bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘Earned Privilege’ of Family Contact in Northern Ireland: Judicial Justification of Prisoners' Loss of Family Life
Authors: DIVER ALICE
Published: September 2008

Abstract: Our ‘carceral society’ often conspires to effect a continuum of punishments far beyond that needed to extinguish ‘behaviour and bring about attitude change’ in offenders (Hudson 1993, p.32). Recent jurisprudence on family life during incarceration has inverted the concept of the right, framing it as ‘earned privilege’ and linking it to subjective notions of good behaviour.1 This has created a sub‐category of the right, also diminishing its normative status. In many of the judgments referred to, judicial concern for public opinion seems to sideline the need to promote family life. This applies equally to Northern Ireland jurisprudence and to the international case‐law to which domestic judiciaries look for guidance.
An Association of Migraine with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia Independently of Pulmonary Right-to-Left Shunts
Authors: Marziniak M , Jung A , Guralnik V , Evers S , Prudlo J , Geisthoff UW
Published: September 2008

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder characterized by epistaxis, telangiectasia and visceral vascular manifestations. It is associated with migraine with aura due to pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (pAVMs). The aim of the study was to evaluate headache prevalence in 106 consecutive HHT patients (67 female, 39 male, age 53.5 ± 14.5 years) and age- and gender-matched controls. An extensive clinical work-up was performed and headache prevalence was determined. Lifetime prevalence of migraine was higher in HHT patients (39.6%) than in controls (19.8%) [ P < 0.001, χ2 = 12.17, odds ratio (OR) 3.0; 95% confidence interval 1.6 < OR < 5.7]. A positive association was confirmed between HHT patients with pAVMs and migraine with aura (38.5% vs. 10%). Furthermore, HHT patients without pAVMs had a higher prevalence of migraine without aura (11.5% vs. 26.3%; χ2 = 11.85; d.f. = 2; P = 0.003). We speculate that pathophysiological mechanisms, including dysfunction of the transforming growth factor-beta pathways and resulting vascular changes, contribute to the higher prevalence of migraine without aura in HHT patients without pAVMs.
THE SEARCH FOR THE ORIGIN OF BITUMEN EXCAVATED FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN THE NORTHERNMOST ISLAND IN JAPAN BY MEANS OF STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF FI–MS DATA*
Authors: KATO K. , MIYAO A. , ITO J. , SOGA N. , OGASAWARA M.
Published: September 2008

The origin of bitumen excavated from archaeological sites in Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, was sought by means of field‐ionization mass spectrometry (FI–MS) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC–MS) of the hydrocarbon components. The field‐ionization mass spectra were decomposed by Z‐numbers into several components, where the Z‐number refers to z in the formula C
n
H
2n+z
. This is equivalent to the deficit number of H atoms, when compared to the corresponding saturated hydrocarbon, which is related to the number of saturated hydrocarbon rings in alkanes. By use of the spectral intensities of the seven alkane components in each sample, multiple discriminant analysis was employed for the data of raw bitumen samples and excavated samples from archaeological sites. Based on this method and the gas chromatogram type, the following bitumen trade in the prehistoric age of Japan was elucidated: bitumen from Niigata, one of the main sources on the main island of Japan, spread to the north in 2000 bc, probably via the coastal zone, and reached a small island near the north end of Hokkaido. Bitumen from Sakhalin reached the central lowland in Hokkaido, but it went no further. Bitumen from Akita, another main source on the main island, spread over northern Honshu much earlier and reached the Oshima peninsula, the southwestern part of Hokkaido. The Akita bitumen scattered into the central lowland after the Niigata and Sakhalin bitumen. This area is believed to be the place where people from the south and the north met in those periods.
LEAD ISOTOPE ANALYSES OF BRONZE AGE COPPER‐BASE ARTEFACTS FROM AL‐MIDAMMAN, YEMEN: TOWARDS THE IDENTIFICATION OF AN INDIGENOUS METAL PRODUCTION AND EXCHANGE SYSTEM IN THE SOUTHERN RED SEA REGION*
Authors: WEEKS L. , KEALL E. , PASHLEY V. , EVANS J. , STOCK S.
Published: September 2008

The results of the lead isotope analysis (LIA) of 15 copper‐base artefacts from the Bronze Age site of al‐Midamman, Yemen, are reported. The LIA data suggest the existence of an indigenous Bronze Age metal production and exchange system centred on the southern Red Sea region, distinct from those in neighbouring regions of Arabia and the Levant. These preliminary results are highly significant for the archaeology of the region, suggesting that local prehistoric copper extraction sites have thus far gone unrecorded, and highlighting the need for systematic archaeometallurgical fieldwork programmes in the countries surrounding the southern Red Sea.
Ambulatory Setting for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement
Authors: Maya Ivan D.
Published: September 2008

A modified fluoroscopic technique by adding ultrasound‐assistance ensuring entry into the abdominal cavity and avoiding the risk of epigastric artery injury under direct ultrasound visualization was recently published. This study demonstrated that the technique was minimally invasive and allowed for accurate assessment of entry into the abdominal cavity and avoidance of vascular injury. In the current analysis, we report the impact of this technique on hospital stay during a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion. Twenty‐six PD catheters have been placed on an outpatient basis using this technique. All catheter insertions were successful. Patients were discharge on the same day of the procedure. There were no procedure‐related complication or related to short hospital stay. An ambulatory setting allows for a short hospital stay without compromising patient care. This brief paper explains in detail the pre, peri and postoperative period and follow‐up.
Percutaneous Fluoroscopically Guided Placement of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters—A 10‐Year Experience
Authors: Vaux Emma C. , Torrie Peter H. , Barker Lindsey C. , Naik Ramesh B. , Gibson Matthew R.
Published: September 2008

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters maybe inserted surgically or percutaneously. Since 1997, 209 patients in our unit have had a PD catheter inserted percutaneously with fluoroscopic guidance. Data on all these PD catheters were collected prospectively on a PROTON computer database. 5/209 (2.4%) insertion attempts were abandoned. 204 catheters were successfully placed giving an initial technical success of 97.6%. 200/204 catheters were used for dialysis. 13/200 (6.5%) catheters developed early exit site infections; 12/13 were successfully treated and dialysis proceeded uneventfully. 3/200 (1.5%) catheters developed early peritonitis; 1/3 was removed as antibiotic treatment was unsuccessful. 10/200 (5%) catheters developed an early leak; 2/10 did not resolve with conservative therapy and were removed. 14/200 (7%) catheters did not allow sufficient fluid entry for PD; all 14 had migrated out of the pelvis and were removed. In total, 18/200 (9%) catheters were removed in the first 2 months due to these early complications. The remaining 182/200 (91%) were fully functional for PD. Technical survival (excluding patient death with a functioning catheter and successful kidney transplantation) at 1, 2, and 5 years was 77%, 61%, and 31%, respectively. Our 10 year experience of PD catheters inserted percutaneously with fluoroscopic guidance demonstrates a high technical success and a low complication rate. The data presented may be used as the standard for this technique.
A Modified Supraclavicular Approach for Central Venous Catheterization by Manipulation of Ventilation in Ventilated Patients
Authors: Chen Pin‐Tarng , Yen Chia‐Rong , Wang Chao‐Chun , Sung Chun‐Sung , Chang Wen‐Kuei , Chan Kwok‐Hon
Published: September 2008

Background:  Because of overuse and multiple implantations of hemodialysis catheters through internal jugular or subclavian vein (SCV) in patients with chronic hemodialysis, these veins often become stenotic or occlude, therefore necessitating alternative access. We introduce a new technique in ventilated patients for placement of tunneled cuffed chronic hemodialysis catheter: modified supraclavicular approach by cease of ventilation.

Methods:  Patients who received implantation of the tunneled cuffed chronic hemodialysis catheters by supraclavicular approach were collected from February 2003 to July 2005. Right subclavian, right innominate or left SCVs were accessed through the supraclavicular approach for catheter insertion. The procedures were performed by certificated anesthesiologists. The following parameters were recorded: co‐morbidities, laboratory examinations before the procedure, method for catheterization, duration of procedure, complications related to catheterization and long‐term outcome of hemodialysis catheters.

Results:  Eleven catheters were inserted in nine patients (two patients received twice) by supraclavicular approach during this period. All patients were mechanically ventilated and these catheters (seven at right and four at left) were implanted using the modified supraclavicular approach with lung deflation during venipuncture, advance of guidewire, and insertion of catheter. There were no procedural complications. The average duration of whole procedure was 36.6 minutes (30–45  minutes) and the mean catheter survival days were 62.1 days (13–152 days). The estimated duration was <1 minute of each period of lung deflation. There were no desaturation or pneumothorax during the whole procedure.

Conclusion:  The modified supraclavicular approach with lung deflation for tunneled cuffed chronic hemodialysis catheter in ventilated patients is at least as effective as traditional approach and can be easily performed by surgeons as well as experienced physicians. Based on the results, this simplified technique using lung deflation may be particularly useful to decrease procedural complications.
Locking Solutions for Hemodialysis Catheters; Heparin and Citrate—A Position Paper by ASDIN
Authors: Moran John E. , Ash Stephen R. ,   the Clinical Practice Committee
Published: September 2008

There is wide variation in the use of solutions to “lock” or fill tunneled central venous catheters for dialysis. Some centers use undiluted heparin concentrations ranging from 1000 to 10,000 U/ml and other centers place from 1000 to 10,000 U per lumen. Based on available evidence, it appears that heparin 1000 U/ml, or 4% sodium citrate are suitable choices for lock solution to maintain patency of tunneled central venous catheters for dialysis. Risks from systemic anticoagulation are lower with heparin 1000 U/ml and 4% sodium citrate, compared with higher concentrations of heparin (5000 and 10,000 U/ml). The need for use of tissue plasminogen activator for maintaining catheter patency is increased by using heparin lock at 1000 U/ml, vs. higher concentrations. Higher concentrations of heparin lock should be reserved for patients who have evidence of catheter occlusion or thrombosis when heparin is used at 1000 U/ml. Similar choices for lock solution are sensible for acute hemodialysis catheters. When heparin is used for catheter lock, the injected volume should not exceed the internal volume of the catheter.
Arteriovenous Fistula Use Is Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Mortality Compared with Catheter Use among ESRD Patients
Authors: Wasse Haimanot , Speckman Rebecca A. , McClellan William M.
Published: September 2008

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the recommended form of dialysis vascular access, however, limited studies suggest that AVF creation may result in increased cardiovascular stress and remodeling. To explore the contribution of vascular access type to cardiovascular‐related (CV) mortality, we analyzed USRDS Clinical Performance Measures data comprising 4854 patients that initiated dialysis between October 1, 1999–December 31, 2004. CV mortality included death from acute myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest or stroke. Risk of cardiovascular mortality during a 4‐year observation was analyzed by Cox‐regression methods with adjustments for demographic and co‐morbid conditions. AVF use was strongly associated with lower all‐cause and CV mortality. After adjustment for covariates, AVF use 90 days after dialysis initiation remained significantly associated with lower cardiovascular mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.69, p = 0.0004] compared with catheter use. These findings suggest that vascular access type influences cause‐specific mortality beyond that of infection, and support existing guidelines recommending the use of an AVF early in the course of chronic end‐stage renal disease therapy.
Adverse Reactions to Latex Occurring in an Outpatient Dialysis Access Center
Authors: Fuld Robert A.
Published: September 2008

Latex allergies have been reported to be present in 1–5% of the general population. Patients with multiple surgeries and frequent exposure have a significant increase in the risk of a serious latex allergy. Reports of latex allergy in dialysis patients who need interventional procedures, however, have been limited. In this analysis, two patients treated at an outpatient dialysis access center are presented with presumed latex allergies. This report reviews the mechanism of latex allergy and provides important considerations regarding latex allergy. In addition, it calls for heightened awareness of this uncommon but potentially dangerous condition.
Lipid Metabolism in Dialysis Patients—The Story Gets More Complicated
Authors: Ponda Manish P. , Barash Irina
Published: September 2008

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Compared with the general population, dialysis patients suffer from an accelerated disease course that is, at least in part, resistant to conventional therapy. While there are a myriad of potential explanations for this resistance, derangements in lipid metabolism probably play an important role. Here, we discuss the significance of altered lipid metabolism in uremia, such as oxidative lipoprotein modification and the pathophysiology of adipose tissue; limitations of conventional approaches to dyslipidemia such as statin therapy and traditional lipid profiles; and areas of investigation with potential for new therapy, such as reverse cholesterol transport.
The first case of drug‐induced immune hemolytic anemia due to hydrocortisone
Authors: Martinengo Marina , Ardenghi Diego Fabio , Tripodi Gino , Reali Giorgio
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Drug‐induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) is a well‐known complication of drug treatment. Sensitization can occur, due to interaction of the drug and/or its metabolites with cells of the immune system, after the first drug administration, while the hemolytic crisis generally occurs after repeated administration of a drug. This event occurred in the case described here of acute hemolysis due to the administration of corticosteroids.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To define the etiopathogenesis of the hemolytic crisis, immunohematologic screening and specific tests were performed to identify antibodies against a possible drug–red cell (RBC) complex and circulating drug–anti‐drug antibody immune complexes. Six drugs administered to the patient were tested and results were confirmed by test repetition using other types of corticosteroids.

RESULTS: Indirect antiglobulin test performed with the patient's serum sample on 22 RBC samples from commercial panels was strongly positive, while it was negative on RBCs from ABO‐compatible donors. The same test repeated on commercial RBCs after washing was negative. Specific tests were negative for five of the six tested drugs, while RBCs incubated with hydrocortisone strongly reacted with the patient's serum. The same tests performed using other types of corticosteroids confirmed a reaction with the same positivity score on all tested molecules.

CONCLUSION: The positive reaction observed each time the patient's serum sample was incubated with RBCs in the presence of corticosteroids suggested that the triggering cause of hemolysis was an immune‐mediated mechanism and the drug responsible for DIIHA was hydrocortisone.
A New Parameter of Pulsed‐Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging: IVRa
Authors: Sürücü Hüseyin , Tatlı Ersan , Değirmenci Ali , Okudan Selnur , Aktoz Meryem , Boz Hakkı
Published: September 2008

Objective: We investigated how velocity of isovolumetric relaxation period on pulsed‐wave tissue Doppler trace (IVRa and IVRb) is affected by the left ventricular (LV) geometry changes. Methods: Two hundred cases without exclusion criteria were included in the study. Normal LV mass index (LVMI) and normal relative wall thickness (RWT) was assigned to group 1 (n = 72). Concentric remodeling (normal LVMI and increased RWT) was defined to group 2 (n = 25). Eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) (increased LVMI and normal RWT) was defined to group 3 (n = 62). And finally, concentric LVH (increased LVMI and increased RWT) was defined to group 4 (n = 41). Results: Patients with LVH (groups 3 and 4) were older than group 1 (P = 0.017 and 0.001). It was observed in the assessment of M‐mode ECHO parameters that the aortic valve diameter, aortic valve opening, LV end‐systolic diameter (LVESD), LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left atrium (LA) were higher in cases with eccentric LVH. It was shown that Ea velocity and Sa velocity time integral (Sa‐VTI) were decreased with LV geometry change. However, IVRa velocity and E/Ea were increased as LV geometry change. A positive correlation between IVRa velocity and LVMI (correlation ratio = 34%, P = 0.000) was found. Similarly, a positive correlation between IVRa velocity and RWT (correlation ratio = 17%, P = 0.025) was found. Conclusion: IVRa velocity exhibits a positive correlation with LV geometry changes indicating that IVRa velocity is affected by LV geometry like the other parameters influenced by LV geometry.
Validity of ‘post‐traumatic stress disorder with secondary psychotic features’: a review of the evidence
Authors: Braakman M. H. , Kortmann F. A. M. , Van Den Brink W.
Published: September 2008

Objective:  To review the evidence from empirical studies regarding the validity of ‘post‐traumatic stress disorder with secondary psychotic features’ (PTSD‐SP) as a separate diagnostic entity.

Method:  The authors performed a review tracing publications between 1980 and January 2008.

Results:  Twenty‐four comparative studies were included. These studies indicate that PTSD‐SP is a syndrome that comprises PTSD‐symptoms followed in time by the additional appearance of psychotic features. The psychotic features are not confined to episodes of re‐experiencing, but remain present continuously. PTSD‐SP seems to have some biological features differentiating it from schizophrenia and PTSD, e.g. there are differences in smooth pursuit eye movement patterns, concentrations of corticotropin‐releasing factor and dopamine β‐hydroxylase activity.

Conclusion:  There is currently not yet full support for PTSD‐SP as a nosological entity. However, the delineation of PTSD‐SP from other psychiatric syndromes is notable and biological studies seem to support the validity as a separate diagnostic entity.
Clinical and serotonergic predictors of non‐affective acute remitting psychosis in patients with a first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Arranz B. , San L. , Ramírez N. , Dueñas R. M. , Perez V. , Salavert J. , Corripio I. , Alvarez E.
Published: September 2008

Objective:  The study aimed to establish clinical predictors of non‐affective acute remitting psychosis (NARP) and assess whether these patients showed a distinct serotonergic profile.

Method:  First‐episode never treated psychotic patients diagnosed of paranoid schizophrenia (n = 35; 21 men and 14 women) or NARP (n = 28; 15 men and 13 women) were included.

Results:  NARP patients showed significantly lower negative symptomatology, better premorbid adjustment, shorter duration of untreated psychosis, more depressive symptomatology and a lower number of 5‐HT2A receptors than the paranoid schizophrenia patients. In the logistic regression, the four variables associated with the presence of NARP were: low number of 5‐HT2A receptors; good premorbid adjustment; low score in the item ‘hallucinatory behaviour’ and reduced duration of untreated psychosis.

Conclusion:  Our findings support the view that NARP is a highly distinctive condition different from either affective psychosis or other non‐affective psychosis such as schizophrenia, and highlight the need for its validation.
Electroconvulsive therapy for burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Suda S. , Takagai S. , Inoshima‐Takahashi K. , Sugihara G. , Mori N. , Takei N.
Published: September 2008

Objective:  Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an orofacial pain disorder characterized by a chronic, idiopathic burning sensation of the oral mucosa that mostly affects middle‐aged women. Although both psychological and neuropathological factors have been postulated to underlie BMS, the pathogenic mechanism of the condition remains controversial, as do the treatment strategies.

Method:  A single case was reported.

Results:  Ms A, a 66‐year‐old woman with BMS type 1, which is characterized by daily burning pain associated with circadian variation, underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). After the completion of 12 ECTs, the pain markedly diminished and the pronounced ECT effect persisted over the subsequent 24‐week period of observation.

Conclusion:  To our knowledge, this is the first clinical report on the efficacy of ECT for treating pain associated with BMS. ECT can be considered to be an option for treating individuals with enduring and intractable intraoral burning pain.
Effects of fisheries management on fish communities in the floodplain lakes of a Brazilian Amazonian Reserve
Authors: Silvano R. A. M. , Ramires M. , Zuanon J.
Published: September 2008

Abstract –  We compared fish abundance, diversity and species composition between lakes open (fished) and closed (no‐take) to fishing activities in Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in the Central Brazilian Amazon, in order to investigate potential influences of the common‐based management. We sampled 1483 fishes from 70 species through gillnet fishing during the low‐water season, in seven fished and seven no‐take lakes. Contrary to expected, the mean values for abundance, size, diversity and species‐richness of fish did not differ between fished and no‐take lakes. There was no difference between fished and no‐take lakes considering only the abundance of the 14 fish species more intensely targeted by fishermen. However, the abundance of an important commercial fish, the tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) was higher in no‐take lakes. Such data from a rapid assessment may be useful to monitor this and other fishery co‐management schemes.
No structural cerebral differences between children with a history of bacterial meningitis and healthy siblings
Authors: De Jonge Rogier CJ , Swart Joost F , Koomen Irene , Rombouts Serge ARB , Gemke Reinoud JBJ , Barkhof Frederik , Van Furth A Marceline
Published: September 2008

Aim: After bacterial meningitis, about one‐third of children develops academic and/or behavioural limitations. The aim of our study was to search for structural differences in the brain, with a special focus on the hippocampus, between childhood survivors of bacterial meningitis with and without academic and/or behavioural limitations and healthy siblings.

Patients and methods: A selection of a cohort, compiled in an earlier performed retrospective study, was used in this case‐control study. Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans of the brain were performed in 43 post‐meningitis children, of whom 18 had learning and/or behavioural limitations and 25 had no problems, and 18 controls. Voxel‐based morphometry investigated the brain for structural changes. Hippocampal volume and lateral ventricle width were measured.

Results: No structural differences between the groups, in any area of the brain, were found. There were no significant differences in hippocampal volume or lateral ventricle width. The group with limitations had three children with a right hippocampal volume smaller than two standard deviations below the mean of the control group.

Conclusion: Despite hippocampus lesions found in experimental studies, we found no anatomical differences of the brain or hippocampus related to bacterial meningitis in children, nor to the academic and/or behavioural limitations seen after bacterial meningitis.
Coffee consumption during pregnancy and the risk of hyperkinetic disorder and ADHD: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Linnet Karen Markussen , Wisborg Kirsten , Secher Niels Jørgen , Hove Thomsen Per , Obel Carsten , Dalsgaard Søren , Henriksen Tine Brink
Published: September 2008

Aim: Based on hypotheses from experimental studies, we studied the association between intrauterine exposure to coffee and the risk of clinically verified hyperkinetic disorder and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods: A cohort study with prospectively collected data from the Aarhus Birth Cohort, Denmark. We included 24 068 singletons delivered between 1990 and 1998. Linkage was performed with three Danish longitudinal registers: The Danish Psychiatric Central Register, The Integrated Database for Labour Market Research and The Danish Civil Registration System. We identified 88 children with hyperkinetic disorder and ADHD. Information about coffee consumption during pregnancy was obtained at 16 weeks of gestation from self‐administrated questionnaires. Potential confounding factors were evaluated using Cox regression analyses.

Results: We found that intrauterine exposure to 10 or more cups of coffee per day was associated with a threefold increased risk of hyperkinetic disorder and ADHD. After adjustments for a number of confounding factors, the risk decreased and became statistically insignificant (RR 2.3, 95% CI 0.9–5.9).

Conclusion: Prenatal exposure to high levels of coffee did not significantly increase the risk of clinically verified hyperkinetic disorder and ADHD in childhood.
Adjusting for heterogeneity of variance for carcass traits affects single and multiple trait selections in genetic evaluation of Japanese Black cattle
Authors: NAKAOKA Hirofumi , GAILLARD Claude , IBI Takayuki , SASAE Yotaro , SASAKI Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2008

Heterogeneity of variance among subclasses of an effect is a potential source of bias in genetic evaluation. Degrees of the heterogeneity of variance among farm‐market‐year‐sex (FMYS) subclasses for carcass weight, beef marbling standard number, rib‐eye area, rib thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness were investigated in Japanese Black cattle. Consequences of adjusting for the heterogeneity on the predicted breeding values (PBVs) or on the genetic indexes derived from the PBVs of the five carcass traits were assessed. A total of 57 461 records were collected between 1997 and 2002 from steers and heifers fattened at farms across Japan. These records were grouped into 1591 FMYS subclasses. Bartlett's test showed that the degree of the heterogeneity of variance among the FMYS subclasses was sizeable in all traits (P < 0.0001). By applying a two‐step adjustment procedure it was possible to reduce the standard deviation, the coefficient of variation and the Gini coefficient of the phenotypic variances by 67.5% to 75.0% in the different traits. The applied adjustment caused a substantial re‐ranking of elite dams in the PBV for each trait as well as in the genetic index. This study provided evidence that the applied adjustment reduces the bias in the PBVs due to heterogeneous variances and increases the accuracy of bull‐dam selection.
Morphological and genetic analysis of Vietnamese Sus scrofa bones for evidence of pig domestication
Authors: ISHIGURO Naotaka , SASAKI Motoki , IWASA Mitsuhiro , SHIGEHARA Nobuo , HONGO Hitomi , ANEZAKI Tomoko , LONG Vu The , HAO Phan Xuan , TRACH Hguyen Xuan , NAM Nguyen Huu , THANH Vu Ngoc
Published: September 2008

In the present study, we used morphological and genetic analyzes to distinguish bones of domestic boars from those of wild boars. We analyzed 65 Sus bones (cranium, mandible and teeth) stored in three research institutes in Vietnam and in a village in Vietnam. Based on comparison of bucco‐lingual measurements of mandibular parts, the 58 specimens were morphologically classified into two size groups: a large bone group and a small bone group. Analysis of 572‐bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences indicated that the large bones had genetic links to wild boar lineage including Ryukyu, Taiwan and Korean wild boars, and that the small bone group was closely related to East Asian domestic pigs. The phylogenetic analysis and parsimonious networks constructed among mtDNA haplotypes belonging to Ryukyu wild boar lineage showed that the Ryukyu wild boar is closely related to the Vietnamese wild boars, and uniquely miniaturized on their islands after the Ryukyu archipelago became isolated from the Asian continent.
Nucleotide sequence polymorphisms of beta1‐, beta2‐, and beta3‐adrenergic receptor genes on Jinhua, Meishan, Duroc and Landrace pigs
Authors: CHIKUNI Koichi , HORIUCHI Atsushi , IDE Hanako , SHIBATA Masatoshi , HAYASHI Takeshi , NAKAJIMA Ikuyo , OE Mika , MUROYA Susumu
Published: September 2008

The full amino acid coding sequences of adrenergic receptor genes beta1, beta2, and beta3 (ADRB1, ADRB2, and ADRB3)were determined for Jinhua, Meishan, Duroc and Landrace pigs. Non‐synonymous substitution of Arg458Pro was found in the porcine ADRB1 gene, resulting in a 469 amino acid sequence. Continuous substitutions of Asn29Asp and Glu30Gln were found in the porcine ADRB2 gene, resulting in a 418 amino acid sequence. Additionally, a Lys30 polymorphism of the ADRB2 gene was found in the Jinhua pigs. There were three non‐synonymous substitutions of Asn24Thr, Arg264Gln and Asn398Asp on the porcine ADRB3 gene. A thymine insertion in the ADRB3 gene, resulting in a protein with two fewer amino acids, was found in the Jinhua and Meishan pigs. To assess the effect of ADRB polymorphisms on porcine subcutaneous fat layer thickness, we calculated the genetic frequency of the variants in fatty and lean groups, each consisting of 24 pigs that were crossbreds of Duroc and Jinhua pigs. The effect of the ADRB3 gene polymorphism was not evaluated, because there was insufficient variation on the ADRB3 gene in the examined groups. Although Fisher's exact test showed no significant difference in the frequency of ADRB1 and ADBR2 variants between the two groups, the Arg458 variant of ADRB1 was higher (P = 0.11) in the lean group, and pigs in that group had a thinner fat layer than did those with the Pro458 variant. These results imply a possibility of ADRB1 polymorphism as a minor factor in porcine fat layer thickness. The Asp29 variant of ADRB2 was higher in the lean group (P = 0.11), and the Glu30 variant was higher in the fatty group (P = 0.15), but the Asp29 variant was found only in the Chinese pigs. Thus, the effect of ADRB2 polymorphisms was not clear in this study.
Effects of supplementation of Panicum maximum with four herbaceous forage legumes on performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in West African dwarf goats
Authors: AJAYI Festus Tope , BABAYEMI Olaniyi Jacob , TAIWO Abiodun Ayinde
Published: September 2008

The effects of supplementing a basal diet of guineagrass (Panicum maximum cv Ntchisi) (diet 5) with Stylosanthes guianensis (diet 1), Lablab purpureus (diet 2), Aeschynomene histrix (diet 3) and Centrosema pubescens (diet 5) on West African dwarf goats were evaluated. Parameters measured were feed intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. Voluntary intake (g/kg W0.75/day) of dry matter (DM) 138.73, crude protein (CP) 25.86, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (96.29) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (65.73) of diet 1 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the other diets with legume supplements. The feed intake of goats on diet 5 was lower (P < 0.05), having corresponding values of DM (108.21), CP (17.33), NDF (77.68), and ADF (53.55). Weight gain (g/day) differed (P < 0.05) in goats placed on the diets. The lowest weight gain was obtained in diet 5. The digestibilities of DM, CP, ADF and acid detergent lignin (ADL) differed (P < 0.05) in diet 1–5 except for NDF digestibility. Nitrogen balance (g/kg W 0.75/day) ranged from 0.29 in diet 5 to 0.83 in diet 2 (P < 0.05). Similarly, nitrogen retention percentage was highest in diet 2 (35.17), with the lowest value in diet 5 (20.71). It could be concluded that a diet consisting of Panicum maximum with Lablab purpureus supplementation gave the highest performance in weight gain, nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen utilization. However, any of the herbaceous legumes in this study would lead to increased productivity of ruminant livestock.
Molecular pathology of human cerebral malformations
Authors: Mizuguchi Masashi
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  Molecular pathogenesis of human cerebral malformations is briefly reviewed from a neuro‐pathologic viewpoint, with emphasis on holoprosencephaly and neuronal migration disorders. Immunopathologic approaches are useful in elucidating the essential pathomechanism of these anomalies. In alobar holoprosencephaly, for instance, immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein clarifies the pathologic significance of the leptomeningeal glioneuronal heterotopia along the ventral prosencephalic surface. In type 1 lissencephaly and subcortical laminar heterotopia, immunohistochemistry for the causative gene products revealed the temporal and spatial pattern of their localization in the normally developing cerebrum, as well as their reduction in these disorders.
Amelioration of sodium valproate‐induced neural tube defects in mouse fetuses by maternal folic acid supplementation during gestation
Authors: Padmanabhan R. , Shafiullah M. Mohamed
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT Infants of epileptic women treated with valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing spina bifid a than those of the general population. VPA induces exencephaly in experimental animal embryos. But the pathogenetic mechanism remains rather elusive. Antiepileptic drugs (AED) in general accentuate pregnancy‐imposed fall in maternal folate levels. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation is reported to protect embryos from developing neural tube defects (NTD). Conflicting results have been reported by experimental studies that attempted to alleviate VPA‐induced NTD by folic acid. Our objectives were to determine the critical developmental stages and an effective dose of folic acid for the prevention of VPA‐induced exencephaly in mouse fetuses. A single teratogenic dose of 400 mg/kg of VPA was administered to TO mice on gestation day (GD) 7 or 8. It was followed by (1) a single dose of 12 mg/kg of FA (folinic acid) or (2) 3 doses of FA 4 mg/kg each. In experiment (3), FA (4 mg/kg) was administered thrice daily starting on GD 5 and continued through GD 10. These animals received VPA on GD 7 or 8. VPA and B12 concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. The single heavy dose of FA had no rescue effect on NTD. Three divided doses of FA on GD 7 and continuous dosing of FA from GD 5 through GD 10 substantially reduced the VPA‐induced exencephaly in the fetuses. In the later experiments, the neural folds elevated faster than the non‐supplemented group. VPA considerably reduced maternal plasma folate and B12 concentrations. The heavy dose of FA only moderately improved vitamin levels. Three divided doses of FA elevated the vitamin levels slightly better but it was the prolonged dosing of FA that was associated with sustained elevation of plasma levels higher than the control levels and acceleration of neural tube closure thus accounting for the pronounced protection against VPA‐induced NTD development. These data suggest that plasma levels of FA and B12 have to be kept substantially elevated and maintained high throughout organogenesis period to protect embryos against VPA‐induced NTD in this mouse model.
A quantitative study of the facial nerve in mice prenatally exposed to ethanol
Authors: Komatsu Suguru , Sasaki Yasuo , Shiota Kohei
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  Pregnant ICR mice were given 20% ethanol intraperitoneally twice on day 13 of gestation and allowed to give birth to offspring. The offspring were killed at 56 days of age and the motor root of their facial nerve was examined histologically and morphometrically. The cross‐sectional area of the facial nerve of mice prenatally exposed to ethanol was significantly smaller than that of the control mice. There was no significant difference in the total number of myelinated axons or the mean axonal diameter between control and ethanol‐exposed mice, but the mean diameter of myelinated fibers (axon + myelin sheath) and the thickness of myelin sheath were significantly decreased in the treated group. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to ethanol disturbs myelination of the motor root of the facial nerve and may cause permanent neurological effects.
Curly vibrissae, a new mutation in the Wistar‐derived rat
Authors: Fujii Sakiko , Aoyama Hiroaki , Takahashi Ken L. , Kaneda Masahiro , Teramoto Shoji
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  A new mutation was identified in the PD (Preaxial Duplication) strain of rats, the main manifestations of which were curly and sparse vibrissae with retarded outer hair growth. As the main characteristic of this mutant rat is abnormally curled appearance of the vibrissae, “curly vibrissae” is proposed as the name of this mutant gene, and “cv” as its symbol. Genetic analyses reveal that the mutant characteristics are inherited as autosomal recessive traits and the cv gene is independent from the pd gene that carried by the original PD colony. The cv/cv homozygous rats have a small number of short and/or curly vibrissae around the nose. The vibrissae on the cheek and/or above the eyes are also short and curled; however, no vibrissa appears on the lower mandible. Although hair growth seems to be retarded, the outer hairs showed nearly normal length by 10 weeks of age. The outer hairs of matured cv/cv rats appear silky and translucent. The adult mutant rats often exhibit loss of hair on the head and/or back. Lactating females usually lose their abdominal hair. Both sexes of cv/cv homozygotes have normal reproductive ability. No internal malformations accompany vibrissa and hair abnormalities.
Prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation type I of the lung: a report of five cases
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Hideto , Okuyama Kazuhiko , Kato Emi Hirayama , Watari Michiko , Kataoka Soromon , Cho Kazutoshi , Minakami Hisanori
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  We experienced five pregnancy cases with type I congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of fetuses and summarized here their clinical characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and fetal therapies. Four of five cases were prenatally diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as having lung abnormality, and the remaining case was prenatally diagnosed as having congenital diaphragmatic herniation (CDH). One fetus underwent the puncture of cysts in the lung, and two fetuses received in utero thoracoshunts between cysts and the amniotic fluid cavity (thoracoamniotic shunt). One pregnancy ended in artificial termination at 17 gestational weeks, and 4 pregnancies succeeded in live births. All these 4 infants underwent surgical operations for CCAM, and 1 infant underwent an additional operation for CDH. The MRI examinations were useful to prenatally identify CCAM, and the in utero thoracoamniotic shunt appears to be beneficial in preventing lung hypoplasia in the affected fetuses.
Reproductive risk factors in unilateral and bilateral renal agenesis
Authors: Bianca Sebastiano , Ingegnosi Carmela , Ettore Giuseppe
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT Renal agenesis (RA) appears to be a multifactorial condition with combined genetic and environmental influences. We performed a retrospective case‐control study of reproductive history of 26 isolated RA live births cases referred to Sicilian Registry of Congenital Malformations. A statistical significant association for birth weight if we considered all RA together and for bilateral RA alone, an increasing risk for maternal age only in the bilateral RA subgroup and a male predominance both for unilateral and bilateral RA was found. Our results show that some reproductive risk factors may be associated with RA, moreover differences found between subgroups indicate that some risk factors may be different in unilateral and bilateral RA. The association between reproductive risk factors and RA may reflect pathogenetic interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Nevertheless further studies are needed to clarify these associations and to explore the role of perinatal factors in the etiology of renal agenesis. In fact if prenatal or perinatal risk factors are in a causal chain influencing the risk for developing RA, then these data could have important implications in the prevention or treatment of this condition.
Brain slice culture for analysis of developmental brain disorders with special reference to congenital cytomega‐lovirus infection
Authors: Kawasaki Hideya , Tsutsui Yoshihiro
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most significant infectious cause of congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system (CNS) with variation from the fatal cytomegalic inclusion disease to functional brain disorder. The phenotype and degree of the brain disorder depends on infection time during the developing stage, virulence, route of infection and the viral susceptibility of the cells. The pathogenesis of the CMV infection to the CNS seems to be strongly related to neural migration, neural death, cellular compositions and the immune system of the brain. To understand the complex mechanism of this disorder, we used organotypic brain slice cultures. In the brain slice culture system, migration of CMV‐in‐fected neuronal cells was observed, which reflects infectious dynamics in vivo. Neural progenitor cells or glial immature cells in the subventricular zone and marginal area are most susceptible to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection in this system. The susceptibility declined as the number of immature glial cells decreased with age. The immature glial cells proliferated in brain slice cultures during prolonged incubation, and the susceptibility to MCMV infection also increased in association with the proliferation of these cells. The brain slice from an immunocompromised mouse (Beige‐SCID mouse) unexpectedly showed lower susceptibility than that of an immunocompetent mouse during any prolonged incubation. These results suggest that the number of immature glial cells might determine the susceptibility of CMV infection to the brain, independent of the immune system. We reviewed recent findings of CMV infection to the brain from the perspective of brain slice cultures and the possibility that this system could be a useful method to investigate mechanisms of congenital anomaly of the brain.
The dopaminergic system in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Ohno Masaki
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  Numerous studies have shown the importance of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system in the pathophysiology of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, there has been inconsistency in the findings of those studies. Varied and sometimes contradictory interpretation has been made on the basis of similar results. It is, therefore, still unclear whether the dopaminergic system is hypo‐ or hyperfunctioning in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The majority of the functional brain imaging studies in both clinical and experimental settings support hypofunction of the basal ganglia which receive abundant dopaminergic afferent. The experimental studies, using dopamine‐depleted animals, also support the hypodopaminergic hypothesis, whereas recent studies with the dopamine transporter knockout/knockdown mouse suggest hyperdopaminergic function as the underlying abnormality. In this review we attempt to clarify the issues raised by previous neuroimaging and functional neuroimaging studies. Research involving animal models with genetic traits, genetic manipulation or with brain lesions is analysed, concentrating on the significance of the dopaminergic system in the abnormal behavior of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In addition, the functional state of the dopaminergic system is considered through the speculated mechanism of psychostimulant therapy of the disorder. No final conclusions have been reached regarding the pathological, biochemical and physiological mechanisms responsible for various symptoms. Inconsistency in the findings and their interpretations may indicate the heterogeneity of the pathogenesis of this syndrome.
Zebrafish as a novel experimental model for developmental toxicology
Authors: Teraoka Hiroki , Dong Wu , Hiraga Takeo
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT It is widely believed that embryos and infants during development are highly sensitive to chemicals that cause serious damage to growth. However, knowledge on the mechanisms of developmental toxicity is scarce. One reason for this is limited convenient model system other than organ cultures using rodents to study the various aspects of developmental toxicology. Cultured cells are not always adequate for this purpose, since events in morphogenesis are processed through interactions with other tissues. We focused on zebrafish embryo (Danio rerio), one of the most important organisms in developmental biology. Saturation mutagenesis, applied to droso‐phila and nematode to define the functions of genes, has been carried out in zebrafish but almost no other vertebrate, and several thousand lines are available due to the rapid growth and transparent body of this embryo. Enhanced databases for the genome and ESTs are available at websites with abundant genetic and biological background. By targeted gene knock‐down with morpholino‐modified antisense oligonucleotieds (morpholinos), the translation of a specific protein can be transiently blocked for several days. Many reporter systems in vivo have been established mainly as GFP‐transgenic fish for environmental chemicals. Although several excellent studies have been performed with zebrafish embryos on the effects of chemicals, the developmental toxicology of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) has been most extensively studied to date. We have found that TCDD induces apoptosis in dorsal midbrain with a concomitant decrease in local blood flow, using developing zebrafish. TCDD seems to produce oxidative stress through CYP1A induction in vascular endothelium, resulting in local circulation failure and apoptosis in the dorsal midbrain. In addition to applications in toxicology, an experimental system with zebrafish embryos could help to clarify the mechanism of congenital anomaly, which arises from genetic mutation.