bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children Raised in Fatherless Families from Infancy: Family Relationships and the Socioemotional Development of Children of Lesbian and Single Heterosexual Mothers
Authors: Golombok Susan , Tasker Fiona , Murray Clare
Published: December 2006

The aim of the study was to investigate family functioning and the psychological development of children raised in fatherless families from their first year of life. Thirty lesbian mother families and 42 families headed by a single heterosexual mother were compared with 41 two‐parent heterosexual families using standardised interview and questionnaire measures of the quality of parenting and the socioemotional development of the child. The results show that children raised in fatherless families from infancy experienced greater warmth and interaction with their mother, and were more securely attached to her, although they perceived themselves to be less cognitively and physically competent than their peers from father‐present families. No differences were identified between families headed by lesbian and single heterosexual mothers, except for greater mother‐child interaction in lesbian mother families.
Communication between Parents and Deaf Children: Implications for Social‐emotional Development
Authors: Vaccari Cristina , Marschark Marc
Published: December 2006

Parent‐child communication plays a central role in social growth, as it does in other domains of development. Over 90 % of deaf children, however, have hearing parents who frequently do not have a fully effective means of communicating with them. This paper examines the role of effective parent‐child communication in the social and emotional development of deaf children. Evidence concerning relations between early communication and social‐emotional development of deaf children is reviewed, and superficial differences in the ways that parents interact with deaf versus hearing children are distinguished from differences that may have more significant and enduring effects. Hearing parents and their deaf children are found to develop alternative, often nonverbal, interaction strategies. Of primary interest is the extent to which those strategies have impact comparable to the strategies of hearing parents with hearing children or deaf parents with deaf children.
Developmental Outcome of Infants Born with Biological and Psychosocial Risks
Authors: Laucht Manfred , Esser Günter , Schmidt Martin H.
Published: December 2006

The significance of prenatal and perinatal complications (biological risk) and of family adversity (psychosocial risk) on early child development was examined in a prospective study. Developmental outcome of 350 infants was assessed by measures of motor, cognitive, and social‐emotional functioning at 3, 24, and 54 months. Results indicated a differential impact of risk factors on specific outcomes. Whereas psychosocial risks became more prominent with growing age and were related to poorer child outcome in all areas of functioning, biological risks decreased in influence and predominantly resulted in poorer motor development. The contributions of biological and psychosocial risks on outcomes were additive. A number of individual risk factors emerged as significant predictors of later maladaptation.
Depressive Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: Etiological Links between Normality and Abnormality: A Research Note
Authors: Eley Thalia C.
Published: December 2006

This research note considers whether normal and abnormal depressive symptoms are caused by the same or differing etiologies. The comparison of the heritability of individual differences with extreme group heritability, along with the use of multiple cut‐offs to define abnormal groups, can be used to answer this question and to bridge the gap between dimensional and categorical approaches to developmental psychopathology. Depressive symptoms from 395 same‐sex child twin pairs were analysed in this way. Genetic factors contributed to a similar extent both to individual differences (h2= .48) and to extreme group membership using multiple cut‐offs (hg2= 2.0–2.3). The common environment did not contribute significantly in any of the analyses but showed a trend for a greater role in extreme group membership. These results are in good agreement with previous data.
Practitioner Review: Physical Investigations in Mental Retardation
Authors: Gillberg Christopher
Published: December 2006

Mental retardation occurs in more than 1% of the child population. A cause can be found in almost 80% of individuals with severe mental retardation, but in fewer than 40% of those with mild mental retardation. A work‐up is indicated in all cases of mental retardation. A medical doctor with specific training in the field is needed to make “decision‐tree diagnosis” and to suggest the most appropriate physical investigations in each case. This paper provides practical guidelines for diagnosis and work‐up both in severe and mild mental retardation.
An Investigation of Adolescents' Substance Use Behaviors, Depressed Affect, and Suicidal Behaviors
Authors: Windle Rebecca C. , Windle Michel
Published: December 2006

Data from a four‐wave panel design of 975 adolescents were used to study inter‐relationships among suicidal behaviors, depressive symptoms, and substance use behaviors. Persistently high levels of problem drinking and depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Higher levels of depressive symptoms and greater cigarette and illicit drug use distinguished suicidal ideators from attempters. Adolescents attempting suicide reported lower levels of family social support, a greater use of substances to cope with stressors, and a higher density of substance‐using peers. Implications of the findings for preventive interventions with high‐risk teens are discussed.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders and Other Psychiatric Outcomes in Very Low Birthweight Children at 12 Years
Authors: Botting Nicola , Powls Andrew , Cooke Richard W. I. , Marlow Neil
Published: December 2006

One hundred and thirty‐seven very low birthweight (VLBW) children were compared at 12 years with a sample of matched peers on a number of psychiatric symptoms including Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, anxiety, and antisocial behaviour using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment parent interview and various parent and child questionnaires. The main psychiatric risk was Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH) disorders, with 31/136 (23 %) VLBW children meeting clinical criteria, compared to 9/148 (6%) of peers. VLBW children were also more likely to have generalised anxiety and more symptoms of depression. More than one quarter of VLBW children (38/136; 28%) showed a psychiatric disorder of some type compared to 9% (14/148) of peers. VLBW children are at increased risk of psychiatric symptoms especially ADHD. This outcome is discussed in relation to neurological, demographic, and cumulative impairment factors.
Genetics and Developmental Psychopathology: 2. The Main Effects of Genes and Environment on Behavioral Problems in the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development
Authors: Eaves Lindon J. , Silberg Judy L. , Meyer Joanne M. , Maes Hermine H. , Simonoff Emily , Pickles Andrew , Rutter Michael , Reynolds Chandra A. , Heath Andrew C. , Truett Kimberly R. , Neale Michael C. , Erikson Marilyn T. , Loeber Rolf , Hewitt John K.
Published: December 2006

Little is known about the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to risk for juvenile psychopathology. The Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development allows these contributions to be estimated. A population‐based, unselected sample of 1412 Caucasian twin pairs aged 8–16 years was ascertained through Virginia schools. Assessment of the children involved semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews with both twins and both parents using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment (CAPA). Self‐report questionnaires were also completed by parents, children, and teachers. Measures assessed DSM‐III‐R symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Overanxious Disorder, Separation Anxiety, and Depressive Disorder. Factorially derived questionnaire scales were also extracted. Scores were normalized and standardized by age and sex. Maximum likelihood methods were used to estimate contributions of additive and nonadditive genetic effects, the shared and unique environment, and sibling imitation or contrast effects. Estimates were tested for heterogeneity over sexes. Generally, monozygotic (MZ) twins correlated more highly than dizygotic (DZ) twins, parental ratings more than child ratings, and questionnaire scales more highly than interviews. DZ correlations were very low for measures of ADHD and DZ variances were greater than MZ variances for these variables. Correlations sometimes differed between sexes but those for boy‐girl pairs were usually similar to those for like‐sex pairs. Most of the measures showed small to moderate additive genetic effects and moderate to large effects of the unique individual environment. Measures of ADHD and related constructs showed marked sibling contrast effects. Some measures of oppositional behavior and conduct disorder showed shared environmental effects. There were marked sex differences in the genetic contribution to separation anxiety, otherwise similar genetic effects appear to be expressed in boys and girls. Effects of rater biases on the genetic analysis are considered. The study supports a widespread influence of genetic factors on risk to adolescent psychopathology and suggests that the contribution of different types of social influence may vary consistently across domains of measurement.
Cognitive Deficits in Parents from Multiple‐incidence Autism Families
Authors: Piven Joseph , Palmer Pat
Published: December 2006

This study compares parents of two autistic children with parents of a Down syndrome (DS) proband, on tests of intelligence, reading and spelling, and executive function. Autism parents performed significantly worse than DS parents on performance IQ, a test of executive function, and some reading measures (e.g. passage comprehension and rapid automatized naming). These results suggest that cognitive deficits may be an expression of the underlying genetic liability for autism and that these characteristics may contribute to a more broadly defined autism phenotype.
Early Intervention in Adoptive Families: Supporting Maternal Sensitive Responsiveness, Infant–Mother Attachment, and Infant Competence
Authors: Juffer† Femmie , Hoksbergen René A. C. , Riksen‐Walraven J. Marianne , Kohnstamm Geldolph A.
Published: December 2006

Results from adoption studies suggest that adoptive families may experience special impediments with respect to the developmental progress and outcome of their children. Based on attachment theory, two early intervention programs were designed to support families in the Netherlands with an internationally adopted child. The intervention aimed at promoting maternal sensitive responsiveness, secure infant‐mother attachment relationships, and infant exploratory competence. Ninety families with an interracially adopted infant (71 from Sri Lanka and 19 from Korea) were assigned to either a control group or one of two intervention groups. All of the children, 44 boys and 46 girls, were placed for adoption under the age of 5 months (M= 8 weeks). The first intervention group (N= 30) received apersonal book, which focused on sensitive parenting. The second intervention group (N= 30) was provided with the same book as well as with threevideo‐feedback sessionsat their home. The control group (N= 30) did not receive intervention. In the control group sensitive responsiveness and security of attachment were comparable to outcomes from normative samples. The least intensive program, the personal book, did not bring about change in mothers or infants. In contrast, intervention effects were established upon maternal sensitive responsiveness, infant competence, and infant‐mother attachment in the group that received both the book and video feedback.
Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale: Evaluation and Validation in the Context of Child Outpatient Treatment
Authors: Kazdin Alan E. , Holland Lisa , Crowley Michael , Breton Susan
Published: December 2006

This study examined barriers that families experience during treatment and the role these barriers play in participation and completion of therapy. We developed the Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale and evaluated performance among children (N = 260, ages 3–13) and families referred for outpatient treatment. The results indicated that: (a) the scale yielded high levels of internal consistency; (b) the experience of barriers to participation, whether rated by parents or therapists, predicted higher rates of dropping out of treatment, fewer weeks in treatment, and higher rates of cancelled appointments and not showing up for sessions; (c) the perception of barriers was distinguishable from several family, parent, and child characteristics assessed at intake and the experience of critical life events during treatment; and (d) perceived barriers added significant information in predicting participation in treatment, over and above other characteristics that are already known to predict poor participation in treatment. Barriers associated with treatment participation can help identify cases at risk for dropping out and suggest targets for intervention to improve retention of families in treatment.
Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Childhood–A Genetic Study of Comorbidity
Authors: Thapar Anita , McGuffin Peter
Published: December 2006

Anxiety and depressive symptoms commonly co‐occur yet the underlying mechanisms for this covariation remain poorly understood. Genetic strategies are a useful means of investigating whether the comorbidity of two sets of symptoms or disorders can be explained by the same aetiological factors. In this paper we use a systematically ascertained sample of 172 twin pairs aged 8 to 16 years to examine the causes of covariation of maternally rated anxiety and depressive symptoms. The results suggest that most of the covariation can be explained by a common set of genes that influence anxiety and depressive symptoms. Some covariation between anxiety and depressive symptoms is also explained by environmental influences of the non‐shared type. In addition, depressive symptoms also appear to be influenced by specific genetic factors.
Exploration of Criteria for Residential and Foster Care
Authors: Scholte E. M.
Published: December 2006

Foster family placements of children “at risk” often break down prematurely. In this paper the psychosocial characteristics of children in foster and residential care in Holland are analysed to identify some provisional criteria that can increase the success of foster family placements. Successful placement was found to be associated with young age of the child, and with the absence of serious emotional and behavioural difficulties at the time of the placement. Further factors influencing success were: a low involvement of the birth parents, a careful selection of foster parent families, a “good” match between the problems of the foster child and the capacities of the foster family to care and rear, a good preparation of all parties involved during the process of placement, and professional guidance during the whole process of foster care.
Are There “Autistic‐like” Features in Congenitally Blind Children?
Authors: Brown Rachel , Hobson R. Peter , Lee Anthony , Stevenson Jim
Published: December 2006

Twenty‐four congenitally blind children between 3 and 9 years of age were studied for the prevalence of “autistic‐like” features, as assessed by teacher reports and by systematic observations of the children's behaviour. A comparison between the 15 blind children who had IQs over 70 and 10 sighted children group‐matched for age and verbal ability revealed that a number of autistic‐like features were more common in the blind. When the nine blind children who had IQs less than 70 were compared with nine group‐matched autistic children, the picture that emerged was of substantial overlap in clinical presentation, despite subtle differences on clinical impression. Similar results were obtained when blind subgroups were reconstituted according to the children's non autistic or autistic‐like clinical presentation, rather than IQ. These findings are discussed in relation to competing theories concerning the development of autism and “theory of mind”.
Plasma β‐Endorphin, Adrenocorticotropin Hormone, and Cortisol in Autism
Authors: Tordjman Sylvie , McBride P. Anne , Hertzig Margaret E. , Snow Margaret E. , Anderson George M. , Hall Laura M. , Thompson Seth M. , Ferrari Pierre , Cohen Donald J.
Published: December 2006

Plasma levels of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis hormones β‐endorphin (BE), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), and cortisol were measured in autistic (N= 48), mentally retarded/cognitively impaired (MR/CI, N= 16), and normal control (N= 26) individuals. Comparison of log transformed data from the three groups revealed that levels of BE and ACTH were significantly higher (p < .05) in the autistic individuals than in normal controls. The higher means in the autistic group were due to significantly higher plasma levels of BE and ACTH, indices of acute stress response, in the more severely affected individuals. The data support the idea that individuals with severe autism have a heightened response to acute stressors rather than chronic hyperarousal or elevated basal stress response system functioning.
Practitioner Review: Psychosocial Treatments for Conduct Disorder in Children
Authors: Kazdin Alan E.
Published: December 2006

The present paper reviews promising treatments for conduct disorder among children and adolescents. The treatments include problem‐solving skills training, parent management training, functional family therapy and multi systemic therapy. For each treatment, conceptual underpinnings, characteristics and outcome evidence are highlighted. Limitations associated with these treatments (e.g. paucity of long‐term follow‐up evidence and of evidence for the clinical significance of the change) are also presented. Broader issues that affect treatment and clinical work with conduct‐disordered youths are also addressed, including retaining cases in treatment, what treatments do not work, who responds well to treatment, comorbidity, the use of combined treatments and the need for new models of treatment delivery.
Do Children Need Concurrent Prompts in Order to Use Lexical Analogies in Reading?
Authors: Savage Robert S.
Published: December 2006

In two experiments, children were taught a word and then given reminders of that word while reading unfamiliar analogous words. Reminders of the pronunciation of taught words facilitated reading of rime analogous words (e.g. beak‐peak) over head analogous words (e.g. beak‐bean) in Experiment 1, and onset analogous words (e.g. stilt‐stem), over medial analogous words (e.g. e.g. stilt‐milk) in Experiment 2. Importantly, however, privileged improvement for rime and onset analogous words was not evident in the absence of these concurrent prompts. The findings suggest that the analogy model developed by Goswami (1993) may have limited applicability in naturalistic settings.
A New Instrument to Assess Sibling Relationships in Antisocial Youth: The Social Interaction Between Siblings (SIBS) Interview: A Research Note
Authors: Slomkowski Cheryl , Wasserman Gail , Schaffer David , Rende Richard , Davies Mark
Published: December 2006

This paper presents psychometric information on a new interview (SIBS) designed to examine sibling influences on antisocial behavior. The feasibility of the instrument and internal consistency of the SIBS scales was documented in a sample of 29 children (ages 6–11) with a delinquent older brother. In addition, adequate to excellent test‐retest reliability of the SIBS scales was demonstrated in an unselected sample. The potential utility of the SIBS interview for assessing the role of siblings in the development of antisocial behavior is discussed.
Selective Mutistn: A Population‐based Study: A Research Note
Authors: Kopp Svenny , Gillberg Christopher
Published: December 2006

Seven‐year‐olds to 15‐year‐olds in 2 school districts of Göteborg, Sweden, were screened for selective mutism by their teachers and follow‐up was achieved for a full school year. Three girls and 2 boys met DSM‐IV criteria for selective mutism and a further 25 had a combination of shyness and reticence that did not amount to clinical disorder. The rate of typical selective mutism was 18 in 10,000 children. Shyness/reticence occurred in 89 in 10,000 children. Selective mutism was more common than suggested by earlier studies. Teachers of school age children need to be better informed about its existence.
Achieving change through mutual development: supported online learning and the evolving roles of health and information professionals
Authors: Bury Rachel , Martin Lindsey , Roberts Sue
Published: December 2006

Introduction:   Major changes in health care, within an information‐ and technology‐rich age, are impacting significantly on health professionals and upon their education and training. Health information professionals—in both the National Health Service (NHS) and higher education (HE) contexts—are consequently developing their roles, skills and partnerships to meet the needs of flexible education and training. This article explores one facet of this—supported online learning and its impact on role development.

Methodology:   A case study approach was taken, aiming to explore how academics, health information professionals and learning technologists are developing supported online learning to explicitly address the e‐literacy and information needs of health students within the context of NHS frameworks for education. This was contextualized by a literature review.

Results:   The case study explores and discusses three dynamics—(i) The use of supported online learning tools by future health‐care professionals throughout their professional training to ensure they have the appropriate e‐literacy skills; (ii) the use of supported online learning by current health professionals to enable them to adapt to the changing environment; (iii) the development of the health information professional, and particularly their role within multi‐disciplinary teams working with learning technologists and health professionals, to enable them to design and deliver supported online learning.

Conclusions:   The authors argue that, in this specific case study, health information professionals are key to the development of supported online learning. They are working successfully in collaboration and their roles are evolving to encompass learning and teaching activities in a wider context. There are consequently several lessons to be drawn in relation to professional education and role development.
Health check for Latvia: opportunities for information professionals in a new democracy
Authors: Smith Inese A. , Pozņaka Velta
Published: December 2006

Background:  This paper outlines developments in medical information in Latvia since independence from the former USSR in 1991, and analyses the health information gap faced by professionals.

Objectives:  To explore international initiatives and co‐operation in health information provision in Latvia; to describe the activities of Latvian medical librarians at national, regional and international level; to look at health information provision by specialist information centres; and to discuss the role of librarians in health information provision in public libraries.

Methods:  An extensive search was made of databases and medical library and health information centre staff were interviewed; a questionnaire survey of librarians was carried out.

Results:  International initiatives and co‐operation by medical librarians have extended their services at national, regional and international level. Health information portals exist, with online contacts and links to smaller health centres and organizations, but rarely employ qualified librarians or information professionals. Ninety‐three per cent of public librarians had provided health information, with 79% using the Internet. The most popular sources of health information were magazines, books, local pharmacies and the Internet, but mostly for healthy lifestyle, not medical problems.

Conclusions:  E‐health and medical informatics are high government priorities. Medical librarians are actively involved in these initiatives.
Large‐scale generation of highly enriched neural stem‐cell‐derived oligodendroglial cultures: maturation‐dependent differences in insulin‐like growth factor‐mediated signal transduction
Authors: Broughton Sarah K. , Chen Hanqin , Riddle Art , Kuhn Scott E. , Nagalla Srinivasa , Roberts Charles T. , Back Stephen A.
Published: December 2006

Multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) are competent for commitment to the oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage both in vitro and in vivo. We exploited this property to develop a rat neurospheres (NS)/oligospheres (OS)‐based culture system to generate large numbers of highly enriched late OL progenitors (preOLs) and mature OLs (MatOLs). CNS neuroblastoma cell line B104‐derived conditioned medium promoted the generation of nearly pure populations of preOLs from dissociated OS. The subsequent culture of preOLs with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and 3,3′,5′‐triiodo‐l‐thyronine (T3) generated nearly pure populations of MatOLs. OL lineage specificity was confirmed by immunocytochemistry, quantitative RT‐PCR and gene expression profiling, which demonstrated large differences between preOLs and MatOLs. The insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) are potent neuro‐protective agents required for OL survival. We used this system to systematically define maturation‐dependent changes in IGF signaling during the course of OL differentiation. The IGF‐I and insulin receptors, insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) and IRS‐2, protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt and Janus kinase (JNK) were expressed at higher levels in NS and preOLs compared with OS and MatOLs. Erk expression increased markedly from NS to OS, decreased only partially upon commitment to preOLs, and, in MatOLs, returned to a low level similar to NS. IGF activation of the generally proliferative Erk pathway was gradually acquired during NSC differentiation, whereas IGF activation of the generally pro‐survival, anti‐apoptotic PI3K/PKB pathway was consistently robust at each developmental stage.
Overexpression of midkine contributes to anti‐apoptotic effects in human meningiomas
Authors: Tong Ying , Mentlein Rolf , Buhl Ralf , Hugo Heinz‐Hermann , Krause Jörg , Mehdorn H. Maximilian , Held‐Feindt Janka
Published: December 2006

Meningiomas are the second most common intracranial tumours. Most meningiomas grow slowly; however, atypical and anaplastic meningiomas show an aggressive biological behaviour. Overexpression of growth factors is considered to be a cause of carcinogenesis. Midkine and pleiotrophin are heparin‐binding growth factors that promote growth, survival, migration and differentiation of various target cells. Both molecules are highly expressed during human embryogenesis but are rarely seen in the adult. We show that in relation to normal dura and arachnoid tissues, midkine was overexpressed in meningiomas on the mRNA and protein level, whereas pleiotrophin was not. Thereby, not only the intact but also the truncated form of midkine could be observed. The expression of midkine receptors was variable in different samples. Midkine stimulation of cultured meningioma cells induced phosphorylation of Akt, whereas no increase in phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK or p38 MAPK could be detected. Midkine did not influence the proliferation of meningioma cells in vitro, but it did protect meningioma cells from camptothecin‐mediated apoptotic cell death through reduction in the amounts of active caspase‐3. These findings provide evidence for the overexpression of midkine in meningiomas which contributes to protection from cell death in these second most common intracranial tumours.
Modulation of electrically evoked serotonin release in cultured rat raphe neurons
Authors: Birthelmer Anja , Ehret Andreas , Riegert Céline , Rothmaier Anna Katharina , Leemhuis Jost , Jackisch Rolf
Published: December 2006

Electrically evoked release of serotonin (5‐HT) and its modulation via 5‐HT autoreceptors and α2‐heteroreceptors was studied in primary cell cultures prepared from the embryonic (ED 15) rat mesencephalic brain region comprising the raphe nuclei. Cultures were grown for up to 3 weeks on circular glass coverslips. They developed a dense network of non‐neuronal and neuronal cells, some of which were positive for tryptophan hydroxylase. To measure 5‐HT release, the cultures were pre‐incubated with [3H]5‐HT (in the presence of the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor oxaprotiline [1 μmol/L]), superfused with modified Krebs–Henseleit medium containing 6‐nitroqipazine [1 μmol/L] and electrically stimulated using two conditions. Condition A: 360 pulses, 3 Hz, 0.5 ms, 90 mA, or condition B: 4 pulses 100 Hz, 0.5 ms, 90 mA (a condition which diminishes interactions with endogenously released transmitters during ongoing stimulation). After only 1 week in culture, the electrically evoked overflow of [3H] was Ca2+ dependent and tetrodotoxin sensitive, suggesting an action‐potential‐induced exocytotic release of 5‐HT. Using stimulation condition A in cultures grown for 2 weeks, both basal and evoked 5‐HT release were strongly enhanced by methiotepine (1 μmol/L) but unaffected by the 5‐HT1B autoreceptor agonist CP‐93, 129 (1 μmol/L) and the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist UK‐14, 304 (1 μmol/L). Conversely, using stimulation condition B, not only CP‐93, 129 (IC50 8.1 ± 1.4 nmol/L) and UK‐14, 304 (IC50 14.9 ± 1.6 nmol/L) had inhibitory effects on cells grown for 2 weeks, but also the 5‐HT1A agonist 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin. In conclusion, we describe for the first time electrically evoked release of 5‐HT from primary cultures of fetal raphe cells and its modulation via 5‐HT1B and 5‐HT1A auto‐ and α2‐heteroreceptors. Such cultured raphe cells may represent a suitable model to study expression and development of presynaptic receptors on serotonergic neurons in‐vitro.
Enhanced proliferation of astrocytes from β2‐adrenergic receptor knockout mice is influenced by the IGF system
Authors: Chesik Daniel , Glazenburg Lisa , De Keyser Jacques , Wilczak Nadine
Published: December 2006

In the present study, we investigated the IGF system in neonatal astrocytes derived from mice with a targeted disruption of the beta‐2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR). β2AR knockout astrocytes demonstrated higher proliferation rates and increased expression of the astrogliotic marker GFAP, as compared with wild‐type cells. β2AR deletion also regulated molecules of the IGF system. Although IGF‐1 levels remained unaltered, IGF‐2 and type 1 IGF receptor expression was increased in β2AR knockout cells. Furthermore, conditioned medium from knockout astrocytes contained lower levels of IGF binding protein‐2 and ‐4. Our data suggest a deficit of β2AR on astrocytes, as previously reported in multiple sclerosis, may have implications on proliferative status of astrocytes, a feature that might be attributed to regulation of IGF mitogenic actions.
Characterization of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica)
Authors: HUANG CHUAN‐CHIN , LIN RONG‐CHIEN , LI SHOU‐HSIEN , LEE LING‐LING
Published: December 2006

Nine tetrarepeat microsatellite loci for Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica) were characterized. By using 35 individuals of unknown relationship collected from Taiwan, we evaluated the polymorphism of these loci. The number of alleles for each locus ranged from five to 12 (mean = 8.78 alleles) and the observed heterozygosity from 0.429 to 0.962 (mean = 0.688) and all loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectation.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites for the sardine Sardina pilchardus (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae)
Authors: GONZALEZ E. G. , ZARDOYA R.
Published: December 2006

The sardine Sardina pilchardus Walbaum, 1792 is a small pelagic fish species that sustains an economically important fishery in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Eight perfect microsatellite loci of sardine were characterized from a partial genomic library enriched for CA repeat sequences. All loci revealed high levels of polymorphism, with the number of alleles per locus ranging between 22 and 45, and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.772. The newly described loci can be employed to determine population genetic structure of the sardine, and may aid in fishery management of this species.
Oxygen Reduces Accumulation of Type IV Collagen in Endothelial Cell Subcellular Matrix via Oxidative Stress
Authors: Brevig Thomas , Røhrmann Jette H. , Riemann Holger
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Anchorage‐dependent cells in culture attach initially to proteins adsorbed to the culture substrate from the medium, and produce and deposit a subcellular matrix during the course of the cultivation. The aim of this study was to determine whether the concentration of O2 in the culture atmosphere affects the accumulation of type IV collagen and laminin under human endothelial‐cell monolayers. Enzyme‐linked immunoassays on decellularized polystyrene substrates showed less type IV collagen, but not less laminin, under cells incubated in the standard atmosphere (5% CO2 in air, i.e., ∼20% O2) compared to an atmosphere of 5% O2 and 5% CO2 in N2. Type IV collagen accumulation was inhibited via oxidative stress, because the inhibitory effect of 20% O2 was antagonized by antioxidant ascorbic acid, and mimicked by prooxidant pyrogallol and exogenous H2O2. Measurements of endogenous H2O2 accumulation demonstrated that endothelial cells partially adapt to the high O2 concentration. These results may have implications in endothelium modeling in vitro and in engineering of endothelial cell sheets and endothelialized vascular grafts.
PHOTOSYNTHETIC PERFORMANCE, LIGHT ABSORPTION, AND PIGMENT COMPOSITION OF MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (LAMINARIALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) BLADES FROM DIFFERENT DEPTHS1
Authors: Colombo‐Pallotta María Florencia , García‐Mendoza Ernesto , Ladah Lydia B.
Published: December 2006

Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh is a canopy‐forming species that occupies the entire water column. The photosynthetic tissue of this alga is exposed to a broad range of environmental factors, particularly related to light quantity and quality. In the present work, photosynthetic performance, light absorption, pigment composition, and thermal dissipation were measured in blades collected from different depths to characterize the photoacclimation and photoprotection responses of M. pyrifera according to the position of its photosynthetic tissue in the water column. The most important response of M. pyrifera was the enhancement of photoprotection in surface and near‐surface blades. The size of the xanthophyll cycle pigment pool (XC) was correlated to the nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) of chl a fluorescence capacity of the blades. In surface blades, we detected the highest accumulation of UV‐absorbing compounds, photoprotective carotenoids, ΣXC, and NPQ. These characteristics were important responses that allowed surface blades to present the highest maximum photosynthetic rate and the highest PSII electron transport rate. Therefore, surface blades made the highest contribution to algae production. In contrast, basal blades presented the opposite trend. These blades do not to contribute significantly to photosynthetate production of the whole organism, but they might be important for other functions, like nutrient uptake.
TAXONOMY, LIFE CYCLE, AND AUXOSPORULATION OF NITZSCHIA FONTICOLA (BACILLARIOPHYTA)1
Authors: Trobajo Rosa , Mann David G. , Chepurnov Victor A. , Clavero Ester , Cox Eileen J.
Published: December 2006

Nitzschia fonticola (Grunow) Grunow is a member of Nitzschia sect. Lanceolatae, a group of taxonomically intractable but ecologically important and widespread diatoms. We investigated the morphology and life cycle in three clones of N. fonticola and all exhibited reduced sexuality, with pedogamous production of auxospores in unpaired gametangia. The auxospores of all clones contained tangles of striplike elements that lay outside the perizonium and were distinct from it in structure and ontogeny. We introduce a new term, incunabula, to refer to such components of the auxospore wall. Semicryptic variation was detected: one clone differed from the other two in valve size and shape, stria density, and fibula density, as well as its nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) sequence. The implications of reduced sexuality for the taxonomy of sect. Lanceolatae are discussed. A lectotype is designated for N. fonticola from among original material of Grunow, and the application of the name is clarified further by designating illustrations and the LSU sequence AM182191 from one of our clones as epitypes.
Theγ‐Aminobutyric Acid‐B Receptor Agonist Baclofen Attenuates Responding for Ethanol in Ethanol‐Dependent Rats
Authors: Walker Brendan M. , Koob George F.
Published: December 2006

Background:γ‐Aminobutyric acid‐B (GABAB) receptor agonists have been shown to suppress operant self‐administration of ethanol in nondependent rats. However, little work has focused on the effects of GABABreceptor agonists on self‐administration of ethanol in dependent animals.

Methods:In the present experiment, the GABABreceptor agonist baclofen was tested for the ability to modulate both fixed‐ (FR) and progressive‐ratio (PR) responding for ethanol in rats while nondependent and subsequently after ethanol dependence induction. Following the acquisition and stabilization of baseline operant ethanol self‐administration and after dependence induction, baclofen [0.0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)] was tested on FR‐1 responding for ethanol. The ability of baclofen (2.0 mg/kg) to affect responding under a PR schedule of reinforcement was also evaluated. Dependence was induced in the animals by subjecting them to a 1‐month intermittent vapor‐exposure period in which animals were exposed to ethanol vapor for 14 h/d. Following the 1‐month period, the vapor‐exposed animals resumed FR‐1 and PR baclofen drug testing (doses as described above) in the operant chambers at a time point corresponding to the animals being 6 hours into withdrawal (i.e., 6 hours after the ethanol vapor had been discontinued for that day).

Results:Baclofen (0.0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg, IP) dose‐dependently decreased ethanol self‐administration in both nondependent and dependent rats on a FR schedule of reinforcement. However, the dose of baclofen that significantly reduced responding for ethanol was shifted to the left in the ethanol vapor‐exposed animals, indicating an increased sensitivity to baclofen in animals that were chronically exposed to ethanol. When tested using a PR schedule of reinforcement, there was a significant increase in the breakpoint for the vapor‐exposed animals (i.e., the animals were willing to work more in a dependent state). Baclofen (2.0 mg/kg, IP) suppressed intake for both nondependent and dependent animals.

Conclusions:Ethanol dependence produced increased self‐administration of ethanol as reflected in increased ethanol intake and increased responding on a PR schedule of reinforcement. As baclofen suppressed ethanol self‐administration and showed evidence of increased potency in dependent animals, the present experiment suggests that the GABABreceptor could be a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for the treatment of chronic alcoholism.
PET [11C]DASB Imaging of Serotonin Transporters in Patients with Alcoholism
Authors: Brown Amira K. , George David T. , Fujita Masahiro , Liow Jeih‐San , Ichise Masanori , Hibbeln Joseph , Ghose Subroto , Sangare Janet , Hommer Daniel , Innis Robert B.
Published: December 2006

Objective: Alcoholism and aggression have each been associated with neurochemical measurements suggestive of decreased serotonin synaptic transmission. We measured densities of the serotonin transporter (SERT) in a moderate‐sized sample of alcoholic patients who were assessed for aggressive characteristics.

Methods: Thirty alcoholic inpatients and 18 healthy controls received a PET scan with [11C]‐3‐amino‐4‐(2‐dimethylaminomethylphenylsulfanyl)‐benzonitrile. The alcoholic inpatients were classified as aggressive or nonaggressive based on a comparison between the top third and bottom third scores on the Buss–Durkee Hostility Index.

Results: Using a pixel‐wise comparison, no brain region showed significant alterations in SERT binding among the 3 groups of subjects (aggressive alcoholic subjects, nonaggressive alcoholic subjects, and healthy controls) or between the combined alcoholic group and healthy controls. None of the clinical measures (including measures of aggression) correlated with SERT binding in the alcoholic subjects.

Conclusion: Contrary to prior imaging reports using the nonselective ligand [123I]β‐CIT, we found no significant alterations of SERT density in alcoholic patients.
Effects of Atypical Anxiolytic N‐Phenyl‐2‐[1‐[3‐(2‐Pyridinylethynyl)Benzoyl]‐4‐Piperidine]Acetamide (JNJ‐5234801) on Alcohol Intake in Alcohol‐Preferring P Rats
Authors: Rezvani Amir H. , Overstreet David H. , Levin Edward D. , Rosenthal Daniel I. , Kordik Cheryl P. , Reitz Allen B. , Vaidya Anil H.
Published: December 2006

Background: N‐Phenyl‐2‐[1‐[3‐(2‐pyridinylethynyl)benzoyl]‐4‐piperidine]acetamide (JNJ‐5234801) is a structurally novel atypical anxiolytic with an overall in vivo profile in animals suggestive of the potential to show anxiolytic efficacy in humans at doses that will not cause CNS‐related side effects. Furthermore, unlike the benzodiazepines, JNJ‐5234801 does not have an adverse interaction with ethanol even at doses 20 to 40 times the minimal effective dose in the rat elevated plus maze (MED=1.0 mg/kg, p.o.).

Methods: In the present study, JNJ‐5234801 was evaluated for potential efficacy in reducing alcohol intake in alcohol‐preferring rats. Alcohol‐preferring P rats were allowed to drink water or alcohol (10%, v/v) in a 2‐bottle choice procedure. Once stable baselines were established, the acute effects of JNJ‐5234801 [(10–40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)] were assessed. In a separate study, chronic treatment with JNJ‐5234801 (40 mg/kg once daily, i.p.) for 12 consecutive days was compared with naltrexone (20 mg/kg, twice daily, i.p.).

Results: There was a selective dose‐dependent reduction in alcohol intake in the alcohol‐preferring (P) rats after acute administration of JNJ‐5234801 (10–40 mg/kg, i.p.). There were no significant effects on food or water intake. When administered subchronically, both JNJ‐5234801 (40 mg/kg once daily, i.p.) and naltrexone (20 mg/kg, twice daily, i.p.) considerably reduced alcohol intake, but tolerance to the alcohol‐suppressing effects appeared to occur sooner in the naltrexone‐treated group. While both compounds slightly but significantly reduced food intake at the beginning, only JNJ‐5234801 increased water intake and decreased alcohol preference.

Conclusions: The novel atypical anxiolytic JNJ‐5234801 has a favorable profile effects on alcohol intake and related measures compared with naltrexone, which is recommended for the treatment of alcoholism.
Effects of Ethanol on Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission in Rat Cortical Neurons
Authors: Moriguchi Shigeki , Zhao Xilong , Marszalec William , Yeh Jay Z. , Narahashi Toshio
Published: December 2006

Background:Theγ‐aminobutyric acid‐A (GABAA) receptor and glutamate receptors are among the most important target sites for the behavioral effects of ethanol. However, data in the literature concerning the ethanol modulation of the GABAAand glutamate receptors have been controversial. The activity of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (nAChRs) has recently been reported to be potently augmented by ethanol. The activation of nAChRs is also known to cause the release of various neurotransmitters including GABA and glutamate. Thus, ethanol potentiation of nAChRs is expected to stimulate the GABAergic and glutamatergic systems.

Methods:Whole‐cell patch clamp experiments were performed using rat cortical neurons in primary culture to record spontaneous miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) and spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs).

Results:Two types of neurons were distinguished: bipolar neurons possessedα4β2 nAChRs generating a steady current in response to 30 nM ACh, and multipolar neurons that did not generate a current by ACh application. Acetylcholine greatly increased the frequency of mEPSCs and mIPSCs in bipolar neurons but not in multipolar neurons. The amplitude of neither type of neuron was affected by ACh. Ethanol at 10 to 100 mM suppressed the amplitude of mEPSCs while augmenting the amplitude of mIPSCs in both bipolar and multipolar neurons, indicating the direct action on the respective receptors. In bipolar neurons, ACh plus 100 mM ethanol greatly increased the frequency of mIPSCs beyond the levels achieved by ACh alone, while no such increases were observed in multipolar neurons.

Conclusions:It is concluded that ethanol stimulation of nAChRs modulates the activity of both glutamate and GABA receptors in rat cortical bipolar neurons.
Apomorphine‐Induced Growth Hormone Response Is Attenuated by Ethanol but Not Dextromethorphan
Authors: Budde Henning , Zimmermann Ulrich S. , Steffin Birgit , Rommelspacher Hans , Schmidt Lutz G. , Smolka Michael N.
Published: December 2006

Background: Misuse of alcohol drinking is a major health problem. Alcohol decreases spontaneous growth hormone (GH) secretion, but the mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study was to test whether administration of alcohol (study 1) or a N‐methyl d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (study 2) attenuates the GH response to pharmacological dopaminergic stimulation.

Methods: The 2‐session repeated measures design was conducted at the endocrine laboratory at the Department of Psychiatry at the Free University Berlin. Twenty healthy Caucasian males aged 35±10 years without a history of alcohol use disorders were tested using the Apomorphine (APO) challenge test. In study 1, we injected APO (0.01 mg/kg s.c.) 1 hour after oral administration of 1 g/kg ethanol and placebo, respectively. In study 2, the APO challenge was conducted after 0.3 mg/kg dextromethorphan (DXM) and placebo. The main outcome measures were the peak serum GH concentration and area under the time/concentration curve up to 120 minutes after APO. The effects of ethanol and DXM were tested using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests.

Results: Compared with placebo, alcohol significantly decreased the APO‐induced GH release (mean and SEM peak GH concentration 19.9±3.2 vs 6.2±1.9 ng/mL, p=0.002). Dextromethorphan did not change APO‐induced GH response (22.5±5.4 vs 21.0±5.8 ng/mL, p=0.105).

Conclusion: A single intermediate alcohol dose markedly reduces GH response to dopaminergic stimulation. Although alcohol is thought to stimulate dopaminergic function in certain pathways, but not necessarily in the hypothalamus, our results are in line with the alcohol effect on baseline GH secretion. Growth hormone suppression appears not to be mediated by ethanol's NMDA‐antagonistic properties.