bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase in glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity by activated astrocytes involves stimulation of protein kinase C
Authors: Ahlemeyer Barbara , Kölker Stefan , Zhu Yuan , Hoffmann Georg F. , Krieglstein Josef
Published: March 2003

Activation of astrocytes is a common feature of neurological disorders, but the importance of this phenomenon for neuronal outcome is not fully understood. Treatment of mixed hippocampal cultures of neurones and astrocytes from day 2–4 in vitro (DIV 2–4) with 1 µm cytosine arabinofuranoside (AraC) caused an activation of astrocytes as detected by a stellate morphology and a 10‐fold increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) level compared with vehicle‐treated cultures. After DIV 12, we determined 43% and 97% damaged neurones 18 h after the exposure to glutamate (1 mm, 1 h) in cultures treated with vehicle and AraC, respectively. Dose–response curves were different with a higher sensitivity to glutamate in cultures treated with AraC (EC50 = 0.01 mm) than with vehicle (EC50 = 0.12 mm). The susceptibility of neurones to 1 mm glutamate did not correlate with the percentage of astrocytes and was insensitive to an inhibition of glutamate uptake. In cultures treated with vehicle and AraC, glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity was mediated through stimulation of the NR1‐NR2B subtype of NMDA receptors, because it was blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 and the NR1‐NR2B selective receptor antagonist ifenprodil. Protein levels of the NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor were similar in cultures treated with vehicle or AraC. AraC‐induced changes in glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity were mimicked by activation of protein kinase C (PKC), whereas neuronal susceptibility to glutamate was reduced in cultures depleted of PKC and treated with AraC suggesting that the increase in glutamate toxicity by activated astrocytes involves activation of PKC.
Mechanisms of ligand binding and efficacy at the human D2(short) dopamine receptor
Authors: Payne Sarah L. , Johansson Anette M. , Strange Philip G.
Published: March 2003

Mechanisms of ligand binding and receptor activation for the human D2(short) dopamine receptor have been probed using two homologous series of monohydroxylated and dihydroxylated agonists (phenylethylamines and 2‐dipropylaminotetralins). In ligand binding studies, the majority of compounds exhibited competition curves versus [3H]spiperone that were best fitted using a two site binding model. The compounds had different abilities (potencies and maximal effects) to stimulate [35S]GTPγS binding and to inhibit forskolin‐stimulated cAMP accumulation. From the data it can be concluded that: (i) the ability of an agonist to stabilize receptor/G protein coupling can be used to predict agonist efficacy for some groups of compounds (2‐dipropylaminotetralins) but not for others (phenylethylamines); (ii) the receptor may be activated by unhydroxylated compounds; (iii) single hydroxyl groups or pairs of hydroxyl groups on the agonist may contribute tobinding affinity, potency and efficacy; and (iv) for the 2‐dipropylaminotetralin series two modes of agonist/receptor interaction have been identified associated with different relative efficacy.
Maternal behavior regulates long‐term hippocampal expression of BAX and apoptosis in the offspring
Authors: Weaver Ian C. G. , Grant Rebecca J. , Meaney Michael J.
Published: March 2003

Naturally occurring variations in maternal care influence hippocampal development in the rat. In the present study we found that variations in maternal licking/grooming (LG) during the first week of life are associated with altered hippocampal expression of BAX (group‐1 tumor necrosis factor family mediated cell death effector) in 90‐day‐old male offspring. BAX‐like immunoreactivity on western blots is significantly increased in the adult offspring of low‐level LG mothers. There is no effect of maternal care on levels of either B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (BCL‐2) (group‐II mitochondria mediated cell death suppressor) or BAD (group‐III endoplasmic reticulum mediated cell death effector). The most striking biochemical event in apoptosis is DNA fragmentation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transerferase (Tdt)‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) and 4′,6′‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole hydrochloride (DAPI) staining showed that the number of TUNEL‐positive cells in both the dentate gyrus and CA1 region of the hippocampus is significantly increased in the adult offspring of low‐level LG mothers. In conclusion, we propose that hippocampal neurons in the offspring of low‐level LG mothers may be more vulnerable to loss through apoptosis.
HNK‐1 sulfotransferase null mice express glucuronyl glycoconjugates and show normal cerebellar granule neuron migration in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Chou Denise K. H. , Schachner Melitta , Jungalwala Firoze B.
Published: March 2003

Sulfoglucuronyl carbohydrate (SGC), reactive with antibody against human natural killer cell antigen, is expressed in several glycolipids, glycoproteins and proteoglycans of the nervous system and has been implicated in cell–cell recognition, neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration during development, through its interaction with SGC‐binding protein (SBP) 1. However, sulfotransferase (ST) null mutant mice, which lack SGC, were shown to have normal development with usual gross anatomy of the nervous system and other organs. Failure to observe a severe phenotype in the ST null mice prompted us to determine the compensatory molecular replacement of SGC by analyzing the carbohydrate of glycolipids and glycoproteins of the ST mutant nervous system. In the ST null mice, SGC‐containing molecules were absent; instead the precursor glucuronyl carbohydrate (GC)‐containing molecules accumulated. Other relevant glycolipids and proteins were not affected. The GC molecules in the mutant were localized at the same anatomical sites in the nervous system as the SGC molecules in the wild type. In vitro binding studies showed that, similar to sulfoglucuronyl glycolipids, glucuronyl glycolipids interacted with SBP‐1, but with a lower binding capacity. In vitro studies with explant cultures of cerebellum indicated that neurite outgrowth and cell migration were not significantly affected in the mutant, possibly owing to interaction of SBP‐1 with GC molecules. The results suggested that in vivo SBP‐1–GC interaction was sufficient to allow normal neurite outgrowth and cell migration in the mutant, giving rise to a wild‐type phenotype. However, the role of other compensatory molecules involved in these processes cannot be completely ruled out.
Changes in expression of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor gene in the medial amygdala of transgenic mice during pregnancy and after delivery
Authors: Oberto Alessandra , Serra Mariangela , Pisu Maria Giuseppina , Biggio Giovanni , Eva Carola
Published: March 2003

Long‐term administration of progesterone or allopregnanolone was previously shown to increase Y1 receptor gene expression in the medial amygdala of Y1R/LacZ transgenic mice, which harbor a construct comprising the murine Y1 receptor gene promoter and a lacZ reporter. We have now investigated the effects of physiological fluctuations in the cerebrocortical concentrations of neuroactive steroids during pregnancy on Y1R/LacZ transgene expression by quantitative histochemical analysis of β‐galactosidase activity. Cerebrocortical concentrations of progesterone and its metabolites allopregnanolone and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone were increased on day 18 of pregnancy and had returned to control values 2 days after delivery. Transgene expression in the medial amygdala was also increased on day 18 of pregnancy and had returned to control values 2 days after delivery. Similar results were obtained after analysis of Y1R mRNA levels in the medial amygdala of pregnant mice by in situ hybridization. Administration of the 5α‐reductase inhibitor finasteride to pregnant mice prevented both the increase in the cerebrocortical concentrations of neuroactive steroids as well as the increase in transgene expression. These data suggest that fluctuations in the brain concentrations of endogenous neuroactive steroids during pregnancy are associated with changes in Y1 receptor gene expression in the medial amygdala, further supporting a functional interaction between the GABAergic and NPY–Y1 receptor systems.
Cytochrome c associated apoptosis during ATP recovery after hypoxia in neonatal rat cerebrocortical slices
Authors: Hirai Kiyoshi , Sugawara Taku , Chan Pak H. , Basus Vladimir J. , James Thomas L. , Litt Lawrence
Published: March 2003

Cellular injury was evaluated in superfused cerebrocortical slices (350 µm) from 7‐day‐old Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to 30 min hypoxia followed by 4 h of reoxygenation. At the end of hypoxia homogenous cytosolic immunoreactivity of cytochrome c increased approximately fourfold, cytochrome c intensity in western blot analyses increased more than fivefold, and whole cell and cytosolic cleaved caspase‐9 underwent 50% and 100% increases, respectively. Immunostaining of sections taken 1.5 h after hypoxia showed: (i) more than a threefold increase in cleaved caspase‐9; (ii) localization of cleaved caspase‐9 to the interior and peripheral exterior of nuclei; and (iii) homogeneously distributed cytochrome c in the cytosol. Western blot analysis for 1.5 h after hypoxia showed that cytosolic caspase‐9 returned to control values, while whole cell caspase‐9 stayed approximately the same, suggesting translocation of caspase‐9 to nuclei. By 4 h after hypoxia there was significant nuclear fragmentation and an increase in TUNEL positive staining. 31P/1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) confirmed substantial decreases of ATP and phosphocreatine during hypoxia, with rapid but incomplete recovery being close to steady state 1 h after reoxygenation. At all time points after hypoxia the primary injury was cytochrome c associated apoptosis.
Glutamine synthetase enhances the clearance of extracellular glutamate by the neural retina
Authors: Shaked Iftach , Ben‐Dror Iris , Vardimon Lily
Published: March 2003

Clearance of synaptic glutamate by glial cells is required for the normal function of excitatory synapses and for prevention of neurotoxicity. Although the regulatory role of glial glutamate transporters in glutamate clearance is well established, little is known about the influence of glial glutamate metabolism on this process. This study examines whether glutamine synthetase (GS), a glial‐specific enzyme that amidates glutamate to glutamine, affects the uptake of glutamate. Retinal explants were incubated in the presence of [14C]glutamate and glutamate uptake was assessed by measurement of the amount of radioactively labeled molecules within the cells and the amount of [14C]glutamine released to the medium. An increase in GS expression in Müller glial cells, caused by induction of the endogenous gene, did not affect the amount of glutamate accumulated within the cells, but led to a dramatic increase in the amount of glutamine released. This increase, which was directly correlated with the level of GS expression, was dependent on the presence of external sodium ions, and could be completely abolished by methionine sulfoximine, a specific inhibitor of GS activity. Our results demonstrate that GS activity significantly influences the uptake of glutamate by the neural retina and suggest that this enzyme may represent an important target for neuroprotective strategies.
Selective inhibition of Aβ42 production by NSAID R‐enantiomers
Authors: Morihara T. , Chu T. , Ubeda O. , Beech W. , Cole G. M.
Published: March 2003

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and selected NSAIDs racemates suppress β‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in vivo and Aβ42 production in vitro. Clinical use of NSAIDs for preventing or treating AD has been hampered by dose‐limiting toxicity believed to be due to cyclooxygenase (COX)‐inhibition that is reportedly not essential for selective Aβ42 reduction. Profens have racemates and R‐enantiomers were supposed to be inactive forms. Here we demonstrate that R‐ibuprofen and R‐flurbiprofen, with poor COX‐inhibiting activity, reduce Aβ42 production by human cells. Although these R‐enantiomers inhibit nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation and NF‐κB can selectively regulate Aβ42, Aβ42 reduction is not mediated by inhibition of NF‐κB activation. Because of its efficacy at lowering Aβ42 production and low toxicity profile, R‐flurbiprofen is a strong candidate for clinical development.
Transient rise in intracellular calcium produces a long‐lasting increase in plasma membrane calcium pump activity in rat sensory neurons
Authors: Pottorf William J. , Thayer Stanley A.
Published: March 2003

The plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA) plays a major role in clearing Ca2+ from the neuronal cytoplasm. Calmodulin stimulates PMCA activity and for some isoforms this activation persists following clearance of Ca2+ owing to the slow dissociation of calmodulin. We tested the hypothesis that PMCA‐mediated Ca2+ efflux from rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in culture would remain stimulated following increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). PMCA‐mediated Ca2+ extrusion was recorded following brief trains of action potentials using indo‐1‐based photometry in the presence of cyclopiazonic acid. A priming stimulus that increased [Ca2+]i to 506 ± 28 nm (>15 min) increased the rate constant for [Ca2+]i recovery by 47 ± 3%. Ca2+ clearance from subsequent test stimuli remained accelerated for up to an hour despite removal of the priming stimulus and a return to basal [Ca2+]i. The acceleration depended on the magnitude and duration of the priming [Ca2+]i increase, but was independent of the source of Ca2+. Increases in [Ca2+]i evoked by prolonged depolarization, sustained trains of action potentials or activation of vanilloid receptors all accelerated Ca2+ efflux. We conclude that PMCA‐mediated Ca2+ efflux in DRG neurons is a dynamic process in which intense stimuli prime the pump for the next Ca2+ challenge.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia: a possible linkage to dopamine
Authors: Ben‐Shachar Dorit
Published: March 2003

Mitochondria are not only the principal source of high energy intermediates, but play an important role in intracellular calcium buffering, are main producers of reactive oxygen species, and are the source of pro‐ and antiapoptotic key factors. Moreover, the mitochondria are of a ubiquitous nature and the respiratory chain has a dual genetic basis, i.e. the mitochondrial and the nuclear DNAs. Thus mitochondrial impairment could provide an explanation for the tremendous heterogeneity of clinical and pathological manifestations in schizophrenia. This article reviews several independent lines of evidence that suggest an involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia. Among them are altered cerebral energy metabolism, mitochondrial hypoplasia, dysfunction of the oxidative phosphorylation system and altered mitochondrial related gene expression. In addition, the interaction between dopamine, a predominant etiological factor in schizophrenia, and mitochondrial respiration is considered as a possible mechanism underlying the hyper‐ and hypo‐activity cycling in schizophrenia. Understanding the role of mitochondria in schizophrenia may encourage novel treatment approaches, the identification of candidate genes and new insights into the pathophysiology and etiology of the disorder.
Disruption of neurogenesis by amyloid β‐peptide, and perturbed neural progenitor cell homeostasis, in models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Haughey Norman J. , Nath Avi , Chan Sic L. , Borchard A. C. , Rao Mahendra S. , Mattson Mark P.
Published: March 2003

Neurogenesis occurs in the adult mammalian brain and may play roles in learning and memory processes and recovery from injury, suggesting that abnormalities in neural progenitor cells (NPC) might contribute to the pathogenesis of disorders of learning and memory in humans. The objectives of this study were to determine whether NPC proliferation, survival and neuronal differentiation are impaired in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to determine the effects of the pathogenic form of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) on the survival and neuronal differentiation of cultured NPC. The proliferation and survival of NPC in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus was reduced in mice transgenic for a mutated form of amyloid precursor protein that causes early onset familial AD. Aβ impaired the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of cultured human and rodent NPC, and promoted apoptosis of neuron‐restricted NPC by a mechanism involving dysregulation of cellular calcium homeostasis and the activation of calpains and caspases. Adverse effects of Aβ on NPC may contribute to the depletion of neurons and cognitive impairment in AD.
Phosphorylation of cAMP response element‐binding protein in cultured striatal neurons by metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5
Authors: Mao Limin , Wang John Q.
Published: March 2003

The metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) is densely expressed in striatal projection neurons. As a G protein‐coupled receptor, mGluR5 may initiate an intracellular cascade that conveys extracellular signals to gene expression. This study investigated the possible role of mGluR5 in the inducible phosphorylation of a nuclear transcription factor, cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), in primary cultures of striatal neurons from rat E19 embryos or neonatal day‐1 pups. We found that selective activation of mGluR5 with a selective agonist (RS)‐2‐chloro‐5‐hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) induced a rapid and transient increase in phosphorylated CREB immunoreactivity in striatal neurons as analyzed by both immunocytochemistry and western blot. The increase in CREB phosphorylation was concentration‐dependent, and seen in neurochemically identified GABAergic neurons. Pre‐treatment with the mGluR5 antagonist 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP) blocked the CHPG phosphorylation of CREB. In contrast, the mGluR1 antagonist, 7‐(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen‐1a‐carboxylate ethyl ester (CPCCOet) did not alter CHPG‐stimulated CREB phosphorylation. The mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotides, but not their controls, selectively reduced basal mGluR5 levels as well as CREB phosphorylation in response to CHPG addition. Lastly, using an immediate early gene c‐fos as a reporter of inducible gene expression downstream to phosphorylated CREB, we found that CHPG induced a rapid and transient increase in c‐fos mRNA levels in cultured neurons as revealed by quantitative in situ hybridization. The increase in c‐fos was kinetically correlated well with the CREB phosphorylation and blocked by MPEP and the CREB antisense oligonucleotides. These results demonstrate a positive linkage from surface mGluR5 to CREB phosphorylation, which is able to facilitate immediate gene expression in striatal neurons.
Cannabinoid CB1 receptor knockout mice exhibit markedly reduced voluntary alcohol consumption and lack alcohol‐induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Hungund Basalingappa L. , Szakall Istvan , Adam Agota , Basavarajappa Balapal S. , Vadasz Csaba
Published: March 2003

The mechanisms underlying predisposition to alcohol abuse and alcoholism are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the role of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in (i) voluntary alcohol consumption, and (ii) acute alcohol‐induced dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens, using mice that lack the CB1 receptor gene (CB1–/–). CB1–/– mice exhibited dramatically reduced voluntary alcohol consumption, and completely lacked alcohol‐induced DA release in the nucleus accumbens, as compared to wild‐type mice. The gender difference, with female mice consuming significantly more alcohol than wild‐type male mice, was observed in wild‐type mice, whereas this gender difference was nonexistent in CB1 mutant male and female mice. There was also a significant gender difference, with the wild‐type, heterozygous, and mutant females consuming significantly more liquid and food than wild‐type, heterozygous and mutant males. However, the total volume of fluid consumption and food intake did not differ between wild‐type, heterozygous, and mutant mice. These results strongly suggest that the CB1 receptor system plays an important role in regulating the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol.
Risk, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers – nursing staff knowledge and documentation
Authors: Gunningberg Lena , Lindholm Christina , Carlsson Marianne , Sjödén Per‐Olow
Published: March 2003

Risk, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers – nursing staff knowledge and documentation

The aims were to investigate (i) registered nurses’ and nursing assistants’ knowledge of risk, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcer before implementing a system for risk assessment and pressure ulcer classification for patients with hip fracture (ii) interventions documented in the patient’s records by registered nurses, and (iii) to what extent reported and documented interventions accord with the Swedish quality guidelines. Nursing staff (n=85) completed a questionnaire, and patient’s records (n=55) were audited retrospectively. The majority of the nursing staff reported that they performed risk assessment when caring for a patient with hip fracture. These risk assessments were, however, not comprehensive. The most frequently reported preventive interventions were repositioning, use of lotion, mattresses/overlays and cushions for the heels. These interventions were to some extent documented in the patient’s records. Nutritional support, reduction of shear and friction, hygiene and skin moisture, and patient’s education were reported to a small extent and not documented at all. The Swedish quality guidelines regarding prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers were not fully implemented in clinical practice. It was concluded that nursing staff’s knowledge and documentation of risk, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers for patients with hip fractures could be improved.
Opinions about district nurses prescribing
Authors: Wilhelmsson Susan , Ek Anna‐Christina , Åkerlind Ingemar
Published: March 2003

Opinions about district nurses prescribing

The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of district nurses (DNs) and general practitioners (GPs) about nurse prescribing in Sweden in order to elucidate similarities and differences, and relate different opinions to background and psychosocial working factors. In a questionnaire about psychosocial working conditions, seven statements about DNs prescribing were included. The questionnaire was sent to 554 DNs and 566 GPs with a participant rate of 83%. On all items as well as on the total score DNs rated more positively compared with GPs. Amongst the DNs a positive opinion was related to a traditional primary care organization, age < 50, good social support at work, and high workload. A positive opinion amongst GPs was associated with working in a traditional primary care organization, being male GP, and a good social support at work. In a multiple regression analysis, occupation and organization were independently associated with the total score. The result shows a strong professional solidarity amongst GPs and seems to be based on concern about the profession rather than patient care.
Family caregiver respite and leisure: a feminist perspective
Authors: Strang Vicki R.
Published: March 2003

Large numbers of family members, particulary women, find themselves in the stressful roles of caring for their frail elders with dementia. Although caregiver respite is seen as one way to mitigate the negative consequences of care giving, many caregivers are reluctant to use services which offer them respite opportunities. By focusing on the similarities between respite and leisure experiences from a feminist perspective, this caregiver hesitancy will be explored. Interpreting the stories of eight women caregivers participating in a qualitative study which examined the experience of respite for family caregivers of persons with dementia, convergence between the experiences of leisure an of respite occur in at least four areas. These included: the experience of freedom, the getting away from obligatory routine, the pursuit of personally satisfying activities, and bothe as an ‘attitude of the mind’.
Asthma nurse practice improves outcomes and reduces costs in primary health care
Authors: Lindberg Malou , Ahlner Johan , Ekström Tommy , Jonsson Dick , Möller Margareta
Published: March 2003

Asthma nurse practice improves outcomes and reduces costs in primary health care

Objective. The aim of this study was to elucidate the care of patients with asthma in primary health care from medical, patient self‐management, health, quality of live, and health economic perspectives.

Methods. Asthma nurse practice (ANP), an alternative asthma self‐management strategy, was compared with traditional asthma care in primary health care in southern Sweden regarding medical history, lifestyle, self‐management, symptoms caused by asthma, effects on sick leave, state of health, quality of life and health care costs. The first part of the investigation comprised a retrospective study of a randomly selected sample of patient records of asthmatics (n=152). The second part, lasting 3 months, was prospective and included consecutive patients visits (n=347).

Results. The ANP approach showed better results in most of the evaluated outcomes such as asthma quality documentation and self‐management and the number of asthma symptoms was significantly lower. From a health economic perspective the results were encouraging with respect to ANP.

Conclusion. This alternative asthma strategy, ANP, improved asthma care in primary health care and resulted in economic advantages in the health care sector. However the result may only be generalized to other practices working with asthma nurses in the same way.
Whose voice? Whose experiences? Women's qualitative accounts of general and private discussion of premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Sveinsdóttir Herdís , Lundman Berit , Norberg Astrid
Published: March 2003

Little is known about the disparity between public perceptions of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and how women perceive PMS. In this interview study the perceptions 17 healthy women have about the discussion on PMS are described. Qualitative and quantitative content analysis of the interviews resulted in three main categories: (i) Turning women's experiences against them, (ii) PMS as a silent part of everyday life and (3) Symptoms and experiences reported: public instability, private discomfort. These categories contain statements from the participants ascertaining that men talk negatively about PMS, the media portray PMS negatively, other women's premenstrual experiences are more negative than their own experiences and they do not need to discuss their experiences although they find it important to increase positive public discussion. The conclusions are that (i) the public voice on PMS is based on negative male stereotypical views about PMS and that women participate in constructing and sustaining that view through their own descriptions of other women; (ii) through media and health education, women and men should be made aware of whose voice rules in public discussion; (iii) to educate and change the public discourse on PMS is a challenge that the caring professions must take.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Southeast Asian cyprinid, Barbodes gonionotus (Bleeker)
Authors: Kamonrat W. , McConnell S. K. J. , Cook D. I.
Published: March 2003

The cyprinid Barbodes gonionotus (Bleeker) is a commercially important fish in both capture fisheries and aquaculture in Southeast Asia. Five polymorphic microsatellite loci from B. gonionotus are described. Four are highly variable, with 9–30 alleles observed per locus in four populations sampled from Thailand (HO = 0.694–0.808). These will be of use in studies of population genetic structure and in pedigree analyses.
Isolation of 44 polymorphic microsatellite loci in three host races of the phytopathogenic fungus Microbotryum violaceum
Authors: Giraud T. , Fournier E. , Vautrin D. , Solignac M. , Shykoff J. A.
Published: March 2003

We report the development of 44 microsatellite markers in three host races of the fungus Microbotryum violaceum, a sexually transmitted disease of the Caryophyllaceae. An enrichment protocol was used to isolate microsatellite loci from three strains, collected, respectively, from the plant species Gypsophila repens, Dianthus sylvestris, and Silene vulgaris. Polymorphism and cross‐amplification were explored with 32 isolates of M. violaceum, collected on 12 different plant species in natural populations.
Microsatellite loci for fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Ardren W. R. , Miller L. M. , Kime J. A. , Kvitrud M. A.
Published: March 2003

We describe the cloning and characterization of seven microsatellite loci (six dinucleotide and one tetranucleotide) from fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). In a sample of 48 fish from a captive population, polymorphism at these loci ranged from 4 to 11 alleles with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.59 to 0.82. These loci will be extremely useful to researchers currently studying the ecotoxicology, behaviour and population genetics of this species.
Microsatellite DNA loci for Western Hemlock [Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg]
Authors: Amarasinghe Vindhya , Brown Garth R. , Mank Judith E. , Carlson John E.
Published: March 2003

Polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for Western Hemlock [Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg], a prominent forest tree species in Western North America. Microsatellite‐enriched libraries were screened for (CA)n dinucleotide repeats from which 33 positive clones were sequenced. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for 16 microsatellite loci were prepared and tested against DNA from unrelated Western Hemlock trees. The 12 most informative microsatellite loci are reported here. From four to 22 alleles per locus were observed, with an average expected heterozygousity of 0.799.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Galápagos caterpillar hunters (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Calosoma)
Authors: Dhuyvetter Hilde , Gaublomme Eva , Verdyck Peter , Desender Konjev , Mondor‐Genson Guenaelle , Rasplus Jean‐Yves
Published: March 2003

Five microsatellite loci were isolated from the Galápagos caterpillar hunter Calosoma granatense. Polymorphism ranges from four to 14 alleles, and observed and expected heterozygosities range from 0.138 to 0.889 and 0.197–0.902, respectively. Cross‐amplification of the developed primers was successful in the related species C. leleuporum.
Seventeen new exon‐primed intron‐crossing polymerase chain reaction amplifiable introns in fish
Authors: Hassan M. , Lemaire C. , Fauvelot C. , Bonhomme F.
Published: March 2003

We used exon‐primed, intron‐crossing polymerase chain reaction (EPIC‐PCR) amplification to assay variation in nuclear loci in some teleost fishes (Carangidae, Centropomidae, Chaetodontidae, Clupeidae, Holocentridae, Moronidae, Mullidae, Pomacentridae, Scombridae, Siganidae). We designed primers in the conserved regions flanking splice sites of consecutive exons of different genes, allowing the amplification of 17 putative introns. Among the satisfactory amplified systems, 14 showed length polymorphism with 2–14 alleles.
A new oligonucleotide probe for the giant panda
Authors: Fang Sheng‐Guo , Wan Qiu‐Hong , Fujihara Noboru
Published: March 2003

Quantifying genetic diversity in populations is one of the fundamental measures for species conservation. This is far more important for critically endangered species like giant pandas, where there are few individuals remaining in the population. However, previous multilocus probes could not identify homozygous loci resulting from inbreeding of giant pandas, and produced few polymorphic loci. As a result, we have prepared a new oligonucleotide probe, which had the highest paternity probability and succeeded in identifying the homozygous loci and in discriminating giant panda individuals.
Microsatellite markers for the intertidal kelp Postelsia palmaeformis (Heterokontophyta; Laminariales)
Authors: Whitmer A. C.
Published: March 2003

Postelsia palmaeformis (Ruprecht) is an intertidal brown alga belonging to the ecologically and economically important group of seaweeds commonly referred to as kelp (Order Laminariales). Six polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified for this monotypic genus. The number of alleles ranged from two to five, with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.00 to 0.704.
Development of microsatellite markers in the green algae Enteromorpha intestinalis (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Alström‐Rapaport C. , Leskinen E.
Published: March 2003

The fouling green algae Enteromorpha intestinalis is a cosmopolitan benthic species, which causes green tides in many coastal areas and is used as an indicator species for eutrophication in the Baltic Sea area. The life cycle of E. intestinalis alternates between two morphologically identical reproductive stages, a haploid gametophyte phase and a diploid sporophyte phase. However, it also reproduces through asexual propagation. The reproductive cycles of E. intestinalis in the Baltic Sea and elsewhere are largely unknown. Here we report five polymorphic microsatellite markers developed from enriched genomic libraries. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 7 to 25.
More polymorphic microsatellite markers in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)
Authors: Ciftci Y. , Castilho R. , Mcandrew B. J.
Published: March 2003

We provide details of five microsatellite loci screened in 163 individual sea bass. Large numbers of alleles were observed at three loci (20–25) and heterozygosities ranged from 0.52 to 0.86. These loci should prove useful for population genetic studies and for the pedigree analysis and genetic management of this species in aquaculture.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci for the tropical tree pathogen Botryosphaeria rhodina
Authors: Burgess T. , Wingfield M. J. , Wingfield B. D.
Published: March 2003

Nineteen simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed for the pathogen and blue stain fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina. Eight pairs were found to be polymorphic among isolates collected from Pinus spp., whereas a further five pairs were polymorphic when isolates from Pinus spp. were compared with those from Eucalyptus spp. Nine isolates of B. rhodina collected from pines and eucalypts in South Africa, Mexico and Indonesia were used to demonstrate the range of the markers. Testing the markers yielded preliminary evidence that relationships among isolates are more closely linked to host than to geographical origin.
A12. IPL therapy in the inflammatory stage of rosacea
Authors: Rone M , Kisis J
Published: March 2003

The inflammatory stage of Rosacea iscommonly treated with topical or oral antibiotics. However, if additional erythema and telangiectasias are present, antibiotics are not successful. IPL (intense pulsed light) is mostly involved when only initial or residual telangiectasias are present. Application of IPL simultaneously with topical or oral medicine could be an effective form of treatment in the inflammatory stage of rosacea. This study was performed in order to detect the effect of IPL application with simultaneous topical antibiotics in inflammatory rosacea and to assess the efficacy of IPL therapy in routine treatment of rosacea.

Twenty patients aged between 34 and 70 with papulopustular rosacea (14 female and 7 male) were included in the study. Ten patients (group I) were treated for 21 weeks with topical metronidazole. The other ten patients (group II) received an additional 3 sessions with IPL 515–755 nm Photoderm VL technology over 4 weeks. Treatment affectivity was recorded by digital visualisation and patient satisfaction scale before each IPL session.

In all patients, significant reductions in papulopustular elements were observed. Eight out of 10 patients (group I) still showed permanent erythema and telangiectasias despite topical treatment. In 3/10 patients a few telangiectasias remained following the treatment in contrast to 5/10 satisfied group I patients. The most effective treatment was the application of 570 nm and 590 nm wavelength at a fluence of 25–55 J/cm2.

Application of IPL in inflammatory rosacea is equally as safe and effective in residual or initial lesions. Moreover, in combination with antibiotics, it promotes reduction of all symptoms, is less time‐consuming and is more successful for patients. The pathogenetic influence of IPL in rosacea seems not only to be limited to selective photothermolysis of dilated blood vessels, but may also have immunomodulatory effects on inflammatory processes and possibly on collagen remodelling. The combination of IPL and antibiotics from theoutset of rosacea therapy is considered to be highly effective.
A17. Cheilitis: more than just a cosmetic problem
Authors: Zelenkova H , Jautova J , Stracenska J
Published: March 2003

Cheilitis, the inflammation of lips, may attain acute, subacute or chronic forms. Its symptoms should not be underestimated as simply a cosmetic defect. Different pathological processes may underlie the variable clinical pictures. In addition to cheilitis glandularis, cheilitis granulomatosa and cheilitis abrasiva praecancerosa, dermatologists focus their attention more on cheilitis actinica, cheilitis iritativa (arteficialis), cheilitis allergica and cheilitis of microbial origin. In addition to these types of cheilitis is cheilitis accompanying the therapy with retinoids. Severe forms of the cheilitis erosiva and exfoliativa are frequently observed in patients treated with Roaccutane. Clinical discomfort and deterioration of their aesthetic appearance may cause severe stigmatisation. In spite of the availability of a number of therapeutics, treatment of cheilitis may be problematic due to the increasing incidence of contact allergies. It is therefore appropriate to exclude all preparations containing perfumes and preservatives. We evaluated several parameters in a study aimed at the utilisation of Anthelios XL 60 creme (La Roche‐Posay Laboratoire Pharmaceutique) and Ceralip (La Roche‐Posay Laboratoire Pharmaceutique) in patients with acne conglobata who were treated with retinoids during the spring and summer season.

Intended utilisation: Ceralip cream has proved to be efficient as a preventive and complementary dermatological preparation in the first phase of therapy with retinoids.
Clinical effectiveness and the education of healthcare practitioners
Authors: Clifford Collette , Murray Sarah , Kelly Sue
Published: March 2003

This paper reports a project designed to determine the extent to which undergraduate university research programmes prepare healthcare practitioners to use research and facilitate evidence‐based practice in clinical areas. Three groups of healthcare professionals participated in a sample of convenience to complete a modified training needs analysis questionnaire developed by Hicks et al. (1996). This enabled exploration of whether there are any differences between professional groups using their knowledge of research in practice. This is a relevant issue, as the available literature indicates that the way in which these groups of staff are introduced to research studies in their undergraduate programmes may be varied. For example, nurses commonly have a broad‐brush introduction to research studies, while medical students tend to focus on statistics and epidemiology. Sampling limitations are noted, but the findings indicate that for this small group of respondents, university programmes impact on the extent to which they can use research in practice. Differences in response between professional groups indicate that the nature of the research programme attended by healthcare students may impact upon the extent to which they feel confident about using research in practice. This work has raised questions that could be explored usefully in a larger controlled study in which the research curriculum is examined alongside student learning.
Female cloacal protuberance of the polygynandrous Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris: histological features and possible functional significance
Authors: Chiba Akira , Nakamura Masahiko
Published: March 2003

This paper describes the histological features of the prominent cloacal protuberance (CP) of sexually mature females of the polygynandrous Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris. In the copulation period, the CP of the prelaying mature female developed remarkably and the lips of the vent turned brilliant scarlet. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the cloacal region from females of different ovarian maturity showed that the formation of the CP was mainly due to the hypertrophy of the cloacal musculature, i.e. the sphincter cloacae muscle and levator cloacae muscle, and to the development of the associated connective tissue in the sexually mature female. The scarlet coloration of the cloacal lips was ascribed exclusively to the development of the dermal vascular plexus accompanied by hyperaemia, as characterized by the dilated blood vessels filled with blood. There was no evidence that skin pigmentation was involved in the scarlet coloration of the cloacal lips. We speculate that the morphological changes in the cloacal lips of the female Alpine Accentor are mediated hormonally by the brain–pituitary–gonadal axis.
The accuracy of reflection pupillometers‐‐a preliminary report
Authors: Obstfeld Henri , Chou B. Ralph
Published: March 2003

There appears to be a measure of agreement about the reliability of corneal reflection pupillometers. However, we have not encountered any publication about the accuracy of these instruments. This is what we set out to investigate. For this purpose we fixed two ball bearings at distances varying from 55 to 70 mm, in 5 mm steps. Ten measurements of the separation of the simulated corneal reflections were taken with a number of reflection pupillometers, by two experienced optometrists. The first five measurements were taken from a maximum, and the remainder from a minimum scale reading. Preliminary results show that interobserver differences in readings were of no practical significance. However, since the average of some readings showed errors of as much as 2 mm, with a standard deviation of 0.35 mm, it is suggested that this source of error is a factor in unexplained cases of non‐tolerance to progressive power lenses.
The Pulsair 3000 tonometer — how many readings need to be taken to ensure accuracy of the average?
Authors: McCaghrey G. E. , Matthews F. E.
Published: March 2003

Manufacturers of non‐contact tonometers recommend that a number of readings are taken on each eye, and an average obtained. With the Keeler Pulsair 3000 it is advised to take four readings, and average these. This report analyses readings in 100 subjects, and compares the first reading, and the averages of the first two and first three readings with the “machine standard” of the average of four readings. It is found that, in the subject group investigated, the average of three readings is not different from the average of four in 95% of individuals, with equivalence defined as ±1.0 mmHg.
Optical and biometric relationships of the isolated pig crystalline lens
Authors: Vilupuru Abhiram S. , Glasser Adrian
Published: March 2003

Aim: To investigate the interrelationships between optical and biometric properties of the porcine crystalline lens, to compare these findings with similar relationships found for the human lens and to attempt to fit this data to a geometric model of the optical and biometric properties of the pig lens.

Methods: Weight, focal length, spherical aberration, surface curvatures, thickness and diameters of 20 isolated pig lenses were measured and equivalent refractive index was calculated. These parameters were compared and used to geometrically model the pig lens.

Results: Linear relationships were identified between many of the lens biometric and optical properties. The existence of these relationships allowed a simple geometrical model of the pig lens to be calculated which offers predictions of the optical properties.

Conclusions: The linear relationships found and the agreement observed between measured and modeled results suggest that the pig lens confirms to a predictable, preset developmental pattern and that the optical and biometric properties are predictably interrelated.
The effects of accommodative facility training on a group of children with impaired relative accommodation—a comparison between dioptric treatment and sham treatment
Authors: Sterner Bertil , Abrahamsson Maths , Sjöström Anders
Published: March 2003

The effects of accommodative facility training were evaluated by comparing training with plano lenses and ±2.00 D lens flipper sets. Thirteen children with symptoms and signs of accommodative dysfunction were included in the study. Seven started with 2 weeks of plano lens training before proceeding to traditional dioptric flipper training; later, one patient from this group was lost to follow‐up. The remaining six children used powered flipper training from the start. The positive (PRA) and negative relative accommodation (NRA) were examined every second week. During the initial training period both the PRA and the NRA decreased in the sham treatment group (P=0.010 and P=0.102, respectively), while the PRA and the NRA increased during the dioptric training in both groups (P=0.102 and P=0.033, respectively). The result of this study indicates that accommodative facility training has a real effect on the amplitude of relative accommodation in patients with impaired relative accommodation.
Recurrent keratoconus 40 years after keratoplasty
Authors: Thalasselis Anfitritis , Etchepareborda Jorge
Published: March 2003

Recurrent keratoconus is a corneal dystrophy that degrades the optical function of the corneal graft. Recurrence of keratoconus after keratoplasty has been reported previously in some scattered case reports, but the aetiology is still unclear. This report describes the case of a 74‐year‐old white woman, who presented recurrent keratoconus 40 years after keratoplasty. Ophthalmological and videokeratographic data are presented. The patient obtained satisfactory vision with soft contact lenses, and recurrent keratoconus remained stable during a 2‐year period. Recurrent keratoconus generally has a moderate to severe effect on visual performance, but contact lenses usually optimise visual acuity. In cases in which the visual defect is severe, a second penetrating keratoplasty should be considered.
New developments in supra‐threshold perimetry
Authors: Henson David B. , Artes Paul H.
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To describe a series of recent enhancements to supra‐threshold perimetry.

Methods: Computer simulations were used to develop an improved algorithm (HEART) for the setting of the supra‐threshold test intensity at the beginning of a field test, and to evaluate the relationship between various pass/fail criteria and the test's performance (sensitivity and specificity) and how they compare with modern threshold perimetry. Data were collected in optometric practices to evaluate HEART and to assess how the patient's response times can be analysed to detect false positive response errors in visual field test results.

Results: The HEART algorithm shows improved performance (reduced between‐eye differences) over current algorithms. A pass/fail criterion of `3 stimuli seen of 3–5 presentations' at each test location reduces test/retest variability and combines high sensitivity and specificity. A large percentage of false positive responses can be detected by comparing their latencies to the average response time of a patient.

Conclusions: Optimised supra‐threshold visual field tests can perform as well as modern threshold techniques. Such tests may be easier to perform for novice patients, compared with the more demanding threshold tests.