bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrolytes Changes in Mammary Secretions Before Foaling in Jennies
Authors: Carluccio A , De Amicis I , Panzani S , Tosi U , Faustini M , Veronesi MC
Published: October 2007

Contents

No knowledge regarding the peripartum changes in mammary secretions in the jenny are presently available in literature. In the mare, instead, several studies report the role of these changes as indicators of foetal readiness for birth and impending parturition. This experiment was designed to determine calcium, sodium, potassium concentrations, and the value of sodium/potassium ratio in mammary fluids during prepartum in the jenny. Samples were daily collected by hand milking, after mammary gland size increased noticeably, from 17 Martina Franca jennies. Prepartum mammary secretions were analysed every other day between day 10 and day 2 antepartum, and then once a day from the day before to the day of parturition. Calcium concentration showed a significant increase between day 10 and day 6 antepartum and then between day 6 and days 4 and 2. Afterwards, another statistical significant increase was observed at parturition. Sodium concentration significantly decreased from day 10 to day 2 prepartum. Potassium concentration significantly increased between day 10 and day 8 before parturition, then showed a further increase at day 4, followed by none significant changes until foaling. All jennies showed a reversal in sodium/potassium ratio between 2 days antepartum and the day before. In conclusion, the evaluation of mammary fluid calcium concentrations and the reversal of sodium/potassium ratio could be used as good indicators of foetal maturity in the jenny. As far as the prediction of parturition is concerned, the reversal of sodium/potassium ratio is the best parameter, since it was detected 48–24 h before parturition in all considered animals.
Developing the image interpretation skills of South Pacific radiographers: A joint WHO/RANZCR/ISRRT project
Authors: Cowan I , Smith T , Nakabea P , Ajibulu O , Hennessy O
Published: October 2007

There is a shortage of radiologists in the Pacific Island nations. To help ‘fill the gap’, a project was conducted between 2004 and 2006 aimed at upskilling radiographers from South Pacific countries in basic radiological interpretation of plain film radiographs. It was intended that the radiographers would act as a resource, identifying and describing abnormalities to the local doctors and nurses, thus reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. A total of 23 participants, including one doctor and three health‐care assistants, attended a 2‐week course in 2004 or 2005. The course covered common abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system, chest and abdomen. Although they found the course challenging, most participants performed satisfactorily. Follow‐up visits to the radiographers and their nominated, medically qualified mentors emphasized interprofessional, sociocultural and workload challenges experienced by some of the radiographers in implementing their extended role. Most of them, however, had found ways to integrate their new knowledge and skills into their clinical practice. Thirteen radiographers attended a further 1‐week refresher course in 2006, showing their commitment to continued learning.
Fire‐eating: Hazards of hydrocarbon aspiration
Authors: Guandalini M , Steinke K
Published: October 2007

A 30‐year‐old male fire eater presented following aspiration of hydrocarbon fuel during a performance. A plain chest radiograph carried out 2 h after aspiration showed left lower lobe consolidation. The patient subsequently developed worsening shortness of breath, haemoptysis, fever and myalgia and a repeat plain chest radiograph showed extensive bilateral pulmonary consolidation with mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography showed features consistent with necrotizing pneumonia. The clinical course was complicated by the development of large pleural effusions, pneumatocoeles and a spontaneous pneumothorax. Early abnormalities on a plain chest radiograph following suspected hydrocarbon aspiration require close monitoring for the development of further life‐threatening complications.
Late rectal and urinary toxicity from conformal, dose‐escalated radiation therapy for prostate cancer: A prospective study of 402 patients
Authors: Lin C , Turner S , Mai T , Kneebone A , Gebski V
Published: October 2007

This study investigates the rate of late rectal and urinary toxicity from three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) for localized prostate cancer. The influence of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation (AD) on toxicity rates was also examined. A total of 402 men at Liverpool and Westmead hospitals received radical 3DCRT for localized prostate cancer between 1999 and 2003. Patients received either 70 Gy or 74 Gy, according to their prognostic risk grouping and or date of commencing radiation therapy (RT). Late rectal and urinary toxicity data were collected prospectively using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. The median follow up of this cohort was 43.5 months. At 36 months, the cumulative incidence of ≥grade 2 rectal and urinary toxicities was 6.7 and 17.5%, respectively. Peak prevalence of late urinary toxicity occurred at 36 months (9.5%), although late rectal toxicity was highest at 12 months (2.9%) from completion of 3DCRT. The use of AD did not cause additional late toxicities. Patients receiving 74 Gy did not experience significantly worse toxicities than the group receiving 70 Gy.
Palliative radiation therapy for localized prostate symptoms in hormone refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Hindson B , Turner S , Do V
Published: October 2007

Hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPCa) can cause debilitating local pelvic symptoms including urinary obstruction, pelvic pain, haematuria and obstructive rectal symptoms. High‐dose palliative radiation therapy (RT) is used in many centres to relieve these symptoms despite limited published evidence for its efficacy. This study aimed to assess if RT provides effective and durable palliation for local prostate symptoms in HRPCa. Thirty‐five HRPCa patients received RT to the prostate for local symptoms between November 2002 and March 2006. The median dose was 60 Gy in 30 fractions (range 30–70 Gy). Response around a 6‐month time point was scored as complete resolution, partial resolution, no change or local progression. Time to progression (defined as new or recurrent symptoms) or persistence of symptoms was recorded. Factors influencing outcome, such as dose, type and number of symptoms and previous transurethral resection, were examined. Twenty‐one (60%) patients had a complete (n = 3) or partial improvement (n = 18) in symptoms. All three complete responders had haematuria as their only symptom. In the eight (23%) patients with local progression, half progressed during treatment and all had done so within 3 months. This series represents a bigger cohort than any reported in published works examining this issue. It suggests that radiation is effective in palliating the local pelvic symptoms in HRPCa.
Five‐year outcomes for a smoking cessation clinic
Authors: ÖZTUNA Funda , ÇAN Gamze , ÖZLÜ Tevfik
Published: October 2007

Background and objectives:  In Turkey, smoking cessation clinics have increased rapidly in recent years. We evaluated the demographic characteristics and the factors influencing the success of quitting among participants in a smoking cessation programme who completed a 5‐year follow up.

Methods:  An observational study was conducted on all smokers who attended a smoking cessation clinic between April 2000 and June 2005.

Results:  Of the 350 participants recruited, 58% (n = 203) were male and 42% (n = 147) were female; 43.7% were university graduates. The average age of participants was 37.4 ± 11.8 years; the average nicotine addiction level, according to the Fagerstrom nicotine dependence questionnaire, was 5.4 (±2.0). Seventy‐eight (40.2%) of the 194 individuals who stopped smoking were women. At the end of 5 years, 34.6% of participants who attempted to quit were still successful. There was no difference between men and women in terms of their success in quitting after 5 years. Participants who received nicotine replacement therapy remained free of cigarettes 1.9 times (95% CI: 1.2–2.9) longer than those who did not.

Conclusion:  Smoking cessation programmes should use a combination of behavioural and pharmacological therapies.
Prospective evaluation of flex‐rigid pleuroscopy for indeterminate pleural effusion: Accuracy, safety and outcome
Authors: LEE Pyng , HSU Anne , LO Constance , COLT Henri G.
Published: October 2007

Objective:  This study aimed to assess prospectively the accuracy, safety and outcome of flex‐rigid pleuroscopy in the diagnosis of patients with indeterminate pleural effusions.

Methods:  Included in the study were all patients with unilateral exudative pleural effusions of unknown aetiology who underwent diagnostic flex‐rigid pleuroscopy from July 2003 to June 2005, and were followed until December 2005. The procedure was conducted in the endoscopy suite under local anaesthesia and, where indicated, talc poudrage was carried out at the same time. Clinical data, length of hospitalization, chest tube drainage, outcome, diagnostic accuracy of pleuroscopy and procedure‐related adverse events were recorded prospectively.

Results:  Fifty‐one patients were recruited (20 male and 31 female). Median age was 53 years (range 45–67). Flex‐rigid pleuroscopy was 96% accurate and yielded a diagnosis in 49 out of 51 patients. It was safely carried out without need for surgical intervention, blood transfusion or endotracheal intubation. Culture‐negative fever was observed in eight patients (16%), and five patients (10%) required additional analgesia for postoperative pain. Duration of chest tube drainage and length of stay for patients who underwent diagnostic pleuroscopy were 1 and 2 days, respectively, while they were both 3 days when talc poudrage was carried out. Success rates with pleuroscopic talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions were 94%, 92% and 89.5% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively, and the 30‐day mortality was 0%.

Conclusion:  Flex‐rigid pleuroscopy is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic accuracy and should be considered for the evaluation of indeterminate pleural effusion.
Pseudallescheria boydii or Aspergillus fumigatus in a lady with an unresolving lung infiltrate, and a literature review
Authors: LAM Sin‐Man , LAU Arthur Chun‐Wing , MA Ming‐Wai , YAM Loretta Yin‐Chun
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  A 53‐year‐old lady with blood‐stained sputum and pleuritic pain had a lingular opacity on CXR which failed to resolve. A bronchial aspirate and transbronchial biopsy revealed features of bronchocentric granulomatosis with dichotomous branching hyphae suggestive of Aspergillus infection. However, subsequent fungal culture grew Pseudallescheria boydii. This case demonstrates the similarity of clinical and histological features caused by these two fungi. This appears to be the first reported case of pulmonary pseudallescheria with a bronchocentric granulomatous response.
Detection of primary and metastatic lesions by [18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose PET in a patient with thymic carcinoid
Authors: FUJISHITA Takashi , KISHIDA Mika , TAKI Hirofumi , SHINODA Chie , MIYABAYASHI Koutarou , FUJISHITA Masayo , MARUYAMA Muneharu , MIZUSHIMA Yutaka , KOBAYASHI Masashi
Published: October 2007

We present a case of thymic carcinoid, in which primary and metastatic lesions of lymph nodes and bones could be detected by [18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG)‐PET, but not by 123I‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine (123I‐MIBG) SPECT, or by 99mTc‐methylene diphosphonate (99mTc‐MDP) bone scintigraphy. FDG‐PET may be a useful tool for managing thymic carcinoids in patients with negative results on 123I‐MIBG SPECT or 99mTc‐MDP imaging.
Do mitochondrial DNA haplogroups play a role in susceptibility to tuberculosis?
Authors: HOUSHMAND Massoud , BANOEI Mohammad Mehdi , TABARSI Payam , PANAHI Mehdi Shafa Shariat , KASHANI Baharak Hooshiar , EBRAHIMI Golnaz , ZARGAR Laleh , FARNIA Parissa , MORRIS Matthew W. , MANSOURI Davood , VELAYATI Ali Akbar , MIRSAEIDI Mehdi S.
Published: October 2007

Background and objectives:  Mitochondrial DNA has a unique role in ATP production and subsequent mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in eukaryotic cells and there is a potential role for ROS and oxygen burst against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an intracellular pathogen. This study aimed to determine whether the frequency of different mitochondrial haplogroups was significantly different in patients with tuberculosis (TB) compared with a normal population.

Methods:  Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups M, N, J and K were studied by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. Cases were 54 patients with confirmed smear positive pulmonary TB. Controls were 256 healthy persons.

Results:  There were no statistically significant differences between those with TB and the control group.

Conclusions:  There was no statistically significant association between mtDNA haplogroups and the presence of TB infection.
Role of Rel A and IkappaB of nuclear factor κB in the release of interleukin‐8 by cyclic mechanical strain in human alveolar type II epithelial cells A549
Authors: NING Qiaoming , WANG Xiangrui
Published: October 2007

Background and objective:  Overdistention of the lung tissue during mechanical ventilation may initiate ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI). Release of cytokines, including IL‐8, may be responsible for VILI, although the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether stretch‐induced IL‐8 production is dependent on degradation of IkappaB (IκB) and the resulting Rel A translocation into the nucleus.

Methods:  A549 cells were exposed to cyclic stretch of varying amplitude, frequency and duration before the mRNA and protein level of IL‐8 were measured. To observe the role of Rel A and IκB of nuclear factor κB, A549 cells were exposed to cyclic stretch for 5 min to 1 h. Real‐time PCR and ELISA respectively were performed to detect mRNA and IL‐8 protein. Rel A and IκBα were assessed by Western blot. Further confirmation was sought using a nuclear factor κB inhibitor (PDTC) before mechanical stretch.

Results:  A549 cells exposed to cyclic stretch produced IL‐8 in a time‐ and strain‐dependent manner, but there was no observed effect related to stretch frequency. Activation of Rel A and IκBα was detected 10 min after the initiation of stretch, peaked at 15 min and returned to baseline within 1 h. IL‐8 production was partially inhibited by the presence of PDTC.

Conclusion:  Cyclic mechanical stretch can activate Rel A translocation and IκBα degradation, thus inducing the secretion of IL‐8 in alveolar epithelial type II cells. Pharmacological inhibition of Rel A and IκBα inhibits IL‐8 mRNA and protein levels, suggesting novel approaches to prevent VILI.
Variations in hospitalizations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rural and urban Victoria, Australia
Authors: ANSARI Zahid , DUNT David , DHARMAGE Shyamali C.
Published: October 2007

Background and objective:  Effective and timely management of COPD should reduce the risk of hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to describe variations in COPD hospital admission rates as an indicator of the adequacy of primary care services.

Methods:  Age‐ and gender‐standardized hospital admission rates of COPD (2003–04) were computed using the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset. Potential predictors of COPD admission rates were identified from various sources of data. These included degree of remoteness, socio‐economic status, number of general practitioners per population, percentage of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, percentage of smokers, and co‐morbidities. These data were aggregated at the primary care partnership level, which are voluntary alliances of one or more local government areas in Victoria. Weighted least squares regression was used to identify the predictors of COPD admission rates.

Results:  Hospital admission rates for COPD were higher in rural than in metropolitan areas of Victoria. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between COPD admission rates and socio‐economic status, smoking rates and remoteness of the area.

Conclusions:  Small‐area analyses of COPD admission rates highlighted significant differences between urban and rural areas. The influence of socio‐economic status and degree of remoteness on COPD admission rates highlights opportunities for policymakers to develop targeted public health and health service interventions.
Poverty reduction by improving health and social services in Vietnam
Authors: Gien Lan. , Taylor Sharon , Barter Ken , Tiep Nguyen , Mai Bui X. , Lan Nguyen T.
Published: October 2007

Abstract  This article describes the development and implementation of a five‐year plan for the reduction of poverty and the enhancement of human development through improving public health and social services in rural Vietnam. This plan was achieved by training the trainers and building capacity for the social workers. The project was a collaborative effort between the Schools of Nursing and Social Work at Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and the University of Labor and Social Affairs, Hanoi, Vietnam. The collaboration was also committed to improving the quality of social work education and training in Vietnam. All the project's objectives were achieved beyond original expectations. The actual outcomes are sustainable and in addition gender equality has been a cross‐cutting theme.
Does the relationship between waist circumference, morbidity and mortality depend on measurement protocol for waist circumference?
Authors: Ross R. , Berentzen T. , Bradshaw A. J. , Janssen I. , Kahn H. S. , Katzmarzyk P. T. , Kuk J. L. , Seidell J. C. , Snijder M. B. , Sørensen T. I. A. , Després J‐P.
Published: October 2007

There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal protocol for measurement of waist circumference (WC), and no scientific rationale is provided for any of the WC protocols recommended by leading health authorities. A panel of experts conducted a systematic review of 120 studies (236 samples) to determine whether measurement protocol influenced the relationship of WC with morbidity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes and with mortality from all causes and from CVD. Statistically significant associations with WC were reported for 65% (152) of the samples across all outcomes combined. Common WC protocols performed measurement at the minimal waist (33%), midpoint (26%) and umbilicus (27%). Non‐significant associations were reported for 27% (64) of the samples. Most of these protocols measured WC at the midpoint (36%), umbilicus (28%) or minimal waist (25%). Significant associations were observed for 17 of the remaining 20 samples, but these were not significant when adjustment was made for covariates. For these samples, the most common WC protocols were the midpoint (35%) and umbilicus (30%). Similar patterns of association between the outcomes and all WC protocols were observed across sample size, sex, age, race and ethnicity. Our findings suggest that WC measurement protocol has no substantial influence on the association between WC, all‐cause and CVD mortality, CVD and diabetes.
Impacts of Positional Error on Spatial Regression Analysis: A Case Study of Address Locations in Syracuse, New York
Authors: Griffith Daniel A , Millones Marco , Vincent Matthew , Johnson David L , Hunt Andrew
Published: October 2007

Positional error is the error produced by the discrepancy between reference and recorded locations. In urban landscapes, locations typically are obtained from global positioning systems or geocoding software. Although these technologies have improved the locational accuracy of georeferenced data, they are not error free. This error affects results of any spatial statistical analysis performed with a georeferenced dataset. In this paper we discuss the properties of positional error in an address matching exercise and the allocation of point locations to census geography units. We focus on the error's spatial structure, and more particularly on impacts of error propagation in spatial regression analysis. For this purpose we use two geocoding sources, we briefly describe the magnitude and the nature of their discrepancies, and we evaluate the consequences that this type of locational error has on a spatial regression analysis of pediatric blood lead data for Syracuse, NY. Our findings include: (1) the confirmation of the recurrence of spatial clustering in positional error at various geographic resolutions; and, (2) the identification of a noticeable but not shockingly large impact from positional error propagation in spatial auto‐binomial regression analysis results for the dataset analyzed.
Sketch‐based Identification of Bench and Terrace Slope Breaks in the Laramie Basin, Wyoming
Authors: Prager Steven D , Daniels J Michael , Kelley Scott
Published: October 2007

This study presents a semi‐automated approach to support the identification of fluvial landform slope breaks in the Laramie Basin, southeastern Wyoming. The landforms in question form the edges of terraces and benches and tend to be subtle and varied depending on where they appear in the landscape. Because of this variation combined with DEM error, conventional raster filtering methods were unable to readily identify the benches with any consistency. In an effort to automate the collection of benches, a two stage, sketch‐based algorithm was designed to detect bench edges on a semi‐automated basis and was integrated into a commercial GIS environment for testing and execution. The approach of tailoring an algorithm to detect a particular feature proved viable and, in fact, more consistent in many cases than heads‐up digitizing. However, feature complexity appears to be a significant driver in the accuracy of the algorithmic approach with the unlikely finding that more complex features are more accurately identified than less complex features. This research demonstrates that user cognition, DEM resolution, algorithm functionality and landform characteristics are thus all important and interrelated factors requiring consideration when implementing approaches to topographic feature identification.
Ecological Cost‐Benefit Modelling of Herbivore Habitat Quality Degradation due to Range Fragmentation
Authors: Lundqvist Henrik
Published: October 2007

Fragmentation of grazing ranges and ensuing rise in edge effects decrease forage range quality for large herbivores. A method is proposed to quantify, in ecological cost‐benefit terms, the negative impact of fragmentation by linear structures with special emphasis on summer ranges of semi‐domesticated reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus). The method is also applicable to other terrestrial species and on different scales. The term ‘reachability’ is introduced for this measurement, which integrates forage quality, quantity and availability, as well as the costs of the animal's movement in a variable landscape and across fragmenting linear structures. The method uses a cost‐distance algorithm, commonly available in GIS software. Effective distances and reachability over large areas are calculated from evenly distributed sample points. Effects of varying sample point distance, fragmenting structure friction weight and density, and edge effect depth were analysed for model calibration. In an example the model was used for estimation of reachability alteration due to linear structures in the summer ranges of the Handölsdalen reindeer herding district in Sweden, where hourly GPS positions of 10 free‐ranging female reindeer were available. In these data the reindeer population density appeared to decrease up to 1 km away from roads, but no effect from hiking trails was detected. The reachability model quantified a loss of 2.2–2.7% in range quality due to range fragmentation.
A GIS Framework for Spatio‐temporal Analysis and Visualization of Laboratory Mice Tracking Data
Authors: Kritzler Mareike , Raubal Martin , Krüger Antonio
Published: October 2007

Knowing the locations and spatio‐temporal paths of individual mice is an essential prerequisite for behavioral analysis of large groups of laboratory mice. Traditional observations have been carried out by trained humans who are able to distinguish more than fifty behavioral patterns. This is a tedious labor limited with respect to length of observation time. In this paper we propose a tracking solution based on the integration of GIS and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to automatically collect 24h/7days of movement data. Appropriate cage design and antenna placement are discussed. A software solution is presented to facilitate the recording (JerryTS), visualization, and analysis (TOM) of mice movements.
State Visits and International Trade
Authors: Nitsch Volker
Published: October 2007

Politicians travel extensively abroad, for various reasons. One purpose of external visits is to improve bilateral economic relations. In this paper, I examine the effect of state visits on international trade. Based on a large data set that covers the travel activities of the heads of state of France, Germany and the United States for the period from 1948 to 2003, I find that state and official visits are indeed positively correlated with exports. I first apply a gravity model of trade to control for other trade determinants and find that a visit is typically associated with higher exports by about 8 to 10 per cent; the results are sensitive to the type of visit (as they should). I then use a differences‐in‐differences specification to deal with the issue of reverse causality. The results show a strong, but short‐lived effect of visits on bilateral exports growth, which is driven by repeated visits to a country. Additional support is provided by an exploratory instrumental vari‐ables analysis.
Output Movements in East Asia: Is There a Regional Factor?
Authors: Socorro Gochoco‐Bautista Maria
Published: October 2007

Using Lumsdaine and Prasad's (2003) methodology to construct a measure of the common component of industrial output fluctuations with time‐varying weights, this study finds that there is a significant regional factor that explains the movement in industrial production output across countries in East Asia (ASEAN 5 + 3). The cumulated common component for East Asia has very distinct peaks and troughs, with turning points occurring about every three years. Shocks in 2000–2001, coinciding with the bursting of the IT bubble, appear to be very important as there is a very large decline in the common component of industrial production output, larger than that experienced during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Similar to McKinnon and Schnabl's (2003) findings, the Japanese economy is important for the region as its industrial production output cycle has the largest weight in the construction of the cumulated common component for the region and appears to be the most similar to it. Nevertheless, China's asymmetry with the cumulated component for the region appears to have been beneficial for the region, especially in the most recent period.
Inhibition of vertebral endplate perfusion results in decreased intervertebral disc intranuclear diffusive transport
Authors: Van Der Werf Marije , Lezuo Patrick , Maissen Otto , Van Donkelaar Corrinus C. , Ito Keita
Published: October 2007

Impaired nutrition of the intervertebral disc has been hypothesized to be one of the causes of disc degeneration. However, no causal relationship between decreased endplate perfusion and limited nutrient transport has been demonstrated to support this pathogenic mechanism. To determine the importance of endplate perfusion on solute diffusion into the nucleus pulposus and to show causality of endplate perfusion on intranuclear diffusion in large animal lumbar intervertebral discs, diffusive transport into ovine lumbar intervertebral discs was evaluated after inhibiting adjacent vertebral endplate perfusion. Partial perfusion blocks were created in vertebrae close and parallel to both endplates of lumbar discs of anaesthetized sheep. To assess diffusivity of small molecules through the endplate, N2O was introduced into the inhalation gas mixture and concentrations of intranuclear N2O were measured for 35 min thereafter. Post mortem, procion red was infused through the spinal vasculature and perfusion through the endplate was assessed by quantifying the density of dye‐perfused endplate vascular buds in histology sections. Perfusion of the endplates overlying the nucleus pulposus was inhibited by almost 50% in the partially blocked discs relative to the control discs. There was also a nine‐fold decreased transport rate of intranuclear N2O in partially blocked discs compared with control discs. The density of perfused endplate vascular buds correlated significantly to the amount of transported intranuclear N2O (r2 = 0.52, P = 0.008). The vertebral endplate was demonstrated to be the main route of intravascular solute transport into the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs, and inhibition of endplate perfusion can cause inhibited solute transport into the disc intranuclear tissue.
Inpatient treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry – a prospective study of health gain and costs
Authors: Green Jonathan , Jacobs Brian , Beecham Jennifer , Dunn Graham , Kroll Leo , Tobias Catherine , Briskman Jackie
Published: October 2007

Background:  Inpatient treatment is a complex intervention for the most serious mental health disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry. This is the first large‐scale study into its effectiveness and costs. Previous studies have been criticised for methodological weaknesses.

Methods:  A prospective cohort study, including economic evaluation, conducted in 8 UK units (total n = 150) with one year follow‐up after discharge. Patients acted as their own controls. Outcome measurement was the clinician‐rated Childhood Global Assessment Scale (CGAS); researcher‐rated health needs assessment; parent‐ and teacher‐rated symptomatology.

Results:  We found a significant (p < .001) and clinically meaningful 12‐point improvement in CGAS following mean 16.6 week admission (effect size .92); this improvement was sustained at 1 year follow‐up. Comparatively, during the mean 16.4 week pre‐admission period there was a 3.7‐point improvement (effect size .27). Health needs assessment showed similar gain (p < .001, effect size 1.25), as did teacher‐ and parent‐rated symptoms. Improvement was found across all diagnoses. Longer stays, positive therapeutic alliance and better premorbid family functioning independently predicted better outcome. Mean cost of admission was £24,100; pre‐admission and post‐discharge support costs were similar.

Conclusions:  Inpatient treatment is associated with substantive sustained health gain across a range of diagnoses. Lack of intensive outpatient‐treatment alternatives limits any unqualified inference about causal effects, but the rigour of measurement here gives the strongest indication to date of the positive impact of admission for complex mental health problems in young people.
Nicotine increases dopamine clearance in medial prefrontal cortex in rats raised in an enriched environment
Authors: Zhu Jun , Bardo Michael T. , Green Thomas A. , Wedlund Peter J. , Dwoskin Linda P.
Published: October 2007

Environmental enrichment results in differential behavioral and neurochemical responsiveness to nicotine. The present study investigates dopamine clearance (CLDA) in striatum and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) usingin vivovoltammetry in rats raised in enriched (EC) or impoverished conditions (IC) and administered nicotine (0.4 mg/kg) or saline. Baseline CLDAin striatum or mPFC was not different between EC and IC. Across repeated DA application, striatal CLDAincreased in saline‐control EC and IC. CLDAincreased in mPFC in saline‐control IC; CLDAdid not change in saline‐control EC. Thus, enrichment differentially alters dynamic responses of the dopamine transporter (DAT) to repeated DA application in mPFC, but not in striatum. In EC, nicotine increased mPFC CLDAcompared to saline‐control, but had no effect on CLDAin IC; nicotine had no effect in striatum in EC or IC. Compared to respective saline‐controls, nicotine increased dihydroxyphenylacetic acid content in striatum and mPFC in EC, but not in IC. Nicotine also had no effect on DA content in striatum or mPFC in EC or IC. Results indicate that enrichment eliminated the dynamic response of mPFC DAT to repeated DA application in saline‐control and augmented the nicotine‐induced increase in DAT function in mPFC, but not in striatum.
Molecular characterization of the ligand binding site of the human galanin receptor type 2, identifying subtype selective interactions
Authors: Lundström Linda , Sollenberg Ulla E. , Bartfai Tamas , Langel Ülo
Published: October 2007

To define the specific role of the galanin receptors when mediating the effect of galanin, effective tools for distinct activation and inhibition of the different receptor subtypes are required. Several of the physiological effects modulated by galanin are implicated to be mediated via the GalR2 subtype and have been distinguished from GalR1 effects by utilizing the Gal(2–11) peptide, recognizing only GalR2 and GalR3. In this study, we have performed a mutagenesis approach on the GalR2 subtype and present, for the first time, a molecular characterization of the interactions responsible for ligand binding and receptor activation at this receptor subtype. Our results identify four residues, His252 and His253 located in transmembrane domain 6 and Phe264 and Tyr271 in the extracellular loop 3, to be of great significance. We show evidence for the N‐terminal tail of GalR2 to participate in ligand binding and that selective binding of Gal(2–11) includes interaction with the Ile256 residue, located at the very top of TM 6. In conclusion, we present a mutagenesis study on GalR2 and confer interactions responsible for ligand binding and receptor activation as well as selective recognition of the Gal(2–11) peptide at this receptor subtype. The presented observations could be of major importance for the design and development of new and improved peptide and non‐peptide ligands, selectively activating the GalR2 subtype.
Progranulin: normal function and role in neurodegeneration
Authors: Eriksen Jason L. , Mackenzie Ian R. A.
Published: October 2007

Progranulin (PGRN) is a multifunctional protein that has attracted significant attention in the neuroscience community following the recent discovery of PGRN mutations in some cases of frontotemporal dementia. Most of the pathogenic mutations result in null alleles, and it is thought that frontotemporal dementia in these families results from PGRN haploinsufficiency. The neuropathology associated with PGRN mutations is characterized by the presence of tau‐negative, ubiquitin‐immunoreactive neuronal inclusions (frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions) that are also positive for the transactivation response DNA binding protein with Mr 43 kD. The clinical phenotype includes behavioral abnormalities, language disorders and parkinsonism but not motor neuron disease. There is significant clinical variation between families with different PGRN mutations and among members of individual families. The normal function of PGRN is complex, with the full‐length form of the protein having trophic and anti‐inflammatory activity, whereas proteolytic cleavage generates granulin peptides that promote inflammatory activity. In the periphery, PGRN functions in wound healing responses and modulates inflammatory events. In the CNS, PGRN is expressed by neurons and microglia; consequently, reduced levels of PGRN could affect both neuronal survival and CNS inflammatory processes. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the molecular genetics, neuropathology, clinical phenotype and functional aspects of PGRN in the context of neurodegenerative disease.
Quantitative P–T–X constraints on orthopyroxene‐bearing high‐pressure granulites in felsic–metapelitic rocks: evidence from the Huangtuling granulite, Dabieshan Orogen
Authors: CHEN Y. , YE K. , LIU J‐B. , SUN M.
Published: October 2007

High‐pressure granulites are generally characterized by the absence of orthopyroxene. However, orthopyroxene is reported in a few high‐pressure, felsic–metapelitic granulites, such as the Huangtuling felsic high‐pressure granulite in the North Dabie metamorphic core complex in east‐central China, which rarely preserves the high‐pressure granulite facies assemblage of garnet + orthopyroxene + biotite + plagioclase + K‐feldspar + quartz. To investigate the effects of bulk‐rock composition on the stability of orthopyroxene‐bearing, high‐pressure granulite facies assemblages in the NCKFMASHTO (Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3) system, a series of P–T–X pseudosections based on the melt‐reintegrated composition of the Huangtuling felsic high‐pressure granulite were constructed. Calculations demonstrate that the orthopyroxene‐bearing, high‐pressure granulite facies assemblages are restricted to low XAl [Al2O3/(Na2O + CaO + K2O + FeO + MgO + Al2O3) < 0.35, mole proportion] or high XMg [MgO/(MgO + FeO) > 0.85] felsic–metapelitic rock types. This study also reveals that the XAl values in the residual felsic–metapelitic, high‐pressure granulites could be significantly reduced by a high proportion of melt loss. We suggest that orthopyroxene‐bearing, high‐pressure granulites occur in residual overthickened crustal basement under continental subduction–collision zones and arc–continent collision belts.
Minimally invasive surgical technique and enamel matrix derivative in intra‐bony defects. I: clinical outcomes and morbidity
Authors: Cortellini Pierpaolo , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: October 2007

Aims: This case cohort study was designed to evaluate the clinical performance and the intra‐operative and post‐operative morbidity of the minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) associated with the application of an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in the treatment of isolated deep intra‐bony defects.

Material and Methods: Forty deep isolated intra‐bony defects in 40 patients were surgically accessed with the MIST. This technique was designed to limit the mesio‐distal flap extension and the corono‐apical flap reflection in order to reduce the surgical trauma and increase flap stability. The incision of the defect‐associated papilla was performed according to the principles of the papilla preservation techniques. EMD was applied on the debrided and dried root surfaces. Stable primary closure of the flaps was obtained with modified internal mattress sutures. Surgery was performed with the aid of an operating microscope and microsurgical instruments. Clinical outcomes were collected at baseline and at 1 year. Intra‐operative and post‐operative morbidity was evaluated with questionnaires.

Results: The 1‐year clinical attachment gain was 4.9±1.7 mm (p<0.0001 compared with baseline). This corresponded to a 77.6±21.9% resolution of the defect. Residual probing pocket depths were 3±0.6 mm. A minimal increase of 0.4±0.7 mm in gingival recession between baseline and 1 year was recorded. No patients experienced intra‐operative pain, while only 14 reported a very moderate perception of the hardship of the surgical procedure [7±12 visual‐analogue scale (VAS) units, on average]. Primary closure was obtained in all treated sites. At the 1‐week follow‐up visit, 38 sites (95%) were still closed. Only 12 subjects reported moderate post‐operative pain (VAS 19±10) that lasted for 26±17 h.

Conclusions: These data indicate that the minimally invasive surgical technique, in combination with EMD, can be successfully applied in the treatment of isolated deep intra‐bony defects, resulting in excellent clinical outcomes with very limited intra‐ and post‐operative morbidity.
Role of IL‐6, TNF‐A and LT‐A variants in the modulation of the clinical expression of plaque‐induced gingivitis
Authors: Scapoli Chiara , Mamolini Elisabetta , Trombelli Leonardo
Published: October 2007

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to assess the association of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐A) and lymphotoxin alpha (LT‐A) gene polymorphisms with the clinical parameters of gingivitis in a large experimental gingivitis trial and with each of two subgroups, “high responder” (HR, n=24) and “low responder” (LR, n=24), with distinct susceptibility to gingivitis.

Material and Methods: Ninety‐six systemically and periodontally healthy non‐smokers, 46 males (mean age: 23.9±1.7) and 50 females (mean age: 23.3±1.6), were included in a randomized split‐mouth localized 21‐day experimental gingivitis trial. Plaque index, gingival index, gingival crevicular fluid volume and angulated bleeding score were recorded. HR and LR subgroups were characterized by substantially different severities of gingival inflammation despite a similar plaque accumulation rate. All subjects were genetically characterized for IL‐6−174, IL‐6−597, TNF‐A−308 and LT‐A+252 polymorphisms.

Results: None of the variants analysed, either as single polymorphisms or as a combined genotype, was associated with the clinical parameters in the overall population. For the polymorphisms studied, genotypic distributions in HR and LR subjects were not significantly different.

Conclusions: The present results suggest an absence of association between IL‐6, TNF‐A and LT‐A polymorphisms and subject‐based clinical behaviour of the gingiva in response to de novo plaque accumulation.
Does tooth brushing influence the development and progression of non‐inflammatory gingival recession? A systematic review
Authors: Rajapakse P. Sunethra , McCracken Giles I. , Gwynnett Erika , Steen Nick D. , Guentsch Arndt , Heasman Peter A.
Published: October 2007

Aim:The aim of this systematic review was to produce the best available evidence and pool appropriate data to evaluate the effect of tooth brushing on the initiation and progression of non‐inflammatory gingival recession.

Material and Methods:A protocol was developeda priorifor the question: “Do factors associated with tooth brushing predict the development and progression of non‐inflammatory gingival recession in adults?” The search covered six electronic databases between January 1966 and July 2005. Hand searching included searches of theJournal of Clinical Periodontology,Journal of Periodontal Researchand theJournal of Periodontology. Bibliographies of narrative reviews, conference proceedings and relevant texts known to the authors were also searched. Inclusion of titles, abstracts and ultimately full texts was based on consensus between three reviewers.

Results:The full texts of 29 papers were read and 18 texts were eligible for inclusion. One abstract from EuroPerio 5 reported a randomized‐controlled clinical trial [Level I evidence] in which the authors concluded that the toothbrushes significantly reduced recessions on buccal tooth surfaces over 18 months. Of the remaining 17 observational studies, two concluded that there appeared to be no relationship between tooth brushing frequency and gingival recession. Eight studies reported a positive association between tooth brushing frequency and recession. Other potential risk factors were duration of tooth brushing, brushing force, frequency of changing the toothbrush, brush (bristle) hardness and tooth brushing technique. None of the observational studies satisfied all the specified criteria for quality appraisal and a valid appraisal of the quality of the randomized‐controlled trial was not possible.

Conclusion:The data to support or refute the association between tooth brushing and gingival recession are inconclusive.
The extent of periodontal disease and the IL‐6−174 genotype as determinants of serum IL‐6 level
Authors: Raunio Taina , Nixdorf Marianne , Knuuttila Matti , Karttunen Riitta , Vainio Olli , Tervonen Tellervo
Published: October 2007

Aim: To study the extent of periodontal disease and the IL‐6−174 genotype as determinants of serum and mouthwash IL‐6 concentration in subjects with moderate to severe periodontal disease.

Material and Methods: Fifty‐two generally healthy subjects volunteered to participate. Probing pocket depth (PD) and periodontal attachment level (AL) were clinically examined and alveolar bone level (BL) was measured on orthopantomographs. IL‐6 concentrations in mouthwash, collected by rinsing with 3 ml saline for 30 s and in serum, obtained by venipuncture, were measured using ELISA. IL‐6−174 polymorphism was studied using a polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Eleven subjects carried the GG genotype, and 41 subjects, carried the CG/CC genotype. The mean (± SD) concentration of IL‐6 in serum was 1.6 (± 1.5) pg/ml and, 2.8 (± 5.04) pg/ml in mouthwash. The serum concentration of IL‐6 was higher in subjects with the GG genotype than with the CG/CC genotype. In regression analyses the percentages of sites with PD6 mm, AL6 mm and BL8 mm, the IL‐6−174 genotype, body mass index and gender associated significantly with serum IL‐6 concentration.

Conclusions: The extent of moderate to severe periodontal disease and the IL‐6−174 genotype contribute significantly to serum IL‐6 concentration.
Metabolic syndrome in youth: a cross‐sectional school‐based survey
Authors: Vissers Dirk , Vanroy Christel , De Meulenaere An , Van de Sompel Annemie , Truijen Steven , Van Gaal Luc
Published: October 2007

Aim: To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among students attending vocational secondary school (VSE). VSE provides practice‐oriented education in which young people learn a specific occupation. Previously we reported VSE to be the type of education with the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Methods: All data were collected in a cross‐sectional school‐based survey. Subjects were recruited from a community sample of 869 adolescents in 14 secondary schools. In this total sample all components of the metabolic syndrome were assessed in a subgroup of 506 students. MetS was defined analogous to National Cholesterol Education Program: Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, with modifications for students under 19 years of age.

Results: In the subsample (n = 506) 4.1% of the students had metabolic syndrome. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among BMI categories (p < 0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in obese students (39.1%) than in overweight students (2.8%) and normal weight students (0.3%).

Conclusion: Being overweight or obese substantially increases the risk for metabolic syndrome, even in an adolescent school population.
Allergic proctitis and abdominal distention mimicking Hirschsprung's disease in infants
Authors: Lee Jee Hyun , Choe Yon Ho , Lee Suk‐Koo , Seo Jeong Meen , Kim Ji Hye , Suh Yeon‐Lim
Published: October 2007

Aim: To determine the incidence and clinical aspects of allergic proctitis (AP) in infants with symptoms that mimic Hirschsprung's disease (HD).

Methods: One hundred and five patients less than 6 months of age, who underwent barium enema, anorectal manometry and rectal suction biopsy due to suspicion of HD, were enrolled. Comparison of the patient characteristics associated with each disease was based on the results of the triple testing. The sensitivity and specificity of the three tests, for the diagnosis of HD, were evaluated.

Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 2.1 ± 0.9 months. Based on the three tests, 39 patients (37.1%) were diagnosed with HD, seven patients (6.7%) with AP, and 53 (50.5%) had normal results. Of the 54 patients with transitional zone and a reversed rectosigmoid index on the barium enema, four (7.4%) were patients with AP. The mean age of the AP patients (3.1 ± 1.5 months old) was older than the HD children (1.4 ± 0.9 months old). The sensitivity of the three tests for HD was 97.4%, 87.2% and 92.3% and the specificity was: 74.2%, 78.8% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions: In the infants with severe abdominal distention, the incidence of AP mimicking HD was relatively high. Therefore, consideration of AP should be part of the differential diagnosis in infants with severe abdominal distention or findings that mimic HD. For differentiation of these disorders, a rectal suction biopsy is very useful.