bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Approach to the Identification of Indicators for Forest Biodiversity—The Solling Mountains (NW Germany) as an Example
Authors: Schmidt Inga , Zerbe Stefan , Betzin Jörg , Weckesser Martin
Published: February 2006

In this study, we present an approach for the identification of indicators for biodiversity within forest ecosystems. We analyze the data of stands of pure Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), as well as mixed P. abies–F. sylvatica forests in the Solling mountains (NW Germany). The analysis is based on 683 vegetation samples in total. For different plant groups, that is, vascular plants, bryophytes, Red List species, we investigate species numbers as a parameter of biodiversity. Species numbers are differentiated into three classes to describe low to high diversity. Plots are separately examined for the three different forest types. In order to take the species–area relationship into account, we only use relevés with a plot size of 100 m2. Our approach focuses on the probability to be in a defined range of species numbers, that is, class, if a certain species occurs. For the purpose of facilitating the differentiation of the classes, we use the presence values of species in the classes for further characterization of indicators. Few indicators were found for the low ranges of species numbers. In addition, there were only a small number of species groups and stand types having indicators for all three classes. Various species have multiple indicator functions, e.g., with regard to the investigated species groups. The focus on a few of these multi‐indicators allows a rapid assessment of forest biodiversity. The catalog of indicators resulting from the investigation helps to facilitate and accelerate biodiversity evaluations of forest stands, in particular with regard to nature conservation and the restoration of natural forests.
Short‐Lived Tree Species and Their Role as Indicators for Plant Diversity in the Restoration of Natural Forests
Authors: Kreyer Daria , Zerbe Stefan
Published: February 2006

Anthropogenic forests, particularly conifer monocultures, today constitute a large proportion of Central European woodland. Conversion of such forest stands into abundantly structured mixed‐species woodland is within the focus of ecosystem restoration and is considered to affect forest biodiversity. Short‐lived tree species play an important role in such conversion processes and may serve as focal species. However, not much is known about their relationship with forest biodiversity. In this study, the short‐lived tree species, European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.), European white birch (Betula pendula Roth), Downy birch (B. pubescens Ehrh.), and Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus P. Mill.), commonly occurring throughout Central Europe, are investigated with regard to their relationship with plant diversity. The focus is on their occurrences in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)–dominated forests in the Northeast German lowlands. A significant increase in vascular plant diversity is revealed in stands with the selected species’ presence, in comparison to stands without them. Increase in plant species numbers is highest where the respective species occurs in the tree and/or shrub layer, compared with their presence only in the herb layer. For bryophyte species, there is a less strong inverse relationship. An analysis of different species groups, such as threatened, woody, and typical forest species of higher plants, reveals no decrease in species numbers in these groups if short‐lived tree species are present. It is concluded that short‐lived tree species can be indicators for plant diversity assessment within forest restoration processes. As to causal explanations, effects of differing site conditions, assessed by use of Ellenberg indicator values, are discussed as well as possible active effects of the tree species changing their environment.
Evaluation of Initial Restoration Measures during the Restoration of Calcareous Grasslands on Former Arable Fields
Authors: Kiehl Kathrin , Thormann Annuschka , Pfadenhauer Jörg
Published: February 2006

In 1993, experiments on the restoration of calcareous grasslands on ex‐arable fields were started in order to provide new habitats for species of a small nature reserve with ancient grasslands north of Munich (Germany). The effects of diaspore transfer by the application of seed‐containing hay on vegetation establishment were studied on restoration fields with and without topsoil removal for 5 years. The aim of the study was to assess plant diversity for the evaluation of restoration success by different methods including determination of species with viable seeds in the hay by germination tests, phenological investigations on hay‐transfer source sites at the time of harvest, and vegetation analyses on the restoration sites. Total seed content of the hay and the number and composition of plant species with viable seeds were affected by the time of harvesting and differed between a site which had been used as arable field until 1959 and ancient grassland sites. Nevertheless, the number of established hay‐transfer species showed only few differences between restoration fields. The proportion of species transferred to restoration fields in relation to the number of species with viable seeds in the hay was between 69 and 89%. Five years after the hay transfer, the proportion of the established species was still between 58 and 76%. Up to now, topsoil removal had no significant effect on the number of established hay‐transfer species. After triple hay application the absolute number of transferred grassland species was higher than on sites with single hay application, but restoration efficiency was lower because many of the species with viable seeds in the hay did not establish. In general, our results showed that the transfer of autochthonous hay is a successful method to overcome dispersal limitation in restoration projects.
Effect of Hay Transfer on Long‐Term Establishment of Vegetation and Grasshoppers on Former Arable Fields
Authors: Kiehl Kathrin , Wagner Christian
Published: February 2006

The transfer of seed‐containing hay is a restoration measure for the introduction of plant species of local provenance. We investigated the effect of hay transfer on species richness and on long‐term establishment of target plant and grasshopper species on former arable fields with and without topsoil removal in comparison to reference sites in a nature reserve. Plant species richness, the number of target plant species, and Red List plant species were significantly positively affected by hay transfer, both on the scale of whole restoration fields and on permanent plots of 4 m2. Eight years after the start of the restoration, only few of the transferred plant species had disappeared and some target species were newly found. Grasshoppers were affected not by hay transfer but by topsoil removal. The proportion of target grasshopper and plant species and Red List grasshopper species was higher on topsoil removal sites with low standing crop and high cover of bare soil than on sites without soil removal. On topsoil removal sites without hay, however, plant species richness was very low because of the slow natural dispersal of the target species. Vegetation and grasshopper communities still differed between restoration fields and the nature reserve. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the transfer of autochthonous seed‐containing hay is a successful method to establish species‐rich grasslands with a high proportion of target species.
Excitable but Lacking in Energy: Contradictions in the Human Epileptic Hippocampus
Authors: Sills Graeme J.
Published: February 2006

Extracellular Metabolites in the Cortex and Hippocampus of Epileptic Patients

Cavus I, Kasoff WS, Cassaday MP, Jacob R, Gueorguieva R, Sherwin RS, Krystal JH, Spencer DD, Abi-Saab WM

Ann Neurol 2005 Feb;57(2):226–235

Interictal brain energy metabolism and glutamate–glutamine cycling are impaired in epilepsy and may contribute to seizure generation. We used the zero-flow microdialysis method to measure the extracellular levels of glutamate, glutamine, and the major energy substrates glucose and lactate in the epileptogenic and the nonepileptogenic cortex and hippocampus of 38 awake epileptic patients during the interictal period. Depth electrodes attached to microdialysis probes were used to identify the epileptogenic and the nonepileptogenic sites. The epileptogenic hippocampus had surprisingly high basal glutamate levels, low glutamine/glutamate ratio, high lactate levels, and indication for poor glucose utilization. The epileptogenic cortex had only marginally increased glutamate levels. We propose that interictal energy deficiency in the epileptogenic hippocampus could contribute to impaired glutamate reuptake and glutamate-glutamine cycling, resulting in persistently increased extracellular glutamate, glial and neuronal toxicity, increased lactate production together with poor lactate and glucose utilization, and ultimately worsening energy metabolism. Our data suggest that a different neurometabolic process underlies the neocortical epilepsies.
Continuous and Discontinuous Propagation in Heart Muscle
Authors: De BAKKER JACQUES M.T. , Van RIJEN HAROLD M.V.
Published: February 2006

Although cardiac muscle has been considered as an electrical syncytium for a long time, several aspects of conduction of the electrical impulse in the heart could not be explained by a continuous approach. Even the simple anisotropic nature of cardiac muscle gives rise to a number of conduction characteristics that contradicts with results from continuous models. It is, however, evident that cardiac conduction must be discontinuous in nature owing to recurrent resistive discontinuities caused by the cellular interconnections. In this review, the role of discontinuities at the cellular and macroscopic level on cardiac propagation will be discussed.
Intestinal Expression of H+ V‐ATPase in the Mosquito Aedes albopictus is Tightly Associated with Gregarine Infection
Authors: HUANG CHIN‐GI , TSAI KUN‐HSIEN , WU WEN‐JER , CHEN WEI‐JUNE
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT. Vacuolar ATPase (V‐ATPase) is a family of ATP‐dependent proton pumps expressed on the plasma membrane and endomembranes of eukaryotic cells. Acidification of intracellular compartments, such as lysosomes, endosomes, and parasitophorous vacuoles, mediated by V‐ATPase is essential for the entry by many enveloped viruses and invasion into or escape from host cells by intracellular parasites. In mosquito larvae, V‐ATPase plays a role in regulating alkalization of the anterior midgut. We extracted RNA from larval tissues of Aedes albopictus, cloned the full‐length sequence of mRNA of V‐ATPase subunit A, which contains a poly‐A tail and 2,971 nucleotides, and expressed the protein. The fusion protein was then used to produce rabbit polyclonal antibodies, which were used as a tool to detect V‐ATPase in the midgut and Malpighian tubules of mosquito larvae. A parasitophorous vacuole was formed in the midgut in response to invasion by Ascogregarina taiwanensis, confining the trophozoite(s). Acidification was demonstrated within the vacuole using acridine orange staining. It is concluded that gregarine sporozoites are released by ingested oocysts in the V‐ATPase‐energized high‐pH environment. The released sporozoites then invade and develop in epithelial cells of the posterior midgut. Acidification of the parasitophorous vacuoles may be mediated by V‐ATPase and may facilitate exocytosis of the vacuole confining the trophozoites from the infected epithelial cells for further extracellular development.
Peripheral ameloblastic fibroma
Authors: Darling M. R. , Daley T. D.
Published: February 2006

Peripheral ameloblastic fibroma is an exceedingly rare lesion. Only three reports could be found, two of which appeared in the Japanese literature. Here, we report a case of peripheral ameloblastic fibroma occurring in a 5‐year‐old girl. The diagnosis was made after careful microscopic examination, to exclude other lesions. The lesion was excised and has not recurred 1 year after removal.
Immunohistochemical detection of retinoblastoma protein and E2 promoter‐binding factor‐1 in ameloblastomas
Authors: Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Ooya Kiyoshi
Published: February 2006

Background:  To clarify the roles of cell cycle regulation in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, expression of retinoblastoma protein (RB) and E2 promoter‐binding factor‐1 (E2F‐1) was analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs.

Methods:  Tissue specimens of 10 tooth germs, 40 benign ameloblastomas, and five malignant ameloblastomas were examined immunohistochemically with the use of antibodies against RB, E2F‐1, and phosphorylated RB. Ki‐67 antigen immunostaining was made as a marker of cell proliferation.

Results:  Immunohistochemical reactivity for RB, E2F‐1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki‐67 was detected in the nuclei of odontogenic epithelial cells near the basement membrane in tooth germs and benign and malignant ameloblastomas. The number of cells positive for phosphorylated RB was nearly equal to or slightly less than the number of cells positive for RB or E2F‐1. The number of Ki‐67‐positive cells was slightly more than the numbers of cell positive for RB, E2F‐1, or phosphorylated RB. The levels of immunoreactivity for RB, E2F‐1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki‐67 were slightly higher in benign and malignant ameloblastomas than in tooth germs. Plexiform ameloblastomas showed significantly higher expression of RB than follicular ameloblastomas. Ki‐67 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in ameloblastic carcinomas than in metastasizing ameloblastomas.

Conclusion:  Similar immunoreactivity for RB, E2F‐1, phosphorylated RB, and Ki‐67 in tooth germs and ameloblastomas indicated cellular expression of phosphorylated RB and active‐free E2F‐1 in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. Expression of RB, E2F‐1, and phosphorylated RB was considered to be involved in cell proliferation and differentiation of odontogenic epithelium via control of the cell cycle.
Expression profile of chemokines and chemokine receptors in epithelial cell layers of oral lichen planus
Authors: Ichimura Mana , Hiratsuka Koichi , Ogura Naomi , Utsunomiya Tadahiko , Sakamaki Hiroyuki , Kondoh Toshirou , Abiko Yoshimitsu , Otake Shigeo , Yamamoto Masafumi
Published: February 2006

Background: To understand the immunopathological features of oral lichen planus (OLP), we analyzed the expression of chemokines in the epithelial cell layers.

Methods: Epithelia from OLP or healthy gingiva were collected by laser microdissection. The chemokine and chemokine receptor expressions in the epithelia were analyzed by DNA microarray.

Results: High levels of MIP‐3α/LARC/CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 were expressed in the lesional epithelia. Furthermore, DC‐CK1/CCL18, ELC/CCL19, SDF‐1/CXCL12 and CXCR4 expressions were also increased. Immunohistologial analysis showed that high numbers of Langerhans cells (LCs) were present in the epithelia of OLP. Lesional epithelia also expressed high levels of the ligands specific for CXCR3 (e.g. MIG/CXCL9, IP‐10/CXCL10 and I‐TAC/CXCL11) and CCR5 (e.g. RANTES/CCL5).

Conclusions: Infiltration of LCs is orchestrated by CCR6. Further, LCs residing in the lesional epithelia may be a mature phenotype. Moreover, infiltration of T cells in OLP could be mediated by signaling pathways through CXCR3 and CCR5.
THE “PERMANENT DEPOSIT” OF HEGELIAN THOUGHT IN DEWEY’S THEORY OF INQUIRY
Authors: Garrison Jim
Published: February 2006

Abstract In this essay, Jim Garrison explores the emerging scholarship establishing a Hegelian continuity in John Dewey’s thought from his earliest publications to the work published in the last decade of his life. The primary goals of this study are, first, to introduce this new scholarship to philosophers of education and, second, to extend this analysis to new domains, including Dewey’s theory of inquiry, universals, and creative action. Ultimately, Garrison’s analysis also refutes the traditional account that claims that William James converted Dewey from Hegelian idealism, after which Charles Sanders Peirce inspired him to rebuild his instrumentalism along radically different lines.
ADORNO AND THE BORDERS OF EXPERIENCE: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NONIDENTICAL FOR A “DIFFERENT” THEORY OF BILDUNG
Authors: Thompson Christiane
Published: February 2006

Abstract In this essay Christiane Thompson discusses the systematic outcomes of Theodor Adorno's philosophical work for a reworked theory of Bildung (an important term in the German tradition of philosophy and history of education). In his essay “Theory of Halbbildung,” Adorno revealed the inevitable failure of Bildung, on the one hand, and the necessity of Bildung (in view of a critique of society), on the other. After having exposed this contradiction, Thompson seeks to analyze Bildung's systematic role by turning to Adorno's reflections on art and metaphysics. Adorno's concept of aesthetic experience hints at the possibility of a more genuine approach to Bildung and culture, one that makes the borders of our experience visible and, as a result, suggests a different relation to ourselves and to the world. She concludes by examining the critical dimensions of this different Bildung as well as its pedagogical relevance.
RACE, CULTURE, AND THE EDUCATION OF AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Lynn Marvin
Published: February 2006

Abstract In this essay, Marvin Lynn explores a range of perspectives on African American education, with particular focus on three works: Black American Students in an Affluent Suburb: A Study of Academic Disengagement, by social anthropologist John Ogbu; African‐Centered Pedagogy: Developing Schools of Achievement for African American Children, by teacher education expert Peter Murrell; and African American Literacies, by Elaine Richardson, professor of English and applied linguistics. Lynn draws on Charles Valentine's sociological framework for understanding culture in order to interrogate how the concept of culture is used in these works. Lynn concludes that critical race theory in education — a rapidly emerging discourse on schooling and inequality — may be a useful tool for lucidly framing the conditions under which African Americans are educated as well as the possible solutions to the perennial problems faced by this historically marginalized group.
Discharge planning and patient satisfaction in an emergency short‐stay unit
Authors: Arendts Glenn , MacKenzie John , Lee John K
Published: February 2006

Objectives:  To determine the adequacy of discharge planning from an emergency short‐stay unit (ESSU), and patient knowledge of and satisfaction with the ESSU.

Methods:  Prospective follow up of patients discharged from an ESSU using patient surveys and a computerized patient information system, with descriptive and comparative data analysis.

Results:  Eighty‐five per cent of respondents stated that they received adequate discharge instruction, and 89% that they benefited from their ESSU admission. However, 29% of patients made unscheduled visits to another medical practitioner post discharge and 9% were readmitted to hospital for the same problem with which they were discharged from the ESSU. Patient satisfaction with all aspects of care in the ESSU was high.

Conclusions:  Most patients discharged from an ESSU are provided with adequate discharge instruction, but a sizeable proportion require subsequent medical care for the same problem after discharge. Patient satisfaction with all aspects of care in an ESSU is high.
Anaphylaxis to bull dog ant and jumper ant stings around Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Gilhotra Yuri , Brown Simon GA
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To determine the main causative species, reaction characteristics and geographical locations of ant sting anaphylaxis around Perth, Western Australia (WA).

Methods:  Structured interviews were performed on a cohort of 10 patients referred to our Anaphylaxis Clinic who were allergic to ant venom, followed by field trips to collect ant specimens. A descriptive analysis of clinical data was performed.

Results:  Around Perth, Myrmecia gratiosa, a bull dog ant, was the only species of stinging ant found around the locations where reactions had occurred (eight patients). To the south‐west of Perth, species implicated were another bull dog ant Myrmecia nigriscapa (one patient), and a jumper ant Myrmecia ludlowi (one patient). Twelve reactions were documented as mild (one), moderate (seven) and severe with hypotension (four). In three bull dog ant venom allergic patients, specific IgE was analysed, demonstrating substantial cross‐reactivity with other bull dog ant species. Clinical patterns of reaction severity and response to repeated stings were consistent with known features of insect sting allergy.

Conclusions:  A single species of bull dog ant, M. gratiosa, appears to be responsible for ant sting anaphylaxis around Perth. Further investigation is required for other regions of WA. The provision of effective immunotherapies for people allergic to native Australian ants might be simplified by the dominance of a limited number of ant species and IgE binding cross‐reactivity between venoms, as was evident in this study.
Timed Up and Go test is not useful as a discharge risk screening tool
Authors: Walker Katherine J , Bailey Michael , Bradshaw Sally J , Cameron Peter , Dziukas Linas , Maguire Emma K , Smith Catherine J
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To determine whether the ‘Timed Up and Go’ (TUG) test is a useful test for predicting re‐attendance at an ED, emergency hospital admission or death within 90 days in elderly patients discharged from the ED.

Methods:  This was a prospective blinded cohort study at a tertiary referral ED. Patients completed a TUG test during their Allied Health assessment prior to discharge from the department. After 90 days, patient ED attendances, emergency admissions to hospital or deaths were recorded and confirmed by phone. Data were analysed using logistic regression and reported as odds ratios (OR) or log‐transformation and Pearson analysis.

Results:  One hundred patients were enrolled: 78 (78%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 70–86%) patients remained event free, 22 (22%, 95% CI 14–30%) patients re‐attended an ED and 15 (15%, 95% CI 8–22%) were admitted to hospital as an emergency admission. There was no significant difference between TUG test times and whether patients re‐attended an ED (OR 1.0 [0.93–1.06]P = 0.9) or were admitted to hospital (OR 0.99 [0.91–1.07]P = 0.74). There was no significant correlation between a patient's TUG test time and the number of days to ED re‐attendance (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.38 [−0.04 to 0.69]P = 0.08) or admission (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.32 [−0.23 to 0.71]P = 0.25).

Conclusion:  This study did not detect any predictive value of the TUG test for ED re‐attendance or hospital admission within 90 days of discharge among aged ED patients.
Use of emergency departments by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Authors: Thomas David P , Anderson Ian PS
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To review published Australian literature about ED care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Method:  Six databases were searched electronically for articles about ED use by Indigenous people in Australia. This strategy was complemented by manual searches of two websites, Emergency Medicine (1994–2004) and three bibliographies.

Results:  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples attend EDs about twice as often as other Australians. The waiting times of Indigenous patients are similar to, or slightly shorter than, those of non‐Indigenous patients. However, more Indigenous than other patients choose to walk out before being seen, indicating possibly greater Indigenous dissatisfaction with ED care.

Conclusions:  Further conclusions of the present literature review were limited by contradictory results in the few studies of reasonable quality and by general concerns about data quality, especially the poor (but slowly improving) identification of Indigenous people in routine ED data sets. Closer collaboration between ED staff and Indigenous hospital liaison staff, combined with regular monitoring of routinely‐collected ED data, have the potential to improve Indigenous ED care and so contribute to improvements in Indigenous health.
Baclofen overdose: Defining the spectrum of toxicity
Authors: Leung Nicola Y , Whyte Ian M , Isbister Geoffrey K
Published: February 2006

Objectives:  To describe the spectrum of toxicity of baclofen in overdose, and investigate dose‐related clinical effects.

Methods:  Consecutive baclofen overdoses were identified from a prospective database of all poisoning admissions presenting to a regional toxicology service. Ingestion was corroborated on more than one occasion and from multiple sources. Demographic, clinical and outcome variables were extracted for each presentation for a retrospective review, and the data sets were divided into high dose (≥200 mg) and low dose (<200 mg) groups for comparison of clinical effects.

Results:  There were 23 presentations, of which eight patients ingested baclofen alone. Seizures were reported in four cases, a decreased level of consciousness (GCS < 9) occurred in eight patients and delirium was recorded in eight patients. Five patients had miosis and seven patients had dilated pupils, 13 patients had absent or depressed reflexes. The only arrhythmias were sinus bradycardia in six patients and sinus tachycardia in five. Hypertension occurred in 13 patients and hypotension in one. The reported total ingested dose of baclofen was known in 19 patients (Mean 630 mg, SD 730 mg; 80–2500 mg). A higher ICU admission rate, rate of mechanical ventilation and prolonged length of stay occurred in those ingesting 200 mg or more. Coma, delirium and seizures occurred only with doses of 200 mg or more, and hypertension was more common with higher doses.

Conclusions:  Baclofen overdose causes mainly neurological effects and excepting hypertension cardiovascular effects were uncommon. Doses greater than 200 mg were predictive of patients developing delirium, coma and seizures, requiring long hospital admissions and ICU admission.
Brainstem anaesthesia after retrobulbar block: A rare cause of coma presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Gunja Naren , Varshney Kavita
Published: February 2006

Local anaesthesia, in particular retrobulbar block, is commonly used to perform cataract surgery. Known complications of retrobulbar block include cranial nerve palsies, seizures and cardiorespiratory arrest. We report a case of brainstem anaesthesia causing apnoea and loss of consciousness in a man who received retrobulbar block. The likely mechanism is inadvertent dural puncture of the optic nerve sheath and local anaesthetic injection into the cerebrospinal fluid space. As in this case, the literature reports a short‐lived period of anaesthesia with usually no long‐term sequelae. Although rare, it is a life‐threatening complication if the patient is not appropriately resuscitated. This case highlights the need for trained personnel, with suitable monitoring and adequate resuscitation facilities in order to perform this technique.
When benzodiazepines fail: How effective is second line therapy for status epilepticus in children?
Authors: Lewena Stuart , Young Simon
Published: February 2006

Objectives:  To define the characteristics and management of children presenting to the ED of a major tertiary paediatric hospital with convulsive status epilepticus (CSE). To determine the timing and efficacy of therapeutic interventions in this group and to identify factors that influence the effectiveness of treatment.

Method:  A retrospective audit of all children who presented to an ED of a tertiary paediatric hospital in CSE over a 3 year period.

Results:  Thirty‐seven cases were identified. Prehospital treatment had been administered in 51%. Uncomplicated seizure control was achieved in 30% with the combination of first and second line therapy. Rapid sequence induction (RSI) of anaesthesia was required in 70% for the control of ongoing seizure activity (21 cases) or to support severe respiratory depression (five cases). This requirement for RSI was increased to 85% in those with seizure duration in excess of 30 min and 89% of those who received prehospital treatment. Of those who required RSI, 35% were treated for periods in excess of 60 min before this intervention was performed.

Conclusions:  Standard second line anticonvulsant treatment was relatively ineffective in terminating seizures in children who presented in CSE not responsive to benzodiazepines. Failure to respond to prehospital treatment and prolonged seizure duration at presentation both predict poor therapeutic response. Third line treatment with RSI of anaesthesia is often delayed while waiting for second line treatment to work.
Responding to the Boxing Day tsunami disaster in Aceh, Indonesia: Western and South Australian contributions
Authors: Pearce Andrew , Mark Paul , Gray Norman , Curry Chris
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To describe the Western and South Australian response to the Boxing Day tsunami disaster in Aceh, Indonesia.

Method:  Reports from three of the responders.

Results:  Comment has been made on organising a response, the first team to Banda Aceh, the second team to Banda Aceh, and lessons learned.

Conclusions:  These experiences have identified areas in which we could be better prepared for the next international disaster response.
Early post‐tsunami disaster medical assistance to Banda Aceh: A personal account
Authors: Garner Alan A , Harrison Ken
Published: February 2006

The south Asian tsunami on 26 December, 2004, saw Australia deploy civilian teams to an international disaster in large numbers for the first time. The logistics of supporting such teams in both a self sustainability capacity and medical equipment had not previously been planned for or tested. For the first Australian team deployed to Banda Aceh, which arrived on the fourth day after the tsunami, equipment sourced from the New South Wales Fire Brigades Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) cache supplied all food, water, tents, generators and sleeping equipment. The medical equipment was largely sourced from the CareFlight US&R medical cache. There were significant deficits in surgical equipment as the medical cache had not been designed to provide a stand alone surgical capability. This resulted in the need for substantial improvisation by the surgical teams during the deployment. Despite this, the team performed nearly 140 major procedures in austere circumstances and significantly contributed to the early international response to this major humanitarian disaster.
School Absenteeism and School Refusal Behavior: A Review and Suggestions for School‐Based Health Professionals
Authors: Kearney Christopher A. , Bensaheb Arva
Published: February 2006

Abstract: School absenteeism and school refusal behavior are particularly difficult problems that school health professionals often face. Unfortunately, few recommendations are available to such professionals about how to address this population. In this article, we (1) outline the major characteristics of school absenteeism and school refusal behavior, (2) review school‐based health programs that have been designed in part to reduce absenteeism, and (3) provide suggestions for school health professionals regarding individual youths with school refusal behavior. (J Sch Health. 2006;76(1):3‐7)
Asthma Status and Severity Affects Missed School Days
Authors: Moonie Sheniz A. , Sterling David A. , Figgs Larry , Castro Mario
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Excessive school absence disrupts learning and is a strong predictor of premature school dropout. School‐aged children with asthma are absent more often compared to their healthy peers without asthma; yet, the causes are inadequately documented. We sought to determine the difference in mean absence days between children with and without asthma, the relationship between asthma severity and missed days from school, and if incident absences were due to asthma in a predominantly African American urban school district in the Midwestern United States. A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted of 9014 students (grades K‐12) followed for absenteeism over the 2002‐2003 academic year. A subset of 543 students with asthma was assessed for asthma severity and cause of absence. Those with asthma (9.7% of students) were absent (mean = 9.2 days) approximately 1.5 more days compared to those without asthma (mean = 7.9 days) (p = .006). In the analysis comparing asthma severity and absenteeism, after adjusting for demographic variables and enrollment time, mean days absent increased with increasing asthma severity level: mild intermittent (mean = 8.5 days), mild persistent (mean = 11.3 days), moderate persistent (mean = 10.3 days), and severe persistent (mean = 11.6 days) (p = .001). Out of 1537 tracked absences that resulted from illness, 478 (31%) were due specifically to asthma‐related symptoms. Children with asthma are absent from school more often compared to their healthy peers and this appears to be driven by the underlying severity of symptoms. (J Sch Health. 2006;76(1):18‐24)
Correlates of the Intention to Remain Sexually Inactive Among Underserved Hispanic and African American High School Students
Authors: Bazargan Mohsen , West Kimberly
Published: February 2006

Abstract: The objective of this study was to apply the Information‐Motivation‐Behavior (IMB) theoretical framework to examine the correlates of the intention to remain sexually inactive among Hispanic and African American high school students. This study utilized a cross‐sectional survey of high school students. The setting was the unified school districts in the County of Los Angeles, California. The participants comprised a geographically defined convenience sample of 502 Hispanic and African American high school students. This study found that only 50% of this sample reported that they plan to remain sexually abstinent until they graduate from high school. Another 21% rejected the notion of remaining abstinent, and 29% were uncertain about their intention to engage in sexual activities before they graduate from high school. Male and African American students were less likely than their female and Latino counterparts to report an intention to remain sexually inactive. Using multinomial logistic regression and controlling for demographic characteristics, this study documented that students with (1) a higher level of perceived peer pressure, (2) a lower level of behavioral and refusal skills for avoiding sexual activity, (3) a more positive attitude toward practicing safe sex, and (4) a lower level of perceived pregnancy repercussions were less likely to claim to remain sexually inactive. The data from this study support the IMB model, which suggests that intervention programs focusing on knowledge alone are inconsequential in altering the intentions of adolescents with respect to their decision to engage in sexual activity. Intervention programs should focus on encouraging youth to postpone sexual activity by reducing peer pressure and building self‐efficacy through enhancing motivations and culturally appropriate behavioral skills. (J Sch Health. 2006;76(1):25‐32)
A Multidisciplinary Health Care Team's Efforts to Improve Educational Attainment in Children With Sickle‐Cell Anemia and Cerebral Infarcts
Authors: King Allison , Herron Sonya , McKinstry Robert , Bacak Stephen , Armstrong Melissa , White Desiree , DeBaun Michael
Published: February 2006

Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to improve the educational success of children with sickle‐cell disease (SCD) and cerebral infarcts. A prospective intervention trial was conducted; a multidisciplinary team was created to maximize educational resources for children with SCD and cerebral infarcts. Students were evaluated systematically before and after the intervention. A baseline evaluation was completed assessing the presence of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), grade retention in school, and days absent from school in the year preceding the intervention. A postintervention assessment occurred 2 years later for these same measurements. At baseline, 74% (17 of 23) of the students were receiving IEPs. Two years later, 87% (20 of 23) students received IEPs (p = .34). Despite the intervention, the rate of children retained in their school grade increased from 0.6 per 100 years in school at baseline to 1.7 per 100 years, 95% CI (−3.86, 1.49). The school absenteeism rate did not significantly change after the intervention; the average days absent per student rose from 15.5 to 22.5, (p = .05). The multidisciplinary team effort alone was insufficient to decrease grade retention and absenteeism rate. Further support, from either the parents or school administration, is needed to increase education attainment of students with cerebral infarcts. (J Sch Health. 2006;76(1):33‐37)
Sports Medicine and School Nurses: A Growing Need for Further Education and Appropriate Resources
Authors: Knight Cynthia S. , Badros Karen K. , Madden Cynthia A. , Drewer Nancy , Makuchal Penny
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Sports medicine, as a discipline, can be traced back to primitive man. The use of exercise as a prerequisite for conditioning and proper treatment of injuries was first documented in early Greek civilization with the establishment of the Olympics. Today, sports by their very nature invite injury. In 2000, 2.5 million students participated in varsity sports with 750,000 injuries recorded. These numbers do not account for sports activities outside school or leisure activities. Another area of potential injury is physical education class. These classes are large with limited supervision and encompass students of varying age and abilities. Nurses do not have an extensive knowledge of injury prevention or assessment in their basic nursing education. School nurses, as a subspecialty within nursing, are expected to keep up with the requirements of the adolescent and pediatric populations as well basic nursing skills. Due to work schedules and limited resources for continuing education, school nurses are not afforded much time or benefits to attend classes that would teach them skills needed to assess athletic‐type injuries. School nurses need printed resources specific to their setting to help fill this void. Recognizing this need, Sports Medicine Techniques for the School‐Based Nurse is a manual in process that will help fill this void. Being developed specifically for school nurses, the manual will provide information on prevention, evaluation, and management of athletic‐type injuries commonly seen in the school nurse's office. (J Sch Health. 2006;76(1):8‐11)
Effects of diet and osmotic pressure on Na+ transport and tissue conductance of sheep isolated rumen epithelium
Authors: Lodemann Ulrike , Martens Holger
Published: February 2006

The intention of this study was to determine the effects of mucosal osmotic pressure on transport and barrier functions of the rumen epithelium of sheep, which were fed various diets: hay ad libitum, or 600, 1200 or 1800 g day−1 of a supplemented diet plus hay ad libitum. The experiments were conducted by using the conventional Ussing chamber technique. Mucosal osmolarity was adjusted to 300 (control), 375 or 450 mosmol l−1. Feeding of a supplemented diet led to a significant increase of mucosal to serosal Na+ transport and net Na+ transport, probably because of an increase of apical Na+–H+ exchange activity. An increase in mucosal osmotic pressure: (a) reduced net Na+ transport in all feeding groups, the remaining net Na+ transport being higher in tissues of sheep fed a supplemented diet; (b) increased transepithelial tissue conductance, this rise being smallest with a high intake of the supplemented diet; and (c) enhanced the serosal to mucosal Na+ transport in tissues of hay‐fed sheep and sheep fed with 600 g day−1 of the supplemented diet, while higher intakes of the supplemented diet (1200 and 1800 g) did not produce any effect. All these changes indicate a diet‐dependent adaptation to luminal hypertonicity.
Requirements for a high rate of potassium excretion in rats consuming a low electrolyte diet
Authors: Cheema‐Dhadli Surinder , Lin Shih‐Hua , Keong‐Chong Chee , Kamel Kamel S. , Halperin Mitchell L.
Published: February 2006

Control mechanisms for potassium (K+) excretion in humans developed in Palaeolithic times when diets were sodium poor and episodically K+ rich. Nevertheless, our understanding of the regulation of K+ excretion comes from experiments in rats with large sodium and K+ intakes. Our objective was to identify how K+ excretion was regulated when rats consumed a low NaCl diet to reflect Palaeolithic conditions. Rats that were given mineralocorticoids plus either NaCl, mannitol, or NaHCO3 had a small kaliuresis. In contrast, KCl load induced a large kaliuresis and a near‐maximal luminal [K+] in the terminal cortical collecting duct ([K+]CCD). The time course of events was important. The rise in the [K+]CCD was prompt, but the initial kaliuresis was only modest. Over the next 4 h, kaliuresis increased markedly due solely to a higher calculated distal flow rate, which appeared to be due to diminished reabsorption of NaCl in the loop of Henle; of note, the measured papillary [K+] rose. In summary, the increase in the [K+]CCD in rats given KCl is likely to be due to an increase in the number of luminal K+ channels rather than to mechanisms that are known to induce a lumen‐negative voltage in cortical distal nephron segments. The higher distal flow rate might be due to a higher interstitial [K+], which inhibited NaCl reabsorption in the loop of Henle. Thus, to understand which of the potential control mechanisms are operating, one must look very closely at the conditions imposed by the experimental setting.
Ca2+ controls slow NAD(P)H oscillations in glucose‐stimulated mouse pancreatic islets
Authors: Luciani Dan S. , Misler Stanley , Polonsky Kenneth S.
Published: February 2006

Exposure of pancreatic islets of Langerhans to physiological concentrations of glucose leads to secretion of insulin in an oscillatory pattern. The oscillations in insulin secretion are associated with oscillations in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c). Evidence suggests that the oscillations in [Ca2+]c and secretion are driven by oscillations in metabolism, but it is unclear whether metabolic oscillations are intrinsic to metabolism or require Ca2+ feedback. To address this question we explored the interaction of Ca2+ concentration and islet metabolism using simultaneous recordings of NAD(P)H autofluorescence and [Ca2+]c, in parallel with measurements of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). All three parameters responded to 10 mm glucose with multiphasic dynamics culminating in slow oscillations with a period of ∼5 min. This was observed in ∼90% of islets examined from various mouse strains. NAD(P)H oscillations preceded those of [Ca2+]c, but their upstroke was often accelerated during the increase in [Ca2+]c, and Ca2+ influx was a prerequisite for their generation. Prolonged elevations of [Ca2+]c augmented NAD(P)H autofluorescence of islets in the presence of 3 mm glucose, but often lowered NAD(P)H autofluorescence of islets exposed to 10 mm glucose. Comparable rises in [Ca2+]c depolarized ΔΨm. The NAD(P)H lowering effect of an elevation of [Ca2+]c was reversed during inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport. These findings reveal the existence of slow oscillations in NAD(P)H autofluorescence in intact pancreatic islets, and suggest that they are shaped by Ca2+ concentration in a dynamic balance between activation of NADH‐generating mitochondrial dehydrogenases and a Ca2+‐induced decrease in NADH. We propose that a component of the latter reflects mitochondrial depolarization by Ca2+, which reduces respiratory control and consequently accelerates oxidation of NADH.
Extracellular guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate modulates myogenesis via intermediate Ca2+‐activated K+currents in C2C12 mouse cells
Authors: Pietrangelo Tiziana , Fioretti Bernard , Mancinelli Rosa , Catacuzzeno Luigi , Franciolini Fabio , Fanò Giorgio , Fulle Stefania
Published: February 2006

In this study we investigated the role of extracellular 5′‐guanosine‐triphosphate (GTP) on early phases of skeletal muscle differentiation using the widely used C2C12 mouse cells as a myogenic model. We show that extracellular GTP binding to specific sites activates a metabotropic cascade that leads to a transient intracellular Ca2+mobilization, consequent activation of the intermediate Ca2+‐activated K+channels (IKCa), and hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane. We further show that in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts GTP induces a proliferative boost, and increases the number of cells positive for the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) proteins. These effects were shown to be mediated by the IKCachannel‐dependent hyperpolarization, as evidenced by their disappearance when myoblasts were incubated with the IKCachannel inhibitor charybdotoxin. These data give new insights into nucleotide purinergic signalling pathways, and address the role of the GTP‐dependent IKCachannel activation and hyperpolarization in myogenesis.
Convergence of multiple pelvic organ inputs in the rat rostral medulla
Authors: Kaddumi Ezidin G. , Hubscher Charles H.
Published: February 2006

Electrophysiological recordings were used to investigate the degree of pelvic/visceral convergent inputs onto single medullary reticular formation (MRF) neurons. A total of 94 MRF neurons responsive to bilateral electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve (PN) in 12 urethane‐anaesthetized male rats were tested for responses to mechanical stimulation of the urinary bladder, urethra, colon and penis, and electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) and abdominal branches of the vagus. Responses to distension of the bladder were found for 51% (n= 48) of the MRF neurons tested. Of these 48, 71% responded to urethral infusion, 81% responded to colon distension, 100% responded to penile stimulation (and DNP), and 85% responded to vagal stimulation, with 62% responding to stimulation of all four of these territories. This high degree of visceral convergence (i.e. 62%) in a subset of PN‐responsive MRF neurons is significantly greater than for the subset of PN‐responsive MRF neurons that did not respond to urinary bladder distension (i.e. out of the 46 remaining neurons, none responded to all four of the other pelvic/visceral stimuli combined). These results suggest that the neurons processing information from the urinary bladder at this level of the neural axis are likely to be important for mediating interactions between different visceral organs for the coordination of multiple pelvic/visceral functions.