bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palaeoclimatic inferences from upper Palaeozoic siltstone of the Earp Formation and equivalents, Arizona‐New Mexico (USA)
Authors: SOREGHAN GERILYN S. , MOSES ANDREW M. , SOREGHAN MICHAEL J. , HAMILTON MICHAEL A. , MARK FANNING C. , LINK PAUL K.
Published: March 2007

The Late Palaeozoic configuration of Pangaea contributed to a palaeoclimatic extreme that was characterized by both icehouse and monsoonal conditions. This study uses sedimentological, geochemical, and provenance data from silty facies of the Earp and equivalent Supai Formations (Arizona, New Mexico) to shed light on atmospheric circulation and glacial–interglacial climate change in westernmost equatorial Pangaea. Five silt‐rich facies comprise both loessite and marine and fluvially reworked loessite. An initial aeolian origin for the silt is indicated by the remarkably invariant grain size and the laterally continuous, sheet‐like geometry of beds. The silt‐rich facies occur in repetitive facies associations (1–20 m scale) that form mixed continental‐marine (loess, marine‐reworked loess), shallow‐marine, and continental (loess, palaeosol) ‘sequences’. Facies repetitions of both mixed continental‐marine and shallow‐marine sequences reflect a linked glacioeustatic–glacioclimatic control, whereas the continental (loess–palaeosol) couplets reflect a primary glacial–interglacial climatic cyclicity linked to glacioeustasy. Stratigraphic interpretations suggest that aeolian silt flux maximized during glacial to incipient interglacial stages (lowstand to early transgression), and decreased significantly or ceased during interglacials (highstand to early falling stage). Detrital‐zircon geochronological data indicate a transition from dominantly north‐easterly winds during the Middle Pennsylvanian to north‐westerly and south‐easterly winds by the Early Permian, which trend is inferred to reflect the onset of monsoonal circulation in western Pangaea. Relative grain‐size data support the detrital‐zircon data, and exhibit a significant decrease from the Sedona arch/Central Arizona shelf (north) to the Pedregosa basin (south) sections. Whole‐rock geochemical data suggest a relatively unweathered source for the silt in the north, and detrital‐zircon data indicate significant silt was derived from the local basement. These large piles of silt(stone) preserve valuable information for reconstructing both long‐term evolution in atmospheric circulation and short‐term fluctuations in glacial–interglacial climate. Many such indicators for long have been applied to ‘recent’ (Plio‐Pleistocene) loess, but are equally applicable to ‘deep‐time’ strata.
Characterization of three members of the multigene family coding for isoforms of the chlorophyll‐a/b‐binding protein Lhcb1 in spinach
Authors: Rea Giuseppina , Volpicella Mariateresa , De Leo Francesca , Zolla Lello , Gallerani Raffaele , Ceci Luigi R
Published: March 2007

Multiple isoforms of the light harvesting complex II (LHCII) chlorophyll a/b binding proteins Lhcb1 and Lhcb2 have been identified in plants, whose precise functions is yet to be understood. In spinach, a proteomic analysis of major antenna proteins showed three homologous short polypeptides, corresponding to putative distinct Lhcb1 isoforms with different phosphorylation sites. In this paper, we report the identification of the complete coding sequences for the three spinach Lhcb1 isoforms. 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) analysis identifies several transcripts for each single coding region, allowing us to hypothesize the presence in the spinach genome of multiple gene copies, with different 3′‐untranslated region. In leaves, under normal light conditions, about the same relative amounts of the three transcripts are present. However, real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis shows that under long‐term white light exposure, a differential transcript accumulation occurs. The occurrence of three genes encoding Lhcb1 isoforms supports the hypothesis of a complex organization of spinach LHCII, and a possible specific role for the different isoforms in plant adaptation to different light conditions. Furthermore, the identification of multiple transcripts suggests that the expression of the three coding sequences may be modulated by different regulatory elements.
Responses of reactive oxygen metabolism and quality in mango fruit to exogenous oxalic acid or salicylic acid under chilling temperature stress
Authors: Ding Zhan‐Sheng , Tian Shi‐Ping , Zheng Xiao‐Lin , Zhou Zhong‐Wei , Xu Yong
Published: March 2007

After being immersed in water, oxalic acid (OA) or salicylic acid (SA) aqueous solutions, mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Zill) fruit were stored at 14°C or at 5°C with shelf life to determine the effects of exogenous OA or SA on reactive oxygen metabolism, quality and chilling injury (CI) of the fruit. Mango CI could be reduced by OA and SA treatments. Compared with that in control, accompanied with alleviated CI at shelf life, fruit treated with OA or SA had significantly higher reduction states of ascorbate and glutathione. Moreover, the treated fruit showed lower superoxide anion content, higher hydrogen peroxide content, lower lipoxygenase (EC 1.13.11.12) activity and higher activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), guaiacol peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2). In addition, fruit firmness, total soluble solids and titratable acidity content were not obviously affected by OA and SA treatments. It was suggested that the effect of OA or SA on mango CI probably attributed to more reducing status of ascorbate and glutathione, less O2− accumulation and more H2O2 accumulation.
Powdery mildew resistance in winter barley cultivars
Authors: Dreiseitl A.
Published: March 2007

Powdery mildew is the most common disease of barley in the Czech Republic and winter barley plays a crucial role in the winter survival and reproduction of the pathogen. This study was aimed at identifying resistance genes in winter barley cultivars grown in the Czech Republic from 1971 to 2005 by using the method of postulation. Forty‐one cultivars and a parental line were tested at the seedling stage for their reaction to 32 selected isolates of Blumeriagraminis f. sp. hordei. In total, 26 resistance spectra were detected and the following 18 resistance genes were found: Mla6, Mla7, Mla8, Mla13, Mla14, MlaMu2, MlaNo3, MlaRu4, Mlg, Mlh, MlLa, Mlra, Ml(Bw), Ml(Ch), Ml(Dr2), Ml(Dt5), Ml(IM9) and Ml(St). Two cultivars (‘Kiruna’ and ‘Sorna’) exhibited heterogeneity for mildew resistance. Another source of Mla13 and a possible centre of origin of Ml(Bw) are discussed.
A life‐threatening complication of the arterial tourniquet in Timothy syndrome
Authors: YATES DAVID , YATES ALAN , COLLYER THOMAS
Published: March 2007

An infant with Timothy syndrome, a congenital syndrome resulting in a long QT interval and high risk of death in childhood, is presented along with his perioperative management. Characteristic life‐threatening arrhythmias thought to be caused by excess sympathetic stimulation secondary to an arterial tourniquet are described.
Endtidal carbon dioxide monitoring in children with congenital heart disease during sedation for cardiac catheterization by nonanesthesiologists
Authors: COTÉ CHARLES J. , WAX DAVID F. , JENNINGS MELISSA A. , GORSKI CARLA L. , KURCZAK‐KLIPPSTEIN KIMBERLY
Published: March 2007

Background: This prospective observational study compared endtidal carbon dioxide (PECO2) with blood gas carbon dioxide (PaCO2) values in children sedated by nonanesthesiologists for cardiac catheterization.

Methods: A nasal cannula designed to obtain gas sampling simultaneously from over the mouth and nares was taped into place after assuring a good waveform. Patients’ cardiac lesions, site of blood gas sampling andPECO2were recorded.

Results: Two hundred and one blood/PECO2pairs were measured in 59 patients from 4 days to 18 years of age. Linear regression, Pearson correlation, and Bland–Altman analysis revealed a reasonable relationship (r = 0.493,P < 0.01, bivariate Pearson correlation) for all blood/expired CO2pairs even when the blood sample was obtained from an area of the circulation with shunting. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of the blood/PECO2pairs between infants who weighed ≤15 kg compared with children who weighed >15 kg. Thirteen children were diagnosed with partial or complete airway obstruction.

Conclusions: Endtidal CO2measurement provides a reasonable reflection of blood CO2values if the expired gas‐sampling catheter is taped in place after assuring a good waveform. The veracity of the data was the same throughout the patient size range. Expired CO2monitoring is useful for assessing the adequacy of respirations and the patency of the airway in children 3–89 kg.
Postal survey of training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia in the United Kingdom1
Authors: WHITE MICHELLE C. , MURPHY TIMOTHY W. G.
Published: March 2007

Background:  There are no nationally agreed standards for training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia despite the recommendation of two reports. Since then, anesthesia training has changed because of the introduction of competency‐based training, the New Deal and the European Working Time Directive.

Methods:  We surveyed consultant pediatric cardiac anesthetists to establish what training they had undergone and to compare this with what they would recommend for training in the specialty. We also wanted to determine the profession’s views on establishing training guidelines and what areas of practice to include when setting standards.

Results:  Seventy‐three percent of consultants want the Royal College of Anaesthetists to set standards for training. The majority had spent at least 2 years training in general pediatric, adult cardiac and pediatric cardiac anesthesia as well as pediatric intensive care and had spent time gaining experience overseas.

Conclusions:  They would recommend the same experience for others but this is unlikely to happen within the current constraints of specialist registrar training. Therefore, further training in a fellowship program in the UK or abroad is likely to be necessary.
Factors that predict changing the type of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor medication among men in the UK
Authors: Kell Philip D. , Hvidsten Kyle , Morant Steven V. , Harnett James P. , Bridge Sarah
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate predictors of changing the type of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor (switching) among men with erectile dysfunction (ED) in the UK, the largest consumer of PDE5 inhibitors in Europe, as switching medication is often associated with higher resource use, and there are three oral PDE5 inhibitor medications currently available.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were identified from The Health Improvement Network database in the UK; men initiating therapy with sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil from May 2003 to August 2004 with ≥ 6 months of prescription history before and after their initial PDE5 inhibitor prescription were included. Switching was evaluated as the proportion of second PDE5 inhibitor prescriptions that were for a drug differing from the first. Logistic regression was used to adjust for factors that might be associated with switching (dose, age and the presence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes or depression).

RESULTS

Of the 2703 eligible men who initiated PDE5 inhibitor treatment during the study period, 91 (3.4%) switched to a different PDE5 inhibitor at their second prescription. The choice of initial PDE5 inhibitor therapy was a highly significant predictor of switching; men initiated on sildenafil were less likely to switch than those initiated on tadalafil (P < 0.001) or vardenafil (P < 0.003). Age and the presence of comorbidities were not significantly associated with switching (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Initiating ED therapy with sildenafil was associated with the lowest rate of PDE5 inhibitor switching, which might reflect treatment satisfaction and patient preference.
Increasing quality of life by improving the quality of skin in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Halvarsson K. , Lodén M.
Published: March 2007

Synopsis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease which usually starts during the first years of life. In patients with the disease, the quality of skin is severely affected, and this is closely linked to a reduced quality of life. An increasing prevalence of the disease has also been observed during recent years, which has been attributed to potential provocation factors in the environment. The environmental influence of the disease is complex, but the role of stratum corneum as a biosensor regulating the response to a variety of insults has been suggested as one crucial factor. Therefore, our daily hygiene and treatment of dryness are necessary measures to improve the quality of life and possibly reduce the frequency of the disease. Soaps as well as moisturizers show important differences in their impact on barrier function.
Cosmeceutical properties of polysaccharides from the root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica
Authors: Yong Eom Sang , Bok Chung Chan , Sil Kim Young , Heon Kim Jong , Soo Kim Ki , Heui Kim Young , Hee Park Sun , Hwang Yong‐Il , Ho Kim Ki
Published: March 2007

In Korea and China, Ulmus davidiana var. japonica has been used as a traditional oriental medicine for the treatment of difficulty in urination, skin inflammation, etc. In order to investigate the potential of a polysaccharide extract from Ulmus davidiana var. japonica as a cosmetic ingredient, we measured its moisturizing effect, photo‐induced cytotoxicity, and anti‐inflammatory effect. After hydrolysis, HPLC experiments showed that the composition of the polysaccharide extract was mainly rhamnose, galactose, and glucose. The molecular weight of the obtained Ulmus davidiana root extract was 20 000. The intrinsic viscosity was 90 dL/g. In a moisturizing test conducted through the measurement of water loss in a desiccator and of moisture content with a Corneometer CM820, Ulmus davidiana root extract showed almost the same moisturizing effect as hyaluronic acid. In an assay for inhibition of the H2O2‐activated release of PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in normal human fibroblast cell lines, Ulmus davidiana root extract showed an inhibitory activity of PGE2 release in a dose‐dependent manner (up to 85.9% at a concentration of 0.1%). The percent inhibition of the release of IL‐6 was in the range of 45.6–64.5% (H2O2 was used as the positive control). Moreover, the release of IL‐8 was completely inhibited in the entire concentration range (>0.0025%). In a test of recovery from photo‐induced damage after UVA irradiation (3 J/cm2), the cell recovery of human fibroblasts increased to levels two times higher than that of the positive control, which was UVA‐damaged cells in the absence of Ulmus davidiana root extract (up to 60.2% at 3.0% of Ulmus davidiana root extract). In a photo‐induced cytotoxicity assay in the presence of promethazine as a photosensitizer, Ulmus davidiana root extract showed approximately 48% of the increased cell viability of the control. Therefore, Ulmus davidiana root extract may be useful for the development of a cosmetic ingredient.
Photodegradation of hair of different ethnicity after 1 year of exposure to natural weathering in Arizona
Authors: Kamath Y. K. , Ruetsch S. B.
Published: March 2007

Natural weathering of hair in a relatively dry hot climate was carried out by exposing hair of different ethnicity to natural environmental conditions at a Q‐Lab weathering station in Arizona. The appearance of hair fibers changed dramatically due to thinning and fusion of scales as well as fusion of individual hair fibers with each other (inter‐fiber fusion) to form rod‐like structures stuck together by solubilized, oozed out, gelled and finally hardened proteins. The hair became extremely rigid and brittle with radial cracks forming mostly smooth radial fractures and occasionally step fractures. There was also internal fusion of the cellular structure of the fiber. Hair fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV‐visible microspectrophotometry. UV‐visible spectra showed that natural hair color (melanin) plays an important role in protecting hair proteins, mostly by a sacrificial mechanism. Indian and Chinese black hair, which are rich in melanin, resist photochemical degradation much better than hair of European origin with moderate, low or no melanin content.
LOCALS, EXILES AND COSMOPOLITANS: A THEORETICAL ARGUMENT ABOUT IDENTITY AND PLACE IN MIAMI
Authors: NIJMAN JAN
Published: March 2007

Recent theoretical advances point to the dynamic and plural nature of processes of identity formation. Moreover, the ascendance of the globalisation paradigm implies a greater emphasis on their geographical dimension in terms of place and mobility. Illustrated with the case of Miami, this paper presents a theoretical argument about place, mobility and identity in contemporary global cities. The need to go beyond conventional and singular categories of identity is argued, with special reference to the impact of rapid increases in spatial mobility. In this paper, the role of Miami's different populations is framed in the context of their geographical identities and the ways they identify with Miami as locals, exiles and cosmopolitans. The high mobility of Miami's population and the small number of locals pose some major challenges, with implications for this city's civil society. The case of Miami also sheds a different, and less idealistic, light on the meaning of cosmopolitanism.
THE ROLE OF PROXIMITY AND KNOWLEDGE INTERACTION BETWEEN HEAD OFFICES AND KIBS
Authors: ASLESEN HEIDI WIIG , JAKOBSEN STIG‐ERIK
Published: March 2007

The extant literature suggests that a mutual dependency exists between head office location and the location of knowledge‐intensive business services (KIBS) in major cities and capital regions. This is often referred to as a joint head‐office–corporate‐service complex. However, few studies have looked into the functioning and outcomes of these complexes. How concentrated are KIBS and head offices in major cities? How important is geographical proximity in the knowledge interaction between head offices and KIBS? What are the actual outcomes of head office–KIBS relationships, especially as far as innovation is concerned? These issues are discussed by using empirical evidence from Norway. The empirical results indicate that geographical proximity in itself is neither a sufficient nor a necessary condition for successful relations between KIBS and head offices in cities. However, agglomeration in city regions can provide positive externalities for both parties. Other types of proximity, such as social and cognitive proximity, also play a vital role in the outcome of KIBS‐client relations. There is therefore a certain degree of heterogeneity, but not all projects lead to profound learning and innovation in the actors in this complex.
GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATIONS ABOUT THE EUROPEAN UNION IN RECENT POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS
Authors: SCHOTT MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

With the end of the Cold War the concepts of the geopolitical order of Europe have changed. Within this process the European Union plays a significant role. When the Iron Curtain came down, negotiations about the potential enlargement to the East started and the EU positioned itself differently regarding worldwide conflicts and wars. The influence of the new geopolitical situation on national long‐term orientations and changes in the representations of the national representatives is the focal point of this paper. It analyses the current discourses on Europe, the European Union and its global role based on selected interviews with high ranking politicians. The main issues are: how far does Europe extend and which part of Europe will form the EU? And which internal power relations will the EU develop in the future. A discourse analysis shows how the current problems are verbalised within the geopolitical representations and how they affect the political arena. In this paper the word discourse is used to describe a social process which can be called ‘inclination of sense’ or, in a more sophisticated manner, ‘genesis of meaning’. This meaning refers to (a) the processual character of political, social and territorial organisation, (b) its reflection in the mass media and its construction of what can be called ‘European’ or ‘familiar with Europe’ and (c) the influence of the semantic order on political decisions, which impose a specific structural order and social organisation.
ELECTRODERMAL ACTIVITY IN NON‐PALMER SKIN SITES
Authors: Rickles W. H. , Day J. L.
Published: March 2007

This study was undertaken to explore the human body for GSR sites, which would parallel palmar GSR activity, but would not impede the subject or be prone to artifact. Specific resistance values ranged from 10,000 to 800,000 ohm‐cm2. Specific resistance of the scalp was consistently lower than other areas. Spontaneous activity was observed at all non‐palmar, non‐plantar sites except the scalp. At times, this activity was found to be present when the palm was quiescent. Evoked non‐palmar, non‐plantar activity was found to be present irregularly, but was always accompanied by evoked palmar responses. Non‐palmar, non‐plantar sites responded to exertional stimuli with rhythmic, 16–21 per minute, GSR activity. Some subjects demonstrated this rhythmic activity spontaneously, and one subject revealed abrupt suppression of this phenomenon in response to psychosensory stimulation. Medial and lateral hypomalleolar areas of the ankle were found to parallel plantar specific GSR responses and are recommended as useful GSR skin sites under conditions of moderate arousal.
For Distinguished Contributions to Psychophysiology: Emanuel Donchin
Authors: Coles Michael G. H.
Published: March 2007

At the Thirty‐Fourth Annual Meeting of the Society for Psychophysiological Research, the award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychophysiology was presented to Emanuel Donchin by Michael G. H. Coles, on behalf of the Society's Awards Committee. The following is the text of the citation given at the meeting on October 8, 1994.
Startle reflex modulation during exposure to pleasant and unpleasant odors
Authors: EHRLICHMAN HOWARD , BROWN SANDRA , ZHU JOHN , WARRENBURG STEPHEN
Published: March 2007

The eyeblink component of the startle response to acoustic probes was measured while subjects smelled pleasant odors, unpleasant odors, or no odor. Peak electromyogram (EMG) 20–90 ms after probe onset was greater during unpleasant than during no odor conditions; EMGs for pleasant odors did not differ from those for no odor. Base tension in orbicularis oculi muscles was also higher during unpleasant odors. The results for unpleasant odors parallel those found in previous studies that have used a variety of methods for producing negatively valenced experiences. The results for pleasant odors diverge from those of most previous studies, which have found startle attenuation during positively valenced experiences. However, the results may be compatible with the suggestion (Lang, Bradley, & Cuthbert, 1992) that the motivational state that modulates startle involves both valence and arousal. Pleasant odors may require appropriate contexts to produce the positive motivational state required for startle attenuation.
Acoustic startle and anticipatory anxiety in humans: Effects of monaural right and left ear stimulation
Authors: GRILLON CHRISTIAN , DAVIS MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

The startle reflex elicited by binaural acoustic startle stimuli is potentiated by the threat of electric shock. The present study explored the lateralization of this fear‐potentiated startle reflex effect using acoustic startle stimuli delivered binaurally or monaurally to the left or right ear and recorded from the left and right orbicularis oculi muscles. Consistent with previous results, the acoustic startle to binaural stimulation was potentiated during the anticipation of shock. This effect was also present for monaural stimulation but was greater when startle stimuli were delivered to the right than to the left ear. The results are discussed in terms of hemispheric lateralization during shock anticipation.
Adaptive control of event integration: Evidence from event‐related potentials
Authors: Akyürek Elkan G. , Riddell Patricia M. , Toffanin Paolo , Hommel Bernhard
Published: March 2007

We investigated whether it is possible to control the temporal window of attention used to rapidly integrate visual information. To study the underlying neural mechanisms, we recorded ERPs in an attentional blink task, known to elicit Lag‐1 sparing. Lag‐1 sparing fosters joint integration of the two targets, evidenced by increased order errors. Short versus long integration windows were induced by showing participants mostly fast or slow stimuli. Participants expecting slow speed used a longer integration window, increasing joint integration. Difference waves showed an early (200 ms post‐T2) negative and a late positive modulation (390 ms) in the fast group, but not in the slow group. The modulations suggest the creation of a separate event for T2, which is not needed in the slow group, where targets were often jointly integrated. This suggests that attention can be guided by global expectations of presentation speed within tens of milliseconds.
The interdependence of spatial attention and lexical access as revealed by early asymmetries in occipito‐parietal ERP activity
Authors: Dell'Acqua R. , Pesciarelli F. , Jolicœur P. , Eimer M. , Peressotti F.
Published: March 2007

A test of the possible functional interaction between mechanisms subserving spatial attention and lexical access was devised by displaying one green and one red string of letters, one to the left and one to the right of fixation, and having participants attend to a target string defined by color while ignoring the other distractor string. The target string for a delayed lexical decision task could be a word or a nonword. The distractor was always a word. When the target was a word, target and distractor were associatively related on half of the trials and not related in the other trials. The event‐related potential time‐locked to the onset of the letter strings produced an N2pc (a greater negativity at scalp sites contralateral to the target relative to the ipsilateral sites arising at about 170 ms poststimulus). N2pc amplitude was reduced when the words were related relative to when they were not related. The results provide direct, online evidence that the rapid activation of meaning by visual words can influence the efficiency of the deployment of spatial attention.
Postauricular and eyeblink startle responses to facial expressions
Authors: Hess Ursula , Sabourin Gabrielle , Kleck Robert E.
Published: March 2007

Emotional facial expressions have affective significance. Smiles, for example, are perceived as positive and responded to with increased happiness, whereas angry expressions are perceived as negative and threatening. Yet, these perceptions are modulated in part by facial morphological cues related to the sex of the expresser. The present research assessed both eyeblink startle and the postauricular reflex during happy and angry expressions by men and women. For this 14 male and 16 female undergraduates saw happy, neutral, and angry facial expressions as well as positive and negative pictures. The postauricular reflex was potentiated during happy expressions and inhibited during anger expressions; however, as expected, this pattern was more clearly found for female expressers. Conversely, the expected pattern of eyeblink startle potentiation during angry faces and inhibition during happy faces was found only for male expressers.
VASCULAR CALCIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE: Inhibitors of Calcification in Blood and Urine
Authors: Schlieper Georg , Westenfeld Ralf , Brandenburg Vincent , Ketteler Markus
Published: March 2007

In bone and teeth formation, coordinated calcification is a highly desirable biological process. However, heterotopic calcification at unwanted tissue sites leads to dysfunction, disease and, potentially, to death and therefore requires prevention and treatment. With the recent discovery of calcification inhibitors we now know that biological calcification is not passive but a complex, active and highly regulated process. Calcification at vascular sites is the most threatening localization and manifests as part of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is often accompanied by intimal plaque calcification, whereas arteriosclerosis is characterized by calcification of the media. The severity of calcification of cerebral or coronary atherosclerotic plaques is associated with an increased incidence of events such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Medial calcification is the major cause of arterial stiffness, which contributes to left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. Patients with chronic kidney disease are at especially increased risk for both intimal and medial calcification. In this context, it is currently thought that calcium‐regulatory factors including fetuin‐A, matrix Gla protein, osteoprotegerin, and pyrophosphates act in a local or systemic manner to prevent calcifications of the vasculature, and that dysregulations of such calcification inhibitors may contribute to progressive calcifications. Nephrolithiasis represents another process of unwanted calcification responsible for significant morbidity. More than 80% of renal stones contain calcium. Urinary factors inhibiting calcification are citrate, glycosaminoglycans, Tamm‐Horsfall protein, and osteopontin. This review summarizes current experimental and clinical data underlining the biological importance of these calcification inhibitors.
When Should We Pay Attention to Unfavorable News from Pregnancy Registries?
Authors: French Jacqueline A.
Published: March 2007

In Utero Antiepileptic Drug Exposure: Fetal Death and Malformations. Meador KJ, Baker GA, Finnell RH, Kalayjian LA, Liporace JD, Loring DW, Mawer G, Pennell PB, Smith JC, Wolff MC; NEAD Study Group. Neurology 2006;67:407–412.

Background

Pregnancy outcomes following in utero exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are uncertain, limiting an evidenced-based approach.

Objective

To determine if fetal outcomes vary as a function of different in utero AED exposures.

Methods

This ongoing prospective observational study across 25 epilepsy centers in the United States and United Kingdom enrolled pregnant women with epilepsy from October 1999 to February 2004 to determine if differential long-term cognitive and behavioral neurodevelopmental effects exist across the four most commonly used AEDs. This initial report focuses on the incidence of serious adverse outcomes including major congenital malformations (which could be attributable to AEDs) or fetal death. A total of 333 mother/child pairs were analyzed for monotherapy exposures: carbamazepine (n = 110), lamotrigine (n = 98), phenytoin (n = 56), and valproate (n = 69).

Results

Response frequencies of pregnancies resulting in serious adverse outcomes for each AED were as follows: carbamazepine 8.2%, lamotrigine 1.0%, phenytoin 10.7%, and valproate 20.3%. Distribution of serious adverse outcomes differed significantly across AEDs and was not explained by factors other than in utero AED exposure. Valproate exhibited a dose-dependent effect.

Conclusions

More adverse outcomes were observed in pregnancies with in utero valproate exposure versus the other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). These results combined with several recent studies provide strong evidence that valproate poses the highest risk to the fetus. For women who fail other AEDs and require valproate, the dose should be limited if possible.
Vaccines, Encephalopathies, and Mutations
Authors: Berg Anne T.
Published: March 2007

De-Novo Mutations of the Sodium Channel Gene SCN1A in Alleged Vaccine Encephalopathy: A Retrospective Study. Berkovic SF, Harkin L, McMahon JM, Pelekanos JT, Zuberi SM, Wirrell EC, Gill DS, Iona X, Mulley JC, Scheffer IE. Lancet Neurol 2006;5:488–492.

Background

Vaccination, particularly for pertussis, has been implicated as a direct cause of an encephalopathy with refractory seizures and intellectual impairment. We postulated that cases of so-called vaccine encephalopathy could have mutations in the neuronal sodium channel α1 subunit gene ( SCN1A) because of a clinical resemblance to severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI) for which such mutations have been identified.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 14 patients with alleged vaccine encephalopathy in whom the first seizure occurred within 72 h of vaccination. We reviewed the relation to vaccination from source records and assessed the specific epilepsy phenotype. Mutations in SCN1A were identified by PCR amplification and denaturing high performance liquid chromatography analysis, with subsequent sequencing. Parental DNA was examined to ascertain the origin of the mutation.

Results

SCN1A mutations were identified in 11 of 14 patients with alleged vaccine encephalopathy; a diagnosis of a specific epilepsy syndrome was made in all 14 cases. Five mutations predicted truncation of the protein and six were missense in conserved regions of the molecule. In all nine cases where parental DNA was available the mutations arose de novo. Clinical-molecular correlation showed mutations in eight of eight cases with phenotypes of SMEI, in three of four cases with borderline SMEI, but not in two cases with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome.

Conclusion

Cases of alleged vaccine encephalopathy could in fact be a genetically determined epileptic encephalopathy that arose de novo. These findings have important clinical implications for diagnosis and management of encephalopathy and, if confirmed in other cohorts, major societal implications for the general acceptance of vaccination.
Psychological treatments of subthreshold depression: a meta‐analytic review
Authors: Cuijpers P. , Smit F. , Van Straten A.
Published: March 2007

Objective:  Subthreshold depression has a considerable impact on the quality of life and carries a high risk of developing major depressive disorder. Psychological treatments for subthreshold depression may be able to reduce depressive symptomatology and prevent the onset of major depression.

Method:  We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies examining the effects of psychological treatments for subthreshold depression. We examined the effects on depressive symptoms and the preventive effects on the incidence of major depression.

Results:  Seven high‐quality studies with a total of 700 subjects were included. The mean effect size at post‐test was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.23–0.60), with very low heterogeneity. The relative risk of developing a major depressive disorder in subjects who received the intervention was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.47–1.03; P = 0.07).

Conclusion:  Psychological treatments have significant effects on subthreshold depression. Furthermore, these interventions may prevent the onset of major depression.
Treating depression with the evidence‐based psychotherapies: a critique of the evidence
Authors: Parker G. , Fletcher K.
Published: March 2007

Objective:  While Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) have been positioned as first‐line evidence‐based treatments for depression, we suggest that limitations to the ‘evidence’ deserve wider appreciation.

Method:  A systematic literature search was undertaken, and limitations to the evidence base discussed.

Results:  The review suggests that the specificity of CBT and IPT treatments for depression has yet to be demonstrated and details likely reasons.

Conclusion:  The superiority of CBT and IPT may well be able to be demonstrated across defined rather than universal circumstances. To achieve this aim, outcome research should move away from testing treatments as if they have universal application for heterogeneous disorder categories. Findings have distinct implications for the clinical management of depressive disorders, and particularly in relation to the utility of psychotherapy.
Patients’ use of alternative methods parallel to psychiatric therapy: does the migrational background matter?
Authors: Assion H. J. , Zarouchas I. , Multamäki S. , Zolotova J. , Schröder S. G.
Published: March 2007

Objective:  Unconventional medicine is widespread in nearly every culture and often used parallel to professional help. This survey evaluates the use of unconventional methods of psychiatric in‐patients with vs. without a background of migration.

Method:  A total of 167 psychiatric in‐patients underwent a structured interview. One hundred patients were migrants (group 1) and were compared with 67 German in‐patients (group 2).

Results:  Nearly 50% of all patients reported of at least one unconventional therapy. Both migrants and natives used healing methods parallel to professional help. The migrant group rathered to use folk medical concepts and the native group rathered alternative medicine. Around half of the patients with experience of complementary therapy believed it to be efficacious.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that nearly half of the psychiatric patients use alternative medicine and a quarter believe in its efficacy. People with a more traditional background tend to use folk medical practices.
Caries prevention with fluoride varnish in a socially deprived community
Authors: Zimmer Stefan , Robke Franz Josef , Roulet Jean‐François
Published: March 2007

Abstract –

It has been suggested that specific preventive programs be developed for children with high caries risk. One possibility is to consider whole classes in socially deprived schools as caries‐risk groups and perform an intensified preventive program for the entire class. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of such a program which includes the application of a fluoride varnish (Duraphat®). Methods: The application of the varnish was offered three to four times a year in a community with low socio‐economic status and a generally high caries level. Two hundred and sixty‐nine children in six primary schools of Linden/Limmer, a district in Hannover, Germany, were allocated to a test or a control group. The test group received the fluoride varnish for 4 years whereas the control group received no professional fluoride application. DMFT was recorded at the beginning of the study and after 4 years. Results: At the end of the study, children who had received a minimum of two fluoride applications per year showed a significantly lower caries increment in comparison with the control group (0.88 DMFT vs 1.39 DMFT, P < 0.05). Conclusions: It can be concluded that a minimum of two applications of the fluoride varnish Duraphat® per year may be an effective measure in preventing caries in socially deprived children with high caries activity.
Caries‐preventive methods used for children and adolescents in Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden
Authors: Källestål Carina , Wang Nina J. , Petersen Poul Erik , Arnadottir Inga B.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –

Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden have all had a similar decline in dental caries during the last 20 years, although the decline has come later in Iceland. The purpose of this study was to compare the caries‐preventive methods used for children and adolescents in these four countries. Questionnaires were sent to random samples of dentists, dental hygienists, and dental nurses working with children during 1995 and 1996. The results showed that the use of preventive methods was generally consistent between the countries. Nevertheless there were differences between the countries concerning the choice of preventive strategy for risk patients and also in how prevention was implemented. Danish dental care providers chose oral hygiene education as the priority, which they put into practice. Apart from fluoride varnish for some patients, most of them did not use or recommend fluoride except fluoride toothpaste. The Norwegian and Icelandic dental care providers chose both oral hygiene education and the use of fluoride as priorities, while most Swedish dental care providers preferred to provide dietary advice and oral hygiene education, and additional fluoride for risk patients. The differences could not be explained by other variables than nationality, implying that there are differences between the dental cultures in the four countries. The informational basis of decisions on preventive strategies varied between the different dental professionals in each country as well as between the countries, indicating that national professional cultures are being shaped differently. Despite the differences in choice of preventive methods, the dental health of children varies little across the frontiers. This raises the question of the significance of the choice of preventive methods to the decline of dental caries and points towards an urgent need to develop evidence‐based preventive strategies.
Early childhood caries: nomenclature and case definition
Authors: Wyne Amjad Hussain
Published: March 2007

Abstract– A fruitless debate so far has continued to find an ideal name for early childhood caries (ECC), one which could encompass all its risk factors and express the possible seriousness and rampant nature of the problem. It should be simultaneously comprehensible to the dental profession, medical personnel and the general public. However, it is hard to find an example of a multifactorial disease where the name alone indicates its etiology, signs, symptoms, and prevention. It is time for us as a dental profession to accept the responsibility to educate our‐selves, our medical colleagues and the public about ECC, and stop hoping that a perfect name for ECC will do the job for us. A similar situation exists regarding the case definition of ECC. To find a single definition of ECC based on number of lesions, teeth involved and age of the affected children is an unrealistic goal. Therefore, a classification of ECC and a case definition for each type is proposed.
Edentulism among Finnish adults of working age, 1978–1997
Authors: Suominen‐Taipale Anna‐Liisa , Alanen Pentti , Helenius Hans , Nordblad Anne , Uutela Antti
Published: March 2007

Abstract– Objectives: The dental health of Finnish children and young adults has improved considerably during the last 25 years. At the same time, there are still middle‐aged or elderly individuals who have lost some or all of their teeth, since extractions were commonly used as a treatment for dental infections during earlier decades. The aim of the present study was to analyze changes of the prevalence of and risk indicators for edentulism among Finnish adults of working age (15–64 years) from 1978 to 1997. Methods: The National Public Health Institute has, since 1978, conducted annual surveys concerning health behavior among the Finnish adult population. The data were collected through a mailed questionnaire including questions on the number of missing teeth. Sample sizes varied from 5000 to 6000 and the response rates from 70% to 85%. Results: The dental status profile of the Finnish adult population has changed considerably since 1978. The prevalence of edentulism decreased from 14% to 6% during the study years. At the same time, the number of persons with complete dentition increased from 60% to 80%. The decrease in edentulism was obvious in both sexes, but the change was more remarkable among women. In 1997, the difference between the sexes had almost disappeared. The differences between regional and educational groups were still marked in 1997. Belonging to a certain birth cohort appeared to be the major factor affecting the percentage of edentulous subjects. In 1978 risk indicators of total tooth loss included age, gender, length of education, geographical area, urbanization, marital status, and medication for headache. In 1997 risk indicators included age, length of education, geographical area, history of smoking, and perceived status of health. Conclusions: The number of totally edentulous working‐age persons is rapidly decreasing in Finland. Edentulism was strongly associated with birth cohorts and is apparently accumulating in a diminishing group of people. Relevant factors that were strongly associated with edentulousness did not vary considerably between the study years.
Tooth‐specific and person‐level predictors of 24‐month tooth loss among older adults
Authors: Gilbert Gregg H. , Miller Michael K. , Duncan R. Paul , Ringelberg Melvin L. , Dolan Teresa A. , Foerster Ulrich
Published: March 2007

Abstract– Objectives: To describe: (1) the 24‐month incidence of tooth loss in a diverse sample of dentate adults; and (2) the clinical, attitudinal, behavioral, and sociodemographic correlates of tooth loss incidence. Methods: The Florida Dental Care Study is a prospective longitudinal cohort study of persons who at baseline had at least one tooth, were 45 years or older, and who resided in north Florida. An in‐person interview and clinical examination were conducted at baseline and 24‐months after baseline, with 6‐monthly telephone interviews between those times. A two‐level hierarchical generalized linear regression (logit model) was used to quantify tooth‐specific and person‐level factors simultaneously. Results: Of the 739 persons who attended for a 24‐month examination, 24% lost one or more teeth during follow‐up. Tooth loss was more common in persons with dental disease at baseline, incident dental signs or symptoms, those with negative attitudes to‐ward dental care and dental health, those with limited financial resources, older adults, blacks, females, and problem‐oriented users of dental care (as distinct from regular attenders). Although disease presence at baseline was a major factor associated with incident tooth loss, most diseased teeth were in fact still present 24 months after baseline. Conclusions: Other than periodontal attachment loss, severe tooth mobility, and dental caries, no single factor was a dominant predictor of tooth loss; instead, numerous factors made statistically significant but small contributions to variation in tooth loss. Tooth loss apparently is the result of complex interactions among dental disease, incident dental signs and symptoms, tendency to use dental care in response to specific dental problems, dental attitudes, and ability to afford non‐extraction treatment alternatives.
Spatial and temporal variations of two cyprinids in a subtropical mountain reserve – a result of habitat disturbance
Authors: Han C.‐C. , Tew K. S. , Fang L.‐S.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  We investigated the variations of population of two cyprinids, Varicorhinus alticorpus and Varicorhinus barbatulus, using long‐term survey data (1995–2004) in the subtropical island of Taiwan. Fish abundance data showed that at the mainstem stations, V. barbatulus which used to dominate in the higher altitude had declined significantly, while V. alticorpus that used to occupy only the lower altitude had spread upward. However, at the tributaries, trend of the populations of V. barbatulus were not significantly different over time, while populations of V. alticorpus were absent at higher altitude but began to increase at lower altitude. Environmental parameters revealed that sporadic high turbidity was observed at the mainstem stations, but not at the tributaries. Images taken before and after typhoon also showed habitat destruction by debris flow at the mainstem stations. As some models predicted that suitable fish habitats will shrink because of increasing water temperature due to global warming, we showed that fish distribution may be affected by habitat disturbance due to intensified storms sooner than the actual increase of water temperature.