bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneously immortalized mouse mesothelial cells display characteristics of malignant transformation
Authors: Sherwood A. L. , Mutsaers S. E. , Peeva V. K. , Robinson C. , DeSilva C. J. , Swanson N. R. , Lake R. A.
Published: October 2008

Abstract.  Objectives: Mesotheliomas occur in occult serous cavities after chronic exposure of mesothelial cells to asbestos fibres. Molecular events that contribute to the development of this cancer are therefore not readily accessible for study. We have used in vitro culture systems to study and compare induced and spontaneous transformation events in primary mouse mesothelial cells. Materials and methods: Mouse mesothelial cells were cultivated until small populations of proliferating cells emerged from senescing cultures. Spontaneously transformed cultures of cells were characterized and compared to malignantly transformed cells. Results: Human mesothelial cells had a finite lifespan of 10–15 population doublings when cultured in vitro; mouse mesothelial cells typically exhibit this same pattern. Here, we show that mouse mesothelial cells can be cultured for extended periods and that these cells can transform spontaneously. Lines of spontaneously transformed cells generated in this study are immortal and growth factor‐independent. They display the salient characteristic features of transformation, including increased proliferation rate, lack of contact inhibition, aneuploidy and ability to grow in anchorage‐independent conditions. A subset of these cell lines developed into tumours in syngeneic mice. Comparative gene expression analysis demonstrated that spontaneously transformed cell lines were more closely related to neoplastic cells than to primary cells. Conclusion: These findings have implications for interpretation of in vitro transformation studies, demonstrating broad similarity between spontaneous and induced genetic changes.
External apical root resorption: two case reports
Authors: Armas J. M. , Savarrio L. , Brocklebank L. M.
Published: October 2008

Aim  To present two cases of external root resorption and in so doing highlight rarer causative factors as well as the difficulties in classifying root resorption.

Summary  Root resorption in the permanent dentition is usually pathological. Local factors are the most frequent causes of resorption, most commonly excessive pressure and inflammation. However, many systemic abnormalities have been implicated in the resorption process. Resorption is often an incidental finding during routine examination. Otherwise, late in the disease process, tooth mobility or infection may arise. A rarer form of root resorption is external apical root resorption which may or may not be linked to systemic disease. In most cases, no causative factors are found. At present there is no curative treatment for external apical root resorption. The current management for these patients is symptomatic, minimal intervention and long‐term monitoring.

Key learning points  • Apical resorption may be associated with a systemic disease or of an idiopathic origin. It may also occur in association with orthodontic treatment or with pathoses such as tumours, cysts, etc.

• In the absence of signs or symptoms of pulpal and/or periapical disease, endodontic treatment is not indicated.

• Long‐term monitoring of affected patients is essential.
Technical quality of root fillings and periapical status in root filled teeth in Jönköping, Sweden
Authors: Frisk F. , Hugoson A. , Hakeberg M.
Published: October 2008

Aim  To study changes in technical quality of root fillings and periapical status in root filled teeth in random samples of 20 to 70 year‐olds between 1973 and 2003.

Methodology  Data from dentate subjects aged 20–70 years from examinations conducted in 1973 (n = 498), 1983 (n = 530), 1993 (n = 547) and 2003 (n = 491) were used for the analysis. Length of root fillings were measured on radiographs to the nearest 0.1 mm. Adequate seal was defined as a root filling without lateral and/or apical voids. Periapical status was assessed according to the periapical index. All observations were made by one calibrated observer registered from full mouth radiographic examinations. Teeth with root fillings ending within the canal without lateral or apical voids were considered adequate. The association between root filling quality and periapical status was analysed by means of the Chi‐squared test and a multilevel logistic regression analysis.

Results  Adequately root filled teeth had a significantly lower frequency of apical periodontitis than inadequately root filled teeth (11.8% vs. 22.8%). The frequency of technically adequate root fillings increased statistically significant from 1973 (23.7%) to 2003 (36.4%) without a concomitant improvement of the periapical status in root filled teeth over time (24.5% vs. 24.6%).

Conclusions  This study reports on an improving technical quality of root fillings over time, without a concomitant improvement of the periapical status in root filled teeth. A larger proportion of treated molars over time may be of importance for the result.
Step‐wise treatment of two periodontal‐endodontic lesions in a heavy smoker
Authors: Walter C. , Krastl G. , Weiger R.
Published: October 2008

Aim  To report a clinical case of two advanced periodontal‐endodontic lesions with a focus on treatment issues related to tobacco use.

Summary  A 53‐year‐old Caucasian male was referred to the School of Dentistry, Basel, Switzerland, for periodontal treatment. The major diagnoses were chronic (smoker) periodontitis and advanced combined periodontal‐endodontic lesions on the mandibular left lateral incisor and right incisor. Conventional root canal treatment was performed, and subsequently led to reduced radiolucencies around the affected roots after 14 months. The remaining osseous defect was augmented by guided tissue regeneration using bovine bone substitute and resorbable membrane. The follow‐up revealed a stable situation from clinical (probing depth 2–4 mm) and radiological points of view 32 months after initiation of treatment. Treatment considerations related to tobacco use are discussed.

Key learning points  • After conventional root canal treatment, osseous healing should occur before further complementary therapy is taken into account.

• Issues related to tobacco use have to be considered before treatment is initiated.
Forensic psychiatric perspective on criminality associated with intellectual disability: a nationwide register‐based study
Authors: Männynsalo L. , Putkonen H. , Lindberg N. , Kotilainen I.
Published: October 2008

Background  Contrasting views exist over the association of intellectual disability (ID) and criminal offending. This nationwide study attempts to shed further light to expand understanding to substantiate the relation between socio‐demographic characteristics, psychiatric co‐morbidity and criminal behaviour among the Finnish forensic population with ID.

Method  We reviewed all forensic psychiatric examination reports of individuals with ID who underwent a pre‐trial forensic psychiatric evaluation in Finland during an 11‐year period (1996–2006).

Results  One‐third of the offenders had been regularly and sufficiently treated as outpatients. Half of the offenders had previous criminality, and the single most common crime was arson. Almost half of the offenders were diagnosed with alcohol abuse/dependence and two‐thirds with any substance abuse/dependence. Furthermore, almost half were intoxicated during the index crime. Antisocial personality disorder was diagnosed in 25% of the offenders. Almost half of the offenders were placed in involuntary special care for the ID, which lasted ca 2 years. Among the last‐mentioned, two‐thirds of the nursing care plans lacked recommended structure.

Conclusions  The offenders with so‐called triple diagnosis – substance abuse, mental illness and ID – form a small subgroup of criminal offenders with complex needs. The results of the present study underline the importance of close, long‐term cooperation among specialists in the field of ID, addiction service, mental health services and forensic psychiatry.
Evidence for differential human slow‐wave activity regulation across the brain
Authors: ZAVADA ANDREI , STRIJKSTRA ARJEN M. , BOEREMA ATE S. , DAAN SERGE , BEERSMA DOMIEN G. M.
Published: October 2008

The regulation of the timing of sleep is thought to be linked to the temporal dynamics of slow‐wave activity [SWA, electroencephalogram (EEG) spectral power in the ∼0.75–4.5 Hz range] in the cortical non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep EEG. In the two‐process model of sleep regulation, SWA was used as a direct indication of sleep debt, or Process S. Originally, estimation of the latter was performed in a gross way, by measuring average SWA across NREM–REM sleep cycles, fitting an exponential curve to the values thus obtained and estimating its time constant. In later studies, SWA was assumed to be proportional to the instantaneous decay rate of Process S, rather than taken as a direct reflection of S. Following up on this, we extended the existing model of SWA dynamics in which the effects of intrusions of REM sleep and wakefulness were incorporated. For each subject, a ‘gain constant’ can be estimated that quantifies the efficiency of SWA in dissipating S. As the course of SWA is variable across cortical locations, local differences are likely to exist in the rate of discharge of S, eventually leading to different levels of S in different cortical regions. In this study, we estimate the extent of local differences of SWA regulation on the basis of the extended model of SWA dynamics, for 26 locations on the scalp. We observed higher efficiency of SWA in dissipation of S in frontal EEG derivations, suggesting that SWA regulation has a clear local aspect. This result further suggests that the process involved in (local) SWA regulation cannot be identical to the Process S involved (with Process C) in effectual determination of sleep timing – a single behaviour that cannot vary between locations on the scalp. We therefore propose to distinguish these two representations and characterize the former, purely SWA‐related, as ‘Process Z’, which then is different for different locations on the scalp. To demonstrate those differences, we compare the gain constants derived for the medial EEG derivations (Fz, Cz, Pz, Oz) with each other and with the decay rate derived from SWA values per NREM–REM sleep cycle.
Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: BEARZI GIOVANNI , FORTUNA CATERINA MARIA , REEVES RANDALL R.
Published: October 2008

Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are amongst the best‐known cetaceans. In the Mediterranean Sea, however, modern field studies of cetaceans did not start until the late 1980s. Bottlenose dolphins have been studied only in relatively small portions of the basin, and wide areas remain largely unexplored.

This paper reviews the ecology, behaviour, interactions with fisheries and conservation status of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins, and identifies threats likely to have affected them in historical and recent times.

Whilst intentional killing was probably the most important cause of mortality until the 1960s, important ongoing threats include incidental mortality in fishing gear and the reduced availability of key prey caused by overfishing and environmental degradation throughout the region. Additional potential or likely threats include the toxic effects of xenobiotic chemicals, epizootic outbreaks, direct disturbance from boating and shipping, noise, and the consequences of climate change.

The flexible social organization and opportunistic diet and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins may allow them to withstand at least some of the effects of overfishing and habitat degradation. However, dolphin abundance is thought to have declined considerably in the region and management measures are needed to prevent further decline.

Management strategies that could benefit bottlenose dolphins, such as sustainable fishing, curbing marine pollution and protecting biodiversity, are already embedded in legislation and treaties. Compliance with those existing commitments and obligations should be given high priority.
Fruit consumption by carnivores in Mediterranean Europe
Authors: ROSALINO LUÍS M. , SANTOS‐REIS MARGARIDA
Published: October 2008

We reviewed patterns of fruit consumption amongst 10 species of mesocarnivores: red fox Vulpes vulpes, weasel Mustela nivalis, stoat Mustela erminea, polecat Mustela putorius, stone marten Martes foina, pine marten Martes martes, Eurasian badger Meles meles, common genet Genetta genetta, Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon and wildcat Felis silvestris in Mediterranean Europe.

The 65 reviewed studies recorded 79 different fruits eaten by carnivores, 58 of which were identified to species. Most records (63%) were of fleshy fruits with high pulp content. The frequency of occurrence of fruit items varied widely amongst species and regions. Four of the carnivore species (red fox, stone marten, badger and common genet) included more than 30 fruit species in their diet.

A longitudinal pattern was detected in the consumption of fruit in the Mediterranean region, with the frequency of occurrence of fruit consumption increasing towards the east.
Biology, ecology and status of Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica: a critical review and research prospectus
Authors: ACEVEDO PELAYO , CASSINELLO JORGE
Published: October 2008

The Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and of the four subspecies originally recognized, recent extinctions mean that only two now persist. Recent genetic analyses have cast doubt on the generally accepted taxonomy of the species, where four subspecies were distinguished by coat colour and horn morphology, and propose the distinction of two subspecies based on their mitochondrial DNA sequence polymorphism. These analyses make clear the need for a comprehensive revision that integrates genetic and morphological approaches resulting in a definitive description and differentiation of the subspecies.

Studies of ibex behavioural ecology and health status are scarce and generally descriptive. They should be implemented in an integrative way, taking into account the ecological requirements of the species, current population status, the presence of other sympatric wild and domestic ungulates, and the type of hunting regime and management in their distribution areas.

A natural expansion of the species is currently taking place. Ibexes are present and well established in all the main mountain ranges of the Spanish Iberian Peninsula, and have recently expanded their range into the north of Portugal. Other authors estimated a total population of more than 50 000 individuals 10 years ago, distributed over more than 60 000 km2, with an average population density of 2.7 ibex/km2. However, these estimates were obtained prior to the species' recovery from recent epizootics of sarcoptic mange and should be updated. Survey methods, mainly direct count‐based methods, should be adjusted to suit mountainous conditions, where it is difficult to estimate accurately the surveyed surface.

A series of threats to ibex conservation have been identified, such as population overabundance, disease prevalence and potential competition with domestic livestock and invasive ungulates, along with negative effects of human disturbance through tourism and hunting.

Applied ecological issues focused on the proper management of populations should be prioritized, along with the identification of current threats based on empirical, ecological data obtained from populations living in various ecological conditions in different regions.
Small membrane proteins found by comparative genomics and ribosome binding site models
Authors: Hemm Matthew R. , Paul Brian J. , Schneider Thomas D. , Storz Gisela , Rudd Kenneth E.
Published: October 2008

The correct annotation of genes encoding the smallest proteins is one of the biggest challenges of genome annotation, and perhaps more importantly, few annotated short open reading frames have been confirmed to correspond to synthesized proteins. We used sequence conservation and ribosome binding site models to predict genes encoding small proteins, defined as having 16–50 amino acids, in the intergenic regions of the Escherichia coli genome. We tested expression of these predicted as well as previously annotated genes by integrating the sequential peptide affinity tag directly upstream of the stop codon on the chromosome and assaying for synthesis using immunoblot assays. This approach confirmed that 20 previously annotated and 18 newly discovered proteins of 16–50 amino acids are synthesized. We summarize the properties of these small proteins; remarkably more than half of the proteins are predicted to be single‐transmembrane proteins, nine of which we show co‐fractionate with cell membranes.
Methylglyoxal accumulation by glutathione depletion leads to cell cycle arrest in Dictyostelium
Authors: Choi Chang‐Hoon , Park Seong‐Jun , Jeong Sun‐Young , Yim Hyung‐Soon , Kang Sa‐Ouk
Published: October 2008

Reduced glutathione (GSH) serves as a primary redox buffer and its depletion causes growth inhibition or apoptosis in many organisms. In Dictyostelium discoideum, the null mutant (gcsA‐) of gcsA encoding γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase shows growth arrest and developmental defect when GSH is depleted. To investigate the mechanism by which GSH depletion induces growth arrest, a proteomic analysis was performed and aldose reductase (AlrA) was identified as the most prominently induced protein in gcsA‐ cells. Induction of AlrA was dependent on GSH concentration and was repressed by GSH but not effectively by either the reducing agent such as dithiothreitol or overexpression of superoxide dismutase. Methylglyoxal (MG), a toxic α‐ketoaldehyde, strongly induced alrA expression and AlrA catalysed MG reduction efficiently. The alrA knockdown gcsA‐ cells (gcsA‐/alrAas) exhibited more decreased growth rate than gcsA‐ cells, whereas the gcsA‐ cells overexpressing alrA (gcsA‐/alrAoe) showed the recovery of growth rate. Interestingly, intracellular MG levels were significantly augmented in gcsA‐/alrAas cells compared with gcsA‐ cells following GSH depletion. By contrast, gcsA‐/alrAoe cells showed repression of MG induction. Furthermore, MG treatment inhibited growth of wild‐type KAx3 cells, inducing G1 phase arrest. Thus, our findings suggest that MG accumulated by GSH depletion inhibits cell growth in Dictyostelium.
Modulation of heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system affects the inhibitory neurotransmission involved in gastrointestinal motility of streptozotocin‐treated diabetic rats
Authors: Piepoli A. L. , De Salvatore G. , Lemoli M. , De Benedictis L. , Mitolo‐chieppa D. , De Salvia M. A.
Published: October 2008

Abstract  Alterations in gastrointestinal motility of diabetic patients have been linked to degenerative changes induced by glucose abnormalities in the peripheral nervous system. The heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide (HO/CO) signalling represents one of the non‐adrenergic/non‐cholinergic (NANC) neurotransmission pathways involved in regulation of physiological peristalsis. To investigate the role of HO/CO system in intestinal motility under diabetic conditions, the response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and western blot analysis of HO/CO pathway components were studied on duodenum longitudinal smooth muscle strips isolated from streptozotocin (STZ)‐treated diabetic rats (65 mg kg−1, i.p.) and respective controls (CTRL), 6 weeks after the onset of diabetes. When compared to CTRL, the ability of CO releasing molecule (CORM‐3) (100–400 μmol L−1) to enhance NANC relaxation was significantly impaired in STZ‐treated rats (P < 0.05). Conversely, in vitro incubation with the HO inhibitor ZnPPIX (10 μmol L−1, 60 min) significantly reduced EFS‐induced relaxation in CTRL (P < 0.05), but not in STZ‐treated rats. Interestingly, the ability of ZnPPIX to inhibit EFS‐induced relaxation was partially restored in STZ‐treated rats co‐administered in vivo with the HO‐1 inducer cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPPIX) (0.5 mg per 100 g body weight weekly). Expression of inducible HO‐1 protein was increased in homogenates from STZ‐treated rats (vs CTRL, P < 0.01), and further increased in STZ‐treated rats receiving CoPPIX (P < 0.05). Taken together, our data underline the essential role of HO/CO system in regulation of inhibitory NANC neurotransmission in the duodenum and suggest that dysregulation of HO/CO activity may represent one mechanism by which gastrointestinal motility is altered in diabetes.
Recent advances and future research directions in neurogastroenterology and endocrinology recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases
Authors: Owyang C.
Published: October 2008

Abstract Recently, a draft of the report of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases was made available to the public. The Commission was given the task of assessing the current state of science in digestive diseases research, and developing a 10‐year plan for digestive diseases research consistent with National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s mission of improving the health of the nation through research. Twelve topic‐specific areas were selected for organizing the content of the long‐range research plan. One chapter was devoted toResearch on the Basic Biology of the Digestive Systemcovering major biological pathways which regulate the physiology and biochemistry of the gastrointestinal tract. The author wrote about the areas related to neurogastroenterology, endocrinology and satiety. In this communication, recent advances in these areas are reviewed and major recommendations for future research endeavours are highlighted. Collectively, the recommendations will provide scientific direction for the NIH and all parties engaged in digestive disease research as they address opportunities in digestive diseases research over the next decade.
Implementation of NICE recommendation for a policy of routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis: a survey of UK maternity units
Authors: Harkness M. , Freer Y. , Prescott R. J. , Warner P.
Published: October 2008

summary The aim of this study was to determine how many UK maternity units have implemented National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance for routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis (RAADP). In May 2002, the NICE recommended a policy of RAADP for RhD‐negative pregnant women. The policy has the potential to reduce maternal sensitization and prevent deaths from haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn, but implementation entails considerable clinical, financial and organizational challenges. A postal survey of all 324 UK maternity units was completed in 2005.Responses were received from 91% of units (294 of 324). RAADP was offered by 220 of 294 (75%) and in England and Wales 19% of those offered a single‐dose regime. At 12% of maternity units, routine paternal blood group testing was offered. For 84% of maternity units, staff education was offered at the time of implementation. Written patient information was provided at 97% of maternity units and 147 of 217 (69%) returned a copy. We received 60 different leaflets. Three years after NICE guidance was issued, one in four maternity units did not offer RAADP. Among those that do offer RAADP, practice with regard to anti‐D administration, paternal testing, provision of written information and staff education varied. Unit and clinician level research is required to understand why.
An evaluation of proposed changes to International Standards for blood bags and transfusion sets to improve their compatibility
Authors: Nightingale M. J. , Leimbach R.
Published: October 2008

summary Difficulties arising from the poor compatibility of some blood bag and transfusion set combinations remain a significant, ongoing patient safety issue. Proposed changes to international standards based on previously published findings provide a potential resolution when adopted by manufacturers. The aims and objectives of this study were to demonstrate that changes to ISO 3826‐1 and 1135‐4, especially surface treatment of the transfusion set spike (siliconisation) to reduce insertion force and accidental spiking will not result in: ‘Pre‐piercing’ of the port membrane; difficulty in inserting the spike; leakage from the spike/port connection or unintentional removal of the spike during transfusion. The performance of connections (ports from five and siliconized spikes from two manufacturers) was assessed by a range of physical tests including: pressure tests for leakage at 50 kPa (1·5 bar); static stress (pull) tests at 15 and 20 N. Spike insertion force tests were repeated to challenge original findings. Of the 280 connections tested, there was one dubious pressure tests fail (<10 μL), no pull test failures at 15 N and one at 20 N. Spike insertion forces were acceptable and consistently low with ports from all manufacturers. Findings confirm the benefits of siliconized spikes in improving compatibility between transfusion sets and blood bags. This study does not indicate that the evaluated spikes would be subject to unintentional removal or leakage when used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Pressure and pull tests on spike/port connections are a valuable addition to ISO 3826‐1 and 1135‐4 for manufacturing design validation and quality control purposes.
Access and utilization of a new low‐vision rehabilitation service
Authors: O'Connor Patricia M , Mu Lisa C , Keeffe Jill E
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background:  A new low‐vision service linking a public hospital and a non‐governmental organization was trialled in Melbourne, Australia. The factors associated with service use were investigated.

Methods:  A survey was conducted with patients who used the service, those who accepted referrals but failed to attend and those who refused a referral. Hospital and non‐governmental organization representatives were also interviewed.

Results:  Ninety‐eight eligible vision impaired people who were referred to the new service were recruited. Less than half (49%) followed through with their referral and attended the service. Proximity and convenience were listed as the main facilitators to service use while issues relating to transport, needing an accompanying person, lack of information about the service and poor health were the main barriers. More than a third of the non‐compliant and referral refusers spoke a language other than English. Sixty‐three per cent of all participants had not previously used low‐vision services. Of the two main eye conditions, 81% of referred age‐related macular degeneration participants (n = 26) attended the service, but only 32% of those with diabetic retinopathy (n = 31) did so.

Conclusion:  As more than 60% of participants in each of the three groups had no prior use of low‐vision services, clearly current models of care are not reaching many who could benefit from such services. This suggests that higher rates of referral are warranted. However, given that substantially more were referred than attended, referral alone is obviously not the answer. Access and attitudinal barriers also need to be addressed.
Incorporation of a virtual assessment into a care pathway for initial glaucoma management: feasibility study
Authors: Rathod Dinesh , Win Thein , Pickering Susan , Austin Michael
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Purpose:  To investigate the feasibility of a glaucoma triage assessment based on the consideration of clinical data in a virtual clinic environment.

Methods:  One hundred consecutive new patients were assessed by masked observers for a possible diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension by evaluation of clinical data compiled by a technician in the absence of the patient. The virtual clinic diagnoses were compared with those made by actual examination of the patient in the outpatient clinic.

Results:  A total of 22% of subjects were excluded from interobserver comparison because of atypical scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Of the 78% of subjects completing virtual and actual clinical assessments diagnostic agreement was good, weighted Kappa was of 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 0.59), sensitivity 94.4% and specificity 86.7%. No case of glaucoma was misdiagnosed as normal by virtual assessment.

Conclusion:  Clinical findings and data relating to glaucoma may be evaluated in a virtual clinic with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy.
In vivo observations of chlorpromazine ocular deposits in a patient on long‐term chlorpromazine therapy
Authors: Razeghinejad Mohammad Reza , Nowroozzadeh Mohammad Hosein , Zamani Mohammad , Amini Nima
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Chlorpromazine is known to deposit in ocular tissues when taken at high doses for prolonged periods. Chlorpromazine therapy in a 59‐year‐old schizophrenic man with a cumulative dosage exceeding 2500 g resulted in multiple white deposits in both corneas especially in the endothelium. Confocal microscopy revealed significant pleomorphism and polymegethism of endothelial cells. The anterior lens capsules opacities were star‐shaped and concentrated in the centre. Because of cataract and chronic angle closure glaucoma our high‐myopic patient underwent surgery, and light microscopic evaluation of the obtained anterior lens capsule during cataract surgery showed golden brown cytoplasmic deposits in the central epithelial cells and capsule. The peripheral epithelial cells of the removed capsule had no deposit. There were no sign of retinal deposits in the fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. In this patient chlorpromazine deposited mainly in the corneal endothelium, central anterior lens capsule and epithelial cells.
Neutralization of the membrane protein Nogo‐A enhances growth and reactive sprouting in established organotypic hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Craveiro Luis M. , Hakkoum David , Weinmann Oliver , Montani Laura , Stoppini Luc , Schwab Martin E.
Published: October 2008

The reduced ability of central axons to regenerate after injury is significantly influenced by the presence of several molecules that inhibit axonal growth. Nogo‐A is one of the most studied and most potent of the myelin‐associated growth inhibitory molecules. Its neutralization, as well as interference with its signalling, allows for enhanced axonal sprouting and growth following injury. Using differentiated rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures treated for 5 days with either of two different function‐blocking anti‐Nogo‐A antibodies, we show an increase in CA3 fibre regeneration after lesion. In intact slices, 5 days of anti‐Nogo‐A antibody treatment led to increased sprouting of intact CA3 fibres that are positive for neurofilament 68. A transcriptomic approach confirmed the occurrence of a growth response on the molecular level upon Nogo‐A neutralization in intact cultures. Our results demonstrate that Nogo‐A neutralization for 5 days is sufficient for the induction of growth in mature CNS tissue without the prerequisite of an injury. Nogo‐A may therefore act as a tonic growth suppressor/stabilizer in the adult intact hippocampus.
A sensitizing d‐amphetamine regimen induces long‐lasting spinophilin protein upregulation in the rat striatum and limbic forebrain
Authors: Boikess Steven R. , Marshall John F.
Published: October 2008

Structural studies have shown that chronic regimens of psychostimulants increase dendritic spine number in the rat striatum. The present study used Western blotting and radioimmunocytochemistry to examine psychostimulant‐induced changes in the levels of spinophilin, a protein found abundantly in dendritic spines. Spinophilin determinations were conducted in striatum as well as several other subcortical regions implicated in psychostimulant‐induced neuroplasticity. Rats received an escalating (1–8 mg/kg) dosing regimen of d‐amphetamine (twice daily, i.p.) for 5 weeks, were tested for locomotor sensitization, and were killed 28 days later. This amphetamine dosing regimen was found to induce a significant sensitization of locomotor activity in these animals. Using both Western blotting and radioimmunocytochemistry, spinophilin protein was found to be upregulated in the striatum of amphetamine‐treated rats. In addition, radioimmunocytochemistry revealed that spinophilin was increased in the septum, hippocampus, amygdala and the cingulate cortex, and was unchanged in sensorimotor cortices. Because it binds to F‐actin and protein phosphatase‐1, spinophilin has been proposed as a protein linking synaptic transmission to changes in spine morphology. Radioimmunocytochemistry for spinophilin provides a novel approach to identification of brain regions whose neurons undergo dendritic change after chronic exposure to drugs of abuse.
RISKY INDIVIDUALS AND THE POLITICS OF GENETIC RESEARCH INTO AGGRESSIVENESS AND VIOLENCE
Authors: PIERI ELISA , LEVITT MAIRI
Published: October 2008

New genetic technologies promise to generate valuable insights into the aetiology of several psychiatric conditions, as well as a wider range of human and animal behaviours. Advances in the neurosciences and the application of new brain imaging techniques offer a way of integrating DNA analysis with studies that are looking at other biological markers of behaviour.

While candidate ‘genes for’ certain conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, are said to be ‘un‐discovered’ at a faster rate than they are discovered, many studies are being conducted on personality traits such as aggressiveness and anti‐social traits. The clinical applicability and implications of these studies are often discussed within the scientific community. However, little attention has so far been paid to their possible policy implications in relation to criminality management and to Criminal Law itself. Similarly, the related ethical issues arising in the field of crime control, and the tensions between enhancing security for society and protecting civil liberties, are currently under‐explored.

This paper investigates these ethical issues by focusing on the views of those professionals – including judges, lawyers, probation officers and social workers – who work with individuals ‘deemed at risk’ of violent and aggressive behaviours. It also discusses and problematizes mainstream rhetoric and arguments around the notion of ‘risky individuals’.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES, SECURITY AND ETHICS: THE CASE OF HIV/AIDS
Authors: SELGELID MICHAEL J. , ENEMARK CHRISTIAN
Published: October 2008

Securitization of infectious diseases may involve suspension of ordinary human rights and liberties. In the event of an epidemic, therefore, it is important to limit the occasions upon which draconian disease control measures are implemented in the name of security. The term ‘security’, moreover, should not be used too loosely if it is to retain force and meaning in political discourse. It may be argued that the bar for disease securitization should be set high so that it is limited to contexts involving rapidly spreading pathogens. Such an approach, however, would rule out securitization of more slowly spreading, endemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS. An advantage of characterizing HIV/AIDS as a security threat in developing countries, where the burden of the disease is concentrated, is that this is likely to mobilize resources needed to improve the situation there. That is, if HIV/AIDS is convincingly framed as a security threat, then governments may recognize self‐interested reasons to ramp up control measures. Following consideration of arguments for narrow (excluding HIV/AIDS) versus broad (including HIV/AIDS) conceptions of security, we conclude that the legitimacy of ‘securitizing’ HIV/AIDS ultimately turns on empirical and semantic issues, and we emphasize the importance of distinguishing (1) the nature of the threat posed by HIV/AIDS and (2) the measures required to address that threat.
ETHICAL MODELS UNDERPINNING RESPONSES TO THREATS TO PUBLIC HEALTH: A COMPARISON OF APPROACHES TO COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL IN EUROPE
Authors: GAINOTTI SABINA , MORAN NICOLA , PETRINI CARLO , SHICKLE DARREN
Published: October 2008

Increases in international travel and migratory flows have enabled infectious diseases to emerge and spread more rapidly than ever before. Hence, it is increasingly easy for local infectious diseases to become global infectious diseases (GIDs). National governments must be able to react quickly and effectively to GIDs, whether naturally occurring or intentionally instigated by bioterrorism.

According to the World Health Organisation, global partnerships are necessary to gather the most up‐to‐date information and to mobilize resources to tackle GIDs when necessary. Communicable disease control also depends upon national public health laws and policies.

The containment of an infectious disease typically involves detection, notification, quarantine and isolation of actual or suspected cases; the protection and monitoring of those not infected; and possibly even treatment. Some measures are clearly contentious and raise conflicts between individual and societal interests. In Europe national policies against infectious diseases are very heterogeneous.

Some countries have a more communitarian approach to public health ethics, in which the interests of individual and society are more closely intertwined and interdependent, while others take a more liberal approach and give priority to individual freedoms in communicable disease control. This paper provides an overview of the different policies around communicable disease control that exist across a select number of countries across Europe. It then proposes ethical arguments to be considered in the making of public health laws, mostly concerning their effectiveness for public health protection.
SILENT WITNESS, ARTICULATE COLLECTIVE: DNA EVIDENCE AND THE INFERENCE OF VISIBLE TRAITS
Authors: M'CHAREK AMADE
Published: October 2008

DNA profiling is a well‐established technology for use in the criminal justice system, both in courtrooms and elsewhere. The fact that DNA profiles are based on non‐coding DNA and do not reveal details about the physical appearance of an individual has contributed to the acceptability of this type of evidence. Its success in criminal investigation, combined with major innovations in the field of genetics, have contributed to a change of role for this type of evidence. Nowadays DNA evidence is not merely about identification, where trace evidence is compared to a sample taken from a suspect. An ever‐growing role is anticipated for DNA profiling as an investigative tool, a technique aimed at generating a suspect where there is none. One of these applications is the inference of visible traits. As this article will show, racial classifications are at the heart of this application. The Netherlands and its legal regulation of ‘externally visible traits’ will serve as an example. It will be shown that, to make this technology work, a large number of actors has to be enrolled and their articulations invited. This indicates that instead of a ‘silent witness’, a DNA profile should rather be seen as an ‘articulate collective’. Based on two cases, I argue that the normativity of visible traits is context‐dependent. Taking into account the practices in which technology is put to use alerts us to novel ethical questions raised by their application.
From space words to transitive markers: the case of ancient Greek en‘in’1
Authors: Viti Carlotta
Published: October 2008

While in many Indo‐European languages preverbs become markers of increased transitivity, in Homeric Greek they maintain their concrete local or directional function, and therefore may be compared with prepositions. Here we investigate how the prepositional use and the preverbal use may be performed by the same local particle, en‘in’. It appears that prepositions are used with nouns denoting inanimate objects. Instead, preverbs mainly select topical complements, which have human referents or are represented by personal pronouns. These results tally with the use of applicative structures outside the Indo‐European domain. Since topical complements are interpreted as referring to entire items that are completely affected by the verbal action, topicality appears to be the connection between space and transitivity.
Dummy pronoun insertion after conditional ‘if’ in Greco‐Corsican
Authors: Hajek John , Nicholas Nick
Published: October 2008

In the final generation of the Greek dialect spoken until recently in Corsica, a dummy subject pronoun emerged after conditional ‘if’. This pronoun, which displays no person or number agreement with its verb, is quite uncharacteristic of Greek, and instead appears to have grammaticalised with the conditional into a single form. We conclude that this is a calque from a similar construction used in the local Corsican variety of Italo‐Romance and elsewhere, counting as one of the few attested instances of syntactic borrowing from Romance into Greek. There is some ambivalence as to whether to treat this as a borrowed syntactic structure or as a lexical calque, although the available data point to the former as more likely.
A Bayesian Approach to Non-Parametric Monotone Function Estimation
Authors: Shively Thomas S. , Sager Thomas W. , Walker Stephen G.
Published: October 2008

The paper proposes two Bayesian approaches to non-parametric monotone function estimation. The first approach uses a hierarchical Bayes framework and a characterization of smooth monotone functions given by Ramsay that allows unconstrained estimation. The second approach uses a Bayesian regression spline model of Smith and Kohn with a mixture distribution of constrained normal distributions as the prior for the regression coefficients to ensure the monotonicity of the resulting function estimate. The small sample properties of the two function estimators across a range of functions are provided via simulation and compared with existing methods. Asymptotic results are also given that show that Bayesian methods provide consistent function estimators for a large class of smooth functions. An example is provided involving economic demand functions that illustrates the application of the constrained regression spline estimator in the context of a multiple-regression model where two functions are constrained to be monotone.
Expression and distribution of ‘high affinity’ glutamate transporters GLT1, GLAST, EAAC1 and of GCPII in the rat peripheral nervous system
Authors: Carozzi Valentina Alda , Canta Annalisa , Oggioni Norberto , Ceresa Cecilia , Marmiroli Paola , Konvalinka Jan , Zoia Chiara , Bossi Mario , Ferrarese Carlo , Tredici Giovanni , Cavaletti Guido
Published: October 2008

l‐Glutamate is one of the major excitatory neurotransmitters in the mammalian central nervous system, but recently it has been shown to have a role also in the transduction of sensory input at the periphery, and in particular in the nociceptive pathway. An excess of glutamate is implicated in cases of peripheral neuropathies as well. Conventional therapeutic approaches for treating these diseases have focused on blocking glutamate receptors with small molecules or on reducing its synthesis of the receptors through the inhibition of glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), the enzyme that generates glutamate.In vivostudies have demonstrated that the pharmacological inhibition of GCPII can either prevent or treat the peripheral nerve changes in both BB/Wor and chemically induced diabetes in rats. In this study, we characterized the expression and distribution of glutamate transporters GLT1, GLAST, EAAC1 and of the enzyme GCPII in the peripheral nervous system of female Wistar rats. Immunoblotting results demonstrated that all glutamate transporters and GCPII are present in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the sciatic nerve. Immunofluorescence localization studies revealed that both DRG and sciatic nerves were immunopositive for all glutamate transporters and for GCPII. In DRG, satellite cells were positive for GLT1 and GCPII, whereas sensory neurons were positive for EAAC1. GLAST was localized in both neurons and satellite cells. In the sciatic nerve, GLT1 and GCPII were expressed in the cytoplasm of Schwann cells, whereas GLAST and EAAC1 stained the myelin layer. Our results give for the first time a complete characterization of the glutamate transporter system in the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, they are important both for understanding glutamatergic signalling in the PNS and for establishing new strategies to treat peripheral neuropathies.
Critical reflections on practice: the changing roles of three physical geographers carrying out research in a developing country
Authors: Mistry Jayalaxshmi , Berardi Andrea , Simpson Matthew
Published: October 2008

To date, discussions on positionality and the relationship with research collaborators have been very much in the human geography realm. In this paper, we explore issues of expertise, positionality, collaboration and participation from our perspective as physical geographers working in a developing country context. We trace our journey from identifying ourselves as top‐down ‘experts’ to participatory ‘facilitators’, and the difficulties and dilemmas encountered during this journey as we coped with the contrasting challenges of academic demands and local necessities. Our experiences highlight the many assumptions we make about doing research in developing countries and the real lack of capacity in these places to undertake typical short‐term research projects designed in the developed world. We conclude with a call for a longer term and deeper commitment by physical geographers to the people that we engage with in our research.
Synthesis and colour spectroscopic investigation of some hemicyanine dyes
Authors: Shindy Hassan Abazied , Koraiem Ahmed Ibrahim Mahmoud
Published: October 2008

New hemicyanine dyes with a benzo[2,3‐b;2′,3′‐b′]bis‐furo[3,2‐d]pyrazolium nucleus were prepared. Spectroscopic investigations were carried out in 95% ethanol for all the synthesised cyanine dyes and/or in pure solvents which have different polarities for some selected dyes. Structural identification was carried out via elemental analysis, infra‐red and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data.
Amineborane: a unique reductive bleaching agent that protects cystine disulphide bonds in keratins
Authors: Cai Jackie Y , Evans David J , Church Jeffrey S
Published: October 2008

This paper reports a new application for amineboranes in the bleaching of wool, a typical example of keratin fibre. It has been found in this investigation that amineboranes are unique reductive bleaching agents that do not attack cystine disulphide bonds in wool keratin and do not impart permanent set to the fibre during bleaching. Selected amineborane compounds can be used in conjunction with oxidative agents such as hydrogen peroxide in aqueous media to further enhance the whitening effect and prevent disulphide bond disruption in keratins. The results of this study have suggested that the researched technology outperforms existing bleaching methods on a number of levels and may be an important step towards a new commercial bleaching technology.