bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decadal vegetation changes in a northern peatland, greenhouse gas fluxes and net radiative forcing
Authors: JOHANSSON TORBJÖRN , MALMER NILS , CRILL PATRICK M. , FRIBORG THOMAS , ÅKERMAN JONAS H. , MASTEPANOV MIKHAIL , CHRISTENSEN TORBEN R.
Published: October 2006

Thawing permafrost in the sub‐Arctic has implications for the physical stability and biological dynamics of peatland ecosystems. This study provides an analysis of how permafrost thawing and subsequent vegetation changes in a sub‐Arctic Swedish mire have changed the net exchange of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4 over the past three decades. Images of the mire (ca. 17 ha) and surroundings taken with film sensitive in the visible and the near infrared portion of the spectrum, [i.e. colour infrared (CIR) aerial photographs from 1970 and 2000] were used. The results show that during this period the area covered by hummock vegetation decreased by more than 11% and became replaced by wet‐growing plant communities. The overall net uptake of C in the vegetation and the release of C by heterotrophic respiration might have increased resulting in increases in both the growing season atmospheric CO2 sink function with about 16% and the CH4 emissions with 22%. Calculating the flux as CO2 equivalents show that the mire in 2000 has a 47% greater radiative forcing on the atmosphere using a 100‐year time horizon. Northern peatlands in areas with thawing sporadic or discontinuous permafrost are likely to act as larger greenhouse gas sources over the growing season today than a few decades ago because of increased CH4 emissions.
Interleukin‐4 promotes human CD8+ T cell expression of CCR7
Authors: Seneviratne Suranjith L. , Black Antony P. , Jones Louise , Di Gleria Kati , Bailey Abigail S. , Ogg Graham S.
Published: October 2006

Despite strong evidence supporting a pathway of human T cell differentiation characterized by changes in the expression of CCR7, CD28, CD27 and CD62L, few studies have addressed the mechanisms of pathway regulation. Cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen (CLA)‐positive skin‐homing CD8+ T cells expressed significantly elevated levels of activation markers compared with CLA− CD8+ T cells in individuals (n = 27) with cutaneous atopic disease. Despite such an activated phenotype, CLA+ T cells expressed significantly higher levels of CCR7 than a CLA− T cell subset. Interleukin (IL)‐4 was found to dramatically promote CCR7 expression by antigen‐specific CD8+ cells. Furthermore, skin‐homing CD8+ T cells from individuals with severe disease produced significantly less IL‐10 than those derived from mildly affected atopic subjects. Thus in a T‐helper 2 dominated disease, tissue‐specific CD8+ T cells show altered CCR7 expression and cytokine production, which may contribute to continued lymph node homing, antigen presentation and disease. IL‐4 promotes expression of CCR7, a marker linked to existing models of CD8+ T cell differentiation.
Mapping the organizational culture research in nursing: a literature review
Authors: Scott‐Findlay Shannon , Estabrooks Carole A.
Published: October 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a critical review of nursing organizational culture research studies with the objectives of: (1) reviewing theoretical and methodological characteristics of the studies and (2) drawing inferences specific to the state of knowledge in this field.

Background.  Organizational culture is regarded as significant in influencing research use in clinical practice yet it is not understood how culture shapes practitioners’ behaviours. Only one review of this empirical literature in nursing has been completed.

Method.  Using selected computerized databases, published nursing research studies in English that examine organizational culture were accessed. Organizational culture studies were categorized using Hatch's three perspectives on organizational culture: (1) modern, (2) symbolic‐interpretive and (3) postmodern. The review was conducted in 2005.

Results.  Twenty‐nine studies were in the final data set. Results pointed to variations in cultural definitions and incorporation of organizational sciences theory. In classifying the studies, modern perspectives dominated (n = 22), symbolic‐interpretive approaches were an emerging group (n = 6) and one study was unclassifiable. Our results expand current cultural instrument reviews by pinpointing tools that have been previously overlooked and by identifying ongoing theoretical and methodological challenges for researchers.

Conclusion.  An exclusive reliance on modernistic approaches in organizational culture research cannot yield a complete understanding of the phenomenon. Rather, the field could benefit from a variety of cultural approaches. In a similar vein, researchers need to be mindful of the terminology and the unit of analysis they use in their research, as these are the two largest research challenges.
Spatial viability analysis of Amur tigerPanthera tigris altaicain the Russian Far East: the role of protected areas and landscape matrix in population persistence
Authors: CARROLL CARLOS , MIQUELLE DALE G.
Published: October 2006

The Amur or Siberian tigerPanthera tigris altaicaforms a relatively small and disjunct population of less than 600 individuals in the Russian Far East. Because tigers in this region require large territories to acquire sufficient prey, current strictly protected areas, comprising 3·4% (10 300 km2) of the region, are unlikely to prevent extirpation of the subspecies in the face of expanding forestry and external demand for tiger parts.

We used resource selection function models and spatially explicit population models to analyse the distribution and predict the demographic structure of the population to identify policy options that may enhance population viability.

A resource selection function model developed from track distribution data predicted that tigers were most likely to occur in lower altitude valley bottoms with Korean pine forest and low human impacts.

The results from the spatially explicit population model suggested that current tiger distribution is highly dependent onde factorefugia with low human impacts but without statutory protection, and that small increases in mortality in these areas will result in range fragmentation. Although an expanded reserve network only marginally increases tiger viability under current conditions, it dramatically enhances distribution under potential future scenarios, preventing regional extirpation despite a more hostile landscape matrix.

The portion of tiger range most resistant to extirpation connects a large coastal reserve in the central portion of the region with largely unprotected watersheds to the north. A southern block of habitat is also important but more severely threatened with anthropogenic disturbances. The results suggest that preserving source habitat in these two zones and ensuring linkages are retained between blocks of habitat in the north and south will be critical to the survival of the tiger population.

Synthesis and applications. Conservation priorities identified in this analysis differ from those suggested by a conservation paradigm focusing only on sustaining and connecting existing protected areas that has been applied to tiger conservation in more developed landscapes with higher prey densities. An alternative paradigm that assesses population viability in a whole‐landscape context and develops priorities for both protected area expansion and increasing survival rates in the landscape matrix may be more appropriate in areas where tigers and other large carnivores coexist with low‐density human populations. Although landscape connectivity merits increased emphasis in conservation planning, identification of landscape linkages should be tied to broad‐scale recommendations resulting from spatial viability analyses in order to prevent misdirection of resources towards protecting corridors that add little to population persistence.
Workforce issues in nursing in Queensland: 2001 and 2004
Authors: Hegney Desley , Eley Robert , Plank Ashley , Buikstra Elizabeth , Parker Victoria
Published: October 2006

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to identify the factors having an impact upon nursing work and to use the results to inform strategic planning of the Queensland Nurses Union.

Background.  In 2001 and 2004, a study was undertaken to gather data on the level of satisfaction of nurses with their working life. This paper reports the 2004 results on workload, skill mix, remuneration and morale. Where applicable, the results are compared with 2001 data.

Methods.  A questionnaire was mailed to 3000 Assistants‐in‐Nursing, Enrolled and Registered Nurses in October 2004. All participants were members of the Queensland Nurses Union. The results are reported in three sectors – public, private and aged care. A total of 1349 nurses responded to the survey, a response rate of 45%.

Results.  Nurses in the 2004 study believed: their workload was heavy; their skills and experience poorly rewarded; work stress was high; morale was perceived to be poor and, similar to 2001, deteriorating; the skill mix was often inadequate; and the majority of nurses were unable to complete their work in the time available. Nursing morale was found to be associated with autonomy, workplace equipment, workplace safety, teamwork, work stress, the physical demand of nursing work, workload, rewards for skills and experience, career prospects, status of nursing and remuneration.

Conclusions.  Overall the findings of the study are consistent with those determined by the 2001 survey.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study indicate the importance of factors such as workplace autonomy, teamwork, the levels of workplace stress, workload and remuneration on nursing morale. The data also indicate that workplace safety and workplace morale are linked. These findings provide information for policy makers and nurse managers on areas that need to be addressed to retain nurses within aged care, acute hospital and community nursing.
An insight into the unrest phenomena at the Campi Flegrei caldera from Vp and Vp/Vs tomography
Authors: Chiarabba Claudio , Moretti Milena
Published: October 2006

High resolution Vp and Vp/Vs tomography of the Campi Flegrei caldera is obtained using active and passive seismic data. We find a continuous ring of high Vp anomaly that defines the caldera rim associated to the last collapse. A sharp Vp/Vs decrease is observed between 2 and 4 km depth, suggesting the absence of magmatic fluids and the presence of rock volumes with over‐pressured gas within the source region of uplift. Atmospheric water penetrating within the caldera and deep CO2 fluids are presumably heated by a magmatic body located at depth greater than 4 km nested within the limestone layer. Along the fractures bordering the shallow high Vp rim, deep gas and CO2 fluids up‐raise and are released in the Pozzuoli solfatara. We hypothesize that the past unrest episode is more likely due to pressure changes within the shallow geothermal reservoir located at the top of the magma intrusion.
“Bubble hair,” a report of two cases
Authors: Mehregan Darius R. , Sayoc Lisa , Ramos Daisy , Misra‐Higgins Indira
Published: October 2006

Case 1

A 20‐year‐old woman presented with a patchy area of hair loss in the occipital scalp area. The patient's hair care included the use of a blow dryer. Microscopic evaluation of a gentle hair pull revealed vacuolization of the hair shafts. The hair shafts were enlarged in the areas of vacuolization. There was no evidence of dermatophyte hyphae on examination with KOH technique. A diagnosis of bubble hair was made. The patient's alopecia improved with gentle hair care and discontinuation of blow drying. At 1‐year follow‐up, there was no evidence of residual alopecia.

Case 2

A 42‐year‐old woman presented with diffuse hair loss and increased hair fragility (Fig. 1). The patient had a history of blow drying her hair with the heat set on the “high” setting on a daily basis. She also reported holding the blow dryer close to her scalp. Examination of her hair shafts revealed multiple areas of vacuolization of the hair shafts (Fig. 2). Examination with KOH technique showed no evidence of dermatophyte hyphae. The patient was instructed to discontinue the use of high heat in her hair care regimen. At 1‐year follow‐up, the patient's alopecia had improved.

A 42‐year‐old woman with diffuse thinning and increased fragility of the hair

image

Hair shafts reveal large irregular vacuoles on direct microscopic enduration (unstained × 10 objective)

image
Melanoma arising in a hairy nevus spilus
Authors: Zeren‐Bilgin İlgül , Gür Serhat , Aydın Oya , Ermete Murat
Published: October 2006

Cutaneous melanoma may develop de novo on normal skin or in contiguity with a potential melanocytic precursor. We report a 45‐year‐old man who presented with a recently developed nodule in a previously stable congenital nevus. Physical examination revealed a 10 × 18‐cm lesion with speckled lentiginous pigmentation and terminal hairs on the lower back. A 2 × 2‐cm suspicious nodule in the lesion was noted by the patient 2 months earlier. Histopathological evaluation of the nevus and the suspicious nodule revealed the characteristics of a melanocytic nevus and melanoma, respectively. It was interesting for the authors to observe terminal hairs in a lesion that was clinically ‘speckled lentiginous’ in appearance. This case report is a reminder that there may be great variation in the clinical appearance of nevus spilus, and thus dermatologists must be aware of these lesions as potential precursors of malignant melanoma.
A new small volume holding chamber for asthmatic children: Comparison with Babyhaler® spacer
Authors: Voeurng Vireak , Andrieu Véronique , Bun Hot , Reynier Jean‐Pierre , Dubus Jean‐Christophe
Published: October 2006

When a new holding chamber for administrating inhaled medication is to be marketed, it needs to be compared with existing chambers with two questions in mind: is this chamber well accepted by patients and is there an in vitro equivalence? We compared the new small volume non‐electrostatic valved holding chamber, usable with all pressurized metered‐dose inhalers and equipped with a funny facemask, Vortex® (Pari GmbH, Germany), to the most frequently prescribed holding chamber in France, Babyhaler® (GlaxoSmithKline Laboratories). Preferences were studied for 75 families with a child no more than 4 yr old, using standard questionnaires. An in vitro study assessed the delivered dose and the particle size distribution of two HFA beclomethasone dipropionate pressurized metered dose inhalers (Becotide® 250 μg per dose and Nexxair® 100 μg per dose) by dose uniformity sample apparatus and cascade impactor according to the European Pharmacopoeia. Vortex® was preferred by 95% of the families because of its small size, its duck facemask, and its robust appearance. Among children able to give their opinion, 86% preferred Vortex® to Babyhaler®. In vitro, both holding chambers reduced the delivered dose of beclomethasone dipropionate and increased the quantity of particles smaller than 5 μm in diameter with both medications. A higher proportion of fine particles was obtained with Nexxair® than with Becotide® (p < 0.05) and with Vortex® than with Babyhaler® (p < 0.05). As expected, throat deposition is dramatically reduced for both drugs with both holding chambers. The in vitro difference in the particle size distribution of beclomethasone dipropionate with both holding chambers probably has no clinical influence.
Effects of intrathecal bupivacaine in conjunction with hypothermia on neuronal protection against transient spinal cord ischemia in rats
Authors: Lee J.‐R. , Han S.‐M. , Leem J.‐G. , Hwang S.‐J.
Published: October 2006

Background:  Excitotoxic neuronal injury from ischemia may be reduced by local anesthetics. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of intrathecally administered bupivacaine and hypothermia in a rat model of transient spinal cord ischemia.

Methods:  PE‐10 intrathecal catheter‐implanted male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: normothermia (NT) and hypothermia (HT) groups (given 15 μl of normal saline) and bupivacaine (B) and bupivacaine–hypothermia (BHT) groups (given 15 μl of 0.5% bupivacaine). Transient spinal cord ischemia was induced by inflation of a 2F Fogarty catheter placed in the aortic arch for 12 min. The rectal temperature was maintained at 37.0 ± 0.5 °C for the NT and B groups, and at 34.5 ± 0.5 °C for the HT and BHT groups. Motor and sensory deficit scores were assessed 2 and 24 h after reperfusion. Lumbar spinal cords were harvested for histopathology and immunoreactivity of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70).

Results:  After reperfusion, the motor and sensory deficit scores of the NT group were significantly higher than those of the HT (P < 0.05) and BHT (P < 0.001) groups. Significant differences were evident in the motor and sensory deficit scores between the HT and BHT groups at 24 h (P < 0.05). Neuronal cell death and immunoreactivity of HSP70 were frequently observed in the NT and BT groups, but not in the HT and BHT groups.

Conclusions:  These results collectively suggest that intrathecal bupivacaine does not provide neuroprotection during normothermic transient spinal cord ischemia in rats, but enhances the neuroprotective effects of hypothermia.
Dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray for the prevention of post‐operative sore throat
Authors: Gulhas N. , Canpolat H. , Cicek M. , Yologlu S. , Togal T. , Durmus M. , Ozcan Ersoy M.
Published: October 2006

Background:  In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray on the prevention of a sore throat.

Methods:  One hundred and eighty patients undergoing general anaesthesia, who were ASA I–II and with their ages ranging between 15 and 70 years, were randomly allocated to three groups, each consisting of 60 patients. For group B, four puffs of benzydamine hydrochloride were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation and repeatedly 5 min before anaesthesia induction. For group D, two pastilles of dexpanthenol were administered orally to be sucked 30 min before the operation. For group P, four puffs of distilled water were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation. Post‐operatively, patients were evaluated for a sore throat for the duration of 24 h.

Results:  The incidence of a sore throat was significantly lower for group D when compared with group B and group P. The incidence of a sore throat was similar for group B and group P. According to the sore throat grading system, the number of patients experiencing no complaints was significantly higher for group D when compared with group B and group P. The number of patients achieving moderate scores was significantly higher for group B when compared with group D.

Conclusion:  The administration of 200 mg of dexpanthenol prophylactically before endotracheal intubation is effective in the prevention of post‐operative sore throat.
Inhibitory effect of gabapentin onN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors expressed inXenopusoocytes
Authors: Hara K. , Sata T.
Published: October 2006

Background: Gabapentin (GBP) is a prescription drug used for the treatment of neuropathic and post‐operative pain. However, the mechanism by which it exerts its analgesic action is not well understood. Because intrathecal administration of GBP has been shown to exert antinociceptive effects in animal studies, we hypothesized that the spinal cord may be a plausible action site.

Methods: We examined the effects of GBP on neurotransmitter‐gated ion channels and G protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels distributed in the spinal cord and involved in pain modulation. Recombinant human NR1/NR2AN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA), α1β2γ2Sγ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) or α1glycine receptors, or GIRK1/GIRK2 channels were expressed inXenopus laevisoocytes and the effects of GBP (0.1–1000 μM) on them were assessed using a two‐electrode, voltage‐clamp system.

Results: GABAAand glycine receptors and GIRK channels were not affected by GBP, even at the highest concentrations. Conversely, NMDA receptors were inhibited by GBP in a concentration‐dependent manner, with significant inhibition observed at 10 μM. At 30 μM, GBP inhibited the glutamate‐concentration response curve without changing the half‐maximal effective concentration or the Hill coefficient, indicating a non‐competitive inhibition. Glycine decreased the inhibitory effect in a concentration‐dependent manner.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of GBP on NMDA receptors may play an important role in the antinociceptive property of GBP; however, it does not appear that GABAAand glycine receptors or GIRK channels contribute to the pharmacological properties of GBP.
Portable microscopic cell counter for the determination of residual leucocytes in blood components
Authors: Bae S. Y. , Lee C. H. , Kim J. S. , Lim C. S. , Lee C. K. , Lee K. N. , Park G. H. , Hur D. S. , Chung C. , Chang J. K.
Published: October 2006

Background and Objectives  The accurate determination of residual white blood cell (WBC) in blood components is of considerable clinical importance, and a variety of methods have been devised for the counting of low levels of residual WBC. In this study, we evaluated the performance of microscopic cell counter with microchannel plastic chip (C‐reader‘) with regard to its ability to quantify WBC in WBC‐reduced red cell concentrates.

Materials and Methods  In order to quantify residual WBC with the microscopic cell counter, WBC‐reduced red cell concentrate was stained using propidium iodide. Three studies were performed: linearity, precision and correlation compared to those of manual Nageotte chamber counting and automatic flow cytometric methods.

Results  Dilution experiments, conducted over a range of 0·7–712 WBC/µl, showed a linearity of r2 > 0·999, with coefficient of variation values of ≤ 15·6% and accuracy of 93·8% over all tested ranges. In comparison with the Nageotte chamber counting and flow cytometric methods, the correlation coefficients were r2 > 0·995. The detection limit of this method was 0·24 WBC/µl. Total analysis time per sample was approximately 5 min.

Conclusion  The microscopic cell counter for residual WBC counting was determined to be efficient at the level of currently defined standards, with acceptable precision and accuracy. This method may prove useful for the quality assurance and control of WBC‐depleted blood products.
Atrial fibrillation following subconjunctival injection of mydricaine number 02
Authors: Keembiyage Ranasiri D , Raymond Grant L , Newland Henry S
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Mydricaine is a mydriatic agent used as a subconjunctival injection to maintain perioperative mydriasis. The drug consists of a mixture of 1.3 mg atropine sulphate, 0.12 mg adrenaline and 8.4 mg procaine hydrochloride in a single vial of 0.4 mL. It is common practice to use mydricaine injections during vitreoretinal surgery in the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Even though the drug is used widely in many vitreoretinal centres, mydricaine is not listed in the British National Formulary nor Monthly Index of Medical Specialities. Therefore, case reports provide the main forum for reporting side‐effects.
Dexmedetomidine for the treatment of postanesthesia shivering in children
Authors: BLAINE EASLEY R. , BRADY KENNETH M. , TOBIAS JOSEPH D.
Published: October 2006

Background:  Shivering is a common postanesthesia adverse event with multiple etiologies and multiple suggested prophylactic and abortive treatment regimens. Dexmedetomidine, a centrally acting α2‐adrenergic agonist, has been used as a sedative agent and is known to reduce the shivering threshold. We hypothesized that children with postanesthesia shivering would reduce shivering behavior following a single bolus dose of dexmedetomidine.

Methods:  Dexmedetomidine was administered in a prospective, open‐label fashion. The anesthesia management was uniform consisting of maintenance inhaled anesthesia (sevoflurane) and the intraoperative administration of fentanyl (1–2 μg·kg−1) plus a regional anesthetic technique (either a neuraxial or peripheral block) for postoperative analgesia. Criteria for treatment included: (i) shivering, (ii) successful extubation, and (iii) no other complaint/indication of pain. All children who met the criteria were treated with a single intravenous bolus dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg·kg−1) over 3–5 min. Following the completion of drug administration, shivering activity was recorded every minute (up to 10 min) with any adverse effects or complaints. The efficacy of shivering reduction at 5 min in this cohort is compared with previous reports from the literature of the efficacy of clonidine and meperidine.

Results:  Twenty‐four children ranging in age from 7 to 16 years (11.5 ± 2.5 years) were treated. All children had a cessation of shivering behavior within 5 min following the completion of dexmedetomidine administration. The onset of effect was 3.5 ± 0.9 min. No adverse effects were observed. No shivering behavior recurred.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in the treatment of postanesthesia shivering.
Influence of boreal forest succession and dead wood qualities on saproxylic beetles
Authors: Jacobs Joshua M. , Spence John R. , Langor David W.
Published: October 2006

1 Saproxylic insects, a functional group dominated by beetles, are dependent on dead or moribund trees as habitat elements.

2 Although there are few studies of saproxylic insects from the North American boreal zone, European studies demonstrate that forest harvest can lead to a biologically significant decrease in saproxylic beetle diversity.

3 We studied saproxylic beetles in the North American boreal mixedwood forest using flight intercept traps established on naturally dead and girdled trembling aspen and spruce trees along a successional gradient of undisturbed stands from deciduous to coniferous overstory trees.

4 Composition and diversity of beetle assemblages differed among forest successional types.

5 Snag age class was an important determinant of composition for saproxylic beetle assemblages.

6 Multivariate regression analysis of these data indicated that saproxylic beetles are responding to changes in coarse woody debris, and not to the relative densities of canopy tree species, although these variables are strongly correlated.

7 Coarse woody debris management should be a primary concern in forest management plans seeking to conserve saproxylic organisms and the critical ecosystem functions (i.e. nutrient cycling) in which they participate.
Spirit possession, power, and the absent presence of Islam: re‐viewing Les maîtres fous*
Authors: Henley Paul
Published: October 2006

In the history of ethnographic documentary, the late Jean Rouch's film Les maîtres fous is widely regarded as initiating a new phase in the development of the genre. It concerns the hauka spirit‐possession cult of Songhay‐Zerma migrants from the middle Niger river who had come to work in Accra, then the capital of the British colony of the Gold Coast, West Africa. When released in 1955, the film was both banned by the colonial authorities and simultaneously denounced by African intellectuals and leading French anthropologists. Since then it has gone through a progressive rehabilitation and today, some fifty years on, it is hailed in many sources as a remarkable counter‐hegemonic representation of European colonialism in Africa. This article proposes a re‐interpretation of Les maîtres fous, arguing that in order to defend the film against criticism, its counter‐hegemonic features have been over‐emphasized, thereby obscuring its continuity with other forms of Songhay‐Zerma religious belief and practice. The article concludes with some brief reflections on the place of film in anthropology.
Yoga and fetishism: reflections on Marxist social theory
Authors: Alter Joseph S.
Published: October 2006

Classical social theory – including Marxist social theory – is based on a critique of the relationship between religion and society. The philosophical underpinning of this is the question of consciousness and the projection of consciousness onto things. Drawing on contemporary anthropological and philosophical theories of fetishism, this article engages with Marx's critique of religion and the recovery of social value by way of an analysis of yoga. Two interrelated claims are made. First, yoga represents a paradigm shift in the historical development of religious consciousness. A critical analysis of this development extends the fetishization of social relations in things to the level of self‐consciousness in the body. Second, a critique of yoga's fetishization of the body and consciousness extends and expands Marx's critique of obscured social value and enables a more holistic ecological politics concerning the value of life.
Skull trophies of the Pacific War: transgressive objects of remembrance
Authors: Harrison Simon
Published: October 2006

This article discusses the use of enemy body parts as war trophies, focusing on the collection of Japanese skulls as trophies by Allied servicemen in the Second World War, and on the treatment of these objects after the war. I argue that such human trophy‐taking tends to occur in societies, including modern states, in which two conditions hold: the hunting of animals is an important component of male identity; and the human status of enemies is denied.
Tribunal Reform: Proportionate Dispute Resolution and the Pursuit of Administrative Justice
Authors: Adler Michael
Published: October 2006

The article considers some unresolved policy choices associated with the implementation of ‘proportionate dispute resolution’, one of the most interesting ideas in the Department of Constitutional Affairs' White Paper Transforming Public Services: Complaints, Redress and Tribunals, published in 2004. It attempts to put the White Paper into context by tracing the Government's concern with tribunal reform over the last 50 years. It briefly compares the Franks Report, published in 1957, with the Leggatt Report, published in 2001, and outlines the steps that led to the publication, three years later, of the White Paper. It then analyses the similarities and differences in the approaches to reform taken by the Leggatt Report and the White Paper. The article focuses on the principle of ‘proportionate dispute resolution’, the idea that the ways in which cases are dealt with should reflect the nature of the dispute and what the person in dispute with a public body wishes to achieve. Seven policy options are considered, all of which hold out the prospect of enhancing administrative justice, either by reducing the incidence of disputes or by handling them more effectively. They are then assessed in terms of how well they are likely to do so.
Effects of Valproate on Acylcarnitines in Children with Epilepsy Using ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Werner Tamara , Treiss Irmgard , Kohlmueller Dirk , Mehlem Peter , Teich Martin , Longin Elke , Gerstner Thorsten , Koenig Stephan A. , Schulze Andreas
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the influence of valproate (VPA) treatment on acylcarnitines in children with epilepsy.

Methods: Determination of acylcarnitines (including free carnitine and acylcarnitines from C2 to C18) in dried blood spot specimens using tandem‐mass spectrometry. Longitudinal study of changes in acylcarnitines in children under VPA treatment without pretreatment (group 1) or with pretreatment with other antiepileptic drugs (group 2) before the start of VPA treatment at an early and a late treatment interval (12–66, 90–260 days after the beginning of treatment, respectively). Cross‐sectional comparison of these two VPA groups and of a group receiving carbamazepine monotherapy (group 3) with controls.

Results: Acylcarnitines in epileptic patients before VPA therapy did not differ from control values. In group 1, decreases of C0 (−26%), C2 (−12%), C16 (−31%), C18 (−41%), Ctotal (−10%), increases of C5OH (+31%), C8 (+33%) in the early treatment interval, and decreases of C16 (−21%), C18 (−42%), and increases of C2 (+26%), C5OH (+44%) in the late treatment interval were significant. In group 2, both in the longitudinal and the cross‐sectional study, only a decrease of C18 (−41%, −43%, respectively) in the late treatment interval was found. In group 3, no significant changes have been observed.

Conclusions: We could prove changes in acylcarnitine subspecies, which were associated with VPA treatment in children with epilepsy. The treatment interval with the most marked changes coincides with the interval of highest risk for VPA‐induced hepatotoxicity. The observed specific acylcarnitine pattern might point to the impaired intermediary metabolism that is responsible for VPA‐induced hepatotoxicity.
Ketogenic Diet Improves Sleep Quality in Children with Therapy‐resistant Epilepsy
Authors: Hallböök Tove , Lundgren Johan , Rosén Ingmar
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The study purpose was to evaluate sleep structure during ketogenic diet (KD) treatment in children with therapy‐resistant epilepsy and to correlate possible alterations with changes in clinical effects on seizure reduction, seizure severity, quality of life (QOL), and behavior.

Methods: Eighteen children were examined with ambulatory polysomnographic recordings initially and after 3 months of KD treatment. Eleven children continued with the KD and were also evaluated after 12 months. Sleep parameters were estimated. Seizure frequency was recorded in a diary and seizure severity in the National Health Seizure Severity Scale (NHS3). QOL was assessed with a visual analogue scale. Child behavior checklist and Ponsford and Kinsella's rating scale of attentional behavior were used.

Results: KD induced a significant decrease in total sleep (p = 0.05) and total night sleep (p = 0.006). Slow wave sleep was preserved, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep increased (p = 0.01), sleep stage 2 decreased (p = 0.004), and sleep stage 1 was unchanged. Eleven children continued with the KD and were also evaluated after 12 months. They showed a significant decrease in daytime sleep (p = 0.01) and a further increase in REM sleep (p = 0.06). Seizure frequency (p = 0.001, p = 0.003), seizure severity (p < 0.001, p = 0.005) and QOL (p < 0.001, p = 0.005) were significantly improved at 3 and 12 months. Attentional behavior was also improved, significantly so at 3 months (p = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between increased REM sleep and improvement in QOL (Spearman r = 0.6, p = 0.01) at 3 months.

Conclusion: KD decreases sleep and improves sleep quality in children with therapy‐resistant epilepsy. The improvement in sleep quality, with increased REM sleep, seems to contribute to the improvement in QOL.
Comparison of Motor Delays in Young Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to Those With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and With No Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Kalberg Wendy O. , Provost Beth , Tollison Sean J. , Tabachnick Barbara G. , Robinson Luther K. , Eugene Hoyme H. , Trujillo Phyllis M. , Buckley David , Aragon Alfredo S. , May Philip A.
Published: October 2006

Background: Researchers are increasingly considering the importance of motor functioning of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The purpose of this study was to assess the motor development of young children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) to determine the presence and degree of delay in their motor skills and to compare their motor development with that of matched children without FAS.

Methods: The motor development of 14 children ages 20 to 68 months identified with FAS was assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). In addition, 2 comparison groups were utilized. Eleven of the children with FAS were matched for chronological age, gender, ethnicity, and communication age to: (1) 11 children with prenatal alcohol exposure who did not have FAS and (2) 11 matched children without any reported prenatal alcohol exposure. The motor scores on the VABS were compared among the 3 groups.

Results: Most of the young children with FAS in this study showed clinically important delays in their motor development as measured on the VABS Motor Domain, and their fine motor skills were significantly more delayed than their gross motor skills. In the group comparisons, the young children with FAS had significantly lower Motor Domain standard (MotorSS) scores than the children not exposed to alcohol prenatally. They also had significantly lower Fine Motor Developmental Quotients than the children in both the other groups. No significant group differences were found in gross motor scores. For MotorSS scores and Fine Motor Developmental Quotients, the means and standard errors indicated a continuum in the scores from FAS to prenatal alcohol exposure to nonexposure.

Conclusions: These findings strongly suggest that all young children with FAS should receive complete developmental evaluations that include assessment of their motor functioning, to identify problem areas and provide access to developmental intervention programs that target deficit areas such as fine motor skills. Fine motor delays in children with FAS may be related to specific neurobehavioral deficits that affect fine motor skills. The findings support the concept of an FASD continuum in some areas of motor development.
The Hippocampus Does Not Swim Unscathed in the Sea of Cortical Malformations
Authors: Burneo Jorge G
Published: October 2006

Patterns of Hippocampal Abnormalities in Malformations of Cortical Development

Montenegro MA, Kinay D, Cendes F, Bernasconi A, Bernasconi N, Coan AC, Li LM, Guerreiro MM, Guerreiro CA, Lopes-Cendes I, Andermann E, Dubeau F, Andermann F

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2006;77:367–371

Objective

To assess whether different types of malformation of cortical development (MCD) are associated with specific patterns of hippocampal abnormalities.

Methods

A total of 122 consecutive patients with MRI diagnosis of MCD (53 males, age range 1–58 years) were included in the study. Hippocampal measurements were made on 1–3 mm coronal T1-weighted MRIs and compared with MRIs of normal controls.

Results

A total of 39 patients had focal cortical dysplasia, 5 had hemimegalencephaly, 5 had lissencephaly-agyria-pachygyria, 11 had SLH, 11 had PNH, 12 had bilateral contiguous PNH, 5 had schizencephaly, and 34 had polymicrogyria. The frequency of hippocampal abnormalities in these patients with MCD was 29.5%. A small hippocampus was present in all types of MCD. Only patients with lissencephaly and SLH had an enlarged hippocampus. Abnormalities in hippocampal rotation and shape were present in all types of MCD; however, these predominated in PNH. None of the patients with lissencephaly-agyria-pachygyria or SLH had hyperintense signal on T2 or FLAIR images or abnormal hippocampal internal architecture.

Conclusion

A small hippocampus was present in all types of MCD; however, the classic MRI characteristics of hippocampal sclerosis were often lacking. Abnormal enlargement of the hippocampus was associated with only diffuse MCD due to abnormal neuronal migration (lissencephaly-agyria-pachygyria and SLH).
Interictal Spikes and Epileptogenesis
Authors: Staley Kevin J. , Dudek F. Edward
Published: October 2006

Interictal spikes are widely accepted diagnostically as a sign of epilepsy, but reasons for the presence of interictal activity in the epileptic brain are unknown. Interictal spikes are easily generated in normal brain by pharmacologically reducing inhibition, and experimental studies of acquired epilepsy indicate that spikes precede seizures. These data lead to the hypothesis that interictal spikes are correlated with epilepsy because they play a fundamental role in epileptogenesis following brain injury. Spikes may guide sprouting axons back to their network of origin, increase and sustain the strength of the synapses formed by sprouted axons, and alter the balance of ion channels in the epileptic focus, such that seizures become possible. This hypothesis has implications that are testable: altering spiking or the calcium signals generated by spikes should alter epileptogenesis and spikes should precede seizures in brain-injured human patients.
Detection of cytomegalovirus in human placental cells by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: PARADOWSKA EDYTA , PRZEPIÓRKIEWICZ MARZENA , NOWAKOWSKA DOROTA , STUDZIŃSKA MIROSŁAWA , WILCZYŃSKI JAN , EMERY VINCENT C. , LEŚNIKOWSKI ZBIGNIEW J.
Published: October 2006

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of viral intrauterine infection. Progress in rapid, specific, and dependable detection of HCMV has recently been achieved by the use of DNA hybridization techniques and other molecular methods. We examined 21 placentas after delivery for the presence of HCMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To test the reliability of the PCR for the detection of HCMV DNA in clinical specimens, two simple PCR assays and a real‐time quantitative PCR were used. PCR analysis of villous and decidual cells showed that HCMV DNA was present in 16 placentas (76.2%). Transmission of HCMV infection to chorionic villi was confirmed in 11 organs (52.4%), and congenital infections in newborns were detected in 9 cases (42.8%). These results suggest that HCMV genome detection in placentas at later gestational ages is common. Our results demonstrated that detection of HCMV DNA in placental tissues by DNA amplification provides a specific and sensitive method for diagnosis of intrauterine HCMV infection.
Testicular germ cell tumours in Iceland
Authors: AGNARSSON BJARNI A. , GUDBJARTSSON TOMAS , EINARSSON GUDMUNDUR VIKAR , MAGNUSSON KJARTAN , THORODDSEN ASGEIR , BERGTHORSSON JON THOR , AMUNDADOTTIR LAUFEY , BARKARDOTTIR ROSA B. , BJÖRNSSON JOHANNES
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the pathology of all germ cell tumours of the testis diagnosed in Iceland 1955–2002. A total of 214 patients were included in the study. The current age‐standardized incidence was found to be 6.1 per 100,000 and had increased almost fourfold during the study period. Seminoma was diagnosed in 55% of cases. Non‐seminomas were diagnosed in 45%, and these were further classified as mixed germ cell tumours (33%), embryonal carcinoma (8%), teratoma (3%), and yolk sac tumour (n=1). The mean age at diagnosis was significantly higher for the seminomas than the non‐seminomas (38 years versus 29 years) (p<0.001) and the non‐seminomas were diagnosed at a significantly higher stage than the seminomas (p<0.001). Thus, in seminoma patients the tumour was localized to the testis (stage I) in 81% of cases, in 17% of patients the tumour had spread to the lymph nodes (stage II or III), and only 2% had extranodal metastasis at diagnosis (stage IV). In contrast, in the non‐seminoma patients, the tumours were found to be stage I in 56%, stage II or III in 24%, and stage IV in 20% of cases. No significant difference in staging was found between non‐seminoma subtypes. Identification of necrosis or vascular invasion was significantly associated with metastatic disease at diagnosis (p=0.002). During the study period a significant increase in stage I tumours was found as well as a decrease in the size of the tumours.
Analysis of the signal transduction pathway of nickel‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression in the human keratinocytesin vitro: preliminary findings
Authors: Perfetto Brunella , Lamberti Monica , Giuliano Maria Teresa , Canozo Nunzia , Cammarota Marcella , Baroni Adone
Published: October 2006

Background: Nickel can induce cellular and nuclear damages responsible for chronic diseases, like allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We previously showed that matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) gene expression was induced by nickel in nontumorigenic human keratinocytes cell line (HaCat).

Objective: To investigate the signal transduction pathways involved in gelatinolytic activity induced in HaCat under nickel stimulation.

Methods: We analyzed the involvement of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), tyrosine kinase (PTK), nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐kB) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) using specific inhibitors (H89, calphostin C, genistein, carpain and curcumin) by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and gelatin zymography.

Results: Our results indicate that nickel‐induced MMP‐2 production was inhibited with PTK, PKC and AP‐1 specific inhibitors. Moreover, both PKA and NF‐kB were not involved in nickel pathway.

Conclusions: Using HaCat, we showed that curcumin and genistein can revert nickel‐induced MMP‐2 upregulation. Whether the use of PTK and AP‐1 inhibitors has therapeutic ramifications in the management of ACD remains to be investigated.
Impact of Microbicides and Sexually Transmitted Infections on Mucosal Immunity in the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Keller Marla J. , Herold Betsy C.
Published: October 2006

Human immunodeficiency virus, genital herpes, and other sexually transmitted infections are a critical national and global health priority requiring the rapid development of safe and effective control methods. Topical microbicides, self‐administered agents designed for vaginal use, that block transmission at the mucosal surface may provide a realistic method of intervention that could be distributed worldwide. An optimal microbicide should protect against infection but must also be safe, without adversely affecting the mucosal environment, including mediators of host defense. Thus, a critical component in microbicides development is to identify optimal assays that could serve as surrogate markers to predict safety of microbicides prior to embarking on large‐scale clinical trials. This will require a greater understanding of the mediators of mucosal immunity in the female genital tract.
Profiles of executive function in parents and siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Wong D. , Maybery M. , Bishop D. V. M. , Maley A. , Hallmayer J.
Published: October 2006

Delineation of a cognitive endophenotype for autism is useful both for exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying the disorder and for identifying which cognitive traits may be primary to it. This study investigated whether first‐degree relatives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) demonstrate a specific profile of performance on a range of components of executive function (EF), to determine whether EF deficits represent possible endophenotypes for autism. Parents and siblings of ASD and control probands were tested on EF tasks measuring planning, set‐shifting, inhibition and generativity. ASD parents showed poorer performance than control parents on a test of ideational fluency or generativity, and ASD fathers demonstrated a weakness in set‐shifting to a previously irrelevant dimension. ASD siblings revealed a mild reduction in ideational fluency and a weakness in non‐verbal generativity when compared with control siblings. Neither ASD parents nor siblings displayed significant difficulties with planning or inhibition. These results indicated that the broad autism phenotype may not be characterized primarily by impairments in planning and cognitive flexibility, as had been previously proposed. Weaknesses in generativity emerged as stronger potential endophenotypes in this study, suggesting that this aspect of EF should play a central role in cognitive theories of autism. However, discrepancies in the EF profile demonstrated by parents and siblings suggest that factors related to age or parental responsibility may affect the precise pattern of deficits observed.