bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of ATF‐3 expression by B‐Raf mediates the neuroprotective action of GW5074
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Mei , Wang Lulu , D’Mello Santosh R.
Published: February 2008

GW5074 a brain‐permeable 3′ substituted indolone, protects neurons from death in culture and in an in vivo paradigm of neurodegeneration. Using low potassium (LK) induced apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons, we report here that the protective action of GW5074 is mediated through the activation of B‐Raf. Over‐expression of a kinase‐dead form of B‐Raf blocks the ability of GW5074 to neuroprotect, whereas over‐expression of active forms of B‐Raf protect even in the absence of GW5074. Although mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) are activated by GW5074, pharmacological inhibition of MEK‐ERK signaling by U0126 or PD98059 does not reduce neuroprotection suggesting that B‐Raf signals through a non‐canonical signaling pathway. GeneChip microarray analyses identified activating transcription factor‐3 (ATF‐3) as a gene whose expression is induced by LK but that is negatively regulated by GW5074. Forced inhibition of ATF‐3 expression using siRNA protects neurons against LK‐induced apoptosis, whereas the over‐expression of ATF‐3 blocks GW5074‐mediated neuroprotection. Not unexpectedly, expression of active B‐Raf inhibits the apoptosis‐associated increase in ATF‐3 expression. We extended our work to include three other 3′ substituted indolones – a commercially available inhibitor of RNA‐dependent protein kinase and two novel compounds designated as SK4 and SK6. Like GW5074, RNA‐dependent protein kinase inhibitor, SK4, and SK6 all inhibited c‐Raf in vitro but activated B‐Raf in neuronal cultures. All four compounds also inhibited ATF‐3 expression. Taken together our results indicate that all four indolones mediate neuroprotection by a common mechanism which involves B‐Raf activation, and that a downstream target of B‐Raf is ATF‐3.
Activation of VIP/PACAP type 2 receptor by the peptide histidine isoleucine in astrocytes influences GLAST‐mediated glutamate uptake
Authors: Goursaud Stéphanie , Maloteaux Jean‐Marie , Hermans Emmanuel
Published: February 2008

Considering the putative neuroprotective role of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the pituitary adenylyl cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP), we investigated the acute modulation of glial glutamate uptake by the structurally related peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI). Using cultures of cortical astrocytes, we demonstrated that a 6 min treatment with 1 μmol/L PHI strongly increased thed‐[3H]‐aspartate uptake velocity from 24.3 ± 1.9 to 46.8 ± 3.5 nmol/mg prot/min. This effect was found to reflect an increase in the activity of the GLAST, the predominant functional glutamate transporter in these cultures. The combination of protein kinase A and C inhibitors was effective in blocking the effect of PHI and the use of peptide antagonists contributed to demonstrate the implication of the VIP/PACAP type 2 receptor (VPAC2). Accordingly, G‐protein activation measures and gene reporter assays revealed the expression of functional PHI‐sensitive receptors in cultured astrocytes. Biotinylation/immunoblotting studies indicated that PHI significantly increased the cell surface expression of the GLAST (by 34.24 ± 8.74 and 43.00 ± 6.36%, when considering the 72 and 55 kDa immunoreactive proteins, respectively). Such cross‐talk between PHI and glutamate transmission systems in glial cells opens attractive perspectives in neuropharmacology.
Association of cathepsin E deficiency with the increased territorial aggressive response of mice
Authors: Shigematsu Naoki , Fukuda Takaichi , Yamamoto Tsuneyuki , Nishioku Tsuyoshi , Yamaguchi Taku , Himeno Masaru , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Tsukuba Takayuki , Kadowaki Tomoko , Okamoto Kuniaki , Higuchi Shun , Yamamoto Kenji
Published: February 2008

Cathepsin E is an endolysosomal aspartic proteinase predominantly expressed in cells of the immune system, but physiological functions of this protein in the brain remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the behavioral effect of disrupting the gene encoding cathepsin E in mice. We found that the cathepsin E‐deficient (CatE−/−) mice were behaviorally normal when housed communally, but they became more aggressive compared with the wild‐type littermates when housed individually in a single cage. The increased aggressive response of CatE−/− mice was reduced to the level comparable to that seen for CatE+/+ mice by pretreatment with an NK‐1‐specific antagonist. Consistent with this, the neurotransmitter substance P (SP) level in affective brain areas including amygdala, hypothalamus, and periaqueductal gray was significantly increased in CatE−/− mice compared with CatE+/+ mice, indicating that the increased aggressive behavior of CatE−/− mice by isolation housing followed by territorial challenge is mainly because of the enhanced SP/NK‐1 receptor signaling system. Double immunofluorescence microscopy also revealed the co‐localization of SP with synaptophysin but not with microtubule‐associated protein‐2. Our data thus indicate that cathepsin E is associated with the SP/NK‐1 receptor signaling system and thereby regulates the aggressive response of the animals to stressors such as territorial challenge.
Involvement of kappa/dynorphin system in the development of tolerance to nicotine‐induced antinociception
Authors: Galeote Lola , Maldonado Rafael , Berrendero Fernando
Published: February 2008

The aim of the present study was to explore the possible role of kappa/dynorphin system in the development of tolerance to nicotine antinociception in mice. First, we observed that kappa‐opioid receptor (KOP‐r) participates in the acute spinal antinociception produced by nicotine (3 and 5 mg/kg, s.c.) since the pre‐treatment with the selective kappa antagonist nor‐binaltorphimine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated this response in the tail‐immersion test but not in the hot‐plate test nor in locomotor responses. Possible changes in the expression of KOP‐r were investigated in tolerant mice to nicotine antinociception by using autoradiography of [3H]CI‐977 binding. The density of KOP‐r decreased in the spinal cord of tolerant mice. In addition, bi‐directional cross‐tolerance between nicotine (3 and 5 mg/kg, s.c.) and the selective kappa agonist U50,488H (10 mg/kg, s.c.) was found in the tail‐immersion test. Recent evidences indicate that an up‐regulation of dynorphin levels in the spinal cord and subsequent activation of NMDA receptors participate in the development of tolerance to opioid and cannabinoid antinociception. In this study, dynorphin content in the lumbar spinal cord was similar in control and nicotine tolerant mice. Furthermore, the administration of the NMDA antagonist MK‐801 (0.03 and 0.01 mg/kg, i.p.) before each daily nicotine injection did not modify the development of nicotine tolerance. In summary, these data indicate that KOP‐r is directly involved in the development of tolerance to nicotine antinociception by a mechanism independent from dynorphin and NMDA receptors.
Calcineurin is involved in the early activation of NMDA‐mediated cell death in mutant huntingtin knock‐in striatal cells
Authors: Xifró Xavier , García‐Martínez Juan Manuel , Del Toro Daniel , Alberch Jordi , Pérez‐Navarro Esther
Published: February 2008

Excitotoxicity has been proposed as one of the mechanisms involved in the specific loss of striatal neurons that occurs in Huntington’s disease. Here, we studied the role of calcineurin in the vulnerability of striatal neurons expressing mutant huntingtin to excitotoxicity. To this end, we induced excitotoxicity by adding NMDA to a striatal precursor cell line expressing full‐length wild‐type (STHdhQ7/Q7) or mutant (STHdhQ111/Q111) huntingtin. We observed that cell death appeared earlier in STHdhQ111/Q111 cells than in STHdhQ7/Q7 cells. Interestingly, these former cells expressed higher levels of calcineurin A that resulted in a greater increase of its activity after NMDA receptor stimulation. Moreover, transfection of full‐length mutant huntingtin in different striatal‐derived cells (STHdhQ7/Q7, M213 and primary cultures) increased calcineurin A protein levels. To determine whether high levels of calcineurin A might account for the earlier activation of cell death in mutant huntingtin knock‐in cells, wild‐type cells were transfected with calcineurin A. Calcineurin A‐transfected STHdhQ7/Q7 cells displayed a significant increase in cell death compared with that recorded in green fluorescent protein‐transfected cells after NMDA treatment. Notably, addition of the calcineurin inhibitor FK‐506 produced a more robust reduction in cell death in mutant huntingtin knock‐in cells than it did in wild‐type cells. These results suggest that high levels of calcineurin A could account for the increased vulnerability of striatal cells expressing mutant huntingtin to excitotoxicity.
Effect of Postnatal Home Visits on Maternal/Infant Outcomes in Syria: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bashour Hyam N. , Kharouf Mayada H. , AbdulSalam Asma A. , El Asmar Khalil , Tabbaa Mohammed A. , Cheikha Salah A.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT Objective:

Early postpartum home visiting is universal in many Western countries. Studies from developing countries on the effects of home visits are rare. In Syria, where the postpartum period is rather ignored, this study aimed to assess whether a community‐based intervention of postnatal home visits has an effect on maternal postpartum morbidities; infant morbidity; uptake of postpartum care; use of contraceptive methods; and on selected neonatal health practices.

Design: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in Damascus. Three groups of new mothers were randomly allocated to receive either 4 postnatal home visits (A), one visit (B), or no visit (C).

Sample: A total of 876 women were allocated and followed up.

Intervention: Registered midwives with special training made a one or a series of home visits providing information, educating, and supporting women.

Results: A significantly higher proportion of mothers in Groups A and B reported exclusively breastfeeding their infants (28.5% and 30%, respectively) as compared with Group C (20%), who received no visits. There were no reported differences between groups in other outcomes.

Conclusions: While postpartum home visits significantly increased exclusive breastfeeding, other outcomes did not change. Further studies framed in a nonbiomedical context are needed. Other innovative approaches to improve postnatal care in Syria are needed.
Enhancing Resource Utilization Among Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Flynn Linda , Budd Marilyn , Modelski Julie
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the impact of a home visitation intervention on resource utilization and birth outcomes among pregnant adolescents.

Design: This study used a quasiexperimental design that included repeated measures and a comparison group to evaluate the intervention.

Sample: The intervention sample consisted of 83 low‐income, pregnant adolescents. The comparison sample was constructed from 216 deidentified electronic birth certificate records.

Measurement and Intervention: Each month, during their prenatal period, participating teens received 1 home visit by a public health‐registered nurse and 1 home visit by a medical social worker for the purpose of assisting teens to access community resources, select a prenatal care provider, and make and schedule appointments. Health education and transportation to medical appointments were also provided.

Results: There were significant increases in resource utilization, including prenatal care appointments, among intervention teens during program participation. Intervention teens made significantly more visits to their prenatal care providers than did comparison group teens. There were no significant differences, however, in mean infant birth weight between the 2 groups.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that the intervention may be effective in enhancing resource utilization among pregnant adolescents.
Edna Dell Weinel, Champion of Public Health Nursing— Excerpts from an Oral History
Authors: Kalnins Irene
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Edna Dell Weinel is a former executive director (1980–1991) of the Family Care Center, a federally funded neighborhood health center in St. Louis, Missouri; this position capped her career as a county public health nurse, state maternal‐child nursing consultant, and educator. In all her positions, Weinel lived her values: working at one's highest level of skill, social justice, and teamwork, and used political skills to build alliances for the improvement of community health. Her many contributions to public health and public health nursing were recognized by the Public Health Nursing Section of the American Public Health Association in 1993 with the Ruth B. Freeman Distinguished Career award. In interviews conducted early in 2007, Weinel spoke of her pride in being a public health nurse, her unchanging belief that health care can best be delivered by teams, and that public health nurses are an essential part of any effective team.
The Application of the Reflex Theory in the Interpretation of the Clinical Picture, Genesis, and Treatment of Epilepsy
Authors: SERVÍT Z.
Published: February 2008

The role of reflex mechanisms in the genesis of epilepsy is classified into the following groups:

Reflex provocation of an epileptic attack by a constant, more or less defined stimulus.

Reflex elevation of paroxysmal susceptibility.

Reflex arrest of the development of the crisis.

Reflex diminution of the paroxysmal susceptibility and limitation of activity of the focus.

Reflex modification of the symptomatology, duration and sequelae of epileptic seizures.

Most of these questions are recommended to the attention of the symposium.

Le rô1e des mécanismes réflexes dans la génèse de l'carépilepsie a été classe de la manière suivante:

Provocation réflexe d'une crise épileptique par un stimulus constant plus ou moins défini.

Elévation réflexe de la susceptibilité paroxystique.

Inhibition réflexe du développement de la crise.

Diminution réflexe de la susceptibilité paroxystique et limitation de l'caractivité du foyer épileptogène.

Modification réflexe de la symptomatologie, de la durée et des séquelles de crises épileptiques.

La plupart de ces questions sont recommandées a l'caràttention du symposium.
Reflex Epileptic Mechanisms Conceptions and Experiences of a Clinical Neurologist
Authors: HENNER K.
Published: February 2008

From the clinical experience it is clear that reflex mechanisms play a role in every epileptic attack. However, the term “reflex epilepsy” should be reserved to the rare cases where the epileptic seizures are always provoked by one specific stimulus and never occur without this stimulus. Precautions should be taken not to fix the pathological reflex association by repeated medical examinations.

L'CARexpérience clinique démontre clairement que des mécanismes réflexes jouent un rôle dans toute attaque épileptique. Toutefois, le terftie “épilepsie réflexe” doit être réservé aux cas rares dans lesquels les crises épileptiques sont toujours provoquées par un stimulus spécifique et ne se produisent jamais en dehors de lui. Il faut avoir soin de ne pas fixer l'carassociation du réflexe pathologique par des examens médicaux répétés.
The Influence of Sleep and the Waking State on the Epileptic Activity of Different Cerebral Structures
Authors: KAJTOR F.
Published: February 2008

The incidence of seizures was analyzed in three hundred epileptics. Possible structural and functional factors responsible are discussed.

L'CARincidence des attaques a été analysée chez 300 épileptiques. Discussion des facteurs structuraux et fonctionnels susceptibles de responsibilité.
Time Sense and Epileptic EEG Activity
Authors: Holubář J. , Machek J.
Published: February 2008

Disturbances of the time sense were found in epileptics during routine EEG examinations only as long as there were episodes of slow rhythms or of spikes and waves or longer lasting epileptic patterns in their EEG.

Un trouble dans la sensation du temps n'a été constaté par des examens d'E.E.G. de routine chez les épileptiques, que pendant laperiode ou se produisent des episodes de rythme lent ou des pointes et ondes, ou des ‘patterns’ epileptiques de plus longue duree dans leur E.E.G.
Some Problems of Postparoxysmal Inhibition
Authors: NOVÁKOVÁ V.
Published: February 2008

Following the audiogenic seizure in rats the mesencephalic and cortical postural reflexes as well as the conditioned alimentary reflexes were abolished. The duration of this postparoxysmal inhibition was dependent on the symptomatology of the seizure. It was lengthened by deafferentation of the olfactory or trigeminus nerve or by stimulation of the gastric interoceptors; no changes were found after optic deafferentation. During the inhibition the arousal reaction was elicited only by nociceptive stimulation.

Later, after the audiogenic seizure, when conditioned reflexes were restored, it was possible to establish positive and negative alimentary conditioned reflexes.

Respiratory frequency decreased after the seizure for about 20 minutes. During this period the respiratory centre was inexcitable by olfactory stimuli.

The postparoxysmal inhibition after an audiogenic seizure as well as after an electro‐shock has many symptoms in common with decerebrate rigidity.

A la suite de la crise audiogénique chez les rats, les réflexes posturaux mésencéphaliques et corticaux disparaissent, tout aussi bien que les réflexes alimentaires conditionés. La durée de cette inhibition postparoxysmal dépend de la symptomatologie de la crise. Elle était prolongée par la déafférentation des nerfs olfactif et trijumeau ou par la stimulation des interocepteurs gastriques; on n'a pas observé de changements après la déafférentation optique. Pendant Finhibition, la réaction du réveil ne s'est produite que par suite d'une stimulation nociceptive.

Plus tard, après la crise audiogénique, quand se manifestent les réflexes conditionés, il est possible d'obtenir des réflexes conditionés alimentaires positifs et négatifs.

La fréquence respiratoire diminue 20 minutes à peu près après la crise. Pendant cette période, le centre respiratoire n'est pas excitable par des stimuli olfactifs.

L'inhibition postparoxysmale, qu'elle suive une crise audiogénique ou un électrochoc, comprend plusieurs symptômes de rigidité décérebrée.
Epileptic Attacks and Adaptation
Authors: Chocholová L.
Published: February 2008

After repeated stimulation with acoustic epileptogenic stimuli, the duration of which was shorter than the latency period of the seizure, the frequency of seizures decreased significantly both in naturally sensitive rats and in rats which became sensitive after the production of an epileptogenic cortical focus.

Similarly, the sensitivity to seizures decreased when as conditioned alimentary reflex was elicited by the shortened acoustic stimulus, i.e. after changing the signal significance of the epileptogenic stimulus into a conditioned nutritional one.

Both these adaptation phenomena were of long duration and resistant, even in conflict situation.

Après stimulation réitérée par des stimuli épileptogéniques acoustiques dont la durée est plus courte que celle de la période latente de la crise, la fréquence des attaques a sensiblement diminué chez des rats naturellement sensibles, ou bien chez des rats devenus sensibles après la production d'un focus cortical épileptogenique.

De même, la sensibilité aux crises diminue quand un réflexe alimentaire conditioné a été provoqué“par le stimulus acoustique écourté, c'est‐à‐dire après que la signification du signal du stimulus épileptogénique ait été changé en une signification de nutrition conditionnee.

Ces deux phénomènes d'adaptation se sont montrés résistants et de longue durée même lors d'un état de conflit.
Reading Epilepsy
Authors: Critchley Macdonald
Published: February 2008

Up to date 18 cases of reading epilepsy were described, two of them are briefly reported. The possible etiologic factors are discussed.

Dix‐huit cas d'carépilepsie provoquée par la lecture ont été décrits; bréve communication de deux d'entre eux. Discussion des facteurs étiologiques possibles.
Reflex Mechanisms of Exteromotor and Interomotor Disturbances and Alterations of Consciousness in Epilepsies
Authors: Hrbek J.
Published: February 2008

The author's concept based on Pavlov's reflex theory of higher nervous‐activity is outlined.

A new map of cortical areas of analyzors and neuro‐effectors is presented.

Four main activity circuits of effectors of feed‐back character are suggested.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of the formation of conditioned connections are discussed.

A general theory of brain electrogenesis is given.

On the basis of these four points the pathophysiological interpretation and classification of epilepsies as well as the mechanisms of disturbances of consciousness in epilepsy are discussed.

L'auteur explique le concept qu'il base sur la réflexe théorie de Pavlov d'une activité nerveuse supërieure:

II présente une nouvelle répartition des champs corticaux d'analyseurs et neuro‐effecteurs.

II suggère l'idëe de l'existence de quatre principaux circuits d'activité effecteur de caractère feed‐back.

Discussion de mécanisnies pathophysiologiques de la formation de connections conditionnées.

Théorie générale d'électrogénèse cérébrale.

Discussion sur la base de ces quatre points de l'interprétation pathophysiologique et la classification des épilepsies aussi bien que des mécanisnies des troubles de la conscience dans l'épilepsie.
Attacks Provoked by Television, and their Mechanism
Authors: GASTAUT H. , REGIS H. , BOSTEM F.
Published: February 2008

Thirty five cases of patients are reported in which epileptic seizures occurred when watching television programmes. The mechanisms by which attacks may be provoked are discussed and some preventive measures are suggested.

Communication de trente‐cinq cas de patients chez lesquels les crises épileptiques se produisent pendant qu'ils regardent des programmes de télévision. Discussion des mécanismes susceptibles de provoquer des attaques, et proposition de quelques mesures préventives.
The Physiologist George Prochaska (1749 ‐ 1820) and the Reflex Theory
Authors: KRUTA VLADISLAV
Published: February 2008

The history of the idea of reflex activity in neurophysiology is outlined and the important place in this history of the Czech physiologist G. Procháska is stressed. Procháska was the first who, in 1784, formulated a consistent modern concept of reflex activity.

L'histoire du concept activité réflexe en neurophysiologie est rapportée à grands traits et la part importante prise dans cette histoire par le physiologiste tchèque G. Procháska est mise en évidence. Procháska est le premier qui a formulé, dès 1784, un solide concept moderne de l'activité réflexe.
Compliance with Drug Therapy by Epileptic Patients
Authors: Pryse‐Phillips William , Jardine Fred , Bursey Ford
Published: February 2008

Summary: Fifty patients with epilepsy were randomly divided into three groups and given, respectively, oral information about the nature, purpose, appearances, functions, and unwanted effects of their medications at an initial interview; the same information supplemented by its presentation in written form for the patient to take home; and the same information by telephone contact only. Compliance with anticonvulsant therapy was assessed by interview and by drug levels. The amount of knowledge retained and the drug levels were measured again 4 weeks later. While no increase in serum levels could be detected over the mean values in the first interview, no reduction in levels could be documented either, although the drug information sheets had listed both the minor and the more serious unwanted effects of the drugs. The patients' information scores improved significantly in all three groups, but the combination of data presented at interview both orally and in written form was markedly superior to the other methods.

50 Patients épileptiques ont éteA divisés arbitrairement en 3 groupes à qui on a donné les informations suivantes: dans le ler groupe, une information orale sur la nature, le but, les aspects, les fonctions et les effets indésirables de leurs médicaments lors d'un en‐tretien initial; dans le 2ème groupe la méme information orale et une information écrite à emporter chez eux; dans le 3éme groupe l'information a %eAté donnée seulement par téléphone. L'adésion au traitement anticonvulsivant a été testée par un entretien et par une mesure du taux des médicaments dans le sang. La quantité d'informations retenues par les patients et les taux des médicaments ont étéévalués de nouveau 4 semaines plus tard. Bien qu'aucune augmentation des taux sériques n'ait pu être détectée par rapport aux valeurs moyennes obtenues lors du premier entretien, aucune diminution des taux sériques n'a pu être mise en évidence non plus, alors que les feuilles d'information mentionnaient aussi bien les effets indésirables mineurs que les plus sérieux des drogues. Les scores d'information des patients s'ameélioraient de façon significative dans les 3 groupes mais la combinaison de l'information donnée oralement et de l'information éc‐rite était nettement supérieure aux autres méhodes.
Toxoplasma, Toxocara, and Epilepsy
Authors: Critchley E. M. R. , Vakil S. D. , Hutchinson D. N. , Taylor P.
Published: February 2008

Summary: The presence of positive antibody titres to Toxoplasma and Toxocara in an adult epileptic population has been examined in relation to other observations of aetiological importance. With Toxoplasma, and more particularly with Toxocara, a higher incidence of positive antibody titres was recorded than in nonepileptic populations. Comparison with previous studies in childhood epilepsy indicate that the incidence of positive titres increased with age throughout adult life. Despite attention to the age of onset of epilepsy, presumed aetiological factors, and electroencephalographic and clinical observations, no causal relationship between parasitic infection and the aetiology of epilepsy was established.

On a étudié dans une population d'adultes épileptiques, la présence de titres d'anticorps positifs pour le Toxoplasme et le Toxocara, en correlation avec d'autres observations importantes du point de vue étiologique. L'incidence de titres d'anticorps positives pour le Toxoplasme, et plus particulièrement pour le Toxocara, était plus élevée que dans des populations de sujets non épileptiques. La comparaison avec des études antérieures faites dans lépilepsie de l'enfant montre que cette incidence de titres positifs augmente avec lâge pendant la vie adulte. Malgré la prise en considération de lâge de début de lépilepsie, des facteurs étiologiques présumés, des observations cliniques et EEG, aucune relation causale n'a étéétablie entre l'infection parasitaire et létiologie de lépilepsie.

En una población de adultos epilépticos se ha examinado la presencia de titulaciones positivas de anticuerpos anti Toxoplasma y Toxocara relacionán‐dolas con otras observaciones de importancia etiológica. En el caso del Toxoplasma, y más particularmente del Toxocara, se registró una incidencia más elevada de titulación de anticuerpos que en la población no epiléptica. Comparaciones con estudios previos en epilepsia infantil indican que la incidencia de titulaciones positivas se incrementa con fa edad. No se ha podido establecer ninguna relación causal entre infecciones parasíticas y etiología de la epilepsyía a pesar de los datos relacionados con la edad de comienzo de la epilepsyía, supuestos factores etiológicos, observaciones clínicas y hallazgos electroencefalográficos.

Das Vorhandensein positiver Antikörpertiter gegen Toxoplasma und Toxocara bei Erwachsenen Epileptikern wurde in Hinsicht auf andere Beobachtungen mit aetologischer Bedeutung untersucht. Hinsichtlich Toxoplasma und besonders Toxocara wurde eine höhere Häufigkeit positiver Antikörpertiter beobachtet als in einer nichtepileptischen Population. Verglichen mit früheren Studien bei Epilepsie im Kindesalter zeigt sich, daß die Häufigkeit positiver Titer mit zunehmendem Alter ansteigt. Trotz Berücksichtigung des Alters bei Beginn der Epilepsie, vermuteter aetiologischer Faktoren, elektroencephalographischer und klinischer Befunde konnte kein causales Verhältnis zwischen der parasitären Infektion und der Aetiologie einer Epilepsie gefunden werden.
Mechanical Behavior and Failure Analysis of Prosthetic Retaining Screws after Long‐Term Use In Vivo. Part 2: Metallurgical and Microhardness Analysis
Authors: Al Jabbari Youssef , Fournelle Raymond , Ziebert Gerald , Toth Jeffrey , Iacopino Anthony
Published: February 2008

Purpose: This study involved testing and analyzing multiple retrieved prosthetic retaining screws after long‐term use in vivo to: (1) detect manufacturing defects that could affect in‐service behavior; (2) characterize the microstructure and alloy composition; and (3) further characterize the wear mechanism of the screw threads.

Materials and Methods: Two new (control) screws from Nobel Biocare (NB) and 18 used (in service 18–120 months) retaining screws [12 from NB and 6 from Sterngold (SG)] were: (1) metallographically examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the microstructure; (2) analyzed by energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) microanalysis to determine the qualitative and semiquantitative average alloy and individual phase compositions; and (3) tested for Vickers microhardness.

Results: Examination of polished longitudinal sections of the screws using light microscopy revealed a significant defect in only one Group 4 screw. No significant defects in any other screws were observed. The defect was considered a “seam” originating as a “hot tear” during original casting solidification of the alloy. Additionally, the examination of longitudinal sections of the screws revealed a uniform homogeneous microstructure in some groups, while in other groups the sections exhibited rows of second phase particles. The screws for some groups demonstrated severe deformation of the lower threads and the bottom part of the screw leading to the formation of crevices and grooves. Some NB screws were comprised of Au‐based alloy with Pt, Cu, and Ag as alloy elements, while others (Groups 4 and 19) were Pd‐based with Ga, Cu, and Au alloy elements. The microstructure was homogeneous with fine or equiaxed grains for all groups except Group 4, which appeared inhomogeneous with anomalous grains. SG screws demonstrated a typical dendritic structure and were Au‐based alloy with Cu and Ag alloy elements. There were differences in the microhardness of gold alloy screws from NB and SG as well as palladium alloy screws from NB.

Conclusions: Significant differences within NB retaining screws and between NB and SG screws were found for microstructure, major alloy constituents, and microhardness.
A Simple Method of Positioning the Iris Disk on a Custom‐Made Ocular Prosthesis. A Clinical Report
Authors: Guttal Satyabodh S. , Patil Narendra P. , Vernekar Naina , Porwal Amit
Published: February 2008

We report two cases of ocular prosthesis fabrication that make use of a transparent graph grid for positioning the iris disk. The custom‐made ocular prostheses achieved intimate contact with the tissue bed enabling ideal fit. As asymmetry may result in a squint‐eyed appearance, proper positioning of the iris disk in the scleral wax pattern is vital to fabricating the custom‐made artificial eye. The position of the iris disk in the custom‐made ocular prosthesis was in symmetry with that of the natural eye, restoring esthetics of the patient.
Public Experiences of Police Violence and Corruption in Contemporary Russia: A Case of Predatory Policing?
Authors: Gerber Theodore P. , Mendelson Sarah E.
Published: February 2008

“Predatory policing” occurs where police officers mainly use their authority to advance their own material interests rather than to fight crime or protect the interests of elites. These practices have the potential to seriously compromise the public's trust in the police and other legal institutions, such as courts. Using data from six surveys and nine focus groups conducted in Russia, we address four empirical questions: (1) How widespread are public encounters with police violence and police corruption in Russia? (2) To what extent does exposure to these two forms of police misconduct vary by social and economic characteristics? (3) How do Russians perceive the police, the courts, and the use of violent methods by the police? (4) How, if at all, do experiences of police misconduct affect these perceptions? Our results suggest that Russia conforms to a model of predatory policing. Despite substantial differences in its law enforcement institutions and cultural norms regarding the law, Russia resembles the United States in that direct experiences of police abuse reduce confidence in the police and in the legal system more generally. The prevalence of predatory policing in Russia has undermined Russia's democratic transition, which should call attention to the indispensable role of the police and other public institutions in the success of democratic reforms.
Credible Commitments and the Early American Supreme Court
Authors: Smith Charles Anthony
Published: February 2008

Conventional wisdom holds that the role of the U.S. federal judiciary was underspecified and undefined until the era of Chief Justice John Marshall. In contrast, I argue that prior to the Marshall era, the Supreme Court had the specific institutional role of providing an administrative remedy to aggrieved nations to deprive potentially hostile nations of any excuse for belligerence. Specifically, concern among the Framers about this nascent country's absence of dispute resolution mechanisms in the areas of trade and admiralty was critical in the institutional design of the judiciary. Original jurisdiction was designed primarily to remedy trade disputes. The independent judiciary made trade commitments more credible and self-help by the aggrieved less likely. By providing this administrative remedy and lowering the uncertainty associated with trading with revolutionaries, the Framers claimed a seat for the new country at the table of nations. Moreover, enhanced commercial credibility that the administrative avenue for redress provided was instrumental in the early economic development of the United States.
The Agencies of Abuse: Intimate Abusers' Experience of Presumptive Arrest and Prosecution
Authors: Guzik Keith
Published: February 2008

Presumptive arrest and prosecution policies are designed to eradicate domestic violence by disrupting abusive relationships and transforming the subjectivities of victimized women and abusive men. Using in-depth interviews with 30 persons arrested and prosecuted for domestic violence, this article examines the power of presumptive policies by exploring how intimate abusers experience them. The study finds that while the police and courts are able to secure arrests and convictions on domestic violence cases, nearly all the respondents in this study understand their punishments as unfair sanctions meted out by an unjust local legal system rather than as the consequences of their own actions. These injustice claims emerge from abusers' group identities as well as the very practices through which the police and courts gain authority over them. These findings demonstrate that the power of the law as a force for social change may be more limited than some have claimed. In addition, they reinforce calls to reform society's response to intimate violence through procedures that can go further in empowering victims and having offenders recognize their responsibility for violence.
The Good Case: Decisions to Litigate at the World Trade Organization
Authors: Conti Joseph A.
Published: February 2008

This article draws upon the law-in-action, repeat players, and motive to understand how legal actors construct the “good case” in dispute settlement systems. The construction of “good cases” is examined at the World Trade Organization (WTO), a relatively new and unexplored site for the study of dispute settlement. Findings show that the good case encompasses flexible sets of motives including economic, political, and symbolic characteristics of trade grievances to mobilize WTO law. The flexibility is due to uncertainties associated with litigation, which are manifestations of four features of the WTO: the newness of the system, the organizational and legal structure of the dispute system, the context of the WTO as an intergovernmental agreement, and the persistence of inequality between states. Six variations of the good case are identified.
Memorializing Miscarriages of Justice: Clemency Petitions in the Killing State
Authors: Sarat Austin
Published: February 2008

Clemency in capital cases today has become quite rare. Capital clemency has been a victim of the rejection of rehabilitation as the guiding philosophy of criminal sentencing and of the increasing politicization of issues of crime and punishment since the 1960s. Yet despite the reluctance of governors to grant clemency, despite the difficulty of rectifying miscarriages of justice through the clemency process, petitions seeking commutation or pardon in death cases still are regularly presented to chief executives. With so little chance of success, filing them may seem to be nothing more than an empty ritual. In this article, I examine clemency petitions from Texas and Virginia, and I argue that those petitions may serve another function, and take on meaning in another way. This function I label “memorialization.” These pleas provide an archive of stories of law's failures, of alleged breakdowns in the legal process, of a legal process in disrepair, as well as of racial prejudice, of lives shattered by violence and neglect, of remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. They are cultural artifacts, documents that address both governors and an indeterminate audience beyond them and that memorialize miscarriages of justice. While they reveal the importance of religion, family, and good works in American thinking about remorse, redemption, and mercy, they also should be seen as histories of the present, documenting the breakdowns and inequities in the death penalty system as well as the tragic circumstances of lives shaped and shattered by poverty, abuse, and neglect.
Synthesis of a Biomorphic Molybdenum Trioxide Templated from Paper
Authors: Li Jia , Kwong Fung‐luen , Ng Dickon H. L.
Published: February 2008

A biomorphic α‐MoO3 ceramic was successfully derived from paper templates. By the infiltration of a Mo‐contained solution into paper templates, followed by calcinations at 500°C in air, the cellulose fibers of paper were converted into branches composing of orthorhombic α‐MoO3 crystals with grain size ranging from 0.5 to 2 μm. In the final product, the initial fibrous structure of the paper templates was retained. This simple biotemplate method provides a cost‐effective and ecofriendly route to obtain advanced self‐assembling biomorphic ceramics.
Fourier Transform Infrared Reflectance Spectra of Latent Fingerprints: A Biometric Gauge for the Age of an Individual*
Authors: Hemmila April , McGill Jim , Ritter David
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  To determine if changes in fingerprint infrared spectra linear with age can be found, partial least squares (PLS1) regression of 155 fingerprint infrared spectra against the person’s age was constructed. The regression produced a linear model of age as a function of spectrum with a root mean square error of calibration of less than 4 years, showing an inflection at about 25 years of age. The spectral ranges emphasized by the regression do not correspond to the highest concentration constituents of the fingerprints. Separate linear regression models for old and young people can be constructed with even more statistical rigor. The success of the regression demonstrates that a combination of constituents can be found that changes linearly with age, with a significant shift around puberty.
Identification of Incinerated Root Canal Filling Materials After Exposure to High Heat Incineration
Authors: Bonavilla Joseph D. , Bush Mary A. , Bush Peter J. , Pantera Eugene A.
Published: February 2008

Abstract: With the increase in global terrorism there is a higher probability of having to identify victims of incineration events secondary to incendiary explosive devices. The victims of incineration events challenge forensic odontologists when coronal restorations are no longer present to compile postmortem data. With 40 million root canals being completed annually in the United States, a very large pool of antemortem data is available to the forensic odontologist to make positive identifications. When complete and thorough dental records exist, individuals that have undergone surgical and nonsurgical root canal therapy may have materials present in the canal that may aid in identification. This study provides elemental fingerprints of root canal obturation materials to be utilized as a forensic identification aid. This study used scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) to assess the elemental composition of materials before and after high temperature incineration. Sixteen endodontic materials were analyzed pre‐incineration and placed in extracted teeth. The filled teeth were subjected to incineration at 900°C for 30 min to simulate incineration events or cremation. Incinerated materials were radiographed and re‐analyzed to determine if they retained their original elemental composition. Endodontic sealers, gutta percha, root‐end filling materials, silver points, and separated files were distinguishable in the canal and traceable after incineration. The authors present a fingerprint of the endodontic obturation materials that are capable of withstanding high heat incineration to be used as an aid for postmortem identification. This work represents the initial stage of database generation for root canal filling materials for use as an aid in forensic identification.
Heteroplasmies Detected in an Amplified Mitochondrial DNA Control Region from a Small Amount of Template
Authors: Nakahara Hiroaki , Sekiguchi Kazumasa , Imaizumi Kazuhiko , Mizuno Natsuko , Kasai Kentaro
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  When mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmies are detected, they often confound forensic identification, especially if they are the result of poor biological sampling. In this study, we determined the ratio of heteroplasmy in samples that were amplified from a very small amount of template mtDNA or a few cells using a highly sensitive nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure and a direct sequencing analysis. As a result, more than half of the detected sequences (i.e., 17/20, 15/20, and 14/20) showed homoplasmy derived from a variation in the heteroplasmy proportion when only 10 copies of template mtDNA samples were amplified and analyzed. Additionally, with products amplified from one or several white blood cells (WBCs), several previously undetected heteroplasmies were detected. These results indicate the risks associated with using highly sensitive mtDNA techniques in forensic investigations because of the variable proportions of heteroplasmy or nucleotide substitutions that can possibly be detected from a very small biological sample.
Early blood thyroxine concentration and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants
Authors: Kuint Jacob , Sack Joseph , Maayan‐Metzger Ayala
Published: February 2008

Objectives: To determine the association between the first thyroxine blood concentration and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among preterm infants.

Study design: The study group included a cohort of 34 preterm infants with NEC developed at least 48 h after thyroid function screening was obtained. The control group was consisted of 102 preterm infants (3 infants for each infant with NEC, born at the same gestational age) without NEC. Clinical data and first filter paper of total blood thyroxine concentration taken in the first 2 weeks of life were recorded retrospectively and compared between the study and control groups.

Results: Mean filter paper total thyroxine concentration was slightly lower in the study group compared to the control group (86.2 nmol/L and 97.8 nmol/L, respectively) but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.14). Nine infants (26.5%) in the study group were small for gestational age (SGA) in comparison to 11 infants (10.8%) in the control group (p = 0.07).

Conclusions: It seems that the first thyroxin serum concentration is not a significant predisposing risk factor for NEC in preterm infants.
Causes of near misses in critical care of neonates and children
Authors: Tourgeman‐Bashkin O , Shinar D , Zmora E
Published: February 2008

Aim: The primary goal of this study was to examine the nature and causes of medical errors known as almost adverse events (AAEs) and potential adverse events (PAEs) in intensive care units.

Methods: Observations were conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in a large hospital in Israel. The AAEs and PAEs were classified into three main categories: environmental, system and human factors. Data encoding and analysis was based on a Bayesian model previously developed to analyse causes of traffic accidents, and the categories were based on systems and ergonomics approaches.

Results: ‘Workload’ (a system factor) was the main cause of AAEs and ‘communication failures’ (a human factor) was the second main cause of AAEs. Among the environmental factors, ‘failures in medical devices’ was the most cited cause of AAEs. Environmental factors accounted for most of PAEs and among them ‘form failures’ was the most ‘AAE’‐prone factor.

Conclusions: Environmental factors (mainly ‘failures in medical device’) and system factors (mainly ‘workload’) accounted for most of AAEs in the intensive care units studied. The systems and the ergonomics approaches to error analysis can be useful in creating a comprehensive error management programme in order to minimize the gap between work demands and individual capabilities.
Early surfactant in spontaneously breathing with nCPAP in ELBW infants – a single centre four year experience
Authors: Kribs Angela , Vierzig Anne , Hünseler Christoph , Eifinger Frank , Welzing Lars , Stützer Hartmut , Roth Bernhard
Published: February 2008

Objective: To evaluate whether the experience with a method to administer surfactant during spontaneous breathing with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) as primary respiratory support in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) influences the frequency of its use and affects the outcome of patients.

Methods: All inborn extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants treated after introduction of the method were retrospectively studied (n = 196). The entire observational period was divided into four periods (periods 1–4) and compared with a control period (period 0) (n = 51). Primary respiratory support, demographics, prenatal risks and outcomes were compared.

Results: There were no changes in demographics or prenatal risks over time. The choice of nCPAP as initial airway management significantly increased from 69% to 91% and for nCPAP with surfactant from 75% to 86%. The rate of nCPAP failure decreased from 46% to 25%. Survival increased significantly between periods 0 and 1 from 76% to 90% and survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) rose from 65% to 80%. No changes in nonpulmonary outcomes were observed.

Conclusion: The success of nCPAP increased with increasing use of nCPAP with surfactant. Simultaneously, mortality decreased without deterioration of other outcomes indicating that the use of surfactant in spontaneous breathing with nCPAP could be beneficial.