bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Restoration Efforts in Fishless Lakes Stocked with Exotic Trout
Authors: Drake Deanne C. , Naiman Robert J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Detrimental effects of introduced fishes on native amphibian populations have prompted removal of introduced cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarki), rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis) from naturally fishless lakes at Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington ( U.S.A.). Using paleolimnological indicators (diatoms, invertebrates, and sediment characteristics) in eight 480‐year‐old sediment cores from eight lakes, we (1) derived estimates of baseline environmental conditions and natural variation, (2) assessed the effects of stocking naturally fishless lakes, and (3) determined whether lakes returned to predisturbance conditions after fish removal (restoration). Diatom floras were relatively stable between 315 and 90 years before present in all lakes; we used this time period to define lake‐specific “baseline” conditions. Dissimilarity analyses of diatoms revealed sustained, dramatic changes in diatom floras that occurred approximately 80 years ago (when fish were introduced) in four of five stocked lakes, whereas the diatom floras in two unstocked lakes had not changed significantly in the last 315 years. Diatoms were not preserved in an eighth lake. State changes also occurred in two lakes over 200 years before European settlement of the Pacific Northwest. Preserved invertebrate densities fluctuated dramatically over time in all cores, providing a poor reference for assessing the effects of fishes. Nevertheless, fish‐invertebrate interactions have been demonstrated in other paleolimnological studies and may be useful for lower‐elevation or more productive lakes. Because diatom communities have not returned to predisturbance assemblages in restored lakes, even 20–30 years after fish removal, we conclude that Mt. Rainier lakes were not successfully restored by the removal of fishes.
Effects of Self‐Guided Snorkeling Trails on Corals in a Tropical Marine Park
Authors: Plathong Sakanan , Inglis Graeme J. , Huber Michael E.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Underwater trails are intended as interpretative tools in marine parks, but concentrating divers and snorkelers in defined areas may negatively affect the surrounding environment. We examined spatial and temporal patterns in the effects of use of underwater trails on coral reef flats in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia. Changes in benthic assemblages were assessed on two new trails used by snorkelers, two unused (control) trails, and two undisturbed areas. Total percent coral cover, numbers of broken colonies, and living coral fragments were counted 6 months before and 6 months after the new trails began to be used. Spatial patterns of effects around concentrated nodes of use were determined by stratified sampling around and away from the interpretative signs within each trail. Despite comparatively low levels of use (approximately 15 snorkelers per trail per week), snorkelers caused significant damage to corals along the trails. Branching corals (non‐Acropora branching corals and Millepora spp.) were most affected. More damage occurred near the interpretative signs than elsewhere on the trails. The numbers of broken branches and damaged coral colonies in the snorkeling trails increased rapidly but stabilized within 2 months of the commencement of use. There was no significant change in overall benthic assemblages within the trails after 6 months of use by snorkelers. Although concentrating snorkelers within confined trails caused increased damage to corals, the effects can be mitigated by appropriate design and placement of the trails and by managing the behavior of snorkelers. Interpretative information should warn users about the damage they may cause when swimming along the trails. Managing the behavior of snorkelers in the water is likely to be more effective in reducing damage than simply applying fixed limits to the amount of use the trails receive.
Competition between Native Populus deltoides and Invasive Tamarix ramosissima and the Implications for Reestablishing Flooding Disturbance
Authors: Sher Anna A. , Marshall Diane L. , Gilbert Steven A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Changes in historical disturbance regimes have been shown to facilitate non‐native plant invasions, but reinstatement of disturbance can be successful only if native colonizers are able to outcompete colonizing invasives. Reintroduction of flooding in the southwestern United States is being promoted as a means of reestablishing Populus deltoides subsp. wislizenii, but flooding can also promote establishment of an introduced, invasive species, Tamarix ramosissima. We investigated competition between Populus and Tamarix at the seedling stage to aid in characterizing the process by which Tamarix may invade and to determine the potential ability of Populus to establish itself with competitive pressure from Tamarix. We planted seedlings of Tamarix and Populus in five ratios at three densities for a total of 15 treatments. The growth response of each species was measured in terms of height, above‐ground biomass, and tissue concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous. These measurements across treatments were modeled as three‐dimensional response surfaces. For both species, Populus density was more important than Tamarix density for determining growth response. Both species were negatively affected by increasing numbers of Populus seedlings. Due to the larger size of the native Populus, we predict that its superior competitive ability can lead to its dominance when conditions allow native establishment. Our results suggest that even in the presence of an invader that positively responds to disturbance, reestablishment of historical flooding regimes and post‐flood hydrology can restore this ecosystem by promoting its dominant plant species.
Body Size and Risk of Extinction in Australian Mammals
Authors: Cardillo Marcel , Bromham Lindell
Published: August 2010

Abstract:The link between body size and risk of extinction has been the focus of much recent attention. For Australian terrestrial mammals this link is of particular interest because it is widely believed that species in the intermediate size range of 35–5500 g (the “critical weight range”) have been the most prone to recent extinction. But the relationship between body size and extinction risk in Australian mammals has never been subject to a robust statistical analysis. Using a combination of randomization tests and phylogenetic comparative analyses, we found that Australian mammal extinctions and declines have been nonrandom with respect to body size, but we reject the hypothesis of a critical weight range at intermediate sizes. Small species appear to be the least prone to extinction, but extinctions have not been significantly clustered around intermediate sizes. Our results suggest that hypotheses linking intermediate body size with high risk of extinction in Australian mammals are misguided and that the focus of future research should shift to explaining why the smallest species are the most resistant to extinction.
A Successful Predictive Model of Species Richness Based on Indicator Species
Authors: NALLY RALPH MAC , FLEISHMAN ERICA
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Because complete species inventories are expensive and time‐consuming, scientists and land managers seek techniques to alleviate logistic constraints on measuring species richness, especially over large spatial scales. We developed a method to identify indicators of species richness that is applicable to any taxonomic group or ecosystem. In an initial case study, we found that a model based on the occurrence of five indicator species explained 88% of the deviance of species richness of 56 butterflies in a mountain range in western North America. We validated model predictions and spatial transferability of the model using independent, newly collected data from another, nearby mountain range. Predicted and observed values of butterfly species richness were highly correlated with 93% of the observed values falling within the 95% credible intervals of the predictions. We used a Bayesian approach to update the initial model with both the model‐building and model‐validation data sets. In the updated model, the effectiveness of three of the five indicator species was similar, whereas the effectiveness of two species was reduced. The latter species had more erratic distributions in the validation data set than in the original model‐building data set. This objective method for identifying indicators of species richness could substantially enhance our ability to conduct large‐scale ecological assessments of any group of animals or plants in any geographic region and to make effective conservation decisions.
Modeling the Effect of Climate Change on the Distribution of Oak and Pine Species of Mexico
Authors: GÓMEZ‐MENDOZA LETICIA , ARRIAGA LAURA
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  We examined the vulnerability of 34 species of oaks (Quercus) and pines (Pinus) to the effects of global climate change in Mexico. We regionalized the HadCM2 model of climate change with local climatic data (mean annual temperature and rainfall) and downscaled the model with the inverse distance‐weighted method. Databases of herbaria specimens, genetic algorithms (GARP), and digital covers of biophysical variables that affect oaks and pines were used to project geographic distributions of the species under a severe and conservative scenario of climate change for the year 2050. Starting with the current average temperature of 20.2 °C and average precipitation of 793 mm, under the severe warming scenario mean temperature and precipitation changed to 22.7 °C and 660 mm, respectively, in 2050. For the conservative warming scenario, these variables shifted to 21.8 °C and 721 mm. Responses to the different scenarios of climate change were predicted to be species‐specific and related to each species climate affinity. The current geographic distribution of oaks and pines decreased 7–48% and 0.2–64%, respectively. The more vulnerable pines were Pinus rudis, P. chihuahuana, P. oocarpa, and P. culminicola, and the most vulnerable oaks were Quercus crispipilis, Q. peduncularis, Q. acutifolia, and Q. sideroxyla. In addition to habitat conservation, we think sensitive pine and oak species should be looked at more closely to define ex situ strategies (i.e., seed preservation in germplasm banks) for their long‐term conservation. Modeling climatic‐change scenarios is important to the development of conservation strategies.
Null‐Hypothesis Significance Testing and the Critical Weight Range for Australian Mammals
Authors: CHISHOLM RYAN , TAYLOR ROBERT
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The critical weight range hypothesis for Australian terrestrial mammals states that species in the intermediate size range 35–5500 g are particularly susceptible to extinction. In a 2001 study Cardillo and Bromham found no statistically significant evidence for this hypothesis and suggested that research should instead focus on why small species are resistant to extinction. We used a similar data set of body sizes of Australian mammals grouped by conservation classification, but we used test statistics (mean deviation above and below the median body size) that are more statistically powerful than those of Cardillo and Bromham (quartiles, maxima, and minima of body size distributions). We found strong evidence in favor of the critical weight range hypothesis: the body size distribution of threatened species was more clustered toward the median body size from above and below. This pattern was statistically significant at the continental scale and in the arid zone, but not in the mesic zone. Confusing statistical significance with evidence of no effect, as Cardillo and Bromham did, can have negative implications for conservation biology because it can result in failure to act when action is warranted or provision of incorrect advice that affects policy and planning decisions.
Reliability of a Higher‐Taxon Approach to Richness, Rarity, and Composition Assessments at the Local Scale
Authors: MANDELIK YAEL , DAYAN TAMAR , CHIKATUNOV VLADIMIR , KRAVCHENKO VASILIY
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  A promising shortcut for quantifying species patterns is to use genera and families as surrogates of species. At large spatial scales, concurrence between patterns of richness, rarity, and composition of species and higher taxa is generally high. Only a few researchers, however, have examined this relationship at the local scale, which is frequently the relevant scale in land‐use conflicts. We investigated the reliability of the higher‐taxon approach in assessing patterns of species richness, rarity, and composition at the local scale. We studied diversity patterns of three commonly used surrogate taxa: vascular plants, ground‐dwelling beetles, and moths. We conducted year‐round field surveys for these taxa in the Jerusalem Mountains and the Judean foothills, Israel. Richness and composition of species were highly correlated with richness and composition of genera for all taxa. At the family level, correlations with richness and composition of species were much lower. Excluding monotypic genera and families did not affect these relations. Rarity representation based on higher taxa varied considerably depending on the taxon, and rarity scale and was weaker compared with richness and composition representation. Cumulative richness curves of species and genera showed similar patterns, leveling off at equivalent sampling efforts. Genus‐level assessments were a reliable surrogate for local patterns of species richness, rarity, and composition, but family‐level assessments performed poorly. The advantage of using coarse taxonomic scales in local diversity surveys is that it may decrease identification time and the need for experts, but it will not reduce sampling effort.
Retrograde Occlusive Arteriography of Hemodialysis Access: Failure to Detect Inflow Lesions?
Authors: Chan Micah R. , Chhokar Vikramjit S. , Young Henry N. , Becker Bryan N. , Yevzlin Alexander S.
Published: August 2010

Once thought to be a minor player in hemodialysis (HD) access dysfunction relative to outflow stenosis, inflow stenosis has recently come to be viewed as a major cause of access failure. Indeed, recent literature has shown that up to 40% of all accesses referred for dysfunction have an inflow lesion. Imaging of the inflow segment has been traditionally performed by interventional nephrologists via retrograde occlusive arteriography (ROA). Recent advances in our understanding of ROA have cast the technique in a negative light, with the possibility of vascular complications and poor diagnostic yield coming to the fore. Using a prospectively collected, vascular access database, we identified 18 consecutive patients who received imaging of inflow lesions by ROA and direct arteriogram (DA). The mean percent luminal stenoses were found to be 59.89 ± 24 and 79.06 ± 17.8 (p = 0.009) for the ROA vs. DA groups, respectively. Using multiple regression analysis, DA was found to be associated with detecting higher degree of luminal stenosis (β = 19.17, 95% CI 6.28–32.05, p = 0.006). This small case series provides evidence on the theoretical concern that ROA does not adequately evaluate inflow lesions. We may conclude that by relying solely on ROA, interventional nephrologists may be failing to detect a subset of hemodynamically significant inflow lesions.
A Self‐Observation Study of Headache Symptoms in Children
Authors: Joffe Risha , Bakal Donald A. , Kaganov Judith
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

The purpose of the present study was to examine symptom configurations experienced by children with problem headache and to determine whether headache symptoms in children can be analyzed along a continuum of severity. Forty‐seven children between the ages of 8 and 17 years monitored their headache activity on a daily basis for a 3‐week period. The self‐observation data indicated that children did not show a tendency to experience their headache symptoms in terms of distinct muscle contraction and migraine symptom clusters. On the contrary, both categories of symptoms were observed to increase in frequency with increasingly problematic headaches. The presence of both muscle contraction and migraine symptoms increased in a linear fashion with the number of daily headache hours reported by the children during the self‐observation period. The measure of headache hours also correlated significantly with the total number of head pain locations and symptoms reported by the children. A regression analysis revealed that the symptom of nausea with the addition of the symptoms of dull and aching pain, bilateral forehead pain, feelings of tightness and pressure, and light sensitivity accounted for 77% of the variance associated with the severity measure of headache hours. Further support for viewing headaches in children in terms of severity came from an analysis of the time of onset of headache activity characteristic of the different children in the sample. Children with more severe headache activity experienced their attacks at an earlier time of day than children with less severe headache activity. Overall, the self‐observation data provided additional support for the severity model and supported the utility of extending the model to the study of headache disorders in children.
Iris Adrenergic Sensitivity and Migraine in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Balottin U. , Arisi D. , Frigo G.M. , Lanzi G.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

A photographic pupillometric study has been carried out in 22 migrainous patients, aged between 5 and 17.

The pupillary responses to phenylephrine and to fenfluramine in the migrainous patients did not significantly differ from the healthy subjects except at 8th hour during the fenfluramine test.

The results are discussed with regard to the hypothesis of a functional deficiency of iris adrenergic innervation.
Flunarizine, a Calcium Channel Blocker, in the Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine
Authors: Diamond Seymour , Schenbaum Helane
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

Due to its multiple physiologic effects, including interference with vasoconstriction, protection against brain hypoxia, antihistaminic activity and serotonin antagonism, Flunarizine, a calcium channel blocker, is being considered as an agent for the prophylactic treatment of migraine. Twenty patients with classical or common migraine were treated for 2‐6 months with a single nighttime dose of 10 mg of Flunarizine after a 1‐3 month placebo stabilization period in a single blind crossover study. Seventeen patients experienced a statistically significant reduction in headache incidence and/or severity (average reduction 53.3%). No clinically significant changes in laboratory analysis, ECG, or physical examination occurred during the treatment period. Side effects included weight gain, dry mouth, fatigue, sleepiness, muscle aches, and paresthesias, and prompted discontinuation of Flunarizine in three patients. We conclude that Flunarizine may be an effective agent in migraine prophylaxis in certain patients. Its low incidence of generally mild side effects may make it preferable to many of the agents currently in use.
Absolute and Proportional Resting EMG Levels in Muscle Contraction and Migraine Headache Patients
Authors: van Boxtel A. , Goudswaard P. , Janssen K.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

In this study, resting EMG levels were measured in the frontalis and temporalis muscle in patients suffering from muscle contraction headache, migraine, or mixed muscle contraction‐migraine headache. The EMG levels of these groups were never significantly higher than those of a control group of subjects without headaches. Significantly higher levels, however, were found in both muscles in the migraine and mixed headache groups if the resting EMG levels were expressed as a percentage of the EMG level during maximal contraction. There was a tendency for proportional EMG levels of both muscles in the muscle contraction headache group to be significantly elevated. Headache patients generally showed lower maximal EMG levels than control subjects. The significance of this finding is discussed in relation to the etiology of the headaches. It is concluded that proportional EMG levels are a better index of the state of contraction than absolute EMG levels and are preferable in investigations of headache.
HLA‐B14 Antigen in Cluster Headache
Authors: Martelletti P. , Romiti A. , Gallo M.F. , Giacovazzo M. , Adorno D. , Valeri M. , Piazza A. , Monaco P.I. , Casciani C.U.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

The relationships of HLA‐antigens and Cluster Headache (C.H.) is described.

60 subjects (39 males and 21 females aged between 15 and 75 years ‐ mean age 40.13 years) from Central Italy with Cluster Headache were examined. Three subgroups were identified, 29 Episodic Cluster Headache, 20 Hemicrania Cluster and 11 Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania. The 12 alleles of the Iocus‐A and the 16 alleles of the Iocus‐B were studied in the C.H. group and in 321 subjects, most of whom were blood donors, selected as a control group.

Typing was carried out with the microlymphocyto‐toxicity technique used by N.I.H.

Genetic frequency, relative risk (R.R.) and “linkage disequilibrium” calculation were evaluated statistically. The statistical significance was corrected taking into consideration the number of observations carried out. The X2 test was used.

The data showed a decreased frequency of antigen HLA‐B14 (1.66% vs 11.53% r<0.05) and HLA‐Bw21 (5% vs 13.71%) in patients with C.H. compared to the group of controls. The R.R. was 0.19 and 0.33 respectively.
Delayed Onset Dystonia Following Hemiplegic Migraine
Authors: Obeso J.A. , Vila E. Martinez , Delgado G. , Vaamonde J. , Maravi E. , Lage J.M. Martinez
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

A 22‐year‐old woman developed complete left hemiplegia and sensory loss during an attack of migraine. She recovered almost totally but two months later incoordination and twisting of the left limb was noticeable. Examination showed tremor of the left arm and dystonia of the hand and foot secondary to a small infarction of the right posterolateral thalamic nuclei. Late onset dystonia may be another sequela of complicated migraine.
Prevention of Exercise Induced Migraine by Quantitative Warm‐up
Authors: Lambert Ross W. , Burnet Deborah L.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

A competitive swimmer developed migraine headache after exercise. A prescribed warm‐up regimen prevented further headaches. Omission of the warm‐up led to recurrence.
Basilar Artery Migraine: a Follow‐up Study of 82 Cases
Authors: Sturzenegger M.H. , Meienberg O.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

82 adolescent or adult patients in whom the diagnosis of basilar artery migraine (BAM) had been made or suspected were reviewed. When rigorous criteria were used, the diagnosis could be confirmed in 49 patients (32 women and 17 men). Seven other patients probably had BAM, but did not totally fulfill the criteria. In 26 cases reevaluation did not confirm the diagnosis.

In the 49 patients with definite BAM the age of onset ranged from 10 to 62 years, 65% of them having their first attack in the second or third decade. 40% had BAM attacks only, while 60% had additionally other types of migraine attacks. A typical pattern of attacks with an “ischemic” aura followed by predominantly occipital headache was found in only 57%. The most frequent “ischemic” symptom was bilateral visual impairment (86%). Symptoms and signs of brain stem dysfunction were vertigo (63%), gait ataxia (63%), bilateral paresthesia (61%), bilateral weakness (57%), and dysarthria (57%). 77% of the cases had disorders of consciousness (mainly syncope, confusion and prolonged amnesia). 4 patients (8%) had epileptic seizures during the migraine attacks. 73% had a family history of migraine and 12% of epilepsy. EEG's were always abnormal during the attacks with predominantly localized or generalized mostly paroxysmal slow wave activity. CT scans were normal except for 2 women with repeated BAM attacks, who were smokers and taking contraceptive drugs, and who during an attack experienced a cerebellar and an occipital lobe infarction respectively. Of the 26 patients in whom the diagnosis of BAM could not be confirmed 13 had other types of migraine, while the remaining cases had temporal lobe epilepsy, intermittent vertebral basilar artery insufficiency, orthostatic hypotension or hysterical attacks.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Subcutaneous Sumatriptan for Acute Migraine: A Comparison Between Ethnic Groups
Authors: Burke‐Ramirez P. , Asgharnejad M. , Webster C. , Davis R. , Laurenza A.
Published: August 2010

Objective.—To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of subcutaneous sumatriptan 6 mg versus placebo for acute migraine between ethnic groups.

Background.—Patients in previous sumatriptan studies have been predominantly Caucasian and the effects of sumatriptan between different ethnic groups are unknown.

Methods.—This was a multicenter, 3‐phase, 12‐attack study. Phases I and III (inclinic) were randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover designs. Phase II (outpatient) was a single‐blind design. Sumatriptan was compared to placebo across 2 groups (non‐Caucasian and Caucasian) and individual ethnic subgroups (black, Hispanic, and others). Headache response, pain‐free response, associated symptoms, and clinical disability were assessed. Tolerability assessments included the incidence of adverse events, physical examinations, vital signs, electrocardiograms, and clinical laboratory data.

Results.—Two hundred patients treated at least one migraine attack (150 non‐Caucasians: 46 blacks, 68 Hispanics, 36 others). Two hours postdose, significantly more inclinic sumatriptan‐treated patients reported headache response (non‐Caucasians, 81% versus 37% placebo; Caucasians, 87% versus 19% placebo; P<.001) and mild or no clinical disability, compared with placebo (non‐Caucasians, 87% versus 50% placebo; Caucasians, 90% versus 38% placebo; P<.001). Blacks (80%), Hispanics (83%), and others (74%) reported similar patterns of headache response at 2 hours. Similar results were reported during the outpatient phase. The incidence of adverse events following sumatriptan during the inclinic phase was similar between ethnic groups (non‐Caucasian, 75%; Caucasian, 79%) and higher than placebo (non‐Caucasian, 51%; Caucasian, 31%). Overall, adverse events in the outpatient phase of the study were lower than in the inclinic phase.

Conclusion.—Sumatriptan injection is effective and well tolerated in non‐Caucasians and Caucasians for the treatment of acute migraine attacks. Only minor differences in efficacy or tolerability were observed between blacks, Hispanics, and others.
Evolution of Migraine After a 10‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Nachit‐Ouinekh Fatima , Dartigues Jean‐François , Chrysostome Virginie , Henry Patrick , Sourgen Christophe , El Hasnaoui Abdelkader
Published: August 2010

Objective.—To assess the evolution of headaches in a workplace cohort over a 10‐year period.

Background.—Migraine headaches are associated with significant handicap in everyday activities and poor quality of life. The prevalence of migraine shows a bell‐shaped age distribution with a peak during the third and fourth decades. However, there is little longitudinal data available on the natural history of this condition. A prospective health survey undertaken in a large workplace cohort since 1989 provides an opportunity to assess the evolution of migraine and other headache syndromes over a 10‐year period.

Methods.—A sample of 2500 subjects who reported regular headaches was chosen at random from those with headache identified in a cohort of 46,244 employees of the French national power company aged between 35 and 50 years in 1989 participating in a yearly health survey. In 1993, all subjects were sent a headache questionnaire to complete and return. In 2003, an identical questionnaire was sent to all subjects who had returned exploitable data in 1993. Headache diagnosis was assigned retrospectively using the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria to migraine (IHS categories 1.1 and 1.2), migrainous disorder (IHS category 1.7), or other episodic headaches.

Results.—Of 2500 subjects sampled, 2051 (82%) returned exploitable data for the first questionnaire in 1993. In 2003, 1250 (61%) of these provided a second data set. In 1993, 623 (30.4%) of subjects fulfilled diagnostic criteria for migraine. However, only 37% of these retained the diagnosis 10 years later. In contrast, the proportion of subjects with other forms of episodic headache rose from 23.7% to 31.6%. In 2003, 9.5% of the sample were headache‐free. Retention or acquisition of a diagnosis of migraine was more common in women than in men, and age was associated with evolution to a less severe headache syndrome. In those subjects who continued to have headaches, frequency and severity were lower at the second assessment.

Conclusions.—Only a minority of subjects diagnosed with migraine or migrainous disorder retain the diagnosis 10 years later, with most subjects evolving to a less disabling headache type.
Outcome of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Pediatric Migraine at 1, 2, and 5 years
Authors: Kabbouche Marielle A. , Powers Scott W. , Vockell Anna‐Liisa B. , LeCates Susan L. , Ellinor Priscilla L. , Segers Ann , Manning Paula , Burdine Danny , Hershey Andrew D.
Published: August 2010

Objective.—To assess the long‐term effectiveness and outcome of multidisciplinary treatment of childhood headaches 1, 2, and 5 years after initial treatment.

Background.—Headaches are a common problem for children and adolescents and for many patients continue into adulthood. Outcome research for pediatric migraine headaches is limited, thus restricting knowledge of the effectiveness of long‐term management and outcome.

Methods.—Headache characteristics were assessed at the initial visit and were reevaluated 1, 2, and 5 years later in independent sub‐groups of consecutive patients. These characteristics included headache frequency, severity, average duration, school absences, and overall perceived response to treatment.

Results.—At 1 year, 96 patients were evaluated (mean age = 11.0 ± 3.4, 59% females), 69 patients at 2 years (mean age = 10.6 ± 3.4, 48% females), and 32 at 5 years (mean age = 10.5 ± 3.9, 66% females). The headaches were reported as better in 94% at 1 year, 85% at 2 years, and 94% at 5 years. The initial frequency was at 13.4 ± 10.8 headaches per month, 4.9 ± 7.0 at 1 year (P < .001), 4.7 ± 7.6 at 2 years (P < .001), and 4.5 ± 7.5 at 5 years (P < .001). The severity decreased from 6.8 ± 1.8 to 5.1 ± 2.3 at 1 year (P < .001), to 5.0 ± 2.4 at 2 years (P < .001), and to 4.6 ± 2.5 at 5 years (P < .01). The school days missed per month showed a marked decrease from 4.5 ± 9.5 at initial visit to 1.55 ± 2.8 at 5 years (P < .001). Patients that were only seen at their initial visit and did not choose to return for follow‐up had less frequent and shorter duration headaches on initial visit when compared with the rest of the sample and continued to be doing well at the 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐year assessments.

Conclusions.—Multidisciplinary treatment was found to be effective for children and adolescents with improvement of multiple outcome variants of pediatric migraine care, including frequency, severity, and school days missed. Patients who did not return to follow‐up evaluation were more likely to have less frequent and shorter duration headaches at initial presentation. Regular follow‐up care is needed for those children with more severe initial headache presentation.
The Comorbidity of Headache With Other Pain Syndromes
Authors: Scher Ann I. , Stewart Walter F. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: August 2010

In this article, we consider the possible reasons and supporting evidence for the comorbidity of chronic pain conditions. To simplify the discussion, we primarily focus on the epidemiology of headache with other pain conditions, dividing studies into those based on children or adolescents and those based on adults. We consider exogenous and endogenous factors, and methodological challenges, in understanding whether and how 2 pain conditions may be related.
Chronic Headache and Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors: Screening and Behavioral Management of Sleep Disorders
Authors: Rains Jeanetta C.
Published: August 2010

Sleep‐related variables have been identified among risk factors for frequent and severe headache conditions. It has been postulated that migraine, chronic daily headache, and perhaps other forms of chronic headache are progressive disorders. Thus, sleep and other modifiable risk factors may be clinical targets for prevention of headache progression or chronification. The present paper is part of the special series of papers entitled “Chronification of Headache” describing the empirical evidence, future research directions, proposed mechanisms, and risk factors implicated in headache chronification as well as several papers addressing individual risk factors (ie, sleep disorders, medication overuse, psychiatric disorders, stress, obesity). Understanding the link between risk factors and headache may yield novel preventative and therapeutic approaches in the management of headache. The present paper in the special series reviews epidemiological research as a means of quantifying the relationship between chronic headache and sleep disorders (sleep‐disordered breathing, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias) discusses screening for early detection and treatment of more severe and prevalent sleep disorders, and discusses fundamental sleep regulation strategies aimed at headache prevention for at‐risk individuals.
Clomiphene Citrate for Treatment Refractory Chronic Cluster Headache
Authors: Rozen Todd
Published: August 2010

A treatment refractory chronic cluster headache patient is presented who became cluster‐free on clomiphene citrate. The author has previously reported a SUNCT patient responding to clomiphene citrate. Hypothalamic hormonal modulation therapy with clomiphene citrate may become a new preventive choice for trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. The possible mechanism of action of clomiphene citrate for cluster headache prevention will be discussed.
Psychiatric Symptoms in Children and Adolescents With Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and their Parents
Authors: Tarbell Sally , Li B U.K.
Published: August 2010

Objective.—To conduct a pilot study to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents with cyclic vomiting syndrome and to assess family history of psychiatric disorder.

Background.—Little is known about psychiatric comorbidity in youth with cyclic vomiting syndrome, a periodic syndrome.

Methods.—Eighty‐five parents, of children aged 3‐18 years with cyclic vomiting syndrome confirmed in a multidisciplinary clinic, completed the age‐appropriate Children's Symptom Inventory, a questionnaire that screens for psychiatric symptoms in pediatric patients. Twenty‐one adolescents aged 13‐18 years completed the Youth's Report, a self‐report form of this questionnaire. Sixty‐two parents completed a family psychiatric history checklist.

Results.—These children and their parents evidenced a high prevalence of anxiety and mood symptoms compared to norms of the Children's Symptom Inventory and population norms for internalizing psychiatric disorders. On the age‐appropriate Children's Symptom Inventory, 47% of subjects (40/85) met diagnostic cut‐off for an anxiety disorder, and 14% (12/85) for an affective disorder. Discrepancies were found in parent and adolescent reports for symptoms of panic disorder (chi‐square = 4.83, df = 1,P = .028), posttraumatic stress disorder (chi‐square = 6.87, df = 1,P = .009), and somatization disorder (chi‐square = 6.41, df = 1,P = .01), with parents reporting significantly more symptoms than the adolescents. Internalizing disorders were also prevalent in the parents with 59% (36/62) endorsing either an anxiety and/or an affective disorder. Mothers reported a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety disorders (35%) than did fathers (13%) (chi‐square = 8.43, df = 1,P < .004).

Conclusion.—Children and adolescents with cyclic vomiting syndrome appear to be at increased risk for internalizing psychiatric disorders, especially anxiety disorders. Further research using standardized psychiatric interviews and a control group are indicated to further assess psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Quantitative Assessment of Neuronal Damage in a Transgenic Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Mervis Ronald F. , McKeon Jody , Pindell Timothy , Campbell Deborah , Lieberburg Ivan , Schenk Dale , Kahn Karen , Games Dora
Published: August 2010

:

Our findings are in general agreement with previous studies of hippocampal dendritic atrophy in AD brains. Moreover, since these hippocampal neurons receive afferent innervation from the entorhinal cortex and this latter region is widely damaged in AD, our results suggest that amyloid deposition and partial deafferentiation of enorhinal input may both contribute to hippocampal damage with concomitant disruption of brain circuitry. These findings support the use of these PD‐APP mice which overexpress amyloid as an animal model of AD. It also serves as validation to the efficacy and sensitivity of quantitative Golgi studies for assessing the extent of neuronal damage and, subsequently, for testing the efficacy of various treatment strategies.

(This study was supported by Elan Pharmaceuticals)
SB‐258741: A 5‐HT7Receptor Antagonist of Potential Clinical Interest
Authors: Pouzet Bruno
Published: August 2010

Recently, series of 5‐HT7receptor antagonists have been developed (24,29,36,68). Among them SB‐258741, R‐(+)‐1‐(toluene‐3‐sulfonyl)‐2‐[2‐(4‐methylpiperidin‐1‐yl)ethyl]pyrrolidine, (compound “13” in 36,37) was one of the most potent and specific compounds. Due to a lack of specific ligands the pharmacology of 5‐HT7receptor antagonists is still relatively unexplored. It has been suggested, however, that 5‐HT7receptor ligands could be useful in the therapy of various disorders such as sleep disorders, schizophrenia, depression, migraine, epilepsy, pain, or memory impairment. Many of these conceivable indications are not supported by pharmacological data. It is, therefore, of particular interest to review the data generated from studies of one of these most potent and specific 5‐HT7receptor antagonists, SB‐258741, with a goal of testing the validity of the proposed clinical indications. In this review, the author describes pharmacology of this compound in order to define its potential clinical use. The available safety pharmacology data are discussed in an attempt to predict potential side effects of specific 5‐HT7receptor antagonists.
Almotriptan, a New Anti‐Migraine Agent: A Review
Authors: Gras Jordi , Llenas Jesús , Jansat Josep M. , Jáuregui José , Cabarrocas Xavier , Palacios José M.
Published: August 2010

Almotriptan is a new anti‐migraine agent with nanomolar affinity for human 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT1D, and 5‐HT1Freceptors, weak affinity for 5‐HT1Aand 5‐HT7receptors and no significant affinity for more than 20 other pharmacological receptors. Almotriptan was effective in animal models predictive of anti‐migraine activity in humans and had a good safety profile in animal studies. From the toxicological point of view, almotriptan has a profile similar to that of other marketed triptans. In animal studies, at levels substantially higher than required for therapeutic activity in humans, almotriptan was devoid of any oncogenic, genotoxic or teratogenic effects.

Almotriptan is well absorbed orally; its absolute bioavailability in humans is 70%. Its peak plasma levels are reached at 1 to 3 h after its administration; its elimination half‐life is 3 to 4 h. Almotriptan is metabolized by monoamine oxidase‐mediated oxidative deamination and cytochrome P450‐mediated oxidation as the major metabolic route and by flavin monooxygenase as the minor route. No dose adjustment is required for gender or age, and only in the case of severe renal impairment the dose should not exceed 12.5 mg over a 24‐h period. There was no significant interaction between a single dose of almotriptan and propranolol, fluoxetine or verapamil, at multiple doses.

The efficacy of almotriptan in the treatment of acute migraine was demonstrated in clinical trials on more than 3000 patients with migraine. At two h after oral administration of almotriptan, 12.5 mg, the percentages of patients showing pain relief and a pain‐free score were 64 and 36%, respectively. The effects of almotriptan were significantly better than those of placebo. When almotriptan was administered in the early phase of migraine, the percentage of pain‐free patients at 2 h rose to 84%. In a phase III, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled study, the incidence of adverse events with almotriptan was not statistically different from that of placebo. Based on the available data, it appears that almotriptan is the triptan of choice when good efficacy and high tolerability are desired.
Energy Cost of Living and Associated Pollution for Beijing Residents
Authors: Arvesen Anders , Liu Jingru , Hertwich Edgar G.
Published: August 2010

China's remarkable economic growth in the last 3 decades has brought about big improvements in quality of life while simultaneously contributing to serious environmental problems. The aim of all economic activities is, ultimately, to provide the population with products and services. Analyzing environmental impacts of consumption can be valuable for illuminating underlying drivers for energy use and emissions in society. This study applies an environmentally extended input‐output analysis to estimate household environmental impact (HEI) of urban Beijing households at different levels of development. The analysis covers direct and indirect energy use and emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx). On the basis of observations of how HEI varies across income groups, prospects for near‐future changes in HEI are discussed. Results indicate that in 2007, an urban resident in Beijing used, on average, 52 gigajoules of total primary energy supply. The corresponding annual emissions were 4.2 tonnes CO2, 27 kilograms SO2, and 17 kilograms NOx. Of this, only 18% to 34% was used or emitted by the households directly. While the overall expenditure elasticity of energy use is around 0.9, there is a higher elasticity of energy use associated with transport. The results suggest that significant growth in HEI can be expected in the near future, even with substantial energy efficiency improvements.
Subsidiarity, Regional Governance, and Caribbean Security
Authors: Knight W. Andy , Persaud Randolph B.
Published: August 2010

The reconfiguration of the global security order since the late 1980s has had a heavy impact on regional security in the Caribbean. Having lost strategic importance, the Caribbean states have been attempting to restructure their relationship with the United States. These small states are interested in building a regional security regime that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable. This analysis shows how the principle of subsidiarity may be employed to achieve that end.
Constructing Reform Coalitions: The Politics of Compensations in Argentina's Economic Liberalization
Authors: Etchemendy Sebastián
Published: August 2010

It is frequently argued that the key to “successful” economic liberalization is to marginalize interest groups that profit from existing regulatory regimes. This paper contends that some established interests can craft public policies to protect their rents in the new market setting. The state may shape the interests of social actors and create proreform constituencies out of old populist and interventionist groups. In Argentina, this coalition building was achieved by constructing reform policies that granted rents in new markets to business and organized labor and by deliberately avoiding unilateral deregulation in sectors where reform would hurt traditionally powerful actors. This argument is developed through a comparative analysis of policy reform in the labor market institutions and protected industrial sectors, areas where the costs of deregulation are said to be unavoidable for the established actors.
Representation By Consultation? The Rise of Direct Democracy in Latin America
Authors: Barczak Monica
Published: August 2010

Most of the countries of South America experienced two notable institutional phenomena during the 1990s: the reform or rewriting of constitutions and the emergence of direct democracy mechanisms. This paper examines the latter process through a cross-national comparison. The introduction of direct democracy mechanisms is typically driven by traditionally excluded political interests. It takes two forms, both involving the failure of representative democratic institutions. In most cases, these traditionally excluded interests win control over the constitutional reform and rewriting process, although this is not a necessary condition for the emergence of direct democracy. Drawing illustrations from 12 cases of constitutional reform, this paper links arguments about direct democracy in the United States and Western Europe, institutional change, neopopulism, and the decline of the party system in Latin America.
Electoral Reform, Institutional Change, and Party Adaptation in Uruguay
Authors: Cason Jeffrey
Published: August 2010

Uruguay's stable, institutionalized party system has undergone substantial changes in recent years, both from the increasing electoral strength of the left and from changes made to the electoral system in 1996. Analyzing the debut of that new system in the 1999 national and 2000 municipal elections, this article concludes that Uruguay is moving from what was a fairly evenly divided three-party system to one in which the longstanding traditional parties will confront, as a bloc, the stronger left. The electoral analysis shows that the bloc dynamic took over whenever elections were close between the left and one of the traditional parties.
Corporatism and Democratic Transition: State and Labor during the Salinas and Zedillo Administrations
Authors: Samstad James G.
Published: August 2010

A long process of free-market reforms and gradual democratization seems to be dismantling Mexico's corporatist system of labor representation. A thorough analysis of the country's corporatist institutions yields theoretical reasons to believe that Mexico's practice of labor relations is indeed changing. An empirical examination of the nation's labor congress and ruling party during the two previous presidential administrations (1988–2000) demonstrates that corporatism is being transformed at a practical level, although the process of reform has been complex and uneven at best. The continuing strength of an officialist labor sector will complicate the task of establishing a new system of labor representation, a problem that may have important implications for future democratic consolidation.
Regionalism and Domestic Politics: U.S.-Latin American Trade Policy in the Bush Era
Authors: Feinberg Richard E.
Published: August 2010

With remarkable success, Latin Americans have sought to impose their free trade policy agenda on a very reluctant and internally fractious United States. They have an ally in President George W. Bush, whose senior appointments notably support hemispheric trade integration even as political pressures sometimes have yielded protectionist outcomes. Bush's trade negotiator, Robert Zoellick, pursues a doctrine of competitive liberalization while accepting some linkage between trade and social and political goals. In negotiating the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), the administration will have to balance many domestic pressures without alienating Latin America. Ultimately, FTAA ratification will signal a new Western Hemisphere economic-security alliance for the twenty-first century.