bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of parvovirus H‐1 infection on the expression of genes related to the MAPK signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells
Authors: RAN Zhi Hua , LIU Jiong , FENG Ying , ZOU Jian , XIAO Shu Dong
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the cell cytotoxicity induced by the antineoplastic parvovirus H‐1 in gastric carcinoma cells.

METHODS:  The cytotoxicity of the H‐1 virus in the gastric cancer cell strain HGC27 was measured by MTT test and FACS analysis. The mRNA expressions of genes related to the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling transduction pathway were measured by RT‐PCR in HGC27 cells infected by the H‐1 virus.

RESULTS:  HGC27 cells were sensitive to the cytotoxicity of the H‐1 virus, although the cell cycle distribution was not significantly changed. The RT‐PCR results showed that 48 h after H‐1 virus infection of HGC27 cells the expression of creb was increased and that of erk1, stat2, p38‐γ, mek2, B‐raf and mtk1 was remarkably decreased. However, the expression of each of jnk2, ets and erk2 was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS:  The mechanism of the cytotoxic effect of parvovirus H‐1 in HGC27 cells might be interference with specific cellular signaling trans­duction pathways, which would induce cell death. A modified and reconstructed parvovirus H‐1 could be a very useful tool for antitumor biochemical therapy.
REM sleep enhancement induced by different procedures improves memory retention in rats
Authors: Wetzel Wolfram , Wagner Thomas , Balschun Detlef
Published: November 2003

Growing evidence supports the idea that sleep following learning is critically involved in memory formation. Recent studies suggest that information acquired during waking is reactivated and possibly consolidated during subsequent sleep, especially during rapid‐eye movement (REM) or paradoxical sleep (PS). Critical reviews, however, have questioned PS and memory relationships, particularly because of shortcomings of the PS deprivation paradigm applied in many studies. Therefore, in the present study we used an opposite strategy, i.e. we investigated the effects of PS enhancement on memory retention. In three experiments, we found that selective PS enhancement, induced by different procedures after discrimination training in rats, results in increased retention tested 24 h later. Moreover, calculated in all animals (n = 61), there was a highly significant correlation between post‐training PS values and retention scores. Our results suggest that an experimentally induced increase of PS after learning facilitates memory consolidation.
Excitotoxic lesions of the tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus impair copulation in naive male rats and block the rewarding effects of copulation in experienced male rats
Authors: Kippin Tod E. , Van Der Kooy Derek
Published: November 2003

The tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP) of the brainstem mediates food reward in food‐sated animals and opiate reward in drug‐naive animals. In the present study, we examine the effect of excitotoxic lesions of the TPP on sexual behaviour in naive and experienced male rats. Male, Long‐Evans rats received either 0.25 µL injections of NMDA (4.2 µg/side) or vehicle (shams) into the TPP. In sexually naive males, complete bilateral TPP lesions decreased all measure of copulation (i.e. mounts, intromissions and ejaculations), prevented acquisition of conditioned sexual excitement, decreased approach preference for a receptive female over a non‐receptive one, and decreased non‐contact erections; unilateral or bilateral posterior‐sparing TPP lesions did not affect any of these measures. Conversely, in sexually experienced males, lesions not only failed to disrupt copulation, but also increased conditioned sexual excitement, decreased post‐ejaculatory interval and blocked the effect of prolonged copulation on conditioned sexual excitement. Following differential pairing of distinctive environments with and without copulation, sham males with sexual experience displayed a significant preference for the environment paired with copulation, whereas the lesion males with sexual experience displayed a significant aversion for the environment paired with copulation. These findings indicate that the TPP is critical for the acquisition of copulation in naive males and mediates the rewarding consequences of copulation in experienced males. Together these findings demonstrate that the TPP mediates sexual reward, but that sexual experience is not sufficient to produce a deprivation state.
Dopamine depresses cholinergic oscillatory network activity in rat hippocampus
Authors: Weiss Torsten , Veh Rüdiger W. , Heinemann Uwe
Published: November 2003

The dopaminergic neuronal system is implicated in cognitive processes in a variety of brain regions including the mesolimbic system. We have investigated whether dopamine also affects synchronized network activity in the hippocampus, which has been ascribed to play a pivotal role in memory formation. Gamma frequency (20–80 Hz) oscillations were induced by the cholinergic agonist carbachol. Oscillatory activity was examined in area CA3 of Wistar rat hippocampal slices, employing field potential and intracellular recordings. Application of carbachol initiated synchronized population activity in the gamma band at 40 Hz. Induced gamma activity persisted over hours and required GABAA receptors. Dopamine reversibly decreased the integrated gamma band power of the carbachol rhythm by 62%, while its frequency was not changed. By contrast, individual pyramidal cells recorded during carbachol‐induced field gamma activity exhibited theta frequency (5–15 Hz) membrane potential oscillations that were not altered by dopamine. The dopamine effect on the field gamma activity was mimicked by the D1 receptor agonist SKF‐383393 and partially antagonized by the D1 antagonist SCH‐23390. Conversely, the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole failed to depress the oscillations, and the D2 antagonist sulpiride did not prevent the suppressive dopamine effect. The data indicate that dopamine strongly depresses cholinergic gamma oscillations in area CA3 of rat hippocampus by activation of D1‐like dopamine receptors and that this effect is most likely mediated via impairment of interneurons involved in generation and maintenance of the carbachol‐induced network rhythm.
Ectopic activity in cutaneous regenerating afferent nerve fibers following nerve lesion in the rat
Authors: Gorodetskaya Natalia , Constantin Cristina , Jänig Wilfrid
Published: November 2003

Spontaneous activity, and mechanical and thermal sensitivity were investigated in regenerating afferent nerve fibers within 4–21 days post sural nerve lesion (crush or transection and resuturing) in anaesthetized rats. About 33–40% of the myelinated (A) and 22–27% of the unmyelinated (C) fibers excited by electrical nerve stimulation exhibited at least one of these ectopic discharge properties. In total 177 A‐ and 169 C‐fibers with ectopic activity were analysed. Most A‐fibers (161/177) were mechanosensitive. Spontaneous activity (median 1 imp/s) was present in 23/177 and thermosensitivity in 14/177 A‐fibers (13 of them being activated by heat stimuli). Almost all A‐fibers (159/177) exhibited only one type of ectopic discharge property. Most C‐fibers (94/169) were thermosensitive responding either to cold (n = 45) or to heat stimuli (n = 33) or to both (n = 16). Eighty‐four of 169 C‐fibers were spontaneously active (median 0.3 imp/s) and 75/169 C‐fibers were mechanosensitive. Both the proportion and the discharge rate of spontaneously active C‐fibers were significantly higher after crush than after section and resuturing of the nerve. About 60% of the C‐fibers (101/169) had only one ectopic discharge property and 40% two or three. In conclusion, regenerating cutaneous afferent A‐ and C‐fibers may develop mechano‐ and/or thermosensitivity as well as spontaneous activity. We suggest that spontaneous and evoked ectopic activity in regenerating cutaneous afferents are a function of the intrinsic functional properties of these neurons and of the interaction between the regenerating nerve fibers and non‐neural cells during Wallerian degeneration in the nerve distal to the nerve lesion.
Direct evidence for the up‐regulation of spinal µ‐opioid receptor function after repeated stimulation of κ‐opioid receptors in the mouse
Authors: Narita Minoru , Khotib Junaidi , Mizoguchi Hirokazu , Suzuki Masami , Ozaki Satoru , Yajima Yoshinori , Tseng Leon F. , Suzuki Tsutomu
Published: November 2003

The present study was designed to investigate the possible change in spinal µ‐opioid receptor function after repeated administration of a selective κ‐opioid receptor agonist (1S‐trans)‐3,4‐dichloro‐N‐methyl‐N‐[2‐(1‐pyrrolidinyl) cyclohexyl]‐benzeneacetamide hydrochloride [(−)U‐50,488H] in the ICR mouse. A single s.c. or i.t. injection of (−)U‐50,488H produced a dose‐dependent antinociception. Repeated s.c. or i.t. administration of (−)U‐50,488H resulted in the development of tolerance to (−)U‐50,488H‐induced antinociception. Under these conditions, we demonstrated here that repeated s.c. injection of (−)U‐50,488H significantly enhanced the antinociceptive effect induced by the i.t. administration of a selective µ‐opioid receptor agonist [d‐Ala2,N‐Me‐Phe4,Gly5‐ol] enkephalin (DAMGO). Using the guanosine‐5′‐o‐(3‐[35S]thio) triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding assay, we found that (−)U‐50,488H was able to produce a dose‐dependent increase in [35S]GTPγS binding to membranes of the mouse spinal cord. Repeated administration of (−)U‐50,488H caused a significant reduction in the (−)U‐50,488H‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in this region, whereas repeated treatment with (−)U‐50,488H exhibited an increase in the DAMGO‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in membranes of the spinal cord. Using a receptor binding assay, repeated treatment with (−)U‐50,488H significantly increased the density of [3H]DAMGO binding sites in membranes of the mouse spinal cord. In contrast, the expression of µ‐opioid receptor was not affected after repeated treatment with (−)U‐50,488H. These results suggest that repeated stimulation of κ‐opioid receptors leads to the up‐regulation of µ‐opioid receptor functions in the spinal cord, which may be associated with an increase in the number of functional µ‐opioid receptors in the mouse spinal cord.
Erythropoietin protects the in vitro blood–brain barrier against VEGF‐induced permeability
Authors: Martínez‐Estrada Ofelia María , Rodríguez‐Millán Elisabeth , González‐de Vicente Esther , Reina Manuel , Vilaró Senén , Fabre Myriam
Published: November 2003

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) ensures the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment, mostly through complex tight junctions between brain endothelial cells that prevent the passage of hydrophilic molecules from blood to brain and vice versa. A recent study has shown in vivo that systemic administration of erythropoietin (Epo) protects against brain injury. Using an in vitro model of the bovine BBB, we observed that the expression of the Epo receptor is modulated by its ligand and hypoxic stimuli such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. In addition, Epo protects against the VEGF‐induced permeability of the BBB, decreases the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and restores junction proteins. The kinetic transport experiments revealed the capacity of Epo to cross the in vitro BBB in a saturable and specific way. Our results suggest a new mechanism for Epo‐induced neuroprotection, in which circulating Epo controls and maintains the BBB through an Epo receptor signalling pathway and the re‐establishment of cell junctions.
Catecholamine‐independent transient expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in primary auditory neurons is coincident with the onset of hearing in the rat cochlea
Authors: Trigueiros‐Cunha Nuno , Renard Nicole , Humbert Ghislaine , Tavares Maria Amélia , Eybalin Michel
Published: November 2003

During the last stages of neuronal maturation, tyrosine hydroxylase is transiently expressed in the absence of the other catecholamine‐synthesizing enzymes. We show here that it is expressed in rat spiral ganglion neurons between postnatal days 8 and 20, with a peak of expression at postnatal day 12. These tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive neurons did not display aromatic amino acid decarboxylase‐ or dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase‐immunoreactivities, ruling out the possibilities of dopamine or noradrenaline synthesis. They also did not display peripherin‐ or intense neurofilament 200‐kDa‐immunoreactivities, two indicators of type II primary auditory neurons. Tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive dendrites were seen in synaptic contact with the inner hair cells and expressed the GluR2 subunit of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid receptors, further confirming the type I nature of the neurons transiently expressing the enzyme. The end of the tyrosine hydroxylase expression was not due to cell death because the immunoreactive neurons did not show TUNEL‐labelled nuclei. Finally, all the type I neurons expressed the tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA at postnatal day 12, suggesting that the expression of the enzyme is a maturational step common to all these neurons and that the expression of the protein is not synchronized. Because the period of transient expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in type I neurons parallels the periods of maturation of evoked exocytosis in inner hair cells and of appearance and maturation of the cochlear potentials, we propose that the expression of the enzyme indicates the onset of hearing in individual type I primary auditory neurons. This enzyme expression could rely on a Ca2+ activation of its encoding gene subsequent to a sudden and massive Ca2+ entry through voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels.
Cerebellar contribution to spatial event processing: do spatial procedures contribute to formation of spatial declarative knowledge?
Authors: Mandolesi L. , Leggio M. G. , Spirito F. , Petrosini L.
Published: November 2003

Spatial knowledge of an environment involves two distinct competencies: declarative spatial knowledge, linked to where environmental cues are and where the subject is with respect to the cues, and, at the same time, procedural spatial knowledge, linked to how to move into the environment. It has been previously demonstrated that hemicerebellectomized (HCbed) rats are impaired in developing efficient exploration strategies, but not in building spatial maps or in utilizing localizing cues. The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationships between spatial procedural and declarative knowledge by using the open field test. HCbed rats have been tested in two different protocols of the open field task. The results indicate that HCbed animals succeeded in moving inside the arena, in contacting the objects and in habituating to the new environment. However, HCbed animals did not react to environmental changes, when their impaired explorative pattern was inappropriate to the environment, suggesting that they were not able to represent a new environment because they were not able to explore it appropriately. Nevertheless, when their altered procedures were favoured by object arrangement, they detected environmental changes as efficiently as did normal rats. This finding suggests that no declarative spatial learning is possible without appropriate procedural spatial learning.
Insulin induces cobalt uptake in a subpopulation of rat cultured primary sensory neurons
Authors: Sathianathan Vivian , Avelino António , Charrua Ana , Santha Peter , Matesz Klara , Cruz Francisco , Nagy Istvan
Published: November 2003

Previous findings show that both the vanilloid receptor 1 and the insulin receptor are expressed on small primary sensory neurons. As insulin evokes activity in second messengers which could induce opening of the vanilloid receptor 1, we examined, by using the cobalt‐uptake technique, whether or not insulin can activate cultured rat primary sensory neurons through activating the vanilloid receptor 1. Capsaicin (50, 100 and 500 nm) induced concentration‐dependent labelling in primary sensory neurons. Preincubation of cells in insulin (10 µm) for 10 min followed by a 2‐min wash did not produce significant change in the capsaicin‐induced labelling. Coapplication of insulin (10 µm) with capsaicin, however, potentiated the 50 and 100 nm capsaicin‐evoked staining. Insulin itself also produced cobalt labelling in a concentration‐dependent manner. The size–frequency distributions of neurons showing capsaicin‐ or insulin‐induced cobalt accumulation were similar. The insulin‐induced cobalt labelling was significantly reduced by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin AG1024, the vanilloid receptor 1 antagonists, ruthenium red and capsazepine, the protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine and the phospholipase C inhibitor neomycin. Double immunostaining of cultured primary sensory neurons and sections from dorsal root ganglia revealed that about one‐third of the cells coexpress the insulin receptor and vanilloid receptor 1. These findings suggest that insulin activates a subpopulation of primary sensory neurons, probably through phosphorylation‐ and/or phosphatidylinositol(4,5)biphosphate hydrolysis‐evoked activation of the vanilloid receptor 1. Although the insulin‐induced activation of vanilloid receptor 1 seems to be a short‐lived effect in vitro, in vivo it might play a role in the development of burning pain sensation in hyperinsulinism.
Blockade of noradrenergic receptors in the basolateral amygdala impairs taste memory
Authors: Miranda M. I. , LaLumiere R. T. , Buen T. V. , Bermudez‐Rattoni F. , McGaugh J. L.
Published: November 2003

In conditioned taste aversion (CTA), a subject learns to associate a novel taste (conditioned stimulus, CS) with visceral malaise (unconditioned stimulus, US). Considerable evidence indicates that the noradrenergic system in the amygdala plays an important role in memory consolidation for emotionally arousing experiences. The specific aim of the present set of experiments was to determine the involvement of noradrenergic activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) during the US presentation and consolidation of CTA as well as during the consolidation of a nonaversive/incidental gustatory memory. Selective bilateral microinfusions of the β‐adrenergic antagonist propranolol administered into the BLA immediately before intraperitoneal (i.p.) lithium chloride (LiCl) injections disrupted CTA memory. Additionally, propranolol infused into the BLA immediately after a pre‐exposure to the saccharin (CS) significantly attenuated latent inhibition. The present findings indicating that alterations in noradrenergic function in the BLA affect taste memory formation, provide additional evidence that the BLA plays a critical role in modulating the consolidation of memory and that the influence is mediated by interactions with other brain regions that support memory for different kinds of experiences.
Scrg1, a novel protein of the CNS is targeted to the large dense‐core vesicles in neuronal cells
Authors: Dandoy‐Dron Françoise , Griffond Bernadette , Mishal Zohar , Tovey Michael G. , Dron Michel
Published: November 2003

Scrapie responsive gene one (Scrg1) is a novel transcript discovered through identification of the genes associated with or responsible for the neurodegenerative changes observed in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Scrg1 mRNA is distributed principally in the central nervous system and the cDNA sequence predicts a small cysteine‐rich protein 98 amino acids in length, with a N‐terminal signal peptide. In this study, we have generated antibodies against the predicted protein and revealed expression of a predominant immunoreactive protein of 10 kDa in mouse brain by Western blot analysis. We have established CAD neuronal cell lines stably expressing Scrg1 to determine its subcellular localization. Several lines of evidence show that the protein is targeted to dense‐core vesicles in these cells. (i) Scrg1 is detected by immunocytochemistry as very punctate signals especially in the Golgi apparatus and tips of neurites, suggesting a vesicular localization for the protein. Moreover, Scrg1 exhibits a high degree of colocalization with secretogranin II, a dense‐core vesicle marker and a very limited colocalization with markers for small synaptic vesicles. (ii) Scrg1 immunoreactivity is associated with large secretory granules/dense‐core vesicles, as indicated by immuno‐electron microscopy. (iii) Scrg1 is enriched in fractions of sucrose density gradient where synaptotagmin V, a dense‐core vesicle‐associated protein, is also enriched. The characteristic punctate immunostaining of Scrg1 is observed in N2A cells transfected with Scrg1 and for the endogenous protein in cultured primary neurons, attesting to the generality of the observations. Our findings strongly suggest that Scrg1 is associated with the secretory pathway of neuronal cells.
First‐generation SNP/InDel markers tagging loci for pathogen resistance in the potato genome
Authors: Rickert Andreas M. , Kim Jeong H. , Meyer Svenja , Nagel Axel , Ballvora Agim , Oefner Peter J. , Gebhardt Christiane
Published: November 2003

A panel of 17 tetraploid and 11 diploid potato genotypes was screened by comparative sequence analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion‐deletion polymorphisms (InDels), in regions of the potato genome where genes for qualitative and/or quantitative resistance to different pathogens have been localized. Most SNP and InDel markers were derived from bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) insertions that contain sequences similar to the family of plant genes for pathogen resistance having nucleotide‐binding‐site and leucine‐rich‐repeat domains (NBS‐LRR‐type genes). Forty‐four such NBS‐LRR‐type genes containing BAC‐insertions were mapped to 14 loci, which tag most known resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) in potato. Resistance QTL not linked to known resistance‐gene‐like (RGL) sequences were tagged with other markers. In total, 78 genomic DNA fragments with an overall length of 31 kb were comparatively sequenced in the panel of 28 genotypes. 1498 SNPs and 127 InDels were identified, which corresponded, on average, to one SNP every 21 base pairs and one InDel every 243 base pairs. The nucleotide diversity of the tetraploid genotypes (π = 0.72 × 10−3) was lower when compared with diploid genotypes (π = 2.31 × 10−3). RGL sequences showed higher nucleotide diversity when compared with other sequences, suggesting evolution by divergent selection. Information on sequences, sequence similarities, SNPs and InDels is provided in a database that can be queried via the Internet.
Foreign gene products can be enhanced by introduction into low storage protein mutants
Authors: Tada Yoshifumi , Utsumi Shigeru , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: November 2003

Transgenic rice expressing soybean glycinin in its endosperm was crossed with two types of low‐glutelin mutants to determine how much storage the protein mutants can contribute to increases in glycinin accumulation. The glycinin level (102 µg/100 mg seed) in the parental transgenic line was enhanced to ≈ 224–237 µg/100 mg seed within a genetic background deficient in glutelin (i.e. of low glutelins). The enrichment of this foreign gene product was compensated by a decrease in the expression of other endogenous prolamine and globulin storage proteins, resulting in an almost equivalent total amount of seed storage proteins. These results show that low storage protein mutants can provide potentially useful hosts for the expression of foreign genes, allowing a higher‐level accumulation, because they can provide wider space for the accumulation of foreign gene products than in the normal host plant.
Monoclonal C5‐1 antibody produced in transgenic alfalfa plants exhibits a N‐glycosylation that is homogenous and suitable for glyco‐engineering into human‐compatible structures
Authors: Bardor Muriel , Loutelier‐Bourhis Corinne , Paccalet Thomas , Cosette Pascal , Fitchette Anne‐Catherine , Vézina Louis‐P. , Trépanier Sonia , Dargis Michèle , Lemieux Réal , Lange Catherine , Faye Loïc , Lerouge Patrice
Published: November 2003

Structural analysis of the N‐glycosylation of alfalfa proteins was investigated in order to evaluate the capacity of this plant to perform this biologically important post‐translational modification. We show that, in alfalfa, N‐linked glycans are processed into a large variety of mature oligosaccharides having core‐xylose and core α(1,3)‐fucose, as well as terminal Lewisa epitopes. In contrast, expression of the C5‐1 monoclonal antibody in alfalfa plants results in the production of plant‐derived IgG1 which is N‐glycosylated by a predominant glycan having a α(1,3)‐fucose and a β(1,2)‐xylose attached to a GlcNAc2Man3GlcNAc2 core. Since this core is common to plant and mammal N‐linked glycans, it therefore appears that alfalfa plants have the ability to produce recombinant IgG1 having a N‐glycosylation that is suitable for in vitro or in vivo glycan remodelling into a human‐compatible plantibody. For instance, as proof of concept, in vitro galactosylation of the alfalfa‐derived C5‐1 mAb resulted in a homogenous plantibody harbouring terminal β(1,4)‐galactose residues as observed in the mammalian IgG.
Transcriptional regulation of a pineapple polyphenol oxidase gene and its relationship to blackheart
Authors: Zhou Yuchan , O'Hare Tim J. , Jobin‐Decor Marcelle , Underhill Steven J. R. , Wills Ron B. H. , Graham Michael W.
Published: November 2003

Two genes encoding polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were isolated from pineapple (Ananas comosus[L.] Merr. cv. Smooth Cayenne). Sequence analyses showed that both contained a single intron and encoded typical chloroplast‐localized PPO proteins, the sequences of which corresponded to two pineapple PPO cDNAs, PINPPO1 and PINPPO2, recently described by Stewart et al. (2001). Southern blot analyses suggested that pineapple contained only two PPO genes. Analysis of expression of PINPPO1 promoter GUS fusion constructs showed this promoter had a low basal activity and was cold‐ and wound‐inducible, consistent with known mRNA expression profiles. Striking homologies to gibberellin response complexes (GARC) were observed in sequences of both the PINPPO1 and PINPPO2 promoters. Transient assays in mature pineapple fruit and stable expression in transgenic tobacco showed that PINPPO1 promoter‐GUS fusions were indeed gibberellin (GA) responsive. A role for the element within the putative GARCs in mediating GA‐responsiveness of the PINPPO1 promoter was confirmed by mutational analysis. PINPPO2 was also shown to be GA‐responsive by RT‐PCR analysis. Mutant PINPPO1 promoter–GUS fusion constructs, which were no longer GA‐inducible, showed a delayed response to cold induction in pineapple fruit in transient assays, suggesting a role for GA in blackheart development. This was supported by observations that exogenous GA3 treatment induced blackheart in the absence of chilling. Sequences showing homology to GARCs are also present in some PPO promoters in tomato, suggesting that GA regulates PPO expression in diverse species.
Quasi‐markets in British Health Policy: A Longue Durée Perspective
Authors: Powell Martin
Published: November 2003

Quasi‐markets in health care are generally associated with the period 1991–7 in the later years of office of the British Conservative Party. This paper aims to place such claims in a wider framework by exploring definitions of and conditions of success for quasi‐markets over a longer timescale, beginning in the 1930s and ending with the current New Labour government. It suggests a typology of quasi‐markets based on hard versus soft, direct versus indirect and internal versus external forms. It applies these categories and the conditions for success for quasi‐markets to seven historical periods. Both the typologies and the conditions for success of quasi‐markets varied over time, defying a simple linear development, suggesting a more nuanced historical narrative than simple continuity or discontinuity accounts of recent developments provide. Covering such a large topic over a long sweep of time, with the absence of clear evidence for much of the period, necessarily means that verdicts tend to be impressionistic. However, even at this level, the tentative conclusions provide important contextual elements in the debate on quasi‐markets.
Support for Carers of Older People: The Roles of the Public and Voluntary Sectors in Sweden
Authors: Jegermalm Magnus
Published: November 2003

This study examines the support services offered to informal caregivers, whether directly or indirectly, in Sweden over the period of a special investment initiative between 1999 and 2001. Data were collected in a Swedish county using two separate mail questionnaires in 1999 and 2001. The first questionnaire was addressed to each municipality in the region. The second questionnaire was sent to a random sample of voluntary organizations in the area. The findings showed that only the municipalities provided direct forms of relief service, day care and financial support. The voluntary organizations’ support for carers focused on support groups and training as well as services for older care users themselves. There was a significant increase between 1999 and 2001 in the number of municipalities providing information material and training for carers and using professional caregiver consultants. On the one hand, the Swedish public social care system appears to be following the international pattern in paying more attention to informal caregivers and investing in support services for them. On the other hand the findings did not show any growth in support provided by the voluntary organizations. Here Swedish welfare is dissimilar to other European countries, where it is increasingly common for voluntary organizations to play an important role as providers of support for carers.
Out of the Generosity of Your Heart: Are We Creating Active Citizens through Compulsory Volunteer Programmes for Young People in Australia?
Authors: Warburton Jeni , Smith Jennifer
Published: November 2003

Using governmentality as a theoretical framework, we examine two Australian policy areas where young people are disciplined into becoming good, active citizens. These policies—mutual obligation through the work for the dole programme, and school‐based active citizenship programmes similar to American service learning programmes—both mirror volunteer‐type activities, in a social context where volunteers are viewed as good citizens. In this study, we present findings from a qualitative study that addresses the question of whether young people will develop active citizenship through compulsory volunteer‐type programmes. The findings show that first, young people are very conscious of the lack of choice involved in these programmes and that this weakened their sense of agency. Second, the programmes failed to develop positive community attitudes and active social behaviours. These results suggest that policies that compel individuals to contribute to society may actually weaken their citizenship identities.
Evidence of Iberian Bronze Age ‘Boquique’ Pottery in the Balearic Islands: Trade, Marriage or Culture?
Authors: Waldren W.
Published: November 2003

Summary.  This paper deals with the recent discovery of Iberian ‘Boquique’ Bronze Age pottery on the Balearic Island of Mallorca. It marks the ‘maritime’ spread of this distinctive pottery into a geographic area not previously recorded. It should therefore be of particular interest to mainland investigators and others concerned with its geographical distribution as well as those dealing with long‐distance trade and possible kinship links during the period. The find is further supported by the ‘micaceous’ and ‘quartz’ composition of the pottery clay fabric, since mica is not known on the island as a component of local clays. The presence of Boquique pottery with ‘micaceous’ clay properties is demonstrated by microphotographic slab and thin sections as well as chemical clay analysis. This suggests that the pottery was imported, either as a trade item or as personal possessions.

Along with recent evidence of earlier trade in exotic ‘elephant’ ivory and other items during Bell Beaker times, where the Boquique pottery appears to be a late intrusive element into local Beaker contexts (Waldren 1998), this new evidence represents the first material sign of cultural maritime interaction (Boquique in the present case), either as demographic extension or commercial exchange of these cultural items into the area.

Furthermore, contextual radiocarbon dating surveys strongly indicate a date of 1700–1400 BC for the pottery, in accord both with recent Iberian mainland dates as well as the local archaeological sequence in which it was found.
The Emergence of Chariots and Riding in the South Caucasus
Authors: Pogrebova Maria
Published: November 2003

Summary.  The beginning of the Late Bronze Age, i.e. the late fifteenth–early fourteenth centuries BC, saw the emergence of chariots in Transcaucasia, where rich barrows of this period yielded bronze chariot models. The latter correspond to the type of chariots widespread in the western Near East in the late sixteenth–early thirteenth centuries BC. Hence it can be inferred that, regardless of the ultimate origin of Near Eastern chariots, Transcaucasian specimens belong to the Near Eastern tradition. However, in Transcaucasia, in contradistinction to the Near East, the chariot was merely a prestige marker. The growing role of the horse indicative of horseback riding is attested by some Transcaucasian funeral complexes of the late second millennium BC, which correspond to those of the steppes of south Russia. It seems likely that the builders of these barrows were related to the Iranian population of the Russian steppes.
PETROGRAPHIC AND ISOTOPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MARBLE OF THE ISLAND OF TINOS (GREECE)*
Authors: Lazzarini L. , Antonelli F.
Published: November 2003

Most outcrops of good‐quality crystalline marble in Mediterranean countries were exploited in Greek and Roman times. Hence, a wide variety of marble is now found in archaeological excavations. The precise determination of the provenance of a marble object is of great archaeological importance, and is now mostly obtained by coupling the petrographic study of a thin section with the analysis of the C and O stable isotopes, or by stereomicroscopy and EPR. The existing databases are considerable but still insufficient, because our knowledge about and study of ancient Mediterranean quarries remain incomplete. The contribution of this research is to add new petrographic and isotopic data on small quarries on the Greek island of Tinos that were exploited in antiquity. This marble belongs to the same geological horizon; it is quite pure, sometimes dolomitic and characterized by a low‐T, high‐P metamorphism that produced a limited recrystallization (MGS varying from 0.64 to 2.50 mm) on marine limestone protoliths. The petrographic features are quite distinctive: the fabric is strongly lineated and often stressed; and the accessory minerals are ubiquitary quartz, ore minerals, graphite and muscovite. As far as the isotopic data are concerned, δ13CPDB varies from 1.1 to 2.7, and δ18OPDB from −1.7 to −11.4. Both the features and the data have been compared with those of similar marbles used in antiquity, showing that their combination mirrors the fingerprint of the Tinos marble.
BRITTLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SILVER: A FRACTURE MECHANISMS AND MECHANICS ASSESSMENT*
Authors: Wanhill R. J. H.
Published: November 2003

Some archaeological silver objects are found to be brittle. The brittleness is a consequence of long‐term corrosion and microstructural changes. The types and mechanisms of embrittlement are defined and explained. The severity of embrittlement is increased by a larger grain size and by synergistic action of corrosion‐induced and microstructurally induced embrittlement. Micromechanical models of fracture that incorporate the grain size provide an insight into these effects and help to explain why severely embrittled objects are frangible or even friable.
RESEARCH REPORT: MAGNETIC INVESTIGATIONS AND THE AGE OF A MEDIEVAL KILN AT KUNGAHÄLLA (SOUTH‐WEST SWEDEN)*
Authors: Riisager P. , Abrahamsen N. , Rytter J.
Published: November 2003

The results from a magnetic survey and archaeomagnetic investigation of a medieval brick kiln at Kungahälla in Bohuslän (south‐west Sweden) are reported. Detailed magnetic total field and magnetic gradient measurements over known traces of the kiln showed marked local magnetic anomalies of up to 200 nT, revealing the rectangular shape of the kiln remains.

 Palaeomagnetic investigations of the remanent magnetization of 12 bricks from the kiln floor gave precise definitions of both the direction of the archaeomagnetic field [(Dm, Im) = (66.7°, 8.8°), k = 655, α95= 1.7°] and the palaeointensity [Bm= 69.0 ± 3.6 µT]. An archaeomagnetic date is obtained by comparing the direction of the archaeomagnetic field found in the kiln with a geocentral dipole‐transformation of the British master‐curve for secular variation. Of two possible archaeomagnetic dates (ad 1280 ± 50 or ad 1480 ± 50), the ad 1280 ± 50 age is in good accordance with the C‐14 ages and archaeological dates as well as with direct historical evidence, whereas a c. 100 years younger TL date appears to be too young.
POTENTIAL MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND FRACTIONAL CONVERSION STUDIES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOILS AND SEDIMENTS*
Authors: Crowther J.
Published: November 2003

Potential magnetic susceptibility (χMAX) and, hence, fractional conversion (χCONV) are shown to be critical in interpreting low‐frequency mass‐specific magnetic susceptibility (χLF) data. Results presented from 29 sites in the UK and one in Hungary encompass six types of investigation: Quaternary sedimentary stratigraphies, archaeological contexts, surveys of old ground surfaces, topsoil surveys of lithic scatter sites, topsoil prospection surveys and ‘natural’ topsoils. The findings highlight the wide range of χMAX values that may be encountered; identify factors affecting χMAX; demonstrate that χCONV provides a measure of enhancement resulting from burning; and identify environments in which χLF analysis is likely to be problematic.
Development of subcutaneous wound oxygen measurement in humans: Contributions of Thomas K. Hunt, MD
Authors: Hopf Harriet W.
Published: November 2003

When, in the early 1960s, Thomas K. Hunt, MD began investigating the role of oxygen in wound healing, he recognized that translation to humans would require the ability to measure oxygen tension in human wounds. This article will review his contributions to the development of subcutaneous tissue oxygen measurement and to the understanding of wound physiology and oxygen delivery, particularly through use of oxygen measurement. Hunt's major contributions to the field include the observations that all wounds show some degree of hypoxia, while many are severely hypoxic; the degree of hypoxia in wounds is sufficient to impair wound healing, and particularly bacterial killing by neutrophils, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and epithelization; the sympathetic nervous system plays a central role in decreasing wound oxygen supply; and wound oxygen delivery and wound healing capacity can be increased by controlling the sympathetic nervous system. All these observations required tissue oxygen measurement, and, in particular, translation of basic scientific observations to clinical research required a method of measuring wound oxygen tension in humans. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:424–430)
Role of Smad3 in the hormonal modulation of in vivo wound healing responses
Authors: Ashcroft Gillian S. , Mills Stuart J. , Flanders Kathleen C. , Lyakh Lyudmila A. , Anzano Mario A. , Gilliver Stephen C. , Roberts Anita B.
Published: November 2003

Smad3 is involved in mediating intracellular signaling by members of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily and plays a critical role in the cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, and elaboration of matrix pivotal to cutaneous wound healing. Cross‐talk between Smad3 and hormone signaling in vitro has been suggested as an important control mechanism regulating cell activities; however, its relevance in vivo is unknown. Here we report that Smad3 plays a role in androgen‐mediated inhibition of wound healing but not in the responses to estrogen modulation in vivo. Both wild‐type and Smad3 null female mice exhibited delayed healing following ovariectomy, which could be reversed by estrogen replacement. By contrast, castration accelerated healing in wild‐type male mice and was reversible by exogenous androgen treatment. Intriguingly, modulation of androgen levels resulted in no discernible perturbation in the healing response in the Smad3 null mice. Mutant monocytes could be lipopolysaccharide stimulated to produce specific pro‐inflammatory agents (macrophage monocyte inhibitory factor) in a fashion similar to wild‐type cells, but exhibited a muted response to androgen‐mediated stimulation while maintaining a normal response to estrogen‐induced macrophage inhibitory factor inhibition. These data suggest that Smad3 plays a role in mediating androgen signaling during the normal wound healing response and implicate Smad3 in the modulation of inflammatory cell activity by androgens. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:468–473)
Oxygen and the regulation of gene expression in wounds
Authors: Albina Jorge E. , Reichner Jonathan S.
Published: November 2003

Work from Tom Hunt's laboratory first identified wound hypoxia as a potential regulator of the biology of cells participating in tissue repair. Current understanding of the role of oxygen in the regulation of gene expression begins to provide a mechanistic basis for the prediction that oxygen could be a fundamental regulator of wound healing made by the Hunt laboratory. The present article describes the experience of the authors' laboratory in defining the expression of two oxygen‐regulated genes, those for the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase and for arginase I in experimental wounds. Observations made regarding these two genes are discussed in the context of the overall regulatory role of oxygen as a phenotypic modulator of inflammatory cells. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:445–451)
The relationship between normative orthodontic treatment need and oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: De Oliveira Cesar Messias , Sheiham Aubrey
Published: November 2003

Abstract –

Objectives: The first objective was to assess whether having had orthodontic treatment affected the levels of oral health‐related quality of life impacts in Brazilian adolescents. A second objective was to assess the relationship between a normative clinical measure of orthodontic treatment need and two measures of oral health‐related quality of life.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Bauru, SP, Brazil, on 1675 randomly selected adolescents aged between 15 and 16 years. Adolescents were clinically examined using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Two oral health‐related quality of life measures, namely the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) and the shortened version of the Oral Health Impacts Profile (OHIP‐14) were used to assess the adolescents' oral health‐related impacts. Multiple logistic regression was used in the data analysis.

Results: Adolescents who had completed orthodontic treatment reported less oral health impacts on their daily life activities than those currently under treatment or those who never had any treatment. Combining the IOTN index with either of the two oral health‐related quality of life measures used in this study provided more information about the adolescents' perceived satisfaction with their appearance than the IOTN on its own.

Conclusion: Current methods of assessing orthodontic need should be complemented by oral health‐related quality of life measures with valid psychometric properties, and measures of perceived need.
Smoking as a risk indicator for periodontal disease in the middle‐aged Vietnamese population
Authors: Do G. Loc , Spencer A. John , Roberts‐Thomson Kaye , Ha H. Diep
Published: November 2003

Abstract –

Background: Studies from developed countries have found smoking a significant risk indicator for periodontitis. However, few such studies have been conducted in developing populations, where the natural history of the disease is rarely confounded by treatment and smoking is highly prevalent.

Aim: The present study aimed to confirm the consistency, strength and dose–response of the association of smoking with periodontitis measured by loss of attachment (LOA) in a representative middle‐aged adult sample from a developing country.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study with a multistage stratified random sample was conducted in two provinces of Vietnam.

Results: A total of 575 (response: 84.6%) 35–44‐year‐old subjects were interviewed and periodontally examined. Data were re‐weighted to represent the population of the provinces. 28.9% were current smokers (CS), 8.6% former smokers (FS) and 62.5% never‐smokers (NS). Number of cigarette pack‐years was calculated to divide CS into light smokers, LS ≤5 pack‐years, and heavy smokers, HS 5+ pack‐years. The US NIDR protocol was employed for LOA measurement at two sites per tooth for every tooth. HS presented with the highest prevalence of LOA exceeding various thresholds followed by LS (χ2, P < 0.001). The extent of sites with LOA ≥ 4 mm and LOA ≥ 6 mm was significantly higher among HS and LS compared to NS (ANOVA; P < 0.001). The severity scores of LOA for NS, FS, LS and HS were 2.42, 2.50, 2.64 and 3.05 mm respectively (ANOVA; P < 0.001). Disease cases were defined as having 2+ sites with LOA ≥ 5 mm and 1+ site with PD ≥ 4 mm. Compared to NS, the odds ratio for periodontitis among heavy smokers was 7.17 (CI: 2.87–17.92, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Smoking is a risk indicator for periodontitis among the middle‐aged Vietnamese population. To pursue a population prevention approach for periodontitis, dentistry in Vietnam needs to be part of antismoking and smoking cessation programs.
Geographic differences in tooth loss and denture‐wearing among the elderly in Norway
Authors: Henriksen Birgitte Moesgaard , Axéll Tony , Laake Knut
Published: November 2003

Abstract –

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of teeth and dentures in individuals aged 67 years and above.

Methods: A representative random sample of 1152 individuals was drawn from 11 of the 19 counties of Norway. In all, 582 subjects were interviewed and examined clinically by the same dentist (BMH) in 1996–99. Fifty‐four had died before contact was established, and the response rate was 53%. The mean age of those examined was 76.4 ± 5.9 years, range 67–99 years.

Results: In all, 40.0% had ‘own teeth only’, 27.9% ‘own teeth and dentures’ and 31.6% ‘dentures only’. Three participants had neither teeth nor dentures. Interviews with 35 nonparticipants disclosed no statistically significant differences regarding dental/denture status compared to participants. By using stepwise polychotomous logistic regression, three regions of Norway could be identified with respect to the occurrence of teeth and dentures; significant differences existed between them and nonsignificant differences were found within them. In region A (South‐East counties including the capital Oslo), region B (West‐Central counties), and region C (Northern counties) the prevalence of ‘own teeth only’, ‘own teeth and dentures’ and ‘dentures only’ were 62.0, 26.5 and 11.1% in region A, 27.7, 28.9 and 43.1% in region B and 2.9, 28.6 and 65.7% in region C, respectively. Teeth were observed in 394 individuals, the mean number being 19, 15 and 11 in regions A, B and C, respectively (over all mean 17 teeth).

Conclusions: There are large geographical disparities with respect to dental/denture status in Norway. The oral health goals for the year 2000 suggested by WHO/FDI were far from met in large areas of the country at the time when the data were collected, (1996–99).