bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic similarity, breeding distribution range and sexual selection
Authors: MØLLER A. P. , GARAMSZEGI L. Z. , SPOTTISWOODE C. N.
Published: November 2007

Large populations with extensive breeding distributions may sustain greater genetic variability, thus producing a positive relationship between genetic variation and population size. Levels of genetic variability may also be affected by sexual selection, which could either reduce levels because a small fraction of males contribute to the following generation, or augment them by generating genetic variability through elevated rates of mutations. We investigated to what extent genetic variability, as estimated from band sharing coefficients for minisatellite markers, could be predicted by breeding distribution range, population size and intensity of sexual selection (as reflected by degree of polygyny and extra‐pair paternity). Across a sample of 62 species of birds in the Western Palearctic, we found extensive interspecific variation in band sharing coefficients. High band sharing coefficients (implying low local genetic variability among individuals) were associated with restricted breeding distributions, a conclusion confirmed by analysis of statistically independent linear contrasts. Independently, species with large population sizes had small band sharing coefficients. Furthermore, bird species with a high richness of subspecies for their breeding distribution range had higher band sharing coefficients. Finally, bird species with high levels of polygyny and extra‐pair paternity had small band sharing coefficients. These results suggest that breeding distribution range, population size and intensity of sexual selection are important predictors of levels of genetic variability in extant populations.
Subgross and Macroscopic Investigation of Blood Vessels Originating from Aortic Arch in the Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)
Authors: ÖZdemİr V. , ÇEvİk‐Demİrkan A. , Türkmenoğlu I.
Published: November 2007

A total of 10 adult, healthy, male chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) were used to investigate the vessels originating from aortic arch. Coloured latex was injected into the carotid arteries following conventional anatomical applications in all the chinchillas examined. The brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery arose from the aortic arch at the level of the second intercostal region in the thoracic cavity. The right and left subclavian arteries detached branches at the level of first intercostal region and divided into the following vessels: internal thoracic artery, dorsal scapular artery, vertebral artery, superficial cervical artery and axillar artery. The vessels originating from the aortic arch displayed some significant differences in chinchillas compared to rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, porcupines and other laboratory rodents.
Functional Anatomy of the Distal Radioulnar Ligament in Dogs*
Authors: Kaiser A. , Liebich H.‐G. , Maierl J.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to functionally characterize the distal radioulnar ligament connecting the distal ends of canine antebrachial bones. The ligament has been investigated histologically in five adult dogs. After decalcification and standard paraffin embedding, 5‐μm‐thick sections have been stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin, Resorcin/Fuchsin, Astrablue/Nuclear‐fast‐red, Astrablue/Orange G. The distal radioulnar ligament can be divided into two parts, a proximal, ‘interosseous’ and a distal ‘articular’. The former as a connecting structure experiences almost exclusively tensile stress in a proximolateral direction. The latter with an additional meniscal function is loaded in a combined tensile and compressive way. These findings can be explained with the characteristic valgus conformation of the canine carpal joint.
Identifying measures for evaluating new models of nursing care: A survey of NSW nurse practitioners
Authors: Middleton Sandy , Allnutt Jane , Griffiths Rhonda , McMaster Rose , O'Connell Jane , Hillege Sharon
Published: November 2007

Health‐care reforms in Australia and worldwide have seen the creation of the position of nurse practitioner (NP). To date, no protocol has been developed in Australia to guide the evaluation of this new role. All NSW authorized NPs were invited to participate in a self‐administered questionnaire. Generic process and outcome measures of NP services were taken from a review of the literature. NPs were asked to determine how ‘essential’ each of these measures would be to describe their clinical practice. Of the 36 eligible authorized NPs in NSW, 30 returned completed questionnaires (83% response rate). The following measures were rated ‘essential’ by all (100%) NPs: presenting issue as stated by patient; current medications; patient satisfaction with education, quality of care received, and provider knowledge and skill. Our results provide a unique set of indicators with which to evaluate process and outcome measures of NP services. Standard outcome measures will enable NPs to evaluate their service efficiently and to benchmark against other NPs.
A Rapid Quality Control Initiative to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infection in the paediatric intensive care patient—Part one
Authors: Malt Greg , Robertson‐Malt Suzi
Published: November 2007

Urinary tract infection is one of the common bacterial infections in children and can lead to substantial morbidity. If the infection results in renal scarring, various long‐term risks include hypertension and renal insufficiency. Nosocomial urinary tract infections (NUTI) in children occur with varying frequency with approximately 60–80% of these infections being strongly correlated with urethral instrumentation. This paper presents stage one of a Rapid Quality Control Initiative to reduce the incidence of NUTI in the paediatric patient at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre.
Taming the rescuer: The therapeutic nature of qualitative research interviews
Authors: Drury Vicki , Francis Karen , Chapman Ysanne
Published: November 2007

Interviewing in qualitative research allows, indeed encourages, participants to tell their story. Although the researcher might want to hear a certain part of the story, it is not unusual for participants from vulnerable populations to tell the researcher their entire story. This paper explores the dilemmas faced by a researcher when interviewing in a non‐sensitive area and explicates the ethical decision‐making that occurred during the interviews to prevent blurring of boundaries.
Changes in regulatory molecules for lymphangiogenesis in intestinal lymphangiectasia with enteric protein loss
Authors: Hokari Ryota , Kitagawa Noritake , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Kurihara Chie , Okada Yoshikiyo , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Nagao Shigeaki , Hibi Toshifumi , Miura Soichiro
Published: November 2007

Background and Aim:  Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) and LYVE‐1 are specifically expressed in the endothelium of the lymphatic systems. VEGF‐C, D, FOXC2, Prox 1, and SOX18 are known to play central roles in lymphatic development. We investigated the expression of regulatory molecules for lymphangiogenesis in the duodenal mucosa of idiopathic intestinal lymphangiectasia.

Methods:  Biopsy samples were obtained from duodenal biopsies in patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia complicated with protein‐losing from white spot lesions in which lymphangiectasia was histologically confirmed. Immunohistochemical analysis for VEGFR3 and LYVE‐1 was performed. mRNA expression of VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, VEGFR3, and transcription factors was determined by the quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction method.

Results:  In the control mucosa, VEGFR3 was weakly expressed on the central lymphatic vessels in the lamina propria and LYVE‐1 was expressed mainly on the lymphatic vessels in the submucosa. In intestinal lymphangiectasia, VEGFR3 and LYVE‐1 expression levels were increased on the mucosal surface corresponding to widely dilated lymphatic vessels, while they were decreased in the deeper mucosa. mRNA expression study showed a significant increase in the expression level of VEGFR3 in lymphangiectasia, but the expression of VEGF‐C and ‐D mRNA was significantly suppressed compared with that in controls despite the presence of lymphangiectasia. The mRNA expression levels of FOXC2 and SOX18 were also decreased, whereas Prox 1 was not altered.

Conclusions:  There is an altered expression of regulatory molecules for lymphangiogenesis in the duodenal mucosa in these patients.
The personal writings of First World War nurses: a study of the interplay of authorial intention and scholarly interpretation
Authors: Hallett Christine E.
Published: November 2007

The personal writings of First World War nurses and VADs (volunteers) provide the historian with a range of insights into the war and women's nursing roles within it. This paper offers a number of methodological perspectives on these writings. In particular, it emphasises two elements of engagement with texts that can act as important influences on subsequent historical writings: authorial intention and scholarly interpretation. In considering the interplay of these two elements, the paper emphasises the motivations both of those who produced primary sources and of those who later used them to ‘serve’ particular historical interpretations. The paper examines letters, diaries and semi‐fictional writings, considering the influences of gender, class and professional background on the ways in which their authors wrote. It then briefly considers the uses to which historians have put these original writings. The paper offers insights into the ways in which complex personal writings can be interpreted and concludes that the writings of First World War nurses and volunteers offer a rich and varied set of perspectives on both the war itself and the nature of wartime nursing work.
Accommodation and resistance to the dominant cultural discourse on psychiatric mental health: oral history accounts of family members
Authors: Boschma Geertje
Published: November 2007

Oral history makes a critical contribution in articulating the perspectives of people often overlooked in histories written from the standpoint of dominating class, gender, ethnic or professional groups. Using three interrelated approaches — life stories, oral history, and narrative analysis — this paper analyzes family responses to psychiatric care and mental illness in oral history interviews with family members who experienced mental illness themselves or within their family between 1930 and 1975. Interviews with three family members in Alberta, Canada are the primary focus. These stories provide an important avenue to understand the meaning and transformations of mental health‐care from the point of view of families. Family members’ stories reveal contradictory responses to the dominant cultural discourse. Using a performative framework of interpretation, the narratives reveal a complex interplay between medical, social and cultural conceptions of mental illness, deepening our understanding of its meaning. The history of mental health‐care can be substantially enriched by the analysis of family members’ stories, not only revealing the constructed nature of mental illness, but also illustrating the family as a mediating context in which the meaning of mental illness is negotiated.
Textual analysis of retired nurses’ oral histories
Authors: Wall Barbra Mann , Edwards Nancy E. , Porter Marjorie L.
Published: November 2007

This paper considers the use of textual analysis of oral histories as a method for historians of nursing. Fifty‐three oral histories of retired nurses in midwestern USA were analyzed for the purpose of historical reconstruction of past education experiences in nursing. Textual analysis was used to determine how nurses made sense of their educational experiences, and it involved gathering data, analyzing the information, and using a different method of interpreting the data. Although the participants responded to specific questions, the oral histories in this study are more than mere answers to the researchers’ queries. The participants’ memories are narratives that are the joint product of both the historian and the participant. As such, the oral history becomes a text to be stored along with other primary sources for future historians’ use. The research also suggests decentering oral histories from an exclusively academic agenda and focusing more on what the participants choose to remember and why they make those choices.
Research note: Salinity tolerance of Arctic kelps from Spitsbergen
Authors: Karsten Ulf
Published: November 2007

The effect of hypo‐ and hypersaline treatments on the effective quantum yield of photosystem II was comparatively studied with a pulse amplitude modulated fluorometer (PAM) in the brown algal speciesAlaria esculenta,Fucus distichus, Laminaria digitata,Laminaria solidungula,Saccharina latissima(formerlyLaminaria saccharina) andSaccorhiza dermatodeacollected in the Arctic Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen). While the euryhalineF. distichuswas not affected at all by salinities ranging from 5 to 60 psu,A. esculenta, S. latissimaandL. solidungulaexhibited under hyposaline conditions strong loss of pigments (bleaching) or even high mortality reflecting stenohaline features. In contrast to the latter species,L. digitataandS. dermatodeasurvived all salinities, but showed reduced photosynthetic activities at the lowest and highest salt treatments and hence, can be characterized as stenohaline‐euryhaline organisms. The data are discussed in terms of vertical zonation (eulittoral versus sublittoral habitat), in terms of interactive effects with other abiotic factors such as temperature and in terms of the species‐specific acclimation potential.
Growth and annual production of the brown alga Laminaria religiosa introduced into the Uwa Sea in southern Japan
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Furuya Kazushige , Kawai Tadashi , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: November 2007

Recently, aquaculture of Laminaria japonica has expanded to the southern coast of Japan and to China along the East China Sea. The southerly distribution of L. religiosa, compared to that of L. japonica, indicated that the aquaculture of L. religiosa along the southern coasts of Japan might be feasible. Thus, we examined the growth, biomass and productivity of L. religiosa cultivated in the Uwa Sea, in southwestern Japan over a period of two years. The seawater temperature ranged from 12.9 to 27.4°C in 2003/2004 and from 12.2 to 28.3°C in 2004/2005. In 2003/2004, the maximum mean density, maximum mean length, and maximum mean wet weight of L. religiosa was 7.8 ± 5.0 ind. m−1 (mean ± SD), 14.8 ± 4.6 cm, and 1.2 ± 0.8 g wet wt., respectively. In 2004/2005, no germination was confirmed through the study period. The maximum biomass and annual production in 2003/2004 were estimated to be 6.9 ± 5.2 g wet wt. m−1 and 8.9 g wet wt. m−1 year−1, respectively. The present study revealed that L. religiosa cultivated in the Uwa Sea were much smaller compared with those of Hokkaido Island, where the alga is naturally found. For the growth of L. religiosa, a relatively long period of seawater temperatures below 13.5°C is required. In the study area, seawater temperatures were below 13.5°C only 11 days in 2003, and 12 days in 2004. As a result, it is thought that expanding the cultivation of L. religiosa to southern areas including the Uwa Sea will be difficult.
Cytoplasmic streaming of calcium oxalate crystals in Callipsygma wilsonis (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Pueschel Curt M. , West John A.
Published: November 2007

Light microscopic study of the giant‐celled, marine green alga Callipsygma wilsonis J. Agardh (Udoteaceae, Bryopsidales) revealed numerous birefringent crystalline inclusions in the terminal segments of the assimilatory axes. The inclusions were thin plates with a triangular shape in face view, a base up to 75 μm in length, and a height that was one‐seventh the length of the base. Crystals of various sizes commonly were stacked face‐to‐face with one or more edges coinciding, but removal of organic material by treatment in sodium hypochlorite resulted in disaggregation. The crystals were soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid without effervescence but were insoluble in acetic acid. These diagnostic chemical solubility tests and a positive reaction to the Yasue staining reaction indicated that the crystals were composed of calcium oxalate. Scanning electron microscopy showed that most crystals had smoothly curving edges, but some had truncate or beveled margins. Calcium oxalate crystals have been reported to occur in the large central vacuoles of several bryopsidalean species, but the crystals in C. wilsonis were present in the parietal cytoplasm, which was evident from the presence of crystals in streaming cytoplasm. Calcium oxalate crystals, amyloplasts, chloroplasts, and other cytoplasmic constituents moved along cytoskeletal cables at rates of approximately 2.8 μm s−1. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that calcium oxalate crystals in diverse algae may be present in cellular compartments other than the central vacuole.
Patterns of analgesic and anti‐inflammatory medicine use by Australian veterans
Authors: Pearson S.‐A. , Ringland C. , Kelman C. , Mant A. , Lowinger J. , Stark H. , Nichol G. , Day R. , Henry D.
Published: November 2007

Background: We examined analgesic and anti‐inflammatory medicine use by Australian veterans before and after the introduction of selective Cox‐2 inhibitors.

Methods: We studied cohorts of Gold Card‐holding veterans using prescription data held by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June 2004. Outcomes were volume dispensed, average daily quantity and cumulative incidence of use of paracetamol‐containing and aspirin‐containing medicines, non‐selective and Cox‐2‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tramadol and dextropropoxyphene.

Results: Overall, we found high levels of use of analgesic and anti‐inflammatory medicines, which increased by 43% over the study period. Use of paracetamol‐containing medicines was overtaken by NSAIDs in 1999/2000, corresponding to the introduction of the Cox‐2‐selective agents. Between 12 and 17% of Cox‐2‐selective medicine recipients were supplied amounts indicative of continuous use in relatively high doses and 51% of veterans received at least one relatively Cox‐2‐selective medicine (celecoxib, rofecoxib, meloxicam, diclofenac) by the end of the study period. Dextropropoxyphene use declined during the study and tramadol use increased 10‐fold.

Conclusion: This study shows very high levels of Cox‐2 inhibitor use during the 6‐year period. Cox‐2‐selective agents were more likely to be taken continuously and at higher doses than non‐selective NSAIDs. This is relevant in view of the cardiovascular toxicity of this group of medicines. The study shows the value of using unit record dispensing data to assess drug use patterns. Linking dispensing records to hospital separation and mortality data will further enhance our ability to monitor drug safety.
Towards therapy to relieve memory impairment after anterior thalamic lesions: improved spatial working memory after immediate and delayed postoperative enrichment
Authors: Loukavenko Elena A. , Ottley Mark C. , Moran James P. , Wolff Mathieu , Dalrymple‐Alford John C.
Published: November 2007

Injury to the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) is associated with severe amnesia in humans. To test the principle that these deficits may be amenable to intervention, the behavioural effects of postoperative housing in an enriched environment were examined in rats that received neurotoxic lesions of the ATN. As expected, rats with ATN lesions maintained in standard group‐housing showed severe, and in this case long‐term, deficits in a preoperatively trained non‐matching‐to‐sample spatial working memory task. Thirty days of enriched housing, introduced either at 5 days (Experiment 1) or delayed until 40 days post‐surgery (Experiment 2) markedly reduced this working memory impairment, including evidence of improved utilization of spatial cues. The treatment gains found in Experiment 2 were maintained at 4 months post‐surgery despite no further enrichment. ATN lesions also retarded the postoperative acquisition of spatial discrimination problems in Experiment 1, irrespective of the separation between target arms, but this impairment was not ameliorated by the prior enrichment. This study provides the first evidence of substantial recovery of severe, and otherwise long‐lasting, spatial working memory deficits after ATN brain injury and suggests that further investigation on the extent of possible recovery of function in animal models of diencephalic amnesia is warranted.
Netrin‐1 receptor‐deficient mice show enhanced mesocortical dopamine transmission and blunted behavioural responses to amphetamine
Authors: Grant Alanna , Hoops Daniel , Labelle‐Dumais Cassandre , Prévost Michael , Rajabi Heshmat , Kolb Bryan , Stewart Jane , Arvanitogiannis Andreas , Flores Cecilia
Published: November 2007

The mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system is implicated in neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia but it is unknown how disruptions in brain development modify this system and increase predisposition to cognitive and behavioural abnormalities in adulthood. Netrins are guidance cues involved in the proper organization of neuronal connectivity during development. We have hypothesized that variations in the function of DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer), a netrin‐1 receptor highly expressed by DA neurones, may result in altered development and organization of mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, and influence DA function in the adult. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of reduced DCC on several indicators of DA function. Using in‐vivo microdialysis, we showed that adult mice that develop with reduced DCC display increased basal DA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and exaggerated DA release in response to the indirect DA agonist amphetamine. In contrast, these mice exhibit normal levels of DA in the nucleus accumbens but significantly blunted amphetamine‐induced DA release. Concomitantly, using conditioned place preference, locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition paradigms, we found that reduced DCC diminishes the rewarding and behavioural‐activating effects of amphetamine and protects against amphetamine‐induced deficits in sensorimotor gating. Furthermore, we found that adult DCC‐deficient mice exhibit altered dendritic spine density in layer V medial prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurones but not in nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurones. These findings demonstrate that reduced DCC during development results in a behavioural phenotype opposite to that observed in developmental models of schizophrenia and identify DCC as a critical factor in the development of DA function.
Transgenic overexpression of adenosine kinase in brain leads to multiple learning impairments and altered sensitivity to psychomimetic drugs
Authors: Yee Benjamin K. , Singer Philipp , Chen Jiang‐Fan , Feldon Joram , Boison Detlev
Published: November 2007

The neuromodulator adenosine fulfills a unique role in the brain affecting glutamatergic neurotransmission and dopaminergic signaling via activation of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, respectively. The adenosine system is thus ideally positioned to integrate glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, which in turn could affect behavior and cognition. In the adult brain, adenosine levels are largely regulated by its key metabolic enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK), which may assume the role of an ‘upstream regulator’ of these two neurotransmitter pathways. To test this hypothesis, transgenic mice with an overexpression of ADK in brain (Adk‐tg), and therefore reduced brain adenosine levels, were evaluated in a panel of behavioral and psychopharmacological assays to assess possible glutamatergic and dopaminergic dysfunction. In comparison to non‐transgenic control mice, Adk‐tg mice are characterized by severe learning deficits in the Morris water maze task and in Pavlovian conditioning. The Adk‐tg mice also exhibited reduced locomotor reaction to systemic amphetamine, whereas their reaction to the non‐competitive N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist MK‐801 was enhanced. Our results confirmed that ADK overexpression could lead to functional concomitant alterations in dopaminergic and glutamatergic functions, which is in keeping with the hypothesized role of ADK in the balance and integration between glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. The present findings are of relevance to current pathophysiological hypotheses of schizophrenia and its pharmacotherapy.
BMP4 induction of sensory neurons from human embryonic stem cells and reinnervation of sensory epithelium
Authors: Shi Fuxin , Corrales Carleton Eduardo , Liberman M. Charles , Edge Albert S. B.
Published: November 2007

In mammals, hair cells and auditory neurons lack the capacity to regenerate, and damage to either cell type can result in hearing loss. Replacement cells for regeneration could potentially be made by directed differentiation of human embryonic stem (hES) cells. To generate sensory neurons from hES cells, neural progenitors were first made by suspension culture of hES cells in a defined medium. The cells were positive for nestin, a neural progenitor marker, and Pax2, a marker for cranial placodes, and were negative for α‐fetoprotein, an endoderm marker. The precursor cells could be expanded in vitro in fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2. Neurons and glial cells were found after differentiation of the neural progenitors by removal of FGF‐2, but evaluation of neuronal markers indicated insignificant production of sensory neurons. Addition of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) to neural progenitors upon removal of FGF‐2, however, induced significant numbers of neurons that were positive for markers associated with cranial placodes and neural crest, the sources of sensory neurons in the embryo. Neuronal processes from hES cell‐derived neurons made contacts with hair cells in denervated ex vivo sensory epithelia and expressed synaptic markers, suggesting the formation of synapses. In a gerbil model with a denervated cochlea, the ES cell‐derived neurons engrafted in the auditory nerve trunk and sent out neurites that grew toward the auditory sensory epithelium. These data indicate that hES cells can be induced to form sensory neurons that have the potential to treat neural degeneration associated with sensorineural hearing loss.
Sigma 1 receptor‐mediated increase in hippocampal extracellular dopamine contributes to the mechanism of the anticonvulsant action of neuropeptide Y
Authors: Meurs Alfred , Clinckers Ralph , Ebinger Guy , Michotte Yvette , Smolders Ilse
Published: November 2007

The potent anticonvulsant properties of neuropeptide Y (NPY) are generally attributed to a Y2receptor‐mediated inhibition of glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Independent studies have shown that NPY increases brain dopamine content, possibly via interaction with sigma 1 receptors. Recently, we showed that increased extracellular hippocampal dopamine attenuates pilocarpine‐induced limbic seizures via activation of hippocampal D2receptors. Our aim in this study was to elucidate the role of increased hippocampal dopamine in the mechanism of the anticonvulsant action of NPY and to investigate the involvement of Y2and sigma 1 receptors in this process. Limbic seizures were evoked in freely moving rats by intrahippocampal administration of pilocarpine via a microdialysis probe. NPY was administered intracerebroventricularly, intrahippocampally via the microdialysis probe, or coadministered intrahippocampally with the D2receptor antagonist remoxipride, the Y2receptor antagonist BIIE0246 or the sigma 1 receptor antagonist BD1047. Changes in hippocampal extracellular dopamine were monitored, and behavioural changes indicative of seizure activity were scored. Intracerebroventricular (10 nmol/3 µL) and intrahippocampal (20–50 µm) NPY administration increased hippocampal dopamine and attenuated pilocarpine‐induced seizures. Hippocampal D2receptor blockade (4 µmremoxipride) reversed the anticonvulsant effect of NPY. Y2receptor blockade (1 µmBIIE0246) reversed the anticonvulsant effect of NPY but did not prevent NPY‐induced increases in hippocampal dopamine. Sigma 1 receptor blockade (10 µmBD1047) abolished NPY‐induced increases in hippocampal dopamine and reversed the anticonvulsant effect of NPY. Our results indicate that NPY‐induced increases in hippocampal dopamine are mediated via sigma 1 receptors and contribute to the anticonvulsant effect of NPY via increased activation of hippocampal D2receptors. This novel mechanism of anticonvulsant action of NPY is separate from, and may be complementary to, the well established Y2receptor‐mediated inhibition of hippocampal excitability.
Evidence for a major role of endogenous fibroblast growth factor‐2 in apoptotic cortex‐induced subventricular zone cell proliferation
Authors: Agasse F. , Nicoleau C. , Petit J. , Jaber M. , Roger M. , Benzakour O. , Coronas V.
Published: November 2007

In the adult mammalian brain, neural stem cells persist in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of lateral ventricles. It is well established that cortical damage leads to SVZ cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. We have previously demonstrated in rat that, when treated with the apoptosis‐inducing agent staurosporine, cortex explants release heat‐labile factors that promote SVZ cell culture proliferation. In the present report, we investigated in vitro mechanisms involved in cortex injury‐triggered neurogenesis in the rat. We demonstrated, using immunoblotting analysis and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 enzyme‐linked sandwich immunosorbent assay, that treatment of cortex explants with apoptosis‐inducing agents increases the release of FGF‐2. We next determined the effects of apoptotic cortex‐released factors in regulating SVZ cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation by using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and microtubule‐associated protein 2 immunostaining assays, respectively. We found that conditioned media derived from staurosporine‐treated cortex explants enhanced SVZ cell culture proliferation and differentiation by over 50 and 80%, respectively. Finally, we showed that immunodepletion of FGF‐2 or pharmacological blockade of FGF‐2 receptor by SU5402 completely abolished staurosporine‐treated cortex mitogenic activity on SVZ cultures but did not alter its activity on neuronal cell differentiation. Altogether, the present report establishes that the release of endogenous FGF‐2 by apoptotic cortex explants plays a major role in the induction of SVZ cell proliferation but not neuronal differentiation, which probably depends on the release of other as yet unidentified cortical factors.
Effector‐dependent activity in the left dorsal premotor cortex in motor imagery
Authors: Szameitat André J. , Shen Shan , Sterr Annette
Published: November 2007

Although right‐ and left‐hand motor imagery (MI) typically results in lateralized cortical activation patterns in various areas, such an effect has never been observed in the left premotor cortex (PMC). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging we tested whether the left PMC, which is supposed to be effector independent, i.e. it is activated irrespective of the hand used for MI, shows differential activation during right‐ and left‐hand MI of ecologically valid everyday actions. Results showed that the left dorsal PMC was activated more strongly during right‐ than left‐hand MI, and that the co‐varying quality of imagination could not explain the observed effects. We conclude that the left dorsal PMC incorporates effector‐dependent functionality and therefore is not fully generic for MI, as has been suggested before. Implications for clinical research are discussed.
MDMA self‐administration in rats: acquisition, progressive ratio responding and serotonin transporter binding
Authors: Schenk Susan , Hely Lincoln , Lake Barbara , Daniela Evangelene , Gittings David , Mash Deborah C.
Published: November 2007

3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) self‐administration has been shown in animals with extensive drug histories, but only a small number of studies have examined high rates of responding maintained by MDMA in previously drug‐naïve animals. In the present study, influence of dose (0.25 or 1.0 mg/kg/infusion) on the acquisition of MDMA self‐administration was measured during daily 6‐h sessions. Dose–effect data were obtained for MDMA (0.25–1.0 mg/kg/infusion) self‐administration under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. The effect of experimenter‐ or self‐administered MDMA on [3H] paroxetine binding in several brain regions was measured. Acquisition of MDMA self‐administration was highly variable and not different for 0.25 or 1.0 mg/kg/infusion progressed with approximately 60% of the rats acquiring reliable self‐administration during the 15‐day test period. The percentage of rats that acquired MDMA self‐administration was lower than the percentage of rats that acquired cocaine (0.5 mg/kg/infusion) self‐administration, and cocaine self‐administration was acquired with a shorter latency. Responding maintained by MDMA was dose dependent, and breakpoints under a PR schedule increased with dose. Radioligand binding and autoradiography demonstrated lower densities of serotonin transporter sites (SERT) in MDMA self‐administering rats as compared with controls across brain regions. The reduction in SERT densities was comparable in magnitude to rats treated with experimenter‐administered doses of MDMA. These data support the idea that MDMA is a drug with high abuse liability, and long‐term self‐administration may lead to long‐lasting deficits in serotonin neurotransmission.
General and outcome‐specific forms of Pavlovian‐instrumental transfer: the effect of shifts in motivational state and inactivation of the ventral tegmental area
Authors: Corbit Laura H. , Janak Patricia H. , Balleine Bernard W.
Published: November 2007

This study compared the contribution of the general activating and specific cueing properties of Pavlovian stimuli to Pavlovian‐instrumental transfer (PIT) and the role of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in mediating these effects. In Experiment 1, hungry rats initially received Pavlovian training, in which three distinct auditory stimuli predicted the delivery of three different food outcomes. Next, the rats were trained to perform two instrumental actions, each earning a unique outcome selected from the three used in Pavlovian conditioning. Finally, the effects of the three stimuli on performance of the two actions were assessed in extinction. Presentation of a stimulus that had been paired with the same outcome as an action increased its performance relative to the other action, demonstrating that PIT effects can be outcome selective. In contrast, presentation of the stimulus that predicted the outcome that was not earned during instrumental training facilitated the performance of both actions indiscriminately. This effect, but not the outcome‐selective effect, was abolished by a shift from a hungry to a relatively sated state. Experiment 2 examined the effects of inactivation of the VTA on these two forms of PIT. VTA inactivation was found to attenuate PIT but, unlike satiety, did not appear to differentially affect the general or the outcome‐selective forms of PIT. The VTA appears therefore to play an important but general role in the initiation of instrumental actions, enabling cues to influence performance whether they enhance responding by changes in arousal or by retrieving particular actions based on their consequences.
Overexpression of Septin 4, the Drosophila homologue of human CDCrel‐1, is toxic for dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Muñoz‐Soriano Verónica , Paricio Nuria
Published: November 2007

parkin loss‐of‐function mutations are linked to autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism. Parkin is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes degradation of specific target proteins by the proteasome. It has been proposed that loss of Parkin activity will result in accumulation of its substrates, thus leading to dopaminergic (DA) neuron death. In Drosophila, parkin mutations cause degeneration of a subset of DA neurons in the brain but no Parkin substrates have yet been described. Here we characterized the septin 4 gene, which encodes the Drosophila orthologue of human CDCrel‐1, a Parkin substrate. We showed that Septin 4 overexpression causes age‐dependent disruption of DA neuron integrity in the dorsomedial cluster, which is suppressed by coexpression of Parkin and enhanced by reducing parkin function. Furthermore, other phenotypes caused by Septin 4 overexpression are also enhanced in a heterozygous parkin mutant background. This indicates that Septin 4 accumulation is toxic for DA neurons and suggests that Septin 4 could be a genuine substrate of Drosophila Parkin. Regarding this, we also showed that both proteins are able to interact physically with each other in vitro, thus supporting this hypothesis.
Species diversity in neutral metacommunities: a network approach
Authors: Economo Evan P. , Keitt Timothy H.
Published: November 2007

Biologists seek an understanding of the processes underlying spatial biodiversity patterns. Neutral theory links those patterns to dispersal, speciation and community drift. Here, we advance the spatially explicit neutral model by representing the metacommunity as a network of smaller communities. Analytic theory is presented for a set of equilibrium diversity patterns in networks of communities, facilitating the exploration of parameter space not accessible by simulation. We use this theory to evaluate how the basic properties of a metacommunity – connectivity, size, and speciation rate – determine overall metacommunityγ‐diversity, and how that is partitioned intoα‐ andβ‐components. We find spatial structure can increaseγ‐diversity relative to a well‐mixed model, even whenθis held constant. The magnitude of deviations from the well‐mixed model and the partitioning intoα‐ andβ‐diversity is related to the ratio of migration and speciation rates.γ‐diversity scales linearly with metacommunity size even asα‐ andβ‐diversity scale nonlinearly with size.
Epigenetics for ecologists
Authors: Bossdorf Oliver , Richards Christina L. , Pigliucci Massimo
Published: November 2007

There is now mounting evidence that heritable variation in ecologically relevant traits can be generated through a suite of epigenetic mechanisms, even in the absence of genetic variation. Moreover, recent studies indicate that epigenetic variation in natural populations can be independent from genetic variation, and that in some cases environmentally induced epigenetic changes may be inherited by future generations. These novel findings are potentially highly relevant to ecologists because they could significantly improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying natural phenotypic variation and the responses of organisms to environmental change. To understand the full significance of epigenetic processes, however, it is imperative to study them in an ecological context. Ecologists should therefore start using a combination of experimental approaches borrowed from ecological genetics, novel techniques to analyse and manipulate epigenetic variation, and genomic tools, to investigate the extent and structure of epigenetic variation within and among natural populations, as well as the interrelations between epigenetic variation, phenotypic variation and ecological interactions.
Leading indicators of trophic cascades
Authors: Carpenter S. R. , Brock W. A. , Cole J. J. , Kitchell J. F. , Pace M. L.
Published: November 2007

Regime shifts are large, long‐lasting changes in ecosystems. They are often hard to predict but may have leading indicators which are detectable in advance. Potential leading indicators include wider swings in dynamics of key ecosystem variables, slower return rates after perturbation and shift of variance towards lower frequencies. We evaluated these indicators using a food web model calibrated to long‐term whole‐lake experiments. We investigated whether impending regime shifts driven by gradual increase in exploitation of the top predator can create signals that cascade through food webs and be discerned in phytoplankton. Substantial changes in standard deviations, return rates and spectra occurred near the switch point, even two trophic levels removed from the regime shift in fishes. Signals of regime shift can be detected well in advance, if the driver of the regime shift changes much more slowly than the dynamics of key ecosystem variables which can be sampled frequently enough to measure the indicators. However, the regime shift may occur long after the driver has passed the critical point, because of very slow transient dynamics near the critical point. Thus, the ecosystem can be poised for regime shift by the time the signal is discernible. Field tests are needed to evaluate these indicators.
Surgically treated perforations of the gastrointestinal tract caused by ingested foreign bodies
Authors: Rodríguez‐Hermosa J. I. , Codina‐Cazador A. , Sirvent J. M. , Martín A. , Gironès J. , Garsot E.
Published: November 2007

Objective  Intestinal perforation due to foreign body (FB) ingestion is rare (1%). We describe our experience in treating these lesions surgically.

Method  From 1995 to 2006, data were collected prospectively in 33 patients (18 women and 15 men; mean age 64 years) operated on for intestinal perforation due to an ingested FB. The type of object, preoperative diagnosis, perforation site, treatment, morbidity and mortality were reviewed.

Results  Foreign body ingestion was predominantly involuntary (88%). The mean time from ingestion to perforation was 10.4 days. The most frequently ingested objects were dietary FB (n = 21) and toothpicks (n = 6). The most frequent predisposing factors were dentures or an orthodontic appliance (73%). The most common preoperative diagnoses were acute abdomen of uncertain origin (n = 7), acute appendicitis (n = 7) and acute diverticulitis (n = 5). Pneumoperitoneum was observed in 10 cases. The diagnosis was reached during laparotomy in 30 (91%) cases. The most frequent perforation site was the colorectal region (n = 18, 54.5%), followed by the terminal ileum (n = 7, 21.2%); intraperitoneal perforation was the most common (n = 30, 91%). All cases had abdominal contamination and 22 (66.7%) had diffuse peritonitis. Treatment was always by surgery and antibiotics. Thirteen patients required a colostomy. Morbidity was 57.6% (n = 19) and mortality 6.1% (n = 2).

Conclusion  Intestinal perforation by a foreign body is rare and normally affects the sigmoid colon, rectum or distal ileum. Dentures are a common risk factor. Patients are rarely aware of foreign body ingestion. Dietary FB and toothpicks are the most commonly ingested objects. Treatment consists of surgery and antibiotics. Appendicitis and acute diverticulitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Enteral vs parenteral nutrition in reconstructive anal surgery – a prospective‐randomized trial
Authors: Joos A. K. , Palma P. , Jonescheit J. O. , Hasenberg T. , Herold A.
Published: November 2007

Objective  Early defecation after reconstructive anal surgery may influence the outcome negatively. Different methods are used to avoid bowel movements in the early postoperative period.

We questioned whether stool behaviour is influenced by total parenteral nutrition as opposed to enteral nutrition with resorbable sip feeds. Furthermore, satisfaction of patients with each nutrition regime, cost differences and influence of the postoperative outcome were evaluated.

Method  Between January and October 2004, 32 patients were evaluated in a prospective randomized, surgeon‐blinded trial. The parenteral group (PG, n = 16) received 1250 ml Nutriflex lipid basal™ (B. Braun Comp., Melsungen, Germany) intravenously. The enteral group (EG, n = 16) was offered a total amount of three cups of Clinutren fruit™ (Nestle Nutrition GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany), two boxes of OPD (oligopeptid diet) Elemental 028 extra™ (SHS, Liverpool, UK) and two cups of OPD Peptamen™ (Nestle Nutrition GmbH). Both groups received 1000 ml of isotonic cristalloid solution and were allowed to drink up to 1000 ml of tea or water per 24 h.

Results  The satisfaction of patients was significantly higher in the EG. In regard to stool behaviour both groups showed no differences, in the number of bowel movements or in the time to the first postoperative defecation. Enteral feeding resulted in a minimum saving of €220. Postoperative results in the case of plastic fistula closure did not differ between both groups.

Conclusions  Sufficient bowel confinement during the early postoperative period after anal reconstructive surgery may be achieved by using resorbable sip feeds rather than parenteral nutrition.
The relationship between tumour proliferative activity, the systemic inflammatory response and survival in patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer
Authors: Canna K. , Hilmy M. , McMillan D. C. , Smith G. W. , McKee R. F. , McArdle C. S. , McNicol A.‐M.
Published: November 2007

Background  The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between Ki‐67, C‐reactive protein and cancer‐specific survival in patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer.

Method  One hundred and forty‐seven patients undergoing potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer had preoperative C‐reactive protein concentrations and tumour Ki‐67 labelling index measured.

Results  On univariate analysis, age (P < 0.001), Dukes stage (P < 0.001), C‐reactive protein (P < 0.001) and expression of Ki‐67 (< 0.01) were associated with poorer cancer‐specific survival. Ki‐67 labelling index and C‐reactive protein were correlated (rs = 0.172, P = 0.037). On multivariate analysis, age (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.26–3.04, P = 0.003), Dukes stage (HR 4.38, 95% CI 2.11–9.09, P < 0.001) and C‐reactive protein (HR 4.09, 95% CI 2.04–8.24, P < 0.001) retained significance.

Conclusion  Increased tumour proliferation is associated with a systemic inflammatory response and poor cancer‐specific survival in patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer.
Surgical strategies for faecal incontinence – a decision analysis between dynamic graciloplasty, artificial bowel sphincter and end stoma
Authors: Tan E. K. , Vaizey C. , Cornish J. , Darzi A. , Tekkis P. P.
Published: November 2007

Background  Artificial bowel sphincter (ABS) and dynamic graciloplasty (DG) are surgical treatments for faecal incontinence (FI). FI may affect quality of life (QOL) so severely that patients are often willing to consider a permanent end stoma (ES). It is unclear which is the more cost‐effective strategy.

Method  Probability estimates for patients with FI were obtained from published data (ABS, n = 319; DG, n = 301), supplemented by expert opinion. The primary outcome was quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained from each strategy. Factors considered were the risk of failure of the primary and redo operation and the consequent risk of permanent stoma. Results were assessed as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results  Over the 5‐year time horizon, ES gave a QALY gain of 3.45 for £16 280, giving an ICER of £4719/QALY. ABS produced a gain of 4.38 QALYs for £23 569, giving an ICER of £5387/QALY. DG produced a gain of 4.00 QALYs for £25 035, giving an ICER of £6257/QALY. With the willingness‐to‐pay threshold set at £30 000/QALY, ES was the most cost‐effective intervention. The ABS was most cost‐effective after 10 years.

Conclusion  All three procedures were found to be cost‐effective. The ES was most cost‐effective over 5 years, while the ABS was most cost‐effective in excess of 10. DG maybe considered as an alternative in specialist centres.