We investigated water licking in the commonly used inbred strains C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2), using a commercially available contact lickometer. Results from 20‐min test sessions indicated that D2 mice lick at a faster rate than B6 mice (10.6 licks/s vs. 8.5 licks/s), based on analysis of the distribution of short‐duration ILIs (50–160 ms). This strain difference was independent of sex, extent of water deprivation or total number of licks. D2 mice also displayed a faster lick rate when the strains were tested with a series of brief (5 s) trials. However, when ingestion over the entire 20‐min session was analyzed, it was evident that D2 mice had an overall slower rate of ingestion than B6 mice. This was because of the tendency for D2 mice to have more very long pauses (>30 s) between sequences of licking bursts. Overall, it appeared that D2 mice licked more efficiently, ingesting more rapidly during excursions to the spout that were fewer and farther between.
Disruption of the vasopressin 1b receptor gene impairs the attack component of aggressive behavior in mice
Authors: Wersinger S. R. , Caldwell H. K. , Christiansen M. , Young W. S.
Published: December 2006

Vasopressin affects behavior via its two brain receptors, the vasopressin 1a and vasopressin 1b receptors (Avpr1b). Recent work from our laboratory has shown that disruption of the Avpr1b gene reduces intermale aggression and reduces social motivation. Here, we further characterized the aggressive phenotype in Avpr1b −/− (knockout) mice. We tested maternal aggression and predatory behavior. We also analyzed the extent to which food deprivation and competition over food increases intermale aggression. We quantified defensive behavior in Avpr1b −/− mice and later tested offensive aggression in these same mice. Our results show that attack behavior toward a conspecific is consistently reduced in Avpr1b −/− mice. Predatory behavior is normal, suggesting that the deficit is not because of a global inability to detect and attack stimuli. Food deprivation, competition for food and previous experience increase aggression in both Avpr1b +/+ and −/− mice. However, in these circumstances, the level of aggression seen in knockout mice is still less than that observed in wild‐type mice. Defensive avoidance behaviors, such as boxing and fleeing, are largely intact in knockout mice. Avpr1b −/− mice do not display as many ‘retaliatory’ attacks as the Avpr1b +/+ mice. Interestingly, when territorial aggression was measured following the defensive behavior testing, Avpr1b −/− mice typically show less initial aggressive behavior than wild‐type mice, but do show a significant increase in aggression with repeated testing. These studies confirm that deficits in aggression in Avpr1b −/− mice are limited to aggressive behavior involving the attack of a conspecific. We hypothesize that Avpr1b plays an important role in the central processing that couples the detection and perception of social cues (which appears normal) with the appropriate behavioral response.
Social reward among juvenile mice
Authors: Panksepp J. B. , Lahvis G. P.
Published: December 2006

Mammalian social relationships, such as mother–offspring attachments and pair bonds, can directly affect reproductive output. However, conspecifics approach one another in a comparatively broad range of contexts, so conceivably there are motivations for social congregation other than those underlying reproduction, parental care or territoriality. Here, we show that reward mediated by social contact is a fundamental aspect of juvenile mouse sociality. Employing a novel social conditioned place preference (SCPP) procedure, we demonstrate that social proximity is rewarding for juvenile mice from three inbred strains (A/J, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J), while mice from a fourth strain (BALB/cJ) are much less responsive to social contact. Importantly, this strain‐dependent difference was not related to phenotypic variability in exploratory behavior or contextual learning nor influenced by the genetic background associated with maternal care or social conditioning. Furthermore, the SCPP phenotype was expressed early in development (postnatal day 25) and did not require a specific sex composition within the conditioning group. Finally, SCPP responses resulted from an interaction between two specifiable processes: one component of the interaction facilitated approach toward environments that were associated with social salience, whereas a second component mediated avoidance of environmental cues that predicted social isolation. We have thus identified a genetically prescribed process that can attribute value onto conditions predicting a general form of social contact. To our knowledge, this is the first definitive evidence to show that genetic variation can influence a form of social valuation not directly related to a reproductive behavior.
Nanoparticle–enzyme hybrid systems for nanobiotechnology
Authors: Willner Itamar , Basnar Bernhard , Willner Bilha
Published: December 2006

Biomolecule–nanoparticle (NP) [or quantum‐dot (QD)] hybrid systems combine the recognition and biocatalytic properties of biomolecules with the unique electronic, optical, and catalytic features of NPs and yield composite materials with new functionalities. The biomolecule–NP hybrid systems allow the development of new biosensors, the synthesis of metallic nanowires, and the fabrication of nanostructured patterns of metallic or magnetic NPs on surfaces. These advances in nanobiotechnology are exemplified by the development of amperometric glucose sensors by the electrical contacting of redox enzymes by means of AuNPs, and the design of an optical glucose sensor by the biocatalytic growth of AuNPs. The biocatalytic growth of metallic NPs is used to fabricate Au and Ag nanowires on surfaces. The fluorescence properties of semiconductor QDs are used to develop competitive maltose biosensors and to probe the biocatalytic functions of proteases. Similarly, semiconductor NPs, associated with electrodes, are used to photoactivate bioelectrocatalytic cascades while generating photocurrents.
N‐Glycans of the porcine nematode parasite Ascaris suum are modified with phosphorylcholine and core fucose residues
Authors: Pöltl Gerald , Kerner Denise , Paschinger Katharina , Wilson Iain B. H.
Published: December 2006

In recent years, the glycoconjugates of many parasitic nematodes have attracted interest due to their immunogenic and immunomodulatory nature. Previous studies with the porcine roundworm parasite Ascaris suum have focused on its glycosphingolipids, which were found, in part, to be modified by phosphorylcholine. Using mass spectrometry and western blotting, we have now analyzed the peptide N‐glycosidase A‐released N‐glycans of adults of this species. The presence of hybrid bi‐ and triantennary N‐glycans, some modified by core α1,6‐fucose and peripheral phosphorylcholine, was demonstrated by LC/electrospray ionization (ESI)‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS, as was the presence of paucimannosidic N‐glycans, some of which carry core α1,3‐fucose, and oligomannosidic oligosaccharides. Western blotting verified the presence of protein‐bound phosphorylcholine and core α1,3‐fucose, whereas glycosyltransferase assays showed the presence of core α1,6‐fucosyltransferase and Lewis‐type α1,3‐fucosyltransferase activities. Although, the unusual tri‐ and tetrafucosylated glycans found in the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans were not found, the vast majority of the N‐glycans found in A. suum represent a subset of those found in C. elegans; thus, our data demonstrate that the latter is an interesting glycobiological model for parasitic nematodes.