bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase p85 enhances expression from the myelin basic protein promoter in oligodendrocytes
Authors: E. Clark Robert , Miskimins W. Keith , Miskimins Robin
Published: March 2003

Phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) is a family of enzymes that phosphorylates the D3 position of phosphoinositides in membranes which can then act as a second messenger and affect many essential cellular processes such as survival, proliferation and differentiation. Class IA PI3K is composed of two subunits: a regulatory subunit, p85, and a catalytic subunit, p110. The p85 subunit is composed of several adapter domains which, upon interaction with the appropriate molecules, transmit the signal to activate p110. We have used the spontaneously immortalized oligodendrocyte cell line, CG4, to examine the role of PI3K in maturation of the oligodendrocyte. We show that overexpression of the p85 subunit enhances expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) upon differentiation of CG4 cells and primary oligodendrocytes. In experiments in CG4 cells, neither cotransfection with the tumor suppressor PTEN, which dephosphorylates the D3 position of phosphoinositides, nor inhibition of PI3K activity with wortmannin mimics this effect. Further, we have shown that this effect is dependent on the coexpression of the two SH2 domains within p85. Thus, the p85‐mediated enhancement of MBP promoter activity in oligodendrocytes appears to be independent of PI3K activity and dependent on the adapter functions of the p85 subunit's SH2 domains.
Glial uptake of neurotransmitter glutamate from the extracellular fluid studiedin vivoby microdialysis and13C NMR
Authors: Kanamori Keiko , Ross Brian D. , Kondrat Richard W.
Published: March 2003

Glial uptake of neurotransmitter glutamate (GLU) from the extracellular fluid was studiedin vivoin rat brain by13C NMR and microdialysis combined with gas‐chromatography/mass‐spectrometry. Brain GLU C5 was13C enriched by intravenous [2,5‐13C]glucose infusion, followed by [12C]glucose infusion to chase13C from the small glial GLU pool. This leaves [5‐13C]GLU mainly in the large neuronal metabolic pool and the vesicular neurotransmitter pool. During the chase, the13C enrichment of whole‐brain GLU C5 was significantly lower than that of extracellular GLU (GLUECF) derived from exocytosis of vesicular GLU. Glial uptake of neurotransmitter [5‐13C]GLUECFwas monitoredin vivothrough the formation of [5‐13C,15N]GLN during15NH4Ac infusion. From the rate of [5‐13C,15N]GLN synthesis (1.7 ± 0.03 µmol/g/h), the mean13C enrichment of extracellular GLU (0.304 ± 0.011) and the15N enrichment of precursor NH3(0.87 ± 0.014), the rate of synthesis of GLN (V′GLN), derived from neurotransmitter GLUECF, was determined to be 6.4 ± 0.44 µmol/g/h. Comparison with VGLNmeasured previously by an independent method showed that the neurotransmitter provides 80–90% of the substrate GLU pool for GLN synthesis. Hence, under our experimental conditions, the rate of 6.4 ± 0.44 µmol/g/h also represents a reasonable estimate for the rate of glial uptake of GLUECF, a process that is crucial for protecting the brain from GLU excitotoxicity.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐1 Tat protein and methamphetamine interact synergistically to impair striatal dopaminergic function
Authors: Maragos William F. , Young Kristie L. , Turchan Jadwiga T. , Guseva Masha , Pauly James R. , Nath Avi , Cass Wayne A.
Published: March 2003

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 transactivating protein Tat may be pathogenically relevant in HIV‐1‐induced neuronal injury. The abuse of methamphetamine (MA), which is associated with behaviors that may transmit HIV‐1, may damage dopaminergic afferents to the striatum. Since Tat and MA share common mechanisms of injury, we examined whether co‐exposure to these toxins would lead to enhanced dopaminergic toxicity. Animals were treated with either saline, a threshold dose of MA, a threshold concentration of Tat injected directly into the striatum, or striatal injections of Tat followed by exposure to MA. Threshold was defined as the highest concentration of toxin that would not result in a significant loss of striatal dopamine levels. One week later, MA‐treated animals demonstrated a 7% decline in striatal dopamine levels while Tat‐treated animals showed an 8% reduction. Exposure to both MA + Tat caused an almost 65% reduction in striatal dopamine. This same treatment caused a 56% reduction in the binding capacity to the dopamine transporter. Using human fetal neurons, enhanced toxicity was also observed when cells were exposed to both Tat and MA. Mitochondrial membrane potential was disrupted and could be prevented by treatment with antioxidants. This study demonstrates that the HIV‐1 ‘virotoxin’ Tat enhances MA‐induced striatal damage and suggests that HIV‐1‐infected individuals who abuse MA may be at increased risk of basal ganglia dysfunction.
Identification of JNK‐dependent and ‐independent components of cerebellar granule neuron apoptosis
Authors: Harris Charles , Maroney Anna C. , Johnson Eugene M.
Published: March 2003

Cerebellar granule neurons grown in high potassium undergo rapid apoptosis when switched to medium containing 5 mm potassium, a stimulus mimicking deafferentation. This cell death can be blocked by genetic deletion of Bax, a member of the pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family, cycloheximide an inhibitor of macromolecular synthesis or expression of dominant‐negative c‐jun. These observations suggest that Bax activation is the result of c‐jun target gene(s) up‐regulation following trophic withdrawal. Candidate genes include the BH3‐only Bcl‐2 family members Dp5 and Bim. The molecular mechanisms underlying granule cell neuronal apoptosis in response to low potassium were investigated using CEP‐1347 (KT7515), an inhibitor of the MLK family of JNKKK. CEP‐1347 provided protection of potassium–serum‐deprived granule cells, but such neuroprotection was not long term. The incomplete protection was not due to incomplete blockade of the JNK signaling pathway because c‐jun phosphorylation as well as induction of c‐jun RNA and protein were completely blocked by CEP‐1347. Following potassium–serum deprivation the JNKK MKK4 becomes phosphorylated, an event blocked by CEP‐1347. Cells that die in the presence of CEP‐1347 activate caspases; and dual inhibition of caspases and MLKs has additive, not synergistic, effects on survival. A lack of synergism was also seen with the p38 inhibitor SB203580, indicating that the neuroprotective effect of the JNK pathway inhibitor cannot be explained by p38 activation. Activation of the JNK signaling pathway seems to be a key event in granule cell apoptosis, but these neurons cannot survive long term in the absence of sustained PI3 kinase signaling.
A caspase‐3‐dependent pathway is predominantly activated by the excitotoxin pregnenolone sulfate and requires early and late cytochrome c release and cell‐specific caspase‐2 activation in the retinal cell death
Authors: Cascio C. , Guarneri R. , Russo D. , De Leo G. , Guarneri M. , Piccoli F. , Guarneri P.
Published: March 2003

This study investigates the implication of mitochondria‐ and caspase‐dependent pathways in the death of retinal neurones exposed to the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate (PS) shown to evoke apoptosis and contribute to amplification and propagation of excitotoxicity. After a brief PS challenge of intact retinas, caspase‐3 and caspase‐2 activation and cytochrome c release occur early and independent of changes in the oxidative state measured by superoxide dismutase activity. The temporal and spatial relationship of these events suggests that a caspase‐3‐dependent pathway is activated in response to cytochrome c release and requires caspase‐2 activation and a late cytochrome c release in specific cellular subsets of retinal layers. The protection by caspase inhibitors indicates a predominant role of the pathway in PS‐induced retinal apoptosis, although a limited use of caspase inhibitors is upheld on a conceivable shift from apoptosis toward necrosis. Conversely, 3α‐hydroxy‐5β‐pregnan‐20‐one sulfate and 17β‐oestradiol provide complete prevention of PS‐induced retinal death.
Impaired postnatal development of hippocampal neurons and axon projections in the Emx2–/– mutants
Authors: Savaskan Nicolai E. , Alvarez‐Bolado Gonzalo , Glumm Robert , Nitsch Robert , Skutella Thomas , Heimrich Bernd
Published: March 2003

The specification and innervation of cerebral subregions is a complex layer‐specific process, primed by region‐specific transcription factor expression and axonal guidance cues. In Emx2–/– mice, the hippocampus fails to form a normal dentate gyrus as well as the normal layering of principal neurons in the hippocampus proper. Here, we analyzed the late embryonic and postnatal development of the hippocampal formation and its axonal projections in mice lacking Emx2 expression in vitro. As these mutants die perinatally, we used slice cultures of Emx2 mutant hippocampus to circumvent this problem. In late embryonic Emx2–/– cultivated hippocampi, both the perforant path as well as the distribution of calretinin‐positive cells are affected. Traced entorhinal afferents in co‐cultures with hippocampus from embryonic Emx2–/– mice terminate diffusely in the prospective dentate gyrus in contrast to the layer‐specific termination of co‐cultures from wild‐type littermates. In addition, in brain slice cultures from null mutants the presumptive dentate gyrus failed to develop its normal cytoarchitecture and mature dentate granule cells, including the lack of their mossy fiber projection. Our data indicate that Emx2 is essential for the terminal differentiation of granular cells and the correct formation of extrinsic and intrinsic hippocampal connections.
Transient modulation of cytoplasmic and nuclear retinoid receptors expression in differentiating human teratocarcinoma NT2 cells
Authors: Borghi Roberta , Venè Roberta , Arena Giuseppe , Schubert David , Albini Adriana , Tosetti Francesca
Published: March 2003

Human embryonal carcinoma Ntera2/D1 (NT2) cells treated with retinoic acid (RA) differentiate into several cell types including post‐mitotic neurons. In this study we asked if RA‐induced differentiation alters the expression of RA and retinol (ROL) binding proteins. The regulation of the intracellular carrier proteins for ROL and RA, cellular retinol binding protein I (CRBP‐I), and cellular retinoic acid binding protein I and II (CRABP‐I, CRABP‐II) were studied along with the nuclear RA receptors RARα, RARβ and RARγ2. PCR analysis of total mRNA from RA‐treated cells showed a biphasic early induction of CRBP‐I, CRABP‐II, and RARγ2 genes. The immediate early gene Krox‐24, a zinc finger transcription factor which is up‐regulated during neuronal differentiation, was also induced, but after 1 week of treatment. The induction of CRBP‐I protein synthesis in differentiating NT2 cells was confirmed by western blotting and immunofluorescence experiments. Conversely, the synthetic retinoid N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, which induces cell death, but not differentiation in different tumour cell types, did not produce the same modulation on gene expression in NT2 cells. These data suggest that the RA‐specific induction of CRBP‐I and CRABP‐II could be an early event in the process leading to neuronal differentiation of NT2 cells.
Differential regulation of somatodendritic and nerve terminal dopamine release by serotonergic innervation of substantia nigra
Authors: Cobb William S. , Abercrombie Elizabeth D.
Published: March 2003

Nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons release dopamine from dendrites in substantia nigra and axon terminals in striatum. The cellular mechanisms for somatodendritic and axonal dopamine release are similar, but somatodendritic and nerve terminal dopamine release may not always occur in parallel. The current studies used in vivo microdialysis to simultaneously measure changes in dendritic and nerve terminal dopamine efflux in substantia nigra and ipsilateral striatum respectively, following intranigral application of various drugs by reverse dialysis through the nigral probe. The serotonin releasers (+/–)‐fenfluramine (100 µm) and (+)‐fenfluramine (100 µm) significantly increased dendritic dopamine efflux without affecting extracellular dopamine in striatum. The non‐selective serotonin receptor agonist 1‐(m‐chlorophenyl)‐piperazine (100 µm) elicited a similar pattern of dopamine release in substantia nigra and striatum. NMDA (33 µm) produced an increase in nigral dopamine of a similar magnitude to mCPP or either fenfluramine drug. However, NMDA also induced a concurrent increase in striatal dopamine. The D2 agonist quinpirole (100 µm) had a parallel inhibitory effect on dopamine release from dendritic and terminal sites as well. Taken together, these data suggest that serotonergic afferents to substantia nigra may evoke dendritic dopamine release through a mechanism that is uncoupled from the impulse‐dependent control of nerve terminal dopamine release.
Plasticity of glutamatergic control of striatal acetylcholine release in experimental parkinsonism: opposite changes at group‐II metabotropic and NMDA receptors
Authors: Marti Matteo , Paganini Francesca , Stocchi Sara , Mela Flora , Beani Lorenzo , Bianchi Clementina , Morari Michele
Published: March 2003

To investigate whether adaptive changes of glutamatergic transmission underlie dysfunction of the cholinergic system in experimental parkinsonism, the effects of group‐II metabotropic glutamate and NMDA receptor ligands on acetylcholine release was studied in striatal slices and synaptosomes obtained from naive rats, 6‐hydroxydopamine hemi‐lesioned rats and 6‐hydroxydopamine hemi‐lesioned rats chronically treated with levodopa (l‐DOPA) plus benserazide (non‐dyskinetic). Group‐II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists LY354740, DCG‐IV and l‐CCG‐I inhibited the electrically‐evoked endogenous acetylcholine release from slices, while NMDA facilitated it. LY354740 also inhibited K+‐evoked acetylcholine release from synaptosomes. LY354740‐induced inhibition was prevented by the group‐II metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist LY341495. In hemi‐parkinsonian rats, sensitivity towards LY354740 was reduced while that to NMDA was enhanced in the lesioned (denervated) compared with unlesioned striatum. Moreover, dizocilpine inhibited acetylcholine release in the lesioned compared with unlesioned striatum. Chronic treatment with l‐DOPA normalized sensitivity towards glutamatergic agonists. We conclude that striatal dopamine denervation results in plastic changes at group‐II metabotropic glutamate and NMDA receptors that may shift glutamatergic control of acetylcholine release towards facilitation. From a clinical perspective, l‐DOPA and NMDA antagonists appear effective in counteracting overactivity of striatal cholinergic interneurones associated with Parkinson's disease.
Novel glucocorticoid effects on acute inflammation in the CNS
Authors: Dinkel Klaus , MacPherson Anna , Sapolsky Robert M.
Published: March 2003

The CNS can mount an inflammatory reaction to excitotoxic insults that contributes to the emerging brain damage. Therefore, anti‐inflammatory drugs should be beneficial in neurological insults. In contrast, glucocorticoids (GCs), while known for their anti‐inflammatory effects, can exacerbate neurotoxicity in the hippocampus after excitotoxic insults. We investigated the effect of GCs on the inflammatory response after a neurological insult. Intact control (INT; intact stress response GC profile), adrenalectomized/GC‐supplemented (ADX; low basal GC profile) and GC‐treated (COR; chronically high GC profile) rats were injected with kainic acid into the hippocampal CA3 region. Lesion size was determined 8–72 h later. The inflammatory response was characterized using immunohistochemistry, RNAse protection assay and ELISA. The INT and COR rats developed larger CA3 lesions than ADX rats. We found that GCs surprisingly caused an increase in relative numbers of inflammatory cells (granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages and microglia). Additionally, mRNA and protein (IL‐1β and TNF‐α) levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1α, IL‐1β and TNF‐α were elevated in COR rats compared with INT and ADX rats. These data strongly question the traditional view of GCs being uniformly anti‐inflammatory and could further explain how GCs worsen the outcome of neurological insults.
Quality of working life and workload in home help services
Authors: Arts Suzanne E.J. , Kerkstra Ada , van der Zee Jouke , Abu‐Saad Huda Huyer
Published: March 2003

In this literature review, several models for quality of working life and workload appropriate for home help servives are presented. The aim was to develop a model for assessing the psychological and physical outcomes of working in home help services: Although the models described in this review include many relevant aspects, such as job characteristics, working conditions, social support, stress, job satisfaction and burnout, they are not fully adequate for the specific situation in home help services. Accordingly, a new research model was developed based on the models presented and their research results. This integraated moddel has three main component: work‐load, psychological and physical outcomes and capacity for coping. Although a relationship among these tree components is assumed, its nature needs to be investigated.
Long‐term increase in quality of nursing documentation: effects of a comprehensive intervention
Authors: Björvell Catrin , Wredling R. , Thorell‐Ekstrand I.
Published: March 2003

Long‐term increase in quality of nursing documentation: effects of a comprehensive intervention

This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of a nursing‐documentation intervention on the quantity and quality of the nursing documentation in a sample of patient records at a university hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. In this quasi‐experimental longitudinal study, two hospital wards participated in a 2‐year intervention and a third ward was used for comparison. The intervention consisted of organizational changes and education regarding nursing documentation in accordance with the VIPS model, a model designed to structure nursing documentation. To evaluate the effect, patient records were audited at three different time points: before the intervention, directly after the intervention and 3 years after the intervention. A total of 269 patient records were used. The findings showed a significant score increase in quantity as well as in quality of the nursing documentation, in the intervention wards directly after the intervention, as compared with those from the comparison ward. The results suggests that a comprehensive intervention based on the VIPS model and including organizational support for registered nurses (RN) may improve nursing documentation in an acute care hospital setting.
Psychiatric care and home care service – an exploration of the professional world encountered by persons with long‐term mental illness
Authors: Nyström Maria , Lützén Kim
Published: March 2003

Psychiatric care and home care service – an exploration of the professional world encountered by persons with long‐term mental illness

This study focuses on the views of professional health care providers within a geographical district in Sweden. A total of 52 interviews with persons representing different professional levels within psychiatry and the social services were conducted. The purpose was to compare their understanding of what their responsibility entailed as well as their perceptions of goals and required competence. A content analysis, supplemented with interpretations within a hermeneutic tradition, showed that there are both similarities and differences within and between the two organizations. A common finding is that professionals with the least education are to a great extent responsible for the practical care of persons with long‐term mental illness. The implication of this finding is that it is important to be aware of this division of responsibility when developing psychiatric nursing and the home care services according to the needs of long‐term mentally ill patients.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the Blanding’s turtle, Emydoidea blandingii
Authors: Osentoski M. F. , Mockford S. , Wright J. M. , Snyder M. , Herman T. B. , Hughes C. R.
Published: March 2003

Independent microsatellite development efforts at the University of Miami and Dalhousie University resulted in seven microsatellite loci for the Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). The level of polymorphism ranged from three to 15 alleles with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.31 to 0.95. Cross species amplification suggests that these loci may have utility in other turtle species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus spp.)
Authors: Jordan M. A. , Hammond R. L. , Snell H. L. , Snell H. M. , Jordan W. C.
Published: March 2003

We describe the isolation of microsatellite loci from Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus spp.) using an enriched genomic library. Twelve loci that are polymorphic among six populations from two species are described. Characterization of these loci in 20 individuals within one population (Isla Plaza Sur) showed seven to be polymorphic with 3–11 alleles. Heterozygosities within this population were high (0.32–0.90) and did not deviate from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. We suggest that these markers will be useful in studies of population differentiation within and among islands across the Galápagos archipelago.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers in the malaria vector Anopheles funestus
Authors: Cohuet A. , Simard F. , Berthomieu A. , Raymond M. , Fontenille D. , Weill M.
Published: March 2003

Screening of the Anopheles funestus genomic DNA library detected 18 new sequences with dinucleotide tandem repeats. Primers were designed to amplify the loci and 14 out of 18 gave a repeatable and scorable amplification. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg expectations were tested for each locus in a sample of 30 wild Anopheles funestus females. No heterozygote deficiency was detected for 11 loci of 14, thus revealing the absence of null alleles. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 15, and observed heterozygosity from 0.13 to 0.85.
Microsatellite DNA markers for kinship analysis and genetic mapping in red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus (Sciaenidae, Teleostei)
Authors: O'Malley Kathleen G. , Abbey Colette A. , Ross Kirstin , Gold John R.
Published: March 2003

Thirty‐eight nuclear‐encoded microsatellites were isolated from the marine fish Sciaenops ocellatus (red drum). The species is of economic importance in the southeastern United States, and declines in abundance have led to augmentation of the ‘wild’ fishery with hatchery‐raised fingerlings. The microsatellites will be useful for studies designed to assess larval/juvenile recruitment of hatchery‐raised individuals at varying spatial and temporal scales and for assessment of genetic components contributing to variation in performance and survival of hatchery‐produced fingerlings in the wild. The microsatellites also will prove useful as ‘anchor’ loci in constructing a genetic map.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the sugar beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Plantard O. , Porte C.
Published: March 2003

We report the isolation of five microsatellites loci from the sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii). Multilocus genotypes were obtained on individual larvae freshly emerged from cysts. Allelic diversity ranged from four to 27 among the five loci. The primers were tested for cross‐species amplification in six other species of phytoparasitic nematodes of the Heterodera genus. Those molecular markers will be used to study the genetic structure of this obligatory parasite and how it is affected by the use of resistant plants.
Development of 11 microsatellite loci for population studies in the swordfish, Xiphias gladius (Teleostei: Scombridae)
Authors: Reeb Carol A. , Arcangeli Loretta , Block Barbara A.
Published: March 2003

Eleven microsatellite loci were developed in the swordfish, Xiphias gladius, to examine population structure. Loci were amplified in samples from two geographically distant populations (Ecuador and Mediterranean Sea). Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.150 to 0.960. Most loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations with the exception of locus Xg‐59, which had a heterozygote deficit caused probably by null alleles. Locus Xg‐402 did not show significant divergence between the populations. The remaining nine loci showed statistically significant spatial heterogeneity (genic differentiation) between the two populations, making them useful for future studies of population structure in swordfish.
Long‐pulsed ruby laser‐assisted hair removal in male‐to‐female transsexuals
Authors: Paquet P , Fumal I , Piérard‐Franchimont C , Piérard G E
Published: March 2003

Background Unwanted male‐pattern pilosity is a heavy psychological burden and can cause distress for male‐to‐female transsexuals. Orchidectomy and oestrogen supplementation combined with antiandrogens fail to make hair disappear.

Aims To study the effect of long‐pulsed ruby laser treatment.

Results Hair density was successfully abated on the beard and chest of three male‐to‐female transsexuals. A lingering effect over 6 months with a 50–90% hair density reduction was obtained.

Conclusion Photothermolysis using the long‐pulsed ruby laser is a promising, well‐tolerated method of hair removal in male‐to‐female transsexuals under oestrogen supplementation and antiandrogens.
Providing a ‘safety net’: fine‐tuning preparation of undergraduate physiotherapists for contemporary professional practice
Authors: Clouder Lynn , Dalley Jayne
Published: March 2003

It is increasingly imperative that professional courses produce graduates who are fit for purpose. However, there is evidence that some junior staff within the allied health professions feel ill‐prepared for the demands of contemporary professional practice, especially with respect to their management capabilities. Adverse criticism of new graduates by employers has prompted a variety of curricular innovations. This paper presents the findings of a small evaluative study of the impact of introducing a work‐based ‘caseload management module’ during the final weeks of an undergraduate physiotherapy course. The module is designed to offer students the opportunity to further develop management skills, essential to the competent junior therapist, that are transferable across the clinical specialties. Evaluation on point of completion of the module and several months into employment highlights several factors perceived to have been helpful in facilitating progression into practice. The module provides a transition period and a means of ‘bridging the gap’ between student and employee. Being given increased responsibility for a caseload of patients while still operating with a ‘safety net’ in place, where the practice educator retains overall responsibility, is a key factor in developing confidence in managing the demands of a junior therapist post and being perceived as competent to do so. Students also feel accepted and valued by colleagues to a greater extent than in earlier placements, thus strengthening their professional identity. Students recognize that management skills, such as prioritization or delegation, are transferable, and enable them to enter into a variety of junior therapist posts with increased levels of self‐confidence. Thus, the evaluation evidence suggests that the caseload management module not only prepares students for managing their future workload but also ensures that they enter professional practice with realistic expectations of its demands.
Philornis downsi– a recently discovered parasite on the Galápagos archipelago – a threat for Darwin's finches?
Authors: Fessl Birgit , Tebbich Sabine
Published: March 2003

The obligate dipterian bird parasite Philornis downsi and the facultative parasitic fly Sarcodexia lambens were, until recently, unknown on the Galápagos archipelago. The first sign of parasitism of P. downsi on Darwin's finches was found in 1997. Parasitism data were collected from 177 nests of 12 bird species, including eight endemic species. In this study we examined host specificity, infection prevalence (percentage of infested nests), parasite load per nest and per nestling, and breeding success for two climatically different years, 1998 and 2000. We found Philornis downsi in 97% of the investigated nests, Sarcodexia lambens in 32% of the nests and a still unidentified endoparasitic Muscidae in 87% of the clutches investigated. The first two ectoparasites showed no host preference and were found in the dry deciduous coastal zone as well as in the evergreen moist forest. Parasite load per nest varied through the breeding stages, with no parasites during incubation, but with numbers increasing with nestling development. Parasite load per nest showed little variation, but variation in brood size led to different infestation rates per nestling. Small broods suffered higher parasite loads and higher nestling mortality, thus inducing a possible impact on population dynamics.
Factors influencing the abundance of parrots and hornbills in pristine and disturbed forests on New Britain, PNG
Authors: Marsden Stuart J. , Pilgrim John D.
Published: March 2003

We estimated densities of parrot and hornbill species in primary and selectively logged forest and forest gardens at two lowland sites on New Britain, PNG. We related differences in abundance to food and nest‐site availability in the different habitats and determined whether nest‐site availability might limit local breeding populations. Blue‐eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica and Blyth's Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus were usually rarer in forest gardens than in primary forest, but both fared well in logged forest. Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus was more common in all human‐altered forests than in primary forest, and Eastern Black‐capped Lory Lorius hypoinochrous was reasonably common throughout but extremely abundant in forest gardens at one site. Parrots and hornbills were recorded eating fruits of 15 tree species and flowers of nine species. Densities of these fruiting and flowering trees were highest in logged forest and forest gardens, respectively, indicating the importance of these anthropogenic habitats as feeding grounds for the assemblage. Active nest cavities were found in large individuals of 12 tree species. Densities of potential nest cavities were highest in primary forest and lowest in forest gardens. At both sites, estimates of potential nest‐site density were significantly lower than estimates of the density of pairs of all species of parrots and hornbills: there may be 10–20 parrot/hornbill individuals per nest‐hole. Continuing forest alteration, whilst further reducing nest‐site availability, may allow large populations of parrots and hornbills to persist due to increased availability of food in some anthropogenic habitats. However, current abundance of such bird species may be a poor correlate of future extinction risk as long‐lived taxa may remain common for some period even when annual recruitment has declined to critically low levels.
The cornea swells in the posterior direction under hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: Erickson Paul , Comstock Timothy L. , Doughty Michael J. , Cullen Anthony P.
Published: March 2003

Two mathematical models were developed to describe the topographical corneal swelling response to hydrogel contact lenses and the effect of these changes on refractive error. In one, corneal thickness changes resulted in deformation of the anterior corneal surface. In the other, the posterior surface only was deformed. Refractive error, corneal thickness and corneal shape were monitored in a sample of adapted contact lens wearers with one eye patched for 4  h while wearing a soft contact lens. The experimental data were most consistent with the model in which the posterior surface only was deformed.
The application of analysis of variance (ANOVA) to different experimental designs in optometry
Authors: Armstrong R. A. , Eperjesi F. , Gilmartin B.
Published: March 2003

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is the most efficient method available for the analysis of experimental data. Analysis of variance is a method of considerable complexity and subtlety, with many different variations, each of which applies in a particular experimental context. Hence, it is possible to apply the wrong type of ANOVA to data and, therefore, to draw an erroneous conclusion from an experiment. This article reviews the types of ANOVA most likely to arise in clinical experiments in optometry including the one‐way ANOVA (`fixed' and `random effect' models), two‐way ANOVA in randomised blocks, three‐way ANOVA, and factorial experimental designs (including the varieties known as `split‐plot' and `repeated measures'). For each ANOVA, the appropriate experimental design is described, a statistical model is formulated, and the advantages and limitations of each type of design discussed. In addition, the problems of non‐conformity to the statistical model and determination of the number of replications are considered.
Modelling the mechanics of accommodation and presbyopia
Authors: Judge S. J. , Burd H. J.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Finite element methods have been used to compute the expected relationship between changes in ciliary body diameter and the change in refractive power implied by the change in geometry of the human ocular lens, using values for the material properties and initial geometry taken from the literature (notably the slit lamp photography of Brown (1973) and the studies by Fisher (1969) of the lens material properties). The results show that if the non‐linearity associated with the changing geometry is taken into account the lens does not respond to ciliary body stretch by an increase in power [as recently claimed by Schachar et al. (1993), but in the conventional way with a decrease in power. The models show a decrease in the amplitude of accommodation between the age of 29 and 45 years (using Brown's data, 1973), but using Brown's data for the 11‐year‐old eye leads to the paradoxical conclusion that accommodation amplitude in this eye would have been small. In the process of carrying out the modelling, we have examined the consistency of the published measurements and also the validity of the mathematical methods used in interpreting them, and this analysis suggests that further work is needed before one can be confident that the assumptions about geometry and material properties on which the modelling is based are sound.
Contrast sensitivity and copy drawing performance in patients with cortical lesions: high or low level deficit?
Authors: Wright M. J. , Shaw L.
Published: March 2003

Purpose:  Copy drawing is a complex task involving perception, attention and the generation of motor output, and it is sensitive to the effects of brain lesions or dementia. Our research examines the relationship between high and low level visual deficits and copy drawing.

Methods:  We have obtained copy drawings of a Navon figure (a global letter H composed of local letter Ts), and measured visual contrast sensitivity (CS), visual fields, and neglect (line bisection and star cancellation), in 105 patients with cortical lesions. Copying of global and local letters was scored independently. CS was measured using single letters (Bailey–Lovie) or symbols (Ffooks test) at varying sizes.

Results:  Correlations were found between local and global copying performance and CS. Disorganisation of copy drawing at the global level was dissociable from disorganisation at the local level. Global disorganisation was associated with reduced CS, particularly at larger letter sizes. Patients showing extreme distortions such as the omission or duplication of part of the global figure all had reduced CS to the largest letter size. However the converse is not true: not all patients with reduced CS to large symbols were unable to copy the global figure.

Conclusions:  The perceptual component of constructional apraxia may include reduced CS to large stimuli.
Cling film as a barrier against CJD in corneal contact A‐scan ultrasonography
Authors: Rani Asha , Dunne Mark C. M. , Barnes Derek A.
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To determine the validity of covering a corneal contact transducer probe with cling film as protection against the transmission of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD).

Methods: The anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and vitreous chamber depth of the right eyes of 10 subjects was recorded, under cycloplegia, with and without cling film covering over the transducer probe of a Storz Omega Compu‐scan Biometric Ruler. Measurements were repeated on two occasions.

Results: Cling film covering did not influence bias or repeatability. Although the 95% limits of agreement between measurements made with and without cling film covering tended to exceed the intrasessional repeatability, they did not exceed the intersessional repeatability of measurements taken without cling film.

Conclusions: The results support the use of cling film as a disposable covering for corneal contact A‐scan ultrasonography to avoid the risk of spreading CJD from one subject to another.
A review of cooling patients with severe cerebral insult in ICU (Part 1)
Authors: Price Theresa , McGloin Sarah
Published: March 2003

A review of the literature was undertaken to determine the existence of any evidence to support cooling strategies used in the ICU

The focus of the review was to examine previous findings on the specific problems of cooling patients with severe cerebral insult

Cooling methods that use external physical cooling strategies as well as the effects of antipyretics and vasoactive drugs were examined

Overall, it would appear that conclusions for practice remain unclear

The findings led to the implementation of a pilot study, the findings of which will be discussed in Part 2
Clinical Significance of Lead Content in Dietary Calcium Supplements
Authors: Collins Candyce C. , Summa Maria A.
Published: March 2003

Calcium supplements are sold in a wide variety of formulations and preparations, and product labels indicate the number of milligrams (mg) of calcium contained within each dosage unit. Until recently, consumers were often unaware that lead may be found in calcium supplements; however, this issue has received a great deal of recent media attention. Healthcare professionals are likely to receive many questions from the lay public regarding this issue. This article reviews current knowledge about the lead content of calcium supplements as a guide for clinicians.

Key Words:
calcium, calcium supplements, lead, dietary lead
Does Beta‐Carotene Supplementation Reduce (or Increase) Cancer Risk?
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth J.
Published: March 2003

Epidemiologic studies have been very consistent in showing that consumption of dietary fruits and vegetables is inversely related to risk of certain cancers, especially lung cancer. It has been suggested that carotenoids, particularly β‐carotene, are the chemopreventive agents. Four long‐term, large, randomized intervention trials have been conducted to test the effectiveness of β‐carotene supplementation on cancer risk. The Alpha‐Tocopherol, β‐Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study tested daily supplementation with 20 mg β‐carotene and 50 mg α‐tocopherol in smokers. The β‐Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET) tested daily supplementation with 30 mg β‐carotene and 25,000 IU of retinyl palmitate in adults at high risk for lung cancer (smokers, asbestos‐exposed). The Physicians’ Health Study (PHS) tested supplementation with 50 mg β‐carotene on alternate days in adults, 11% of whom were smokers. The Linxian (Chinese) Study tested daily supplementation with 15 mg β‐carotene, 50 μg selenium, and 30 mg α‐tocopherol in vitamin‐ and mineral‐deficient adults. The ATBC and CARET studies reported that β‐carotene increased the incidence of lung cancer in high risk groups. The PHS showed no effect of β‐carotene supplementation on cancer incidence. The Chinese study reported a lower mortality of total cancers. These results suggest that supplementation with β‐carotene for the prevention of cancer may pose a risk in smokers and asbestos workers and is of little benefit in preventing cancer in well‐nourished populations. Health benefits are more likely from increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, including those rich in carotenoids. ▪

Key Words:
carotenoids, beta‐carotene, cancer
Dietary Management of the “Old–Old”: An Individualized Approach
Authors: Goldberg Jeanne P. , Smith Julie A. , Economos Christina
Published: March 2003

The population of the United States continues to shift toward the “oldest–old,” often defined as 85 years old or more. Multiple personal and environmental factors may contribute to suboptimal diets among this group. However, practitioners are urged to assess each older patient on an individual basis because many health‐related problems that occur with advancing age do not affect all older people at the same rate or in the same manner. ▪

Key Words:
aged, aging, elderly, nutrition assessment, geriatrics, nutritional requirements
Binge Eating Disorder: Identification and Management
Authors: Baker Christina Wood , Brownell Kelly D.
Published: March 2003

Binge eating disorder is a new diagnostic entity that refers to a pattern of recurrent binge eating episodes without the regular use of compensatory behaviors. Effective identification and management of binge eating disorder is important because of the distress experienced by individuals with the problem and because of the impact that binge eating disorder can have on physical health, particularly through its relationship with obesity. Identification can be facilitated with basic awareness of the demographic, behavioral, and psychological correlates of binge eating disorder, and by routinely asking patients appropriate questions. Research on treatment of binge eating disorder is still in its infancy, but we provide empirically based treatment recommendations. We describe a stepped‐care approach for managing binge eating disorder in health care settings. Low‐intensity interventions include physical activity, pure self‐help, and nutritional counseling or self‐help behavioral weight loss. Middle‐intensity options are guided self‐help and brief cognitive‐behavioral therapy. Lastly, high‐intensity treatments include group or individual psychotherapy, structured behavioral weight loss programs, and medication. Research findings on the effectiveness of self‐help treatments for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder raise hope for the possibility of managing binge eating problems in nonspecialty, primary care settings.
Science of measurements in wound healing
Authors: Mani Raj
Published: March 2003

Wounds that are slow to heal are poorly understood. Clinicians and researchers have attempted to predict treatment outcomes from simple physical measurements without, as yet, understanding the pathogenesis or the role of complications on chronic wounds. Laboratory studies on tissues from biopsies and wound fluids are essential. These must be associated with carefully conducted physiological measurements before, the significance of measurements in wound healing is established.
Acceleration of full‐thickness wound healing in normal rats by the synthetic thrombin peptide, TP508
Authors: Stiernberg Janet , Norfleet Andrea M , Redin William R , Warner W. Scott , Fritz Richard R , Carney Darrell H
Published: March 2003

Thrombin is an essential factor in hemostasis, inflammation, and tissue repair. The synthetic thrombin peptide, TP508, binds to high‐affinity thrombin receptors and mimics cellular effects of thrombin at sites of tissue injury. Treatment of full‐thickness excisional wounds in normal rats with a single topical application of 0.1 μg TP508 (14 pmol/cm2) reproducibly accelerates wound closure, yielding wounds that on average close 39% more than controls by day 7 (p < 0.001). Wounds treated with 1.0 μg TP508 are 35% and 43% (p < 0.001) smaller than controls on day 7 and 10, respectively. The early rate of closure is ~40% greater in TP508‐treated than vehicle‐treated wounds (20 versus 14 mm2/day) and remains higher through day 7. Breaking strength after closure is slightly greater (15–23%) in wounds treated with TP508 than with saline alone. Histologic comparisons show that TP508 enhances recruitment of inflammatory cells to the wound site within 24 hours post‐injury. TP508 treatment also augments revascularization of injured tissue, as evidenced at day 7 by the larger size of functional vessels in the granulation tissue and by the directed development of blood vessels to wounds. These studies raise the possibility that TP508 may be clinically useful in management of open wounds.
Clinical Protocol: Phase I trial to evaluate the safety of H5.020CMV.PDGF‐B for the treatment of a diabetic insensate foot ulcer
Authors: Margolis David J , Crombleholme Timothy , Herlyn Meenhard
Published: March 2003

Most patients with chronic wounds fail to heal in a reasonable period of time. Despite considerable advances in elucidating the molecular basis of wound repair, attempts at developing new therapies have been disappointing. In fact, in the few studies where cytokine growth factors have been efficacious, their effect has been dramatically less than would have been predicted from animal studies. We hypothesize that platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, a growth factor associated with wound healing, when produced in large quantities within the wound bed due to adenovirus mediated gene overexpression by the cells of the wound bed will dramatically enhance wound healing. Simply stated, we plan to insure the delivery of the growth factor by using gene therapy techniques so that cells locally involved in the wound healing process will temporarily increase their production of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB. We present the first step in the series of human investigations to test this hypothesis which is a phase I clinical trial. Our proposed study is designed to assess local and systemic toxicity, and the feasibility of using the maximum tolerated dose ofH5.020CMV.PDGF‐bassociated with in vivo platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB gene transduction via an intraulcer injection ofH5.020CMV.PDGF‐bin patients with a diabetic insensate foot ulcer.
Increased collagen deposition in an uncomplicated surgical wound compared to a minimal subcutaneous test wound
Authors: Jorgensen Lars N. , Sorensen Lars T. , Kallehave Finn , Schulze Svend , Gottrup Finn
Published: March 2003

Little information is currently available concerning the relationship between results obtained in humans from surgical test wounds and results from wound models. Therefore, to evaluate human wound healing parameters, tubings of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene were implanted in a subcutaneous test wound in the arm of 47 volunteers and 20 patients undergoing hernia repair. The surgical patients also had implants left in the surgical wound cavity. After 10 days the deposition of collagen in the tubings as expressed by hydroxyproline content was 30% higher in the surgical wound than in the test wound, p < 0.05. The amount of collagen deposited in the tubing within the surgical wound did not correlate with measurements in the test wound, whereas a significant correlation of proline levels was found between the two sites, p < 0.05. Deposition of proline and total protein in the model was equivalent. In both wound types age negatively correlated with levels of protein, but not collagen. The variability of the results was 40% lower in the subcutaneous test wound than in the surgical wound. There was no significant difference in hydroxyproline deposition between the volunteers and the patients undergoing hernia repair. In patients undergoing minor surgery without signs of compromised healing the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene test wound in the arm reflects the deposition of non‐collagenous protein, but not collagen, within the surgical wound.