bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurred Castleman's disease containing a fibrohistiocytic nodular lesion with vascular occlusion
Authors: Kurotaki Hidekachi , Kaimori Mitsuomi , Nagai Kazunori
Published: December 2008

A recurring case of Castleman's disease containing a fibrohistiocytic nodular lesion is presented. The recurred tumor was found in the mediastinum of a 40 year old Japanese female who had undergone the extirpation of a mediastinal tumor 18 years previously and had been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis 5 years after the initial removal. Microscopically, the present tumor and the initial removed tumor fulfilled the morphologic criteria for the hyaline‐vascular type of Castleman's disease. A well‐demarcated nodular lesion (1.5 cm in diameter) was located in the present tumor. It consisted of interlacing oval to short spindle‐shaped cells positive for factor XIIIa and vimentin, merging with lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and capillaries lined by swollen endothelial cells. Mitotic figures were not noted. Foci of hemorrhage and necrosis were also not detected. The stenosis or occlusion of the large vessels due to intimal fibrosis and medial hypertrophy was observed around the nodular lesion.
Intractable diseases and bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Ikehara Susumu
Published: December 2008

Intractable diseases are defined as diseases of unknown etiopathogenesis, and for which therapeutic strategies remain to be established. They are therefore likely to cause various sequelae. Of the 86 intractable diseases recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan, half are thought to be curable by bone marrow transplantation (BMT).

This report shows which diseases are curable by BMT and provides evidence that autoimmune diseases are stem cell disorders.
Photoreceptor differentiation of retinoblastoma: An electron microscopic study of 29 retinoblastomas
Authors: Tajima Yasuo , Munakata Shigeru , Ishida Yasuo , Nakajima Tohru , Sugano Isamu , Nagao Koichi , Minoda Kensei , Kondo Yoichiro
Published: December 2008

Retinoblastomas exhibit a unique form of differentiation to produce cell elements similar to those seen in a photoreceptor cell. An ultrastructural study was performed on 29 cases of retinoblastoma to further clarify the cytologic characteristics of the tumor cells. The age of the retinoblastomas averaged 17.1 months and the tumor cells showing photo‐receptor differentiation were demonstrated in 10 cases (35%). The findings were especially notable in retinoblastomas with Flexner‐Wintersteiner rosette formation (seven cases, 28%). Similar photoreceptor differentiation was also evident in solid cell clusters without rosette formation (four cases, 14%). The presence of photoreceptor elements was assumed to be significantly frequent both in Flexner‐Wintersteiner rosettes and in the solid cell clusters. The cell cytoplasm also showed proliferation of long mitochondria and microtubules, reflecting photoreceptor differentiation. The hereditary‐type retinoblastoma showed more advanced cell differentiation than the non‐hereditary type. Photoreceptor differentiated retinoblastoma showed rather indolent growth compared with the undifferentiated type, and the former can expect a curative treatment by operation. These observations provide additional findings of the biological nature of retinoblastomas.
Giant cell tumor of the lung: An autopsy case report with immunohistochemical observations
Authors: Kuroda Masahiko , Oka Teruaki , Horiuchi Hajime , Ishida Tsuyoshi , Machinami Rikuo , Hebisawa Akira
Published: December 2008

Tumors resembling giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone are well known to occur in other organs and many cases have been reported to date. While GCT occurring as primary lesions in the lung are extremely rare, the authors experienced such a tumor at an autopsy of a 77 year old woman and subsequently performed histological and immunohistochemical examinations. The clinical and morphologic characteristics of this case are documented, and the literature concerning this type of tumor is reviewed. The present tumor of the lung was histologically characterized by proliferation of benign‐looking osteoclast‐like giant cells in association with slightly atypical mononuclear cells. The tumor cells were immunohistochemically positive for histlocytic markers but negative for epithelial markers. This case appears to be the first reported benign giant cell tumor of the lung in which histiocytic differentiation of mononuclear cells was suggested by immunohistochemistry.
Pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome‐like autoimmune lesions in MRL/Ipr mice
Authors: Hayashi Yoshio , Haneji Norio , Hamano Hironori
Published: December 2008

Sjögren's syndrome in humans is a chronic inflammatory disease with a presumed autoimmune etiology of the exocrine organs, involving in particular the salivary and lacrimal glands. The pathogenesis of this syndrome remains unclear, but the majority of infiltrating cells in the salivary glands are CD4+ T cells both in humans and rodents. Since many cytokines are involved in the development of T cell‐mediated autoimmunity, local cytokine gene expression was analyzed in vivo using an animal model for Sjögren's syndrome in MRL/Ipr mice. Overexpression of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1)β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) was detected before the onset of inflammatory lesions in the salivary gland, and the up‐regulation of IL‐6 mRNA was also found in accordance with autoimmune sialadenitis in MRL/Ipr mice. The inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β, TNF, and IL‐6 have proved to play important roles as regulatory proteins inducing autoimmune phenomena. In addition, the expression of T cell antigen receptor β (TCR) β transcripts in the salivary gland tissues was analyzed. Transcript for Vβ8 was predominantly detected in the T cells infiltrating sialadenitis from the onset of the disease, suggesting that CD4+ T cells bearing TCR Vβ8 play an essential role in recognizing unknown autopeptide in the autoimmune sialadenitis of MRL/Ipr mice. Furthermore, Sjögren's syndrome‐like autoimmune lesions were successfully transferred into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, and these lesions were prevented by administration of anti‐CD4, and anti‐Vβ8 monoclonal antibodies. This article will review recent observations of these pathogenetic analyses of autoimmune sialadenitis as it occurs in MRL/Ipr mice.
A morphometrical analysis of minute depressed adenomas in familial polyposis coli
Authors: Kubota Osamu , Kino Isamu , Nakamura Shin‐ichi
Published: December 2008

In a morphometrical study of minute adenomas in familial polyposis coli (FPC), ranging from 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm in diameter, five parameters of depressed adenomas were compared with those of ordinary polypoid adenomas. The density of glands (DG), an index of structural atypia, and the nuclear‐cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio, an index of cellular atypia, were higher in depressed adenomas than in polypoid adenomas (74.8% vs 66.8% and 37.8% vs 32.7%, respectively). The cell area (C‐area) of depressed adenomas was less than that of polypoid adenomas (107.3(μm2 vs 121.1 μm2), but there was no significant difference in values for the nuclear area (N‐area) in the two types (40.0 μm2 vs 39.2 μm2). The higher N/C ratio of depressed adenomas was, therefore, not caused by enlargement of the nuclei but by reduction of the cell size. In addition, values of the sphericity of nuclei (SN) (3.14 vs 3.65) indicated rounder nuclei in depressed adenomas than in ordinary ones. The higher DG and N/C ratio of the depressed adenomas indicates their higher grade of atypia than that of ordinary polypoid adenomas.
Colorectal mucin histochemistry in health and disease: A critical review
Authors: Jass Jeremy R. , Roberton Anthony M.
Published: December 2008

Neoplastic, inflammatory and regenerative processes affecting colorectal mucosa are associated with alterations in structure of epithelial mucin. This review collates mucin‐, lectin‐, and immuno‐histochemical observations on colorectal mucins and introduces recent molecular genetic insights into the structure of the protein backbone of mucins. The numerous structural modifications uncovered by the various technical approaches have been reduced to a few manageable principles that are of relevance to both researcher and diagnostic pathologist. Particular attention is drawn to the need to appreciate the limited specificities of probes, the confounding influences of anatomical site and genetic factors (necessitating the use of appropriate positive and negative control tissues) and the precise location of secretory material. In the past, insufficient attention has been given to the effects of altered differentiation including metaplasia and differing lineage expression in epithelial disorders of growth. It is likely that certain changes loosely ascribed to goblet cell mucin, such as neo‐expression of blood group antigens and anomalous expression of core carbohydrate structures, do not occur at all. Critical examination of available data point to only two consistent and unequivocal changes affecting goblet cell mucin in pathological processes: loss of O‐acetyl substituents at sialic acid C4 and C7,8,9 and increased sialyla‐tion. Furthermore, there are no neoplasia‐specific alterations in mucins documented to date. All neoplasia‐associated changes have been described in non‐neoplastic lesions also.
Extinction of morphine‐dependent conditioned behavior is associated with increased phosphorylation of the GluR1 subunit of AMPA receptors at hippocampal synapses
Authors: Billa Sophie K. , Sinha Namita , Rudrabhatla Sri Rajyalakshmi , Morón Jose A.
Published: December 2008

In abstinent opiate addicts, relapse can be triggered by exposure to environmental cues associated with drug use; thus, the disruption of these learned associations may be an effective approach for reducing relapse. Interestingly, glutamatergic systems are thought to be involved in opiate‐induced behavioral plasticity. In this study, changes in expression and phosphorylation levels of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor subunits (GluR1, GluR2) in the hippocampus were investigated in rats showing a conditioned response (CR) to an opiate‐paired environment as well as in animals in which this conditioned behavior was extinguished. Additionally, another set of animals went through a drug‐unpaired paradigm (without conditioning) in order to examine the effects of the pharmacology of the drug itself. Subcellular fractionation techniques were used to analyse the local distribution of AMPA glutamate subunits within the synapse, especially at the postsynaptic density (PSD). Results showed that morphine‐dependent CRs did not alter expression or redistribution of GluR1 or GluR2; however, the unpaired administration of morphine resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of the GluR1 subunit at extrasynaptic sites. Interestingly, the extinction of the CR significantly increased phosphorylation of the GluR1 subunit at the PSD. Therefore we propose that, within the synapse, the phosphorylation of the GluR1 subunit at the PSD may be a key mechanism in the extinction of opiate‐associated CRs.
Characterization in vivo of bilaterally branching pontocerebellar mossy fibre to Golgi cell inputs in the rat cerebellum
Authors: Holtzman Tahl , Cerminara Nadia L. , Edgley Steve A. , Apps Richard
Published: December 2008

Golgi cells regulate the flow of information from mossy fibres to the cerebellar cortex, through a mix of feedback and feedforward inhibitory actions on granule cells. The aim of the current study was to examine mossy fibre input to Golgi cells, in order to assess their impact on switching Golgi cells into feedforward behaviour. In urethane‐anaesthetized rats, extracellular recordings were made from Golgi cells in Crus II (n = 18). Spikes were evoked in all Golgi cells by microstimulation within the contralateral hemispheral cortex, via branches of mossy fibres that terminate in both cerebellar hemispheres. The latencies of these responses were very short, consistent with a monosynaptic mossy fibre contact [average onset latency 2.3 ± 0.1 ms (SEM)]. The same stimuli had no measurable effect on spike responses of nearby Purkinje cells (n = 12). Systematic mapping in the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere (Crus Ib, IIa, IIb and the paramedian lobule) usually revealed one low‐intensity stimulus ‘hotspot’ (12–35 μA) from which short‐latency spikes could be evoked in an individual Golgi cell. Microinjections of red and green retrograde tracers (latex beads, ∼50–150 nL injection volume) made at the recording site and the stimulation hotspot resulted in double‐labelled neurons within the pontine nuclei. Overall, this suggests that subsets of pontine neurons supply mossy fibres that branch to both hemispheres, some of which directly target Golgi cells. Such an arrangement may provide a common feedforward inhibitory link to temporally couple activity on both sides of the cerebellum during behaviour.
Five colour morphs and three new species of Gyptis (Hesionidae, Annelida) under a jetty in Edithburgh, South Australia
Authors: Pleijel Fredrik , Rouse Greg , Nygren Arne
Published: December 2008

We report five different colour morphs of the hesionid polychaete genus Gyptis co‐occurring in a small area in shallow water under Edithburgh jetty, South Australia. The five morphs cannot be separated using standard morphological features, but phylogenetic analyses of sequence data (COI and ITS1) unequivocally show that three species are present, introduced as Gyptis simpsonorum, new species, G. paucilineata, new species and G. polymorpha, new species. Gyptis simpsonorum has a speckled pigmentation pattern and G. paucilineata a few transverse lines on specific segments. Gyptis polymorpha is polymorphic with three different, distinct pigmentation patterns, either as dense transverse lines, as a thin longitudinal, mid‐dorsal line, or as an uniformly dark dorsum. The speckled pigmentation likely represents the plesiomorphic condition, and G. propinqua is the closest known relative to these new species.
Queer Wordplay: Language and Laughter in the “Boys of Boise” Morals Panic
Authors: SCHNEIDER JEN
Published: December 2008

This article works to deepen historical and theoretical understandings of a 1955 morals panic in Boise, Idaho, typically referred to as the “boys of Boise” scandal. Using Goode and Ben‐Yehuda's definition of the “morals panic” and analysis of newspaper reporting and trial transcripts from the scandal, I argue that certain forms of rhetoric heightened or fabricated perceived threats to children, masculinity, and the heterosexual family unit. The article first analyzes the rhetoric of local newspaper editorials, arguing that they relied on familiar tropes of “purity” and “danger” to foment hysteria about deviant sexual behaviors, in effect manufacturing child victims that did not exist. Second, analysis of trial transcripts illustrates the ways in which this hysteria and hostility were connected to fears that homosexuality might be infectious, could be passed on to children and young men, and therefore pose a long‐term, unmanageable threat to heteronormative forms of masculinity and the American family. Finally, drawing on a 2006 documentary about the scandal and on Mikhail Bakhtin's theorization of “folk laughter,” I argue that another form of rhetoric – that of wordplay or punning – might suggest to us how morals panics are defused, an area not addressed by Goode and Ben‐Yehuda's framework.
HRM and Performance: A Plea for Reflexivity in HRM Studies
Authors: Janssens Maddy , Steyaert Chris
Published: December 2008

abstract In this Counterpoint, we build on Paauwe's suggestions to take the field of HRM and Performance further. Rather than aiming for a synthesis or proposing a radical alternative, we argue that R(econstructive)‐reflexivity is needed for theorizing HRM. In particular, we bring in insights from critical studies on the notion of HRM, on the notion of performance, and on the theoretical relationship between them as a way to open up new research avenues and lines of interpretation. For each of these three aspects, we indicate how studying the employment relationship can be reframed. In particular, we emphasize practice‐oriented research as one possible research path for the field of HRM as it allows for an examination of HRM as a set of practices, embedded in a global economical, political and socio‐cultural context. We end our counterpoint by reflecting on reflexivity, proposing three practices that can guide HRM scholars in becoming reflexive in the ways they study HRM.
The Role of Dispositional Traits in Accounting for Country and Ethnic Group Differences on Adjustment
Authors: Matsumoto David , Nakagawa Sanae , Estrada Aaron
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Country and ethnic group differences on adjustment have been demonstrated numerous times, and the source of these differences has been typically interpreted as cultural. We report two studies in which country (Study 1) and ethnic group (Study 2) differences on depression, anxiety, optimism versus pessimism, well‐being, and self‐esteem are mediated by dispositional traits. These findings provide an alternative explanation for previously reported country and ethnic group differences on these variables and encourage researchers to consider multiple sources, including traits, in their models and studies.
Emotional Responses to a Romantic Partner's Imaginary Rejection: The Roles of Attachment Anxiety, Covert Narcissism, and Self‐Evaluation
Authors: Besser Avi , Priel Beatriz
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThese studies tested the associations between responses to an induced imaginary romantic rejection and individual differences on dimensions of attachment and covert narcissism. InStudy 1(N=125), we examined the associations between attachment dimensions and emotional responses to a vignette depicting a scenario of romantic rejection, as measured by self‐reported negative mood states, expressions of anger, somatic symptoms, and self‐evaluation. Higher scores on attachment anxiety, but not on attachment avoidance, were associated with stronger reactions to the induced rejection. Moreover, decreased self‐evaluation scores (self‐esteem and pride) were found to mediate these associations. InStudy 2(N=88), the relative contributions of covert narcissism and attachment anxiety to the emotional responses to romantic rejection were explored. Higher scores on covert narcissism were associated with stronger reactions to the induced rejection. Moreover, covert narcissism seemed to constitute a specific aspect of attachment anxiety.
Improving Partnership Governance: Using a Network Approach to Evaluate Partnerships in Victoria
Authors: Pope Jeanette , Lewis Jenny M.
Published: December 2008

Partnerships of various kinds are now widespread, but evaluating them is complicated. This article examines the usefulness of a network approach for analysing partnership effectiveness, where the central concern is governance. The approach is based on interviews, and for this evaluation they were conducted with 120 people from 10 different partnerships in Victoria. A detailed examination of network structures uncovers important features of partnerships, yielding crucial information about them as governing entities, and providing feedback to partners on where effort needs to be spent on relationship building. This article adds to the existing knowledge about what makes partnerships effective, and to the toolkit available for evaluating them.
The Accountability Priorities of Australian Parliamentarians
Authors: Mulgan Richard
Published: December 2008

Managerialist reforms to the public service, as part of the drive for improved efficiency and effectiveness, sought to reorient the accountability priorities of parliamentarians away from a supposedly excessive concern with process and results and more towards results (outputs and outcomes). To what extent, if any, have the accountability priorities of parliamentarians changed over the last two decades? Content analysis of a sample of estimates committee hearings dealing with six departments over three selected years (1986, 1992 and 2003) reveals a marked increase in attention to outputs and a correspondingly decreased focus on inputs (with little change in concern for process), thus confirming a managerialist trend. At the same time, Senators' explicit references to departments' budget documentation and annual reports fell away noticeably with the introduction of the outcomes and outputs framework which is therefore failing their accountability needs.
FINDING AUTONOMY IN BIRTH
Authors:   THE OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY RISK RESEARCH GROUP:, KUKLA REBECCA , KUPPERMANN MIRIAM , LITTLE MARGARET , LYERLY ANNE DRAPKIN , MITCHELL LISA M , ARMSTRONG ELIZABETH M. , HARRIS LISA
Published: December 2008

Over the last several years, as cesarean deliveries have grown increasingly common, there has been a great deal of public and professional interest in the phenomenon of women ‘choosing’ to deliver by cesarean section in the absence of any specific medical indication. The issue has sparked intense conversation, as it raises questions about the nature of autonomy in birth. Whereas mainstream bioethical discourse is used to associating autonomy with having a large array of choices, this conception of autonomy does not seem adequate to capture concerns and intuitions that have a strong grip outside this discourse. An empirical and conceptual exploration of how delivery decisions ought to be negotiated must be guided by a rich understanding of women's agency and its placement within a complicated set of cultural meanings and pressures surrounding birth. It is too early to be ‘for’ or ‘against’ women's access to cesarean delivery in the absence of traditional medical indications – and indeed, a simple pro‐ or con‐ position is never going to do justice to the subtlety of the issue. The right question is not whether women ought to be allowed to choose their delivery approach but, rather, taking the value of women's autonomy in decision‐making around birth as a given, what sorts of guidelines, practices, and social conditions will best promote and protect women's full inclusion in a safe and positive birth process.
Spatial Representations From Perception and Cognitive Mediation
Authors: Klatzky Roberta L. , Wu Bing , Stetten George
Published: December 2008

Spatial representations can be derived not only by direct perception, but also through cognitive mediation. Conventional or ex-situ ultrasound displays, which displace imaged data to a remote screen, require both types of process. To determine the depth of a target hidden beneath a surface, ultrasound users must both perceive how deeply the ultrasound transducer indents the surface and interpret the on-screen image to visualize how deeply the target lies below the transducer. Combining these perceptual and cognitive depth components requires a spatial representation that has been called amodal. We report experiments measuring errors in perceptual and cognitively mediated depth estimates and show that these estimates can be concatenated (linked) without further error, providing evidence for an amodal representation. We further contrast conventional ultrasound with an in-situ display whereby an ultrasound image appears to float at the precise location being imaged, enabling the depth of a target to be directly perceived. The research has the potential to enhance ultrasound-guided surgical intervention.
Mechanisms Linking Early Experience and the Emergence of Emotions
Authors: Pollak Seth D.
Published: December 2008

Emotions are complex processes that are essential for survival and adaptation. Recent studies of children and animals are shedding light on how the developing brain learns to rapidly respond to signals in the environment, assess the emotional significance of this information, and in so doing adaptively regulate subsequent behavior. Here, I describe studies of children and nonhuman primates who are developing within emotionally aberrant environments. Examining these populations provides new insights on the ways in which social or interpersonal contexts influence development of the neural systems underlying emotional behavior.
Repeated Interviews and Children's Memory
Authors: Goodman Gail S. , Quas Jodi A.
Published: December 2008

A crucial issue in the study of eyewitness memory concerns effects of repeated interviews on children's memory accuracy. There is growing belief that exposure to repeated interviews causes increased errors. In some situations, it may. Yet, several studies reveal increased accuracy with repeated interviewing, even when the interviews include misleading questions. We review repeated-interview research in relation to event veracity, interviewer bias, and delay. We conclude that when and how children are interviewed is at least as important for their accuracy as is how many times they are interviewed.
Block trades and the benefits of control in Slovenia1
Authors: Gregoric Aleksandra , Vespro Cristina
Published: December 2008

Ownership and control have been concentrating in most transition countries. The consolidation of control introduces changes in the power distribution within privatized firms and, most importantly, redirects the corporate governance problem to a conflict between large and small shareholders. In this study, we evaluate the ownership changes in Slovenian privatized firms through an analysis of stock price reactions to the entrance of a new blockholder (the shared benefits of control) and through an estimation of the premiums paid for large blocks (the private benefits of control). We provide evidence of and discuss the reasons for the failures of the privatization investment funds in implementing control over firm managers and in promoting the restructuring of firms in the first post‐privatization years.
Rapid morphological change in an insular population of feral sheep
Authors: Van Vuren D. H. , Bakker V. J.
Published: December 2008

Artificially selected qualities can reduce fitness in a wild setting, thus feral domesticates should experience strong selective forces. Domestic sheep Ovis aries have frequently become feral on islands, which differ substantially from mainland environments. We examined changes in body mass and wool traits in feral sheep inhabiting Santa Cruz Island (SCI), California for ≥90 years. To elucidate the influence of nutrition, we compared the mass of feral island sheep with that of island sheep raised in farm conditions. We found that feral sheep on SCI were smaller than purported founder breeds, and that most documented populations of insular feral sheep worldwide have converged to similar body sizes (within 6 kg). SCI rams attained greater mass in farm conditions but ewes did not, suggesting phenotypic plasticity in ram body mass. Ewes exhibited self‐shedding of wool at a greater frequency than rams, and sex differences and shedding patterns were consistent with thermoregulation and the risk of fly strike disease as benefits of wool loss. Pigmentation rates did not increase, further supporting the influence of heat stress on wool traits. These changes occurred in <25 generations and may have had a genetic basis, representing a potential example of rapid evolution in insular feral sheep.
Modulation of mutant superoxide dismutase 1 aggregation by co‐expression of wild‐type enzyme
Authors: Prudencio Mercedes , Durazo Armando , Whitelegge Julian P. , Borchelt David R.
Published: December 2008

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1, EC 1.15.1.1) cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; with aggregated forms of mutant protein accumulating in spinal cord tissues of transgenic mouse models and human patients. Mice over‐expressing wild‐type human SOD1 (WT hSOD1) do not develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‐like disease, but co‐expression of WT enzyme at high levels with mutant SOD1 accelerates the onset of motor neuron disease compared with mice expressing mutant hSOD1 alone. Spinal cords of mice expressing both proteins contain aggregated forms of mutant protein and, in some cases, evidence of co‐aggregation of WT hSOD1 enzyme. In the present study, we used a cell culture model of mutant SOD1 aggregation to examine how the presence of WT SOD1 affects mutant protein aggregation, finding that co‐expression of WT SOD1, hSOD1 or mouse SOD1, delayed the formation of mutant hSOD1 aggregates; in essence appearing to slow the aggregation rate. In some combinations of WT and mutant hSOD1 co‐expression, the aggregates that did eventually form appeared to contain WT hSOD1 protein. However, WT mouse SOD1 did not co‐aggregate with mutant hSOD1 despite displaying a similar ability to slow mutant hSOD1 aggregation. Together, these studies indicate that WT SOD1 (human or mouse), when expressed at levels equivalent to the mutant protein, modulates the aggregation of mutant SOD1.
Chronic methylphenidate treatment enhances striatal dopamine neurotransmission after experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wagner Amy K. , Drewencki Laura L. , Chen Xiangbai , Santos F. Ryan , Khan Amina S. , Harun Rashed , Torres Gonzalo E. , Michael Adrian C. , Dixon C. Edward
Published: December 2008

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in functional deficits that often are effectively treated clinically with the neurostimulant, methylphenidate (MPH). We hypothesized that daily MPH administration would reverse striatal neurotransmission deficits observed in the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI. CCI or naïve rats received daily injections of MPH (5 mg/kg) or saline for 14 days and were assessed on day 15 using fast scan cyclic voltammetry. Dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) localization, DA‐related proteins, and transcription factor (c‐fos) expression were also assessed. CCI resulted in reduced electrically evoked overflow of DA and maximal velocity of DA clearance (Vmax). In contrast, CCI was associated with a decrease in the apparent KM of DAT. Daily dose of MPH after CCI resulted in robust increases in evoked DA overflow and Vmax as well as increased apparent KM. Reductions in total striatal DAT expression occurred after CCI and were not further affected by MPH. In contrast, membrane‐bound striatal DAT levels were increased in both CCI groups. MPH post‐CCI significantly increased striatal c‐fos levels compared with saline. These results support the hypothesis that daily MPH improves striatal DA neurotransmission after CCI. DAT expression and transcriptional changes affecting DA protein function may underlie the injury and MPH‐induced alterations in neurotransmission observed.
Learning to live with a child with diabetes – problems related to immigration and cross‐cultural diabetes care
Authors: Povlsen Lene , Ringsberg Karin C.
Published: December 2008

Diabetes in childhood is a serious chronic disease. Having a different ethnic background is described as a risk factor for poor metabolic control and quality of life. The aim of the study was to explore variations in how parents living as immigrants in Denmark and in their native country had perceived learning to live with a child with diabetes. This was done in order to identify potential problems related to immigration and cross‐cultural care which should be considered in the provision of diabetes care to immigrant families. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews with Arabic‐speaking immigrant parents of six children with diabetes in Denmark and matched Egyptian parents of six children in Cairo. The children were 7–16 years old and had been diagnosed in 2003–2005. Data were analysed using a phenomenographic approach, focussing on describing variations in the parents’ perceptions of the phenomenon ‘Learning to live with a child with diabetes’. The findings show that the parents in the two countries shared many reactions and concerns, but that they responded and were affected in different ways. Above all, the immigrant parents experienced their parental role and the life of the child with diabetes, in a more doubtful and negative way. The findings further indicate that the establishment of a trustful relationship between the immigrant families and the health‐care professionals should be given high priority. The study concludes that parents with an immigrant background are likely to require special pedagogic, psychological and social support to learn to adapt and come to terms with the diagnosis of a chronic disease in a child.
Sexual reproduction of cordgrass hybrids (Spartina foliosa x alterniflora) invading tidal marshes in San Francisco Bay
Authors: Ayres Debra R. , Zaremba Katherine , Sloop Christina M. , Strong Donald R.
Published: December 2008

We genetically analysed cordgrass plants and seedlings throughout the San Francisco, California, USA, estuary and found that hybrids between exotic Spartina alterniflora and native Spartina foliosa are the principal cordgrass invaders and colonizers. We hypothesized that this was due to higher seed set and siring ability by hybrids relative to the native species; too few alien parents remained in San Francisco Bay for our comparative studies. Hybrid seed comprised 91% to 98% of that set in the marsh study plants over the 2 years of the study. Total viable pollen production by hybrid plants was 400 times that of the native plants. Seed and pollen production were highly skewed towards a few hybrid genotypes. In addition to seed produced by hybrid plants, hybrid seed was produced by S. foliosa due to hybrid backcrossing. While the greatest advantage for hybrids was in pollen and seed production, hybrid seeds germinated, and seedlings survived and grew as well or better than the native species. As native S. foliosa becomes increasingly rare, hybrid seed floating on the tides will predominate, overwhelming recruitment sites and resulting in further colonization by hybrids. In an evolutionary context, hybrids with exceptional pollen and seed production will be initially favoured by natural selection, leading to the evolution of even more fertile hybrid genotypes.
Pollution reduces native diversity and increases invader dominance in marine hard‐substrate communities
Authors: Piola Richard F. , Johnston Emma L.
Published: December 2008

Anthropogenic disturbance is considered a risk factor in the establishment of non‐indigenous species (NIS); however, few studies have investigated the role of anthropogenic disturbance in facilitating the establishment and spread of NIS in marine environments. A baseline survey of native and NIS was undertaken in conjunction with a manipulative experiment to determine the effect that heavy metal pollution had on the diversity and invasibility of marine hard‐substrate assemblages. The study was repeated at two sites in each of two harbours in New South Wales, Australia. The survey sampled a total of 47 sessile invertebrate taxa, of which 15 (32%) were identified as native, 19 (40%) as NIS, and 13 (28%) as cryptogenic. Increasing pollution exposure decreased native species diversity at all study sites by between 33% and 50%. In contrast, there was no significant change in the numbers of NIS. Percentage cover was used as a measure of spatial dominance, with increased pollution exposure leading to increased NIS dominance across all sites. At three of the four study sites, assemblages that had previously been dominated by natives changed to become either extensively dominated by NIS or equally occupied by native and NIS alike. No single native or NIS was repeatedly responsible for the observed changes in native species diversity or NIS dominance at all sites. Rather, the observed effects of pollution were driven by a diverse range of taxa and species. These findings have important implications for both the way we assess pollution impacts, and for the management of NIS. When monitoring the response of assemblages to pollution, it is not sufficient to simply assess changes in community diversity. Rather, it is important to distinguish native from NIS components since both are expected to respond differently. In order to successfully manage current NIS, we first need to address levels of pollution within recipient systems in an effort to bolster the resilience of native communities to invasion.
Comparing the rate of invasion by Heracleum mantegazzianum at continental, regional, and local scales
Authors: Pyšek Petr , Jarošík Vojtêch , Müllerová Jana , Pergl Jan , Wild Jan
Published: December 2008

This paper compares the rate of invasion of Heracleum mantegazzianum (Apiaceae), a Caucasian species invading Europe, at three spatial scales (continental, regional, and local). The rate of invasion was evaluated using inclusion curves, by plotting the cumulative number of invaded countries against time on the continental scale of Europe, number of occupied grid cells at the regional scale of the Czech Republic, and invaded area inferred from a series of aerial photographs taken at the local scale over a period of 49 years in the Slavkovký les region, Czech Republic. Time of 50% inclusion (with 95% confidence intervals, CI) of invaded countries, occupied grid cells, and invaded area was assessed. The invasion was slowest at the continental scale (62 years, CI = 53–70) and did not differ significantly between regional (16 years, CI = 10–20) and local (22 years, CI = 19–24) scales. Our results indicate that there are two different mechanisms of spread acting together in this system, namely human influences and natural spread, and the relative influence of these mechanisms appears to change in an inverse proportion from the largest to the smallest scale. At the local scale, under suitable habitat conditions, the process is driven by biological traits of the species related to dispersal. At the continental and regional scales, humans played a crucial role in the invasion of H. mantegazzianum by planting it as a garden ornamental. At these scales, human‐mediated dispersal seems to have been the major driver of spread, responsible for creating dispersal foci in the initial phases of invasion. Species traits played an important role in local spread, resulting in the colonization of new sites.
Consistent accuracy of the Australian weed risk assessment system across varied geographies
Authors: Gordon Doria R. , Onderdonk Daphne A. , Fox Alison M. , Stocker Randall K.
Published: December 2008

The ecological and economic advantages of preventing introduction of species likely to become invasive have increased interest in implementing effective screening tools. We compared the accuracy of the Australian Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) system with that across the six geographies in which it has been tested (New Zealand, Hawaii, Hawaii and Pacific Islands, Czech Republic, Bonin Islands and Florida). Inclusion in four of the tests of a secondary screening tool, developed to reduce the number of species requiring further evaluation, decreased the number of species with that outcome by over 60% on average. Averaging across all tests demonstrated that the WRA system accurately identified major invaders 90%, and non‐invaders 70%, of the time. Examined differently, a species of unknown invasive potential is on average likely to be correctly accepted or rejected over 80% of the time for all of these geographies when minor invaders are categorized as invasive. Whereas increasing consistency in definitions and implementation would facilitate understanding of the general application of the WRA system, we believe that this tool functions similarly across islands and continents in tropical and temperate climates and has been sufficiently tested to be adopted as an initial screen for plant species proposed for introduction to a new geography.
The overexpression of major antioxidant enzymes does not extend the lifespan of mice
Authors: Pérez Viviana I. , Van Remmen Holly , Bokov Alex , Epstein Charles J. , Vijg Jan , Richardson Arlan
Published: December 2008

We evaluated the effect of overexpressing antioxidant enzymes on the lifespans of transgenic mice that overexpress copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase, or combinations of either CuZnSOD and catalase or CuZnSOD and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Our results show that the overexpression of these major antioxidant enzymes, which are known to scavenge superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments, is insufficient to extend lifespan in mice.
Place, networks, space: theorising the geographies of social movements
Authors: Nicholls Walter
Published: December 2008

This essay examines how geography affects the different types of networks underlying social movements. The principal argument of the paper is that networks forged in particular places and at great distances play distinctive yet complementary functions in broad‐based social movements. Not only does the articulation of these different types of networks result in complementary roles, but it also introduces key relational dynamics affecting the stability of the entire social movement. The purpose of the paper is therefore threefold: to provide a conceptual framework for interpreting the complex geographies of contemporary social movement networks, to stress the contributions of place‐based relations in social movements and to assess how activist places connect to form ‘social movement space’.
Persistent Delirium Predicts Greater Mortality
Authors: Kiely Dan K. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Inouye Sharon K. , Shaffer Michele L. , Bergmann Margaret A. , Yang Frances M. , Fearing Michael A. , Jones Richard N.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between persistent delirium and 1‐year mortality in newly admitted post‐acute care (PAC) facility patients with delirium who were followed regardless of residence.

DESIGN: Observational cohort study.

SETTING: Eight greater‐Boston skilled nursing facilities specializing in PAC.

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred twelve PAC patients with delirium at admission after an acute hospitalization.

MEASUREMENTS: Assessments were done at baseline and four follow‐up times: 2, 4, 12, and 26 weeks. Delirium, defined using the Confusion Assessment Method, was assessed, as were factors used as covariates in analyses: age, sex, comorbidity, functional status, and dementia. The outcome was 1‐year mortality determined according to the National Death Index and corroborated using medical record and proxy telephone interview.

RESULTS: Nearly one‐third of subjects remained delirious at 6 months. Cumulative 1‐year mortality was 39%. Independent of age, sex, comorbidity, functional status, and dementia, subjects with persistent delirium were 2.9 (95% confidence interval=1.9–4.4) times as likely to die during the 1‐year follow‐up as subjects whose delirium resolved. This association remained strong and significant in groups with and without dementia. Additionally, when delirium resolved, the risk of death diminished thereafter.

CONCLUSION: In patients who were delirious at the time of PAC admission, persistent delirium was a significant independent predictor of 1‐year mortality.
Emergency Medical Service Attitudes Toward Geriatric Prehospital Care and Continuing Medical Education in Geriatrics
Authors: Peterson Lars‐Kristofer N. , Fairbanks Rollin J. , Hettinger Aaron Z. , Shah Manish N.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To understand the opinions of emergency medical service (EMS) providers regarding their ability to care for older adults, the domains of geriatric medicine in which they need more training, and the modality through which continuing education could be best delivered.

DESIGN: Qualitative study using key informant interviews.

SETTING: Prehospital EMS system in Rochester, New York.

PARTICIPANTS: EMS providers, EMS instructors and administrators, emergency physicians, and geriatricians.

MEASUREMENTS: Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that addressed knowledge and skill deficiencies, recommendations for improvement of geriatrics continuing education, and delivery methods of education.

RESULTS: Participant responses were generally congruous despite the diverse backgrounds, and redundancy was achieved rapidly. All participants perceived a deficit in EMS education on the care of older adults, particularly related to communications with patients and skilled nursing facility staff. All desired more geriatric continuing education for EMS providers, especially in communications and psychosocial issues. Education was desired in various modalities.

CONCLUSION: Further geriatric continuing education for EMS providers is needed. Some specific topics relate to medical issues, but a large proportion involve communications and psychosocial issues. Education should be delivered in a variety of modalities to meet the needs of the EMS community. Emerging on‐line video technologies may bridge the gap between learners preferring classroom‐based modailities and those preferring self‐study modules.
Effect of ex vivo culture duration on phenotype and cytokine production by mature dendritic cells derived from peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Tawab Abdul , Fan Yong , Read Elizabeth J. , Kurlander Roger J.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: To generate clinical‐grade dendritic cells (DCs) ex vivo for immunotherapy trials, peripheral blood monocytes are typically cultured in granulocyte‐macrophage–colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin (IL)‐4 and then matured using one or more agents. Duration of the initial DC culture is one important variable that has not been systematically evaluated for its effect on the characteristics of the final mature DC product.

STUDY DESIGN: DCs were generated from elutriated peripheral blood monocytes by incubation in medium containing 2000 units per mL each of GM‐CSF and IL‐4 for 3 to 7 days, followed by maturation with lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). DC yield, viability, flow cytometric phenotype, and cytokine production were evaluated.

RESULTS: The percentage yield and viability of mature DCs were similar after GM‐CSF/IL‐4 culture for 3 or 7 days. In either case, mature DCs expressed abundant CD80, CD86, CD83, and CCR7, but 3‐day DCs expressed these antigens in a more consistent and homogeneous manner. Mature 3‐day DCs produced much more IL‐12 and less IL‐10 after restimulation with CD40L‐LTK than 7‐day DCs. The former were also more effective in presenting immunogenic peptides to CD8 T cells. Analogous changes in cytokine production were observed in mature DCs prepared using lower concentrations of GM‐CSF/IL‐4 or when the alternative maturation cocktails poly(I:C)/IFN‐γ and soluble CD40L/IFN‐γ were used.

CONCLUSION: Extended initial culture of DCs in GM‐CSF/IL‐4 does not affect yield or viability of subsequently matured DCs, but can adversely affect their ability to homogeneously express high levels of functionally important surface molecules such as CD83 and CCR7 and to produce IL‐12.