bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage‐derived chemokine in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions
Authors: OKAMOTO Masakazu , IMAIZUMI Kazuyoshi , HASEGAWA Yoshinori , HASHIMOTO Naozumi , SUMIDA Atsushi , SHIBAZAKI Masataka , TAKAGI Kenzo , SHIMOKATA Kaoru , KAWABE Tsutomu
Published: March 2007

Background and objectives:  Macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) is recognized as a T‐helper (Th) 2‐type chemokine. Both malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions are typically lymphocytic pleural effusions. Tuberculous pleural effusions have a more polarized Th1 reaction than malignant effusions, which are predominantly Th2 in nature. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of MDC in malignant pleural effusions with those in tuberculous pleural effusions to help delineate the role of MDC in Th2 versus Th1 effusions.

Methods:  Forty‐three patients with pleural effusions (32 malignant, 11 tuberculous) were studied. The concentration of MDC in the pleural effusion was measured by ELISA.

Results:  The median concentration of MDC was lower in malignant pleural effusions than in tuberculous pleural effusions (P < 0.005).

Conclusions:  MDC has been reported to both promote and suppress antitumour immunity. The low concentration of MDC in malignant effusions is likely to minimise its antitumour activity but the precise role of MDC in malignant and tuberculous effusions needs to be investigated further.
Do glucocorticoids decrease mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome? A meta‐analysis
Authors: AGARWAL Ritesh , NATH Alok , AGGARWAL Ashutosh N. , GUPTA Dheeraj
Published: March 2007

Background and objectives:  Glucocorticoids have been shown to improve survival when used in patients with septic shock. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of glucocorticoids in decreasing mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) both in the acute and the fibroproliferative phases.

Methods:  We searched the MEDLINE database for relevant studies published between 1980 and 2006, and included studies if the study design was a randomized controlled trial or observational study (comparing historical controls). The study population included patients with ARDS treated with glucocorticoids. We calculated the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the outcome of mortality.

Results:  Six trials met the inclusion criteria; three investigated the role of steroids in early stage disease (n = 300) and three investigated the role of steroids in late stage disease (n = 235). The odds of glucocorticoids decreasing mortality in patients with early ARDS were 0.57 (95% CI: 0.25–1.32) with a number needed to treat of 10 for benefit (818 harm to 5 benefit) whereas the odds of glucocorticoids decreasing mortality in patients with late ARDS was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.22–1.53) with a number needed to treat of 15 for harm (6 harm to 21 benefit). However, there was significant heterogeneity.

Conclusions:  Current evidence does not support a role for corticosteroids in the management of ARDS in either the early or late stages of the disease. More research is required to establish the role of steroids in specific subgroups of patients with severe sepsis and early ARDS who have relative adrenal insufficiency and patients with late ARDS 7–14 days after the onset of disease.
Seasonality of the onset of symptoms, Tuberculin test anergy and Kveim positive reaction in a large cohort of patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: DEMIRKOK Sevtap Sipahi , BASARANOGLU Metin , ÇOKER Elif , KARAYEL Tuncer
Published: March 2007

Background and objectives:  Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology and pathogenesis. This study evaluated the seasonal variation in the onset of symptoms, Tuberculin anergy and Kveim positive reaction in a cohort of 492 patients with sarcoidosis and in a subgroup of 248 patients with known Kveim test responses.

Methods:  The medical records of 492 patients with sarcoidosis were retrospectively reviewed. Roger’s test for cyclic variation was used to assess the statistical significance of the observed seasonal variation.

Results:  For all sarcoidosis patients (n = 492) the onset of symptoms was most frequent in spring (61.8%) and least frequent in summer (31.7%) (P < 0.001). For patients with Tuberculin anergy (n = 364) the onset of symptoms was most frequent in spring and least frequent in autumn (P < 0.001); there was no seasonal variation among Tuberculin positive patients (n = 128). Of those patients with a Kveim test result (n = 248), the onset of symptoms was most frequent in spring and least frequent in summer (P < 0.001); there was no seasonal variation for patients with a negative Kveim results (n = 50 patients).

Conclusions:  The onset of the symptoms was most frequent in spring and least frequent in the second half of the year (summer or autumn) in patients with sarcoidosis, Tuberculin anergy and a positive Kveim reaction. The significance of this finding in relation to aetiology and clinical utility needs to be further assessed.
Huntington’s disease with onset ages greater than 60 years
Authors: Yoshida Kunihiro , Yanagawa Sohei , Tsuchiya Ayako , Nakajima Takashi , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: March 2007

We examined five patients with late‐onset Huntington’s disease (HD), who developed chorea as an initial symptom at age 60 or later. The mean disease duration from the onset of chorea was approximately 8 years (range, 2–16 years). All carried expanded HD alleles with 39 or 40 CAG repeats. Cognitive or psychiatric decline was observed in four patients, the mean duration of the disease being approximately 10 years. One of them had been institutionalized in a nursing home undiagnosed for a long time. Late‐onset HD patients with shorter repeat expansions may be overlooked in Japan. Non‐disabling chorea, mild cognitive or psychiatric decline in such patients are sometimes unrecognized or misunderstood as aging‐related phenomena, and do not come to medical attention. Considering the potential genetic risk to younger generations, however, genetic testing on such late‐onset HD patients should be conducted with careful genetic counseling and psychological support for their family members.
Music therapy‐induced changes in behavioral evaluations, and saliva chromogranin A and immunoglobulin A concentrations in elderly patients with senile dementia
Authors: Suzuki Mizue , Kanamori Masao , Nagasawa Shingo , Tokiko Isowa , Takayuki Saruhara
Published: March 2007

Objective:  To clarify music therapy‐induced changes in behavioral evaluations, and saliva chromogranin A and immunoglobulin A concentrations in elderly patients with senile dementia.

Methods:  A music therapy group consisting of 8 elderly patients with dementia and a control group including eight similarly matched patients received a total of 25 1‐h sessions of music therapy that were conducted twice weekly for 3 months. The Gottfries–Brane–Steen Scale, and the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale were used to evaluate behavioral changes. Saliva chromogranin A and immunoglobulin A were used to assess changes in stress and immunological status, respectively.

Results:  On the Gottfries–Brane–Steen Scale, the mean score for “different symptoms common in dementia” improved significantly after music therapy. The mean Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale score for “paranoid and delusional ideation” also significantly improved (P < 0.05) after the intervention. While immunoglobulin A was slightly increased prior to intervention, at the 25th session, mean chromogranin A was significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  In this study, the Gottfries–Brane–Steen Scale, the Behavior Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale, and immunoglobulin A concentrations were shown to have been affected by music therapy. However, as the number of subjects was small, further research is required in order to fully clarify the effects of music therapy.
Successful treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura by Chinese herbal medicine EK‐49 and ascorbic acid in an elderly patient developing chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Hirano Atsushi , Ueoka Hiroshi
Published: March 2007

Treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can present difficult therapeutic choices. An 88‐year‐old woman was admitted for treatment of a right subdural hematoma. She had a history of chronic thrombocytopenia, with follow‐up evaluations by a local physician. Platelet count on admission was 5 × 103/µL, with a high serum concentration of platelet‐associated immunoglobulin G. Bone marrow examination showed a marked increase in megakaryocytes. The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura accompanied by chronic subdural hematoma. An increase in platelet count and gradual resolution of the subdural hematoma were obtained with prednisolone and azathioprine administration, but platelet count decreased when steroid tapering was attempted. Ultimately we administered the Chinese herbal medicine EK‐49 and ascorbic acid, with a gradual increase in platelet count and no adverse effects. Some elderly patients with chronic subdural hematoma can be treated non‐invasively. Further, a combination of EK‐49 and ascorbic acid may be an effective treatment for refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Information Gathering and Changes in Threat and Opportunity Perceptions*
Authors: Anderson Marc H. , Nichols Mary L.
Published: March 2007

abstract  Managers need to make sense of emerging strategic issues that could significantly impact their businesses. While models of this sensemaking process suggest that information gathering affects interpretations (which affect action and performance), researchers have argued that our understanding of the role of information in changing interpretations is underdeveloped. This paper investigates the role of the time managers spend searching for information and the diversity of the information they find in changing managers’ perceptions that an equivocal, strategic issue represents a threat and opportunity for their businesses. The methodology involves a longitudinal research design in which managers recorded multiple, process‐oriented measures of their information gathering activity. Results suggest that time spent searching for information leads to changes towards seeing the issue as more of a threat, while the diversity of information found leads to changes towards seeing it as less of a threat. We found no effect of information gathering on opportunity perceptions.
Collective Virtuosity in Organizations: A Study of Peak Performance in an Orchestra
Authors: Marotto Mark , Roos Johan , Victor Bart
Published: March 2007

abstract  The purpose of this paper is to build theory on peak performance at the group level. Peak performance transcends ordinary performance and is associated with a subjective experience in which one loses a sense of time and space as well as feels great joy and bliss. We chose to study this phenomenon at the group level through a methodology of participant observation in an orchestra. We found that groups can be transformed by their own performance in a reflexive process in which virtuosity, or individual peak performance, becomes collective. We offer a propositional model of collective virtuosity in organizations, and offer directions for further research.
Identifying regions of the wheat genome controlling seed development by mapping expression quantitative trait loci†
Authors: Jordan Mark C. , Somers Daryl J. , Banks Travis W.
Published: March 2007

Statistical methods established for the genetic analysis of quantitative traits can be applied to gene expression data. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis can associate the expression of genes or groups of genes with particular genomic regions, and thereby identify regions regulating gene expression. A segregating population of 41 doubled haploid (DH) lines from the hard red spring wheat cross RL4452 × ‘AC Domain’ was used to map expression level polymorphisms. This population had previously been mapped with microsatellites, and includes a full QTL analysis for agronomic and seed quality traits. Expression analysis on mRNA from developing seed grown in two field locations was conducted on 39 of the 41 DH lines using the Affymetrix GeneChip® Wheat Genome Array. Analysis of the hybridization intensity identified 1484 Affymetrix probe sets in the first location and 10 280 probe sets in the second location, where the hybridization intensity varied significantly between genotypes of the population. A common set of 1455 probe sets differing in intensity between genotypes in both locations was used for mapping, and 542 QTLs were identified that each mapped to a single chromosome interval, illustrating that major gene expression QTLs could be found in wheat. Genomic regions corresponding to multiple gene expression QTLs were identified. Comparison of expression mapping data with physical mapping of wheat expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences using rice synteny, as well as logarithm of odds (LOD) score analysis, showed that both cis‐ and trans‐acting expression QTLs were present. Chromosomes 1D and 4B may contain significant trans‐regulatory regions in this population.
Inclusion of additional studies yields different conclusions: Comment on Sedikides, Gaertner, & Vevea (2005), Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Authors: Heine Steven J. , Kitayama Shinobu , Hamamura Takeshi
Published: March 2007

In a Journal of Personality and Social Psychology article, Sedikides, Gaertner and Vevea (2005) presented two meta‐analyses that included eight papers to investigate the question of whether people from Eastern cultures self‐enhance more for traits that they view to be important compared to those that they view as unimportant. The results supported their hypothesis: Self‐enhancement appears to be pancultural. However, this conclusion is severely compromised by six relevant papers that are not included in their meta‐analyses. Importantly, all of these six studies contradicted their hypothesis. When complete meta‐analyses are conducted which include all of the relevant papers, a very different pattern of results emerges. Eastern and Western cultures do not differ from each other in the pattern of their self‐enhancement of independent and interdependent traits. Furthermore, whereas Westerners self‐enhanced significantly more for traits that they viewed to be especially important, East Asians did not. Contrary to the Sedikides et al. (2005) suggestion, the existing evidence suggests substantial cross‐cultural variation in self‐enhancement, with Westerners being far more self‐enhancing than Easterners. Reasons for the conflicting pattern of findings across methods and meta‐analyses are discussed.
A Regional Comparative Static CGE Analysis of Subsidized Child Care
Authors: RICKMAN DAN S. , SNEAD MARK C.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT  Concerns with the equity of societal income distribution typically underpin the provision of government subsidies to low‐income households, in which such subsidies are commonly believed to reduce economic growth. Using a regional computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, this study examines the equity and growth aspects of subsidizing formal child care services for low‐income households at the state level. The results suggest that state government subsidization of formal child care services does not necessarily reduce the level of economic activity, even when accounting for negative growth effects of tax increases required to finance the subsidies. The CGE model also reveals economic impacts on households and industry sectors not directly affected by the subsidies, impacts that would be omitted from a partial equilibrium microeconometric appraisal.
A Psychological Perspective on Australia's Asylum Policies1
Authors: Mansouri Fethi , Cauchi Stephanie
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses mental and psychological impacts of Australia's temporary protection visa (TPV) policy on individual asylum seekers. The paper is based on personal narratives constructed by individual asylum seekers during one‐on‐one interviews and aims principally to sketch the discursive manifestations of stressful events in the lives of TPV holders. The fact that refugees exhibit signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not entirely new or surprising given the level of trauma, and in many cases torture and persecution, endured in the pre‐migration phase.

What is particularly revealing among many TPV holders is the fact that their pre‐migration traumatic experiences are compounded by a post‐migration condition of being in indefinite “temporary” protection. This is further exacerbated by an awareness of the exclusionary discourses and policies advocated by the host government. Past trauma and persecution, combined with present family separation and social exclusion, further compounded by uncertainty about the future, results in almost chronic states of anxiety and depression among a significant number of TPV holders.
Inference of population structure using multilocus genotype data: dominant markers and null alleles
Authors: FALUSH DANIEL , STEPHENS MATTHEW , PRITCHARD JONATHAN K.
Published: March 2007

Dominant markers such as amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) provide an economical way of surveying variation at many loci. However, the uncertainty about the underlying genotypes presents a problem for statistical analysis. Similarly, the presence of null alleles and the limitations of genotype calling in polyploids mean that many conventional analysis methods are invalid for many organisms. Here we present a simple approach for accounting for genotypic ambiguity in studies of population structure and apply it to AFLP data from whitefish. The approach is implemented in the program structure version 2.2, which is available from http://pritch.bsd.uchicago.edu/structure.html.
Isolation and characterization of 16 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
Authors: LIANG XU , ZHANG ZHI‐HE , ZHANG LIANG , ZHANG WEN‐PING , SHEN FU‐JUN , YANG ZHI , HOU RONG , HE WEI , WEI KUN , YUE BI‐SONG
Published: March 2007

A total of 15 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the red panda, Ailurus fulgens, were characterized in this study. Based on evaluations of 33 red pandas, the number of observed alleles for each locus ranged from seven to 17 and the expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.412–0.897 and 0.121–0.909, respectively. The mean polymorphic information content was 0.721. These markers would greatly strengthen the utilization of microsatellite tools in genetic variation studies in red panda populations.
Contribution of glutamatergic signaling to nitrosative stress‐induced protein misfolding in normal brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Nakamura Tomohiro , Gu Zezong , Lipton Stuart A.
Published: March 2007

Glutamatergic hyperactivity, associated with Ca2+ influx and consequent production of nitric oxide (NO), is potentially involved in both normal brain aging and age‐related neurodegenerative disorders. Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by conformational changes in proteins that result in their misfolding and aggregation. Normal protein degradation by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system can prevent accumulation of aberrantly folded proteins. Our recent studies have linked nitrosative stress to protein misfolding and neuronal cell death. In particular, molecular chaperones – such as protein disulfide isomerase, glucose regulated protein 78, and heat shock proteins – can provide neuroprotection from misfolded proteins by facilitating proper folding and thus preventing aggregation. Here, we present evidence for the hypothesis that NO contributes to normal brain aging and degenerative conditions by S‐nitrosylating specific chaperones that would otherwise prevent accumulation of misfolded proteins.
Application of microsatellite primers for the social wasp Polistes to another social wasp genus, Parapolybia, to estimate genetic relationships among nestmates
Authors: KATADA Shin’ichi , SUZUKI Tadashi , TSUCHIDA Koji
Published: March 2007

We tested 14 pairs of microsatellite primers that had been developed for the genus Polistes to assess their applicability for determining genetic structure in a colony of the genus Parapolybia. At least one of the 14 Polistes primer sets was useful for Parapolybia indica, and the locus identified by this primer set was highly polymorphic. Using this primer set, we estimated the average relatedness among female nestmates of Parapolybia indica to be 0.82 ± 0.05 (mean ± SE), indicating that in this species single mating is normal, although some cases of multiple mating was found.
Nestmate discrimination in the queenless ponerine antDiacammasp. from Japan
Authors: SUWABE Mayuko , OHNISHI Hitoshi , KIKUCHI Tomonori , TSUJI Kazuki
Published: March 2007

We examined the nestmate discrimination ability ofDiacammasp., an ant that reproduces by colony budding. We also tested for a relationship between internest distance and hostility. Hostility toward non‐nestmates was significantly stronger than that toward nestmates, suggesting thatDiacammasp. discriminates between nestmates and non‐nestmates. There was no significant correlation between internest hostility and internest distance, which indicates the absence of a “dear enemy” phenomenon in this species.
Population genetics analysis of the origin of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae), in northern Yunnan Province, China
Authors: LIU Jianhong , SHI Wei , YE Hui
Published: March 2007

We examined genetic variation in the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), using six populations in two regions of Yunnan Province, China, to determine the distribution and likely mechanism for the dispersal of this fly. A 501‐bp portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene was sequenced from a minimum of eight individuals from each population, and 43 haplotypes were observed in the six Bactrocera dorsalis populations. When comparing the genetic diversity of populations in the northern and southern regions, which differ with respect to elevation, climate and plant phenology, we found a significantly greater haplotype diversity in the southern region (permutation test; P < 0.05), suggesting that the northern populations, those at Kunming and Qujing, probably originated from somewhere in the southern region. FST and number of pairwise differences revealed a high level of differentiation between the Panxi population and the other populations (permutation test; P < 0.05). Although the difference was marginally insignificant, the Shuitang population seemed to have differentiated from both northern populations. The Mantel test did not detect any isolation due to geographic distance. An amova analysis found that 2.56% of the variance was caused by the Panxi population. Haplotype network analysis showed that none of the six populations had a specific genetic lineage. Together, these analyses suggest that long‐distance dispersal has occurred for this species, and the species most probably took advantage of both a mountain pass and prevailing air currents. The Panxi population was significantly isolated from the others, probably because of its distinguishing habitat features, host plants or the recent reduction of the population size.
A danaid butterfly, Ideopsis similis, overcomes parasitization by a tachinid fly, Sturmia bella
Authors: HIRAI Norio , ISHII Minoru
Published: March 2007

The danaid butterfly Ideopsis similis, which occurs in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, is a sedentary and monophagous species, whose larval food plant, Tylophora tanakae (Asclepiadaceae), is shared with the migratory and polyphagous danaid Parantica sita. The tachinid Sturmia bella is known to be a principal parasitoid of larval P. sita, whereas there have been no records of parasitization of I. similis by this tachinid. We conducted laboratory experiments and field surveys at seven sites in the Ryukyu Islands to determine how I. similis evades parasitization by this tachinid. We found eggs of S. bella at four sites and eggs and/or larvae of I. similis on the leaves of T. tanakae at all seven sites in the field survey. Out of 40 I. similis allowed to ingest S. bella eggs, 28 (70%) emerged as normal host adults and nine (22.5%) emerged as host adults with crippled wings. Only three (7.5%) died of parasitization in the pupal stage, whereas 27 (87%) of 31 P. sita given S. bella eggs yielded parasitoid flies and eventually died. Melanized dead larvae of S. bella were found in the abdomens of the I. similes adults that had been parasitized but did not yield parasitoid flies. When I. similis females parasitized by S. bella were released in a greenhouse with males, one of them laid fertile eggs. Out of 125 field‐collected I. similis adults, nine had melanized dipteran larvae within their abdomens, which were considered to be S. bella. These results demonstrate that I. similis has the ability to overcome parasitization by S. bella and develop into a fertile adult. It is possible that I. similis remains sedentary and monophagous because it has a strong defense mechanism against S. bella, whereas P. sita escapes from parasitization using its migratory and polyphagous capability.
New record of the tropical swallowtail moth Lyssa zampa (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Uraniidae) from mainland Japan
Authors: TOKESHI Mutsunori , YOKO‐O Makoto
Published: March 2007

The tropical swallowtail moth Lyssa zampa (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Uraniidae) was recorded for the first time from mainland Japan. A male specimen of this species was captured in Amakusa, western Kyushu, on the night of 19 May 2006. An analysis of typhoon data suggests that this individual is likely to have reached the western coast of Kyushu from the Philippines, being transported over a distance of approximately 3000 km by typhoon no. 1 of 2006.
Single‐Dose Chloral Hydrate for Benign Convulsions with Mild Gastroenteritis
Authors: Enoki Hideo , Yokota Takuya , Nagasaki Rika , Ohro Yoichiro , Takeda Sho , Nakashima Yasumi , Matsubayashi Rie , Matsubayashi Tadashi
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: To reveal the efficacy of single‐dose treatment with chloral hydrate (CH) for clustering seizures in benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis.

Methods: We retrospectively studied the details of treatment in 33 patients with ages ranging from 7 to 39 months. The time‐series records of seizures and processes of drug administrations were investigated.

Results: A single‐dose therapy with CH was effective in 19 of 22 patients (86%), and diazepam in two of 16 (13%). The doses of CH in patients having a successful treatment with single‐dose therapy ranged from 41.7 to 62.5 mg/kg (mean 50.2). In two patients, seizures were resistant to single‐dose CH therapy, and their doses of CH were 33.8 and 35.1 mg/kg.

Conclusions: An advantage of the single‐dose therapy with CH was shown. We recommend treatment with a sufficient dose of not less than 40 mg/kg of CH.
Women with Onset of Epilepsy Prior to Marriage: Disclose or Conceal?
Authors: Santosh Deetha , Kumar T. Santosh , Sarma P. Sankara , Radhakrishnan Kurupath
Published: March 2007

Summary:  We inquired reasons for concealment/disclosure of the history of epilepsy during marriage negotiations and marriage outcomes of 82 consecutive women attending a tertiary referral center based epilepsy clinic in Kerala, southern India. At the time of marriage, 55% concealed and 45% disclosed the history of epilepsy. Majority of those who concealed admitted that they did so fearing breakup of marriage negotiations, and majority of those who disclosed did so to forestall the consequences after marriage of concealing. Compared to those who disclosed, the prevalence of divorce, separation and disturbed marriages were significantly higher among those who concealed. Honest prospective communication during marriage negotiations about epilepsy is important for preserving subsequent married life.
High Frequency Thalamic Stimulation for Inoperable Mesial Temporal Epilepsy
Authors: Osorio Ivan , Overman John , Giftakis Jonathon , Wilkinson Steven B.
Published: March 2007

Summary: Purpose:To assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of high‐frequency periodic thalamic stimulation in inoperable mesial temporal epilepsy and the usefulness of intracranially evoked responses for assessment of anatomical uniformity of lead placement.

Methods:Four subjects were implanted with leads aimed at theanteriorthalamic nuclei. Six weeks later, Soletra IPGs were activated using parameters similar to the closed‐loop trial's (mean: 175 Hz; 4.1 V; 90 μs; 1 min ON, 5 min OFF). Efficacy was assessed by comparing percentage change in seizure frequency over a 6‐month baseline versus a 36‐month treatment period, using a within‐subjects repeated measures design. Tolerability and safety were similarly monitored. Evoked responses elicited by thalamic stimulation were recorded from depth electrodes in the amygdalo‐hippocampal regions and compared intra and interindividually.

Results:All subjects completed the study, tolerated stimulation and had no serious adverse effects. Mean reduction in seizure frequency was 75.6% (t =−8.24; p ≤ 0.01) (range: 92% to 53%). Quality of life improved in all. Verification of electrode placement with a software function indicated that stimulated structures were presumably,Anterior thalami,Latero‐polaris, Reticulatus Polaris, Ventro‐oralis Internus, andCampus Forelii. Evoked responses from stimulated sites were heterogeneous, intra and interindividually, also suggesting a lack of uniformity in lead placement.

Conclusions:High‐frequency, periodic, round‐the‐clock thalamic stimulation seems safe, well tolerated and efficacious for inoperable mesial temporal epilepsy. Identification of clinically useful parameters may be facilitated by brief closed‐loop trials. Selective stimulation of a single structure may not be feasible at certain intensities, nor required for efficacy. Evoked responses may be useful for verification of uniformity of target acquisition.
Expression of Adhesion Factors Induced by Epileptiform Activity in the Endothelium of the Isolated Guinea Pig Brain In Vitro
Authors: Librizzi Laura , Regondi Maria Cristina , Pastori Chiara , Frigerio Simona , Frassoni Carolina , De Curtis Marco
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Brain inflammation has been recently considered in the pathogenesis of focal epilepsies. Synthesis of pro‐inflammatory mediators in the brain was described both in experimental models of seizures and in human postsurgical tissue. Inflammatory mediators may up‐regulate endothelial adhesion molecules, therefore promoting adhesion and homing of leucocytes into the brain. In the present study, expression of inducible adhesion factors in brain endothelium was verified after pharmacological induction of seizure‐like activity in specific brain areas of the in vitro isolated guinea pig brain.

Methods: Experiments were performed in isolated guinea‐pig brains maintained in vitro by arterial perfusion. In this preparation, brief application of the GABAa receptor–antagonist, bicuculline, consistently induced focal ictal discharges in the limbic region that secondarily diffuse to the neocortex, as verified by simultaneous electrophysiological recording of extracellular activity. At the end of the electrophysiological experiment (after 5 h in vitro), brains were fixed and immunostaining for adhesion molecules P‐selectin and ICAM‐1 and for Fos protein was evaluated.

Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of isolated brains in which seizure‐like activity was induced revealed expression of inducible adhesion factors P‐selectin and ICAM‐1 in the endothelium of small–medium size brain vessels. In particular, the expression of these molecules was consistently observed in all areas involved in epileptic seizure‐like ictal activity (limbic cortices and neocortex), and was infrequently found in regions that generated interictal spiking (piriform cortex), suggesting a trigger role played by seizures for endothelial activation. An increase in Fos protein expression was evident in all analyzed limbic areas and in the neocortex, indicating a correlation between the areas of neuronal and endothelial activation. In control brains maintained in vitro for comparable times without induction of epileptiform activity, no immunoreactivity for Fos and adhesion molecules was observed.

Conclusions: Seizure‐like activity in an in vitro isolated brain preparation induces the expression of adhesion molecules in the cerebral endothelium. These observations indicate that local endothelial activation may represent a crucial step for the development of an inflammatory response induced by seizures, and suggest a possible novel pathogenic mechanism during the process of epileptogenesis.
The Alcohol‐Induced Suppression of Ovarian Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Gene Transcription Is Independent of Growth Hormone and Its Receptor
Authors: Srivastava Vinod K. , Hiney Jill K. , Mattison Julie A. , Bartke Andrej , Dees W. Les
Published: March 2007

Background: Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) plays an important role in ovarian development and function. Alcohol (ALC) is a gonadal toxin and capable of causing depressed ovarian IGF‐1 and suppressed estradiol. The mechanism by which ALC affects IGF‐1 transcription is not well understood, and more information is needed to better understand the interrelationships between ALC, growth hormone (GH) and its ovarian receptor, and the gene expression of ovarian IGF‐1.

Methods: Prepubertal transgenic mice carrying the bovine GH (bGH) gene were fed either a liquid diet containing ALC, pair‐fed the companion isocaloric control liquid diet, or fed chow and water. A fourth group consisted of normal (nontransgenic) littermates fed chow and water. Mice received their diets for 5 days, were then killed and tissues collected and frozen.

Results: Alcohol did not alter circulating levels of bGH held constant by the promoter. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed elevated (p<0.05) ovarian IGF‐1 mRNA levels in both groups of transgenic control mice, compared with normal mice. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 expression in the ALC‐treated transgenic mice was suppressed (p<0.01) compared with both transgenic controls. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) gene expression was also decreased (p<0.01) in ALC‐treated transgenic mice compared with transgenic controls. Growth hormone‐receptor (GH‐R) synthesis revealed that all transgenic mice, including those exposed to ALC, showed increased (p<0.05) GH‐R mRNA compared with normal controls, and ALC did not alter protein levels of the GH‐R.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the ALC‐induced suppression of ovarian IGF‐1 gene transcription is independent of alterations in serum GH.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/Cortisol Response to Physical Exercise in Abstinent Alcoholic Patients
Authors: Coiro Vittorio , Casti Amos , Saccani Jotti Gloria , Rubino Pasquale , Manfredi Guido , Maffei Maria Ludovica , Melani Andrea , Volta Elio , Chiodera Paolo
Published: March 2007

Background: Alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in alcoholic patients have been reported in various experimental conditions.

Methods: To establish whether alcoholism affects the HPA axis activation during physical exercise, 10 recent abstinent alcoholic patients (age range: 33–45 years; duration of alcohol dependence: range 4–6 years) were tested by exercising on a bicycle ergometer. Ten age‐matched healthy nonalcoholic men participated as controls. The workload was gradually increased at 3‐minute intervals until exhaustion and lasted about 15 minutes for all subjects. Alcoholic patients were tested at 3 time points, at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after alcohol withdrawal, whereas controls were tested only once. Main outcome measurements were circulating levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol and physiological variables during physical exercise [heart rate, blood pressure, ventilation, frequency of breathing, tidal volume, oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon oxide production (VCO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (R)].

Results: Similar basal and exercise‐induced changes in physiological variables were observed in controls and alcoholic patients in all tests. Basal levels of ACTH and cortisol were similar in all tests performed on alcoholic patients and on normal controls. In normal subjects, exercise induced a significant increase in plasma ACTH and serum cortisol levels, with peak levels at 20 minutes for ACTH (84% higher than baseline) and at 30 minutes for cortisol (70% higher than baseline). After 4 weeks of abstinence, slight but not significant ACTH/cortisol responses to physical exercise were observed in alcoholic patients (mean peaks were 10 and 18% higher than baseline, respectively, for ACTH and cortisol). By contrast, when the exercise test was repeated after 6 weeks abstinence, ACTH/cortisol levels rose significantly versus baseline (mean peak levels of ACTH and cortisol were 48 and 38% higher than baseline, respectively, for ACTH and cortisol). However, the hormonal responses were significantly lower than in the normal controls. At 8 weeks of abstinence, ACTH/cortisol responses were significantly higher than 2 weeks previously, and were not distinguishable from the increments observed in the normal controls (76 and 68% higher than baseline, respectively, for ACTH and cortisol).

Conclusions: In concurrence with previous reports showing alterations of the HPA axis in the central nervous system in alcohol‐dependent subjects, these data show a defect of the neuroendocrine mechanism(s) underlying the ACTH/cortisol response to physical exercise for at least a month after alcohol withdrawal, with reconstitution of a normal hormonal response at 8 weeks.
Intracoronary Thrombectomy with the Export Aspiration Catheter Before Angioplasty in Patients with ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: COHEN RÉMY , DOMNIEZ THIERRY , FOUCHER RÉMI , SFAXI ANIS , ELHADAD SIMON
Published: March 2007

Objective: We aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of thrombectomy with the Export Aspiration Catheter (EAC) before angioplasty, and its ability to improve angiographic results in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background: Distal embolization of atherothrombotic material often occurs during angioplasty in STEMI, compromising optimal myocardial reperfusion.

Methods: We performed a thrombus‐aspiration with EAC prior to angioplasty in 64 consecutive patients with STEMI. Successful thrombectomy was defined as an improvement of TIMI flow grade ≥1.

Results: Successful thrombectomy (increase of TIMI flow ≥1) was achieved in 40 patients (62.5%). Mean TIMI flow grade increased from 0.7 ± 1 to 1.9 ± 1.2 (p < 0.0001) after thrombectomy. TIMI flow grade 3 was observed more frequently after EAC compared with guidewire alone (51.5% vs. 9%, p = 0.0062). Direct stenting was performed in most of the patients (n = 41, 64%). Distal embolization and no reflow/slow flow phenomenon occurred in 8 patients (12.5%). No vessel injury after EAC thrombectomy was reported. After treatment with balloon angioplasty and/or stenting, final TIMI flow grade 3 was achieved in 54 patients (84.5%). By multivariate analysis, ischemic time < 6 hours was a significant independent predictor of successful thrombectomy (p = 0.0437).

Conclusions: Our series suggests that EAC thrombectomy prior to angioplasty in the setting of STEMI is safe and feasible. It might reduce the culprit coronary lesion's thrombus burden, leading to improved flow restoration and myocardial reperfusion. Further large randomized studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results and to assess the impact of thrombus‐aspiration on infarct size as well as on clinical outcomes.
Different Types of Renal Dysfunction in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: KOWALCZYK JACEK , LENARCZYK RADOSLAW , KOWALSKI OSKAR , SREDNIAWA BEATA , MUSIALIK‐LYDKA AGATA , GASIOR MARIUSZ , POLONSKI LECH , ZEMBALA MARIAN , GUMPRECHT JANUSZ , KALARUS ZBIGNIEW
Published: March 2007

Background: The prognostic significance of different types of renal dysfunction in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been well characterized.

Methods: The single‐center AMI registry encompassed 1,486 consecutive AMI patients treated with PCI, who were followed by mean 29.7 months. Subjects with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73m2 at baseline were selected (n = 283, 19.0%) and incorporated into the chronic kidney disease (CKD) group. The control group consisted of 1,203 subjects with normal renal function (81.0%). The CKD patients were divided into subgroups: with contrast‐induced nephropathy – CKD + CIN (n = 68, 4.6%) and without – CKD–CIN (n = 215, 14.5%).

Results: Remote mortality rate was significantly higher in CKD group (34.6%) and in particular subgroups: CKD + CIN (47.0%), CKD–CIN (31.0%) than in controls (9.1%, P < 0.001 for all study groups vs controls). Multivariate analysis identified CKD as an independent predictor of any‐cause death in the whole population (hazard ratio [HR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60–1.94, P < 0.001). Similarly, CKD + CIN contrary to CKD–CIN had significant and independent influence on remote survival in study population (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.95–2.37, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: CKD and its types have significant, negative influence on long‐term survival in AMI patients treated with PCI. It is especially strongly expressed in those CKD patients who develop contrast‐induced nephropathy, which occurrence is an independent risk factor of mortality associated with over twofold increase of death hazard.
Immediate loading in the completely edentulous mandible: technical procedure and clinical results up to 3 years of functional loading
Authors: Van de Velde Tommie , Collaert Bruno , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: March 2007

Objectives: This prospective mono‐center study describes a clinical technique to provide dental implants with a temporary cross‐arch cantilever bridge functionally loaded on the day of fixture insertion and discusses the 3‐year follow‐up of four to six machined surface Brånemark implants installed in the interforamina area.

Material and methods: Ninety Brånemark implants were installed in 18 edentulous mandibles. Five patients were heavy smokers and one had Down syndrome. The day of surgery, a 10 unit provisional glassfiber‐reinforced cantilever bridge was installed. The final 12 unit bridge was in place after an average of 144 days (range 10–332). Bone‐to‐implant level was assessed radiologically from the day of surgery up to 3 years.

Results: Two out of five fixtures were lost within 3 months in the Down syndrome patient but the provisional bridge continued to function on the three remaining implants until the patient was successfully reoperated. Another implant was lost after 11 months due to a non‐detected fracture in the metal framework, resulting in overloading of the cantilever part. As no additional losses occurred during the follow‐up time (range 57–26 months), the total failure rate is 3/91 (3.3%). Seventeen of the 18 patients are loading their implants more than 3 years and nine have moved beyond the 4‐year period. Average bone remodelling as measured on the apical radiographs from 12 patients at 0, 12 and 36 months revealed a statistically significant bone loss from the initial 0.1 mm [standard deviation (SD) 0.2; range 0–0.7] toward 1.8 mm (SD 0.2; range 1.6–2.2) during the first year of function. (Wilcoxon's signed rank test; P<0.002). After 3 years, no further significant bone loss occurred.

Conclusion: This 3‐year study shows that machined surface Brånemark implants can be immediately loaded with cross‐arch cantilever bridges with an average bone‐remodelling pattern indicative of a steady state after 1 year of loading.
Perception of visitors towards the role of zoos: a Malaysian perspective
Authors: PUAN C. L. , ZAKARIA M.
Published: March 2007

Zoos have multiple roles in recreation, conservation, education and research. There is a lack of information on the motivation and expectation of local visitors who visit zoos in developing countries. A social survey was carried out to identify the perception of visitors towards the roles of three Malaysian zoos. The results indicate that visitors who go to the zoo mainly do so for recreation and they prefer to see attractive and active animals, rather than threatened and healthy animals, although the variation in the mean scores of these perceptions was minimal. The majority of respondents perceived that animals were kept mainly to attract visitors. However, most respondents were knowledgeable on issues related to conservation, education and research in zoos, and would like to see zoos move towards achieving these goals. The respondents perceived the zoos, in priority order, as places for conservation, education, research and recreation. These results may provide some guidance for local zoos in future planning, in particular in designing and improving the facilities and exhibits in order to fulfil their roles effectively.
Pre‐breeding diet affects the allocation of yolk hormones in zebra finchesTaeniopygia guttata
Authors: Sandell Maria I. , Adkins‐Regan Elizabeth , Ketterson Ellen D.
Published: March 2007

The ability of mothers to modify offspring phenotype to match prevailing environmental conditions is an important component of reproductive success, especially in variable environments. Pre‐breeding conditions, such as food abundance, may have significant consequences for both the number and quality of offspring a female produces as well as her ability to rear the offspring. In an experiment where pre‐breeding diet was manipulated, we investigated if allocation of yolk androgens (testosterone and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone) was related to the quality of diet experienced prior to breeding. Female zebra finchesTaeniopygia guttataproduced larger clutches on high quality diet than on low quality diet but with no differences in egg mass. Yolk androgen levels were repeatable within subsequent clutches of the same female and females did not change mean androgen content in eggs in relation to diet quality. However, within‐in clutch pattern of yolk testosterone and DHT changed with diet treatment. Testosterone and DHT decreased with laying order on the low quality diet but remained constant on the high quality diet. Differential yolk androgen allocation within the clutch may alter the competitive differences between chicks and provide females the possibility to adjust reproductive investment and offspring phenotype already at the egg stage.
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF ORGANIC COATED GOLD SURFACES
Authors: DE LA VENTA J. , FERNANDEZ PINEL E. , GARCIA M. A. , CRESPO P. , HERNANDO A. , DE LA FUENTE O. RODRIGUEZ , DE JULIÁN FERNÁNDEZ C. , FERNÁNDEZ A. , PENADÉS S.
Published: March 2007

We review here our recent results of experimental observation of room temperature magnetism in gold nanoparticles (NPs) and thin films. Capping gold surfaces with certain organic molecules leads to the appearance of magnetism at room temperature. The surface bonds between the organic molecules and Au atoms give rise to magnetic moments. These magnetic moments are blocked along the bond direction showing huge anisotropy. In the case of atomically flat surfaces, the magnetic moments are giants. An explanation of this orbital ferromagnetism is given. These results point out the possibility to observe magnetism at nanoscale in materials without typical magnetic atoms (transition metals and rare earths), and are of fundamental value to understand the magnetic properties of surfaces.
CHAOS IN WAVE INTERACTIONS
Authors: LI Y. CHARLES
Published: March 2007

Existence of chaos is proved in finite-dimensional invariant subspaces for both two- and three-wave interactions. For a simple Galerkin truncation of the 2D Navier–Stokes equation, existence of chaos is also proved.