bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcing Effects of Central Ethanol Injections in Newborn Rat Pups
Authors: Nizhnikov Michael E. , Varlinskaya Elena I. , Spear Norman E.
Published: October 2006

Background: Newborn rat pups readily ingest ethanol of low to moderate concentrations and are sensitive to its reinforcing effects. Given that early ethanol exposure can promote its future abuse, it is vital to discover the mechanisms behind reinforcing effects of ethanol at this stage of life.

Methods: Cesarean‐delivered 3‐ to 4‐hour‐old rat pups were exposed to lemon odor (unconditioned stimulus) either paired or explicitly unpaired with central injections of saline or ethanol (25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg%) in a volume of 1 μL. One hour following conditioning subjects were tested on a surrogate nipple providing water in the presence of lemon odor. Reinforcement from ethanol's central effects was indexed by significantly greater attachment time on a lemon‐scented nipple in paired subjects than in unpaired or saline controls.

Results: Rats centrally injected with 25 to 200 mg% ethanol in the presence of lemon odor spent significantly more time attached to a lemon‐scented surrogate nipple providing water than did their saline‐injected or unpaired counterparts. Those injected with 400 mg% ethanol did not differ from their corresponding controls. No detectable brain alcohol content was found in the assay of whole brain for ethanol levels.

Conclusions: These results indicate that 3‐ to 4‐hour‐old rat pups find central injections of 25 to 200 mg% ethanol reinforcing. This procedure virtually eliminates ethanol's chemosensory or caloric attributes as the source of ethanol reinforcement. The present classical olfactory conditioning paradigm can be used to further study mechanisms of this apparently pharmacological reinforcement by ethanol in newborn rat pups.
Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy: Stimulating Results?
Authors: Garcia Paul
Published: October 2006

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy

Andrade DM, Zumsteg D, Hamani C, Hodaie M, Sarkissian S, Lozano AM, Wennberg RA

Neurology 2006;66:1571–1573

The authors describe long-term follow-up (mean, 5 years) in patients with anterior (AN) (n = 6) or centromedian (n = 2) thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for epilepsy. Five patients (all AN) had 50% seizure reduction, although benefit was delayed in two until years 5 to 6, after changes in antiepileptic drugs. DBS electrode implantation in AN patients was followed by seizure reduction 1 to 3 months before active stimulation, raising the possibility of a beneficial microthalamotomy effect.

Hippocampal Electrical Stimulation in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Tellez-Zenteno JF, McLachlan RS, Parrent A, Kubu CS, Wiebe S

Neurology 2006;66:562–565

Background

Adjustable, reversible therapies are needed for patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Electrical stimulation of the hippocampus has been proposed as a possible treatment for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).

Methods

Four patients with refractory MTLE whose risk to memory contraindicated temporal lobe resection underwent implantation of a chronic stimulating depth electrode along the axis of the left hippocampus. The authors used continuous, subthreshold electrical stimulation (90 μsec, 190 Hz) and a double blind, multiple cross-over, randomized controlled design, consisting of three treatment pairs, each containing two 1-month treatment periods. During each treatment pair the stimulator was randomly turned ON 1 month and OFF 1 month. Outcomes were assessed at monthly intervals in a double blind manner, using standardized instruments and accounting for a washout period. The authors compared outcomes between ON, OFF, and baseline periods.

Results

Hippocampal stimulation produced a median reduction in seizures of 15%. All but one patient's seizures improved; however, the results did not reach significance. Effects seemed to carry over into the OFF period, and an implantation effect cannot be ruled out. The authors found no significant differences in other outcomes. There were no adverse effects. One patient has been treated for 4 years and continues to experience substantial long-term seizure improvement.

Conclusion

The authors demonstrate important beneficial trends, some long-term benefits, and absence of adverse effects of hippocampal electrical stimulation in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. However, the effect sizes observed were smaller than those reported in non-randomized, unblinded studies.
Do Interictal Spikes Sustain Seizures and Epileptogenesis?
Authors: Avoli Massimo , Biagini Giuseppe , de Curtis M.
Published: October 2006

Interictal spiking is seen in the EEG of epileptic patients between seizures. To date, the roles played by interictal events in seizure occurrence and in epileptogenesis remain elusive. While interictal spikes may herald the onset of electrographic seizures, experimental data indicate that hippocampus-driven interictal events prevent seizure precipitation. Even less clear than the role of interictal events in seizure occurrence is whether and how interictal spikes contribute to epileptogenesis. Thus, while plastic changes within limbic neuronal networks may result from ongoing interictal activity, experimental evidence supports the view that epileptogenesis is accompanied by a decrease in hippocampus-driven interictal activity.
Is Posttraumatic Epilepsy the Best Model of Posttraumatic Epilepsy?
Authors: Mazarati Andrey
Published: October 2006

A Model of Posttraumatic Epilepsy Induced by Lateral Fluid-Percussion Brain Injury in Rats

Kharatishvili I, Nissinen JP, McIntosh TK, Pitkänen A

Neuroscience 2006;140:685–697

Although traumatic brain injury is a major cause of symptomatic epilepsy, the mechanism by which it leads to recurrent seizures is unknown. An animal model of posttraumatic epilepsy that reliably reproduces the clinical sequelae of human traumatic brain injury is essential to identify the molecular and cellular substrates of posttraumatic epileptogenesis, and perform preclinical screening of new antiepileptogenic compounds. We studied the electrophysiologic, behavioral, and structural features of posttraumatic epilepsy induced by severe, non-penetrating lateral fluid-percussion brain injury in rats. Data from two independent experiments indicated that 43% to 50% of injured animals developed epilepsy, with a latency period between 7 weeks to 1 year. Mean seizure frequency was 0.3 ± 0.2 seizures per day and mean seizure duration was 113 ± 46 s. Behavioral seizure severity increased over time in the majority of animals. Secondarily generalized seizures comprised an average of 66 ± 37% of all seizures. Mossy fiber sprouting was increased in the ipsilateral hippocampus of animals with posttraumatic epilepsy compared with those subjected to traumatic brain injury without epilepsy. Stereologic cell counts indicated a loss of dentate hilar neurons ipsilaterally following traumatic brain injury. Our data suggest that posttraumatic epilepsy occurs with a frequency of 40% to 50% after severe non-penetrating fluid-percussion brain injury in rats, and that the lateral fluid percussion model can serve as a clinically relevant tool for pathophysiologic and preclinical studies.
Vascularity in thyroid neoplasms: a methodological investigation with a view to diagnostics
Authors: LARSEN KAREN KJÆR , ANDERSEN NIELS FROST , MELSEN FLEMMING , SØRENSEN FLEMMING BRANDT
Published: October 2006

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of four different methods (vascular grading, Chalkley count, microvessel density (MVD) and stereological estimation) for quantifying intratumoral microvascularity in thyroid neoplasms, by comparing the variability within and between observers. In addition, the diagnostic and prognostic potential of neovascularity expressed by the four methods was evaluated. The study had a retrospective design and involved 24 follicular adenomas (FA), 19 follicular carcinomas (FC), and 17 papillary carcinomas (PC). Chalkley count was reproducible both within and between observers. MVD was not reproducible. Within observer the reproducibility of vascular grading was substantial, between observers it was fair to moderate. Stereological estimation was a priori considered reproducible. Keeping time consumption, cost and reproducibility in mind, Chalkley count should be the preferred method for assessing microvascularity in thyroid neoplasms. The diagnostic evaluation revealed a tendency towards higher degree of vascularity in FA compared to both FC and PC for all methods. No statistically significant association was seen between vascular density and prognosis.
Secondary Aeromonas peritonitis is associated with polymicrobial ascites culture and absence of liver cirrhosis compared to primary Aeromonas peritonitis
Authors: HUANG LING‐JU , CHEN HSIN‐PAI , CHEN TE‐LI , SIU L.‐K. , FUNG CHANG‐PHONE , LEE FA‐YAUH , LIU CHENG‐YI
Published: October 2006

Aeromonas peritonitis remains a rare condition. In this study we describe the clinical features of primary and secondary Aeromonas peritonitis, and compare the differences between these two diseases entities. Patients with Aeromonas peritonitis were identified from microbiological and medical records during the period between March 1994 and March 2003. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, microbiological results, treatment and outcome of patients were obtained by retrospective chart review. 22 and 27 patients with primary or secondary peritonitis caused by Aeromonas species were identified. All except two of these patients were adults, with a median age of 62.4 (31–76) vs 65.8 (8–85) years, respectively. Males were predominant (82 vs 78%). Peritonitis was community acquired in 73% and 56% of patients in these two groups, respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of underlying liver cirrhosis (96 vs 7%, p<0.001), which was Child‐Pugh class C in 91% of cases, in primary peritonitis was noted. Primary peritonitis was more likely to be monomicrobial (100 vs 15%, p<0.001) and complicated by bacteremia (50 vs 7%, p=0.011). A source of intraabdominal infection should be sought when Aeromonas peritonitis occurs in a patient who has no history of liver cirrhosis or who has a polymicrobial result of ascites culture.
A sporadic case of visceral leishmaniasis from Kocaeli, Turkey
Authors: MERIÇ MELIHA , AYDOGAN AYSE , SARPER NAZAN , ARİSOY EMIN SAMI
Published: October 2006

Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis are endemic in the western and southeastern parts of Turkey. We report a sporadic case of visceral leishmaniasis from Kocaeli, which is not an endemic area. The patient, a 10‐month‐old male infant, had since birth never been outside the city. He was referred to our hospital with a one‐month history of fever. Antibiotics were administered but fever persisted. There were Leishman bodies in the bone marrow aspirate, both in macrophages and in clusters among other cells. Immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) detected no antibodies in the mother. Liposomal amphotericin B was administered. Visceral leishmaniasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistant fever, hepatosplenomegaly and cytopenia, even in nonendemic areas.
Cell adhesion protein expression in melanocytic matricoma
Authors: Soler Alejandro Peralta , Burchette James L. , Bellet Jane S. , Olson John A.
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Melanocytic matricoma is a rare neoplasm thought to recapitulate the hair follicle in anagen. The tumor forms a nodule in the dermis containing basaloid, intermediate and shadow cells admixed with pigmented melanocytes dispersed as single dendritic cells. Because cadherins and catenins are crucial in the development of hair tumors, we examined the expression of E(epithelial)‐, P(placental)‐, N(nerve)‐cadherin and β‐catenin in a melanocytic matricoma. A 66‐year‐old Caucasian woman with a history of breast cancer presented with a pigmented nodule on the shoulder. Pathology revealed a melanocytic matricoma with S‐100 and HMB45‐positive melanocytes. E‐ and P‐cadherin were localized at the cell membrane of basaloid and differentiating keratinocytes, and in melanocytes, recapitulating the anagen hair. Both cadherins were absent in shadow cells. N‐cadherin was not expressed. Beta‐catenin had a differential distribution, in the nucleus and cytoplasm of basaloid cells, but at the cell membrane in differentiating cells and negative in shadow cells, paralleling the expression of E‐ and P‐cadherin. Our results support the previously hypothesized resemblance of the tumor to the hair bulb in anagen and suggest a transcriptional role of β‐catenin in the development of this rare neoplasm.
The many faces of blue nevus: A clinicopathologic study
Authors: Ferrara Gerardo , Soyer H. Peter , Malvehy Josep , Piccolo Domenico , Puig Susana , Sopena Juan , Zalaudek Iris , Argenziano Giuseppe
Published: October 2006

Background:  In recent years, several histopathologic variants of blue nevus have been identified, whose clinical and dermoscopic correlates need further clarification.

Methods:  A comparative evaluation of histopathologic and dermoscopic features was carried out on 52 melanocytic proliferations belonging to the morphologic spectrum of blue nevus.

Results:  On dermoscopy, all lesions showed a homogeneous, structureless pigment pattern, with a curious variety of colors (blue, white–blue, black, brown, and polychromatic). Histopathologically, the majority of blue lesions were common blue nevi (11/19); the majority of white–blue lesions were ‘hypochromic’ (sclerotic, hypomelanotic, and amelanotic) blue nevi (17/22); all the black lesions were ‘compound’ blue nevi (2/2); the majority of brown lesions were combined blue nevi (3/4); the unusual polychromatic dermoscopic appearance was often associated with a histopathologic diagnosis of deep penetrating nevus (2/5).

Conclusion:  A dermoscopic–pathologic approach now allows us to identify ‘blue’ (common) blue nevi, ‘white’ (hypochromic) blue nevi, ‘black’ (compound) blue nevi, ‘brown’ (combined) blue nevi, and ‘polychromatic’ (deep penetrating) blue nevi. A better recognition of the many dermoscopic faces of blue nevi is expected to give a morphologic guideline for the clinical management of these lesions.
Elevated serum BAFF levels in patients with localized scleroderma in contrast to other organ‐specific autoimmune diseases
Authors: Matsushita Takashi , Hasegawa Minoru , Matsushita Yukiyo , Echigo Takeshi , Wayaku Takamasa , Horikawa Mayuka , Ogawa Fumihide , Takehara Kazuhiko , Sato Shinichi
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Serum levels of B‐cell activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF), a potent B‐cell survival factor, are elevated in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The objective of this study was to determine serum BAFF levels and relate the results to the clinical features in patients with organ‐specific autoimmune diseases of the skin, such as localized scleroderma and autoimmune bullous diseases. Serum BAFF levels were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 44 patients with localized scleroderma, 20 with pemphigus vulgaris/pemphigus foliaceus, 20 with bullous pemphigoid and 30 healthy controls. Twenty patients with SSc and 20 with SLE were also examined as disease controls. Serum BAFF levels were elevated in localized scleroderma patients compared with healthy controls. Concerning localized scleroderma subgroups, patients with generalized morphea, the severest form of localized scleroderma, had higher serum BAFF levels than linear scleroderma or morphea patients. The BAFF levels of generalized morphea were comparable with those of SSc or SLE. Furthermore, serum BAFF levels correlated positively with antihistone antibody levels and the severity of skin lesion as well as the number of skin lesions. By contrast, serum BAFF levels were not significantly elevated in patients with pemphigus or pemphigoid. These results suggest that BAFF may be contributing to autoimmunity and disease development in localized scleroderma.
Quantitative analysis of the synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen in cultured human dermal fibroblasts with a sensitive sandwich enzyme‐linked immunoassay
Authors: Amano Satoshi , Ogura Yuki , Akutsu Nobuko , Nishiyama Toshio
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Type VII collagen is the major component of anchoring fibrils in the epidermal basement membrane. Its expression has been analyzed by immunostaining or Northern blotting, but rarely at the protein level. In this study, we have quantitatively examined the effects of ascorbic acid and various cytokines/growth factors on the protein synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen by human dermal fibroblasts in culture, using a developed, highly sensitive sandwich enzyme‐linked immunoassay with two kinds of specific monoclonal antibodies against the non‐collagenous domain‐1. Ascorbic acid and its derivative induced a twofold increase in type VII collagen synthesis, and markedly increased the secretion of type VII collagen into the medium when compared with the control culture. This effect was not influenced by the presence of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). The synthesis of type VII collagen was elevated by TGF‐β1, platelet‐derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐1β, but not by TGF‐α. Thus, our data indicate that the synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen in human dermal fibroblasts are regulated by ascorbate and the enhancement of type VII collagen gene expression by cytokines/growth factors is accompanied with elevated production of type VII collagen at the protein level.
Endogenous Transforming Growth Factor‐β Inhibits Toll‐Like Receptor Mediated Activation of Human Uterine Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Eriksson Mikael , Meadows Sarah K. , Wira Charles R. , Sentman Charles L.
Published: October 2006

Problem  Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) recognition is an important means for the innate immune system to rapidly respond to pathogen invasion. Our aim was to determine whether uterine natural killer (uNK) cell cytokine production induced by stimulation through TLRs could be regulated by endogenous transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β in human endometrium.

Method of study  Single cells were isolated from human endometrium, and interferon (IFN)‐γ production by endometrium cells and uNK cells was determined after stimulation by TLR agonists. The role of TGF‐β in regulating this response was tested by blocking TGF‐β function using antibodies or a specific inhibitor, SB431542.

Results  TGF‐β blockade increased TLR agonist induced IFN‐γ by uNK cells. The regulation of uNK cell cytokine production was observed when uNK cells were incubated with agonists for TLR2 (PGN) or TLR3 (polyI:C). Blockade of TGF‐β or TGF‐β receptor signaling had no effect on constitutive cytokine production in the absence of TLR agonists.

Conclusion  The results indicate that endogenous TGF‐β alters cytokine responses of uNK cells in human endometrium in response to TLR agonists. These data suggest that uNK cell responses to microbial pathogens in the endometrium are regulated by the amount of biologically active TGF‐β present within the human endometrium.
Dental and orofacial trauma in pony and horseback riding children
Authors: Çaglar Esber , Sandalli Nuket
Published: October 2006

Abstract –  An epidemiological survey was carried among pony and horseback riding children in nine pony and horseback riding clubs, Istanbul. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental trauma in young pony and horse riders. A total of 214 children were interviewed to determine the occurrence of dental trauma during pony and horseback riding. Some 2.3% of participants (n = 5) had already been affected by dental and orofacial trauma. Horse riders experienced dental and/or orofacial trauma significantly more than the pony riders. Results revealed that these children's awareness of dental trauma is limited while all of them (100%) wore helmets.
What does the community think about lifespan extension technologies? The need for an empirical base for ethical and policy debates
Authors: Lucke Jayne , Ryan Bree , Hall Wayne
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  This paper examines public understandings of possibilities for increasing life expectancy, interest in taking up lifespan‐extending interventions, and motivations influencing these intentions.

Methods:  Structured interviews were conducted with 31 adults, aged 50 and over.

Results:  Participants believed that technological advances would increase life expectancy but questioned the value of quantity over quality of life. Life in itself was not considered valuable without the ability to put it to good use. Participants would not use technologies to extend their own lifespan unless the result would also enhance their health.

Conclusions:  These findings may not be generalisable to the general public but they provide the first empirical evidence on the plausibility of common assumptions about public interest in ‘anti‐ageing’ interventions. Surveys of the views of representative samples of the population are needed to inform the development of a research agenda on the ethical, legal and social implications of lifespan extension.
Prevalence and determinants of dietary supplement and non‐prescription medicine use by men and women over 53 years old in Taiwan. Results from a population‐based cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Tsai Alan C , Liou Jenn‐Chang , Chang Jack M C , Chuang Yi‐Li , Lin Shu‐Hui , Lin Yu‐Hsuan
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of the use of dietary supplements and non‐prescription medicines by older adults in Taiwan.

Methods:  Data are from the 1999 Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan. The survey involved a national random sample of 2360 men and 2080 women, 53 years or older.

Results:  Overall, 32.4% of elderly men and 42.7% of elderly women used at least one kind of dietary supplement during the past 12 months. Approximately 16% of elderly men and 19% of elderly women used multivitamin and mineral supplements, 10.5 and 22% used calcium, and 10 and 14% used vitamin E, respectively.

Conclusions:  The rates of supplement use are generally lower than those observed in the USA but comparable to that in other industrialised countries. Elderly who are females or who are more highly educated or physically more active are more frequent supplement users.
Information technology and sustainable change within the domain of local practice
Authors: Ibrahim Rahimah , Barnett Karen , Buys Laurie
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  To explore the local service delivery level when information technology (IT) was introduced into a non‐profit residential aged care facility.

Methods:  Theoretical sampling provided participants from occupational groups staffing day‐to‐day work activities. Twenty‐two participants were interviewed about the compulsory use of computers in daily routines, and the role of IT in service delivery.

Findings:  Analysis of interview data identified five themes. Three related to local service delivery issues that stemmed from the restructuring of daily work practices. Two themes, which enforced the change at local level, related to the idea of sustainability.

Conclusion:  IT was regarded as part of the new focus in aged care towards outcome‐related goals such as efficiency, fiscal sustainability and quality. Nonetheless, these outcomes were perceived by the staff to be separate from the care given to the residents, indicating that staff could not yet reconcile the new procedural requirements with their caregiving practice.
Screening for depression in hospitalised and community‐dwelling elderly: the use of the 4‐item, 5‐item and 15‐item geriatric depression scales
Authors: Nguyen Huong V , Inderjeeth Charles A , Tang Elaine , Barnabas Liza , Merriam Majo
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  To assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms in hospitalised and community‐dwelling elderly with and without cognitive impairment and to test the reliability of the four‐ and five‐item geriatric depression scale (GDS) against the 15‐item GDS in screening for depression.

Methods:  The four‐, five‐ and 15‐item GDS and the abbreviated mental state test were administered to 96 inpatients and 107 community elderly.

Results:  The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 42.7% in the inpatient group and 53.3% in the community group. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 39.6% in the inpatients and 37.7% in the community group. The GDS5 had 88.8% sensitivity and 74.3% specificity and the GDS4 had 83.7% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity using the GDS15 as standard. Both were well correlated with the GDS15.

Conclusion:  The GDS5 and GDS4 are quick, simple and useful initial screening tools for depression.
Predictors of heteronormativity in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Tolley Carolyn , Ranzijn Rob
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  The aim of this paper is to examine the factors influencing heteronormativity (the implicit assumption that a heterosexual orientation is the normative one), and heterosexism (prejudice against non‐heterosexual people) among the staff of residential aged care facilities.

Methods:  One hundred and fourteen staff from 13 facilities in Adelaide completed a questionnaire measuring exposure to non‐heterosexual people, factual knowledge, heterosexism, heteronormativity, and type of training they had received.

Results:  As well as significant direct relationships between heterosexism, heteronormativity and other variables, the results indicated that lack of knowledge also affected heteronormativity through its indirect effect on heterosexism.

Conclusion:  Exposure to non‐heterosexual people, accurate knowledge and challenging heterosexism are needed to reduce heteronormativity in staff of residential aged care facilities.
Influence of modulated structural dynamics on the kinetics of α‐chymotrypsin catalysis
Authors: Solá Ricardo J. , Griebenow Kai
Published: October 2006

Although the chemical nature of the catalytic mechanism of the serine protease α‐chymotrypsin (α‐CT) is largely understood, the influence of the enzyme's structural dynamics on its catalysis remains uncertain. Here we investigate whether α‐CT's structural dynamics directly influence the kinetics of enzyme catalysis. Chemical glycosylation [Solá RJ & Griebenow K (2006) FEBS Lett580, 1685–1690] was used to generate a series of glycosylated α‐CT conjugates with reduced structural dynamics, as determined from amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange kinetics (kHX). Determination of their catalytic behavior (KS, k2, and k3) for the hydrolysis of N‐succinyl‐Ala‐Ala‐Pro‐Phe p‐nitroanilide (Suc‐Ala‐Ala‐Pro‐Phe‐pNA) revealed decreased kinetics for the catalytic steps (k2 and k3) without affecting substrate binding (KS) at increasing glycosylation levels. Statistical correlation analysis between the catalytic (ΔG≠ki) and structurally dynamic (ΔGHX) parameters determined revealed that the enzyme acylation and deacylation steps are directly influenced by the changes in protein structural dynamics. Molecular modelling of the α‐CT glycoconjugates coupled with molecular dynamics simulations and domain motion analysis employing the Gaussian network model revealed structural insights into the relation between the protein's surface glycosylation, the resulting structural dynamic changes, and the influence of these on the enzyme's collective dynamics and catalytic residues. The experimental and theoretical results presented here not only provide fundamental insights concerning the influence of glycosylation on the protein biophysical properties but also support the hypothesis that for α‐CT the global structural dynamics directly influence the kinetics of enzyme catalysis via mechanochemical coupling between domain motions and active site chemical groups.
The Effect of Oral Consumption of Perchlorate, Alone and in Combination with Ethanol, on Plasma Thyroid Hormone and Brain Catecholamine Concentrations in the Rat
Authors: James‐Walke Nissa L. , Williams Helen L. , Taylor David A. , McMillen Brian A.
Published: October 2006

Abstract:Literature has reported a controversy concerning the effects of the environmental pollutant perchlorate on pertinent physiological systems. However, no research to date has evaluated the effect of concomitant consumption of perchlorate and an additional environmental contaminant on physiological systems. The present preliminary investigation served to assess the effects of oral consumption of perchlorate, alone and in combination with ethanol, on thyroid hormone and brain catecholamine concentrations in female rats of gestational age. Forty, female Myers' high ethanol‐preferring rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 7 groups that received: (1) deionized water, both bottles (2) deionized water and 10% ethanol (v/v), two separate bottles (3) 300 μg/l perchlorate solution in deionized water, both bottles (4) 300 μg/l perchlorate in deionized water and in 10% ethanol (v/v), two separate bottles (5) 3000 μg/l perchlorate solution in deionized water, both bottles (6) 3000 μg/l perchlorate in deionized water and in 10% ethanol (v/v), two separate bottles (7) 0.01% propylthiouracil solution in deionized water, both bottles. At cessation of the treatment period, plasma triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and brain area concentrations of dopamine, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and norepinephrine were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Perchlorate consumption, alone and/or in combination with ethanol consumption, failed to produce significant alterations from control values for triiodothyronine, thyroxine, dopamine, DOPAC, or norepinephrine. The data suggest that the no‐observed effect level of perchlorate consumption on thyroid hormone and brain catecholamine concentrations is above the 3000 μg/l concentration in the adult female rat.
Antispasmodic Effects of Rooibos Tea (Aspalathus linearis) is Mediated Predominantly through K+‐Channel Activation
Authors: Gilani Anwarul Hassan , Khan Arif‐ullah , Ghayur Muhammad N. , Ali Syed Faizan , Herzig Joachim W.
Published: October 2006

Abstract:Rooibos tea has been widely used for abdominal spasm and diarrhoea. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible mechanism for its use in such ailments. Its aqueous extract (RT) at 0.3–10 mg/ml produced relaxation of spontaneous and low K+(25 mM)‐induced contractions of rabbit jejunum, with weak effect on high K+(80 mM)‐induced contractions. In the presence of glibenclamide, relaxation of low K+‐induced contractions was prevented. Cromakalim inhibited contractions induced by low K+, but not high K+, while verapamil did not differentiate in its inhibitory effect on contractions produced by the two concentrations of K+. RT also exhibited antidiarrhoeal and antisecretory activities in mice. The spasmolytic effect was concentrated in organic fractions. Its constituents, chrysoeriol, orientin and vitexin showed a similar pattern of spasmolytic effects to the extract, while rutin was more like verapamil. So Rooibos tea possesses a combination of dominant KATPchannel activation and weak Ca++antagonist mechanisms and hence justifies its use in hyperactive gastrointestinal disorders.
Potassium Channels‐Mediated Vasorelaxation of Rat Aorta Induced by Resveratrol
Authors: Novakovic Aleksandra , Bukarica Ljiljana Gojkovic , Kanjuh Vladimir , Heinle Helmut
Published: October 2006

Abstract:Resveratrol, a phenolic substance present in grapes and a variety of medical plants, has been reported to induce vasorelaxation, however the mechanisms are uncertain. In this paper we investigate the possible participation of K+channels in the endothelium‐independent vasodilatation of rat aorta induced by resveratrol. Resveratrol induced concentration‐dependent relaxation of rings with endothelium and without endothelium. We used different potassium channel inhibitors to determine whether the K+channels mediated endothelium‐independent relaxation of rat aorta induced by resveratrol. Highly selective blocker of ATP‐sensitive K+channels, glibenclamide, as well as non‐selective blockers of K+channels, tetraethylammonium, did not block resveratrol‐induced relaxation of rat aortic rings. Charybdotoxin, a blocker of calcium‐sensitive K+channels did not affect the resveratrol‐induced relaxation. 4‐Aminopiridine, non‐selective blocker of voltage‐gated K+(Kv) channels, and margatoxin that inhibits Kv1 channels abolished relaxation of rat aortic rings induced by resveratrol. In conclusion, we have shown that resveratrol potently relaxed rat aortic rings with denuded endothelium. It seems that 4‐aminopiridine and margatoxin‐sensitive K+channels located in the smooth muscle of rat aorta mediated this relaxation.
Protective Effect of Lignophenol Derivative from Beech (Fagus crenata Blume) on Copper‐ and Zinc‐Mediated Cell Death in PC12 Cells
Authors: Sato Shin , Fujita Shuzo , Funaoka Masamitsu , Komori Miyako , Kurasaki Masaaki
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Lignophenol, prepared using a phase‐separation system, is a derivative of lignin, which is one of the components in the plant cell wall, and possesses high phenolic function, high stability and antioxidant properties. However, little is known about the beneficial effect of lignophenol. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of lignophenol from the beech tree (Fagus crenata Blume) on copper‐ and zinc‐mediated apoptosis in PC12 cells by using DNA fragmentation and TUNEL assays. In DNA fragmentation assays, the DNA ladder patterns in the PC12 cells treated with 200 μM Cu and 200 μM Zn were enhanced, whereas the DNA ladder pattern was hardly observed in these cells treated with 20 mM lignophenol. In the TUNEL assay, TUNEL signals increased significantly in the untreated PC12 cells exposed to 200 μM Cu compared with the control. In contrast, the degree of apoptosis in the 20 mM lignophenol‐treated cells was significantly lower than in the untreated cells, indicating that lignophenol inhibited Cu‐induced apoptotic cell death in PC 12 cells. In the 200 μM Zn‐exposed group, the degree of apoptosis in the 20 mM lignophenol‐treated cells was also low compared with the untreated cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that lignophenol plays a role in protecting against Cu‐ and Zn‐mediated PC12 apoptotic cell death.
Anti-hyperglycemic Activity of Natural and FermentedCordyceps sinensisin Rats with Diabetes Induced by Nicotinamide and Streptozotocin
Authors: Lo Hui-Chen , Hsu Tai-Hao , Tu Shih-Te , Lin Kwo-Chuan
Published: October 2006

Our previous study demonstrated that the fruiting bodies of Cordyceps sinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine, attenuated diabetes-induced weight loss, polydipsia, and hyperglycemia in rats. In the present study, we further compared the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the fermented mycelia and broth of Cordyceps sinensis with that of the fruiting bodies. Male Wistar rats orally administered a placebo (STZ group), fruiting bodies (FB group, 1 g/day), fermented mycelia (MCS group, 1 g/day), fermented broth (BCS group, 1 g/day), or fermented mycelia plus broth (XCS group, 0.5 g/day of each) of Cordyceps sinensis (d1 to d28) were injected with nicotinamide (200 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) on d15. Rats fed with a placebo and injected with saline served as the control (CON) group. The amount of water and food consumption (d15 to d29), the 2-hour-postprandial blood glucose concentrations (d21 and d28), and the serum concentrations of fructosamine (d29) were significantly lower in the FB, MCS, BCS, and XCS groups than in the STZ group (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). The diabetic rats had significantly higher blood glucose concentrations as measured by the oral glucose tolerance test than the control rats; moreover, these changes were significantly reduced by ingesting the fruiting bodies, fermented mycelia and/or broth of Cordyceps sinensis. Our results revealed that the fermented mycelia and broth of Cordyceps sinensis have anti-hyperglycemic activities similar to those of the fruiting bodies. Therefore, the fermented products of Cordyceps sinensis could be developed as potential anti-diabetic agents or functional foods for persons with a high risk of diabetes mellitus.
CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME DUE TO GIANT CELL TUMOUR OF TENDON SHEATHS
Authors: Mitsionis G. , Pakos E. E. , Gavriilidis I. , Batistatou Anna
Published: October 2006

Cubital tunnel syndrome is one of the most common entrapment neuropathies in adults. It is mainly caused by the depression of ulnar nerve from normal structures at the elbow area. Despite the fact that several pathgological entities can be potential mechanisms of the syndrome, the pathogenesis due to benign or malignant neoplasms is extremely rare. In the present report we describe the first case of cubital tunnel syndrome due to giant cell tumour of the tendon sheaths.
Contemporary Impact of State Certificate-of-Need Regulations for Cardiac Surgery
Authors: DiSesa Verdi J. , O’Brien Sean M. , Welke Karl F. , Beland Sarah M. , Haan Constance K. , Vaughan-Sarrazin Mary S. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: October 2006

Background—

Prior research using administrative data associated certificate-of-need (CON) regulation for open heart surgery with higher hospital coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) volume and lower CABG operative mortality rates in elderly patients. It is unclear whether these findings apply in a general population and after controlling for detailed clinical characteristics and region.

Methods and Results—

Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ (STS) National Cardiac Surgery Database, we examined isolated CABG surgery volume, operative mortality, and the composite end point of operative mortality or major morbidity for the years 2000 to 2003. The presence of CON regulations for open heart surgery was ascertained from the National Directory of the American Health Policy Association and by contacting CON administrators. Results were analyzed nationally, by state, and by region (West, Northeast, Midwest, South) and were adjusted for clinical factors and both population density and region with mixed-effects hierarchical logistic regression models. During 2000 to 2003, there were 314 710 isolated CABG surgeries performed at 294 STS hospitals in CON states (n=27, including Washington, DC) and 280 512 procedures at 343 STS hospitals in non-CON states (n=24). Patient clinical characteristics were similar among CON and non-CON hospitals. States with CON regulations tended to have higher population densities and had significantly higher median hospital annual CABG volumes in each of the years 2000 to 2003 (
P
<0.005). This difference remained significant after adjustment for region and population density. Operative mortality was 2.52% for CON versus 2.62% for non-CON states (
P
=0.32). There was a significant association between CON law and operative mortality in the South. After adjustment for patient risk factors and region, there was a marginally significant reduction of mortality risk in states with CON regulation (adjusted OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.00). However, this difference was not statistically significant when a revised model accounted for random state effects. Similar volume and outcomes results were seen when the analysis was repeated with data from the national Medicare database.

Conclusions—

CON states have significantly higher hospital CABG surgery volumes but similar mortality compared with non-CON states. CON regulation alone is not a sufficient mechanism to ensure quality of care for CABG surgery.
Hospital Delays in Reperfusion for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Pinto Duane S. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Murphy Sabina A. , Cohen David J. , Laham Roger J. , Cutlip Donald E. , Bates Eric R. , Frederick Paul D. , Miller Dave P. , Carrozza Joseph P. , Antman Elliott M. , Cannon Christopher P. , Gibson C. Michael
Published: October 2006

Background—

It has been suggested that the survival benefit associated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction may be attenuated if door-to-balloon (DB) time is delayed by >1 hour beyond door-to-needle (DN) times for fibrinolytic therapy. Whereas DB times are rapid in randomized trials, they are often prolonged in routine practice. We hypothesized that in clinical practice, longer DB-DN times would be associated with higher mortality rates and reduced PPCI survival advantage. We also hypothesized that in addition to PPCI delays, patient risk factors would significantly modulate the relative survival advantage of PPCI over fibrinolysis.

Methods and Results—

DB-DN times were calculated by subtracting median DN time from median DB time at a hospital using data from 192 509 patients at 645 National Registry of Myocardial Infarction hospitals. Hierarchical models that adjusted simultaneously for both patient-level risk factors and hospital-level covariates were used to evaluate the relationship between PCI-related delay, patient risk factors, and in-hospital mortality. Longer DB-DN times were associated with increased mortality (
P
<0.0001). The DB-DN time at which mortality rates with PPCI were no better than that of fibrinolysis varied considerably depending on patient age, symptom duration, and infarct location.

Conclusions—

As DB-DN times increase, the mortality advantage of PPCI over fibrinolysis declines, and this advantage varies considerably depending on patient characteristics. As indicated in the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, both the hospital-based PPCI-related delay (DB-DN time) and patient characteristics should be considered when a reperfusion strategy is selected.
The ambivalence of professional identity: On cynicism and jouissance in audit firms
Authors: Kosmala Katarzyna , Herrbach Olivier
Published: October 2006

This article explores how identity is self-managed in professional services firms, illustrated by the Big Four audit firms. We examine both identification and distancing processes with several identity attributes of professionalism, viewed here as outcomes of technologies of the self. We argue that the ambivalence inherent in these attributes enables auditors to more or less cynically distance themselves from the regulatory structures of their environment, forming jouissance with rules and regulation. The study, empirical in nature, contributes to an understanding of the mutual constitution of power and identity in the area of employee resistance to organizational control. As distancing from the organizational culture and the professional ideology appears to be more symbolic of individual agency than truly harmful, we conclude that jouissance may potentially enhance the firms’ performance in the short term. Yet, prolonged cynical attitudes may transform professionals into ‘compliant’ employees, who may not be inclined to challenge issues that can have negative consequences for the firm/profession and/or the public.
The independent relationships of objective and subjective workload with couples’ mood
Authors: van Emmerik IJ . Hetty , Jawahar I. M.
Published: October 2006

Mood signifies general well-being and a positive mood benefits self, one’s spouse and the family unit. Dual-earner couples are particularly susceptible to spillover and crossover of mood. A lack of studies on the relationship between workload and mood and the repeated calls for more couple-level research served as the primary impetus for this study. Using data from 629 couples, we examined the relationship between objective (i.e. hours of paid work) and subjective (i.e. time pressure) workload on 1) one’s own (positive and negative) mood, 2) spouse’s mood, and 3) mood at the couple level. Results of two-level regression analyses indicated that subjective workload was positively related to negative mood. In contrast, objective workload was related to decreased negative mood and to increased positive mood. In addition to support for spillover effect, results supported one crossover effect, such that wives of husbands who devote more hours to paid work reported higher levels of negative mood, even as the husbands themselves reported lower levels of negative mood. Implications of results are discussed.
Teaching African American English Forms to Standard American English-Speaking Teachers
Authors: Fogel Howard , Ehri Linnea C.
Published: October 2006

Many U.S. students speak nonstandard forms of English, yet dialect issues are slighted in teacher education programs and literacy courses. In this study, classroom teachers who spoke Standard American English (SE) were familiarized with seven syntactic features characterizing African American English (AAE). Three approaches to instruction based on a cognitive view of self-regulated learning were compared: exposure to the features by reading AAE text (E); exposure plus explanation of dialect transformation strategies (ES); and exposure, strategy explanation, and guided practice transforming sentences from SE to AAE (ESP). On posttests, all forms of instruction improved teachers’ knowledge and positive attitude toward AAE. However, ESP instruction proved more effective in teaching teachers how to translate sentences into AAE and to use AAE in writing stories. Results support the value of implementing self-regulated learning theory and reveal effective ways to teach dialect features to teachers so they can help AAE-speaking students learn SE.
France’s 35-Hour Week: Attack on Business? Win-Win Reform? Or Betrayal of Disadvantaged Workers?
Authors: Hayden Anders
Published: October 2006

France’s 35-hour workweek is one of the boldest progressive reforms in recent years. Drawing on existing survey and economic data, supplemented by interviews with French informants, this article examines the 35-hour week’s evolution and impacts. Although commonly dismissed as economically uncompetitive, the policy package succeeded in avoiding significant labor-cost increases for business. Most 35-hour employees cite quality-of-life improvements despite the fact that wage moderation, greater variability in schedules, and intensification of work negatively impacted some—mostly lower-paid and less-skilled—workers. Taking into account employment gains, the initiative can be considered a qualified success in meeting its main aims.
Structural Factorization of Plants to Compute Their Functional and Architectural Growth
Authors: Cournède Paul-Henry , Kang Meng-Zhen , Mathieu Amélie , Barczi Jean-François , Yan Hong-Pin , Hu Bao-Gang , de Reffye Philippe
Published: October 2006

Numerical simulation of plant growth has been facing a bottleneck due to the cumbersome computation implied by the complex plant topological structure. In this article, the authors present a new mathematical model for plant growth, GreenLab, overcoming these difficulties. GreenLab is based on a powerful factorization of the plant structure. Fast simulation algorithms are derived for deterministic and stochastic trees. The computation time no longer depends on the number of organs and grows at most quadratically with the age of the plant. This factorization finds applications to build trees very efficiently, in the context of geometric models, and to compute biomass production and distribution, in the context of functional structural models.