bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matching Modes of Export Strategy Development to Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Balabanis George , Spyropoulou Stavroula
Published: August 2006

Despite its increasing importance on current literature, prior research on export strategy development is limited to the examination of the effectiveness of only two strategy‐making modes (formal planning and the entrepreneurial mode) in a non‐comparative manner. In contrast, this study evaluates and compares the effects of four different strategy‐making approaches on export performance and examines which of the four approaches performs better under different environmental conditions. Specifically, the study examines three characteristics of the environment: dynamism, hostility and diversity. Empirical research on a sample of British exporters confirmed that the choice of the strategy development mode is an important element in the determination of export performance and that environmental conditions moderate this relationship. Of the export strategy‐making modes examined, the entrepreneurial and adaptive modes appear to be the most successful.
MACROECONOMIC STABILIZATION POLICIES IN THE EMU: SPILLOVERS, ASYMMETRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Plasmans Joseph , Engwerda Jacob , Van Aarle Bas , Michalak Tomasz , Di Bartolomeo Giovanni
Published: August 2006

This paper studies the institutional design of the coordination of macroeconomic stabilization policies within a monetary union in the framework of linear quadratic differential games. A central role in the analysis plays the partitioned game approach of the endogenous coalition formation literature. The specific policy recommendations in the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) context depend on the particular characteristics of the shocks and the economic structure. In the case of a common shock, fiscal coordination or full policy coordination is desirable. When anti‐symmetric shocks are considered, fiscal coordination improves the performance but full policy coordination does not produce further gains in policymakers' welfare.
FREQUENT NEWS AND PURE SIGNALS: THE CASE OF A PUBLICLY TRADED FOOTBALL CLUB
Authors: Stadtmann Georg
Published: August 2006

We use stock market data for Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA – one of the leading German football clubs – for an application of the news model. Owing to the specific characteristics of the news‐generating process, the case of a publicly traded sport club is a very appropriate candidate for testing this model. By applying a traditional as well as a reversed news model, we elaborate whether new information can explain subsequent changes in the stock price of Borussia Dortmund. We find that sport as well as corporate governance‐related variables are important drivers of the stock price.
‘GUNS OR BUTTER?’ REVISITED: ROBUSTNESS AND NONLINEARITY ISSUES IN THE DEFENSE–GROWTH NEXUS
Authors: Cuaresma Jesús Crespo , Reitschuler Gerhard
Published: August 2006

The relationship between military expenditure and growth is studied taking into account potential nonlinearities and robustness issues in the specification of the econometric models used. Using cross‐country growth regressions and the widely used Feder–Ram model, the partial correlation between defense spending and economic growth appears robust and significantly negative only for countries with a relatively low military expenditure ratio. While the externality effect appears positive in this subgroup of countries, the overall effect turns negative due to the size effect of the military sector.
An Algorithm for Stable and Equitable Coalition Structures with Public Goods
Authors: KUNG FAN‐CHIN
Published: August 2006

We study the formation of coalitions that provide public goods to members. Individuals are linked on a tree graph and those with similar preferences are connected on the tree. We present a well‐defined solution that selects envy‐free allocations from the core.
Indecision Theory: Weight of Evidence and Voting Behavior
Authors: GHIRARDATO PAOLO , KATZ JONATHAN N.
Published: August 2006

In this paper, we show how to incorporate weight of evidence, or ambiguity, into a model of voting behavior. We do so in the context of the turnout decision of instrumentally rational voters who differ in their perception of the ambiguity of the candidates' policy positions. Ambiguity is reflected by the fact that the voter's beliefs are given by a set of probabilities, each of which represents in the voter's mind a different possible scenario. We show that a voter who is averse to ambiguity considers abstention strictly optimal when the candidates' policy positions are both ambiguous and they are “ambiguity complements.” Abstaining is preferred since it is tantamount to mixing the prospects embodied by the two candidates, thus enabling the voter to “hedge” the candidates' ambiguity.
On the Frequency of Interior Cournot–Nash Equilibria in a Public Good Economy
Authors: BUCHHOLZ WOLFGANG , CORNES RICHARD , PETERS WOLFGANG
Published: August 2006

In a public good economy the distribution of initial income is an important determinant of how many individuals contribute to the public good in Cournot–Nash equilibrium. In this paper, first a simple formula is derived that provides a measure for the size of the set of income distributions leading to an interior Cournot–Nash equilibrium in which all individuals contribute to the public good. Furthermore, we give an estimate for the frequency that all members of a certain subgroup of the population are contributors.
Capital Accumulation and Fiscal Policy in an OLG Model with Family Altruism
Authors: LAMBRECHT STÉPHANE , MICHEL PHILIPPE , THIBAULT EMMANUEL
Published: August 2006

The idea of family altruism is that parents care only about their children's income and not about the use of this income made by the children. First, we establish dynamical properties which place the OLG model with family altruism halfway between the model with pure life‐cyclers (Diamond 1965; American Economic Review 55, 1126–1150) and the one with dynastic altruism (Barro 1974; Journal of Political Economy 82, 1095–1117). Then, we show that this concept leads to interesting fiscal policy conclusions less clear‐cut and more realistic than those obtained with the two previous standard OLG models: a pay‐as‐you‐go social security is neutral but not a public debt.
Price and Volatility Transmission across Borders
Authors: Gagnon Louis , Karolyi G. Andrew
Published: August 2006

Over the past forty years, financial markets throughout the world have steadily become more open to foreign investors. With open markets, asset prices are determined globally. A vast literature on portfolio choice and asset pricing has evolved to study the importance of global factors as well as local factors as determinants of portfolio choice and of expected returns on risky assets. There is growing evidence that risk premia are increasingly determined globally. An important outcome of this force of globalization is increased comovement in asset prices across markets. This survey study examines the literature on the dynamics of comovements in asset prices and volatility across markets around the world. The literature began in the 1970s in conjunction with early theoretical developments on international asset pricing models, but it blossomed in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the availability of comprehensive international stock market databases and the development of econometric methodology to model these dynamics.
Tête à tête inside a plant cell: establishing compatibility between plants and biotrophic fungi and oomycetes
Authors: O’Connell Richard J. , Panstruga Ralph
Published: August 2006

‘Compatibility’ describes the complementary relationship between a plant species and an adapted pathogen species that underlies susceptibility and which ultimately results in disease. Owing to elaborate surveillance systems and defence mechanisms on the plant side and a common lack of adaptation of many microbial pathogens, resistance is the rule and compatibility the exception for most plant–microbe combinations. While there has been major scientific interest in ‘resistance’ in the past decade, which has revealed many of its underlying molecular components, the analysis of ‘compatibility’, although intimately intertwined with ‘resistance’, has not been pursued with a similar intensity. Various recent studies, however, provide a first glimpse of the pivotal players and potential molecular mechanisms essential for compatibility in both the plant and parasite partners. In this review we highlight these findings with a particular emphasis on obligate biotrophic and hemibiotrophic fungal and oomycete pathogens and discuss novel strategies that might help to uncover further the molecular principles underlying compatibility to these highly specialized pathogens.

Contents

Summary
699

I.
Introduction
700

II.
Plant cell entry control
700

III.
The plant–biotroph interface
703

IV.
Biotroph effectors
708

V.
Plant factors for compatibility
711

VI.
Future directions and opportunities
713

Acknowledgements
713

References
713
Reduced NMDA receptor tyrosine phosphorylation in PTPα‐deficient mouse synaptosomes is accompanied by inhibition of four src family kinases and Pyk2: an upstream role for PTPα in NMDA receptor regulation
Authors: Le Hoa T. , Maksumova Lola , Wang Jing , Pallen Catherine J.
Published: August 2006

Mice lacking protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (PTPα) exhibited defects in NMDA receptor (NMDAR)‐associated processes such as learning and memory, hippocampal neuron migration, and CA1 hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP). In vivo molecular effectors linking PTPα and the NMDAR have not been reported. Thus the involvement of PTPα as an upstream regulator of NMDAR tyrosine phosphorylation was investigated in synaptosomes of wild‐type and PTPα‐null mice. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the NMDAR NR2A and NR2B subunits was reduced upon PTPα ablation, indicating a positive effect of this phosphatase on NMDAR phosphorylation via intermediate molecules. The NMDAR is a substrate of src family tyrosine kinases, and reduced activity of src, fyn, yes and lck, but not lyn, was apparent in the absence of PTPα. In addition, autophosphorylation of proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), a tyrosine kinase linked to NMDAR signaling, was also reduced in PTPα‐deficient synaptosomes. Altered protein tyrosine phosphorylation was not accompanied by altered expression of the NMDAR or the above tyrosine kinases at any stage of PTPα‐null mouse development examined. In a human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell expression system, PTPα enhanced fyn‐mediated NR2A and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation by several‐fold. Together, these findings provide evidence that aberrant NMDAR‐associated functions in PTPα‐null mice are due to impaired NMDAR tyrosine phosphorylation resulting from the reduced activity of probably more than one of the src family kinases src, fyn, yes and lck. Defective NMDAR activity in these mice may also be linked to the loss of PTPα as an upstream regulator of Pyk2.
The role of Toll‐like receptors in CNS response to microbial challenge
Authors: Konat Gregory W. , Kielian Tammy , Marriott Ian
Published: August 2006

The recent discovery of the family of Toll‐like receptors has vastly expanded our understanding of the mechanisms by which the innate immune system recognizes and responds to a wide variety of microbial and endogenous pathogens. Toll‐like receptors are transmembrane proteins that upon ligation with their cognate ligands trigger the production of cytokines, enzymes and other inflammatory agents. In the CNS Toll‐like receptors are expressed predominantly by glial cells. In particular, the vastly abundant astrocytes are likely to be the major contributors to inflammatory responses within the CNS. Studies of the murine brain abscess model revealed that Toll‐like receptor 2 plays a pivotal role in the generation of immune responses to Staphylococcus aureus. Although Toll‐like receptor signaling is essential in antimicrobial defense, it may also lead to bystander injury of CNS tissue.
Neonicotinoid insecticides display partial and super agonist actions on native insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Brown Laurence A. , Ihara Makoto , Buckingham Steven D. , Matsuda Kazuhiko , Sattelle David B.
Published: August 2006

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are present in high density in insect nervous tissue and are targeted by neonicotinoid insecticides. Improved understanding of the actions of these insecticides will assist in the development of new compounds. Here, we have used whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording of cholinergic neurons cultured from the central nervous system of 3rd instar Drosophila larvae to examine the actions of acetylcholine (ACh) and nicotine, as well as the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, clothianidin and P‐CH‐clothianidin on native nAChRs of these neurons. Dose–response data yield an EC50 value for ACh of 19 μm. Both nicotine and imidacloprid act as low efficacy agonists at native nAChRs, evoking maximal current amplitudes 10–14% of those observed for ACh. Conversely, clothianidin and P‐CH‐clothianidin evoke maximal current amplitudes up to 56% greater than those evoked by 100 μm ACh in the same neurons. This is the first demonstration of ‘super’ agonist actions of an insecticide on native insect nAChRs. Cell‐attached recordings indicate that super agonism results from more frequent openings at the largest (63.5 pS) conductance state observed.
Identification of developmentally regulated expression of MuSK in astrocytes of the rodent retina
Authors: Cheusova Tatiana , Khan Muhammad Amir , Enz Ralf , Hashemolhosseini Said
Published: August 2006

One of the master regulators of postsynaptic neuromuscular synaptogenesis is the muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK). In mammals prominent MuSK expression is believed to be restricted to skeletal muscle. Upon activation by nerve‐derived agrin MuSK‐dependent signalling participates in both the induction of genes encoding postsynaptic components and aggregation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChR) in the subsynaptic muscle membrane. Strikingly, expression of certain isoforms of nerve‐derived agrin can also be detected in the CNS. In this study, we examined the expression of MuSK in the brain and eye of rodents. In the retina MuSK was expressed in astrocytes between postnatal days 7 and 14, i.e. at the time when the eyes open. We found that agrin was localized adjacent to MuSK‐expressing astrocytes which in turn were detected close to the inner limiting membrane of the rodent retina. In summary, the presence of MuSK on retinal astrocytes suggests a novel role of MuSK signalling pathways in the CNS.
Retrograde signaling in injured nerve – the axon reaction revisited
Authors: Hanz Shlomit , Fainzilber Mike
Published: August 2006

Injury to axons elicits changes in macromolecule synthesis in the corresponding cell bodies that are critical for an effective regenerative response. For decades the most easily studied aspect of this phenomenon was the onset of chromatolysis, a suite of structural changes in the cell body characterized by swelling, shifting of the nucleus and dispersal of Nissl bodies. The question: ‘what is the signal for chromatolysis?’ received no less than 10 possible answers in a comprehensive review article published more than three decades ago. Here we come back to this 36 years old question, and review progress on understanding the mechanism of retrograde injury signaling in lesioned peripheral nerves. Recent work suggests that this is based on local axonal synthesis of critical carrier proteins, including importins and vimentin that link diverse signaling molecules to the dynein retrograde motor. A multiplicity of binding sites and of potential signaling molecules, including transcription factors and MAP kinases (Erk, Jnk), may allow diverse options for information‐rich encoding of the injury status of the axon for transmission to the cell body.
Anatomical distribution and biochemical characterization of the novel RFamide peptide 26RFa in the human hypothalamus and spinal cord
Authors: Bruzzone Federica , Lectez Benoît , Tollemer Hélène , Leprince Jérôme , Dujardin Cynthia , Rachidi Walid , Chatenet David , Baroncini Marc , Beauvillain Jean‐Claude , Vallarino Mauro , Vaudry Hubert , Chartrel Nicolas
Published: August 2006

26RFa is a novel RFamide peptide originally isolated in the amphibian brain. The 26RFa precursor has been subsequently characterized in various mammalian species but, until now, the anatomical distribution and the molecular forms of 26RFa produced in the CNS of mammals, in particular in human, are unknown. In the present study, we have investigated the localization and the biochemical characteristics of 26RFa‐like immunoreactivity (LI) in two regions of the human CNS – the hypothalamus and the spinal cord. Immunohistochemical labeling using specific antibodies against human 26RFa andin situhybridization histochemistry revealed that in the human hypothalamus 26RFa‐expressing neurons are located in the paraventricular and ventromedial nuclei. In the spinal cord, 26RFa‐expressing neurons were observed in the dorsal and lateral horns. Characterization of 26RFa‐related peptides showed that two distinct molecular forms of 26RFa are present in the human hypothalamus and spinal cord, i.e. 26RFa and an N‐terminally elongated form of 43 amino acids designated 43RFa. These data provide the first evidence that 26RFa and 43RFa are actually produced in the human CNS. The distribution of 26RF‐LI suggests that 26RFa and/or 43RFa may modulate feeding, sexual behavior and transmission of nociceptive stimuli.
Function of the rat carotid body chemoreceptors in ageing
Authors: Conde Silvia V. , Obeso Ana , Rigual Ricardo , Monteiro Emilia C. , Gonzalez Constancio
Published: August 2006

Some age‐related deficits in the ventilatory responses have been attributed to a decline in the functionality of the carotid body (CB) arterial chemoreceptors, but a systematic study of the CB function in ageing is lacking. In rats aged 3–24 months, we have performed quantitative morphometry on specific chemoreceptor tissue, assessed the function of chemoreceptor cells by measuring the content, synthesis and release of catecholamines (a chemoreceptor cell neurotransmitter) in normoxia and hypoxia, and determined the functional activity of the intact organ by measuring chemosensory activity in the carotid sinus nerve (CSN) in normoxia, hypoxia and hypercapnic acidosis. We found that with age CBs enlarge, but at the same time there is a concomitant decrease in the percentage of chemoreceptor tissue. CB content and turnover time for their catecholamines increase with age. Hypoxic stimulation of chemoreceptor cells elicits a smaller release of catecholamines in rats after 12 months of age, but a non‐specific depolarizing stimulus elicits a comparable release at all ages. In parallel, there was a marked decrease in the responsiveness to hypoxia, but not to an acidic‐hypercapnic stimulus, assessed as chemosensory activity in the CSN. We conclude that in aged mammals chemoreceptor cells become hypofunctional, leading to a decreased peripheral drive of ventilation.
Developmental and cell‐selective variations in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor degradation by calpain
Authors: Dong Yi Na , Wu Hai‐Yan , Hsu Fu‐Chun , Coulter Douglas A. , Lynch David R.
Published: August 2006

NMDA receptors play critical roles in synaptic modulation and neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated the developmental changes in NR2 cleavage by NMDA receptor‐activated calpain in cultured cortical and hippocampal neurons. Calpain activity increased with development, associated with increased expression of NMDA receptors but not of calpain I. The activation of calpain in immature and mature cortical cultures was inhibited by antagonists of NR1/2B and NR1/2A/2B receptors, whereas the inhibition of NR1/2B receptors did not alter calpain activation in mature hippocampal cultures. The degradation of NR2 subunits by calpain differed with developmental age. NR2A was not a substrate of calpain in mature hippocampal cultures, but was cleaved in immature cortical and hippocampal cultures. NR2B degradation by calpain in cortical cultures decreased with development, but the level of degradation of NR2B in hippocampal cultures did not change. The kinetics of NMDA receptor‐gated whole cell currents were also modulated by calpain activation in a manner that varied with developmental stage in vitro. In early (but not later) developmental stages, calpain activation altered the NMDA‐evoked current rise time and time constants for both desensitization and deactivation. Our data suggest that the susceptibility of the NMDA receptor to cleavage by calpain varies with neuronal maturity in a manner that may alter its electrophysiological properties.
Erythrokeratoderma Variabilis Successfully Treated with Topical Tazarotene
Authors: Yoo Stephen , Simzar Soheil , Han Karen , Takahashi Stefani , Cotliar Ronald
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Erythrokeratoderma variabilis, also known as Mendes da Costa syndrome, is a genodermatosis belonging to the group of diseases known as the erythrokeratodermias. Erythrokeratoderma variabilis is characterized by two distinctive manifestations: well‐demarcated, variable, transient, figurate patches of erythema, and localized or generalized hyperkeratotic plaques. Treatments include topical retinoic acid, salicylic acid, and alpha‐hydroxy acid in petrolatum, but all have been reported to have limited, variable success rates. We report a child with erythrokeratoderma variabilis with no family history of this entity, successfully treated with topical tazarotene.
Herpetic Infection in Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Rubin Adam I. , Garzon Maria C. , Morel Kimberly D.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Patients with various forms of epidermolysis bullosa have fragile skin which can act as a breeding ground for multiple microbial agents. Standard wound care practices advocate the use of special dressings on open erosions as well as antibiotic topical medications to treat and prevent cutaneous infections. We report a child with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa admitted to our institution because of fevers at home. She was treated with multiple antibiotics for a cutaneous infection of the right hand. During her hospital stay, she sustained persistent fevers, and oral erosions developed, with progressive hemorrhagic crusting. Viral culture of the lip grew herpes simplex virus type 1, consistent with a diagnosis of herpetic gingivostomatitis. We present this patient to illustrate the importance of investigating wounds of epidermolysis bullosa patients for viral agents when faced with managing a child with an unclear source of fever. To the best of our knowledge, although this is the first report of herpetic gingivostomatitis in association with epidermolysis bullosa, it is likely to be more prevalent than the literature could suggest.
Vulvar Syringomas in a 9‐year‐old Child with Review of the Literature
Authors: Garman Mary , Metry Denise
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Syringomas are benign tumors of the eccrine sweat gland that are most common to the periorbital location. Less common and under‐recognized is their potential involvement of the vulvar skin, where they may cause significant pruritus. In this location, lesions often develop just prior to or during puberty, with symptoms of pruritus sometimes correlating with pregnancy or menstruation. A hormonal influence has thus been postulated. Reported treatments for symptomatic patients include topical corticosteroids, systemic and topical antihistamines, laser and excisional surgery, cryotherapy, and topical atropine, with variable results. We report a 9‐year‐old girl who had severe pruritus secondary to syringomas of the vaginal labia, and review the literature on this unusual disorder. Awareness of this condition is important in order that patients receive appropriate evaluation and management of their symptoms.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum in an Infant
Authors: Torrelo Antonio , Colmenero Isabel , Serrano Cristina , Vilanova Ana , Naranjo Ramón , Zambrano Antonio
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Pyoderma gangrenosum is rare in children and very rare in infants less than 1 year of age. We report Pyoderma gangrenosum in a 6‐month‐old girl without any associated disorders, which was well controlled with oral prednisone. This entity in infants usually presents with multiple lesions, mainly located on the face, buttocks, thighs, and extremities, which in some instances are associated with pathergy. Pyoderma gangrenosum in infants has a good response to therapy, and healing is usually achieved.
Improvement of Atopic Dermatitis and Reduction of Skin Allergic Responses by Oral Intake of Konjac Ceramide
Authors: Kimata Hajime
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Although topical application of ceramide is effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, its effect is transient. Thus, the effect of oral intake of ceramide on atopic dermatitis was studied. Two groups of 25 children with moderate atopic dermatitis, who were allergic to house dust mite took either milk sugar (control group) or 1.8 mg/day of konjac ceramide in milk sugar (ceramide group) once a day for 2 weeks. Before and after 2 weeks, skin symptoms were assessed using the SCORAD index, while allergic skin responses to house dust mite were assessed by skin prick test. Moreover, production of allergen‐specific IgE and various cytokines by mononuclear cells was measured. After 2 weeks, SCORAD index score, allergic skin responses to house dust mite and house dust mite‐specific IgE production were significantly reduced in the ceramide group, but not in the control group. Moreover, house dust mite‐induced cytokine production was skewed towards the Th1 type, since production of Th1 cytokine, IFN‐γ, and IL‐12, was increased, while production of Th2 cytokine, IL‐4, and IL‐13, was decreased. In contrast, no change of these parameters was found in control group. Collectively, oral intake of konjac ceramide improved skin symptoms and reduced allergic responses with concomitant skewing of the cytokine pattern towards the Th1 type.
Quantitative Sensory Testing for Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Eisenberg Elon , Backonja Misha‐Miroslav , Fillingim Roger B. , Pud Dorit , Hord Daniela E. , King Gary W. , Stojanovic Milan P.
Published: August 2006

Objective:  A prospective pilot study was conducted, attempting to identify objective tests that would help clinicians to assess the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trial preceding permanent device implantation.

Setting:  Four university hospitals in the United States and Israel.

Participants:  Thirteen patients with radicular leg pain due to failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) or leg pain due to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) who were candidates for SCS.

Methods:  Participants underwent a series of quantitative sensory tests prior to, and seven days after the initiation of SCS trial. These tests included: vibration threshold (conducted using the VSA 3000; Medoc Inc., Ramat Ishay, Israel), cold threshold, warm threshold, heat pain threshold, phasic heat pain threshold, tonic heat pain threshold (conducted using the TSA 2001; Medoc Inc.), and electrical pain tolerance at 5, 250 and 2000 Hz (administered using the NerveScanTM 2000; Neurotron, Inc., Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.).

Results:  Useful data were obtained from 12 patients. The results of the vibration threshold and the tolerance to electrical stimulation at 5 and 250 Hz changed with an SCS trial. These results also correlated with the decision regarding the permanent implantation, which was made independently of them. In contrast, the results of thermal thresholds and tolerance to electrical stimulation at 2000 Hz tests did not change with the SCS trial.

Conclusions:  Our findings, which agree with those of a few other studies, suggest that the vibration threshold and the tolerance to electrical stimulation at 5 and 250 Hz tests can assist the clinician to select the right patients for permanent stimulation.
Systematic Literature Review of Spinal Decompression Via Motorized Traction for Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain
Authors: Macario Alex , Pergolizzi Joseph V.
Published: August 2006

Objective:  The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to assess the efficacy of nonsurgical spinal decompression achieved with motorized traction for chronic discogenic lumbosacral back pain.

Design:  Computer‐aided systematic literature search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane collaboration for prospective clinical trials on adults with low back pain in the English literature from 1975 to October 2005. Methodologic quality for each study was assessed. Studies were included if the intervention group received motorized spinal decompression and the comparison group received sham or another type of nonsurgical treatment.

Results:  Data from 10 studies were fully analyzed. Seven studies were randomized controlled trials using various apparatus types. Because of this low number, we also analyzed three nonrandomized case series studies of spinal decompression systems. As the overall quality of studies was low and the patient groups heterogeneous, a meta‐analysis was not appropriate and a qualitative review was undertaken. Sample sizes averaged 121 patients (range 27–292), with six of the seven randomized studies reporting no difference with motorized spinal decompression and one study reporting reduced pain but not disability. The three unrandomized studies (no control group) of motorized spinal decompression found a 77% to 86% reduction in pain.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that the efficacy of spinal decompression achieved with motorized traction for chronic discogenic low back pain remains unproved. This may be, in part, due to heterogeneous patient groups and the difficulties involved in properly blinding patients to the mechanical pulling mechanism. Scientifically more rigorous studies with better randomization, control groups, and standardized outcome measures are needed to overcome the limitations of past studies.
An Ancient Greek Pain Remedy for Athletes
Authors: Bartels Else M. , Swaddling Judith , Harrison Adrian P.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  While Hippocratic writings make no reference to the actual Olympics, there is frequent mention of diet, exercise, and the treatment of injuries sustained by the athletic participants. Indeed, Galen in his Composition of Medicines gives details of a remedy prescribed for the relief of pains and swellings, which was reserved for use by the winners of Olympic events, the so‐called “Fuscum Olympionico inscriptum”—(ointment) entitled “dark Olympic victor’s.” In a time when the Olympic games have recently returned to their homeland, we examine the potential efficacy of this ancient remedy in terms of pain relief, the novelty of transdermal pain management, and the ability of ancient physicians to attend to the sports‐related needs of highly tuned athletes.
GC‐MS Analysis of Hashish Samples: A Case of Adulteration with Colophony
Authors: Caligiani Augusta , Palla Gerardo , Bernardelli Brenno
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT: This report describes the analytical characterization of 16 hashish samples confiscated in Italy. The samples were solvent extracted and subjected to GC‐MS analysis for the separation and quantitation of the main cannabinoids. One of the analyzed samples was shown to contain extraneous compounds, identified as resin acids characteristic of colophony (rosin). Colophony is a natural resinous product obtained from various species of pine, spruce, and larch; it is a skin sensitizer and its fumes produce nonspecific irritation that can cause bronchial asthma. Similar adulterations of hashish have not been reported previously; therefore, at present there is no information about the effects of smoking colophony or a combination of hashish and colophony. It is presumed, however, that such a combination would be highly detrimental to the health of the user.
Extent, Trends, and Perpetrators of Prostitution‐Related Homicide in the United States
Authors: Brewer Devon D. , Dudek Jonathan A. , Potterat John J. , Muth Stephen Q. , Roberts John M. , Woodhouse Donald E.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:Prostitute women have the highest homicide victimization rate of any set of women ever studied. We analyzed nine diverse homicide data sets to examine the extent, trends, and perpetrators of prostitution‐related homicide in the United States. Most data sources substantially underascertained prostitute homicides. As estimated from a conservative capture–recapture analysis, 2.7% of female homicide victims in the United States between 1982 and 2000 were prostitutes. Frequencies of recorded prostitute and client homicides increased substantially in the late 1980s and early 1990s; nearly all of the few observed pimp homicides occurred before the late 1980s. These trends may be linked to the rise of crack cocaine use. Prostitutes were killed primarily by clients, clients were killed mainly by prostitutes, and pimps were killed predominantly by pimps. Another conservative estimate suggests that serial killers accounted for 35% of prostitute homicides. Proactive surveillance of, and evidence collection from, clients and prostitutes might enhance the investigation of prostitution‐related homicide.
Concentration of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in Postmortem Human Tissues: Effect of Environmental CO Exposure*
Authors: Vreman Hendrik J. , Wong Ronald J. , Stevenson David K. , Smialek John E. , Fowler David R. , Li Ling , Vigorito Robert D. , Zielke H. Ronald
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:We studied how carbon monoxide (CO) is distributed within the human body through quantitation of CO concentrations in postmortem tissue samples from fatalities including possible CO exposure. Stored, frozen tissues were diced, sonicated in water, and 0.01–8.0 mg wet weight (ww) tissues were incubated with sulfosalicylic acid in CO‐purged, septum‐sealed vials. CO released into the headspace was quantitated by reduction gas chromatography. Mean tissue CO concentrations (pmol/mg ww) from subjects diagnosed to have no known CO exposure (control,N=14), died from fire (N=13), and CO asphyxiation (N=7), respectively, were: adipose (2;13;9), brain (3;13;65), muscle (15;97;297), heart (30;99;371), kidney (22;432;709, lung (54;690;2638), spleen (73;1366;3548), and blood (162;2238;5070). Carboxyhemoglobin concentrations were 1.4%, 25.2%, and 69.1% of total hemoglobin, respectively. We conclude that measurements of CO concentration in a variety of tissues can be used as markers for the degree of exogenous CO exposure and the identification of possible causes of death.
Trans‐Tenon's retrobulbar triamcinolone infusion for myopic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Kojima Ariko , Ohno‐Matsui Kyoko , Futagami Soh , Shimada Noriaki , Tokoro Takashi , Mochizuki Manabu
Published: August 2006

Purpose:  To report the effects of trans‐Tenon's retrobulbar injection of triamcinolone acetonide for subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) caused by pathological myopia.

Methods:  Eleven consecutive patients (11 eyes) with myopic CNV were treated with trans‐Tenon's retrobulbar injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Each patient received a single injection. Evaluation included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements, fluorescein fundus angiography, retinal oedema examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and retinal sensitivity using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) at the initial examination and at 6 and 12 months after treatment.

Results:  At 6 months after treatment, BCVA had improved by at least two ETDRS lines in eight eyes, and remained unchanged in three eyes. No eye showed worsening of VA by two or more ETDRS lines. At 12 months, BCVA had improved by at least two ETDRS lines in 10 eyes and remained unchanged in only one eye. The size of the CNV decreased in all patients after treatment. Fluorescein fundus angiography revealed an absence of dye leakage in the late angiographic phase. Optical coherence tomography revealed decreased retinal oedema in all patients and SLO microperimetry revealed an increase in retinal sensitivity in seven eyes, at both 6 and 12 months after treatment. Chorioretinal atrophy developed around the CNV in 10 eyes at 6 months and in all eyes at 12 months after treatment.

Conclusions:  Trans‐Tenon's retrobulbar injection of triamcinolone acetonide for CNV resulting from pathological myopia appears to be relatively safe and to have a good visual outcome, although a longterm follow‐up study in a larger series of patients is necessary.
Expression of nerve growth factor and its high‐affinity receptor, tyrosine kinase A proteins, in the human scalp skin
Authors: Adly Mohamed A. , Assaf Hanan A. , Nada Essam A. , Soliman Mohsen , Hussein Mahmoud
Published: August 2006

Background:  Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high‐affinity receptor, tyrosine kinase A (TrkA), are members of the neurotrophin family. NGF–TrkA are involved in murine hair morphogenesis and cycling. To date, their expression in human hair follicle (HF) is unknown. In this investigation, we hypothesize that NGF–TrkA proteins are expressed in the human scalp skin. Moreover, NGF–TrkA expression in HF changes with the transitions from anagen→catagen→telogen stages.

Materials and methods:  To test our hypothesis and to fill this existing gap in literature, the immunostaining values (semiquantitative evaluation of protein expression: SI, staining intensity; PP, percentage of positive cells; and IR score, immunoreactivity score) of NGF and TrkA proteins were examined in human scalp skin by immunofluorescent and immunoperoxidase staining methods. Fifty normal human scalp skin biopsy specimens were examined (healthy females, 53–57 years). In each case, 50 HFs were analyzed (35, 10, and five follicles in anagen, catagen, and telogen, respectively).

Results:  The IR scores were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001) in anagen as compared with either catagen or telogen HF (9.61 ± 0.12 vs. 1.4 ± 0.10 vs. 0.6 ± 0.10 for NGF and 3.31 ± 0.02 vs. 0.5 ± 0.10 vs. 0.2 ± 0.10 for TrkA). In the anagen HF, high expression values were seen in the distal region, followed by upper distal, lower distal, and bulb regions for both NGF (10.6 ± 0.21 vs. 10.3 ± 0.21 vs. 9.2 ± 0.40 vs. 8.1 ± 0.30) and TrkA (3.54 ± 0.07 vs. 3.45 ± 0.07 vs. 3.31 ± 0.06 vs. 3.13 ± 0.04). Both NGF and TrkA proteins showed prominent expression in the melanocytes (7.6 ± 0.15 vs. 2.50 ± 0.07), keratinocytes (10.2 ± 0.40 vs. 2.71 ± 0.06), sebaceous glands (10.2 ± 0.40 vs. 2.72 ± 0.06), and sweat glands (10.4 ± 0.40 vs. 2.84 ± 0.05).

Conclusions:  Our findings report, for the first time, the expression pattern of NGF and TrkA proteins in human scalp skin and HF. The differential expression of these proteins during HF cycling suggests their possible roles in human HF biology. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2, MMP‐3, and MMP‐9) and fibronectin in lichen planus
Authors: Gunduz Kamer , Demireli Peyker , Inanir Isil , Nese Nalan
Published: August 2006

Background:  Keratinocyte damage and lichenoid‐interface reaction are the two major pathologic findings in lichen planus (LP). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteinases that participate in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and may play an important role in basal membrane (BM) damage in LP. Fibronectin (FN) mediates a variety of cellular interactions with ECM and plays important roles in cell adhesion, migration, growth and differentiation.

Objective:  To determine MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐9 and FN expressions in LP and discuss the possible associations.

Materials and methods:  Skin biopsy samples of 55 patients with LP and 11 normal skin were investigated. Five discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and 5 chronic dermatitis (CD) samples were also examined for comparison. Immunochemical stainings were performed for MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐9 and fibronectin.

Results:  Weak or absent expressions of MMP‐2 and MMP‐3 in epidermis; and dense MMP‐9 expression in dermal inflammatory infiltrate cells were detected in LP. FN expression was lost in epidermal basal layer and papillary dermis.

Conclusion:  Loss of MMP‐2, MMP‐3 and FN in LP can be explained with the destruction of the epidermal basal layer. Similar expressions of MMP‐2 and MMP‐3 both in LP and DLE implied that these MMPs may be involved in the pathogenesis of interface dermatitis.
Successful percutaneous coronary intervention using bivalirudin in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and thrombocytopenia
Authors: Krolick Merrill A.
Published: August 2006

A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and thrombocytopenia who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting is presented. Patients with these concomitant diseases who require invasive cardiac procedures are at increased risk for ischemic and bleeding complications and the choice of anticoagulation in these patients is critical. In the present case, anticoagulation was achieved with the direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin. No complications were reported, and the patient tolerated the procedure well. This case suggests that bivalirudin may be safely used in patients who are at an increased risk of bleeding undergoing PCI.
A review and a new hypothesis for non‐immunological pathogenetic mechanisms in vitiligo
Authors: Dell'Anna Maria Lucia , Picardo Mauro
Published: August 2006

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder characterized by the loss of functioning epidermal melanocytes because of multifactorial and overlapping pathogenetic mechanisms. Besides the immunological approach, the study of the metabolic deregulations leading to toxic damage of the melanocytes appears to be more and more relevant. It was only last year that the first in vitro evidence supporting the link and the temporal sequence between the immune response and the cellular oxidative stress was provided, suggesting that the intrinsic damage of the melanocytes is primitive. What can be the guide line of the multiple altered metabolisms? A compromised membrane could render the cell sensitive to the external and internal agents differently, usually ineffective on the cell activity and survival. The primitive altered arrangement of the lipids may affect the transmembrane housing of proteins with enzymatic or receptorial activities, also conferring on them antigenic properties.
Anticonvulsive effects of κ‐Opioid receptor modulation in an animal model of ethanol withdrawal
Authors: Beadles‐Bohling A. S. , Wiren K. M.
Published: August 2006

Although the neurochemical mechanisms contributing to alcohol withdrawal seizures are poorly understood, withdrawal seizures probably reflect neuronal hyperexcitability resulting from adaptation to chronic alcohol. Altered κ‐Opioid receptor (KOP‐R) signaling has been observed in multiple seizure types; however, a role for this system in ethanol withdrawal seizures has not been systematically characterized. We hypothesized that pharmacological manipulations of the KOP‐R would alter withdrawal in mice selectively bred for differences in ethanol withdrawal severity. Withdrawal Seizure‐Prone (WSP) and Withdrawal Seizure‐Resistant (WSR) mice were made physically dependent using chronic ethanol vapor inhalation, and the effects of the KOP‐R antagonist nor‐binaltorphimine or agonist U‐50,488H on withdrawal severity were examined. Pretreatment with nor‐binaltorphimine significantly increased handling‐induced convulsion (HIC) severity in withdrawing WSR mice, with no observable effects in withdrawing WSP mice. In contrast, U‐50,488H significantly decreased HIC severity in WSP mice, with no effects in WSR mice. During extended withdrawal (i.e. hours 12+), a rebound hyperexcitability was observed in WSP mice given agonist. Thus, administration of a KOP‐R antagonist increased withdrawal severity in mice normally resistant to withdrawal seizures, while a KOP‐R agonist reduced convulsion severity in animals susceptible to withdrawal seizures. These observations are consistent with differences in the KOP‐R system observed in these lines at the molecular level, and suggest the KOP‐R system may be a promising therapeutic target for management of ethanol withdrawal seizures. Finally, these findings underscore the importance of determining the potential for rebound increases in withdrawal severity during later withdrawal episodes.
Relationship between salivary histatin 5 levels and Candida CFU counts in healthy elderly
Authors: Sugimoto Jun , Kanehira Takashi , Mizugai Hiroyuki , Chiba Itsuo , Morita Manabu
Published: August 2006

Objectives:  Few epidemiological studies have confirmed the antifungal activity of histatin 5 in saliva against Candida species. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between concentrations of histatin 5 and the number of cultivable Candida in saliva samples from elderly.

Methods:  Whole saliva samples were obtained from 124 elderly people, 65 years or older, living in a rural community. The concentrations of histatin 5 in saliva samples were determined by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a monoclonal antibody. Total colony‐forming units (CFUs) were counted on a selective medium for Candida. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the independent contribution of explanatory variables to Candida CFUs using age, sex, histatin 5 concentration and type of denture prosthesis as independent variables.

Results:  Saliva samples from 104 subjects (84%) were candidal colony‐positive. The youngest group (65–69 years old) showed significantly smaller Candida CFU counts than those in the older group. The mean Candida CFU count of denture wearers was significantly higher than that of non‐denture wearers. Significantly negative associations were found between Candida CFU counts and histatin 5 level in the oldest group (p < 0.05) and in the full‐denture wearers (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that Candida CFU counts were mostly associated with type of dentures, followed by histatin 5 concentration.

Conclusion:  Possible activity of histatin 5 against Candida in whole saliva of elderly people was epidemiologically confirmed. The area covered by the prostheses was a strong factor associated with the Candida CFU count.