bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid upregulation of GLUT-4 and MCT-4 expression during 16 h of heavy intermittent cycle exercise
Authors: Green H. J. , Duhamel T. A. , Holloway G. P. , Moule J. W. , Ranney D. W. , Tupling A. R. , Ouyang J.
Published: December 2007

In this study, we have investigated the hypothesis that an exercise protocol designed to repeatedly induce a large dependence on carbohydrate and large increases in glycolytic flux rate would result in rapid increases in the principal glucose and lactate transporters in working muscle, glucose transporter (GLUT)-4 and monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)4, respectively, and in activity of hexokinase (Hex), the enzyme used to phosphorylate glucose. Transporter abundance and Hex activity were assessed in homogenates by Western blotting and quantitative chemiluminescence and fluorometric techniques, respectively, in samples of tissue obtained from the vastus lateralis in 12 untrained volunteers [peak aerobic power (V̇o2peak) = 44.3 ± 2.3 ml·kg−1·min−1] before cycle exercise at repetitions 1 (R1), 2 (R2), 9 (R9), and 16 (R16). The 16 repetitions of the exercise were performed for 6 min at ∼90% V̇o2peak, once per hour. Compared with R1, GLUT-4 increased ( P < 0.05) by 28% at R2 and remained elevated ( P < 0.05) at R9 and R16. For MCT-4, increases ( P < 0.05) of 24% were first observed at R9 and persisted at R16. No changes were observed in GLUT-1 and MCT-1 or in Hex activity. The ∼17- to 24-fold increase ( P < 0.05) in muscle lactate observed at R1 and R2 was reduced ( P < 0.05) to an 11-fold increase at R9 and R16. It is concluded that an exercise protocol designed to strain muscle carbohydrate reserves and to result in large increases in lactic acid results in a rapid upregulation of both GLUT-4 and MCT-4.
Preconditioning Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Premotor Cortex Can Reduce But Not Enhance Short-Term Facilitation of Primary Motor Cortex
Authors: Suppa A. , Bologna M. , Gilio F. , Lorenzano C. , Rothwell J. C. , Berardelli A.
Published: December 2007

Short trains of suprathreshold 5-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over primary motor cortex (M1) evoke motor potentials (MEPs) in hand muscles that progressively increase in amplitude via a mechanism that is thought to be similar to short-term potentiation described in animal preparations. Long trains of subthreshold rTMS over dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) are known to affect the amplitude of single-pulse MEPs evoked from M1. We tested whether PMd-rTMS affects short-term facilitation in M1. We also explored the effect of PMd-rTMS on M1 responses evoked by single-pulse TMS of different polarities. We tested in 15 healthy subjects short-term facilitation in left M1 (10 suprathreshold TMS pulses at 5 Hz) after applying rTMS to left PMd (1,500 subthreshold pulses at 1 and 5 Hz). In a sample of subjects we delivered single-pulse TMS with different polarities and paired-pulse TMS at short intervals (SICI) after PMd-rTMS. Short-term facilitation in M1 was reduced after applying 1 Hz to PMd, but was unaffected after 5-Hz PMd-rTMS. PMd-rTMS with 1 Hz reduced the amplitude of MEPs evoked by monophasic posteroanterior (PA) or biphasic anteroposterior (AP)–PA but had little effect on MEPs by monophasic AP or biphasic PA–AP single-pulse TMS. PMd-rTMS left SICI unchanged. PMd-rTMS (1 Hz) reduces short-term facilitation in M1 induced by short 5-Hz trains. This effect is likely to be caused by reduced facilitation of I-wave inputs to corticospinal neurons.
Neurokinin-1 Receptors Modulate the Excitability of Expiratory Neurons in the Ventral Respiratory Group
Authors: Fong Angelina Y. , Potts Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2007

We studied the role of neurokinin-1 receptors (NK1-R) on the excitability of expiratory (E) neurons (tonic discharge, ETONIC; augmenting, EAUG; decrementing, EDEC) throughout the ventral respiratory group, including Bötzinger Complex (BötC) using extracellular single-unit recording combined with pressurized picoejection in decerebrate, arterially perfused juvenile rats. Responses evoked by picoejection of the NK1-R agonist, [Sar9-Met(O2)11]-substance P (SSP) were determined before and after the selective NK1-R antagonist, CP99,994. SSP excited 20 of 35 expiratory neurons by increasing the number of action potentials per burst (+33.7 ± 6.5% of control), burst duration (+20.6 ± 7.9% of control), and peak firing frequency (+16.2 ± 4.8% of control; means ± SE). Pretreatment with CP99,994 completely blocked SSP-evoked excitation in a subset of neurons tested, supporting the notion that SSP excitation was mediated through NK1-R activation. Because we had previously shown that EAUG neurons were crucial to locomotor-respiratory coupling (LRC), we reasoned that blockade of NK1-R would alter LRC by preventing somatic-evoked excitation of EAUG neurons. Blockade of NK1-Rs by CP99,994 in the BötC severely disrupted LRC and prevented somatic-evoked excitation of EAUG neurons. These findings demonstrate that LRC is dependent on endogenous SP release acting via NK1-Rs on EAUG neurons of the BötC. Taken together with our earlier finding that inspiratory off-switching by the Hering-Breuer Reflex requires endogenous activation of NK1-Rs through activation of NK1-Rs on EDEC neurons, we suggest that endogenous release of substance P in the BötC provides a reflex pathway-dependent mechanism to selectively modulate respiratory rhythm.
Evaluation of the Impact of the Kuwait Diabetes Care Program on the Quality of Diabetes Care
Authors: Al-Adsani Afaf , Al-Faraj Jamila , Al-Sultan Fatma , El-Feky Mohamed , Al-Mezel Nouria , Saba Wafik , Aljassar Sharifa
Published: December 2007

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the Kuwait Diabetes Care Program on the quality of care provided for diabetic patients in the Primary Health Care setting. Materials and Methods: The Kuwait Diabetes Care Program developed, published and disseminated clinical practice guidelines, conducted training courses, standards for diabetes care, and introduced a monitoring and evaluation system. Four audits (September 1999, October 2001, 2002 and 2003) were carried out at five diabetic clinics. September 1999 referred to in this study as first (baseline) audit was prior to the introduction of the clinical practice guidelines. The three other audits were performed to assess adherence with the guidelines in the administrative management of patients’ records and implementation of the standards. Two hundred and fifty patients were involved in the study. Results: The proportion of patients with organized, structured files increased significantly from 60.0 to 100.0% (p < 0.001), and recording of patients’ demographic data increased from 38.6 to 95.6% (p < 0.001). Use of structured visit sheets, proper fixation of the laboratory and prescription sheets had also improved significantly. The prevalence of smoking assessment, fundus examination, and foot examination increased significantly from 2.8 to 27.2% (p < 0.001); 2.4 to 31.6% (p < 0.001); 0.4 to 40.4% (p < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of measuring urinary microalbumin, serum creatinine and HbA1c increased significantly from 4.4 to 26.4% (p < 0.001); 16.0 to 78.4% (p < 0.001), and 10.4 to 60.8% (p < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of measuring serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels increased significantly from 16.4 to 80.0% (p < 0.001); 14.4 to 80.0% (p < 0.001); 2.4 to 32.8% (p < 0.001), and 2.4 to 24.0% (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: This audit shows that a national diabetes program was associated with improved processes of diabetes care. Further, support from health authorities, provision of manpower resources, a continuing monitoring and evaluation system, and conduction of structured education programs may lead to further improvements in the quality of diabetes care.
Transdermal Permeation of Trimetazidine from Nerodilol-Based HPMC Gel Drug Reservoir System across Rat Epidermis
Authors: Krishnaiah Yellela S. , Al-Saidan Saleh M.
Published: December 2007

Objective: To study the in vitro transdermal permeation of trimetazidine from hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) gel drug reservoir system using nerodilol as a penetration enhancer. Materials and Methods: An HPMC gel containing selected concentrations of nerodilol (0, 2, 4 or 5% w/v) and 2.5% w/v of trimetazidine was prepared, and subjected to in vitro permeation studies across rat epidermis. The amount of trimetazidine permeated at different time intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 h) was estimated, and the data were analyzed to calculate various permeation parameters. Results: There was an increase in the amount of trimetazidine (8,719.7 ± 153.3 µg/cm2)permeated across the rat epidermis up to 24 h (Q24) with an increase in nerodilol concentration (5% w/v) in HPMC gel drug reservoir. However, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the amount of drug permeated (Q24) with 5% w/v of nerodilol when compared to that obtained with 4% w/v of nerodilol (8,484.5 ± 165.8 µg/cm2). Nerodilol, at a concentration of 4% w/v enhanced the flux of trimetazidine across rat epidermis by about 1.96 times when compared to control. Conclusion: The HPMC gel drug reservoir containing 4% w/v of nerodilol showed optimal transdermal permeation of trimetazidine.
Legionella in Clinical Specimens and Hospital Water Supply Facilities: Molecular Detection and Genotyping of the Isolates
Authors: Qasem J.A. , Mustafa A.S. , Khan Z.U.
Published: December 2007

Objective: To evaluate genus- and species-specific polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for the detection of the genus Legionella and the species Legionella pneumophila in clinical specimens and hospital water supplies, and to establish a simple and reproducible random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR technique for genotyping of Legionella.Materials and Methods: A total of 70 respiratory tract specimens(bronchoalveolar lavage: n = 46; endotracheal secretions: n = 9; sputum: n = 15) from patients with atypical pneumonia, and 283 environmental samples (water: 20; swabs: 263) collected from water storage and supply facilities of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Kuwait, were tested by culture and genus-specific PCR for the detection of Legionella. The L. pneumophila isolates were subsequently typed by serology and RAPD-PCR using serotype-specific sera and arbitrary primers, respectively. Results: Of the 70 clinical samples, culture yielded 2 (2.9%) whereas genus-specific PCR detected Legionella in 20 (28.6%) samples. The 2 culture-positive specimens were also positive for L.-pneumophila-specific PCR. Testing of swab and water samples by culture and genus-specific PCR yielded 61 (21.6%) and 67 (23.7%) positive samples, respectively. All of the 61 culture-positive samples were also positive by genus-specific PCR and 45 of them were positive for L.-pneumophila-specific PCR. Serological typing of 43 L. pneumophila isolates showed that 8 of these belonged to serotype 1 and 35 to serotype 3; however, RAPD-PCR analyses demonstrated polymorphisms among the isolates of both serotypes. Conclusion: A higher association between PCR and culture was observed for the environmental samples than for the clinical samples. The application of genus- and species-specific PCRs and RAPD is useful in the detection and typing of Legionella in clinical and environmental samples.
Surveillance of Antibacterial Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated in Kuwaiti Hospitals
Authors: Udo E.E. , Al-Sweih N. , Dhar R. , Dimitrov T.S. , Mokaddas E.M. , Johny M. , Al-Obaid I.A. , Gomaa H.H. , Mobasher L.A. , Rotimi V.O. , Al-Asar A.
Published: December 2007

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Staphylococcus aureus isolated in Kuwaiti hospitals. Materials and Methods:S. aureus were isolated and identified following standard microbiological methods. Antibacterial susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion and the measurement of minimum inhibitory concentration with E-test strips. Results: A total of 1,846 S. aureus isolates were analyzed from 13 hospitals between 1 March and 30 October 2005. They were isolated from 1,765 (95.6%) inpatients and 81 (4.4%) outpatients. Methicillin resistance was detected in 588 (32.0%) of the isolates. The methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) consisted of 461 (78%) multiresistant and 127 (22%) nonmultiresistant isolates. The nonmultiresistant MRSA consisted of epidemic MRSA-15 and community-associated MRSA. The community-associated MRSA was detected in all hospitals with MRSA, indicating its establishment in Kuwaiti hospitals. The proportion of isolates resistant to gentamicin, kanamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, fusidic acid and trimethoprim was higher among MRSA than methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. Twenty-four and 22% of MRSA and MSSA isolates, respectively, expressed reduced susceptibility to vancomycin (minimum inhibitory concentration = 3–4 mg/l). Conclusion: The study revealed the presence of methicillin resistance in 32% of S. aureus isolated in Kuwaiti hospitals and revealed an increase in the number of MRSA and MSSA with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin.
Analysis of the Cerebral Transcriptome in Mice Subjected to Traumatic Brain Injury: Importance of IL-6
Authors: Quintana Albert , Giralt Mercedes , Molinero Amalia , Campbell Iain L. , Penkowa Milena , Hidalgo Juan
Published: December 2007

Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of incapacity and death among young people. Injury to the brain elicits a potent inflammatory response, comprising recruitment of inflammatory cells, reactive astrogliosis and activation of brain macrophages. Under the influence of presumably several cytokines and growth factors, a cascade of events is activated that result ultimately in increased oxidative stress and tissue damage, but also in activation of counterregulatory factors and tissue regeneration. The complexity of this response is being unraveled by high-throughput methodologies such as microarrays. The combination of these modern techniques with the comparison of normal and genetically modified mice boosts the significance of the results obtained. With this approach, we have demonstrated that a cytokine such as interleukin-6 is one of the key players in the response of the brain to injury.
Cannabinoid System and Neuroinflammation: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Correa Fernando , Docagne Fabian , Mestre Leyre , Loría Frida , Hernangómez Miriam , Borrell José , Guaza Carmen
Published: December 2007

There is a growing amount of evidence suggesting that cannabinoids may be neuroprotective in central nervous system inflammatory conditions. Advances in the understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of the cannabinoid system have potentiated the interest in cannabinoids as potential therapeutic targets. Here our aim was to update the actions of cannabinoids on immune system and glial cells and their implications on multiple sclerosis. We also show our results on the modulation of cytokines of the IL-12 family by cannabinoids in macrophages and brain microglia. We used murine primary cultures of macrophage and microglia activated by lipopolysaccharide/IFN-γ and Theiler’s virus to study the effects of cannabinoids on the regulation of IL-12 and IL-23 mRNA and protein IL-12p40, evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Cannabinoids negatively regulate the production of these cytokines by microglial cells in part due to the activation of CB2 receptors. The effects of cannabinoids on cytokine brain work and on the regulation of neuroinflammatory processes may affect chronic inflammatory demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Impaired Immune Responses in Tuberculosis Patients Are Related to Weight Loss That Coexists with an Immunoendocrine Imbalance
Authors: Mahuad Carolina , Bozza Verónica , Pezzotto Stella Maris , Bay María Luisa , Besedovsky Hugo , del Rey Adriana , Bottasso Oscar
Published: December 2007

The study’s objective was to examine whether factors related to the host status may bear some relation with the profile of the immune response displayed by tuberculosis (TB) patients. The in vitro immune response (antigen-driven lymphoproliferation and cytokine production) and the presence of alcoholism or disease-related factors, like heart and respiratory rates, and weight loss (body mass index, BMI) were investigated in 31 males with active, untreated TB. Compared to 16 age-matched healthy males, TB patients presented depressed lymphoproliferation and increased IL-10 and TGF-β production. Multivariate analysis indicated that most differences were no longer significant when controlling for the BMI. Immune and endocrine changes coexisting with weight loss, such as circulating levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone and thyroid hormones, were also analyzed. While pairwise correlations between serum levels of IFN-γ, T3 or T4 and BMI were not significant, BMI was negatively correlated with IL-6 levels (p < 0.025). In turn, levels of IL-6 correlated positively with cortisol concentrations (p <0.001). Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that BMI was only associated with IL-6 (r = –0.423, R2 = 0.18), with the difference remaining significant following adjustment for the other variables. As regards IL-6, BMI, cortisol and IFN-γ could explain 74% of variability in IL-6 concentrations (R2 = 0.74). No evidence for effect modification was shown when performing adjusted calculations. To conclude, the relation between weight loss and abnormal immune response of TB patients is partly associated with the immunoendocrine imbalance observed in parallel.
Association of ADRB1 and UCP3 Gene Polymorphisms with Insulin Sensitivity but Not Obesity
Authors: Mottagui-Tabar Salim , Hoffstedt Johan , Brookes Anthony J. , Jiao Hong , Arner Peter , Dahlman Ingrid
Published: December 2007

Background: The uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and β-adrenoceptors (ADRBs) are important for energy balance and may be involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Obesity is strongly hunted by insulin resistance and susceptibility genes for the two conditions could be separate or common. Variations within the UCPs and ADRBs genes may give important clues to their involvement in disease. Methods: A total of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes UCP1, UCP2, UCP3, and ADRB1 were examined for association with obesity and insulin sensitivity (HOMAIR) in obese (n = 292) and healthy non-obese (n = 481) females. Results: None of the SNPs was associated with obesity status or body mass index. However, ADRB1 (rs1801253) was nominally associated with serum insulin (nominal p = 0.034) and HOMAIR (nominal p = 0.022). UCP3 (rs1800006) was in post-hoc analysis nominally associated with serum insulin and HOMAIR (nominal p = 0.013 and 0.048, respectively). UCP1 and UCP2 showed no association with insulin sensitivity. Conclusion: Polymorphisms in ADRB1 and UCP3 may contribute to insulin resistance rather than obesity among Swedish women.
Early Diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Care Reduce the Hospitalization Time and Duration of Tube Feeding and Prevent Early Obesity in PWS Infants
Authors: Bacheré N. , Diene G. , Delagnes V. , Molinas C. , Moulin P. , Tauber M.
Published: December 2007

Background/Aims: To describe and evaluate the impact of very early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care on the evolution and care of infants presenting with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Methods: 19 infants diagnosed with PWS before the second month of life were followed by a multidisciplinary team. Median age at the time of analysis was 3.1 years [range 0.4–6.5]. The data were compared with data collected in 1997 from 113 questionnaires filled out by members of the French PWS Association. The patients from this latter data set were 12.0 years [range 4 months to 41 years] at the time of analysis, with a median age of 36 months at diagnosis. Results: The duration of their hospitalization time was significantly reduced from 30.0 [range 0–670] to 21 [range 0–90] days (p = 0.043). The duration of gastric tube feeding was significantly reduced from 30.5 [range 0–427] to 15 [range 0–60] days (p = 0.017). Growth hormone treatment was started at a mean age of 1.9 ± 0.5 years in 10 infants and L-thyroxine in 6 infants. Only 1 infant became obese at 2.5 years. Conclusion: Early diagnosis combined with multidisciplinary care decreases the hospitalization time, duration of gastric tube feeding and prevents early obesity in PWS infants.
Modification of the Hepatic Mitochondrial Proteome in Response to Ischemic Preconditioning following Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of the Rat Liver
Authors: Oshima R. , Nakano H. , Katayama M. , Sakurai J. , Wu W. , Koizumi S. , Asano T. , Watanabe T. , Asakura T. , Ohta T. , Otsubo T.
Published: December 2007

Background/Aim: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) may reduce hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, but efficacy of IPC on mitochondrial proteome is not demonstrated. We investigated how IPC modifies the mitochondrial proteome after IR injury. Methods: Rats were subjected to 25 min of portal triad crossclamping (IR group, n = 8). In the IPC group (n = 8), 10 min of temporal portal triad clamping was performed before 25 min of portal clamping. Samples were obtained after 24 h. The mitochondrial inner-membrane potential was measured by the uptake of a lipophilic cationic carbocyanine probe and mitochondrial proteome was also investigated using 2-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Mitochondrial inner-membrane potential and glutathione were lower and serum transaminase was higher in the IPC group than in the IR group. The mitochondrial precursor of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and α-methylacyl-CoA-racemase were upregulated in the IPC group in comparison to the IR group. In contrast, protein disulfide-isomerase A3 precursor, 60S acid ribosomal protein P0, carbonic anhydrase 3 and superoxide dismutase were significantly more downregulated in the IPC group than in the IR group. Conclusions: A hepatoprotective effect by IPC was not shown; however, IPC caused significant up- or downregulation of several mitochondrial proteins.
Association of Human Platelet Alloantigen 1 through 5 Polymorphisms with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Saidi Sarra , Mahjoub Touhami , Slamia Lamia B. , Ammou Sofyan B. , Al-Subaie Abeer M. , Almawi Wassim Y.
Published: December 2007

Polymorphisms in human platelet alloantigen (HPA)-1 and HPA-3 (GPIIb/IIIa), HPA-2 (GPIb/IX), HPA-4 (GPIIIa) and HPA-5 (GPIa/IIa) were investigated in 216 stroke patients and 318 matched control subjects. HPA genotyping was done by the polymerase chain reaction method using sequence-specific primers. Higher frequencies of the HPA-1 a/b (p < 0.001) and HPA-5 a/b (p < 0.001) allele, together with HPA-1 b/b, HPA-5 a/b and HPA-5 b/b genotypes were seen in patients, which was confirmed by regression analysis after controlling for a number of confounding variables. Furthermore, HPA-1 b/b and HPA-5 b/b were significantly associated with the extent of neurological symptoms, and with the recurrence of stroke. Both susceptible (1a/b-2a/a-3a/b-4a/a-5a/b) and protective (1a/a-2a/a-3a/a-4a/a-5a/a; 1a/a-2a/a-3a/b-4a/a-5a/a; 1a/b-2a/a-3a/a-4a/a-5a/a; 1a/b-2a/a-3a/b-4a/a-5a/a) HPA genotypes were identified. This is the first evidence demonstrating differential association of the common 5 HPA gene variants with stroke, with HPA-1b and HPA-5b representing strong genetic risk factors.
One-Year Outcome and Its Prediction in First-Episode Schizophrenia – A Naturalistic Study
Authors: Bachmann Silke , Bottmer Christina , Schröder Johannes
Published: December 2007

Background: The literature suggests that the early course of schizophrenia is a strong predictor of long-term outcome. We sought to test this notion in a sample of first-episode patients. Sampling and Methods: Forty patients with a first episode of DSM-IV diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorder were assessed with well-established instruments such as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Strauss-Carpenter Scale. Reassessment was performed 14 months later and included the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale in addition to the aforementioned instruments and a psychiatric interview. Regression analyses for the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale and symptomatology were used to identify outcome predictors. Results: At follow-up, 27 patients (67.5%) were in remission. Women’s outcome was significantly better with respect to intimate relationships and domiciliary independence. Although symptomatology of the whole group remained stable during the follow-up period, a subgroup of patients experienced a significant decrease in symptom levels whereas symptoms increased in another subgroup. The most important predictor of outcome was compliance with atypical antipsychotic medication during the follow-up period. Conclusions: These results suggest that there is a prognostic divide early in the course of the disease, that compliance with medication is of overriding importance towards 1-year outcome, and that for the individual patient the question of chronicity may be answered very early in the course of the disease.
Who were the makers of customary law in medieval Europe? Some answers based on sources about the spokesmen of Flemish feudal courts
Authors: Heirbaut D.
Published: December 2007

Due to a lack of sources, the makers of customary law in the middle ages are largely unknown to us. However, a unique source, the Lois des pers du castel de Lille, makes it possible to identify the spokesmen of customary law courts, who were the intellectual authors of these courts' judgements and, thus, the main creators of customary law. An analysis of their careers shows that they were legal advisers, lords and/or bailiffs and members or spokesmen of other courts. In short, they were their community's legal experts. They had learned their trade by doing and can be considered to have been semi-professionals. Certain spokesmen were more successful than others and served as a court's main spokesman, but it is hard to determine why someone became the main spokesman or spokesman at all, though knights had more 'natural' authority for acting as spokesman than others. In fact, although the spokesmen formed a community of legal experts in their area, two subgroups (the knights and the others) can be distinguished. The case studied in this article concerns the spokesmen of a Flemish castellany court around 1300, but spokesmen can be found in Flanders already in 1122 and they were common in North-western Europe. Therefore, this article concludes with a call for further research about these key figures of medieval customary law.
Roman-canonical elements in the ancient 'Germanic' system of proof
Authors: Waelkens Laurent
Published: December 2007

Many scholars consider that medieval trials by ordeal and collective oaths are typical of primitive societies. They occured all over the world and would have been introduced by the Germans in early-medieval Western Europe. These means of proof emerged in the eighth and ninth century, at a time when the administration of justice by the lords and the bishops were intertwined. When comparing them to Roman procedure and the canonists' approach to confession, party oaths and torture, one may consider those 'irrational' proofs as having Roman-canonical origins, as so many other institutions of the time. They should therefore not necessarily be compared to non-European developments.
Freckling 11 Years After Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy for an Infantile Hemangioma: Coincidence or a Previously Unrecognized Complication?
Authors: Bayliss Susan J. , Berk David R.
Published: December 2007

A case of asymmetric freckling on the cheeks of a child who 11 years earlier received pulsed dye laser treatment for a hemangioma on the right cheek was recently evaluated. Only the lasered areas of the face (her cheeks) demonstrated asymmetric freckling, whereas the unlasered areas of the face such as the nose demonstrated typical, normal, symmetric freckling. No explanation, such as asymmetric sun exposure or sunscreen administration, could be elicited by detailed history. The authors suggest that the asymmetric freckling on the patient's cheeks might represent a previously unrecognized complication of pulsed dye laser.
Biologic and Chemical Terrorism in Children: An Assessment of Residents' Knowledge
Authors: Schobitz Erik P. , Schmidt James M. , Poirier Michael P.
Published: December 2007

This study was conducted to determine the baseline fund of knowledge of pediatric and emergency medicine residents at a single institution in the medical management of pediatric victims of biologic and chemical terrorism. A test covering essential content was developed and validated by experts. The test was given anonymously to volunteer pediatric and emergency medicine residents at a single institution. The test was readministered 5 months after a lecture on the content. The 34 pediatric residents and 15 emergency medicine residents scored a median of 65% and 73%, respectively ( P = .03). Residents from both specialties combined scored a median of 70% correct versus those residents who did not attend the lecture. Pediatric and emergency medicine residents are significantly unprepared to manage pediatric victims of biologic and chemical terrorism. Education curriculums on this topic must be incorporated into these residencies. The traditional lecture format may not be the most effective technique.
A Competence-Based Framework for Parent—School—Community Partnerships in Secondary Schools
Authors: Elias Maurice J. , Patrikakou Evanthia N. , Weissberg Roger P.
Published: December 2007

Among the many transitions and passages students face during their school years, the entry into middle school is one of the most difficult. During this period, it is crucial for schools and families to work together in order to establish a constructive framework that can foster positive development. This article discusses the important academic, social and emotional competencies on which schools and families should focus during this critical transition period. Promoting these competencies will help adolescents develop positive bonds to home and school, a greater sense of personal possibilities and a constructive view of themselves in their social contexts. A competence-based framework, based on providing adolescents with opportunities for appreciation, belonging, social-emotional competence development, confidence and contributions is presented to guide home—school collaboration. The article concludes with examples of collaborative activities that have been successfully implemented.
Using Bullying Incident Density to Evaluate the Olweus Bullying Prevention Programme
Authors: Black Sally A. , Jackson Ericka
Published: December 2007

Bullying negatively impacts the mental and physical health of student victims, bullies and bystanders. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Programme is an internationally recognized school based programme demonstrated effective in research. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Bullying Prevention Programme was effective for urban youth from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The programme was implemented in one large urban school district in the United States. Bullying incident density was used to evaluate programme outcomes. An independent evaluator performed 319 observation sets, 7,589 minutes. Data were standardized to incident density and reported back to school committees who developed and implemented culturally and developmentally relevant interventions based on the Olweus model. At baseline, incident density was 65 incidents per 100 student hours. After four years, incident density decreased by 45 percent to 36 incidents per 100 student hours. Programme components associated with decreased incidents were posting of rules, consistent enforcement of positive and negative consequences and training adult monitors to engage students in activities. Supplementary strategies were socialized recess, providing pro-social activities, reorganization of lunches and recess and separation of grades or genders. Results suggest that the Bullying Prevention Programme reduces incident density by up to 65 percent.
Effect of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency on in vivo Translation and Rotation of the Knee during Weightbearing Flexion
Authors: Li Guoan , Papannagari Ramprasad , Li Meng , Bingham Jeffrey , Nha Kyung W. , Allred Dain , Gill Thomas
Published: December 2007

Background

The effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) deficiency on 6 degrees of freedom in vivo knee-joint kinematics is unclear.

Hypothesis

In addition to constraining anterior-posterior translation, the PCL also functions to constrain the medial-lateral translation and rotation of the knee during weightbearing flexion of the knee.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Eight patients with a PCL injury in 1 knee and the other intact were scanned with magnetic resonance imaging, and 3-dimensional models of the femur and tibia were created for both knees. Each knee was imaged during quasistatic weightbearing flexion (from 0° to 105°) using a dual-orthogonal fluoroscopic system. The translation and rotation of the PCL-deficient knee were compared with the intact contralateral control.

Results

Posterior cruciate ligament deficiency caused an increase in posterior tibial translation beyond 30° of flexion compared with the intact contralateral knees. At 90° of flexion, PCL deficiency increased posterior tibial translation by 3.5 mm ( P < .05). In the medial-lateral direction, PCL deficiency resulted in a 1.1 mm increase in lateral tibial translation at 90° of flexion ( P < .05). With regard to rotation, PCL deficiency caused a significantly lower varus rotation (on average, 0.6° lower) at 90° of flexion. Posterior cruciate ligament deficiency caused a decreased internal tibial rotation throughout the range of flexion, but no significant difference was detected.

Conclusions

This study quantitatively describes the effect of PCL injury on 6 degrees of freedom kinematics of the knee during quasistatic weightbearing flexion. Using the intact contralateral side as a control, we found that PCL injuries not only affect anterior-posterior tibial translation but also medial-lateral translation and rotation of the knee.

Clinical Relevance

These data provide baseline knowledge of the in vivo kinematics of the knee after PCL injury. Surgical reconstruction of the injured PCL, either using single-bundle or double-bundle technique, should not only focus on restoration of posterior stability of the knee but also the medial-lateral stability as well as the rotational stability. These findings may help to explain the long-term degenerative changes seen in PCL-deficient knees.
Hls5 regulated erythroid differentiation by modulating GATA-1 activity
Authors: Endersby Raelene , Majewski Ian J. , Winteringham Louise , Beaumont Jennifer G. , Samuels Amy , Scaife Robin , Lim Esther , Crossley Merlin , Klinken S. Peter , Lalonde Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2007

Hemopoietic lineage switch (Hls) 5 and 7 were originally isolated as genes up-regulated during an erythroid-to-myeloid lineage switch. We have shown previously that Hls7/Mlf1 imposes a monoblastoid phenotype on erythroleukemic cells. Here we show that Hls5 impedes erythroid maturation by restricting proliferation and inhibiting hemoglobin synthesis; however, Hls5 does not influence the morphology of erythroid cells. Under the influence of GATA-1, Hls5 relocates from cytoplasmic granules to the nucleus where it associates with both FOG-1 and GATA-1. In the nucleus, Hls5 is able to suppress GATA-1–mediated transactivation and reduce GATA-1 binding to DNA. We conclude that Hls5 and Hls7/Mlf1 act cooperatively to induce biochemical and phenotypic changes associated with erythroid/myeloid lineage switching.
Childhood sarcoidosis: long-term follow-up
Authors: Milman N. , Hoffmann A. L.
Published: December 2007

The aim of the present study was to describe clinical features and long-term survival in childhood sarcoidosis.

In total, 46 ethnic Caucasian Danish children (aged <16 yrs, 24 males) with sarcoidosis were identified in 1979–1994. In 33 (72%) children, diagnosis was verified by histology and, in the remaining 13, by clinical and radiological findings. In total, 37 subjects had a follow-up examination. Median (range) age at onset of disease was 14 (0.7–15.8) yrs and median (range) clinical follow-up was 15 (3–23) yrs after onset of disease. The median (range) age at clinical follow-up was 28 (17–30) yrs.

At follow-up: 36 (78%) children recovered completely; 30 (65%) showed complete clinical regression at a median (range) 0.7 (0.6–5.9) yrs after onset of disease; two (4%) recovered with organ damage (unilateral loss of vision, abnormal chest radiograph); five (11%) still had chronic active disease with multiorgan involvement and impaired lung function; and three (7%) were deceased, due to central nervous system sarcoidosis and acute myeloid leukaemia probably caused by cytostatics.

In Danish children, sarcoidosis had a favourable prognosis; the majority recovered <6 yrs after onset of disease. Some developed chronic active disease and impairment of pulmonary function, demanding continuous medical treatment. Prognosis was not related to the age at onset of disease. Erythema nodosum was associated with a good prognosis, and central nervous system involvement with a poor prognosis.
Reference equations for lung function screening of healthy never-smoking adults aged 18–80 years
Authors: Kuster S. P. , Kuster D. , Schindler C. , Rochat M. K. , Braun J. , Held L. , Brändli O.
Published: December 2007

The need for updated spirometric reference values to be used on European populations is widely acknowledged, especially for subjects aged >70 yrs. Their reference values are generally based on extrapolations. The aim of the present study was to calculate reference values for lung function screening of healthy, never-smoking adults aged 18–80 yrs and to compare them with the most widely used reference equations.

Results of screening spirometry of 8,684 healthy, never-smoking adults were used to calculate mean values and fifth percentiles of lung function variables.

The European Community of Coal and Steel (ECCS) reference equations underestimate forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). For example, in 50-yr-old males (height 175 cm), lower limits of normal for FEV1are underestimated by 198 mL, and for FVC by 210 mL. In 50-yr-old females (height 165 cm), lower limits of normal for FEV1are underestimated by 191 mL, and for FVC by 270 mL. The decline of FVC in elderly subjects is steeper than predicted by the ECCS.

Reference equations derived from spirometry data locally collected in a practical setting by well-trained personnel might be more appropriate for everyday use than generally used equations based on data from scientific studies in the distant past.
Indeterminate test results of T-SPOTTM.TBperformed under routine field conditions
Authors: Beffa P. , Zellweger A. , Janssens J-P. , Wrighton-Smith P. , Zellweger J-P.
Published: December 2007

Interferon-γ release assays for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) can give indeterminate results. The prevalence of indeterminate test results (ITRs) among T-SPOTTM.TBtests was assessed.

A retrospective analysis of samples processed in 2005 was performed. ITRs were assessed by age, sex, immunosuppression, distance to the laboratory and season. A subgroup of tests performed for specific indications (contact tracing, migrants with positive tuberculin skin test, TB suspects and immunosuppression) were analysed separately.

Of a total of 1,429 tests, 49 (3.4%) were indeterminate. ITRs were significantly associated with old age (>75versus5–75 yrs; odds ratio (OR) 7.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.968–15.438) and the season during which samples were transported (autumn and winterversusspring and summer; OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.753–7.514). The incidence of ITR was 302 (2.0%) among TB contacts, 75 (1.6%) among immigrants, 156 (3.0%) in TB suspects and 32 (3.0%) among immunosuppressed patients. Sex, young age and distance to the laboratory were not associated with the rate of ITR. Of the 13 tests with ITR that were repeated, 10 gave a clear positive or negative result.

Indeterminate test results with T-SPOTTM.TBunder routine conditions were infrequent and more common in individuals aged >75 yrs than in children and younger adults. The incidence of indeterminate test results was low and similar among healthy tuberculosis contacts, immigrants with a positive tuberculin skin test, tuberculosis suspects and the immunosuppressed. The conditions of transportation may influence the incidence of indeterminate test results.
Effect of increasing doses of mannitol on mucus clearance in patients with bronchiectasis
Authors: Daviskas E. , Anderson S. D. , Eberl S. , Young I. H.
Published: December 2007

Bronchiectasis is characterised by hypersecretion and impaired clearance of mucus. A 400-mg dose of inhaled mannitol improves mucus clearance however, the effect of other doses is unknown.

A total of 14 patients, aged 63.3±5.7 yrs, were studied on five visits. Mucus clearance at baseline and with mannitol (160, 320 and 480 mg) was measured using technetium-99m-sulphur colloid and imaging with a gamma camera over 45 min, followed by a further 30 min involving 100 voluntary coughs. A control study assessed the effect of cough provoked by mannitol during the intervention.

Whole right lung clearance over 45 min was 4.7±1.2 and 10.6±2.6% on baseline and control days, respectively, and increased to 16.7±4.2, 22.8±4.2 and 31±4.7% with 160, 320 and 480 mg mannitol, respectively. Clearance over 45 min with 480 mg mannitol was greater than clearance with 320 and 160 mg. Total clearance over 75 min, after mannitol administration and voluntary coughs, was 36.1±5.5, 40.9±5.6 and 46.0±5.2% with 160, 320 and 480 mg mannitol, respectively, all significantly different from baseline (24.1±6.0%) and control (13.1±3.0%). Total clearance over 75 min with 480 mg mannitol was greater compared with 160 mg.

In conclusion, mucus clearance increases with increasing doses of mannitol and can be further increased by cough in patients with bronchiectasis.
Extranuclear Steroid Receptors: Nature and Actions
Authors: Hammes Stephen R. , Levin Ellis R.
Published: December 2007

Rapid effects of steroid hormones result from the actions of specific receptors localized most often to the plasma membrane. Fast-acting membrane-initiated steroid signaling (MISS) 1leads to the modification of existing proteins and cell behaviors. Rapid steroid-triggered signaling through calcium, amine release, and kinase activation also impacts the regulation of gene expression by steroids, sometimes requiring integration with nuclear steroid receptor function. In this and other ways, the integration of all steroid actions in the cell coordinates outcomes such as cell fate, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The nature of the receptors is of intense interest, and significant data suggest that extranuclear and nuclear steroid receptor pools are the same proteins. Insights regarding the structural determinants for membrane localization and function, as well as the nature of interactions with G proteins and other signaling molecules in confined areas of the membrane, have led to a fuller understanding of how steroid receptors effect rapid actions. Increasingly, the relevance of rapid signaling for the in vivo functions of steroid hormones has been established. Examples include steroid effects on reproductive organ development and function, cardiovascular responsiveness, and cancer biology. However, although great strides have been made, much remains to be understood concerning the integration of extranuclear and nuclear receptor functions to organ biology. In this review, we highlight the significant progress that has been made in these areas.
Functional diversification of centrins and cell morphological complexity
Authors: Gogendeau Delphine , Klotz Catherine , Arnaiz Olivier , Malinowska Agata , Dadlez Michal , de Loubresse Nicole Garreau , Ruiz Françoise , Koll France , Beisson Janine
Published: December 2007

In addition to their key role in the duplication of microtubule organising centres (MTOCs), centrins are major constituents of diverse MTOC-associated contractile arrays. A centrin partner, Sfi1p, has been characterised in yeast as a large protein carrying multiple centrin-binding sites, suggesting a model for centrin-mediated Ca2+-induced contractility and for the duplication of MTOCs. In vivo validation of this model has been obtained in Paramecium, which possesses an extended contractile array – the infraciliary lattice (ICL) – essentially composed of centrins and a huge Sfi1p-like protein, PtCenBP1p, which is essential for ICL assembly and contractility. The high molecular diversity revealed here by the proteomic analysis of the ICL, including ten subfamilies of centrins and two subfamilies of Sf1p-like proteins, led us to address the question of the functional redundancy, either between the centrin-binding proteins or between the centrin subfamilies. We show that all are essential for ICL biogenesis. The two centrin-binding protein subfamilies and nine of the centrin subfamilies are ICL specific and play a role in its molecular and supramolecular architecture. The tenth and most conserved centrin subfamily is present at three cortical locations (ICL, basal bodies and contractile vacuole pores) and might play a role in coordinating duplication and positioning of cortical organelles.
Evaluation of the thermal behaviour of bevelled cutting inserts using a numerical approach
Authors: Singamneni S B , Singh D , Littlefair G , Diegel O , Gupta O P , Chattopadhyay A B
Published: December 2007

The nose geometry of a hard and brittle metal cutting tool is generally modified in order to avoid the premature failure due to fracture under tensile stresses. While most research findings point to a favourable mechanical load pattern, the possible influence of the shape of the geometry on the thermal fields and the consequent changes in the stressed state of the tool seem to have attained less attention. The present work aims at establishing the thermal behaviour of bevelled tools under varying geometrical and process parameters. Data generated from statistically designed experiments and quick-stop chip samples are coupled to conduct numerical investigations using a mixed finite and boundary element solution to obtain the temperature distribution in bevelled carbide inserts. Due consideration is given to the presence of the stagnation zone and its size and shape. While the cutting forces and temperatures increased owing to the blunt shape of the tool, the possible absence of tensile stresses was found to be the likely effect of a more uniform temperature distribution resulting from a significant plastic contact on the principal flank and the consequent flank heat source. The characteristic low-temperature zones close to the nose of the conventional tool are taken over by the stagnation zone in bevelled tools.
Validation of a computer simulation of the impact performance of a wire rope safety fence
Authors: Bateman M B , Howard I C , Johnson A R , Walton J M
Published: December 2007

A computer simulation has been developed at The University of Sheffield that predicts the impact performance of roadway wire rope safety fences. Effective use of this simulation for design, or other purposes, requires it to be validated by showing that the predicted vehicle motion and fence response closely represent that of the real system. Two distinct validation studies are described in the current paper. The first compares the major results of eight impact tests undertaken at the UK Motor Industry Research Association and a further four impact tests undertaken at the Swedish Road and Transport Research Institute with the simulation predictions. The close prediction of the test results validates the use of the simulation as a design tool for a range of fence designs and impact conditions. The second validation study compares, in detail, the test results and simulation prediction for a single test. This suggests that, if required, results may be improved further by considering suspension effects in the vehicle model, and by a better understanding of frictional effects at the rope-post and the rope-vehicle contacts.