bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synaptic transmission from the submucosal plexus to the myenteric plexus in Guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Monro R. L. , Bornstein J. C. , Bertrand P. P.
Published: July 2008

Abstract  Stimulation of the myenteric plexus results in activation of submucosal neurons and dilation of arterioles, one way that motility and secretion can be coupled together. The present study aimed to examine the converse, whether myenteric neurons receive synaptic input from the submucosal plexus (SMP). Intracellular recordings were made from guinea‐pig ileal myenteric neurons while the SMP was electrically stimulated. Of the 29 neurons studied (13 S and 16 AH neurons), stimulation of the SMP evoked a synaptic potential in only seven cells, or 24% of neurons. When the SMP was situated oral to the myenteric plexus, 4 of 13 (31%) myenteric neurons had synaptic input. When it was situated circumferential, 2 of 8 (25%) had input, and when the SMP was situated anal 1 of 8 (13%) had input. Overall, 5 of the 13 (38%) S neurons responded with fast excitatory post‐synaptic potentials (EPSPs), one of which also showed a slow EPSP, while 2 of the 16 (13%) AH neurons responded with a slow EPSP. This study indicates that the synaptic input from the SMP to myenteric neurons is relatively sparse. Whether this input is less important than the myenteric to submucosal input or simply represents a more selective form of control is unknown.
Involvement of κ‐opioid receptors in visceral nociception in mice
Authors: Larsson M. H. , Bayati A. , Lindström E. , Larsson H.
Published: July 2008

Abstract It has been shown that the behavioural responses to chemically evoked visceral nociception are increased in transgenic mice lacking the κ‐opioid receptor (KOR). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of KOR in mechanically evoked visceral pain by performing colorectal distension (CRD) and monitoring the subsequent visceromotor response (VMR) in control mice (KOR+/+) and in mice lacking KOR (KOR−/−). Pseudo‐affective visceral pain responses were evoked in conscious mice using increasing (10–80 mmHg) and repeated (12 × 55 mmHg) phasic CRD paradigms. The resulting VMR was determined by monitoring the electromyographic activity of the abdominal muscle. The increasing and repeated CRD paradigms, respectively, evoked similar responses in both KOR+/+and KOR−/−mice. The selective KOR‐agonists U‐69593 (5 and 25 mg kg−1, s.c.) and asimadoline (25 mg kg−1, s.c.) significantly decreased the VMR in KOR+/+mice, while having no effect in KOR−/−mice. In contrast, the selective μ‐opioid receptor agonist fentanyl significantly reduced the VMR in both types of mice and appeared more efficacious in KOR−/−mice. The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (0.3–30 mg kg−1s.c.) did not affect the response to CRD in C57BL/6 mice at any dose tested. In conclusion, the data confirm that the KOR agonists used in this study inhibit the VMR to CRD in mice by acting via KOR receptors. In addition, the data suggest that the endogenous opioid system is not likely to modulate the VMR to mechanically evoked visceral pain in mice.
Nitrogen and carbon source–sink relationships in trees at the Himalayan treelines compared with lower elevations
Authors: LI MAI‐HE , XIAO WEN‐FA , SHI PEILI , WANG SAN‐GEN , ZHONG YONG‐DE , LIU XING‐LIANG , WANG XIAO‐DAN , CAI XIAO‐HU , SHI ZUO‐MIN
Published: July 2008

No single hypothesis or theory has been widely accepted for explaining the functional mechanism of global alpine/arctic treeline formation. The present study tested whether the alpine treeline is determined by (1) the needle nitrogen content associated with photosynthesis (carbon gain); (2) a sufficient source–sink ratio of carbon; or (3) a sufficient C–N ratio. Nitrogen does not limit the growth and development of trees studied at the Himalayan treelines. Levels of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) in trees were species‐specific and site‐dependent; therefore, the treeline cases studied did not show consistent evidence of source/carbon limitation or sink/growth limitation in treeline trees. However, results of the combined three treelines showed that the treeline trees may suffer from a winter carbon shortage. The source capacity and the sink capacity of a tree influence its tissue NSC concentrations and the carbon balance; therefore, we suggest that the persistence and development of treeline trees in a harsh alpine environment may require a minimum level of the total NSC concentration, a sufficiently high sugar:starch ratio, and a balanced carbon source–sink relationship.
Membrane phospholipids as a phosphate reserve: the dynamic nature of phospholipid‐to‐digalactosyl diacylglycerol exchange in higher plants
Authors: TJELLSTRÖM HENRIK , ANDERSSON MATS X. , LARSSON KARIN E. , SANDELIUS ANNA STINA
Published: July 2008

It is well established that phosphate deficiency induces the replacement of membrane phospholipid with non‐phosphorous lipids in extra‐plastidial membranes (e.g. plasma membrane, tonoplast, mitochondria). The predominant replacement lipid is digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG). This paper reports that the phospholipid‐to‐DGDG replacement is reversible, and that when oat seedlings are re‐supplied with radio‐labelled phosphate, it is initially recovered primarily in phosphatidylcholine (PC). Within 2 d, the shoot contains more than half of the lipid‐associated radiolabel, reflecting phosphate translocation. Oat was also cultivated in different concentrations of phosphate and the DGDG/PC ratio in roots and phospholipase activities in isolated plasma membranes was assayed after different times of cultivation. The DGDG/PC ratio in root tissue correlated more closely with plasma membrane‐localized phospholipase D, yielding phosphatidic acid (PA), than with plasma membrane‐localized PA phosphatase, the activity that results in a decreased proportion of phospolipids. The lipid degradation data did not reflect a significant involvement of phospholipase C, although a putative phospholipase C analogue, non‐specific phospholipase C4 (NPC4), was present in oat roots. The correlation between increased phospholipase D activity and DGDG/PC ratio is consistent with a model where phospholipid‐to‐DGDG replacement involves formation of PA that readily is removed from the plasma membrane for further degradation elsewhere.
Relationship between carbohydrate partitioning and drought resistance in common bean
Authors: CUELLAR‐ORTIZ SONIA M. , DE LA PAZ ARRIETA‐MONTIEL MARIA , ACOSTA‐GALLEGOS JORGE , COVARRUBIAS ALEJANDRA A.
Published: July 2008

Drought is a major yield constraint in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Pulse‐chase 14C‐labelling experiments were performed using Pinto Villa (drought resistant) and Canario 60 (drought sensitive) cultivars, grown under optimal irrigation and water‐deficit conditions. Starch and the radioactive label incorporated into starch were measured in leaves and pods at different time points, between the initiation of pod development and the production of mature pods. The water‐stress treatment induced a higher starch accumulation in the drought‐resistant cultivar pods than in those of the drought‐sensitive cultivar. This effect was more noticeable during the early stages of pod development. Consistently, a reduction of starch content occurred in the leaves of the drought‐resistant cultivar during the grain‐filling stage. Furthermore, a synchronized accumulation of sucrose was observed in immature pods of this cultivar. These data indicate that carbohydrate partitioning is affected by drought in common bean, and that the modulation of this partitioning towards seed filling has been a successful strategy in the development of drought‐resistant cultivars. In addition, our results suggest that, in the drought‐resistant cultivar, the efficient carbon mobilization towards the seeds in response to water limitation is favoured by a mechanism that implies a more effective sucrose transport.
Light‐induced degradation of storage starch in turions of Spirodela polyrhiza depends on nitrate
Authors: APPENROTH KLAUS‐J. , ZIEGLER PAUL
Published: July 2008

Light induces both the germination of turions of the duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza and the degradation of the reserve starch stored in the turions. The germination photoresponse requires nitrate, and we show here that nitrate is also needed for the light‐induced degradation of the turion starch. Ammonium cannot substitute for nitrate in this regard, and nitrate thus acts specifically as signal to promote starch degradation in the turions. Irradiation with continuous red light leads to starch degradation via auto‐phosphorylation of starch‐associated glucan, water dikinase (GWD), phosphorylation of the turion starch and enhanced binding of α‐amylase to starch granules. The present study shows that all of these processes require the presence of nitrate, and that nitrate exerts its effect on starch degradation at a point between the absorption of light by phytochrome and the auto‐phosphorylation of the GWD. Nitrate acts to coordinate carbon and nitrogen metabolism in germinating turions: starch will only be broken down when sufficient nitrogen is present to ensure appropriate utilization of the released carbohydrate. These data constitute the first report of control over the initiation of reserve starch degradation by nitrate.
Potential health effects from non‐specific stimulation of the immune function in early age: The example of BCG vaccination
Authors: Rousseau Marie‐Claude , Parent Marie‐Elise , St‐Pierre Yves
Published: July 2008

There is increasing, but still inconsistent evidence that vaccinations and childhood infections may play a role in the normal maturation of the immune system, and in the development and balance of immune regulatory pathways, both of which might impact health later in life. This review covers the epidemiological evidence regarding the role of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination on the following inflammatory or autoimmune diseases: asthma and allergic diseases, Crohn’s disease (CD), insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and specific cancers. The literature is more comprehensive for asthma and allergic diseases, with 16 studies reporting the absence of an association while seven rather suggest a protective effect of BCG. We found insufficient evidence on CD to conclude at this point. Overall, the evidence for IDDM based on four studies leans towards no association, although some effects were observed in population subsets. Five epidemiological investigations provide evidence on a possible link with cancer incidence or mortality at various sites, with indications of both increased and decreased risks. Given the potential public health implications, it is imperative to acquire a better understanding of how BCG vaccination could influence the development of such chronic health conditions in the population.
Increased bronchial NO output in severe atopic eczema in children and adolescents
Authors: Linkosalo Laura , Lehtimäki Lauri , Laitinen Jukka , Kaila Minna , Holm Kati , Moilanen Eeva
Published: July 2008

Atopic children have an increased risk for asthma, which is preceded by bronchial inflammation. Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) measured at multiple exhalation flow rates can be used to assess alveolar NO concentration and bronchial NO flux, which reflect inflammation in lung periphery and central airways, respectively. Exhaled breath condensate is another non‐invasive method to measure lung inflammation. The purpose of the present study was to find out if the severity of atopic eczema is associated with lung inflammation that can be observed with these non‐invasive tests. We studied 81 patients (7–22 yr old) with atopic eczema and increased wheat‐specific IgE (≥0.4 kUA/l) and no diagnosis of asthma. Exhaled NO was measured at multiple exhalation flow rates, and bronchial NO flux and alveolar NO concentration were calculated. Cysteinyl‐leukotriene concentrations were measured in exhaled breath condensate. The patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of atopic eczema. Patients with severe atopic eczema had enhanced bronchial NO output as compared with patients with mild eczema (2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1, p = 0.003). No statistically significant differences in alveolar NO concentrations were found between the groups. In the whole group of patients, the bronchial NO output correlated positively with serum eosinophil protein X (rs = 0.450, p < 0.001), serum eosinophil cationic protein (rs = 0.393, p < 0.001), serum total IgE (rs = 0.268, p = 0.016) and with urine eosinophil protein X (rs = 0.279, p = 0.012), but not with lung function. Alveolar NO concentration correlated positively with serum eosinophil protein X (rs = 0.444, p < 0.001) and with serum eosinophil cationic protein (rs = 0.362, p = 0.001). Measurable cysteinyl‐leukotriene concentrations in exhaled breath condensate were found only in one‐third of the patients, and there were no differences between the two groups. The results show that increased bronchial NO output is associated with eosinophilic inflammation and severe atopic eczema in patients without established asthma.
Allergic gastrointestinal motility disorders in infancy and early childhood
Authors: Heine Ralf G.
Published: July 2008

Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, constipation and colic are among the most common disorders in infancy and early childhood. In at least a subset of infants with these functional disorders, improvement after dietary elimination of specific food proteins has been demonstrated. Gastrointestinal food allergy should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants presenting with persistent regurgitation, constipation or irritable behaviour, particularly if conventional treatment has not been beneficial. The diagnosis of food protein‐induced gastrointestinal motility disorders is hampered by the absence of specific clinical features or useful laboratory markers. Gastrointestinal biopsies before commencing a hypoallergenic diet may provide the most important diagnostic clues. Early recognition is essential for the optimal management of these patients to prevent nutritional sequelae or aversive feeding behaviours. Treatment relies on hypoallergenic formulae, as well as maternal elimination diets in breast‐fed infants. Further research is required to better define the pathological mechanisms and diagnostic markers of paediatric allergic gastrointestinal motility disorders. The following article will present three instructive cases followed by discussion of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and natural history of food allergic motility disorders in infancy and early childhood.
Low migration decreases interference competition among parasites and increases virulence
Authors: VIGNEUX F. , BASHEY F. , SICARD M. , LIVELY C. M.
Published: July 2008

Competition among different parasite genotypes within a host is predicted to affect virulence. The direction of this effect, however, depends critically on the mechanisms that parasites use to compete or to cooperate with each other. One mechanism that bacteria use to compete with each other is via the production of bacteria‐killing toxins, called bacteriocins. This warfare among parasites within a host is predicted to reduce the rate of host exploitation, resulting in lower virulence. By contrast, if parasites within a host are highly related, there could be a reduction in within‐host conflict, increasing virulence. We examined this idea by allowing an insect‐parasitic nematode (Steinernema carpocapsae) and its symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus nematophila) to evolve for 20 passages under two different migration treatments (low and high). We found that host mortality rates were higher in the low‐migration treatment when compared with the high‐migration treatment. In addition, bacteria isolated from the same insect host inhibited each other’s growth, but only in the high‐migration treatment. These results show that population structure and interactions among parasites within hosts can be critical to understanding virulence.
Identifying blood donors willing to help with recruitment
Authors: Lemmens K. P. H. , Abraham C. , Ruiter R. A. C. , Veldhuizen I. J. T. , Bos A. E. R. , Schaalma H. P.
Published: July 2008

Background and Objectives  Social influence shapes behaviour and donors are ambassadors for blood banks. Donors are role models for family and friends and, therefore, so may be able to help with donor recruitment.

Materials and Methods  A questionnaire was used to assess donors’ willingness to engage in donor recruitment. Measures included willingness to recruit new donors and antecedents of recruitment motivation based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Results  More than half of our participants were willing to try to recruit friends and family (57%). Self‐efficacy was the most important correlate of intention to recruit as were cognitive attitude and experience with the blood bank. The findings suggest that the TPB provides a good basis for understanding cognitive antecedents of donors’ willingness to recruit other donors.

Conclusion  Results suggest that using existing donors to recruit new donors could be an efficient and cost‐effective way to recruit additional donors. This approach warrants further investigation.
Changes of bladder activity and glycine levels in the lumbosacral cord after partial bladder outlet obstruction in rats
Authors: Miyazato Minoru , Sugaya Kimio , Nishijima Saori , Kadekawa Katsumi , Oshiro Yoshinori , Hokama Sanehiro , Uchida Atsushi , Ogawa Yoshihide
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  We investigated the time course of changes in bladder activity as well as in spinal and serum levels of glutamate and glycine after partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in rats.

Methods:  A total of 36 female rats were divided into six groups: sham operation (control); 3 days, 14 days, and 28 days after BOO; 3 days and 28 days after relief of BOO. Under urethane anesthesia, isovolumetric cystometry was carried out in each group. Then, spinal and serum levels of glutamate and glycine were measured.

Results:  The interval between bladder contractions was shorter in all of the groups compared with the control group. The amplitude and duration of bladder contractions was decreased at 3 days, 14 days, and 28 days after BOO, and at 3 days after relief of BOO. Spinal and serum glutamate levels showed no changes. However, the spinal glycine level was decreased at 14 days and 28 days after BOO, and at 28 days after relief of BOO. Serum glycine level was also decreased at 28 days after BOO and 28 days after relief of BOO.

Conclusions:  Detrusor overactivity during the chronic phase of partial BOO is partly caused by a decrease of glycinergic neuronal activity in the lumbosacral cord. A 3‐day period of BOO produces detrusor overactivity, which might be due to an irreversible decrease of spinal glycinergic neuronal activity.
Epidemiology of urogenital tuberculosis worldwide
Authors: Figueiredo Andre Avarese , Lucon Antonio Marmo , Junior Renato Falci , Srougi Miguel
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To characterize the epidemiology of urogenital tuberculosis worldwide and to compare the features of patients from developing countries to those from developed countries.

Methods:  A comprehensive search of articles published up to April 2008 using a combination of the terms ‘tuberculosis’, ‘genitourinary’, ‘renal’ and ‘urogenital’ was performed.

Results:  Urogenital tuberculosis affects more men than women (2:1), with a mean age of 40.7 years (range 5–90). In 26.9% of cases there is a non‐functioning unilateral kidney and in 7.4%, renal failure. Patients from developing countries are more likely to have a delayed diagnosis with a higher frequency of renal failure, unilateral non‐functioning kidney, ablative surgery and contracted bladder.

Conclusions:  Urogenital tuberculosis is a worldwide disease with more destructive behavior in developing countries where urgent strategies for early detection are particularly warranted.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase II dose‐finding study of the novel anti‐muscarinic agent imidafenacin in Japanese patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Homma Yukio , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the efficacy, safety/tolerability, and dose–response relationship of imidafenacin in Japanese patients with overactive bladder.

Methods:  Men and women who had overactive bladder symptoms were randomized equally to double‐blind treatment with 0.05, 0.1, or 0.25 mg of imidafenacin twice daily or a placebo for 12 weeks, and assessed for efficacy and safety.

Results:  Overall, 401 patients were enrolled and randomized for treatment with 0.1 mg of imidafenacin/day (99 patients), 0.2 mg of imidafenacin/day (100), 0.5 mg of imidafenacin/day (101), or a placebo (101). After 12 weeks of treatment, the number of incontinence episodes was reduced in a dose‐dependent manner, and a significant difference between the imidafenacin treatment and the placebo was observed (P < 0.0001). Compared with the placebo, imidafenacin caused significant reductions in urgency incontinence, voiding frequency, and urinary urgency, and a significant increase in the urine volume voided per micturition. Imidafenacin was also well tolerated. The incidence of dry mouth in the imidafenacin groups increased dose‐dependently. Even though the percentage of patients receiving 0.5 mg/day who discontinued treatment due to dry mouth was high (8.9%), the percentages in the 0.1 mg/day and 0.2 mg/day groups (1.0% and 0.0%, respectively) were comparable with that in the placebo group (0.0%).

Conclusions:  Considering the balance between efficacy and safety, 0.1 mg of imidafenacin twice daily appeared to be a clinically appropriate dose for treating overactive bladder. This dose was therefore selected for further evaluation in large‐scale phase III studies.
The Florida amphioxus (Cephalochordata) hosts larvae of the tapeworm Acanthobothrium brevissime: natural history, anatomy and taxonomic identification of the parasite
Authors: Holland Nicholas D. , Campbell Terry G. , Garey James R. , Holland Linda Z. , Wilson Nerida G.
Published: July 2008

Plerocercoid larvae of a tapeworm are frequently found in the hindgut lumen of the Florida amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae) in central west Florida. About three‐quarters of the adult amphioxus are parasitized. On average, each adult amphioxus hosts about five tapeworm larvae. The residence time of the parasites in the amphioxus gut appears to be in the order of several months, which is considerably shorter than the potential lifetime of the host. The living larvae range in length (when fully extended) from 300 to 850 µm and are approximately cone‐shaped, tapering to a point posteriorly and bearing a single large sucker anteriorly. Toward the anterior end of the body are four hookless bothridia, each indented by three loculi plus an inconspicuous accessory sucker. The larvae initiate the early stages of hook formation when they are cultured for a few days in urea‐saline (mimicking the gut fluid of the definitive host, which is an elasmobranch). The tapeworm larvae are identifiable to genus and species on the basis of correspondences between their nuclear ribosomal DNA genes and those of adult specimens of Acanthobothrium brevissime recovered from the spiral valve of a stingray from the same environment.
Consilience in fisheries science
Authors: Sáenz‐Arroyo Andrea , Roberts Callum M
Published: July 2008

The failure of fisheries science to preserve life in the oceans is broadly recognized. Here, we argue that part of this failure is the result of the philosophical basis behind fisheries science. In the middle of the 20th century, synthesizing more than half a century of insights dealing with what they called the ‘overfishing problem’, British scholars gave birth to some of the first predictive fishery management tools. Although novel for their time, the main objective of the approach was to advise the fishing industry on how to maximize the exploitation of fish resources without jeopardizing the viability of fish populations. Half a century on from these first attempts, we need a wider historical perspective to understand species dynamics, both natural and anthropogenic. We are also aware that there are other benefits society obtains from the ocean than maximum sustainable catches and we need to understand the role of biodiversity in social welfare. Not only should fishing be regarded as an economic activity but also as a planetary‐scale human experiment that requires experimental controls for a continuous evaluation of its performance and effects. Here, we present a philosophical approach to the problem, synthesizing material from the different disciplines that we consider should be addressed. A mix of insights may best help to deal with the ‘overfishing problem.’
Exploring possible mechanisms of change in family‐based treatment for adolescent bulimia nervosa
Authors: Lock James , Le Grange Daniel , Crosby Ross
Published: July 2008

Objective: Mediators of treatment for family‐based treatment are explored for outcomes among adolescents with bulimia nervosa (BN).

Method: Using data from a recently completed randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing family‐based treatment (FBT) to supportive psychotherapy (SPT) we examined possible mediators of treatment outcome.

Results: Results suggest that FBT‐BN was more effective than SPT in producing remission by virtue of achieving greater reductions in eating disorder psychopathology by mid‐treatment. Specifically, reductions in cognitions related to BN as assessed by the EDE appeared to be the differentiating mechanism.

Conclusion: It is reasonable to hypothesize that change in the EDE subscales mediates outcome for FBT‐BN. Future studies with sufficient power to examine this possibility as an a priori hypothesis would help to better understand how FBT‐BN works and may also help to guide future treatment refinement and development.
‘I didn't violent punch him’: parental accounts of punishing children with mental health problems
Authors: O'Reilly Michelle
Published: July 2008

This paper examines the ways in which parents attending family therapy report how they discipline their children. The children are reported to have mental health problems and by the nature of their disorders present challenging behaviours. Within the family therapy setting, parents account for their methods of punishment which includes threatening, punching, hitting and smacking with belts. They report desires to inflict physical damage upon the child, contrast their punishment strategies against the extremeness of the child and co‐construct the essential and necessary nature of the discipline. Investigating parental perspectives has wider implications for child discipline and child protection and the growing social impact of discipline techniques for policy‐makers.
Yield assessment of integument‐led seed growth following targeted repair of auxin response factor 2
Authors: Hughes Rhiannon , Spielman Melissa , Schruff Marie C. , Larson Tony R. , Graham Ian A. , Scott Rod J.
Published: July 2008

It is becoming increasingly vital to improve the yield of seed crops to feed an expanding population and, more recently, for biofuel production. One strategy to increase the yield is to increase the seed size, provided that there is not a concomitant decrease in seed number. In a previous study, we described a mutant in the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 2 (ARF2) gene which produced extra cells in the seed coat and, subsequently, enlarged seeds. However, arf2 mutant plants also show severely reduced self‐fertility caused, in part, by over‐elongated sepals that prevent flower opening. As a low seed set increases individual seed size, a meaningful comparison of the yield in arf2 and wild‐type plants could not be conducted. In this study, we show that targeted expression of wild‐type ARF2 in the sepals and petals of arf2‐9 mutant flowers restores flower opening and dramatically increases seed set. The restored plants retain both enlarged integuments and increased seed size, reinforcing previous evidence that arf2 mutations increase seed weight through their effect on integuments and not only via reduced fertility. We also show that the measurement of the harvest index in Arabidopsis is useful in assessing the impact of introduced traits on the yield.
Minting in Vandal North Africa: coins of the Vandal period in the Coin Cabinet of Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum
Authors: Berndt Guido M. , Steinacher Roland
Published: July 2008

This paper offers a re‐examination of some problems regarding the coinage of Vandal North Africa. The coinage of this barbarian successor state is one of the first non‐imperial coinages in the Mediterranean world of the fifth and sixth centuries. Based on the fine collection in the Coin Cabinet of Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, this article questions the chronology of the various issues and monetary relations between the denominations under the Vandal kings, especially after the reign of Gunthamund (484–96). The Vandals needed and created a solid financial system. In terms of political, administrative and economic structures they tried to integrate their realm into the changing world of late antiquity and the early Middle Ages.
The seal of Alaric, rex Gothorum
Authors: Kornbluth Genevra
Published: July 2008

A sapphire ring stone in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna which bears the legend ALARICVS REX GOTHORVM fits well into a late fifth/early sixth‐century context. Forgery is highly unlikely. It was probably meant to seal letters and secure valuables, though chancery use is possible. Its composition, most probably modelled on imperial coinage, combines with an extremely high‐status medium to present a flattering picture of Alaric as a peaceful king. This paper suggests that Theoderic the Ostrogoth may have commissioned the intaglio in an effort to avert war between the Franks and Visigoths, and to enhance his own status.
Cerebrospinal fluid tau and amyloid β42 protein in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Winblad S. , Månsson J. E. , Blennow K. , Jensen C. , Samuelsson L. , Lindberg C.
Published: July 2008

Background:  Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is associated with brain morphology changes including neurofibrillary degeneration.

Methods:  We have examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers indicative of neuronal degeneration and amyloidogenesis; total tau (T‐tau), phosphorylated tau (P‐tau) and β amyloid1–42 (Aβ42), in 32 patients with DM1.

Results and conclusions:  Associations between CSF markers and CTG repeat expansion size, brain MRI findings, and neuropsychological test results were analysed. As compared with matched controls Aβ42 was significantly decreased (P = 0.001), whilst levels of T‐tau were increased (P < 0.001). No difference was found between measures considering P‐tau levels. At present the clinical implications of these findings is unclear, because of an overlap between CSF values of DM1 patients and healthy controls, but also regarding modest associations between CSF markers and other measures. However notably, the Tau pathology, as seen in DM1, differs from Alzheimers disease, considering the lack of increased levels of P‐tau.
Size of PFO and amount of microembolic signals in patients with ischaemic stroke or TIA
Authors: Telman G. , Yalonetsky S. , Kouperberg E. , Sprecher E. , Lorber A. , Yarnitsky D.
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:  The inter‐relation between the size of patent foramen ovale (PFO) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and the amount of microembolic signals (MES) on transcranial doppler (TCD) is still not determined.

Methods:  The study group comprised of 104 patients with first‐ever ischaemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Three groups were formed according to the amount of MES on TCD: a small amount of MES (0–10 MES); a moderate amount of MES (countable MES higher than 10); and multiple MES.

Results:  According to TEE, there were 52 patients (50%) with a small PFO, 37 patients (35.6%) with a moderate PFO, and 15 patients (14.4%) with a large PFO. There were 48 patients (46.1%) with a small amount of MES, 34 patients (32.7%) with a moderate amount of MES, and 22 patients (21.1%) with multiple MES on TCD. A strong relationship between the size of the PFO on TEE and the amount of MES on contrast transcranial Doppler was found (P < 0.0001), such that the larger the PFO on TEE, the greater the amount of MES on TCD.

Conclusions:  There is a high correlation between the size of the PFO on TEE and the amount of MES on TCD in stroke and TIA patients.
An animal model assessment of common dye–induced allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Dinardo Joe , Diana Draelos Zoe
Published: July 2008

Dyes are a category of substances capable of inducing allergic contact dermatitis found in a variety of foods, drugs, textiles, cosmetics, and hair dyes. This study tested 33 dyes in guinea pigs using a modified Buehler and Klecak method for open epicutaneous testing. The dyes were tested at an induction concentration of 10% and challenge concentrations of 10.0%, 5.0%, and 2.5%. Nine of the 33 dyes tested produced positive allergic reactions in the guinea pig model (2‐amino‐4‐nitrophenol, 2‐amino‐5‐nitrophenol, acid yellow 23, acid orange 3, basic black 3, basic orange 1, disperse orange 3, solvent black 27, and solvent black 34). When eight of the nine positive dyes were retested using a 1% induction concentration, five dyes produced allergic contact dermatitis at a 1% challenge concentration (2‐amino‐4‐nitrophenol, 2‐amino‐5‐nitrophenol, acid yellow 23, disperse orange 3, and solvent black 34), two at a 0.5% challenge concentration (2‐amino‐5‐nitrophenol and solvent black 34), and one at a 0.25% challenge concentration (2‐amino‐5‐nitrophenol). DNCB at a 0.5% induction/challenge concentration was used as a positive control. With the exception of disperse orange 3 and acid yellow 23, the seven additional dyes that elicited positive allergic reactions in the guinea pig model have not been previously reported.
Human hair pigmentation – biological aspects
Authors: Tobin D. J.
Published: July 2008

Synopsis

Skin and hair colour contribute significantly to our overall visual appearance and to social/sexual communication. Despite their shared origins in the embryologic neural crest, the hair follicle and epidermal pigmentary units occupy distinct, although open, cutaneous compartments. They can be distinguished principally on the basis of the former’s stringent coupling to the hair growth cycle compared with the latter’s continuous melanogenesis. The biosynthesis of melanin and its subsequent transfer from melanocyte to hair bulb keratinocytes depend on the availability of melanin precursors and on a raft of signal transduction pathways that are both highly complex and commonly redundant. These signalling pathways can be both dependent and independent of receptors, act through auto‐, para‐ or intracrine mechanisms and can be modified by hormonal signals. Despite many shared features, follicular melanocytes appear to be more sensitive than epidermal melanocytes to ageing influences. This can be seen most dramatically in hair greying/canities and this is likely to reflect significant differences in the epidermal and follicular microenvironments. The hair follicle pigmentary unit may also serve as an important environmental sensor, whereby hair pigment contributes to the rapid excretion of heavy metals, chemicals and toxins from the body by their selective binding to melanin; rendering the hair fibre a useful barometer of exposures. The recent availability of advanced cell culture methodologies for isolated hair follicle melanocytes and for intact anagen hair follicle organ culture should provide the research tools necessary to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of hair follicle pigmentation. In the longer term, it may be feasible to develop hair colour modifiers of a biological nature to accompany those based on chemicals.
Comparative in vitro study of interactions between particles and respiratory surface macrophages, erythrocytes, and epithelial cells of the chicken and the rat
Authors: Kiama S. G. , Adekunle J. S. , Maina J. N.
Published: July 2008

In mammals, surface macrophages (SMs) play a foremost role in protecting the respiratory system by engulfing and destroying inhaled pathogens and harmful particulates. However, in birds, the direct defense role(s) that SMs perform remains ambiguous. Paucity and even lack of SMs have been reported in the avian respiratory system. It has been speculated that the pulmonary defenses in birds are inadequate and that birds are exceptionally susceptible to pulmonary diseases. In an endeavour to resolve the existing controversy, the phagocytic capacities of the respiratory SMs of the domestic fowl and the rat were compared under similar experimental conditions by exposure to polystyrene particles. In cells of equivalent diameters (8.5 µm in the chicken and 9.0 µm in the rat) and hence volumes, with the volume density of the engulfed polystyrene particles, i.e. the volume of the particles per unit volume of the cell (SM) of 23% in the chicken and 5% in the rat cells, the avian cells engulfed substantially more particles. Furthermore, the avian SMs phagocytized the particles more efficiently, i.e. at a faster rate. The chicken erythrocytes and the epithelial cells of the airways showed noteworthy phagocytic activity. In contrast to the rat cells that did not, 22% of the chicken erythrocytes phagocytized one to six particles. In birds, the phagocytic efficiencies of the SMs, erythrocytes, and epithelial cells may consolidate pulmonary defense. The assorted cellular defenses may explain how and why scarcity of SMs may not directly lead to a weak pulmonary defense. The perceived susceptibility of birds to respiratory diseases may stem from the human interventions that have included extreme genetic manipulation and intensive management for maximum productivity. The stress involved and the structural–functional disequilibria that have occurred from a ‘directed evolutionary process’, rather than weak immunological and cellular immunity, may explain the alleged vulnerability of the avian gas exchanger to diseases.
Tuber melanosporum outcrosses: analysis of the genetic diversity within and among its natural populations under this new scenario
Authors: Riccioni Claudia , Belfiori Beatrice , Rubini Andrea , Passeri Valentina , Arcioni Sergio , Paolocci Francesco
Published: July 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02634.xCommentary p 260
Pregnancy‐Free Club: A Strategy to Prevent Repeat Adolescent Pregnancy
Authors: Schaffer Marjorie A. , Jost Rose , Pederson Barbara J. , Lair Mary
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Public health nurses (PHNs) implement interventions from the Public Health Intervention Wheel in a school‐based program to prevent repeat adolescent pregnancy. The local health department, the school district, and a community hospital collaborated to develop the Pregnancy‐Free Club (PFC) for adolescent mothers attending the school. Their goal was to prevent repeat adolescent pregnancy through a multifaceted approach. Strategies include the daily presence of PHNs in the school, monthly pregnancy tests and surveys, health counseling and referral, and group health education classes. The school also provides day care for participants' children. Following program initiation, the repeat adolescent pregnancy rate declined from 4.7% to a mean of 4.7% over 9 years of the program. Data from focus groups conducted with program participants suggested modifications that would increase participant satisfaction with the PFC. The daily presence of a PHN who was open and nonjudgmental paired with a supportive school environment, the availability of birth control counseling and referral, and affirmation of healthy choices to remain pregnancy free, were essential program components.
The Role of Public Health Nurses in Emergency Preparedness and Response: A Position Paper of the Association of State and Territorial Directors of Nursing
Authors: Jakeway Carole C. , LaRosa Glynnis , Cary Ann , Schoenfisch Sandra
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
The Association of State and Territorial Directors of Nursing vision for emergency preparedness is that every community, family, and individual will have a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan that minimizes the consequences of disasters and emergencies, and enables communities, families, and individuals to respond and recover. This position paper provides national and state policy guidance during emergencies to all public health nurses in the United States and its Territories. Public health nurses bring critical experience to each phase of a disaster: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Public health nurses strive to achieve individual competencies so that they may better collaborate with others and contribute to emergency preparedness and response. Twelve Emergency Preparedness Competencies are listed in this position paper that will assist public health nurses with disaster prevention, planning, response, recovery, drills, exercises, and training. This position paper will be useful in clarifying the expertise that public health nurses can contribute to teams that serve to protect the health and safety of communities against disaster threats and realities.
Stricken Village
Authors: Curtis Marion
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
An historical reprint, this account of a public health nurse's work with village residents during an outbreak of pneumonia related to tuberculosis was originally published in Public Health Nursing in December 1948. The author, Marion Curtis, was a public health nurse in the Territorial Health Department of Alaska called upon to respond to the rapid death of several victims of an unknown disease affecting a small outpost on Kodiak Island in the Territory of Alaska. Her narrative tells us about the settlement village and what happened from the time of the wire for help to the time she left the community for home. Her original spelling of names has been retained. Curtis's response to the emergency was quick and demonstrated experience. Her application of infection control principles helped quickly control the outbreak. At the end of her story, Curtis reflected on the impact of disease on communities and civilizations, predicting that villages like the one she had described might vanish within 20 years due to tuberculosis. Readers may reflect whether Curtis's view presents an etic or an emic perspective. Old Harbor, however, remains a small but vital community on Kodiak Island's southwestern shore.
Estrogen and Migraine: Correlations and Prevention
Authors: MacGregor E. Anne
Published: July 2008

Migraine is a neurovascular condition that is influenced by the hormonal milieu. The risk of a migraine attack is increased among women migraineurs during a 5‐day perimenstrual window that starts 2 days before the onset of menses and continues through the first 3 days of menstruation. Evidence suggests that the increased risk results from estrogen withdrawal in the concurrent late luteal/early follicular phase. For some women with menstrual migraine, headaches that occur at this time are more severe, are of longer duration, and are more disabling. If patients have regular menses, short‐term prevention strategies may provide relief for women whose headaches are not responsive to acute treatment. Clinical trials designed to assess short‐term prevention with estrogen supplements and with triptans have demonstrated efficacy in this setting and have provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying menstrual migraine. This review will summarize the implications of these data for the treatment of women with menstrual migraine.
Role of hippocampal sodium channel Nav1.6 in kindling epileptogenesis
Authors: Blumenfeld Hal , Lampert Angelika , Klein Joshua P. , Mission John , Chen Michael C. , Rivera Maritza , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman , Brennan Avis R. , Hains Bryan C. , Waxman Stephen G.
Published: July 2008

Purpose:  Central nervous system plasticity is essential for normal function, but can also reinforce abnormal network behavior, leading to epilepsy and other disorders. The role of altered ion channel expression in abnormal plasticity has not been thoroughly investigated. Nav1.6 is the most abundantly expressed sodium channel in the nervous system. Because of its distribution in the cell body and axon initial segment, Nav1.6 is crucial for action potential generation. The goal of the present study was to investigate the possible role of changes in Nav1.6 expression in abnormal, activity‐dependent plasticity of hippocampal circuits.

Methods:  We studied kindling, a form of abnormal activity‐dependent facilitation. We investigated: (1) sodium channel protein expression by immunocytochemistry and sodium channel messenger RNA (mRNA) by in situ hybridization, (2) sodium current by patch clamp recordings, and (3) rate of kindling by analysis of seizure behavior. The initiation, development, and expression of kindling in wild‐type mice were compared to Nav1.6 +/−medtg mice, which have reduced expression of Nav1.6.

Results:  We found that kindling was associated with increased expression of Nav1.6 protein and mRNA, which occurred selectively in hippocampal CA3 neurons. Hippocampal CA3 neurons also showed increased persistent sodium current in kindled animals compared to sham‐kindled controls. Conversely, Nav1.6 +/−medtg mice resisted the initiation and development of kindling.

Discussion:  These findings suggest an important mechanism for enhanced excitability, in which Nav1.6 may participate in a self‐reinforcing cycle of activity‐dependent facilitation in the hippocampus. This mechanism could contribute to both normal hippocampal function and to epilepsy and other common nervous system disorders.
Nodular heterotopia: A neuropathological study of 24 patients undergoing surgery for drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Meroni Alessandra , Galli Carlo , Bramerio Manuela , Tassi Laura , Colombo Nadia , Cossu Massimo , Lo Russo Giorgio , Garbelli Rita , Spreafico Roberto
Published: July 2008

Purpose:  Despite the availability of detailed electroclinical and imaging data, only a few neuropathological studies of nodular heterotopia have been published. The aim of this study was to describe the neuropathological features of various types of nodular heterotopia obtained from patients undergoing surgery for intractable epilepsy.

Methods: Specimens of heterotopic nodules taken from 24 patients were neuropathologically investigated using routine and immunocytochemical procedures, and the data were compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroclinical findings, and surgical outcomes.

Results: The neuropathological data distinguished two groups. Group 1 (14 patients, 78% in Engel class 1) had similar characteristics regardless of the size, number, or location of the nodules, with both projecting and local circuit neurons in the nodules intermingled with glial cells. Thirteen patients had focal cortical dysplasia. The nodules were identified by MRI in all cases. In group 2 (10 patients, 90% in Engel class 1), all of the nodules were within the temporal lobe and associated with hippocampal sclerosis or gangliogliomas. They were very small (undetected by MRI) and mainly formed by projecting neurons with no evidence of glial cells. All of the patients had cortical dysplasia.

Discussion: The distinctive neuropathological features of the nodules in the two groups suggest different etiopathogenetic mechanisms. In group 2, the presence of nodular formations in association with cortical dysplasia and either hippocampal sclerosis or ganglioglioma raises a question concerning so‐called dual pathology in the temporal lobe.